Page 2 December 26, 2019 EL SEGUNDO HERALD
Op-Ed
An Open Letter to El Segundo,
For twenty years I lived in a beautiful area
of this country named the Ozark Mountains.
First near Branson and later in Springfield,
Missouri.
The town newspaper, The Springfield
Newsleader, had a motto under its name
“Tis a privilege to live in the Ozarks.” I
don’t know who to credit for that but I’m
glad they felt that way.
I share the same sentiment, but for a different
place, El Segundo.
As years pass and time marches on, I am
increasingly grateful for this community. I
am grateful that my parents, both originating
from east coast cities, traveled their way
across the U. S. to discover this small pocket
of delight in the vast Los Angeles metropolis.
The Pacific Ocean was the strongest magnet
but the face of the city, mainly the stately
brick bell tower of the high school (which
my dad mistakenly assumed was a small
college campus!) was ultimately what caused
them to purchase land.
No more snow, ice or uncomfortable humidity
to contend with. Abundant sunshine,
cooling ocean breezes and a well-run local
government and school district, confirmed
they had made the right choice.
Time changes things and El Segundo is no
exception. Areas that were once strawberry
fields, horse stables and open land now
bloom with sport facilities, a golf range, a
multitude of businesses.
LAX at our fingertips was just a small
airport I looked forward to learning about
on elementary school field trips. Today it
ranks #4 in busiest international airports of
Deadline for Calendar items is the prior
Thursday by noon. Calendar items are $1
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THURSDAY, DEC. 26
• El Segundo Certified Farmer’s Market, 3:00
PM. – 7:00 PM., located on Main Street,
Downtown El Segundo.
• Community Menorah Lighting, 5:30 PM.
– 6:30 PM., at City Hall Plaza
• WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL for
ALL ESUSD Students!
FRIDAY, DEC. 27
• WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL for
ALL ESUSD Students!
• Bingo, 1:00 PM. - 3:00 PM., 50 Plus, $3.00
minimum, Senior Club of El Segundo, 339
Sheldon Street
SATURDAY, DEC. 28
• Saturday Night Dance, 7:00 PM. – 9:45
PM., Cost: $5.00 Per Person, Adults of all
Ages Welcome, Senior Club of El Segundo,
339 Sheldon St., Call: 310-524-2705.
SUNDAY, DEC. 29
• Bridge & Pinochle Groups, 11:30 AM. –
3:45 PM, Senior Club of El Segundo, 339
the world! Strange as it might seem, I find
comfort in the noise of the jet takeoffs and
landings. It’s a part of El Segundo. Something
that was strikingly absent in the eerie
stillness and silence of our skies for 3 long
days and nights after 911.
The Chevron Refinery that virtually put us
on the map has been very good to us. Just
look at the high school football field and
track, it’s beautiful! They played a part in that.
It’s no wonder why quite a bit of filming
goes on here. The façade of the high school,
Library Park, Main Street, it’s pretty, picturesque,
charming.
For old-timers like myself the Urho Saari
Swim Stadium will forever be branded on
my brain as “the plunge.” Every time I pass
it, I think of the late and awesome Mrs.
MacDonald who taught me and 100s of
others water safety and swimming skills. I
didn’t know it then, but that was a privilege.
The return of the Blue Butterfly, the fact
that this is the birthplace of Barbie! Our
very own Candy Cane Lane, all add to the
flavor of our town.
I’ve lived in many places, but I came
back because the feeling of being home here
never left me.
In this season of gratefulness, thankfulness
and counting our blessings, I acknowledge
first where I am. I feel privileged and proud.
This Christmas, as I always do, I pray
for world peace (along with every Miss
America that ever was!) and wish all of
you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,
Happy Kwanzaa, whatever best applies….
Happy Holidays to You All!
Sheldon St., Call Pam at: 310-318-2856.
MONDAY, DEC. 30
• WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL for
ALL ESUSD Students!
• Canasta Group, 11:30 AM. – 3:00 PM.,
50 Plus, Free, Senior Club of El Segundo,
339 Sheldon St., Call Pam at: 310-318-
2856.
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
• HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE!!!!
• El Segundo Public Library and City Hall
CLOSED for the holiday.
• WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL for
ALL ESUSD Students!
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
• HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 2020!!!!
• El Segundo Public Library and City Hall
CLOSED for the holiday.
• WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL for
ALL ESUSD Students!
THURSDAY, JAN. 2
• WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL for
ALL ESUSD Students!
• El Segundo Historical Committee Meeting,
7:00 PM. – 8:00 PM., El Segundo Public
Library, 111 W. Mariposa Ave., Call Sari:
310-364-0117. •
Herald
Mona Neese and Alissa Lund are El Segundo residents and best friends for 23 years. Mona appreciates knowing about the local
happenings and that the paper is delivered to her home. She still remembers the thrill of her twin babies over 20 years ago
pictured in the Herald. Alissa has three boys, with two ages 9 and 11 who participate on sports teams. She enjoys reading the
local sports news and seeing the pictures of the games and her sons. One of the pictures is framed and in her living room. She
also wants the Herald staff to know she appreciates their hard work.
Herald in Spain
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.
Herald Publications will be Closed on:
Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1
Calendar of Events
– Ramona Bell •
Dea and Jack McAllister, Walking “The Way” Santiago d Compostella
DEADLINES
OBITUARIES: Monday at noon.
CALENDAR ITEMS: Monday at noon.
PEOPLE ITEMS: Monday at noon.
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AD CANCELLATIONS: Prior Thursday.
LATE CANCELLATIONS WILL BE
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