I was in Los Angeles this past weekend for the Southwest California Synodical Women’s Organization Convention. The city was all abuzz about the space shuttle, the Endeavor, that will make its home at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. So, where’s the story? It traveled through the city streets at two miles an hour for two days! So, where’s the story? Private donors gave millions to move power lines, traffic lights, palm trees. Private donors even funded an intentional rolling blackout that left millions without power for hours, from LAX to inner city LA.
There was a Disneyland-like trance over the entire city. Folks were hosting Endeavor “watch” parties so that those living far away can see the shuttle up close too. This is not the Los Angeles I know. All this happiness with gas in the city over five dollars a gallon?!
When folks were interviewed by outsiders raising questions about the expense, the answer “private funds” seemed to make everything okay. What about the inconvenience to the public? Answer: it’s a privilege.
So, where’s the story? Community is still alive and well with children screaming, “I see it! I see it!” and when the shuttle passed overhead, Antelope Valley resident Frances Runnells, 89, stood up from her combo walker/chair and waved at the shuttle!
Valora K Starr is director for discipleship.
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