There was a generation of workers after World War II who found it not uncommon to remain on the job for 30, maybe 40 years. They were as regular and reliable as clockwork—always ready, always on time … always excellent.
Now, imagine someone “clocking in”—albeit for five months at a time—for 67 consecutive years.
Author Archives: Merdies Hayes
Suicide prevention is possible, yet many people lack resources
Suicide prevention is one of the most important topics the public can discuss. It’s everyone’s business, and while this week saw individuals and organizations nationwide joining forces to broadcast the message that suicide can be prevented, it is vital that as many people as possible be reached so that they have the necessary tools and resources to support themselves and those around them.
Albert Sanders Jr.: ‘Inside the West Wing’
Albert Sanders Jr. is associate counsel to the president of the United States at the White House. A 1997 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Sanders provides legal and strategic advice to the president, his senior advisors, and various agency leaders on a range of matters including congressional investigations and oversight, executive privilege assertions, responses to cyber attacks, leaks of classified information and statutory compliance.
Transit authority moves toward unique all-electric fleet of buses
The prospect is intriguing. What if your daily mass transit commute were on an electric bus? Many cities around the nation are working to reconfigure their aging bus fleets, whether they run on diesel, propane or natural gas. The electric bus is gaining in popularity and it may not be long until more of them stop to welcome you aboard.
Rickey Minor: ‘Strike up the band’
Rickey Minor is one of the most sought-after producers in the music industry. A graduate of Jefferson High School, the 57-year-old Minor was a child prodigy, self-taught on a variety of musical instruments—specifically the electric bass—and for the past 30 years has been a coveted asset for many of the music industry’s biggest stars as well serving as musical director for numerous television shows and specials.
LPAC announces exciting fall season of arts and entertainment
Whether you fancy award-winning comedy, the “top-’o-the-charts” in country music, amazing acrobatics, or a rare evening of pop music history, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center has done it again. Promoters this fall have lined up Kathy Griffin, Burt Bacharach, the Shanghai Acrobats and Clint Black and other great acts to present a fall schedule likely to be unmatched anywhere in the southland.
City Council honors Kobe Bryant
It was Kobe Bryant Day yesterday as the Los Angeles City Council honored the recently retired Los Angeles Laker on the date of the jersey numbers he wore with the team.
Judge Mablean Ephriam: Fair and balanced
Judge Mablean Ephriam is one of the most recognized jurists in America. The Jefferson High School graduate wanted to be a lawyer since her childhood, specifically drawn to the profession because of the
Crime rate down nationwide but Americans don’t believe it
The crime rate in both local and national jurisdictions is reportedly in steady decline, yet public perceptions of safety appear in opposition to the latest law enforcement statistics.
Etta James: Queen of the Blues
Etta James (1938-2012) was one of the most dynamic singers of a generation. Her natural contralto vocal range would define blues and R&B for female artists for decades.

