October 23, 2006 Contact Rick Jager/Marc Littman Metro Media Relations♥ 213.922.2707/922.4609 www.metro.net/pressroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metro’s ‘Best of the Best’ Honored at ‘Night of Stars’ Ceremony; Seven Metro Spotlight Awards Given

Over 150 Metro Operations employees were recently honored for their achievements over the past five years of service during a special “Night of Stars” ceremony held in Marina del Rey.

Metro transportation and maintenance employees who met certain criteria including no lost work-time due to injuries, receiving no disciplinary action, zero traffic accidents and no excessive absenteeism over the last five years received a special medallion presented by Metro executive staff.

Metro’s “Night of Stars” event was held Oct. 20 at the Marriott Hotel in Marina del Rey. A total of 154 Metro Transit Operations employees received awards honoring their outstanding performance.

Metro also honored seven individuals from a field of 18 who were selected as outstanding Metro employees and received the Metro Spotlight Award for going above and beyond the call of duty. This category was open to any Metro operations or maintenance employee with a minimum of six months on duty. Their performance exemplifies the agency’s mission and core values.

The seven “Spotlight” award winners were nominated by the five Metro Service Sectors, Metro Rail and Metro Central Maintenance. The winners received a commemorative plaque.

From left, Metro Bus Operator Wayne Guidinger, Mechanic John Gerhardt, Operator Baltazar Montes, Operator Kenneth Meyer, Scheduling Documents and Graphic Technician Moonela Carter, Operator Richard Lopez and Rail Paint and Body Repair Leader Lee Hetherington. Digital Photos of Spotlight Winners available upon request at Metro Media Relations, (213) 922-2707.

The seven outstanding “Spotlight” award winners are:

• Metro Bus Operator Kenneth Meyer, a 31-year Metro veteran who operates out of the Metro Sun Valley Bus Division in the San Fernando Valley. He has had only one absence in his 31 years with the agency. He hasn’t had a chargeable accident since 1979 and has received numerous commendations from his passengers. Mayer resides in Saugus. He represents the Metro San Fernando Valley Service Sector.

• Metro Bus Operator Richard Lopez, a 16-year Metro veteran assigned to the San Gabriel Valley Division 9 in El Monte. He has spent five years giving up his personal time off to “Skills for Prevention, Intervention, Recovery, Individual Treatment and Training”, a non-profit organization that helps teach kids and families better life choices. He is an excellent bus operator and represents the Metro San Gabriel Valley Service Sector.

• Metro Equipment Mechanic John Gerhardt, a 9-year Metro veteran working at the agency’s Arthur Winston Division in South Los Angeles. He is responsible for ensuring all warranty issues on new Metro buses are conveyed to staff and oversees vendors, warranty claims, labor and parts. He is credited with always going above and beyond the call of duty. Whenever a bus part or technical issue arises, he is always there with the answer. His is also always willing to take on a new challenge and possesses many talents and abilities. Gerhart lives in Canyon Country and represents the Metro South Bay Service Sector.

• Metro Scheduling Documents and Graphic Technician Moonela Carter, a 27-year Metro veteran works out of the Westside/Central Service Sector offices in downtown Los Angeles. She is responsible for producing bus timetables, summary maps and service change notices. She is credited with the confidence of her peers that schedule material will be distributed on time. Her dedication and commitment to Metro over the years has been exceptional. Carter presently lives in Ontario.

• Metro Bus Operator Baltazar Montes, a 7-year Metro veteran who operates Metro bus service out of Division 1 in downtown Los Angeles. He is credited with having an outstanding record being named Employee of the Month for September of this year. One of the most notable things about him is that he comes to work in full uniform everyday and is a dedicated and loyal employee. He resides in Highland Park and represents the Gateway Cities Service Sector.

• Metro Rail Paint and Body Repair Leader Lee Hetherington, a 9-year Metro veteran, works out of Metro’s Division 11 rail yard for the Metro Blue Line. He currently oversees the body and paint shop operations for the maintenance, service and repair of the Metro Blue Line fleet of 69 light rail vehicles. He continues to take on new tasks without complaint and completes all jobs that are asked of him. He is an asset to both the Metro Blue Line Division and to Metro by serving as an excellent example and inspiration for all to follow. He resides in Long Beach and represents Metro Rail.

• Metro Warranty Equipment Mechanic Wayne Guidinger, a 23-year Metro veteran working out of Metro’s Central Maintenance Facility in Los Angeles. He has held the positions of Mechanic C and A before being promoted to his current position where he works in quality assurance for the agency. He is an outstanding employee who demonstrates diverse technical skills and is relied upon, in addition to his daily activities, to manage the bus tire contract that keeps Metro’s fleet of buses rolling. He is a bright star in his department and a major asset to the organization. He lives in Ontario and represents Metro’s Central Maintenance.

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