I love living in Culver City. When my husband, Darrell and I moved here, all our neighbors came by and introduced themselves.
Some brought cookies. Some brought bread. And others just stopped by to welcome us to the neighborhood.
I was touched. Who knew that this little town inside Los Angeles would feel like Mayberry? Ironically, we later discovered that the Andy Griffith show, home of the real Mayberry, was actually filmed here.
My thoughts on our town are continuously confirmed, especially this week. I learned of Serah Everett from Sgt. Ron Iizuka.
On Feb. 13, 10-year-old Serah Everett’s day was interrupted by an event that would start as a tragedy and end with joy. While riding her bike home from Farragut Elementary School, a car hit Serah.
As her mother taught her, Serah stopped at the crosswalk, got off her bike and started to walk when the traffic light changed and the walk sign appeared.
The driver of the car was not paying attention and in the middle of the crosswalk, hit the young girl.
Officer Mike Poulin was the first on the scene. Serah was shaken, bruised and scared. Her bike mangled beyond repair.
Officer Poulin made his way back to the police station. He was touched by this sweet little girl and felt he needed to brighten her day after what she experienced. He decided to buy her a new bike.
And so, he asked his fellow officers to chip in money to purchase Serah a brand new bike. The magic was set in motion.
A trip to Target was the next step. Sgt. Aubrey Kellum perused the bike aisle. While searching for the perfect one, Target store manager Jose Carrillo asked if he could help.
“Target is a great community partner. When they heard why we were getting the bike, they generously offered to donate one,” said Capt. Dave Tankenson.
Carrillo was touched by the officers’ generosity wanting to help. When he learned Serah lived down the street he suggested a surprise; bring the little girl to the store with her family and present her with the new bicycle.
“After meeting the Sgt. Kellum, I knew I had to help. Immediately I called my supervisor to see if it was possible to do more,” said Carrillo.
On March 5 that is exactly what happened. Shelia Dixson Howard, Serah’s great aunt made the trip from Pasadena. Serah’s brothers and sisters Kaleb, Tal-owrah, Yiskah and Tammy were all waiting for the unveiling. Mom and dad were excited for their little girl to be able to ride a bike again.
The officers gathered outside Target in anticipation. And then the unveiling. Serah’s face, when presented with the bright blue mountain bike, was priceless. Her joy and disbelief were apparent.
I must say, I was happy I was busy taking photos because the lump in my throat would have made it difficult to speak.
This is what I love about Culver City, a small town in the middle of a giant metropolis. It’s the people that make it a community. And it’s all too apparent when those community members band together to bring a little joy to the life of a child.
