That Was the Work that Was!
Daily Activity Report behind the scenes, an employee's perspective.
Thursday
19 February 1998
Today, approximately 6:45 p.m., Scott called the office and asked if I had
reviewed my email [Lotus Notes] recently. He further explained that he had
sent a message that required my attention. He decided to explain the note
contents with me over the telephone.
Apparently, my present working environment needs to be rearranged again.
Starting Monday, 23 February, I will be working the 1st shift, 11:00 p.m.
through 7:00 a.m., Control Center 1, AP 13-125. As always, I am at
ARCO's Service and will proceed with the new conditions.
This new set of affairs will afford me the opportunity to research my last
start date at AP. That information is necessary to show association to the
LAPD Bomb Squad presentation to the Downtown Managers Association
and ARCO's loss regarding my ability to be present and either speak and/or
answer any questions. You would think that my image throughout the
surveillance video would have set a precedence for my inclusion.
I'm still a bit concerned regarding the "forceful entry" into my private
wooden wardrobe while I was on my leave of Absence. It appears that
an inventory of the contents was taken which included an ARCO
employee's document held in my trust. I am yet to inform the employee
who's information could have been illegally inspected. This is mainly
due to the fact that information has not yet surfaced regarding any
knowledge by the "Search Party[ies]" of it's contents. Their reference to
other personal things only known to me in that wardrobe confirms that
there was some violation of privacy.
Monday
16 February 1998
I must admit honey, the reason I have been getting home after 10:00 p.m.
lately is not because I am putting in overtime but because I am being
punished for what my supervisor & manager believe was an open display
of vindictive actions directed towards Gemma & Temmi.
One day, a few weeks ago,
Scott was out of town and Gemma decided to play a scenario that
in my mind initially was considered rude but later considered dangerous.
She waited until she could sneak up behind me while I was seated in my
newly assigned area of operation and grab my neck and shook it. She then
brushed the trunk & the left breast of her body against my right shoulder,
turned directly to her right to face me. She then laughed.
At the time, I could only say,
"Is that the way to show respect for someone?" I looked over to my right
and noticed Tasha who was looking our direction. She immediately pulled
out a pair of scissors from the desk set and motioned as if to say want
these for protection?
I continued to process the vital Elevator Incident information that was
received in our office from witness Judy Renner earlier that morning.
Wednesday, 14 January 1989, I had contemplated Tuesday's incident with
Gemma for almost 24 hours and decided that such activity could not go
unreported. So another incident report was drafted. It was entitled
Unwelcome Physical Contact. Both reports were attached as Word 6,
write protected, documents, addressed to Scott & Bob and dispatched
through Lotus Notes.
That evening, about 7:00 p.m., Scott & I were in long distance telephone
communication. He played at first as if he was ignorant about what had
happened but opened up soon after. A close inspection of his dialogue
proved that he had found out about the incident before Bob. From past
experience, I know Bob has been slower at retrieving his notes mail than Scott
but Scott was in the East conducting business off-site. Also witnessed in the
past, Gemma may have had access to Scott's Lotus Notes and delivered
the information to him over the telephone. Following my own investigation
and careful review of it's product, I could easily understand that Scott
would have been expecting certain actions from Gemma in his absence.
If only you could review the evidence.
Friday
06 February 1998
My brief 2 hour encounter with Scott & Bob left me almost speechless.
The recent physical exam & drug tests along with psychological evaluation
were found not to be reasonably responsible for my pursuit of justice.
It appears that the 14 year ARCO Security veteran, Crime Prevention
Advocate, Suspicious Package Incident Commander & twice honored
ARCO Community Service Award winner has been found guilty of a
premeditated attempt of harm to the reputations of his peers.
Funny, I hadn't thought to do such previously. Oh, I forgot, Honey, my
lament over your excellent retirement package after 20 plus years of
ARCO service is the reason why I wasn't terminated for my recent flurry
of false statements and reports, inappropriate communications with clients
and inability to work with my peers. I just wish you would have taken the
package as I suggested years ago when you had the option and it was a 5
plus 5 plan.
Do you remember our departments quarterly fitness exams? Well after this
display of deception, I really believe that the ARCO Security department
would same money hand over fist for the company by changing that activity
to a quarterly independent polygraph exam.
My knowledge of statement analysis surfaced an unusual element in the
confidential non-ARCOized Interoffice Memo that Scott & Bob asked
me to sign and agree to it's terms. With 2 weeks to prepare his Memo, I
would have thought it much more difficult to uncover obvious clues.
A real stickler to the entire process is when did all this activity & concern
commence? The Memo dated 2/6/98 is initiated with reference to 1/14/98.
How was Work Today Honey journal commenced Sunday, 10 Jan 98.
I certainly enjoy reviewing my journal notes. Thoughts are so important to
review. I'm really proud of the Bassett Street School program of
journal assignments for Yulan & Oriana. It will be the tip of the ice-
burg in support of our vindication. Thanks to special friends and mentors.
Honey, thanks for your love, support and comfort through our many trials.
Thursday
05 February 1998
3:30 PM today, I was requested to report back for work Friday, 06 Feb
at the 444 ALF Building, 33rd floor, 8:00 AM. Scott said: "We will wind
this thing up." I believe his reference to "this thing" is my Administrative
Leave of Absence. He has used the term many times lately. At about
4:45 PM he telephoned to change our meeting time to 10:30 PM.
He stated: "Something had come up." This all brings back the memory of
the overall confusion that I experienced during my initial position rejection
and subsequent higher into ARCO Security back in June of 1984.
Wednesday
21 January 1998
A rather disjointed day today, bits and pieces that I am sure will come
together in the near future. Scott stopped in at my office to explain he was
on his way to Carl's Staff Meeting. He also mentioned that he was
attending in Bob's place.
While Scott was apparently still in the staff meeting, I had business need
to carry Pat over to the Credit Union room at South Tower B Level.
Upon returning, I spotted Scott & Temmi in front of the AM PM store
in some sort of discussion. I could tell because Scott's head was bobbing
around as it does when he conducts such endeavors. I steered myself clear
of their path so as not to disturb their privacy. H'm.
Scott had a quick meeting to discuss Carl's staff meeting content. Gemma
& I were given last years merit review sheets and Scott requested that we
fill them out on each officer. He expects them completed in 2 weeks.
Temmi was in attendance and made some not so subtle comments
about his affection towards Gemma. I'm not sure if Scott caught on but
I certainly didn't miss the incidents. Later, I walked into Temmi &
Gemma's work area as they had been in loud laughter, the dialogue
relative to some sort of sexual scenario. Tasha was also in attendance.
Tasha apparently was asked to lunch by Dan. A first as far as I know.
They met at North Lobby today. Later Dan was in closed door meeting
with Scott. H'm, I wonder what's the motive this time. Could it be kiss
and tell? I really don't think it's so.
Friday - Sunday
16 - 18 January 1998
Work: output of effort [energy] as directed towards a result [goal].
Friday started out in it's usual manner, Tasha was on site early, she has
shown that her arrivals are routinely early. Troy had experienced a
quiet night, the VAX communications to all facilities had performed
flawlessly, facility alarms were of no consequence throughout his shift.
Temmi was unusually talkative since he has been absolutely insensitive for
several days when casual conversation had been initiated. While I was
assisting Tasha in her new Control Center Operator role, we noticed that
an alarm from the Long Beach facility had surfaced upon the control panel.
The substance of the alarm was to ignore the alarm unless it was in the after
hours and if the hour was correct a pager number was available on screen.
The pager number was for the officer just recently relocated to the ALF
building across the street. I mentioned this information to Temmi because
my Operations Staff could not be held responsible for an incorrect action
if their tools are not correct. Temmi soon after wrote a Lotus note to Scott
stating that he intended to go to the Long Beach facility for half of the
day and make the necessary corrections.
Scott requested a meeting of B'J', Temmi & Gemma about an hour before
the lunch break. I was surprised to see Gemma for the first time since I
submitted the Incident Report to Bob & Scott Wednesday evening. At the
onset of the meeting, she would only look my way with what I would
describe a hatred and then only briefly.
High points of the meeting were few. I marveled how concerned Temmi
was for Gemma's feelings. He stated his concern for how it wouldn't
be right to take away someone's position. He was also repeatedly
outspoken about how we do not have enough work for 2 leaders.
Although I disagree with his workload understanding, I did not verbalize
the fact. He has been asked to do several tasks in support of my operations
in the last 6 months. He half heatedly put energy towards 1 project that
Scott had originally accepted as a valid direction. I'm yet not sure why the
on-line Fire Alarms from the ARCO Plaza equipment signal any number of
new officers sitting in the Control Center a wide variety of omni-directional
responses. My suggestions to Scott & Temmi about alarm messages
uniformity are still important concerns of ARCO. The others possibly
remain in Temmi's opinion as "Reinventing the Wheel" categories.
Apparently, my routine of gladly sharing reasoning surrounding work-related
requests falls on Temmi's deaf ears. I have other thoughts as to why Temmi
has the reactions he does but they are yet to be fully appreciated.
As the meeting progressed, lunch mealtime approached. Scott suggested
that we adjourned at ARCO and reconvene at a local eatery. Temmi was
the only hesitant party but gave in to the insistence of Scott & Gemma.
I remained for the most part silent. We walked to our place of consumption,
Scott with Gemma and Temmi with me. Our discussion, in rout, was my
colleague's Front Page publication, National Geographic, December
1997 edition. He actually seemed sincerely impressed with the news.
Upon arrival at our destination we were escorted to our table.
Scott sat in a corner, Temmi to his right and Gemma, his left. I took up the
remaining seat that placed me with my back to the door and service
personnel. This to me was uncomfortable as witnessed by my recent
experience with Gemma coming from behind incident. I have vowed while
in her general area to protect my rear much more than I would do in her
absence. Quite frankly, I have a similar vow when Scott is in the area. More
on that later. During the reconvened discussion, Temmi was obviously
incessant with my removal from his environment. He repeatedly referenced
what I have planned for the Pasadena facility. At this I made joke and
directed his persistence back to Scott's direction. Gemma laugh at the
scene, looked directly at me and slapped my right hand. The meals arrived,
Scott's cob salad, Gemma's pasta & chicken, Temmi's steak sandwich and
my chicken melt. Scott stated Well, who's going to do what? Do we have
to toss a coin? Gemma stated she needed to use the rest room. The waitress
directed her upstairs or downstairs, both areas apparently had men's &
women's facility. In her absence, Scott leaned over the table and asked if I
would mind going to the Pasadena facility. I answered that I have my
reservations but wouldn't mind. Gemma returned & I suggested that Scott
should fill her in on what had transpired in her absence. The bill was received
by Scott as he stated this is on Bob. Temmi consumed his entire meal, I did
the same. Scott left a considerable portion of his & Gemma mad mention
2 times repeatedly that "I left half my chicken." We walked back to the
ARCO Plaza. Scott & I walked together, as did Temmi & Gemma.
Scott & I talked about the nature of my explanations to management
regarding the yet another relocation of personnel. I stated that
I would say nothing in order to same some severe departmental criticism.
Upon return to my office, I received a Lotus note regarding Manny's
Lotus on-line status. It reminded me of the long term unresolved Pasadena
Lotus Notes system. This discrepancy is critical to my ability to coordinate
ARCO's business from that or any other facilities. Sure seems like I
am back to the original responsibilities formulated with my departure from
Pasadena. Only the current thought is to separate me from the ARCO
Plaza and the other discontents. I am not at all pleased with Temmi's ability
to connect Dan's Lotus Notes at Pasadena in over a 6 month period.
I'm sure he has a person to point at who will be blamed for his unsuccessful
and un-productive forfeiture.
Scott seems to think that Dan should return to the ALF building to
replace Manny. He stated at lunch that he didn't care what Gemma did with
Manny. He said this is at a curious point in the history of our conversations.
Prior to my being asked if I would mind going to the Pasadena facility.
Apparently, there was never any real intentions to find a mutually
acceptable arrangement. On another note, what the hell is Manny, a piece
of meat? If so should we expect to get any more than a meal or 2 out of him?
No concern verbally pronounced in a public place by an ARCO Supervisor.
Well the respect factor is really at a low on more sides that one. Our recently
devised schedule for mutual cross training & experience within the Control
Center & Executive Station apparently are sacrificeable in order to support
Gemma's continued responsibilities of Downtown Security Managers
Association and the ASIS organization that Scott continues to support with
work time, materials and personnel. I have deliberately not updated my
dues for ASIS this year because of this apparent grand investment
expenditure of ARCO that has shown no return of any significant
ARCO value.
Given some time to investigate the entire Friday experience, I have formulated
some directives of my own. These I plan to submit to Scott on Tuesday,
20 January. Because he would like to relocate Dan and often feels his work
habits are exemplar, I believe that in Scott's best interest Dan should take
the Systems position at the ARCO Plaza. Temmi should be faced with the
Pasadena, Burbank & Long Beach Systems. This would allow a competitive
spirit to exist and allow merit considerations to each individuals
accomplishments. At present, we can only compare Temmi to Temmi.
Another element, Temmi had initially worked at the Pasadena facility.
While a leased employee, he was able to create a Human Resources
problem with a Pasadena female employee. That employee has since
been promoted 2 tiers. The apparent nature of her complaint was stalking
activity on the part of our Temmi. We dismissed the accusation prior to
hiring him but ultimately considered it as impossible. While at lunch Friday,
I noticed a pregnant female walk by our table on the sidewalk outside, the
entire time she gazed at Temmi with the look of disgust upon her face. I have
a strong feeling that he has sometime in the past hurt some female in a very
bad way.
I would like to say that we are on the road to recovery with the pending
restructuring. Hopefully, these journal entries will be of some guidance
to those who will ultimately make the required decisions.
Draw conclusions independently & base actions on collective continuity.
Saturday, the Havlicek family went to Santa Barbara. It was a lovely day,
sunny with a slight breeze. We toured the mission. It was a good
departure from the above. Sunday was spent together and Monday
I elected to stay home with the children in observance of
Martin Luther King's Birthday.
Thursday
15 January 1998
Bob asked me to see him in his office today. He most soberly performed
what one might call his supervisory ARCO duty. The investigation process
has commenced. Unwelcome Physical Contact incident has escalated.
Scott had sent Dan into the workplace last evening to retrieve the all too
incriminating surveillance video. Where it is now I have no idea. Scott came
in without his suit today. He apparently cut short his trip back East in order
to straighten this whole thing out. After reviewing the things Scott said to
me over the telephone yesterday, I am convinced of 2 things. He suckered
Gemma into picking a fight and he is going to step in and get to the bottom
of this. His statement "OK, this is going to go all the way this time" is his
self proclaimed prophecy. I predict that this will come to a happy ending.
Gemma sent an email to Temmi & I that mentioned the word killing.
This was in reply to Temmi's assumptive & declarative letter over disputed
turf that continues to be a primary concern of his. Funny, I am not so
affected but feel violated when I bring to life systems that become the
boastful property of those who know not how to construct one for
themselves. If I could re-invent something, I sure would appreciate
re-inventing Temmi's shortsightedness.
I recalled today while re-writing my telephone conversation with Scott
notes that Gemma showed a rather particular action last Monday. That
was Scott's last day before departing for back East. Gemma was noticed
walking past my office from the direction of Scott's. As she walked by, she
pointed her finger at me and made a noise to simulate a gun shot. I said
"Hey, do that again" and she came back to the doorway. The most unusual
part of this so far was she even gave me any attention at all when
passing by. Anyhow, she returned to the doorway and without prompting
started to explain why she did the gun thing. She explained it had to do
with her son for whom she had bought a laser gun outfit. She stated that
she had to play with him and it was just a carryover of that activity. She
then further stated that he had been bugging her to go to this place [she
pointed Southeast out the back of my office] where he can compete
against others in the activity. She wondered where he got his information.
I found several pieces of copper shot on the carpet outside the vending
room, just under the personal lockers area. I wonder if anybody is
carrying. Even an air pistol could be dangerous in our present environment.
I spent most of the day within the Command Center, it just seemed to be
my way of protecting the staff from undue harassment even though I know
success at that will be minimal. Perhaps I should let them fend more for
themselves.
Gary's company today was not only comforting but enlightening.
He related to the current state of negotiations of which I might be
considered a main character. Thanks Gary, hope to meet again tomorrow.
Anybody who would like to be of similar assistance can feel free to join.
I should be active again around 5:00 AM and in need.
Good night and rest well.
Wednesday
14 January 1998
I framed the IT Services 1998 calendar. It adorns my office beautifully.
The elevator & unwelcome touch incident reports were also completed.
Although with all the other activities, it took me the better part of the day
to complete them.
Human Resources sent out a letter to help explain all the benefits changes
that we can expect in the Shared Services environment. It certainly leaves
most of us empty when we cross reference the knowledge with are own
nebulas working conditions. Environmental must feel a similar way.
Sue sat with me today for a while. Her company was welcomed. She must
sense an inherent trustworthiness in me to have shared so much of her
personal experiences. I do remember ever having such a warm exchange.
The self inflected changes in our structure are moving more smoothly. Tasha
with minium guidance, has devised a distribution of assignments schedule that
includes specific lunch periods and a fair sharing of our 3 different areas
of responsibility. She has also has taken into account the difficulties
surrounding relief's at the terminal ends of each officer's watch. Scott's High
Rise Patrol function is now featured into each officer's last detail.
Appropriately, no conflicts with late relief arrivals are anticipated.
Impressive accomplishment for a "Leased Officer."
Temmi took one of his "Lunch" breaks today. Good for him, he rarely
takes such liberties and deserves them as much as any of the rest of us.
More thoughts tomorrow, for sure.
Tuesday
13 January 1998
Today was Temmi's day to break silence. His email regarding feelings was
interesting. He expressed how he was feeling about work and guessed
how Gemma & I were feeling. I question the accuracy of his interpretation.
Gemma had an unbelievable story about a flat tire experienced while on her
way to work this morning. When questioned, all sorts of unnecessary
information flowed. During her monologue, I believe she noticed her flaw
and recovered but not without recognizable losses. This is all somewhat
reminiscent of another, older story.
Since yesterday, she has generated a handful of memos, some of which
show a direction contrary to support of my operational objectives
for the department. By the way, did I mention that this morning I found
out that Scott is away until next Monday, some sort of professional
educational program. I was certain that he just last week was critical
of Vicky's many departures for professional development. I wonder
if Vicky went with him?
Do you think I should mention to Temmi that Scott was critical of his
severe lack of people skills during last weeks 4 hour meeting we had?
Shouldn't Scott attempt to help Temmi with his people skills in some
meaningful way if he recognizes a weakness? You remember, the 4
hour meeting about why all the positioning changes arranged while I was
on the vacation? Yes, that same vacation that he insisted I get out of the
way before the end of the year. And yes, the same meeting that ended
with his statement of "Well maybe we should leave things the way they are."
Gee, I wish he would have allowed me to extend my vacation into 1998
like he did for Temmi. Do you think he even realized that to do as he
wished, I had to claim 2 vacation day on days that I had worked? Well
that's all in the past, he already signed the timecards that were in error.
What was that? You saw an email note that mentioned that I agreed
to the new changes in positioning? You must be mistaken, I made
every effort to stop what I told him were arbitrary changes, bad for the
department under the current circumstances. I had agreed to leave
things the way they are.
Gosh, almost forgot the physical abuse I experienced at the literal hands of
Gemma today before Noon. Tasha was witness to what I believe to be
not only an open display of lack of respect but also an unwelcome &
aggressive act of violence. My neck has felt warm since.
All this and I only worked 10 hours today!
Monday
Evening
12 January 1998
Received a cold reaction from Paul and Manny considering Manny and I
haven't worked together in over 3 years. Could Paul be actively embracing
destructive criticism again? Is the 8 hour training exercise today and another
12 hours scheduled by Gemma for tomorrow useful in Manny's behalf?
How easy could it be for the brood to assimilate Manny into their web?
Boy, what a reaction from Gemma over my email reply "nuts" and Temmi
even had a bit of a reply. Perhaps Scott will be right in there tomorrow with
a version of his own. Sure was nice to get those other email replies from the
upper floors today. It gives me the needed encouragement to keep going.
This is one heck of an initiation!
Monday
Morning
12 January 1998
It was Monday, 11 January 1998, we just spent 2 days to ourselves.
Will the current power play pan out for Scott & Gemma? They continue to
manipulate their power circle? Personnel certainly have shifted again &
apparently, again for all the wrong reasons. Seems to be the only two stable
positions in the group are Scott's & Gemma's. I wonder if they realize that
the author is not the only one who recognizes that particular fact.
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