Reporter's former fave teen heartthrob can still raise a pulse
Sometimes, this job's got its perks. Occasionally, news reporters get to do something they might not otherwise do. Some of my colleagues, in recent years, have done exciting things like take rides in luxurious new airplanes, experience zero gravity or view the South Bay from the Goodyear Blimp. Once in a while, we'll have a reason to brush closely with greatness - watch a dignitary make a speech or interview a V.I.P. These aren't the reasons we do what we do, but these little moments kinda make up for the other days when you feel like you're working in a stagnating industry.
My moment came last week. The e-mail landed quielty in my inbox from a U.S. Army public information officer. He had seen my story several weeks ago about thieves thwarting Torrance Army mom Linda Ferrara's efforts to collect clothes and blankets for wounded soldiers overseas. And, he wrote, so had actor Ricky Schroder.
Without giving away too much about my age, you have to know that my mind immediately flipped to the old flower wallpaper-covered wall of my preteen bedroom. It was the early 80s, and most the frilly bouquets were covered up by ripped-out pages from Tiger Beat and Teen, showing photos of the usual suspects: Tom Cruise, Simon LeBon, C. Thomas Howell and, of course, The Ricker.
So, without revealing my excitement, I calmly called the Army back and said, yes indeed, an interview with Ricky Schroder would be JUST the thing for my follow-up on the theft (which, coincidentally, I was already planning to write for the weekend).
The next day, home with a fever and a cough, I took his call on my cell phone. His heart was
obviously in the right place already, as he had offered to replace all the items stolen from the Ferrara family's RV. But besides that, the 38-year-old father of four proved to be gracious, kind and warm during our nearly 15-minute conversation. We spoke of how our sons share a name (HOW did I not know that?), the best way to fight a cold, his move from a Colorado ranch to Los Angeles for his "definite career goals" and how weird it is to talk to someone famous who you feel you've known decades. (As an aside, I was sure to doublecheck that he does, once again, go by "Ricky." For several years, he was "Rick," and one of my well-meaning editors lopped off the "y" in the story.)
You'll be pleased to know I remained calm, cool and collected during the call and don't think I embarrassed myself too much. I did let on that he was a huge part of my preteen life, but he politely laughed and didn't seem to think I was as huge a geek as I am. For that, I will always be grateful.
There's another perk, here, too. I wrote the original story about the theft knowing that the community would respond and help. There are a lot of causes out there, and a lot of people in need - especially this time of year. No one seems to be doing great in the money department, but I was pleased at the response Linda Ferrara and the story received. There were plenty of non-famous people out there that also totally deserve gratitude and a good shout-out. Thanks to all who gave what they could. A news reporting perk is knowing that you're reaching your audience, and being reminded that there are good people out there.
The effort is ongoing. You can contact Linda Ferrara at lindaferrara@aol.com and find out more information at Soldiers' Angels Germany. That blog also is keeping up with the saga, and a search of the Ferrara name will show some of the coverage military news sources and blogs have given to the theft and collection, as well as more information on Matthew Ferrara.
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About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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Denise, you certainly have a way with words. Your every sentence creates the want to read more. Thank you for keeping us informed. Did they ever catch the lowbellies that stole from the RV?