LA Observed: Los Angeles media, politics and sense of place since 2003
Right of Way 5

Celeste nervously clutches Larry’s arm, as he looks at the card, intrigued. In the b.g. --

NAPOLITANO
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of waiting for the light to change in Sacramento...!

The crowd THUNDERS its approval. Larry studies the two men carefully for a beat, then whispers into Celeste’s ear and pats her arm reassuringly, gesturing that he’ll be right back. She watches with concern as they move off past a jazz ensemble returning from their break.

NAPOLITANO
...We are moving at the speed of history. Those who are not with us will be left behind...

A VOICE in the crowd begins a chant that is quickly taken up by others:

CHANTING CROWD
Green light! Green light! Green light...!

ON CELESTE

As she watches Napolitano with admiration and hope.

NAPOLITANO
And so my friends, future generations are counting on us to dig deep. Deep into our souls. Deep into our pockets. And deep under Wilshire Boulevard, so we can build those rails and get Los Angeles moving again!

The crowd, having cheered each phrase, now goes nuts with whoops and hollers, as the jazz band launches into “Take the ‘A’ Train.”

EXT. MANDEVILLE CANYON - NIGHT

The music and party sounds recede, as Larry and the two men reach a clearing in a wooded area adjacent to the mansion. They stop, but there’s nothing to see. Larry is starting to look skeptical, even worried.


 
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Eric Estrin