Cathy Lopez the Westridge Calabasas Gate Guard tells her story
By: Stephen Roesler
The Calabasas community is typically known for it’s comfortably financial, celebrity-scattered neighborhoods. But amid the usual suburban sprawl there remain a few rare stories that residents likely never hear.
Leaving at 5am to make the commute to the Westridge security tower on Park Granada, Cathy Lopez leaves her Downey home well before morning traffic. For 17 years, the dedicated Lopez has worked in quality control. And, although strange to some, she thoroughly enjoys it.
“We do access control. A normal day is 100+ vehicles,” she shrugs. “We log them in. The people are very good. We get to make friends 2 minutes at a time,” she smiles.
Occasionally, she explains, “we have the ‘lookie lue’s’ that are coming to look for movie stars. People ask for the Kardashians and the Simpsons.” And, for the most part, people are pretty respectful.
“But, people have called me some choice names,” she laughs. “People come without an appointment…asking to get in. ‘You can hold my drivers license. I’ll trade you my child,’ they say.”
Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Lopez is now sold out on Los Angeles. “Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s an ok place to visit or retire,” she chuckles. “But it’s not living. Not what I call living. I love Los Angeles.”
As an access control employee, Lopez is paid to make sure the right people get let in and the unauthorized people stay out. It’s monotonous, she admits. But the morning shift is a particularly busy time. Although she does have her own T.V. in the tower, she rarely watches anything with a plot.
“I never watch television that has an ending,” she says. “9 times out of 10 I don’t get to see the end…which is kind of frustrating. I try not to watch anything with substance.”
Instead, she frequents sports, particularly Tennis.
“I’ve got the French Open on here, that’s a good thing,” she states confidently. “I get to watch tennis. I love that.”
Next time your pulling into Westridge gate make sure to say hello to Cathy. And don’t be afraid to talk for a little longer than 2 minutes. It will likely be her last job.
“I would say this will be my last job, I won’t be looking for anything else.” she comments. “It’s a great job and as long as they’ll have me I’ll show up. Dress up and show up!”
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