It was just another late lunch hour on Hollywood Blvd. for most. 85
degrees, light breeze, and many tourists out looking at the Stars on the
sidewalk. We had just stopped at the old Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, when we
heard the sirens. And suddenly Hollywood was closed off between Highland and
Orange. Just like the warning signs had said. No big deal in LA, as movies and
TV shows are filmed all the time, but this time was different. And as the
sirens got closer, you could see a parade of police cars, Code 3 sirens and
lights flashing, at 10 mph. And then they were parking in front of us, about 25
vintage police cars and one motorcycle. And suddenly people were flooding the
streets to take pictures for the next 20 minutes. But most just kept on walking
by, just another event to them. It seems we were the few who knew what was
going on, even a Channel 4 video man wasn’t sure where to set up. But here it
was, and today it was the cars turn to be the stars. With the only motorcycle
the reason we went.
It was 7 Mary 3, aka Jon Baker, aka Larry Wilcox leading the parade. And
as CHiP’s fans, we were almost overwhelmed. Andrew grabbed Christopher’s DVD set
and had Larry sign it, and we had many photos taken. But most seemed to ignore
it, while a few of us knew and were ready, if not prepared. I got to visit with
him, and commented on his cowboy boots, joking he must be a real cowboy. He
laughed and agreed, having a ranch in Wyoming. But the highlight for Theresa
was having her picture taken with Larry, and talking motorcycles for a few
seconds. He told her “she was cool because she rode her own bike.” Jon Baker,
sans Ponch thinks my wife is cool! WOW! But of course I knew it all the
time...and now Theresa loves Larry.
Among the other vehicles were the Adam 12 car, Pete Malloy a no show. Must
be 211 in progress. The 1974 Torino of Starsky was there, light flashing on the
roof, a license plate of Zebra 03 identifying it. Cars from Robo Cop, a Ferrari
playing the Magnum, PI theme, a VW van dressed up like the Ninja Turtles, with
one inside, the 1967 Ford Fairlane of Jack Webb in Dragnet 1967, looking just
like it as leaving Parker Center. Just the facts. KITT from Night Rider was
there, along with the Green Hornet, and many retired LAPD cars. The Batmobile,
sans the caped crusaders, was there. An early 50’s Chevy paddy wagon looked
like it was right out of film noir, you could see the usual gang of suspects
being rounded up. But to me, aside from Officer Baker, it was the two Buicks, a
1955 and 1956 Centuries, just like Broderick Crawford drove in Highway Patrol.
And at the heart of the parade, as this was 10-4 Day, its 10th anniversary
celebrating the show and Broderick Crawford. Gary, who started the event,
looked just like him driving down the street, the only thing giving him away was
Crawford was only seen driving on dirt roads, as he had lost his license for
DUI. But his cars were the real thing. And in Hollywood, where make believe is
the real thing, I was surprised more people hadn’t noticed. Maybe to them it
was just another filming, little did they know what we did. And then just like
that, it was over, the street open again to traffic, the cars gone, and we were
overwhelmed with joy. it was good we had eaten before the event, our smiles now
were so big food would have had no problem entering, but the smile would have
stopped the digestion process cold. “2150 by, 10-4.”
I wonder how many people afterwards didn’t realize what was going on. Or
recognize Larry from CHiP’s. But we did, and were the better for it. We were
looking for him. Like Christopher said, “this was better than Christmas, and
was worn out.” But some 2000 years ago another event took place, and few
noticed its importance. And even in the weeks to follow, when Jesus met some
before He ascended to heaven, they didn’t know who He was. Mary Magdalene
thought He was the gardener. Two disciples walking and talking with Him only
recognized Him after He had left them. Thomas wanted to touch Him, just to make
sure. Peter after recognizing Him, built a fire and fed Him, and was asked the
famous three times, “do you love me?” He even spoke to a fundamental Pharisee
who was out to destroy Christianity, speaking to Him in a vision, then blinding
Him and giving Him a prophetic word. Saul, now Paul, a true apostle. How many
saw Him, over 500 are mentioned, and didn’t know who he was. Or didn’t care.
And just like that He was gone, after 40 days, but will return. Leaving us the
Holy Spirit to remind us and encourage us until He does.
We were looking Jon and Ponch, and were thrilled to see Jon, who was a
genuinely nice guy. Why can’t I ever meet a Chippie like that? But we knew who
we were looking for. Today many wonder who will be the anti-Christ, wasting
their time and others. Seek and you will find, and we did, and we are with
Jesus. We look for not only His return, but for help and guidance daily. We
need Him now! But so many look to Oprah, the government, the church, and
criminals when Jesus is there the whole time. Waiting to respond to your
emergency-in fact if contacted regularly you may avoid emergencies. Isn’t your
life exciting enough already? On TV you knew the story would end in the last 5
minutes, and another would start again next week. But we live in real life, not
before a camera and have no script. But we should and need to be aware. I
don’t want to miss Jesus! And I don’t want you t miss Him either!
So pay attention to the signs, and warnings, they are there. Jon Baker had
gotten a few years older since his last ticket, but we knew him just the same.
Do you know Jesus? How long has it been since you talked? What did you talk
about? Did you listen to His words? Are you looking for Him now?
For those who miss Him it will not just be another day. Hollywood has no
idea of what is to come. But you do, and His name is Jesus. And it will happen
just that quick. In the meantime, seek Him while He may be found. For 2000
years people have met Him and been assured the promise of heaven. From the
thief on the cross, to Paul, to you...He has been patient. We remember the cars
as the stars...what do you remember about Jesus? “7 Mary 3 and 4, clear, 10-4
over and out.” And yes, I whistled the CHiP’s theme all the way home on my
Bonneville. And no flashing lights-it truly had been a magical day. And having
met Larry. Or was it Jon? Doesn’t matter, have you met Jesus yet? 10-4 to
Him, good buddy.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com