The Next Chapter: Enjoying Retirement
When you spend years working for the City of Los Angeles, whether it’s in one department or many departments, you don’t just build a career — you build a community of friends and acquaintances. The routine of early mornings, dedicated coworkers, and shared purpose becomes a defining part of who you are. Then one day, you decide it’s time – you submit your papers for retirement. Everything changes. No more early morning meetings, no more calling to your supervisor when you’re not feeling well or requesting time off for doctor’s appointments or requesting vacation time. Calendar dates open up. Every day is a vacation day. However, the phone doesn’t ring as often, and the busy ness of everyday routine slows down. This freedom is nice, but for some it can also feel a little quiet.
RLACEI’s goal is to remind Retirees that retirement isn’t an ending; it’s a beginning filled with connection, friendship, and purpose.
Bridging the Gap Between Work and What’s Next
Leaving City service can be both exciting and uncertain. Some Retirees ask, “What’s next?” RLACEI’s goal is to keep members informed, involved, and inspired. Whether through the newsletter, picnics, or special events, RLACEI provides ways to stay engaged with Retirees and keep them informed of their benefits.
RLACEI’S goal is not just to represent Retirees — but to empower them as well. Through advocacy on benefits, pensions, and Retiree rights, RLACEI ensures that Retirees continue to be heard.
Companionship
One of the most rewarding parts of RLACEI membership is rediscovering the friendships that made City life so special. The same people who once shared busy workdays are now sharing travel stories, family updates, and laughter over a meal.
I’ve spoken with many Retirees who have shared life after City service; some have formed breakfast and lunch gatherings, book clubs, volunteer groups, day trips across Southern California, travel activities, and common hobby groups. These gatherings keep Retirees active and connected.
Purpose
Purpose doesn’t retire when we do. It simply takes on new forms. Some Retirees enjoy mentoring younger City employees, while others volunteer in their communities or lend a hand at senior centers or at their church. Remember, purpose continues to bring energy and meaning to this new season of life.
Stay Connected
If you haven’t attended an RLACEI picnic, read the RLACEI section of Alive! or updated your contact information — now is a great time to do so.
Retirement isn’t about stepping away; it’s about stepping into a new chapter — a new chapter of freedom to enjoy life and do the things you enjoy doing, whether it learning how to play a new musical instrument, indulging in experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, painting, hiking, mastering AI. And don’t forget to add friendship, laughter, and shared memories leading the way. Enjoy your retirement and “live your best life!
B. Theresa Richardson 1945-2025 Personnel, 1965-1999 (City career)
I first met Theresa when I began working with the City of Los Angeles—and from that moment, her warmth and humor made a lasting impression. In her career, she dedicated 33 years of service before retiring in 1999. Retirement didn’t slow her down one bit: She mischievously referred to her hobby as “causing trouble!” and spent the next 11 years volunteering at her grandchildren’s elementary school. She also enjoyed outings with friends and family, whether dining out or simply window-shopping— she embraced the ease of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
After retiring, I joined the “Personnel Golden Girls Breakfast Group” (also called the “Personnel Bronze Girls,” however, there was no official name given to the group of ladies who meet monthly, other than longtime friends!). The group consists of former Personnel staff who meet monthly for breakfast and friendship. Theresa stood out for her wit and playful grouchiness, but was truly caring and conscientious, always remembering to send greeting cards for birthdays and holidays.
Theresa also had a well-known love for chocolate, a sweet indulgence that perfectly matched her layered personality, playful yet deeply kind, mischievous yet heartwarming. Though she may have fancied herself a bit grouchy on the surface, those of us who knew her well always felt the depth of her caring spirit. Her presence in our lives—through stories, laughter, friendships, and traditions—will continue to be a source of comfort and warmth.
Theresa’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but the memories will forever be a part of us: her laughter, her kindness, and her unwavering support are gifts we will cherish always. As we say goodbye, we can find comfort in knowing that a life lived with such light never truly fades. Even now, her memory brings our group together, reminding us to laugh a little louder, love a little deeper, and never forget to send a card or share a chocolate.
Beverly Clark, Publicity Director, Aug. 24, 2025