Comments of the Week: "I am so touched by this gesture I don't know what to do with myself."

We take pride in our work here at Patch and always strive to bring our readers interesting news. However, we must admit, sometimes the most interesting part of a great Patch story is the comments from readers that it sparks. 

Here are some of the best, funniest, strangest and most informative comments from Patch stories and board posts around the San Gabriel Valley and Crescenta Valley Patch sites this past week:

Small Gesture, Big Heart
Reader Lisa in Sierra Madre admits she doesn't wake up "very nice" and when she recently received an early morning visitor, she may have opened her door with a growl. She was so touched by the events that followed this visit that she posted on the Patch Boards to recognize this anonymous visitor. She gets the Comment of the Week award. 

Lisa wrote: So, I have to share this story because I am so touched by this gesture I don't know what to do with myself.   Long story short-I work the evening shift at an very busy emergency room. On my days off, I have been known to sleep until noon, even 1pm.  This morning the door bell rang and woke me up.  Those of you that know me know that I don't wake up very nice.  In fact, I generally don't speak until I have had two cups of coffee.  Well, I managed to fall back asleep and the doorbell rang again, this time with pounding on the door.  I stumbled to the door and opened it with a growl.  There was a little lady standing there.  "Are you open?"  Uh, WTF?  Oh yeah, I live next to a dental office run out of a home.  "Isn't this the dentist?"  "Do you see a sign?"  OMG-what a little monster I am.   She apologized profusely as she backed away.  I grabbed the papers and slammed the door.  Later, I laughed because I really didn't mean to be so rude but I have no control over what comes out of my mouth until caffeine is in my bloodstream.  When I came home from trivia tonight there were flowers and a kind note on my door step.  "Sorry for spoiling your day".  Uh, no-I AM sorry for spoiling your day sweet lady.  Thank you for making mine. 

Revisiting the Rialto
The fate of the Rialto Theater on Fair Oaks was the topic of discussion on South Pasadena Patch this week. Readers were sharing their movie-going experiences and ideas on how to save the long-shuttered theater. Some of them pointed out that the owner, Mark Cuban, owner of Landmark Theaters, should be made aware of this community treasure. (Landmark Theaters leases the property.)

Escott O. Norton left a comment (by way of contributor Karin Bugge) who shared an update on the status of efforts to preserve the Rialto. 

Karin Bugge July 30, 2013 at 01:44 PM Escott O. Norton left the following comment which failed to post due to a system maintenance issue: Thanks for talking about the Rialto! Let me weigh in on a few things mentioned in your post and the comments. 1. While the Rialto has been neglected for far too long, it is in great shape for a building of its age, and theaters in a LOT worse shape have been saved. About 18 months ago I was part of a tour of the building with city officials and historic theater specialists, and the general reaction was that the building was sound. The interior reminded me very much of what it looked like 30 years ago, plus a little more dust! 2. The reason it is closed is not for structural concerns, it does not need a major retrofit. It is shuttered because of safety code violations, things that are easily repairable. 3. It is true that many options have been put forward, and none have been successful YET. Friends of the Rialto is pursuing the non-profit route, which allows us to qualify for government grants in a way that for-profit options don't. I have personally toured dozens of theaters that have been successful using this model. 4. Ron is close with an estimate of cost for a full restoration, but the cost to reopen would be quite a bit less. Of course, until a detailed survey and business plan is in place, all estimates are just that: estimates. 5. I would LOVE to get Mark Cuban involved. I have had conversations with people high up in Landmark, but not Mr. Cuban himself. If anyone has any contacts, let me know! Last I checked, he is trying to sell Landmark, so I am not sure how "invested" he is still. 6. Fundraising. Friends of the Rialto is currently able to accept tax deductible donations via our Fiscal Sponsor. Money collected will be used for developing a sound business plan and long range fundraising program. If anyone would like to donate, please visit our website and click on the "How to HELP!" page. We are also looking into other means of fundraising and community involvement, including Rialto gifts, special events, etc. I urge anyone interested in the Rialto to join our mailing list on the website, or liking our Facebook page. There is lots of info on the Rialto past and present, and stories of how other successful historic theaters have been saved. If you would like to take an active role in Friends of the Rialto, please email me! Thanks! Escott O. Norton, Friends of the Rialto www.FriendsoftheRialto.org www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheRialto FriendsoftheRialto@gmail.com