Neighborhood News Gone National

Oliver Forster, CBS cameraman, was checking with Claire, the dinosaur, who had been returned to her home in the Sinclair Gas Station.

In early October, I stopped on the way home to get gas at the Sinclair station on 26th Street and San Vicente Boulevard.

John Fawcett, owner of the station, came to my car window, and stated, “You should do a story on Claire, the dinosaur. About ten days ago, she was stolen. And, then she was returned this past weekend, taped up in a bag, with a note.”

He handed me a wrinkled piece of white paper. The message from the thief, printed in all capital letters, read, “I’m sorry for stealing Claire. Please do not press charges.” John had a video tape of the theft and the return. He recognized the thief as the same person who had taken Claire.

John described the excitement from the community, saying the day before there were about 100 people all over his station lot, eager to welcome Claire home.

News media from everywhere swarmed the streets around his station. John got calls from friends in Maine and Arizona who heard about Claire’s adventures.

I met Oliver Forster, from CBS, who was coming to check on Claire as part of his daily assignments.

John was busy putting a Dodgers’ T-shirt on Claire to get ready for the upcoming World Series. Claire is always dressed for special occasions. You never know who may be driving by.

By Diane Margolin

Publisher, The Santa Monica Star