The USS Angeles beamed down Sunday to Union Station in Los Angeles. Gary, who has returned to the ship (welcome back!), gave us a walking tour through the train station restaurant featured in the holodeck scene in "Star Trek: First Contact." We also saw a 19th-century fire station and went down Olvera Street, which served as 19th-century San Francisco in the "Next Generation" episode "Time's Arrow." Then after lunch at a Mexican restaurant featuring a mariachi band, we took the subway to Pershing Square and went uphill on the world's shortest railway. We rode Angels Flight, a funicular that inspired the name of our newsletter! Afterward, Gary took us through a farmer's market (Grand Central Market) and into the Bradbury Building, featured in the movie "The Artist" (the big stairway scene) and "Blade Runner." In addition to Gary, those on the mission were Kelly and Elizabeth, Gloria, Janice, Luis, Eric and Dave. Thanks for the tour through time and space, Gary!

Huzzah! USS Angeles members saw Queen Elizabeth I as well as troops on the battlefield, the Merry Wives of Windsor (hilarious singers), martial arts and dancing at the Original Pleasure Faire April 7 at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale. USS Angeles members at the festival were Gloria, Jennifer C., Eric, Renee, Karen and Dave. Joining us were new members David R. and his wife Leslie. For photos, click onto our media section.

By Dave Mason, commanding officer

Gloria Rodriguez, who has done a great job as second officer, is succeeding Janice Willcocks as the new first officer of the USS Angeles. Congratulations, Gloria! I know she'll do a great job and am happy to announce her promotion.

Janice stepped down as first officer because of other time commitments, but she will continue to serve on the Command Staff as the Founder. Thank you, Janice, for all your help as first officer and for your continued advice.

Jennifer Cole is succeeding Gloria as our new second officer and will continue to oversee membership services, in which she has done a fantastic job.

Congratulations, Gloria and Jennifer!

So say we all!