This really happened. It is true:
I parked on Sunset Blvd. near the Scientology Headquarters with the intention of taking some photos of the building to post on this blog. But first–oh, the sign out front is so huge. So I take a couple of photos of it. From the sign I learn that Everyone is Welcome. That they are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. And that I can get a free personality test inside. How friendly is all that!
Then I walked into their parking lot to get a photo or five of the front of their striking blue building–which, curiously enough, has a cross above the doorway. Took the photos, walked back–on a public sidewalk–toward my car when a cute young man on a bicycle rode up beside me. He was wearing a light brown uniform with small, discreet badges that identified him as security.
HIM (with nice smile): Did you get some good pictures?
ME: I sure did. (Pause, while I quickly scrutinize the badges) Are you a Scientologist?
HIM: (still smiling): Yes.
ME (still walking toward my car): Well, you don’t have to worry. I’m starting a new blog for tourists and other people about neighborhoods around L.A. and I thought that all those tourists up in Hollywood might want to stop by and see the famous Scientology Headquarters. I don’t care one way or the other about Scientology, so your people don’t have to track down my blog and trash it.
I got to my car, then unlocked it.
HIM: (still smiling): Have a nice day.
ME: You, too.
So I got in my car and drove away. He stayed on the sidewalk.
Someone ought to tell them that sending security to check out a little old lady with a camera is silly and does not really support all that friendliness on their huge sign. But I have to give Mr. Security credit for smiling the whole time. And if they want to have a lower profile they should paint their buildings something other than blue. (Although the blue these days seems to be lighter than the garish blue of old.)
Nonetheless, thank you Scientology for giving me a little story to go with your blue building!
The Scientology Headquarter is located on Sunset Blvd. at L. Ron Hubbard Street. If you visit hoping to see Mr. Cruise or Miss Ally you will be disappointed. They go to the Celebrity Center on Franklin Street where security is really tough.
Originally published: 9/5/2012
