First of two parts

Since Friday was Closing Day for Steve Rose after 30 years as president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, convention, if not the manners your mother hoped you would remember, called for more than a cursory check-in.

When Mr. Rose announced his pending retirement last July, a month before his71st birthday, he announced travel destinations and other intentions.

Religious persons know what happens when man plans…

Last month, the most familiar face in the modern history of Culver City was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

“The best way to answer any question about my plans,” said Mr. Rose, “is to quote a comment in my last editorial in the Chamber newsletter: I wished for everyone to live long and prosper.”

After the diagnosis, “the doctor told me this is something I can live with hopefully.

“I have been through five chemo treatments, and I am doing fine,” said the best-known member of Culver City’s handful of political conservatives.

“The numbers in my blood count are even a little better than what was expected.”

Mr. Rose’s treatment pattern calls for a monthly cycle of  five consecutive days of chemo followed by 23 days without treatment.

Meanwhile, Colin Diaz, lately of Santa Fe Springs, opened his tenure this morning as Mr. Rose’s Chamber successor.

(To be continued)