Chapter 15 - Page 200 - The Village Has A New Name

   On election day, Jim set the ballot box near the entrance to the dining hall, where a good voter turnout would be guaranteed. By the end of the day, ninety-five per cent of those eligible to vote had filled out a ballot.

   The votes were counted, and the village had a new mayor-Rhasha’s dad, Thamish.

   The mayor thanked everyone who had voted for him and vowed to do the best job he could. “The first thing I want to do as mayor,” he said, “is to find a name for our village.” He opened the floor to discussion. Several names were suggested, but dismissed for one reason or another. Thamish prepared to table the discussion until a later date. “Can anyone else think of a good name?” he asked one last time.

   Jackie Short was sitting with Jim, Rhasha, and Shanha. He raised his hand to be recognized.

   “Mr. Short,” the mayor said, “what is your suggestion?”

   Jackie stood up. “Mr. Mayor, in the United States, there’s a large and beautiful city that has a pretty name.”

   “OK Mr. Short, tell us the name of the city, and we’ll consider it.”

   Jackie watched Jim’s face for an expression as he said the name. “Los Angeles.”

   Jim showed no expression.

   Before Thamish went any further, he wanted to know one thing. “Mr. Short, most every name has a meaning, so what does Los Angeles mean?”

   “I don’t know, Mr. Mayor,” Jackie replied, “but I’ll find out.”

   As Jackie sat down, Jim raised his hand.

   “Yes, Mr. Brown,” Thamish said.

   Jim stood. “No suggestion, Mr. Mayor,” Jim said, “but I know what Los Angeles means. It means ‘The Angels.’ ”