By WILLIAM A. HARPER

One of the most momentous points in any citizen’s life is when he or she obtains a car and “puts the medal to the pedal.” The second and perhaps totally heart-wrenching is the point when the owner lays the vehicle and the driving to rest.

I recently took that step, fighting all the way to the DMV against the very idea of doing it. Furthermore, the action was taken here in La Jolla where the car is king, or queen, depending on gender. I was not obligated to quit. But at 93, I felt the world would be a better place without yours truly at the wheel.

It was tough for a while, but I found out there are other ways to get around. Thought of horseback, but knew that wouldn’t work too well, even if the horse had been a winner at Del Mar. My community offers transportation for shopping, church, healthcare, and even an occasional casino visit… And of course, there’s always thumb.