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Newspaper
Long Beach Press Telegram
Location
Long Beach, California, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1953
Page
11
A reflective year end piece blends nostalgia with local and national notes. It mentions New Year traditions, a drought, the Colorado River aqueduct, advances in science and technology, and a quirky forecast for 1954 including an electric scarecrow and artificial eggshells. It also salutes Long Beach retailers and local readers who share odd tidbits from Sitka and California travel observations.
Friction rises between Bellflower and Lakewood on Mayfair, the strip between the two communities. Lakewood claims Mayfair would gain stability and tax benefits by joining Lakewood, while Bellflower supporters argue against losing a school-district link. Petitions seek to exclude Mayfair from Lakewood incorporation, with the area lying between South I Street and Long Beach’s shoestring strip.
Offshore blast schedule begins at 7 a m next Monday as Western Geophysical Co conducts a seismic survey covering about 800 submerged acres at an estimated cost of 860 000 including insurance. Explosive discharge from the survey boat Baifort offshore will continue daily for about two weeks moving eastward toward the Seal Boat line with precautions to limit hazards. The operation involves the Navy and Coast Guard and could probe potential oil pools valued at up to 3 000 000 000.
Long Beach revelers faced about the same costs as last year with more venues sold out or nearly full. Average reservations ran 10 to 15 dollars with higher fees including a drink, dinner, and favors. Many smaller bars planned “apartment” houses and no reservations were needed at nine city locations. Lifeguards warned swimmers near Pico Market to stay clear. Two armed bandits robbed a market clerk of cash and shoes, then fled.
The 1954 March of Dimes opens Monday with a kick off luncheon at the Lafayette Hotel. Anti polio workers prep for a major campaign to raise 75 million dollars, with Long Beach goals set at 150 thousand and a year ago’s 106 thousand. Dr A F Rasmussen, medical scientist, will speak. he works at UCLA and Long Beach Veterans Hospital under National Foundation grants.
The City Water Commission moved to require other city departments to pay for water use. A unanimous resolution calls for metered water billed at the rate to other consumers, with possible waivers for revenue‑generating nonessential departments. The measure requires City Council ordinance approval to take effect. Currently all departments receive water free of charge.
A gas butane explosion at 6665 Long Beach Blvd in Seal Beach hurled 3 year old James W Powell through a trailer door and injured his father Clarence H Kublevy and wife Louise Ida Kahler. The blast, caused by a lighted match to ignite a stove, damaged the trailer park and led to a wrongful suit seeking 65000 dollars filed in Long Beach Superior Court.
California Highway Patrol and local police vow strict enforcement through New Year’s week end. Lt Elmer Grandy says intoxicated drivers will be hooked and all officers on duty with full patrols. Long Beach police chief Wilam Dovey promises jail space for celebrants who drink and drive, while Capt William Kummer urges hosts to call cabs. Sheriff’s Acting Capt G H Carlson confirms full manpower on streets tonight. Los Angeles County inspector M P Yelsblethwarite notes the law targets driving while under the influence, not drunken driving.
Long Beach receives 153454.24 from State Controller Robert C. Kirkwood as the city’s share of motor vehicle license fees for June 1 through May 30. Director S. M. Rovarts notes population growth and auto registrations push apportionment up 69.65 percent from last year with 11.28 percent of the year’s estimated 1,339,809. Last year’s allotment was 1,092,672.
An autopsy of Robert B Olson 38 longshoreman found injuries possibly from an industrial accident. Olsen died Tuesday in City Jail after neighbors reported irrational behavior and he was jailed for investigation of battery. The county coroner ordered a formal probe into the death.
Anthony J. Zilbauer pleaded innocent by reason of insanity at a Los Angeles Superior Court arraignment for the want ad slaying of an insurance adjuster near Whittier on November 21. Superior Judge Clement T. Nye set February 24 for trial and ordered three psychiatrists to examine him. Zilbauer, captured in St. Louis on December 1 after a nationwide manhunt, was the target in the murder of Andrew Kmiec, 81, shot while demonstrating his car to a prospective buyer. His wife Geraldine remains with their four children at 10417 Roseferans Ave in Norwalk.
Stevedore Mieveware winner Clansen, 44, of 73 Termina Ave. suffered head and back injuries after a seven foot fall from a deck on the ship Bona Nati, docked at Pier A Berth 3 in Long Beach Harbor. He was transported to Seaside Hospital for treatment.
Varina Ann Lewis reports her purse snatched by a 13 or 14 year old boy near 11th and Locust. The thief fled as city libraries closed for New Year. Purse found several blocks away later that day. Librarian Edwin Castagna identified the missing 50 cent item.
The Canadian destroyer Haida anchored at New Pier, Long Beach Naval Station, after a 1 day Panama transit in stifling heat with a brewing storm. ABCE John Collins, 23, of Redditt Ontario, suffered acute appendicitis but refused ambulance transport. he recovered enough to salute as he reached Corona Naval Hospital. Ordinary seaman Real Hebert, 18, acted as Christmas captain, briefly wielding duty orders for rum and even all night leave. The ship faced a tropical storm off Mexico, briefly relieving Hebert of command before Captain J A Charles reassumed leadership as calm returned to Long Beach.
More than 5000 worshipers are expected at the Greek Orthodox Epiphany rites in Long Beach. Bishop Athenagoras will lead a 10‑priest service and 70‑voice choir at Rainbow Pier with cross diving to follow, then a Town Hall banquet and Greek dancing.
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