STORIES OF THE PAST

50 years ago

One man was killed and at least 22 persons were injured this morning when a Continental Trailways bus overturned during a gale near the top of the Mountain Springs hill on highway 80.

The 38-passenger bus had left San Diego bound for El Centro at 3:25 a.m. It was due to arrive at 5:55.

The crash happened on the first curve on the eastbound, or downhill lane. There was a heavy rain at the time, and it was driven by the violent winds common to the area.

40 years ago

Mike Cuellar proved he can still pitch at the Angel-town Complex in Holtville Friday afternoon and the California Angels proved they can win an exhibition game.

California used one eight-run inning to defeat the San Diego Padres, 8-2, in the last of four games against the National League team. The Angels lost the first three.

Cuellar did for the Angels what Butch Metzler failed to do for the Padres. The former Baltimore Orioles’ star pitched three strong innings for manager Norm Sherry.

30 years ago

Some are touting Imperial Irrigation District Director John Benson’s proposal to sell drought insurance to coastal communities as the solution to the Valley’s water problems, but most people are urging caution and further study of the plan.

Benson’s proposal calls for a 20-year contract with either the Metropolitan Water District or the San Diego County Water Authority, under which the district would sell 100,000 acre-feet of conserved water each year. In addition, local growers would be paid to provide drought insurance by agreeing to conserve water on demand and provide an additional 150,000 acre-feet in four of the 20 years.