STORIES FROM THE PAST
50 years ago
The violent storm which roared down into the Valley from the north last night made a great deal of noise, knocked down a lot of trees and utility poles and inconvenienced many citizens. But it did little major damage.
The Imperial Irrigation District — which makes official weather readings for the area — said this morning that one-fifth of an inch of rain fell during the storm. Howard Roben, the IID’s weather expert, said that the rainfall was “pretty spotty” as were the wind gusts. He said he believed that Holtville and its environs were hardest hit. The Southwest Irrigation Field Station reported 1.65 inches; Westmorland .60 inches.
40 years ago
The Valley’s first major storm since Kathleen hit in September, 1976 may prove to be nearly as destructive. Niland area residents say agricultural damages will exceed the 1976 figures.
Bombay Beach is reported to be “in bad shape with the railroad line washed out in several areas. Residents say the railroad workers are fighting a losing battle trying to repair the line if additional rain falls today.”
The sheriff’s helicopter continued search and rescue operations in the Niland area today checking flooded homes and abandoned vehicles for stranded residents.
An unidentified woman and her 7-year-old son were apparently evacuated from their mobile home at Wilkins Road on Monday before sheriff’s deputies arrived.
Although the woman has not been located, deputies today said they believed she was rescued by friends.
30 years ago
Three days after Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner Claude Finnell announced his retirement from the post he has held for 33 years, it appears that Finnell may be going to work for the Metropolitan Water District.
In an interview this morning, MWD Assistant General Manager Myron Holburt said the possible appointment of Finnell as a special assistant for agricultural affairs will be represented at the Metropolitan Board of Directors for action next Tuesday.
“We’ve been thinking for some time about getting representation down there,” Holburt said. “At least one of (the Imperial Irrigation District) board members, maybe more, suggested Claude Finnell, and we talked to him and it looks like it will work out.”
Finnell this morning confirmed he had discussed the job with Metropolitan officials but said there was no commitment at this point. Finnell said he would rather not comment further on the job until after the MWD board takes action on the matter.