STORIES FROM THE PAST
50 years ago
Argo Arthur Harris, 32, of Van Nuys, was intercepted by police early Saturday morning as he staggered along the 300 block of North Seventh Street, El Centro. He did not seem to know where he was, or even in what country.
“Take me to the American consul,” he demanded.
He was taken to the local jail where he was charged with public intoxication.
After being searched he was also charged with possessing narcotics. Police reportedly found a bottle of white pills, a paper bag with more white pills, and a bit of Mexican newspaper wrapped up to hold some gray powder.
40 years ago
CALIPATRIA — Calipatria High School Principal Miyoshi Ikeda was fired at a special executive session of the school board of trustees, it has been learned.
The Thursday firing is effective at the close of the current school year in June.
“The action taken caught me completely by surprise,” Ikeda said. The high school principal said he learned of his firing after the noon session.
District Superintendent Edward Ikard explained the action as “a lack of communication between Ikeda and myself. We’re philosophically not together on educational matters.”
He mentioned the handling of student discipline as his main reason for firing the principal. “I believe Ikeda is lacking in the handling of student control.
The recent stabbing at a Calipatria High dance was the final act in my mind that led to this decision.”
That incident happened Jan. 20 at a dance following a game. An alumnus of the school was stabbed during a fight between him and another person. The alumnus was not seriously injured.
30 years ago
Three members of the Central Spartan offensive backfield that ran roughshod over the Desert Valleys League for the past two seasons are expected to sign Division I letters of intent Wednesday, it has been learned.
His father confirmed Monday that fullback Mickey McShan will sign a letter with Washington State University on Wednesday.
Central coach Cal Jones confirmed only that tailback and return-man Gerald Robinson and wingback Gene Martin will also sign letters of intent Wednesday but would not confirm what schools are involved.
A source close to the school said Martin will probably sign with the University of Northern Arizona while Robinson has narrowed his choices to NAU or Fresno State.
The back who preceded McShan at the fullback slot — Todd Evangelist — now plays at NAU.
McShan, Martin and Robinson would bring to seven the number of Spartans to receive scholarships from Division I schools since Jones returned to coaching the Spartans three seasons ago.
20 years ago
BRAWLEY — Seeing how much time the Central Union High girls’ soccer team took in putting itself in contention for an Imperial Valley League championship, wrapping up the title must have seemed like nothing at all.
Two minutes, to be exact.
The Spartans put themselves in the driver’s seat for an IVL championship, scoring twice in a two-minute span and holding off second-place Brawley 2-1 Monday afternoon.
The win keeps Central perfect in conference play heading into today’s showdown with Southwest at 3:15 p.m. at Swarthout Field in El Centro.
Brawley, which dropped two games behind Central with the loss, hosts Calexico today at 5 p.m.
“Because we have won the league, every game now becomes a championship game,” said Central coach Nabil Noujaim, whose team finishes the regular season Thursday against Brawley.
“We have been a little unlucky against Southwest and Brawley in the past, so this is our chance to break the ice.”