Stories from the past
50 years ago
All bids received on proposed new construction and renovation of old construction on the Brawley Union High School campus were rejected Monday night by the district Board of Trustees and action was taken to call for new bids. They will be opened at the next regular meeting, April 6.The action was taken because all bids received are above the approximately $434,000 remaining in the budget for the construction from the $550,000 bond issue approved by district voters.
Architect Terence Whitington suggested alternate plans to the trustees. Included were such changes as using wood instead of metal cabinets. The board said it selected a plan which was the best alternate.
Construction to again come up for bid includes a new five-classroom wing on the site of the old shop building, repair of the old junior college building, renovation of the home economics building to house the counseling and guidance department, construction of a new home economics building and addition to the industrial arts building.A new multipurpose building, which will be erected on the site of the now-demolished swimming pool, still is in the drawing stage.
40 years ago
CALEXICO — The historic rustic wooden dome building on the 800 block of Imperial Avenue, once the busy and popular setting of famous boxing matches, dance marathons and skating in the 1920s and ’30s, has become the victim of progress. It was torn down last week to make way for a hamburger chain specialty shop.
Demolition of the historic sight, which many times went unnoticed by tourists or passers-by, brought to many local pioneers a sign of sadness or “oh no,” as they still vividly recalled it’s colorful days.
Among those reminicing was Aurelio Aceves, a retired businessman and Calexico pioneer.
He tells of his younger days in the late ’20s, and famous boxing matches held there. Local participants as well as Al “Tony” Escalante, one of the best and most famous local boxers. Escalante went on to be a part owner of a local bar still existing on Heffernan Avenue in Calexico.“Everyone used to come and see Escalante fight said Aceves. “He put on some terrific bouts. He even went on to fight at Madison Square Garden in New York, He said.
He recalls that the local post of the American Legion help build the stadium. The seating capacity was about 2,500, and there were many nights the area was packed, he continued. It was estimated that the cost of the building at that time must have been between $5,000 and $10,000.Manuel Ortiz, who later became the Golden Gloves world champion, also got his start in the local arena. He boxed there for over 10 years. Ortiz was also the bantamweight world title holder.
Jack Dempsey, the world’s heavyweight champion came out at one time to referee a special fundraising bout. His trip was made possible by a close friend, Joe Flores, who was instrumental in starting boxing classes for youth. Ortiz came back after he became famous and continued to support the area and the fans, said Aceves.
30 years ago
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon’s decision to divert aircraft and other military resources into the drug war could help ensure the continued operation of the El Centro Naval Air Facility, a spokesman for Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-45th District, said Friday.
The Pentagon on Friday announced it is adding warships, aircraft, radar equipment, dog teams and other military resources to the war on drugs in the Atlantic, Pacific, Carribbean and along the southern U.S. border.
Although NAF El Centro has been included in a list of bases to be studied for possible closure, Hunter spokesman John Palafoutas said NAF will be strategically important to the Pentagon for its drug interdiction efforts along the along the California-Mexico border.