Today in history

Today is Friday, August 4, the 216th day of 2017 and the 46th day of summer.

On this date in the SCV: In 1944, The Signal reported that David B. King, age 26, of West Los Angeles, was killed, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thomas of Wilmington injured, the latter seriously, when a truck loaded with 10 tons of tomatoes and peaches ran wild down the south slope of the Newhall grade, careened across the viaduct and U.S. 99 and crashed against the west bank. After striking the bank, the truck rolled over several times and came to rest with the victims pinned underneath it in the cab. King was a hitchhiker who begged a ride on the vehicle as it was being loaded at Fresno. Thomas was the driver and his wife, Juanita, a passenger. His brakes failed to hold.

Today’s Highlights in History:

In 1914, Germany invaded Belgium, prompting Great Britain to declare war on Germany. In 1944, the Gestapo arrested diarist Anne Frank and the other inhabitants of the “Secret Annex” in Amsterdam. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed legislation establishing the Department of Energy. In 1993, two Los Angeles police officers were sentenced to 30 months in prison for violating motorist Rodney King’s civil rights.

Today’s fact: “Poor Little Fool” by Ricky Nelson was the No. 1 song on the first Billboard Hot 100 chart, published on this day in 1958.

Today’s sports: In 2007, 32-yearold Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees became the youngest player ever to hit 500 career home runs.

Today’s number: 7 – Cy Young Awards won by Hall of Fame pitcher Roger Clemens, the most in MLB history.

Today’s moon: Between first quarter moon (July 30) and full moon (Aug. 7).