Today in history

Today is Friday, August 11, the 223rd day of 2017 and the 53rd day of summer.

On this date in the SCV: In 1939, The Signal reported that Newhall’s famed old calabozo, at the north end of Spruce Street, would soon be out of the picture. Work had started on a remodeling program at the Sheriff’s Station, which would add a block of three modern cells at the rear of the present building, and also completely redecorate and refinish the whole structure. The addition at the rear would be 14 by 30 feet in dimensions, containing three cells each 8 by 10 feet. One was to be for men prisoners, one for women, and the third a trusty cell. Erection of the new block was made necessary by county regulations which required jail cells to be so located that constant watch and supervision could be maintained on prisoners. Deputies had been required to make an hourly visit at the old jail all through the night.

Today’s Highlights in History:

In 1934, the first federal prisoners were incarcerated at the Alcatraz Island prison in San Francisco Bay.

In 1965, rioting began in the Watts district of Los Angeles.

In 1972, the last U.S. ground combat unit left South Vietnam.

In 2003, NATO took over command of peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan.

Today’s fact: The Mall of America, which opened in Bloomfield, Minnesota, on this day in 1992, cost $650 million to build and generates more than $50 million in taxes for the state each year.

Today’s sports: In 1984, Carl Lewis replicated Jesse Owens’s 1936 performance at the Summer Olympics by winning his fourth and final gold medal, all in the same track events Owens had won nearly 50 years earlier.

Today’s number: 1,545 – federal prisoners interned at Alcatraz during its 28-year use as a prison.

Today’s moon: Between full moon (Aug. 7) and last quarter moon (Aug. 14).