Today in history

Today is Tuesday, January 2, the second day of 2018 and the 13th day of winter.

On this date in the SCV: In 1947, The Signal reported the establishment of Red Cross Home Services offices to serve veterans and servicemen in Newhall, San Fernando and other valley communities. The Red Cross room had been opened in the Justice Court of Newhall with office hours set for every Tuesday. The workers staffing the office were prepared to assist veterans in all problems affecting their status, such as terminal leave pay, family allowances and other benefits due them through the Veterans Administration. Veterans would continue to make applications for loans directly to the lender of their choice but after Jan. 2, appraisers would be selected by the Loan Guaranty Division and not the lenders. Today’s Highlights in History: In 1492, the Moors were driven out of Spain as Granada fell to the forces of Ferdinand and Isabella. In 1967, Ronald Reagan was sworn

in as governor of California. In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed legislation instituting a 55-mph highway speed limit in order to conserve gasoline during an OPEC embargo. In 2006, a methane gas explosion in a Sago, West Virginia, coal mine trapped 13 miners. Only one survived.

Today’s fact: Castilian Spanish is the official language of Spain, but Catalan, Galician and Basque are all official regional languages.

Today’s sports: In 1984, Miami upset heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, 31-30, as Nebraska failed on a two-point conversion at game’s end.

Today’s number: 26,284 – miles on the odometer of a rare, unrestored 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atlanta Coupe found in the garage of a British doctor and reported by media outlets on this day in 2009. One of only 17 ever made, the car sold at a Paris auction a month later for $4.4 million.

Today’s moon: Between full moon (Jan. 1) and last quarter moon (Jan. 8).