STORIES FROM THE PAST
50 years ago
Harold Chaille former Imperial County district attorney, has accepted the job of resident attorney in the new El Centro regional office of California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA).
The statewide organization provides legal assistance for the rural poor. The announcement of Chaille’s appointment was made by James D. Lorenz Jr., CRLA director.
Funded by the Office of Economic Opportunity as a part of the War on Poverty, CRLA is in the midst of opening nine offices throughout the state in addition to its administrative headquarters and research center in the legal district of Los Angeles.
40 years ago
The small Salton Sea community of Bombay Beach began a fight today against a rising sea as water broke through dikes and washed over low-lying areas.
“We’re winning the battle but losing the war,” marina owner Richard Bringle said of the sandbagging efforts. He reported the sea was continuing to rise and crews “are just spread too thin.”
According to Bringle, rains the past two days increased the level of the sea 3.5 inches. He observed it was higher than it was last spring when extensive damage was suffered in the community from flooding.
30 years ago
If the U.S. states cannot get control of its border, it stands to lose the entire nation to illegal drugs and illegal aliens, said Harold Ezell, director of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services western region.
Ezell, speaking at the dedication of a new 8,600-square-foot Border Patrol administration building, urged those attending the ceremony to insist that their congressmen pass an immigration bill.
“Send a telegram. It’s too late to send a letter. Urge your congressmen to get the Rodino bill on the floor so the House (of Representatives) can vote on it,” he said. “The next 10 days can affect the future of this country.”
The Rodino bill would make it a crime for an employer to hire illegal aliens. It is just the latest effort to stem the tide of illegal immigration. Congress plans to adjourn in the first week of October.