STORIES FROM THE PAST

50 years ago

Agriculture’s arguments for continuation of the “Green Card” program are comprehensively stated in a resolution recently adopted by the Yuma Mesa Citrus Club.

Charging “that the present situation has been brought about by persons or groups who consider it politically expedient to create confusion and who are grossly misinformed,” the resolution claims “Green Card” workers are an “integral and essential part” of Yuma County’s citrus industry and that “the major portion of money earned by Mexican “Green Card” workers is spent in the United States.”

“The Mexican “Green Card” worker “is physically and mentally suited to citrus farm work,” says the resolution. “He desires to work and is efficient as well as proficient.

“He is subject to the U.S. minimum wage, therefore he does not lower any wage standards. He pays social security as well as income tax.

“He is subject to the draft law and many “Green Card” workers have served and are still serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

“He fills the farmers’ need for agricultural workers. He does not displace qualified American workers. The Arizona farmer needs both the American worker and the “Green Card” worker.

20 years ago

CALIPATRIA — Calipatria High School’s baseball team improved to 5-3 in non-league action with a 5-1 victory over Julian here Tuesday.

Steve Milan pitched the complete game for the Hornets. Milan (1-0) allowed one run in the first inning and then shut down the Eagles the rest of the game.

“We had a little trouble with them at the beginning but the players stepped up and stopped them” said Calipatria coach David Milan.

The Hornets plated three runs in the second inning, with two coming on a Carmelo Ruiz home run. Calipatria’s third run of the inning came when Mike Flores singled in Romy Medina, who reached base on a double.