Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Black Dahlia Book Club for February 2026

Posted on February 17, 2026 by lmharnisch

The second session of the Black Dahlia Book Club is on YouTube.com/LMHarnisch. This time, I discussed books by four journalists involved in the Black Dahlia case. Continue reading →

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February 17, 1907: Before Staples Center — City Straightens 12th Street

Posted on February 17, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 17, 1907: People on West 12th Street argue about straightening out the street between Main and Hoover. Some say it would raise property values, others counter that it would ruin homes and bring costly assessments. The street was later wiped out and is home to a certain sports arena. Continue reading →

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1944 in Print — ‘Walter Winchell on Broadway,’ February 17, 1944

Posted on February 17, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 17, 1944: “Alfred M. Landon stated: Fascism is here in America and its name is the New Deal,” Walter Winchell reports. Continue reading →

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February 16, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Posted on February 16, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 16, 1959: A woman’s freelance writing jeopardizes her eligibility for welfare, Matt Weinstock says. Continue reading →

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February 16, 1959: Paul Coates — Confidential File

Posted on February 16, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 16, 1959: Racists oppose statehood for Hawaii, Paul Coates says. Also the Elizabeth “Ma” Duncan is about to begin. Continue reading →

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1944 in Print — ‘Walter Winchell on Broadway,’ February 16, 1944

Posted on February 16, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 16, 1944: Errol Flynn was turned down for the seventh time by the Army and Navy. He is asking the latter for special service and a waiver on physical defects, Walter Winchell says. Continue reading →

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1944 on the Radio — Bing Crosby on ‘Mail Call,’ February 16, 1944

Posted on February 16, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 16, 1944: On the radio dial: Bing Crosby; “The Lone Ranger”;and opera singer Betty Mulliner. Continue reading →

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on February 16, 2026 by lmharnisch

For Monday, we have a mysterious fellow. Continue reading →

Posted in 1947, Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , , , , , | 31 Comments

February 12, 1909: Los Angeles Celebrates Lincoln’s Birth

Posted on February 12, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 12, 1909: The Times celebrates Lincoln’s birthday by honoring Lincoln and featuring the city’s Black community. Continue reading →

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February 11, 1958: As L.A. Grows, Segregation Takes New Forms, Black Official Says

Posted on February 11, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 11, 1958: New patterns of segregation may be forming in L.A., the head of the National Council of Negro Women says. Continue reading →

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1944 in Print — ‘Walter Winchell on Broadway,’ February 11, 1944

Posted on February 11, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 11, 1944: Sherman Billingsley, the Stork Club owner, has mike fright. Last year, frixample, he agreed to appear on “Duffy’s Tavern,” but at the last moment ran out, scared stiff. Ed Gardner went dizzy seeking a substitute, and was very irked with Mr. B, who said he’d rather pay plenty than appear on the radio, Walter Winchell says. Continue reading →

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February 11, 1908: The Latest in Men’s Shoes

Posted on February 11, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 11, 1908: The latest in men’s shoes. Question: Should the local Japanese American community be allowed to welcome the Great White Fleet when it visits Los Angeles? Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, 1908, Front Pages | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

February 11, 1907: Woman Fractures Skull Leaping From Streetcar That Passed Her Stop

Posted on February 11, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 11, 1907: Mrs. A.C. Newton of Central Avenue is near death after fracturing her skull by leaping from a streetcar that passed her stop. News reports show someone was injured almost every week by jumping from a streetcar that failed to stop. Image shows a new Baptist church at 2nd Street and St. Louis. Continue reading →

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Black Dahlia Book Club – Coming February 17, 2026

Posted on February 10, 2026 by lmharnisch

Reminder: The second session of the Black Dahlia Book Club will meet February 17 at 10 a.m. on YouTube. This time I’ll look at the memoirs of four journalists who covered the case. Continue reading →

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Mabel Fairbanks, Wonder Girl of the Ice

Posted on February 9, 2026 by lmharnisch

Mary Mallory takes a look at the career of Black skating star Mabel Fairbanks, Wonder Girl of the Ice Continue reading →

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on February 9, 2026 by lmharnisch

For Monday, we have a mysterious fellow. Continue reading →

Posted in 1929, Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

February 8, 1920: Police Arrest Men in Girls’ Garb

Posted on February 8, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 1 and continuing: Police arrest 20 men in women’s clothing during a party at the home of former Mayor Arthur Harper. Continue reading →

Posted in #gays and lesbians, Comics, LAPD | 1 Comment

February 8, 1907: Peace Returns to Buena Vista Street

Posted on February 8, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 8, 1907: The death of family matriarch Mrs. James Stewart ends a feud between the Donnatins and the Stewarts over something that Charles Donnatin said to a young woman across the street. Continue reading →

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1944 on the Radio — ‘His Butler’s Sister,’ February 7, 1944

Posted on February 7, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 7, 1944: On the radio dial, Hop Harrigan and Lux Radio Theater presents Deanna Durbin and Pat O’Brien in “His Butler’s Sister. Continue reading →

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February 7, 1907: Cop Killer’s Widow Arrested in Liquor Raid

Posted on February 7, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 7, 1907: Charles Babbitt is sentenced to 30 days in jail on charges of domestic violence after the testimony of his 6-year-old son. “Papa hit me with a whip and it cut my head,” the boy said. “Then he hit mama.” “The man blinked his eyes and said that he did it because he was drunk” The Times says. Continue reading →

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