Category Archives: City Hall

In Support of Libraries and Librarians

Posted on March 7, 2010 by lmharnisch

Photograph by Carolyn Kellogg / Los Angeles Times The downtown public library, which survived a devastating fire, is now threatened with budget cutbacks and layoffs. The Daily Mirror is a big supporter of libraries and librarians, and we’re utterly opposed … Continue reading →

Posted in books, City Hall | 2 Comments

LAPD Chief Wants More Officers

Posted on March 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

“The Days of Real Sport,” by Clare Briggs. March 5, 1920: Police Chief Home appeals to the City Council for 300 more officers because so many have been transferred to the Central Division from more rural areas. Recall the … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, LAPD | Comments Off

Lummis Quits Library Job

Posted on March 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

March 5, 1910: This was one of those days when there were too many good stories to focus on one: Charles Lummis resigns as city librarian … a veterinarian's assistant dies a horrible death after being bitten by a … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, books, City Hall, Front Pages, Science | Comments Off

Higgins Building to Add Two Floors

Posted on March 2, 2010 by lmharnisch

March 1, 1910: Thomas Higgins is adding two floors to his building at 2nd and Main streets. A century later, downtown hipsters will thank him! On the jump, police make a terrible blunder in putting officers in Chinatown back … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, City Hall, Downtown, LAPD | Comments Off

New Chief Shakes Up Police Department

Posted on February 24, 2010 by lmharnisch

Feb. 24, 1910: This was one of those days when it was impossible to pick one story over the others. New Police Chief Alexander Galloway orders a cleanup of the notoriously filthy City Jail … officials report a new … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, City Hall, LAPD | Comments Off

Crackdown on Gambling in Chinatown

Posted on February 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

Feb. 17, 1910: The legal fight escalates between police and business owners over gambling in Chinatown. Note the reference to Sgt. Charles Sebastian, who became police chief in 1911 and mayor in 1915.

Posted in #courts, City Hall, LAPD | Comments Off

New LAPD Chief Takes Office

Posted on February 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

Feb. 16, 1910: Police Chief Alexander Galloway receives his badge and is told that it will allow him free passage on all the streetcars. The chief says that if a conductor insists, he’ll pay rather than risk getting into … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, LAPD, Transportation | Comments Off

Businessman Chosen as LAPD Chief

Posted on February 15, 2010 by lmharnisch

Feb. 15, 1910: Los Angeles gets a new police chief, Alexander Galloway, a former railroad executive with no law enforcement experience. “Chief Galloway is about 55 years of age, of Scotch descent. He is not a typical policeman in … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Film, Food and Drink, LAPD, Stage | Comments Off

Mayor Seeks Money for More Police Officers

Posted on February 15, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Who’s Afraid of Ghost Stories?” by R.F. Outcault. Feb. 15, 1920: City officials say they desperately need more police officers but don’t have the money for their salaries. The Times suggests an answer – in a news story rather … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, City Hall, Comics, LAPD | Comments Off

Officers Suspended Over Prostitution Investigation

Posted on February 14, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Florodora” is at the Grand Operahouse. The “Florodora” girls are in town and “A Clubman” catches up with them – or tries to. Feb. 14, 1910: Police Officers Bowman and Whaling were suspended after reporting a brothel on Jackson … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Food and Drink, LAPD, Nightclubs, Stage | Comments Off

Matt Weinstock, Feb. 12, 1960

Posted on February 12, 2010 by lmharnisch

Hollywood Countdown Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin, retired Army chief of research and development, related wryly yesterday that MGM almost launched the nation's first satellite in 1957. Producer Andy Stone, he recalled, was bringing out a movie about … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Columnists, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off

Police Commission to Select New Chief

Posted on January 29, 2010 by lmharnisch

Jan. 29, 1910: The Times reports on possible candidates to replace Police Chief Edward F. Dishman, who was removed without explanation by the Police Commission on Jan. 25, 1910. Dishman was succeeded by Police Chief Alexander Galloway. Galloway … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, LAPD, Politics | Comments Off

Jurors Visit Murder House

Posted on January 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

Jan. 6, 1960: “Mexico acknowledged the serious problem of illegal narcotics crossing the border and in a major concession accepted a U.S. proposal to exchange narcotics enforcement agents as the two-day conference between representatives of both governments adjourned today.” “Tears … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, City Hall, Comics, Dodgers, Front Pages, Homicide, Politics, Sports | Comments Off

City Council Leaves Office After Three Years

Posted on January 2, 2010 by lmharnisch

The Times profiles four airplanes that will take part in the upcoming Aviation Meet: the Curtiss and Farman biplanes and the Bleriot and Antoinette monoplanes. Jan. 2, 1910: The entire Los Angeles City Council leaves office after three years. I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Politics, Transportation | Comments Off

Minister Vanishes After Predicting Christ’s Return on Christmas Day

Posted on December 27, 2009 by lmharnisch

Dec. 27, 1909: A mob in Hurley, Va., lynches Henry Pennington after he killed Samuel Baker, who was on his way to a Christmas program with his family. Pennington had run away, but Baker’s wife tricked him into coming back … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Downtown, Food and Drink, LAPD | Comments Off

Christmas, 1959

Posted on December 25, 2009 by lmharnisch

Photograph by the Los Angeles Times Dec. 25, 1959: City Hall is lighted, as usual, for Christmas. The tradition was discontinued in the 1970s after a long court battle.

Posted in #courts, City Hall, Religion | Comments Off

51 Held in Gambling Raids

Posted on December 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

“Oh, Man” by Clare Briggs. Dec. 22, 1919: Detectives with the help of the “purity squad” raid several fan tan games and arrest 51 people. Notice the detectives’ names, especially that of McAfee, who is the infamous Guy McAfee. The … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, City Hall, Comics, LAPD, Obituaries | 1 Comment

Man Seeks Former Comrade in Arms

Posted on December 4, 2009 by lmharnisch

The Republicans hold a dinner in support of George A. Smith for mayor. Despite strong backing from The Times, Smith was defeated Dec. 8, 1909, by George Alexander. Alexander, in turn lost the mayor’s race to H.H. Rose in … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, City Hall, Politics | Comments Off

Dodgers Deliver Plans for Stadium

Posted on November 5, 2009 by lmharnisch

Nov. 5, 1959: An artist’s concept of Dodger Stadium. Look at all the parking! "We have submitted plans for what we believe will be the most beautiful sports stadium in the world, in keeping with the best interest … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, broadcasting, City Hall, Dodgers, Richard Nixon, Sports, Television | 1 Comment

Council OKs Raises for Police, Firefighters; Union Effort Collapses