Category Archives: City Hall

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 →

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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 →

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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.

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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.

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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 →

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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

Posted on November 5, 2009 by lmharnisch

Successful businessmen use the Dictaphone. Great lettering, no? Nov. 5, 1919: The City Council gives police officers and firefighters a raise and the attempts to unionize the Police Department collapse.

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Police Officers May Unionize

Posted on November 4, 2009 by lmharnisch

Some aspects of being a parent haven’t changed! Nov. 4, 1919: An attempt is made to organize the Los Angeles Police Department under one of the railway workers’ unions. Over the years, there were several attempts to unionize … Continue reading →

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Delay for Caryl Chessman

Posted on October 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Oct. 22, 1959: President Eisenhower transfers German rocket scientists led by Wernher von Braun from Army jurisdiction to NASA. Luau anyone? The Dodgers submitted a map for their Chavez Ravine ballpark and some of the features were downright headline grabbers. … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Caryl Chessman, City Hall, Dodgers, Downtown, Politics | 2 Comments

President Asks Court to Halt Steel Strike

Posted on October 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

Oct. 20, 1959: No clemency for Caryl Chessman, governor says … Calling it a sad day for America, President Eisenhower tells the Justice Department to seek a federal injunction to halt a strike by the United Steelworkers of America. … Continue reading →

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