La Cañada History: Enchanted Railroad makes its inaugural run through Descanso Gardens
Ten Years Ago
La Cañada students had mixed results in the 2006 state testing for physical fitness in public schools. Testing was conducted in the fifth, seventh and ninth grades. In La Cañada, 44.4% of fifth-graders met minimum goals, 19.9% of seventh-graders did and testing of the ninth grade showed 28% met the standards. Statewide, the averages were 25.6% for fifth grade, 29.6% for seventh grade and 27.4% for ninth grade.
Twenty Years Ago
The inaugural run of Descanso Gardens’ new Enchanted Railroad, a miniature locomotive and train valued at $100,000, took place in late November 1996. Its installation in La Cañada was made possible through the generosity of filmmakers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy. The mini-train is an authentic scale model of one that traveled America’s rails during the 1960s and ‘70s.
Thirty Years Ago
Officials with the city of La Cañada Flintridge announced all major power line under-grounding on Foothill Boulevard would be accomplished by 1988, bringing to fruition a 14-year dream of the La Cañada Valley Beautiful Committee.
Forty Years Ago
High winds hit the Southland, downing trees and power lines in La Cañada, including a large oak tree in the 2100 block of Lyans Drive. Descanso Gardens also reported that three of its mature ash trees had come down during the storm.
Fifty Years Ago
Vandals who broke into Foothill Intermediate School on Cornishon Avenue, then serving as La Cañada Unified’s middle school, spray-painted nine classroom doors with blue paint. Nothing was reported stolen, but the suspects were believed to have also spoiled at least $44 worth of frozen food that had been stored in the cafeteria. One month later, three La Cañada High School male students were apprehended after tearing up a number of FIS classrooms, causing $988 in damages.
Sixty Years Ago
La Cañada residents who petitioned for stop signs to be installed at the intersection of Lyans Drive and Lone Pine Lane received discouraging news from county officials who turned thumbs down to the idea.
Compiled from the Valley Sun archives by Carol Cormaci.
