Oct. 11, 1924 When the U.S. Navy...

Oct. 11, 1924 When the U.S. Navy dirigible Shenandoah landed in San Diego, it was met by wildly enthusiastic city officials and a citizenry “blase to a fault in aeronautical matters,” according to a news report. The trip was part of an 8,100-mile meander from Lakehurst, N.J., to Seattle, Wash., and back again--the longest flight of any airship--to test the performance of a rigid dirigible in all weather conditions. (It barely skimmed the Rockies, at times weighed down by snow.)

The Navy and aviation buffs hailed the flight as a great step forward, and crowds across the country greeted the Shenandoah at various stops. But the people of San Diego, displaying “a rather bored and ennuied air,” did not wait up for its middle-of-the-night arrival, preferring to see it in a local air show the next day. October, 1975 Ten years ago, new 1976 model Buick Skylarks were selling for $3,899. . . . “Ragtime” and “Winning Through Intimidation” headed the Southern California best-seller lists . . .. “The Norman Conquests” was playing at the Ahmanson. . . . Ralphs was selling bread for 29 cents a loaf. . . . A round trip from Los Angeles to London on Pan Am was $349. For $69, Funtours of L.A. offered five sun-drenched days in “a country with a heart”--El Salvador. . . . And George Elkins Co. listed a two-story, five-bedroom (plus den, maid’s room, pool and cabana) Mediterranean-style home on N. Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills for $269,500. Of course, it probably sold for less. Upcoming Tomorrow the San Diego Zoo is open free to all. This once-a-year freebie honors Harry Wegeforth, who founded the San Diego Zoological Society 69 years ago this week. If the throngs around the animals make it difficult to enjoy them, focus on the landscaping instead--there’s no standing in line for the bromeliads. Surprisingly, zoo officials say the landscaping is worth more than the animals. . . . National Metric Week begins today--does anyone care? . . . Thursday is National Kraut Sandwich Day. . . . Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Woo was born on Oct. 8, 1951. . . . Celebrations Goleta Valley Days, Oct. 12-20; call (805) 967-4618 for information. . . Calico Days, Oct. 12-13; (619) 254-2122. . . Indio Pioneer Days, Oct. 11-20; (619) 342-6651.