Sunny L.A. Has Quite a Snow Day

The sunny Southern California sales pitch that sold train tickets, bungalows and vacant lots by the millions was buried under a blanket of white. In the middle of Los Angeles’ worst housing shortage, more than half an inch of snow covered the Civic Center. In the San Fernando Valley, almost a foot of snow accumulated over three days. The Rose Bowl was transformed into “a dishpan full of milk,” according to one account. An Alhambra hardware store put up a sign: “Snowplows for Rent -- Hurry!” A snowman wearing a sombrero appeared in Eagle Rock, and the city of Reno sent L.A. a snow shovel.