La Cañada History: Gary Lewis, son of Jerry, performs with band at LCHS

Ten Years Ago

While the city was still waiting to see how — or if — the proposed Town Center would be ever be developed on more than 11 acres then held by La Cañada Properties at Foothill Boulevard and Angeles Crest Highway, the Planning Commission approved the application of Pepe’s Mexican restaurant, which had been operating there for many years, to remodel its building and add an express service window. Not long after that, the restaurant’s owners relocated to Montrose. The Town Center opened three years later, in the summer of 2008.

Twenty Years Ago

A woman living in the Greenridge area near La Cañada Flintridge Country Club was held up by an armed robber as she exited her car upon arrival at her home. Investigators said the shaken victim believed she had been followed to her house by the robber, but she was unable to describe the suspect’s vehicle.

Thirty Years Ago

It was announced that as a result of a $300,000 grant from the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, the new 400-seat auditorium at Flintridge Preparatory School on Crown Avenue would be named the Norris Auditorium. Nearing completion in the spring of 1985, it was expected to be dedicated in May of that year. Kenneth Norris was a 1948 graduate of the local prep school.

Forty Years Ago

St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church parishioners were mourning the unexpected death of their pastor, Father Joseph Eyraud, who died of a heart attack at the age of 62. Bishop John J. Ward was principal celebrant at the Funeral Mass, representing Cardinal Timothy Manning, who was out of town.

Fifty Years Ago

Gary Lewis, son of comedian Jerry Lewis, brought his new band, the Playboys, to La Cañada High School for a performance. Beforehand there was an autograph party held at Audio Corner Jr. on Foothill Boulevard. “This Diamond Ring” was their first hit single.

Sixty Years Ago

Following the announcement in April 1955 that the Salk polio vaccine had been approved and licensed for use by the federal government, plans were made to give the vaccine to La Cañada first- and second-grade students. Of the 657 eligible children, 510 (79%) were given permission slips from their parents for the shot. That the acceptance among local parents of the new vaccine was not higher surprised Supt. of Schools Richard Farmer, who pointed out that more than 90% of the children countywide had signed up to be vaccinated against the dreaded virus.

Compiled by Carol Cormaci