La Cañada History: Pasadena Poly student named ‘Athlete of the Year’

Ten Years Ago

After weather delays, Spirit, the first of twin Mars rover missions managed by JPL, was launched from Cape Canaveral on June 10, 2003. The other rover, Opportunity, was launched later that same month. Although both were intended to explore the Red Planet for just 90 days, they far exceeded expectations. Spirit’s work lasted until March 2010 and Opportunity continues to make discoveries.

Twenty Years Ago

The Valley Sun’s choice for the 1992-93 Athlete of the Year was La Cañada Flintridge resident Erik Heger, a senior at Pasadena Poly. Heger reportedly excelled in all major sports.

Thirty Years Ago

The state Board of Equalization reported that business activity in La Cañada Flintridge had increased by 56.1% over a five-year period. Taxable sales rose from $53.379 million in 1978 to $82.34 million in 1982. Service stations reported the most significant increase in sales.

Forty Years Ago

More than 3,000 people turned out for the 16th annual YMCA Indian Guide-sponsored pancake breakfast, held at the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA. It was the largest turnout to that point in the event’s history. Jerry Wacker, 7, won a bicycle for selling the most tickets — 413.

Fifty Years Ago

Faced with the threat of the area being annexed by Pasadena and/or Glendale, an incorporation committee set up in 1963 by the local chamber of commerce filed a notice of intention to incorporate La Cañada and Flintridge as one independent city.

Sixty Years Ago

Voters in La Crescenta, La Cañada and Altadena voted in favor of a $300,000 bond to help finance infrastructure to bring supplemental Colorado River water from the Metropolitan Water District’s aqueduct near the Rose Bowl to meet the needs of the growing area.