10-20-30 Years Ago

Ten Years Ago: Dr. Charles Elachi was named director of JPL. Elachi, then 53, had served in a variety of capacities at the facility since 1971.

Twenty Years Ago: Detectives were reportedly working with several leads as they tried to solve an arson fire that caused $70,000 in damage to the tiny Epicurean restaurant in the 900 block of Foothill Boulevard. The business, owned by Xiomara Ardolina, was deliberately set by someone using gasoline.

Thirty Years Ago: A 71-year-old La Cañada woman was hospitalized with a fractured pelvis after being struck by a drunk driver while walking across Foothill Boulevard. The woman had just exited a bus and was heading to her home.

Forty Years Ago: Montrose Mounted Posse members took to the bridle trails of La Cañada and Flintridge in late January 1971 as regular horseback patrols were initiated on weekends. The program was expected to run through the end of that summer.

Fifty Years Ago: A new Safeway market opened for business on Verdugo Boulevard immediately west of the community public swimming pool, Indian Springs.

Sixty Years Ago: Manchester Boddy filed a formal application with the county Regional Planning Commission to permit the use of approximately 50 acres of his Rancho del Descanso estate as a public horticultural gardens. An earlier attempt prompted complaints from neighbors who said it would destroy the peace and quiet of the area.