Santa Cruz Sentinel from Santa Cruz, California • Page 1

CALIF. STATE LIBRARY SACRAMENTO, Guaranteed Paid Circulation of tht Sentinel News vesterday was WEATHER REPORT Monterey Bay Area Considerable cloudiness tonight and Saturday; Little change in temperature; moderate westerly winds. Temperature for 24-hour period ended at 5 p. m. Thursday: Maximum 54, minimum 33.

10,375 MISSED PAPER vou Phone 3600 before 6:30 a special messenger wilJ delivei a Sentinel-News- to vou ti vou live within citv limits 93rd Year No. 313 SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 194 5c gSSa4SSa.y EIGHTEEN PAGES fo) i 1-1 mntm STATE ma Ml (Dapitraiipe NORTHWESTERf ELI EM 742,929 MDJ Ed Fields, For 60 Years A Part Of The Local Scene, Long Time Sentinel Associate, Succumbs FAVORED BEARS local mm CT1H Both Squads In Tip-Top Shape For 35th Annual Rose Bowl Game at 4:30 and was at the office before 6 o'clock every, morning, Sunday included, working until everyone else had left, and there was no more to be done. On Sundays, however, he worked only until 8 a. and then went to the Advent Christian church, where he was a faithful and active member. In 1911 he was elected secretary of the church.

Until his retirement in January, 1941, because of ill health, it is said the Ed had only three vacations the last in 1915 when he took five days to go to the San Francisco World's fair. He became interested in the printing business when he saw an aunt, Mrs. A. J. Holmes of Santa Pasadena, Dec.

31 (UP) Their attacks all polished up like shining new cars, and their defenses drilled down to perfection, the California and Northwestern football juggernauts relaxed today in preparation for their grid titanic here tomorrow the 35th annual Rose Bowl extravaganza. The Wildcats of Northwestern, who have been beaten by Michigan and Notre Dame this year, are 6Jfe point favorites over the undefeated California Bears. The favoritism probably is based upon results of the last two games in the Rose Bowl in which Illinois and Michigan, on successive years, shellacked the Pacific coast conference repre- tatives. I A A- nnn Residential Building On Par With Last Year; Commercial Increases Building permits during 1948 carried a total value of $5,742,929, an all-time record in the history of this city. This was announced today by Building Inspector Malcolm Sinclair.

The figures exceed by almost $1,000,000 the previous record of $4,803,065, set in 1947. Total number of permits issued actually decreased' this year from the previous total of lo98 to this year's 1227, Sinclair reported. This holds true for all classifications with the exception of new non-residential construction which increased from 234 to 239. This includes the $300,000 municipal sewage treatment plant, which was "the largest permit issued during the period. New residential building fell off slightly.

The 1948 total amounted to $3,568,920, while the the 1947 figure reached $3,643,457. This was matched by the remodel lOfl DiaaiJ few--- v'A and repair permits on residential! buildings which went from last year's $320,350 to the 1948 total of $318,998. An increase of more than one million dollars was recorded in the non-residential bracket. New construction totaled $1,637,012, while 1947 only had $633,601. Remodeling and repair to nonresidential buildings also increased to $178,261 from the 1947 figure of S160.633.

Signs amounted to $33,984, as compared with a previous total of $35,734. Demolitions came to $5754, a sharp decline from the 1947 total of $9290. Here is the total number of permits issued in each classification this year, with last year's figures in parenthesis: New residential, 362 (398). Remodel and repair, residential, 331 (388). New non-residential, 239 (234).

Remodel and repair, non-residential, 168 (198). Signs, 92 (110). Demolitions, 35 (70). Russia Clamps Economic Lid On Yugoslavia London, Dec. 31 (U.R) Russia climaxed a months-long feud with the Belgrade regime of Marshal Tito today by applying virtual economic sanctions against Yugoslavia.

Moscow announced that economic co-operation between Russia and Yugoslavia was all but over. A Tass dispatch broadcast from Moscow blamed the course of events on "the unfriendly policy of the Yugoslav government toward the Soviet Union." For the first time the feud was lifted from the realm of the Communist party and Cominform dialectics and placed on the government level. Tass reported that a new trade agreement between Russia and Yugoslavia for 1949 was signed in Moscow last Monday. The foreign trade ministry said Yugoslav would get only one-eighth as much goods as heretofore. Walter ILentz ISesigns Post Los Angeles, Dec.

31 (U.R) The resignation of Walter H. Lentz, chief enforcement officer for California, was announced today by Attorney General Fred N. Howser. Lentz said in his letter of resignation he had enjoyed his association with the attorney general and that Howser had been "most understanding and considerate of our mutual problems." Employment m. I Office Gets New Manager Gerald Woodman of the state de partment of employment office of Eureka has been named manager of the Santa Cruz office, effective to morrow, according to information from Charles F.

B. Roeth, area manager at San Francisco. P. H. "Pat" McDowell, present employment service manager, will retain his present status, but will be assistant to Woodman, he said this morning.

The local office at 133 Quintana street formerly had eight employes in the unemployment insurance and job placement departments and now there will be five, 3IcDowell said. The change here is part of consolidation of state workers in 125 offices from Eureka to San Luis Obispo. Under the new plan all activities will be carried on under one manager. McDowell said that Mrs. Ann Buchanan left in November.

She was in charge of the farm labor section. She is taking a position with the social welfare department shortly. John Neef, an interviewer, who has been here more than three years, has been transferred to San Jose. Mrs. Elizabeth MacGibbon, unemployment insurance section manager, has also been transferred to San Jose.

McDowell said Woodman will arrive in Santa Cruz Monday. The Eureka man has been wtih the state service for 11 years. Plan Changes in State Offifce At Watsonville Watson ville, Dec. 31 (U.R Under the streamlined operation of the field offices of the state depart ment of employment beginning January 1. employes in the Watsonville office will be cut from 12 to six and the office will be under direction of A.

L. Piedmonte, now of Monterey, it was revealed here. T. G. Cogswell, who has been in charge of job replacement, and Alice blair, director of unemployment insurance, will continue as unemployment security officers in the new setup, it was declared.

Don't Mix Your Drinking With Your Driving Driving and drinking do not mix, so let's keep them apart and celebrate a joyous and safe Year's. This is the plea issued today by Chief Al Huntsman of the Santa Cruz police. Huntsman pointed to the good safety record of Santa Cruz during the recent Christmas week-end, and asked that this be repeated this week-end. Let's start the New Year with empty emergency wards, jails, and mortuaries, the police chief pleaded. Let our first New Year's resolution be the determination of every driver to contribute his share to an orderly holiday free of tra gedy.

seii-oui crow a oi nas been assured for the engagement ever since the two teams were se lected and rain or snme (the weather man just says the huge oval will be jampacked. Tickets are being scalped at $50 per pair. Both coaches Lynn Waldorf of California, and Bob Voigts oL lxormwesiern nave reiusea to come right out and predict a victory. Says Waldorf: "I'll settle for a one-point win." Voigts echoes the sentiment. The two teams worked out in the Rose Bowl yesterday, testing the turf and the atmosphere.

Both teams came off the field Northwestern in the afternoon, and California in the morning pronouncing everything in readiness for the crucial clash that closes out the 1948 grid campaign. The probable starting lineups were announced with both coaches naming offensive teams. Waldorf selected for the Bears: Frank Van Deren and John Cunningham at ends; Gene Fras-setto and Jim Cullom at tackles; Rod Franz and Jon Baker at guards and Doug Duncan at center. Dick Erickson will go at quarter; Billy Main at left half; Jack Swaner at right half; and Ail-American 'Jackie at full. Voigts countered with a back-field made up of Don Burson at quarter; Frank Aschenbrenner at left half; Ed Tunnicliff at right half; and power-driving Art Mura-kow-ski at full.

In the line will be Joe Zuravleff and Chuck Hagmann at ends; Steve Sawle and Rudy Cer-noch at tackles; Fatson Day and Ed Nemeth at guards; and the great Alex Sarkisian at center. Both clubs are in tip-top condition, mentally and physically, and neither will have any alibi because of player shortages. On the basis of their past records, most of the play is expected to take place on the ground. The Wildcats and the Bears had woefully weak aerial attacks during the past season and great success sticking to the ground. Off that, the game may develop into a battle of ball-packing between Jensen of the Bears and Murakowski for the big nine team.

These two lads both have the ability for sensational performers and this is the time they may choose to give their best. State Liquor Revenue Drops Sacramento, Dec. 31 (U.R) State liquor tax revenues dropped "sharply" during October to the second lowest point in four years, but it didn't necessarily mean Cali-fornians cut down on their drinking, the state board of equalization announced today. Board Member James H. Quinn, Oakland, said tax assessments for October totalled $1,269,522 or less than 60 per cent of the $1,919,470 collected the same month a year earlier.

They were down to less than 77 per cent of the September of 1948 assessment of $1,306,735, he said. CHOSEN PRESIDENT PROTEM Washington, Dec. 31 (U.R)-Sen. Kenneth McKellar, today was chosen president pro tern in the new congress which convenes Monday. IEsiipee Hollister, Dec.

31 (U.R) Three desperate convicts were back in Soledad medium security prison today after an unsuccessful escape attempt involving kidnaping, robbery, car theft and assault with a deadly weapon. All three, two of them notorious Oklahoma kidnapers, were captured without a struggle after they kidnaped a prison trusty, trussed up the wife and daughter of the Greenfield, police chief, and stole the chief's car, coat and gun. The men, described by prison officials as "dangerous," were identified as Arthur Wilson, 37, a strong-arm bandit, and the notorious Graimes brothers, Robert, 34, and Olen, 37. The latter pair were convicted of kidnaping in 1938 in Yuba county. They were captured after a wild two-hour manhunt when the police chief's stolen car ran out of gas 15 miles south of here.

Wilson walked into a road block while looking for a service station, and the officers found the other two by backtracking on him. The men were on an outside "honor system" work detail when they escaped. They were sent to pick up a truck load of fertilizer, chauffered by Trusty Carl Suckow, 30. After leaving the prison they held a knife to Sukow's throat and forced him to drive to Greenfield. There they broke into the home of Police Chief Tom Wilder, apparently not knowing it was a police officer's home.

Wilder was absent. The men trussed up Wilder's wife. May Bell, and her two and a half year old daughter. They also tied Sukow. They left with Wilder's car, gun and uniform coat, but reached the end of the trail when the car ran out of gas.

New Postage Rates Start On Saturday Postal rate changes in Santa Cruz and all over the nation which will add an estimated $125,000,000 to the nation's mailing bill become effective tomorrow. The increases concern a long list of postal services. One major change is the boost of the air mail letter rate from five to six cents. Dan Wright, assistant postmaster, today warned patrons that air mail letters with five cent stamps will be returned. Wright said the change at first will be an inconvenience to persons accustomed to the old rate of five cents and urged patrons to be certain they affix a six-cent stamp.

"The law says we can only return mail without the necessary postage," he remarked. Recover Stolen Taxi Cab Here A taxi belonging to the G. I. cab company which was stolen here at 4:30 a. m.

today was recovered abandoned on Brookside avenue about 8 a. police reported. The white 1948 Chevrolet cab had been parked at the cab stand on Pacific avenue when Dispatcher Porky Silva noticed its absence. Police immediately sent out warnings to surrounding areas and the highway patrol, but was advised that the cab had not been seen on either the Los Gatos highway or the Watsonville road. A patrol car spotted the taxi some hours later on Brookside avenue.

No damage to the vehicle was reported. Marina Kosyetz Will Appear In Concert Monday Because of the serious illness of Ellabella Davis, American Negro soprano who was to have presented the third concert in the series of the 1948-49 Civic Music association Monday, a substitution has been made. Marina Kosyetz, soprano, highly praised by critics for her artistry, will substitute for Miss Davis. Miss Kosyetz ranks high in the field of entertainment, and the local association is happy to secure her for the Monday concert. Following word from the New York managers of the association a meeting of the local officers was held and telegrams immediately dispatched to secure an artist of wide reputation to fill the emergency.

EXECUTED San Quentin, Dec. 31 (U.R) Robert F. Mehaffey, 38, was executed in the state prison lethal gas chamber today for the San Bernardino county murder of Lewis David Edds, 69, Maywood, steel worker. Edwin Wilfred Fields, 80 whose life for 53 years was closely associated ith the Santa Cruz Sentinel, before it merged with The News, died this morning at a local rest home. Ed Fields, who for more than half a century served as machinist, plant superintendent, job department manager, partner, and "general factotem" for the Sentinel, was a smiling, almost shy man, little given to aimless chatter, and far more concerned with his endless tasks than with his own importance.

Born May 3, 1868, on a farm near Elgin, 111., he came to Santa Cruz with his parents in 1885. They purchased a home at 29 Campbell street. On May 7, 1888, Ed started work on the Sentinel, then owned by Duncan McPherson, grandfather of the present publisher, and Charles W. Waidron. Although he started when all type was hand-set, he systematically set to work to learn all the mechanics and intricacies of the linotype, when it was installed in the plant, and it became a recognized fact that "the young fellow could fix anything; he was a man of a hundred tasks and master of them all." Nearly as well known as Ed was his red bicycle, which for five decades (with the aid of replacements and repairs) he rode around the streets of the city, to the bank, the postoffice, the courthouse trips being made more frequently than not as a favor to someone.

Ed, it was often repeated, was the man who cheerfully did everything no one else wanted to do. Ed and his bicycle became nearly a legend, as did the report that he worked day after day with probably less sleep than anyone else on the staff. He arose (CMasag I Nanking, Dec. 31. (U.R) Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek bid for peace with the Chinese Communists tonight in a history-making New Year's statement.

China's nationalist leader for the past 21 years did not use the word "resignation" in his statement, but he indicated clearly that he would be willing to step down and perhaps to leave the country if an honorable negotiated peace could be obtained from the Communists. But he warned that if the Communists are "not sincerely desirous of peace" then the Nationalist government, "with no other alternative will fight them to the It is taken for granted in all Chinese and foreign quarters here that the Communists never would consider negotiating with a Nationalist government headed by Chiang. Indicating in this connection that he would be prepared to resign if peace were possible, the 62-year-old generalissimo said: "If peace can be secured I am not at all concerned with my own position. In this I will follow only the consensus of the people. Farm Prices Lowest Since Febrnary 47 Washington, Dec.

31 (JP) Farm prices in mid-December averaged the lowest since February, 1947, the agriculture department reported today. The department's all-commodity index dropped three points from November to December. The decline resulted largely from lower prices for eggs, meat animals, cotton, and cotton seed. The decline more than offset price increases for oranges, rice, turkeys and truck crops. The index now stands at 268 per cent of the ugust 1909-July 1914 base period.

This is 13 per cent or 39 points below the record high of 307, reached in January, 1948. The parity index, representing prices paid by farmers, including interest and taxes, remained unchanged at 247 per cent of its 1910-14 average. This is only 1.6 per cent below the high reached in January 1948. Declines in rural living costs, mainly lower food prices, offset increased prices for feed. 56 New Plants In Bay Area San Francisco, Dec.

30 (U.R) A capital investment of $5,953,800 in the 12 counties of the Bay Area was represented by 56 new and expanded plants listed during November by the industrial department of the San Francisco chamber of com merce. linn iLaso; Session Washington, Dec. 31 U.R) The Republican 80th congress which President Truman called the worst in history convened at noon today for its last session. Repudiated in the November elections, the GOP-controlled senate and house had only a few minor items of business and a final round of oratory to dispose of before quitting for good. The new 81st congress convenes at noon Monday, January 3, with the Democrats in control of both houses.

Today's meeting was fixed last summer in the resolution which recessed the special session called by President Truman after the national conventions. The Republicans' last hours of political control were marred by an intra-party move to push Sen. Robert A. Taft out of the GOP driver's seat. ICC Approves Increase In Freight Hates Washington, Dec.

31 (U.R) Freight rate increases ranging from four to six per cent have been authorized by the interstate commerce commission. They will bring treight carriers an additional $425,000,000 annually. The commission, in a unanimous decision, approved the increase late yesterday, pending hearings of the railway carriers' petition for a nationwide boost of 13 per cent. At the same time the commission authorized the Railway Express Agency to apply its so-called western rates to the entire nation. This would raise the company's revenue by an estimated $7,000,000 a year.

The freight order applies to water carriers and freight forwarders as well as railway carriers. The carriers were authorized to put the higher rates into effect upon five days' rotice. Astronomers View Huge Sun Spot Pasadena, Dec. 31 f.P) California Institute of Technology astronomers concluded observations yes-ter on the largest sunspot to occur in solar space since the record one of April, 1947. Dr.

Seth Nicholson said the spot, which was first sighted December 19 and disappeared Wednesday, covered an estimated three billion square miles and was 150,000 miles long. This spot caused very little disturbance, however, in the earth's magnetic field. Dr. Nicholson said the sunspot, which was visible to the naked eye through sunglasses or photographic film, will reappear January 13. "One of the mysteries of the cosmos, sunspots can best be described as solar storms or disturbances in the solar atmosphere," he said.

Same Prices For New Year's Celebrations By United Prest New Year's Eve celebrants will pay about the same prices as last year for dinner, drinks and entertainment, a spot check of representative cities showed today. The cross country survey, which included swank supper clubs and other spots not so swank, disclosed few price increases and some reductions. Most night dub proprietors anticipated sii eable crowds, despite a reported drop in business recently. A few spots said the rush for reservations is even heavier than last year. Others, however, reported that the demand is lagging slightly behind.

The Hotel Association of New York City said reservations were slightly ahead of last year's pace. Prices in New York will range from $2 cover charges at less pretentious places to a top of $30 including a full course dinner at a few select spots. The spot check showed these trends in other cities: San Francisco Business recently has dropped off in some spots to the point where waiters can play gin rummy at corner tables, but all of the big hotels and nightclubs expect New Year's Eve sellouts. The average price in these places is abr at the same as last year, running $11 per person. The Mark Hopkins hotel, which anticipates a bigger crowd than last iyear, cut prices S3 per person but offers less dinner selection.

Los Angeles Hollywood and I Los Angeles night spots reported i conflicting trends on reservations. Club Mocambo said reserations are selling 10 to 15 per cent ahead of last year, and that business generally has been better. The Bar of Music said reservations were off about 15 to 20 per cent. Both said prices will be the same as last year. Earl Carroll's said reservations were moving 10 per cent ahead of last year, but cut prices from $10 to $7.50 per person.

I I CdCMI At Capitola City Meet With 90 persons present in the new community hall last night, a discussion of the benefits of incorporation of Capitola was held at the session i to tne incorporation election next Tuesday. The meeting was advertised as an open forum and opposition speakers were invited. No one pres ent voiced outright opposition, a situation the same as at a number of other meetings this fall. William Draycott acted as moderator and candidates for the various city offices spoke. The session was sponsored by the chamber of commerce.

Speakers included: M. E. Adamson, Jack Rosensteel, Bradby MacDonald, Joe Tabbach-ini, William Draycott, Guy Bigbee, Harlan P. Kessler, W. W.

Morey, E. M. Gramm, Frank Britain, and "Doc" Henry. At the special election Tuesday voters will decide the issue of making Capitola into a separate city of the sixth class. Now the community is governed by the Soquel district supervisor.

$70,000 Fire At Hotel Huntington Pasadena, Dec. 31 A $70,000 fire destroyed most of a two-apartment cottage at Hotel Huntington last night, routing wealthy guests. Much of the cottage's interior furnishings were saved by hotel guests including some members of the Northwestern football team. Howevtr, hotel officials said a valuable collection of rare antique Italian furniture was lost. John Payson Adams of San Jose, and his wife, the former Muriel Vanderbuilt, wealthy horse breeders who occupied the second apartment, were out at the time.

Cause of the fire was undetermined. Offices, Stores Closed Tomorrow City, county, state, and federal offices will be closed all day tomorrow, New Year's Day, it was announced. Most stores also have announced that they will be closed. The post office also will be closed, and there will be no mail deliveries Saturday. Other fights are forecast over health insurance, highway legislation and small loan laws.

Warren has announced he again will sponsor a health insurance bill, to pay the costs of serious illnesses. Health measures he backed were beaten in 1945 and 1947. Attempts will be made to change the Collier-Burns Act of 1947, which increased the gasoline tax by IV2 cents a gallon and increased taxes on trucks and private cars. Opponents of the governor have charged mismanagement of small loan acts. Administered by Corporation Commission E.

M. Daugh-erty who has Warren's backing. A deputy appointed by Atty. Gen. Fred N.

Howser to investigate small loan administration has proposed a new agency set up to handle loan affairs. Warren will detail his legislative program in a message he will deliver personally to the legislature Monday. The houses will organize at noon, members will be sworn in and officers elected and then a joint session will convene to hear the governor. 1 ectn JEdwin W. Fields Cruz, setting type by hand.

He first went to work for the Owens brothers' print shop. His marriage, when 22 years old, to Eva Viola Gustafson, took place September 17, 1890, in Santa Cruz. They had two daughters, Esther, now Mrs. Russell Rice, and Florence Edna, who died in infancy. Mrs.

Fields died several years ago. Besides his daughter, he leaves two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Sawyer, Santa Cruz, and Mrs. Clara Young, San Francisco: and two nephews in Santa Cruz, Preston Sawyer, employee of the Sentinel-News, and Ariel Sawyer. His death followed a stroke suffered on December 21.

Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from White's chapel, and interment will take place in Oakwood cemetery. Mother Earth Has Rumbles But Not Near Santa Cruz Berkeley, Dec. 31 (U.R) A light earthquake, apparently centering in the California coastal area 180 miles south of here, shook the Monterey Bay area today. The quake, recorded by University of California seismographs at 7:36.26 a.m. (PDT) was felt in Monterey, Carmel, Hollister, Fort Ord, San Luis Obispo and as far northward as Santa Rosa, 35 miles north of here.

There was only one report in Santa Cruz that the quake was felt here. This was on Escalona drive. When a quake is large enough to rattle dishes there are numerous inquiries made by phone to the Sentinel-News. This morning Lydia Goodman, Sentinel-News telephone operator, received no calls on the subject of earthquakes. The temblor was not felt in the downtown or Seabright sections.

It was felt at Big Sur. University seismologists first reported the shock centered in the vicinity of Reno, which since Monday night has been rocked by a series of more than 50 quakes. Later, however, after Reno reported it had not experienced a temblor this morning and after reports came in from the Monterey Bay area that a quake had been felt, seismologists placed the epicenter of the temblor near Park-field, about 180 miles south of here. Seismologists explained they thought the quake was near Reno because the Verdi fault line, which has been active In western Nevada for the past five days, also is approximately 180 miles from Berkeley. Sentinel-News Office Closed New Year's Day The Sentinel-News business office and the job printing department ill be closed all day Saturday in observation of the New Years holiday, Publisher Fred McPherson Jr.

aniounced. Sunday's Sentinel-News will be published and delivered as usual. Money Problems To Feature Hot Session Of State Legislature By Lloyd Lapham United Press Slaff Correspondent Sacramento, Dec. 31 (U.R) The California legislature opens its 1949 regular session here Monday and predictions are it will be one of the hottest sessions in years. The state has money problems partly because of the passage of the new pension proposition and partly because normal state spending is catching up with wartime and postwar increase in tax revenues.

State tax officials see no way out of an increase in taxes. At least the main state taxes will have to be restored to their prewar level, which includes a cent increase in the sales tax, they predict. And, Gov. Earl Warren may have to recommend further increases or new taxes to achieve a balanced budget, it was predicted. One group in the legislature is eyeing some $400,000,000 in reserves for buildings, emergencies and other purposes for use instead of raising taxes.

Warren has declared he will fight to hold the reserves for their original purposes. Pictorial Review of 1948 Eight pages of local pictures. The Sentinel-News reviews 1948 today with a special eight-page picture section, highlighting the local happenings of the year. Some of the pictures we believe are outstanding examples of newspaper photography. During the past year the Sentinel-News has presented the greatest photographic coverage in the history of the county.

We have a staff of four photographers available for news pictures, utilizing the latest in photographic equipment under the leadership of Ed Webber. Engraver'Ray Verdier has enlarged his engraving plant with the most modern equipment available. 4 A limited number of extra copies of the Sentinel-News' pictorial review of 1948 are available at the business office and newsstands. Best Wishes For Jam flew.