The now yellowed front page of the weekly El Cerrito Journal on this date, Feb. 3, in 1949 provides a snapshot of community issues and local organizations just before the 20th century reached its halfway mark. The banner headline across the top of the page announced the opening day of the "49ER BARGAIN BONANZA," the first citywide sale in El Cerrito history. Here are some of the actual headlines from the Journal's front page, followed by our brief summaries of the articles:

Citywide Sale First in Cerrito History

Beginning today shoppers at participating El Cerrito businesses will enjoy scores of economic suprises when they find discounted items marked as "Gold Nugget Specials" with yellow tags. The promotion – sponsored by the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce, the El Cerrito Merchants Association and the El Cerrito Journal – is designed to encourage area residents to shop local. Chamber President Ira E. Scott pointed out that 10 pounds of potatoes can be bought just as cheaply in El Cerrito as they can in neighboring cities.

Cerrito Police Crack Down on Speeders

Drivers who speed in residential areas "are in for serious consideration at the hands of the local police department." Surveys and many complaints point to a problem of motorists speeding on Fairmount and Stockton avenues bear the brunt of the problem, while newly paved Barrett Avenue also is seeing reports of it being used as a speedway. San Pablo Avenue has seen fewer complaints because of traffic lights controlling vehicle speed.

Cugley Entrant Will Represent El Cerrito at Chinchilla Show

The craze for raising chinchillas will see area residents represented at the fourth annual Northern California Chincilla Show at the Aquatic Park building in San Francisco on Feb. 6. The show will include pictures and a replica of the area of South America where chinchillas orginated, as well as the most up-to-date pens and equipment. An estimated 15 to 30 top-grade chinchillas from El Cerrito and Richmond will be displayed as well.

Increased Demand for Dancing Starts Class

Due to increased demand, yet another folkdancing class has been added by the Richmond Evening school at Fairmont School in El Cerrito. The beginning folkdancing class meets 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Other beginning classes meet at the recreation building at Sixth Street and Main in Richmond, at Woodrow Wilson school, at Kensington school and at the Harbor Gate recreation building.

• Click here for other vignettes of El Cerrito history. You can find some back issues of the El Cerrito Journal at the Shadi Historical Room at City Hall, open to the public on the third Thursday of each month, 4:30-6 p.m.