Revenue Forecast for City Sales Tax "Impractical," Panel Says (65 Years Ago)

The yellowed front page of the weekly El Cerrito Journal of Sept. 26, 1946 provides a window into a very different El Cerrito 65 years ago this week. Here's a summary of some highlights:

Fact-Finding Committee to Study City Revenue

A five-person board, appointed to make a "thorough investigation of all possible ways and means to raise additional funds with which to carry out the city's business" reached "complete agreement" on one key topic — that the recently passed half-cent city sales tax would not bring in the predicted $35,000 in revenue.

Departments Under Full Civil Service

For the first time in city history, police officers and firefighters have been granted permanent employment as "patrolmen" and "hosemen" under full civil service status after passing the civil service exam. The police department has a 21-person staff, including two police clerk matrons, and fire department personnel number 18.

Girl Scouts Plan for Busy Evening

Kensington Girl Scout Troop 61 has big plans for Saturday night: a hayride, a barbeque and a dance. The plans were laid under the leadership of Mrs. George F. Cake of Kensington and Mrs. L.S. Case of Oakland. (Some Patch readers may recall that Mrs. Cake's husband, George F. Cake, was in our 65-years-ago-this-week feature two weeks ago. He was on the front page after a sub-machine gun, grenades and dummy bombs were stolen from the trunk of his car at the Mira Vista Country Club.)

Dugan Expresses Thanks to Public

The president of the El Cerrito Fireman's Association, William Dugan, offered his deep appreciation to the hundreds of supporters who made the annual Firemen's Ball a big success. The event "marked a new high in enjoyment and financial benefit." Merchants, housewives and others made the event the best in many years, Dugan said.

George Connors Is Grateful for Votes

"I wish to express to the voters who voted for me at the election of the Stege Sanitary District, which returned me to the membership on the Stege Sanitary District Board, my deep appreciation and gratitude."

George Connors

Mrs. H.A. Lathe Has Sister as Guest

Mrs. A.C. Lundberg and small son Alan of San Dimas flew home last Thursday after being the houseguests of her sister, Mrs. Howard A. Lathe.

Blicqs Return From Trip

Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Blicq motored through Oregon, Washington and into Canada and then returned home.