Community Corner

1957: Father-Son Cowboy Duo Take the Title in State Roping Competition

This story and more as we take a look at what was happening in your neighborhood, this week in 1957.

According to the Spring Valley Bulletin, here's what was happening in and around Spring Valley in 1957:

– Byron Gist, and his son Gary, 12, from Spring Valley, competed in the California Team Roping Champtionships in Oakdale, California. More than 400 cowboys from across the country converged on the tiny town for the three-day competition, which gave away $40,000 in prize money and prizes. Gary was the youngest of all of the competitors. He and Byron won first place in 2 out of 10 different "rounds," taking home $1,253.28, two brand new nylon ropes, and a variety of Western apparel. It is the largest competition of its kind in the country, and prizes included saddles, belt buckles, clothing, and more. The Gists certainly represented Spring Valley well.

 

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– Three La Mesa-Spring Valley School District board members were given raises, after a split vote. Jim Bates, superintendent for buildings and grounds; John Warren, superintendent of accounts; and Lyle Buckley, superintendent of transportation; all received a pay increase, despite some opposition from board members who though the salaries should be reviewed and decided upon during the next fiscal year.

 

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

– Water taxes in the area were raised by 4 cents, after the Helix Irrigation District decided to raise the tax from $1.50 to $1.54 for each customer. The taxes were levied on the unimproved value of all parcels. Customers were given until Nov. 1 to pay the increased tax. El Cajon Annex residents were forced to pay a higher rate, because the El Cajon Valley Irrigation Distritc had already floated an additional bond for construction on a brand new irrigation center. I guess some things never change!

 


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