anaheim-gazette 1956-04-05

City Council to Investigate Homeowners' High Tax Problem Possibly setting a precedence among city governments, Anaheim City Councilmen, at the council meeting last Tuesday evening, unanimously resolved to take city-wide action and appeal to the county to end the alleged abuses of real estate salesmen who are selling homes in the many subdivisions in and around Anaheim. Several months ago the Orange County Taxpayers' Association was formed by new home owners who banded together in order to fight the inequality of the tax structure as relating to the new homes. The sales, it is claimed, were misrepresented to the prospective home owners when salesmen used the lowest possible real property tax figures obtainable in quoting the taxes to the buyers. When the current tax bills were received, the raise in taxes and other hidden charges had reached a figure as high as $24 per month. Mrs. John Ojalla of Fullerton, president of the county organization, said that many new home owners were moving out of newly purchased homes after being hit by the unexpected raise in monthly payments. Others, she said, continued to make the payments under "real hardship". Reports are that charges other than explainable tax raises are being added with no satisfactory explanation from the mortgage companies. She stated further that most of the home owners would never have purchased these homes if they had known the payments they were going to have to make. The councilmen, in discussion of the problem, cited lack of adequate regulation by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and the State Kuchel Proposes Bill to Assist in Flood Control Work A new law through which the Army Engineers could construct small flood control works without waiting for time-consuming action on omnibus authorization bills which Congress enacts every few years has been demanded by Senator Thomas H. Kuchel of California as an aftermath of Christmas floods in central and northern California and fast growth of residential communities on southern California foothills areas. Kuchel, who is co-sponsor of a proposed law designed to keep flood prevention activities in pace with expansion of cities and development of new farming areas, told the Senate Public Works Committee the Army Engineers should have limited discretionary power $478,751 Taxes Paid Orange County By Edison Company Southern California Edison company will pay $478,751.47 April 10 as the final installment of its 1955 ad valorem taxes. Orange county, it was announced by R. E. Bacon, district manager. Edison's total tax payment Orange county was $957,500 and the first installment of $478,888 was paid December 10. The company's total tax levy for 1955 to all levels of government—city, county, state and federal—was $46,626,300. It means that every day last year seven days a week for 52 weeks Edison taxes amounted to approximately $125,000 per day, the district manager said. He pointed out that, as an investor-owned electric utility company, Edison pays approximately cents out of every dollar of revenue in taxes. In 1955, for seventh consecutive year, tax were the company's largest single item of expense—larger even than salaries, it was noted. Wm. P. Hall Marks 35 Years Service With General Pet. William P. Hall, 514 South Indiana, Anaheim, will mark 35 years of service with General Petroleum Corporation on April 11. During his company service The councilmen, in discussion of the problem, cited lack of adequate regulation by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and the State Real Estate Commission in sales and inspection of the new Anaheim homes as one reason for officially joining in the taxpayers' fight. As a result, the councilmen resolved to seek creation of a city ordinance designed to "regulate" sales procedures of tract developments within city limits. This regulation would be by way of forcing real estate salesmen selling in the community to post publically up-to-date tax information on types of houses to be sold. Preston Turner, city attorney, stated, "I'm not sure how far we can go. We will be pioneering in drafting such an ordinance." However, the city would steer clear of encroaching on state and Federal agency jurisdiction in the matter, Turner stating "we will endeavor to approach the problem of regulating the operation of the real estate salesmen, leaving alone autonomy of state licenses which they have been given". A. J. Schutte, councilman, brought a motion to the floor adopting a resolution directed to the Orange County Grand Jury and the District Attorney's office requesting "a complete investigation into representations regarding sale of tract houses in the city of Anaheim and the county". The council as a body accepted this resolution. The councilmen also decided to seek information individually from the Orange County Board of Supervisors concerning the homeowners' complaints of county-wide inequality in assessment of land for tax purposes. The housing complaints by the Orange County Taxpayers' Association went under investigation by the Grand Jury a month ago, following submission of a petition to the county body. Some homeowners have reported they have tax raises are being added with no satisfactory explanation from the mortgage companies. She stated further that most of the home owners would never have purchased these homes if they had known the payments they were going to have to make. The councilmen, in discussion of the problem, cited lack of adequate regulation by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and the State Real Estate Commission in sales and inspection of the new Anaheim homes as one reason for officially joining in the taxpayers' fight. As a result, the councilmen resolved to seek creation of a city ordinance designed to "regulate" sales procedures of tract developments within city limits. This regulation would be by way of forcing real estate salesmen selling in the community to post publically up-to-date tax information on types of houses to be sold. Preston Turner, city attorney, stated, "I'm not sure how far we can go. We will be pioneering in drafting such an ordinance." However, the city would steer clear of encroaching on state and Federal agency jurisdiction in the matter, Turner stating "we will endeavor to approach the problem of regulating the operation of the real estate salesmen, leaving alone autonomy of state licenses which they have been given". A. J. Schutte, councilman, brought a motion to the floor adopting a resolution directed to the Orange County Grand Jury and the District Attorney's office requesting "a complete investigation into representations regarding sale of tract houses in the city of Anaheim and the county". The council as a body accepted this resolution. The councilmen also decided to seek information individually from the Orange County Board of Supervisors concerning the homeowners' complaints of county-wide inequality in assessment of land for tax purposes. The housing complaints by the Orange County Taxpayers' Association went under investigation by the Grand Jury a month ago, following submission of a petition to the county body. Some homeowners have reported they have tax raises are being added with no satisfactory explanation from the mortgage companies. She stated further that most of the home owners would never have purchased these homes if they had known the payments they were going to have to make. The councilmen, in discussion of the problem, cited lack of adequate regulation by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and the State Real Estate Commission in sales and inspection of the new Anaheim homes as one reason for officially joining in the taxpayers' fight. As a result, the councilmen resolved to seek creation of a city ordinance designed to "regulate" sales procedures of tract developments within city limits. This regulation would be by way of forcing real estate salesmen selling in the community to post publically up-to-date tax information on types of houses to be sold. Preston Turner, city attorney, stated, "I'm not sure how far we can go. We will be pioneering in drafting such an ordinance." However, the city would steer clear of encroaching on state and Federal agency jurisdiction in the matter, Turner stating "we will endeavor to approach the problem of regulating the operation of the real estate salesmen, leaving alone autonomy of state licenses which they have been given". A. J. Schutte, councilman, brought a motion to the floor adopting a resolution directed to the Orange County Grand Jury and the District Attorney's office requesting "a complete investigation into representations regarding sale of tract houses in the city of Anaheim and the county". The council as a body accepted this resolution. The councilmen also decided to seek information individually from the Orange County Board of Supervisors concerning the homeowners' complaints of county-wide inequality in assessment of land for tax purposes. The housing complaints by the Orange County Taxpayers' Association went under investigation by the Grand Jury a month ago, following submission of a petition to the county body. Some homeowners have reported they have tax raises are being added with no satisfactory explanation from the mortgage companies. She stated further that most of the home owners would never have purchased these homes if they had known the payments they were going to have to make. The councilmen, in discussion of the problem, cited lack of adequate regulation by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and the State Real Estate Commission in sales and inspection of the new Anaheim homes as one reason for officially joining in the taxpayers' fight. As a result, the councilmen resolved to seek creation of a city ordinance designed to "regulate" sales procedures of tract developments within city limits. This regulation would be by way of forcing real estate salesmen selling in the community to post publically up-to-date tax information on types of houses to be sold. Preston Turner, city attorney, stated, "I'm not sure how far we can go. We will be pioneering in drafting such an ordinance." However, the city would steer clear of encroaching on state and Federal agency jurisdiction in the matter, Turner stating "we will endeavor to approach the problem of regulating the operation of the real estate salesmen, leaving alone autonomy of state licenses which they have been given". A. J. Schutte, councilman, brought a motion to the floor adopting a resolution directed to the Orange County Grand Jury and the District Attorney's office requesting "a complete investigation into representations regarding sale of tract houses in the city of Anaheim and the county". The council as a body accepted this resolution. The councilmen also decided to seek information individually from the Orange County Board of Supervisors concerning the homeowners' complaints of county-wide inequality in assessment of land for tax purposes. The housing complaints by the Orange County Taxpayers' Association went under investigation by the Grand Jury a month ago, following submission of a petition to the county body. Some homeowners have reported they have tax raises are being added with no satisfactory explanation from the mortgage companies. She stated further that most of the home owners would never have purchased these homes if they had known the payments they were going to have to make. The councilmen, in discussion of the problem, cited lack of adequate regulation by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and the State Real Estate Commission in sales and inspection of the new Anaheim homes as one reason for officially joining in the taxpayers' fight. As a result, the councilmen resolved to seek creation of a city ordinance designed to "regulate" sales procedures of tract developments within city limits. This regulation would be by way of forcing real estate salesmen selling in the community to post publically up-to-date tax information on types of houses to be sold. Preston Turner, city attorney, stated, "I'm not sure how far we can go. We will be pioneering in drafting such an ordinance." However, the city would steer clear of encroaching on state and Federal agency jurisdiction in the matter, Turner stating "we will endeavor to approach the problem of regulating the operation of the real estate salesmen, leaving alone autonomy of state licenses which they have been given". A. J. Schutte, councilman, brought a motion to the floor adopting a resolution directed to the Orange County Grand Jury and the District Attorney's office requesting "a complete investigation into representations regarding sale of tract houses in the city of Anaheim and the county". The council as a body accepted this resolution. The councilmen also decided to seek information individually from the Orange County Board of Supervisors concerning the homeowners' complaints of county-wide inequality in assessment of land for tax purposes. The housing complaints by the Orange County Taxpayers' Association went under investigation by the Grand Jury a month ago, following submission of a petition to the county body. Some homeowners have reported they have tax raises are being added with no satisfactory explanation from the mortgage companies. She stated further that most of the home owners would never have purchased these homes if they had known the payments they were going to have to make. The councilmen, in discussion of the problem, cited lack of adequate regulation by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and the State Real Estate Commission in sales and inspection of the new Anaheim homes as one reason for officially joining in the taxpayers' fight. As a result, the councilmen resolved to seek creation of a city ordinance designed to "regulate" sales procedures of tract developments within city limits. This regulation would be by way of forcing real estate salesmen selling in the community to post publically up-to-date tax information on types of houses to be sold. Preston Turner, city attorney, stated, "I'm not sure how far we can go. We will be pioneering in drafting such an ordinance." However, the city would steer clear of encroaching on state and Federal agency jurisdiction in the matter, Turner stating "we will endeavor to approach the problem of regulatingthe operationoftherealestatesalesmenleavingaloneautonomyofstatelicenseswhichtheyhavebeengiven". A. J. Schutte, councilman, brought a motion to the floor adopting a resolution directed to the Orange County Grand Jury and the District Attorney's office requesting "a complete investigation into representations regarding sale of tract houses in the city of Anaheim andthecounty". The council as a body accepted this resolution. The councilmen also decided to seek information individually fromtheOrangeCountyBoardofSupervisorsconcerningthehomeowners'complaintsofcountywideinequalityinassessmentoflandfortaxpurposes. The housing complaints bytheOrangeCountyTaxpayers'AssociationwentunderinvestigationbytheGrandJuryamonthago,followingsubmissionofapetitiontothecountybody.Somehomeownershavereportedtheyhavetaxraisesarebeingaddedwithnosatisfactoryexplanationfromthemortgagecompanies.Shestatedfurtherthatmostofthehomeownerswouldneverhavepurchasedthesehomesiftheyhadknownthepaymentstheyweregoingtohavetomake Wm.P.HallMarks35YearsServiceWithGeneralPet. William P.Hall, 514 South Ivaniana,Anaheimwillmark35yearsofservicewithGeneralPetroleumCorporationonApril11. During his company service Hall has been located at OlindaNorwalkandSantaFeSpringHehehasbeenamemberofthedepartmentatSpringsince19Heiscurrentlyemployedasthemicalengineer,aposthelheldsince1951. Hall will receivethecommissionoftheboardofdirectorofG.P.panda diamondandrulapelemblemsignifyinghislengthofservice. HOUSEWARMING PARTY A housewarming party recently surprisedtheRobertBorden'stheirnewhomeat400W.AlberSt.Shirtyfriendssharedabuffupperandpresentedthehomeeeswithalampforthelivroom. WCTU HOSTESS Mrs.CoraMarshwashostefortheWCTUonMondayafternoonatherhomeat312KroegSt. TELEPHONE CO Kuchel 'Campaign Curtain Raiser' Breakfast Apr. 10 Asa "campaign curtain raiser,"a breakfast for U.S.SenatorThomasH.KuchelwillbeservedTuesdayApril10.at8a.m.atDisneylandHotel.asanopen-to-thepublicevent. Curtain Raiser' Breakfast Apr. 10 As a "campaign curtain raiser," a breakfast for U. S. Senator Thomas H. Kuchel will be served Tuesday, April 10, at 8 a.m. at Disneyland Hotel, as an open-to-the public event. Now in northern California on a speaking tour, Sen. Kuchel, Anaheim-born "favorite son," will open his southland campaign with the breakfast session expected to draw a capacity crowd. Reservations for the affair are required, and may be made with Mrs. L. I. Ferrell of Anaheim or Bob Mize of Santa Ana, co-chairmen of the Kuchel campaign; or with R. B. Wurgaft at KEystone 5-6087. In some areas, Republican leaders are also handling reservations. The breakfast will draw the Kuchel supporters from this county and from the Los Angeles County and southern California organizations. The Senator's wife Betty, their daughter, Karen, and his mother, Mrs. Henry Kuchel of Anaheim, will be present. HAT PARADE The highlight of the Opti-Mrs. Club meeting this past week was the unique hat parade which is the specialty of the local Ikettes' Club. Each hat as modeled by an Ikette member had a conservation story to tell. Introductions were made by Irene Landsdown, program chairman. Helen Mitchell presided with devotions led by LaVonne Steif. 82 YEARS OF DEVOTION TO ALL THAT ANAHEIM ORANGE COUNTY'S OLDEST NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1879 PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY TWO AUHS STUDENTS KILLED IN TRAGIC ACCIDENT SATURDAY EVE. A car accident at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday took the lives of two Anaheim High School students. They were on their way to Easter Eve Mass when the accident occurred. According to reports, the car was driven by James R. Maldonado, 16 years old, and was accompanied by Ignacio M. Gonzales, 18 years old. The car was reported traveling at a high rate of speed along E. Santa Ana Street when it is thought it hit a section of the railroad track running parallel to the street. The light, 2-door sedan lurched out of control and wedged between a box car, setting alongside the old Walnut Association packing house, and the foundation of the building. The car was completely demolished. The police summoned an ambulance, a tow truck and the fire truck for stand-by in case of a fire at the warehouse. The tow truck had some difficulty getting the car from between the building and freight car on the track, the heim. Ignacio M. Gonzales was born in Orange 18 years ago and had resided in Anaheim since 1949. He was a student at AUHS and was a member of the football team and the track team. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Armando Gonzales of the home at 408 So. East Street; six brothers, Roger, Lupe, Robert, Jesse and Paul all of Anaheim, and Rudolph of Los Angeles; and three sisters, Mrs. Lucy Vaszos of Santa Ana, Mrs. Claudina Martinez and Miss Cecelia Gonzales, all of Anaheim. New Chairman Announced For Adlai Campaign Lester Van Tatenhove, chairman of the Orange County Stevenson Campaign Committee, today announced the following co-chair: Monday evening, April 9th, the Anaheim Evening Forum will present Romain Wilhelmsen with his color film, "The Soul of Mexico." The history of Mexico is a blob of color splashed upon the face of the American continent. From the 8000 year old lava covered pyramid of Cuicuilco, oldest known structure of man in our hemisphere, to millionare's row on the Paseo de la Reforma; on of the finest boulevards in the world, the story of Mexico is one of sharp and violent contrast. Wilhelmsen, who is a member of the Los Angeles Adventurer Club, feels that in presenting a lecture, much more is gained by delving into the historical and cultural traditions of a country rather than by just showing only its tourist points. His film on Mexico is a classic example of this treatment; he shows the land as it is today through its history or yesterday. Mexico is a land having more color, contrast and history than New Chairman Announced For Adlai Campaign Lester Van Tatenhove, chairman of the Orange County Stevenson Campaign Committee, today announced the following co-chairmen of the Stevenson Campaign Committee. For the 7th Assembly District—Frank Downes of Costa Mesa, and Clara E. Axtater of Corona Del Mar. For the 75th Assembly District—Lyman Handy of Fullerton, and Louise Baldwin of Garden Grove. Anyone interested in helping in the Stevenson campaign is urged to contact one of the above co-chairmen. ANNOUNCE ENGAGEMENT Mr. and Mrs. Roger C. Dutton of 506 N. Zeyn St., have announced the engagement of their daughter Marie, to Lucius J. Smith, son of the L. Smiths of Howell, Mich. Wedding plans are being made for July when the wedding will be at Richland, Wash., where the bridegroom -elect is stationed at Camp Hanford, Miss Dutton is a teacher in the Bishop Elementary schools. Flood Victims in North Calif. Get Bank Assistance Disaster loans totaling more than half a million dollars have been advanced to northern California flood victims by Bank of America branches during the past two months. Emergency arrangements by the bank with the Small Business Administration expedited immediate granting of disaster loans. Officials stated that all these loans were made at the special rate of three per cent. Businessmen received 60 percent of the loans made, it was reported, with the balance to residential home owners. Heaviest borrowing occurred in the hard - hit Marysville and Yuba City area, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The largest single loan was $63,000. Average maturity for all credit extended was five to ten years, it was stated. Intensity of flood damage prevented immediate and complete loss evaluation and delayed victims' plans for rehabilitation, lending officers said, and many credit L.M FRINGED — and still growing) is Pacific Telephone's central office building addition at 217 North Lemon St. (y-thousand square feet of floor space) been added to the present structure in the project was started early last KEystone telephones plus expanded long distance switch boards, automatic accounting facilities, and test center. Meanwhile, construction continues (bottom) on $640,000 business office and district telephone office located direct across from new building addition and scheduled for completion this fall. New Church in Northwest Anaheim A new Christian Reform Church is being planned for the three acre corner of Dale and Crescent, the extreme northwest corner of the section which will eventually become a part of the city of Anaheim. The first unit of the church structure will be built soon. Architect plans are now being drawn. A temporary meeting place for Sunday School and worship services has been found in the "Accordian Studio", corner of Stanton and Whitaker, in Buena Park. Sunday, April 8, the first meetings will be held in this hall. Services are scheduled as follow; Sunday School at 9:30; morning service 10:45; and evening at 7:30. Services will be in charge of the Reverend Frank De Jong, Home Missionary of the Christian Reformed Church, at present stationed at Lakewood. The Christian Reformed dates back to the days of the Reformation under the leadership of the great church father, John Calvin. In origin and confession it is the same as the Presbyterian church. City Administrator Gives Report at Council Meeting At the City Council meeting Tuesday evening, the City Administrator, Keith Murdock gave a complete report of the 1955 financial condition, city growth and work accomplished during the year, which outlines the entire work structure of his office. Herewith is his report in its entirety: "Anaheim, in growing from a city of about 4½ square miles with a population of 14,500 in 1950 to its present 17 square miles with a 42,200 population, has accomplished many remarkable things without any increase in property taxes. "During the past three years, 94 miles of water lines have been installed. These lines vary from the six inch mains for residential streets, to 16 inch and 18 inch transmission lines which now nearly loop the entire city. All residential lines within new subdivisions are paid for by the developer. Transmission and feeder lines are financed by the city. The city's three year outlay for water mains amounts to nearly $1,850,000. "In addition to installing lines, which includes hydrants and other appurtenances, Anaheim has constructed a three million gallon water storage reservoir on La Palma Avenue near West Street during this same period. A second be developed as a neighborhood park with some regional park facilities as well. Negotiations are in process for an additional three park sites to be purchased prior to subdivision of the land. "The plunge at City Park was rebuilt last year at a cost of $35,000, to better serve the swimmers of Anaheim." "Fire protection and prevention is moving along quite rapidly with a 1000 gallon fire pumper added in 1953, another one this year and a third new pumper on order for July delivery. Local Artist Wins Recognition at San Diego Showing A local artist has been honored in the city of San Diego. Everett Rose has been notified that a 30x26 oil painting entitled, "Indian Treasure Jar" has been chosen. In addition to installing lines, which includes hydrants and other appurtenances, Anaheim has constructed a three million gallon water storage reservoir on La Palma Avenue near West Street during this same period. A second reservoir, with a capacity of four million gallons, will be installed this summer on the same site. Growth has also brought demands on the city electrical distribution system by means of which wholesale Edison Company power is distributed to the consumer. In expanding service facilities for 6400 consumers in 1952 to the present 14,000 consumers at present, an investment of $1,150,000 has been made in electric service facilities. Sewers, though buried out of sight, are a vital part of the city's operation. Eighty-five miles of sewers have been installed since July 1, 1952. This has meant an outlay of $871,800. During this same period 90 miles of streets, 145 miles of curbs, and 138 miles of sidewalks have been constructed. In addition to the costs borne by new subdivisions, this street work represents an outlay of $530,300. Other phases of city operation have not been neglected during this period. The City has purchased four neighborhood park sites of approximately five acres each. These sites are all located adjacent to elementary schools. One at the Lincoln School, another at John Marshall, a third at the new school on Nutwood Avenue near Orange Street, a fourth at the Palm Lane School. A fifth site, adjacent to the Theodore Roosevelt School on Vermont Street near Placentia Avenue will The plunge at City Park was rebuilt last year at a cost of $35,000, to better serve the swimmers of Anaheim. Fire protection and prevention is moving along quite rapidly with a 1000 gallon fire pumper added in 1953, another one this year and a third new pumper on order for July delivery. Fire station No. 2 is nearing completion at the corner of Brookhurst and Crescent Avenues. No. 3 station on Euclid Avenue between Cerritos and Ball Road will be constructed this year. Although flood control is the responsibility of the Orange Countp Flood, Control District, the city has spent over $20,000 in supplemental storm drainage facilities in the three year period. If Flood Control Bonds are not approved by the voters in June, a considerably greater expenditure by the city must be anticipated. The parking problem has caused considerable activity in the past three years. Six additional parking lots have been purchased at a cost of $129,800. These lots, together with previously purchased lots will provide public off-street parking for over 500 cars in the downtown area. The figures and quantities quoted only represent the major expenditures for improvements. Naturally, it has been necessary to keep pace in operational and maintenance programs as well. This meant additional vehicles, equipment and personnel for police service, refuse collection, street and sewer maintenance, and the many other services provided by the city of Anaheim. With all this activity, it seems remarkable that Anaheim has been able to operate within its existing financial structure. Careful financial planning has made it possible to carry on this program without added burden to the property owner. The city's financial position is now such that the program can continue to develop on a sound basis without tax increase. The City Auditor's report of the financial condition of the City as of February 29th shows that Local Artist Wins Recognition at San Diego Showing A local artist has been honored in the city of San Diego. Everett Rose has been notified that a 30x26 oil painting entitled, "Indian Treasure Jar" has been chosen to hang permanently in the Mens' Art Institute in Balboa Park. Rose did the painting in 1928 and sold it to a Los Angeles attorney shortly after it was shown in an exhibit at Bullock's. He heard no more about it until contacted by the San Diego Institute this week. The artist has studied painting seriously in recent years, regarding it as a hobby while he devoted himself to business enterprises. Upon entering semi-retirement in November of last year, he moved to Anaheim with his wife, and now makes his home at 1451 Birchmont Dr. POST OFFICE SUB-STATION Cong. James Utt received word from Washington that the bid for the post office sub-station for Anaheim had been accepted. It will be located in the Brookhurst Shopping Center on Ball Road between Brookhurst and Yardley Sts. It will be a 5385 square foot concrete block building with a 500 square foot loading ramp. It will also have a 2300 square foot parking space. The post office department will have a ten-year lease with an option to renew for five years. The building is expected to be ready for occupancy by Sept. 1, 1956. In order to carry out an intelligent, economically sound program of improvements, it is necessary only to determine what projects shall be set up, a time schedule for their accomplishment, and the method of financing which will be used. These should be determined during the next few months.