By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Some small town controversy marked this week’s issue of The Acorn in 1974.

Featured on the front page of the paper was a letter from then-Los Angeles County Sheriff Peter Pitchess in response to an earlier Acorn article.

The Acorn had printed a story suggesting that L.A. County Sheriff helicopters were being used for non-law enforcement activities at taxpayers’ expense and were putting the public at potential risk by not being available when needed for law enforcement.

According to the article, flight logs provided to the media revealed at least $160,000 worth of flying time had been provided to political leaders for non-law enforcement purposes.

Pitchess responded by denying the charge and claimed that a recent report by an audit team independent of the Sheriff’s Department had indicated that helicopter use for executive transportation was not excessive or inappropriate.

He added that the department was a law enforcement pioneer in helicopter patrol, surveillance and rescue operations, always ready and available to assist the public.

In other news, a newly formed Las Virgenes Historical and Heritage Society had its first meeting this week. Originally formed to research the Reyes Adobe, the group expanded to research and report on all historical sites in the Las Virgenes area. The goal was to create an information booklet for the public.

Joining Society Chairman Walt MacDonald at the meeting were Harold Hughes and his wife Elizabeth, who personally knew many members of the Reyes family; Virginia Kelly, representing the Leonis Adobe Association; and local business people Bud McIntyre, George Long and Anniss Jackson.

A large ad on the front page of the paper from the Laughing Horse restaurant offered an interesting description of its burgers.

"Some hamburgers are hidden under a pile of pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, etc… like an old lady behind her makeup," the ad read. "In our sandwiches, no ‘makeup;’ you can see clearly and taste the juiciest meat in town."

The Acorn will be taking a look back at our first year’s issues over the next 12 months, giving an historical perspective on "30 Years Ago in The Acorn." If you have memories to share from that time period, please send your submission to Sophia Fischer at sfischeracorn@yahoo.com or fax to (818) 706-8942.