Hometown Matters

By Pauline Masson –  Alderman Scott Lesh lashed out at City Administrator Harold Selby threatening to fire him during a discussion on city employee pay raises at a strained board of aldermen (BOA) meeting last Tuesday. The measure had received preliminary approval Dec. 5 in a 3-3 split vote. Lesh, James Cleeve and Debbie Kelley opposed the raises. Aldermen Rafael Madrigal, Anna Meadows and Rick Presley voted in favor of the measure. Mayor Heather Filley broke the tie to approve … Continue reading “Aldermen Derail Then Approve Ordinance to Raise City Employee Pay – Lesh Lashes Out”

By Pauline Masson – Nine times a year the Pacific Partnership and what ever volunteers they can round up, promote and conduct a familiar series of outdoor events. These are the parades, pageants, music shows, car show and rodeo that entice residents out of doors to mix with friends and acquaintances and enjoy the rites of the seasons. The Pacific Partnership and its volunteers hosted nine outdoor events in the city in 2023 –  the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, four … Continue reading “Public Events Take Center Stage as Pacific Partnership Recognizes Workers Who Help Make it Happen”

By Pauline Masson –  In Pacific the holiday season always brings a feel good tradition of offering a special community Thank You, to individuals who helped shape the community this year – and in some cases for many past years. The folksy recognition pageant takes place during the Pacific Area Chamber of Commerce and Pacific Partnership Christmas gathering, which was held at the Pacific Eagles December 13. This annual celebration dates back more than twenty years. When Ed Hillhouse was … Continue reading “Popular Pacific Holiday Tradition – Accolades to Indiviuals Who Shape the Community”

By Pauline Masson – If you are one of those people that lets name dropping get on your nerves, don’t read this. I’m just having a bout of Christmas memories that toggles between, silent movies, symphony concerts and famous and near famous that I’ve rubbed elbows with. And I wanted to write it down before I forget. What triggered this absolute kaleidoscope of nostalgic moments was an announcement in the New York Times that for three consecutive nights, December 20-22, … Continue reading “Silent Movies Concerts and Real Life Celebrities Create a Jumble of Christmas Memories”

By Pauline Masson –   Aldermen disagreed in an even 3-3 split on whether all city workers should get a pay raise beginning in January 2024. Mayor Filley broke the tie in favor of giving the raises. With City Hall audio system not working for the Dec. 5 board meeting, residents had to wait until Saturday, Dec. 9 to hear the discussion as aldermen considered whether to even read the bill to grant a ten percent pay increase for city … Continue reading “In 3-3 Vote Aldermen Disagree On City Worker Pay Raises – Mayor Breaks Tie In Favor Of Employees”

By Pauline Masson –  Aldermen are set to act on Tuesday on an ordinance that if approved would give across the board pay raises to all city employees.  It’s worth paying attention to, City Administrator Harold Selby says, because it would help the city fill a number of vacancies where employees have left City of Pacific jobs for higher pay in other cities. The most crucial example is the 911 dispatch desk, which currently has only three employes. “And they … Continue reading “Selby Calls For Pay Raises For All City Employees – Says “We Have to Keep Our Departments Manned””

By Pauline Masson –  A neon sign that once lured travelers to a roadside tourist court keeps the adventure of early Route 66 alive in Pacific. For more than 40 years, the tall blinking neon sign invited travelers on the new Route 66 to stop overnight in one of The Beacon Court’s “tastefully decorated cottages.”  When it opened in 1946, Beacon Court, located two miles east of Pacific, had ten units. By this time it closed in the 1980s it … Continue reading “BEACON Sign – Lured Motorists to Former Tourist Court – Now Preserves Segment of Rt 66 History”

For one recent day the regulars at the Tri-County Senior Center welcomed a mixture of community individuals and groups to pay tribute to local military veterans. The heavily planned luncheon drew a crowd of 100 – more than double the normal Thursday crowd – and fed 80 lunches. Students, veterans’ families, The students who joined the celebration had to get back to class. On Thursday, November 9, the Tri-County Senior Center – joined by Mayor Heather Filley, Jeff and Paula … Continue reading “When the Tri-County Senior Center Wanted to Salute Veterans, The Whole Community Pulled Together “

By Pauline Masson –  As a history buff, I spend a lot of time pouring over old newspapers and penned snippets of personal experiences. Here at the end of 2023, it seems like a good time to reflect on how past events and bold thinkers brought us what we have now. When he and his brother inherited half of the three-story (and long neglected) McHugh-Dailey Emporium building at South First and Orleans streets, Jim McHugh visited his old hometown to … Continue reading “Pacific 2023: What Is There To Do in Pacific?”

He built curbs and sidewalks, lobbied for better roads leading into Pacific, organized a volunteer fire department and a public water system – which he saved during a great flood to the peril of his own business – brought commuter rail service to Pacific, and sold Pacific flour to bread basket California bakers at a premium over local sales. Yet he is far enough back in time that few references to him show up today in casual conversation. Alfred Koppitz … Continue reading “Former Mayor Worth Remembering”