Today is a good day to learn about Captain Ben L. Salomon, a graduate of the USC dental school, who served as a dentist-and-then-surgeon during World War II. Salomon was at Saipan in the Marianas Island when his aid station came under attack. From the Congressional Medal of Honor citation: “Firing from a squatting position, Captain Salomon quickly killed the enemy soldier. Then, as he … Continue reading A USC Memorial Day Story

This is a coincidence I never expected this weekend. I saw an episode of Star Trek and a member of the crew was a guy I recognized from several Twilight Zone episodes but didn’t know his name. I didn’t think it would go farther than that. But today I was looking at some old USC photos and I see the same face. So I do … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Time To Appreciate Another Trojan

There wasn’t enough to room in today’s column to do justice to the Formosa Cafe, this week’s “Restaurant of the Week.” So let’s visit some of the legendary stories. Owner Max Gold purchased the Red Post Cafe in 1939, added a Pacific Electric Red Car and renamed it the “Formosa Club.” Gold reportedly lost the restaurant in a poker game. He was reportedly found murdered … Continue reading The Friday Column Supplement

Galco’s Old World Grocery, Eagle Rock (1897) Famous for having more than 700 flavors of soda. Also carry candy like Big Hunk, Abba-Zaba, Oh Henry!, U-No and Zagnut. The Polo Lounge, Beverly Hills (1912) Located in the Beverly Hills Hotel, this was originally the only rest stop between Hollywood and Pacific Palisades for celebrities like Will Rogers and Rudolph Valentino who were playing polo. Howard … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Restaurant Talk

This the 1951 menu for Ciro’s nightclub on Sunset Blvd. Look at those prices! This is where Frank Sinatra famously punched columnist Lee Mortimer after Mortimer hurled a racial slur at him in 1947. Ciro’s closed in 1957 and eventually became The Comedy Store. Anyone remember Earl’s Car Cafe in Alhambra? Continue reading USC Friday Column Supplement

Did you think I forgot? Art’s Chili Dogs Stand, Los Angeles (1939, closed) Damon’s Steakhouse, Glendale (1937) Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co., Alhambra (1919) Bay Cities Italian Deli, Santa Monica (1925) Katella Grill, Orange (1993) It closes Sunday. Ricci’s Italian Restaurant, Bellflower (1940) Western Bagel, Van Nuys (1947) El Adobe, San Juan Capistrano (1948) HMS Bounty, Los Angeles (1947) The Ranch House, Ojai, 1956 Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Restaurant Talk