AP News, May 13th, 2007
James E. Slosson
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ James E. Slosson, who helped create the California commission that advises lawmakers on reducing earthquake dangers, died April 28. He was 84.
Slosson, who lived in Sherman Oaks, died of congestive heart failure at a hospital, said his daughter-in-law, Lynn Slosson. Slosson's wife, Nancy, 82, died of the same cause a day earlier.
Slosson was state geologist and chief of the Division of Mines and Geology from 1973 to 1975. He was part of a team that developed basic procedures for promoting seismic safety.
He also helped develop and pass a 1975 act that created the California Seismic Safety Commission.
Slosson served from 1975-78 and from 1991-99 on the commission, an independent group that advises the Legislature and governor on earthquake matters, holds safety hearings and investigates seismic damage.
___
Malietoa Tanumafili II
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (AP) _ King Malietoa Tanumafili II, one of the world's longest reigning monarchs, died Friday. He was 94.
Malietoa passed away at a hospital in Samoa, the prime minister's office said Saturday.
Malietoa sat on the Samoan throne ever since the country, which lies west of the U.S. territory of American Samoa, gained independence from New Zealand in 1962.
That made him the world's third longest reining living monarch after Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has reigned since 1946 and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne in 1952.
Many American Samoans considered him to be the father of the two Samoas and he was a frequent visitor to the territory's annual Flag Day Festivities.
The king succeeded the Malietoa title in 1940, when his father passed away. He was appointed an adviser to the New Zealand governor in Samoa the same year.
Malietoa was made the joint head of state with Tupua Tamasese Meaole when Samoa gained independence in 1962 and he became sole head of state a year later when Tupua Tamasese passed away.
He held the post for life. His successor, however, will be elected by the legislature to a five-year term as stipulated in the Samoan constitution.
Malietoa was educated in Samoa and attended college in New Zealand.
___
