Charles BRITTON

BRITTON, Charles Mar. 31, 1937-Feb. 6, 2012 Newspaper writer and editor, political strategist, world traveler and epicure, was born in Alhambra, CA where he attended public schools. He attended Pasadena City College and received his bachelor's degree in journalism from California State University Los Angeles in 1958. While in college, he worked part-time on community newspapers in the San Gabriel Valley; after graduation, was hired as a reporter for the Santa Monica Evening Outlook. In 1965 he joined the staff of Los Angeles City Councilman Marvin Braude, representing the 11th Council District, rising to the rank of Chief Deputy. Among his many accomplishments while with the City, he played a key role in the investigation of corruption in the Department of Parks and Recreation. After more than twenty years at Los Angeles City Hall, during which time he traveled extensively in Asia and Europe, his love of writing drew him back to the newspaper business when he joined the staff of the Daily Breeze.
Starting as a freelance restaurant critic, he soon became the food editor where he won national awards for best food section in medium sized circulation newspapers. Ultimately, he became the editor of the entertainment section where his greatest contribution was teaching the staff the proper way to put a newspaper to bed. After early retirement, he continued to write movie reviews for the Breeze. A voracious reader, classical music lover, photographer, connoisseur of fine food and a superb cook, he was a great raconteur and lucid teacher. In politics, a colleague on Braude's staff considered Charlie a "practical idealist". Charlie made his home in Manhattan Beach with his wife of 40 years, Dale. They shared a love of history, food, the arts, and a special fondness of cats. Charlie was preceded in death by his mother Marie Britton of Manhattan Beach and his father, Otis Britton of San Bernardino. He will be sorely missed by many cousins, his brothers-in-law David (Susan) Feinstein and Ned (Susan) Fenton, nephews Edward (Samantha) Rubin, M.D., Drew Fenton and Michael Fenton; along with many friends he considered family and colleagues. A celebration of his life will be held at White and Day Mortuary, 3215 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach on Sunday, February 12, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Early Entrance Foundation, 16311 Ventura Blvd. #1298, Encino, CA 91436 (EarlyEntranceFoundation.org) or the charity of your choice. Please go to the mortuary's website www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories White & Day Mortuary - Manhattan Beach 310-792-7575