lnostra-costa

REMEMBERING TOM MARKETELLO - FIGLIO DELLA POLIZIA (SON OF THE POLICE)

2012-02-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: The below Remembrance of Tom was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com

Thomas Marketello
March 25, 1932- Jan. 29, 2012
Resident of Santa Cruz
Thomas Marketello was born in Oakland, California, to Edna Delmas and John Marketello. When he was two, his parents divorced and Edna married Marvin Roberts. He went to Catholic schools in Oakland and El Cerrito High School.
He had his first paying job at 11 as a newspaper carrier in San Francisco, earning his Schwinn Bicycle from the newspaper. In those days, the paperboys had to collect the money from their customers. One was particularly devious by trying to pay his with a $50 or $100 bills knowing Tom would not have the change. Tom got permission from his supervisor to return his change in pennies, thus ending his duplicitous action and illustrating Tom's burgeoning tactics in settling problems.
As a preteen, he and his buddies were often in trouble with their parents and the law as they spent much time in designing pranks that got them into trouble and all for the sake of having a lot of laughs. They often hung out at Playland, at the beach in San Francisco. One prank being getting into patrol cars and moving them while the policeman was directing traffic on Sloat Boulevard. Another was practicing war games in the sand dunes with practice grenades stolen from the Presidio.
It was under these conditions, and being bored with school, that these five ninth grade buddies decided to enlist for the Korean conflict at age 15 with the law not far behind them. They were underage, but managed to find and pay a "fake father" and lied about their ages. It was 1947, and they found themselves heading for boot camp in San Antonio, Texas.
He was sent to Okinawa where the Provost Marshall asked if he wanted to be an MP. The old adage, "if you can't beat them, you join them" seemed to apply and he became a member of the 528th Military Police Air Force Squadron. He liked the discipline and order of the service and particularly driving all the equipment with his new military driver's license. One of his enjoyable assignments was with Bob Hope entertaining the troops and escorting the movie actress Marilyn Maxwell in his patrol car.
Tom soon moved up to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After 5 years, he thought about re-enlisting until his friends talked about all the fun they were going to have after being discharged. After, he felt he had made a mistake because they were all married within 6 months. As it turned out, after a few jobs in the bay area and working for the State Dept. of Forestry while attending college under the G.I. Bill in San Jose, he met Peggy Walker and after 6 months they eloped to be married, she at 19, he at 21 with 5 years of military service behind him.
This was August of 1954, and they decided to move to Santa Cruz in the Pleasure Point area where they lived in a duplex complex with Tom's friends from the bay area- the Kamian, O'Neill, Devine and VanDyke couples. Surfing, sunning on the beach and starting their families was the mode. Tom and Peg moved into Santa Cruz, however, when he became a temporary policeman and then a fireman with the SCFD, and she a long-distance operator.
Right after the flood in '55 and the strike at the telephone company occurred, two of Tom's old buddies called encouraging him to come back up to the bay area to work with them. They moved to Berkeley, where Peggy transferred as an operator, but then took a civil service job as a PBX/Receptionist at Bethlehem Steel Corp. knowing she was now pregnant. They moved to a home in Albany and their daughter Mari was born in 1957. Just before their son was born two years later, they wanted to return to Santa Cruz to raise their children. Tom rejoined to SCPD and they lived on Anthony St. When they needed a 3-bedroom home, they moved to the eastside where they've lived since 1969.
Moving from the Military Police to SCPD was an easy and likable transition for Tom. While in patrol, he met Richard Foerster who became a long-time friend. As pranksters seem to attract each other, one of the episodes of these two during their graveyard shift together was to start up farm machinery and give themselves rides in the dark.
He enjoyed being in patrol even after being shot during a burglary at the Blue Chip store but wanted to join the Traffic Bureau as a motor cop. He enjoyed riding the motor around town meeting the townspeople, leading parades, and riding in the beach area during the summers. He felt strongly about his duty to protect and maintain order. Out of the multitude of jobs he held in his life, riding the motor turned out to be his happiest one. He became Sergeant and the Lieutenant of Traffic Division with a crew he admired tremendously and maintained friendships with till his death. Over the years, some of those motor cops included the now deceased Frank Boze, Bob Bunter, and Jay Sharmer. Today, Joe Haebe, Jeff Locke, Dave Larson, Steve Belcher, Ken Boe, Jim Conner, and Tom Vlassis were all still meeting with him at Gilda's on the wharf almost every morning.
Tom became the only municipal motorcycle officer in the state at that time to ride as a lieutenant. Later, Chief Pini asked him and Richard Foerster (having left their pranksterism finally behind) to become Deputy Chiefs. Tom did not want to give up the motor and declined. Pini persisted and the deal was finally made where he could still ride. Tom stayed as Deputy Chief of the patrol, traffic and detective divisions for about 3 years, but was never happy exchanging City Council meeting times with those on the motor. He left the department at age 50, serving twenty-five years; and with a disability retirement based on his numerous motorcycle injuries acquired over the years.
After retiring, Tom still left the house at the same time in the morning as if going to work. When Peggy asked what he did for the day, he usually replied that he was, "Busy, very busy." When she recently asked him what he like the most about being on the police department he answered, "The camaraderie". The man and the uniform and probably telling people what to do. He always considered his multitude of friends a great part of his life and tried to maintain connections through 4 different coffee groups and clubs like The CAL-TEX Riders, MMOC (Municipal Motorcycle Officers of California), the Northern 10/10 RV Club, the Elks and a public retirement group. He was gregarious, amiable, listened well and told stories of his past experiences that captivated all in the room. He has a legacy at that department that lives on.
Retirement also moved him to become a business partner in the motel business in the early 70's with fellow officer Ken Boe. Together, they drove their motorcycles on many routes through Mexico to Cabo San Lucas, sometimes with other friends as well. Peggy even flew down on her spring break from teaching to stay with him one week in his "burrito wagon" on the beach of San Jose del Cabo. He and Ken drove cars to places like Belize where they could be sold for taxies and fly back home. On one trip, they decided to go through the Panama Canal and on to Peru in a car to sell. But an increase in road blockings by revolutionaries with carbine rifles in Guatemala soon deterred them. Their motorcycle rides together were fast when they were younger, but in their 70's they downgraded to cars and drove at much slower and leisurely speeds. Tom said it was more than once on two-lane roads that cars lined up behind them with drivers flipping them off when finally passing.
Peggy and Tom's relationships with the Marenghi, Ponza, Seghetti and Chapette families were long time and familial. Assistant Chief Ernie Marenghi was on of Tom's greatest friends. When he died, Tom became a surrogate grandfather to his grandchildren Danny and Jennifer. Joyful special occasions have been celebrated with the Seghetti and Chapette families for over 50 years.
Despite his physical disabilities, largely in his back and shoulder, he belonged to the CAL-TEX Riders Highway Patrol Organization where he rode his Goldwing each summer for their annual rendezvous, often with Peggy on the back. This long-time group consisted of John and Faye Glover (one of the founders), Gerry and Fran Mills, Lew and Mary Metcalf, Bud and Ruthie Brillisour, and sometimes Norm and Karyn Sigvardson, Marion and brother-in-law Ed Boze and the Foxes. This organization of officers from many states, meet each summer at a different site within the states, sometimes as many as 600 motors. This offshoot group of friends traveled almost all of the country's highways, back roads, and sights west of the Mississippi over a period of 28 years. Tom and Gerry were consummate collectors (along with his long time friend Ray Walker), so stops at antique and collectible shops were a must upon late afternoon arrivals in the various towns. These summer trips averaged 2-5 weeks with this fun-loving group and produced much laughter and memorable experiences, probably with Tom in the majority of them. These were some of the most enjoyable summers for Tom and Peg.
Good times with friends happened in other groups for Tom as well. He and Peggy were members of the Northern 10/10 RV club largely consisting of retired Highway Patrol Officers and their friends. Traveling to many parts of the state in their Chinook RV, and recently with their two dogs Kenna and Sandy, they enjoyed their many weekend outings of games, food and conversation with other members.
Tom enjoyed his poker nights in his upstairs warehouse den with close friends and son. They could have more laughs just playing penny ante poker for hours.
Playing cards was also part of the agenda with his many male friends held dear over the years in their annual visit to the cabin at Eagle Lake. Before their deaths, he particularly enjoyed these times with Ernie Marenghi and Nick Dinapoli. He didn't like fish, so saw no reason to fish with the rest, just wanted to be with them. Peggy heard that he could get pretty cranky with his group if they didn't adhere to his housekeeping and kitchen standards for living together under one roof.
Tom was a good man! He was loyal, called "Straight Arrow" by those on the department and had a good sense of humor. While frugal and sparing in his everyday living, behind the scenes he would provide financial or emotional support to family members and friends when needed. Many gravitated towards him and remained his friend. He loved vehicles and purchased dozens during his lifetime. Many would want to buy the vehicles he was ready to turn in or sell for new ones because they were in such good shape.
His survivors include his wife, family and two dogs, who will all miss his vital presence in their lives. His family includes his wife Peggy of 57 years, daughter Mari (Joaquin Alameda) and their five children: Lauren Alameda-Reddell (fianc#233; Jason Wahlberg), Lindsay, Leann, Lani (Scott Almand) with 4 children Michelle, Lizzie, and twins Christian and Julian. His son Mike and Betty with their 3 daughters: Katie, Laura, and Meagan and her son Eugene, his first great grandson. Sister Carole (Jim Kilpatrick), niece Gayle, brother, David Roberts. Also considered a family member is James Reddell.
A celebration for Tom will be held on his 80th birthday, March 25 at 2:00 P.M. for all wishing to attend and a specific announcement will appear one week ahead of time in the Sentinel. Tom will be cremated and the spreading of his ashes will be on the Team O'Neill Sea Odyssey with his family and long time good friend Jack O'Neill attending.
Donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Center and/or Hospice.
"I've done everything I've wanted to do in my life, and then some." Tom Marketello

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Addio Tom. Until we see you riding your motorcycle, across "Il Ultimo Ponte" where, once again, everyone is "...young and able, so glad to be alive."

REMEMBRANCE: ANNUNZIATA "NUNI" RADICCHI

2012-01-31T08:57:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: BELOW IS THE FULL REMEMBRANCE OF NUNI RADICCHI AS IT APPEARED IN THE SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL: www.santacruzsentinel.com

Annunziata "Nuni" Radicchi
Annunziata Radicchi
April 22, 1924 - Jan. 27, 2012
Resident of Santa Cruz
Annunziata "Nuni" Radicchi passed away peacefully on January 27, 2012 at Dominican Hospital, after a brief illness, with her daughters by her side; she was 87. Nuni (La Volpe) was born to Dario and Virginia Manci in Iron Mountain, Michigan, where her father, who originally emigrated from Italy, worked in the iron mines for over 25 years. When she was two, her family returned to Gubbio, Italy, where she was raised, educated and married her longtime love, Nello Radicchi. In December of 1948, along with her infant daughter, Rosa, and her younger sister, Anita, she returned to the US, joining her older sister Irene Pori and family in Santa Cruz where Nello joined them after six months. Nuni was a long-time resident of Davenport "The Quarry" where she and Nello raised their family for ten years before moving to Santa Cruz after the big rainstorm and mountain slide of 1962.
She was first employed by Levi Strauss, where she made many lifelong friends. Later on she worked part-time in the local canneries, which included Pfeiffer, Stokely's, and Birds Eye Foods. When Lipton came to town, Nuni was hired and proudly worked as a machine operator until she retired after 17 years. She was an active member of the Lipton retirees group.
Filled with love, light and her radiant smile, Nuni fully embraced her life. Never one to be held back by life's hardships, she chose to appreciate her many blessings. She was a long-time parishioner of Holy Cross Church and a member of the Italian Catholic Federation Santa Cruz Br. #21 since 1968. She was also a former member of The Sons of Italy. An avid bowler well into her 80's and a member of several bowling teams, Nuni also enjoyed golf and was a member of the Lipton golf team for many years. In addition, she was an accomplished bocce player, a talented poker player, who also enjoyed opera, dancing, a variety of music and travel. Above all, she valued her beloved grandchildren, her beautiful family and her many, many friends. With a gift for making people feel special and always welcome, her kitchen was often filled with warm aromas of coffee, focaccia, biscotti and sauce; it became a natural gathering place for family and friends. In 2009, she and her siblings, hosted their "100 Year Manci Family Reunion" at the Cocoanut Grove.
Nuni is survived by her four daughters: Rosa Radicchi, Adele Tuiolosega, Daria Stark (Howard), and Kathleen Frost (Keith), and her honorary fifth daughter, Nancy Galli Dalquest (Len); her brother Frank Manci (Renata), sisters Anita Gatti and Guglielma Spogli (Gianni), sister-in-law Gloria Manci and her grandsons Joseph, Kenny, Matthew, and Paul, her granddaughter Erika, her loving Radicchi family, numerous nieces and nephews and relatives in the US and in Italy.
Having endured the loss of their beloved only son Joseph "Joey" in 1976, Nello preceded her in death in 1984. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Dario Virginia Manci and her siblings, Mary Manci, Dante Manci, Irene Roland Pori, Amadeo (Emil) Manci, Bianca Orlando, her dear brother-in-laws Orlando Gatti, Gaspare Orlando and her dear childhood friend Olivia Gatti Manos.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be on Friday, February 3, 2012 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel beginning at 7 p.m. Friends may pay their respects at the chapel on Friday from 1 p.m. until the Rosary begins. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4, at Holy Cross Catholic Church (126 High Street) beginning at 12 noon.
The burial is private at Holy Cross Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Nello. To light a candle and share your condolences with the family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com. Donations may be made to an organization or charity of your choice ; or the Dominican Hospital Cardiac Unit (http://www.dominicanhospital.org/index.htm) , Hodgkin's Research at Stanford Hospital (http://stanfordhospital.org/ ) or the Holy Cross Food Pantry.

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Nuni was a friend and inspiration to us all. She truely showed us how our lives should be lived. Sempre Avanti, Nuni. "Until we meet again, across 'Il Ultimo Ponte."

REMEMBERING NUNI RADICCHI - FIGLIA DELLA COSTA

2012-01-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

Nuni Radicchi seated on left with her friend Lina Bressani Gemignani at "La Nostra Costa Revival" at the Swanton Berry Farm on the Santa Cruz North Coast in October 2010.

This great lady passed away on January 27, 2012. We are all deeply sadden by here passing. According to Alverda Orlando, services are to be held this coming weekend. I will publish more details on this post as they become available. My sincere condolence to the Radicchi Family .

ADDIO MI BELLA NUNI. UNTIL WE ALL MEET AGAIN ACROSS "IL ULTIMO PONTE"

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SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM ROSA RADICCHI:

Annunziata "Nuni" Radicchi
April 22, 1924 ~ January 27, 2012

Dear Family & Friends,
As some of you may already know, our mom ~ Annunziata "Nuni" Radicchi ~ passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, January 28, with us, her daughters by her side. She was, and still is in our hearts, a very dear lady ~ loved by those who knew her ~ a wonderful woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend; and she will be greatly missed.

As she often said, even in the hospital; "I've had a wonderful life". May your life also be filled with wonderful blessings.

Arrangements have been made with Pacific Garden Chapel. The viewing will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, followed by the Rosary at 7:00 pm at the Chapel; with the funeral Mass on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 12:00 noon at Holy Cross Church.

Please feel free to pass this info on to any other family and friends who may be interested and I may have missed.

Thank you again, for your prayers, friendship, love and kindness, through these difficult times. Lots of love and blessings. -Rosa

PESCATORI DI SANTA CROCE (SANTA CRUZ FISHERMEN)

2012-01-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: The "La Nostra Costa Story" as I wrote it was mostly about the Italian influence in Agriculture "su per la costa".. However, there were other Italian farmers that did not farm 'up the coast'. They farmed the sea and the Wharf in Santa Cruz was their home. Barbara Silva sent me the below historical clip she found on youtube. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Reuniting with "Amici della costa" (friends of the coast) was (is) always a pleasure. Thank you Babara.

"Clicca" here to view tape: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdlY2mdbbL0

Painting of Ghio Boat by Gino Campioni.

REMEMBERING 'FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE' (SON OF SANTA CRUZ) - ANGELO CANEPA

2012-01-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: The below Remembrance of Angelo first appeared in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com

Angelo Joseph Canepa
July 18, 1917-January 9, 2012
Resident of Santa Cruz

Angelo Joseph Canepa, an iconic business leader in Santa Cruz for more than 50 years and a widely decorated bombardier in the Army Air Corps during World II, died at his Santa Cruz home with his family at his side, Monday, January 9, 2012. He was 94.
The son of a pioneer Italian fishing family in Capitola, Canepa's parents, Luigi and Luigia, were natives of Riva Trigoso, Italy, who immigrated to Monterey Bay at the turn of the 19th century. Canepa was raised on the Capitola waterfront and was the proud captain of the salmon vessel, "The Ocean Pearl." He graduated from Santa Cruz High School in January of 1935.
During World War II he first served in England from 1942 to1943 and then was sent to the South Pacific, where he served as Lead Bombardier in the 667 Squadron and flew eleven missions over Japan. He received numerous citations for his service, including the Air Medal; Distinguished Unit Badge; WWII Victory Medal; American Theater Ribbon; Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon; EAME Theater Ribbon; and a Bronze Star.
Following World War II, Canepa married his wife of 63 years, Lucille. In the early 1950's he became a partner in Palomar Lincoln Mercury and later became the sole owner of the dealership which he operated until his retirement in 1981.He was also a member of the Lincoln Mercury Dealer Council.
Canepa was active in numerous civic affairs. Canepa became a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz in November of 1949 and was active in the organization until his death. He was the longest serving member in the club's history and served as the club's director from 1950-1951. The Santa Cruz Rotary Endowment Named Scholarship is called the "Angelo Canepa Family Scholarship." He was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow "Plus 3."
Canepa joined the Santa Cruz Yacht Club in 1959 and served as Commodore of the club in 1967.
He was also active with the Boy Scouts, serving on various local committees as well as the Monterey Bay Area Council Executive Board in 1976 and then as president of the council from 1984-1985. He received the council's highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award, in 1980.
In addition to his service as a Rotarian, Canepa had 71 years of membership in the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, which he joined in February 1941 at the age of 23 and later served as president.
He was also an active member of the Pasatiempo Home Owners Association; the East Side Businessmen's Association; the 20/30 Club; and the Native Sons of the Golden West. Canepa is survived by his wife Lucille; his children Bruce, Cheryl and Jeff; his grandchildren Gianna, Angolee, Carrie, Carly, Michael, Arielle, Adam; and his great grandchildren, Zaiden, Stellina and Gabriella.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: The Santa Cruz Rotary Endowment, PO Box 497 Santa Cruz, CA 95061 Or Heartland Hospice Services, 824 Bay Avenue #40, Capitola, CA 95010.
For Details Regarding Angelo's Celebration of Life, please contact: cpanattoni@comcast.net

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Addio Angelo. Until we all meet again across "Il Ultimo Ponte" (The Last Bridge)

HONORABLE INTENTIONS BY RUSSELL JONES NOW PUBLISHED

2012-01-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: Remember Former San Jose Police Officer Russ Jones of "Sprouzzi ala Jounzzi" fame: www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/sprouzzi-ala-jounzzi.html
well he just published his book.

For those of you interested, I invite you to visit Russ's website at: http://www.honorable-intentions.com/

(See my comments on the book, after the Article.)

Honorable Intentions is a memoir by Russell Jones. As an army Chief Warrant Officer and combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam, he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and 16 Air Medals. After his honorable discharge, he became a San Jose police officer, where he worked as a Canine Officer and Field Training Officer, FTO. Promoted to the Detective Bureau, he was assigned to the Narcotics Division where he worked Organized Crime, investigating organizations such as the Nuestra Familia and the Hell's Angels. After law enforcement, Russell Jones served as an intelligence agent in Costa Rica during Iran-Contra in Nicaragua where he infiltrated groups involved in covert operations such as Tipped Kettle. In private practice as a Forensic Consultant, he testified as an expert witness in criminal cases, such as rape and homicide, where drugs and substance abuse played a role. In academia, he developed, wrote, and implemented Drug Rehabilitation courses designed for court-mandated clients. As a guest of the Ministry of Interiors of both the Soviet Union and China, he traveled throughout those countries and worked with their narcotics officers. He has thousands of miles of blue water ocean sailing experience, having sailed to Central America, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas, as well as the east coast of the US, from Florida to Maine. Russell Jones served with honor, but constantly questioned government policies that were taking the lives of those he served with.

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D). I just finished reading Russ's book. A Great Read. I recommend it to everybody who is interested in the "murky world of the police". Russ writes about some of the Police Officers mentioned in my book such as Fallen Officers Richard Huerta, Gene Simpson and Gordon Silva. And by George, he does include some of his famous recipes. Below is a copy of an e-mail I sent to Russ:

Russ: Just finished your book. Excellent work. Next step, make it into a movie.

In my book, I describe the world of the police in the following words. "....the murky world inhabited by police officers." Your book aptly illustrates that description. Lines depicting the "Good, Bad and Ugly" often blend together and are not easily deciphered. To illustrate, Officer Jim Emmons was embedded in the criminal world, much as you were. (I believe he did his work after yours). Although I was not his "boss", nor was I involved in his undercover assignment, we used to meet often at the Rusty Lantern (now Malone's) in Scotts Valley.
Over drinks and/or beer, he would use me as his sounding board. (What did I think of this or that. Do you think I'm doing the right thing.etc.). One day he made the following statement to me (paraphrasing): "You know, I've gotten to the point where I trust the crooks, more than I do the people in our own Department." ( Sound familiar) I realized then and there that he was very near to crossing over. It was time for him to get out and I told him so. It took him a while, but he finally got out (alive).

The survival question you raise (Why am I here and not the others?), is something that I think about from time to time. Maybe it is as (you write) simple as predetermination. (If Richard Huerta hadn't made that traffic stop, at the particular location at that particular time, he probably would still be with us today.) Some of us may be destined to die young, others are destined to live on to tell their story (Like you have.) Also, alcohol (accurately described by you as our most dangerous drug) had a lot to do with it. Many of us died to early because of heavy drinking (and smoking).

I'm glad you decided to include some of your delicious recipes. Unless I missed it, you didn't tell us how you picked up your culinary skills.
Also, I'm sure you did some of your cooking while you were undercover. Did you ever think of disbursing some of your recipes in between the mayhem and killings ala Hannibal Lecter. That would have been something.

Anyways, Russ. Good Job. Maybe we should have a Police book fair at the POA hall. I'm sure your book would take center stage. Sempre Avanti. ivn(0)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

2012-01-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING???

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY. I have posted below links of some articles that were published on this blog during this year. Simply "clicca" on the link and it will take you to the article. I also re-published links to some older articles that have appeared on the blog in previous years.

Remembrance for Joey Della Mora killed in tragic accident on the Della Mora Ranch (formerly the Lorenzi Ranch)
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/07/figlio-di-figli-della-costa-joseph-joey.html

Article with historic photos of the Scaroni Family send to by LaNorma and Al.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/10/lanorma-and-al-send-us-photos-of.html

Davenport-North Coast 2o11 Reunion with photos.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/09/davenport-north-coast-reunion-2011.html

Newspaper article with photo of Committee members for the first ever Davenport-North Coast Reunion

http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-davenport-coast-road-reunion-1977.html

Barbara Silva Wagner honors our Veterans by remembering what it was like growing up in Santa Cruz, during WW II.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-11-2011-veterans-day-we-honor.html

'CLICCA' ON THE LINK PROVIDE AT THE END OF EACH ARTICLE.

The "Blagga's" first year was 2006. (Coincidentally, "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast) was published in 2006):

August 2, 2006 - CARABINIERE - "THE GHOST WHO WALKED" - A story about one of Davenport's most legendary characters and the mystery of what might have happened to him after his death.

www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/ghost-who-walked.html

Aug 8, 2006 - HUGO'S LETTER- Hugo Bianchini of Monterey, gives his best review of "La Nostra Costa" and links it to his own personal experiences growing up in a different locale.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/hugos-letter.html

Sep 6,2006 - THE RANCERE's LAMENT - BY RITA (FRANCESCHINI) GIANNADREA- Rita, who grew up "su per la costa" captures the true essence of the "Rancere's Lament", as it appears in "La Nostra Costa. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/09/essence-of-ranceres-lament.html

August 10, 2006 - IL FAMOSO BAFFI - A short bio of Guglielmo 'Baffi" Campioni by his son Gino Campioni - Describes the life and times of one of the most colorful ranchers "su per la costa".
www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/il-famoso-baffi.html

Sep 4,2006 - A WHITE SPORTS COAT AND A PINK CARNATION - Carol (Costella) Swartz
remembers Santa Cruz and a certain fellow who went out with her sister Pat. A very charming story. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/white-sport-coat-and-pink-carnation.html

Oct 23, 2006 - FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE LEN KLEMPNAUER- Len describes the efforts of his German American Family as they establish themselves in Santa Cruz. Not too surprisingly
they were very similar to those experienced by the Italian immigrants. html costa.blogspot.com/2006/10/figlio-di-santa-croce-len-klempnauer.html

Nov 5, 2006 - FROM SANTA RADICCHIO TO SANTA ROSA- What starts out as a discussion of Chiogga Beets and Radicchio turns out to be a very interesting story of Italian World War II prisoners who settled in Santa Rosa. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/from-santa-radicchio-to-santa-rosa.html

Nov 11, 2006 - PETE PIANAVILLA VS FORREST McDERMOTT - The story of a colorful coastal "poacher" and a zealous Game Warden who confront each other "su per la costa". www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/pete-pianavilla-vs-forrest-mcdermott.html

Nov 21 and 27 2006 - FIGLIA DELLA COSTA NORMA (DINELLI) WILSON PART I AND PART II - The story of a little girl growing up 'su per la costa".

www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/figlia-della-costa-norma-dinelli.html

Dec 4, 2006 - FIGLIO DELLA COSTA LIEUTENANT ATTILIO JOSEPH DOGLIOTTI REMEMBERED - A remembrance of one 0f the first Santa Cruzans of Italian descent to be killed in World War II. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/12/figlio-della-costa-lieutenant-attilio.html

Dec 9, 2006 - FIGLIA DI SANTA CROCE - MARGARET GHIO-HARTMAN - Tells the story of Italian immigrant fishermen struggling in Santa Cruz under "Enemy Alien Restrictions" during World War II. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/12/figlia-di-santa-croce-margaret-ghio.html

Dec 13, 2006 - DISASTRI DI SANTA CROCE - Robert Lemmon Jr. remembers certain disasters that befell Santa Cruz and request further info on same. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/12/disastros-di-santa-croce.html costa.blogspot.com/2006/12/disastros-di-santa-croce.html

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The following articles were published in 2007 :

March 22, 2007 - GINO'S OFFICIAL ITANGLISH DICTIONARY - Gino Campioni spent a considerable amount of time composing this dictionary of "Italianized" words. One of the "Blaggas" most favorite publications. http://www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/03/ginos-official-itanglish-dictionary.html dictionary.html official-itanglish-dictionary.html

June 23, 2007 - AMICA DELLA COSTA CATHY BROVIA - REMEMBERS - Cathy tells the story of growing up in a small town in Minnesota during hard times. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/06/amica-della-costa-cathy-brovia.html

July 4, 2007 - PRIMO CARNERA - FIGLIO DEL FRIULI - A short Bio by Doriano Degano of
Primo Carnera, former Heavyweight Champion of the World and a fan favorite "su per la costs". www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/figlio-del-friuli-primo-carnera.html

July 12, 2007 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIGLIO DELLA COSTA - MARVIN DEL CHIARO - Marvin celebrates his 70th birthday with a bio of his family who lived and worked "su per la costa". www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/happy-birthday-figlio-della-costa.html

July 26, 2007 - SPROUZZI ALA JOUNZZI - Russ Jones a former San Jose Police Officer recalls some boyhood memories of Hwy 17 and Santa Cruz. He also sends along a recipe for one of his favorite dishes featuring Brussel Sprouts. His follow up article on January 21, 2008 - SPROUZZI ALLA JOUNZZI 2 - features his favorite recipe for Osso Buco (w/Brussel Sprouts)
and much more. Buono Appitito . www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/sprouzzi-ala-jounzzi.html

July 30, 2007 - COLLISION COURSE: THE DELUCCA ACCIDENT - A dissertation by Ivano Comelli as to how one of the worse traffic accidents in Davenport history happened and how it might have been avoided.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/collision-course-delucca-accident.html

August 5, 2007 - RICHARD HUERTA - FALLEN OFFICER - REMEMBERED - A remembrance by Ivano Comelli regarding his best friend, San Jose Police Officer Richard Huerta, killed in the line of duty Aug. 6, 1970. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/08/fallen-officer-richard-huerta.html

August 28, 2007 - "LA STORIA DI ADA" BY GINO CAMPIONI - Gino tells the story of his beloved mother Ada (Berti) Campioni. Ada and her husband 'Baffi' lived in Santa Cruz for many years. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/04/la-storia-di-ada-by-gino-campioni.html

Oct 1, 2007 - RAMANDOLO/NIMIS/FRIULI CON FOTOS - Prof. Derrill Kerrick and wife Kathy send us some interesting photos taken during their trip to Friuli. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramandolonimisfriuli-con-fotos.html costa.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramandolonimisfriuli-con-fotos.html

Oct 5, 2007 - FIGLI DELLA COSTA - SUPREME SACRIFICE - A remembrance of Amadeo Lucchesi and Atilio Dogliotti who were killed in World War II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/10/figlio-medeo-lucchesi-revisited.html

Oct 14, 2007 - LaNORMA: O DIO CHE TRENO LUNGO - A little girl's memories of the Old Train that used to travel to and from Santa Cruz and Davenport every day. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/10/lanorma-o-dio-che-treno-lungo.html

Nov 5, 2007 - LOU MORO: FURLAN, AMICO DELLA COSTA, AMERICAN - A remembrance of one of Santa Cruz's best loved man. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/11/lou-moro-furlan-amico-della-costa.html

Nov 17, 2007 - ITALIAN FAMILY NAMES - 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' - A list of family names associated with the 'La Nostra Costa' story compiled from memory by Gino Campioni and others. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/11/family-names-santa-cruz-la-costa.html

Dec 7, 2007 - THELMA (MICOSSI) GILL - EYEWITNESS REPORT TO THE BURNING OF THE HOTEL D'ITALIA - Thelma tells of her memories of the night in 1945 when one of the famous hotels in Davenport burned to the ground. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/12/thelma-micossi-gill-eyewitness-report.html

Dec 25, 2007 - HATCH MAP - THE 'OLD COAST ROAD - Bryan Robinson sends a copy of 1859 Hatch Map that depicts La Nostra Costa as it once was. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/12/hatch-map-old-coast-road.html

Dec 29, 2007 - DAVENPORT- A MOMENT IN TIME - A delightful story by Patty Morelli based on her memories growing up in Davenport in the 1940s -50s. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/12/davenport-moment-in-time.html

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The Following articles were published in 2008:

Jan 5, 2008 - ADDIO MI BELLA GILDA- A remembrance of Gilda Stagnaro of Gilda's Restaurant, 0ne of the best known and best loved women of Santa Cruz. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/01/addio-mi-bella-gilda.html

Jan 9, 2008 - THE 'DAVENPORT DESTROYER' HAS A BENCH- Cathy Brovia describes her successful quest in getting a BENCH in memory of her beloved husband, Hall of Famer, Joe Brovia 'The Davenport Destroyer', established in 'La Barranca Park' in Santa Cruz. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/01/davenport-destroyer-has-bench.html

Jan 29, 2008 - LA NOSTRA COSTA - THOUGHTS AND RECOLLECTIONS BY LaNORMA
LaNorma -recalls more of her memories including story's about the DMV in Santa Cruz. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/01/la-nostra-costa-thoughts-and.html

Feb 8, 2008 - THE FAMILY QUILICI BY NANCY (QUILICI) JACOBS - Nancy Jacobs writes a bio of her family who lived and worked on a ranch just north of Davenport. Nancy recalls some of her memories as a little girl growing up on that ranch. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/02/family-quilici-by-nancy-quilici-jacobs.html costa.blogspot.com/2008/02/family-quilici-by-nancy-quilici-jacobs.html

Feb 20, 2008 - WELCOME GABRIELE CARMINE FALVO-CITRIGNO - Gabe tells us about his family who used to own the Napoli Cafe in San Jose. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/02/welcome-gabriele-carmine-falvo-citrigno.html

March 15, 2008 - AMICO DELLA COSTA: LUIGI 'MORO' DEGLI ESPOSTI - Roberto Degli Esposti writes a bio on his father 'Moro' Degli Esposti and tells the story of his family's immigration from Italy to "La Costa" shortly after World War II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/03/amico-della-costa-luigi-moro-degli.html

April 21, 2008 - DAVEPORT JAIL: PHOTOS PLEASE - Alverda Orlando announces that the "Old Davenport Jail" is open for business (for tours, I mean). She requests old photos to display. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/04/davenport-jail-photos-please.html

May 30, 2008 - LaNORMA: MORE 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' FAMILY NAMES - LaNorma submits additional Italian names to augment Gino Campioni's original list. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/05/lanorma-more-la-nostra-costa-family.html

July 2, 2008 - THE STORY OF 'BONZO' DA DEERHEAD' - Patty Morelli subits a charming story of 'Bonzo' the deerhead that hung on the wall of Charlie Bella's Ocean View Hotel in Davenport . http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/07/story-of.html

July 20, 2008 - IL CAPITANO MICOSSI AND THE FUSARI FAMILY- Jolene Fusari sends us a bio (with photos) on the Fusari Family and La Nostra Costa's Frank Micossi whose mother, Rosina, was a Fusari. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/07/il-capitano-frank-micossi-and-fusari.html

Sept 6, 2008 - MAL OCCHIO BY LAWRENCE DISTASI- A bio of Prof. Lawrence Distasi, Project Director of "Una Storia Segreta", and a review of his book, "Mal Occhio" (The Evil Eye)http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/09/mal-occhio-by-lawrence-distasi.html

Sept 19, 2008 - THE KING OF JORDON VISITS THE WHALE CITY BAKERY-DAVENPORT
LaNorma submits a true story regarding a visit by the King of Jordon as told to her by Bakery employees. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/09/king-of-jordon-visits-whale-city-bakery.html

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The following article were published in 2009:

Jan 27, 2009 - MRS. HELEN SONNEBORN'S CITIZENSHIP CLASS - 1945 - The re-production of an article appearing in the Santa Cruz Sentinel announcing the newly made US Citizens (including my mother, Valentina Comelli) of Santa Cruz County. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/01/mrs-helen-sonneborns-citizenship-class.html

April 7, 2009 - FIGHTING FURLANS OF WW II BY DORIANO DEGANO - A true story of bravery and hardships endured by Furlan and other Italian soldiers fighting for Italy during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/04/fighting-furlans-of-ww-ii-by-doriano.html

July 16, 2009 - NANNETTE MORGAN'S FAMILY STORY- Nannette writes a bio on her family including her own memories about growing up in Salinas, Ca. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/07/nannette-morgans-family-story.html

July 23, 2009 - AN OX'S TALE - ANON FURLAN - An amusing, yet true, story of a Furlan, his wife and two Oxen. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/07/oxs-tale-anon-furlana.html

Sep 2, 2009 - A 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' SOLDIERS STORY - NANCY JACOBS - A bio of Guliano Quilici (Nancy's brother) who served in the Pacific Theatre (including Iwo Jima) during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/09/la-nostra-costa-soldiers-story-nancy.html

p>Nov 6, 2009 - STORIES OF THE 'OLD COAST ROAD' BY LaNORMA - Once again LaNorma digs deep into her bag of memories to recall some amusing stories (some about the CHP) that occurred on the Coast Road. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/stories-of-old-coast-road-by-lanorma.html

Nov 16, 2009 - MICHAEL NANNA REMEMBERS SANTA CRUZ - A bio and boyhood memories of a former Santa Cruzan. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/michael-nanna-remembers-santa-cruz-2nd.html

Nov 28, 2009 -'PANE AMARAO' (BITTER BREAD) FOR THANKSGIVING - A synopsis and review of Gianfranco Norelli's documentary film about the struggles of early Italian immigrants upon their arrival in l'america. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/pane-amaro-bitter-bread-for.html

Dec 12, 2009 - COAST ROAD BLOG - The 'blagga' finds Anneliese Agren's new Coast Road Blog on the net: http://www.coastroad.wordpress.com/

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The following articles were published in 2010:

March 3, 2010 - THE GREAT POLENTA CONTROVERSY - A re-print of Santa Cruz Sentinel columnist Donna Maurillo's article on 'quick and easy polenta'. This article caused great controversy among the 'traditional slow-cook' polenta lovers. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/03/great-polenta-controversy.html

July 18, 2010 - FIGHTING FURLANS (CONT'D) - BY RENO DI CISTERNIA - An incredible but true story of hardships faced by Italian soldiers fighting on the Russian Front during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/07/fighting-furlans-ii-by-reno-di.html

Aug 28, 2010 - LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SPECIAL GUEST - LIDO CANATARUTTI - A bio on Figlio della Costa, and Director of the Italian Film Festival of Marin ( http://www.italianfilm.com/ ) who braved the rain all the way from San Raphael to be our very special guest at LNCD Revival II. Thanks again, Lido. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/08/la-nostra-costa-days-revival-speical.html

Sep 20, 2010 - AN AMERICAN STORY BY GINO CAMPIONI - A story of hardships faced by the Okamoto Family of Portland, Oregon under 'Enemy Alien' restrictions during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/09/american-story-by-gino-campioni.html

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): There are many others of course. To view all articles in the LNostra Costa archives, simply click on the year (right hand side of the blog page),
then scroll down the retrieved page. (You may have to click on "Older" at the bottom of the page to continue.) I want to thank everyone for submitting their aritcles - without a doubt -the reason for the 'blagga's" success. Sempre Avanti and Happy New Year.

BTW: You can also retrieve many articles pertaining to "La Nostra Costa" by "googling": la nostra costa blog

OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE - BY GINO

2011-12-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

It may have been around 1944. On a previous Christmas my mother (Ada Campioni) had decorated a very small tree. I can remember it well. It was only about a foot high and had a wooden cube for a stand, which was white with colored bells and candles painted on.

The decorations were glass globes of silver or gold color. Some were half-globes with
the hollow side painted in shiny colors of red, blue, and silver. (I still have the last one which survived my playing with them as a child.)That was the same tree that my mother set up for me in June one year, when I was ill with the
measles. That helped me so much to take my mind of my discomfort.

This particular year I so much wanted a real tree. Naturally, my dad “Baffi” was against buying something so expensive, especially since one could not eat a Christmas tree. In later years I realized that he was right. His entire life was devoted to feeding his family. Now at my age, I appreciate him all the more for his choices.

After a short session of grumbling about my request, he took a walk to the top of the hill North of our house.
(near the present site of the University of California, Santa Cruz) He returned with a few mushrooms and
a Redwood branch. “That’s no Christmas tree!” I wailed. “Be quiet and watch.” was my mother’s suggestion.
She produced some thread, and carefully tied the branches, which all grew in the same plane, as Redwoods do.
She pulled them into a spiral shape, and fastened them in place. When that tree received its ornaments, it was
a work of art! I got over my dislike of a redwood tree. Indeed it is the only Christmas tree which I have remembered
for my entire life. It was not so much the tree itself, but that my father had taken the time to do me such a much appreciated favor. I have told this story to some local friends, one of which said, “He must have loved you a lot.” He did indeed.

Saluti e Buon Natale, Gino

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IVANO SAYS: Thanks Gino for reminding us what Christmas is really about. Merry Christmas everybody e Sempre Avanti.

DECEMBER 7, 1941, "A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY'

2011-12-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: JUST IN CASE SOME OF US MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN WHAT DECEMBER 7, 1941, WAS ALL ABOUT, I'M PUBLISHING KRISTIAN'S (MY 13-YEAR OLD GRANDSON) CLASS ASSIGNMENT FOR TODAY.

December 7, 1941, ‘A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY’

On December 7, 1941, Japan, without declaring war, made a ’sneak attack’ on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, bombing our ships. Many ships were sunk and many American lives were lost. This ’sneak attack’ caught our armed forces stationed in Hawaii completely by surprise.

On December 8, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt went before Congress and declared that “December 7, 1941, was a day that will live in infamy .” By that he meant that the ‘sneak attack’ by Japan was a disgraceful and dishonorable act and would always be remembered that way. He demanded that Congress declare war on Japan.

Congress did declare war on Japan. Japan’s partners (Germany and Italy) declared war on the United States. The United States then declared war on Germany and Italy. The United States became fully involved in WW II.

Because many of the ships had been sunk, the United States could not attack back. It was also not prepared to defend itself. Many people thought that Japan would launch another attack on the west coast of the United States. Coast Guard Units and Army soldiers were set up all along the coast to look for enemy Japanese submarines and airplanes. Blackouts were ordered at night so the enemy could not see us. Laws were passed to make Japanese, German and Italians who lived in the United States to stay away from the Coast. Some lost there jobs and property; Some were forced to move inland.

To win the war, the United States called up many, many young men to serve. Some were volunteers, but most were drafted. This left many jobs without men to do the work at home. The women filled in and did most of those jobs. Factories that turned out cars, trucks, etc. were made to turn out war things such as airplanes and tanks. Restrictions were put on the amount of food, gasoline and other products you could buy at one time or not at all. Everybody was involved one way or another in this war.

The United States soon became strong enough to attack back. We became so strong that we beat the Germans in the first part of 1945. Later in 1945, we dropped Atomic bombs on Japan ending the war there. By doing so we began the Atomic Age.

The United State began the War as a nation that didn’t want to get involve in other nation’s wars. At the end of the War, we became the leader of the free world. We supported the United Nations and to this day are deeply involved in international affairs some involving undeclared wars in foreign nations. What would the founders of the Constitution think of this?

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D) I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT KRISTIAN GOT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COAST FROM THE BOOK"LA NOSTRA COSTA" (OUR COAST) BY YOURS TRULY . SEMPRE AVANTI.

FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE (SON OF SANTA CRUZ) DON BINSACCA REMEMBERED

2011-11-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

THE FOLLOWING REMEMBRANCE OF DON BINSACCA, SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1955, WAS SENT TO ME BY CLASSMATE BRUCE HANSEN.

Don Binsacca was born in San Francisco, to Dorothy and Sam Binsacca.
He passed away peacefully and without pain, on the morning of November 10,
2011, from complications of Alzheimer's. He spent his last months under the
loving care of his family, his friends, his caregivers, and his devoted Hospice team. He never lost his famous sense of humor, and laughter often
rang from his room.

Don grew up in Santa Cruz, and then studied at U.C. Berkeley, and S.F.
State University, marrying Meredith Ludwig in 1961, and then beginning his
career in health. He retired in 1999 after thirty-five years at the Alameda County Health
Agency, spent most notably in developing research in and evaluation of
public health issues. Don and his beloved wife Meredith fortunate enough to celebrate their
50th wedding anniversary in June of this year, with close friends and
family.

He is survived by Meredith, their devoted children, Anya (Josh) and
Anthony (Lydia), and grandchildren Finley, Satchel, and Vanessa, as well as
his loving brother, Bob Binsacca (Lynn). Don will be remembered for his
wit, his generosity and his gentle kindness.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 3, at 1:30 p.m.,
at Mountain View cemetery in Oakland, at 5000 Piedmont Avenue. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be sent to Vitas Hospice, 365 Lennon Lane, Suite 140,
Walnut Creek, CA 94598.

DON BINSACCA (ON THE LEFT) WITH FELLOW SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATES-CLASS OF 1955, JERRY MUNGAI, FLORENCE BIANCO BELL AND IVAN COMELLI. (PHOTO TAKEN AT "NOSTRA COSTA DAYS" AT THE SWANTON BERRY FARM ON THE NORTH COAST OF SANTA CRUZ -2006)

ADDIO DON, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS "IL ULTIMO PONTE" (THE LAST BRIDGE).

BARBRA SILVA WAGNER REMEMBERS WW II - PART 2

2011-11-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

NOVEMBER 11, 2011 - VETERANS' DAY

WE HONOR THOSE WHO HONORED OUR FLAG BY DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY

Normandy Memorial

Guido Bianconi

Mike Demos

Guiliano Quilici

TAMBELLINI BOYS

FRANCIS AND ALVIN GREGORY

Attilio Dogliotti

PHOTOS ABOVE: NORTH COAST WW II VETERANS

BARBARA REMEMBERS:

Santa Cruz was surrounded (or at least it seemed to me) by military bases during the outbreak of WWII, Phelan Park on the cliffs, Camp McQuaide in Watsonville, Fort Ord and Monterey Naval Air Station in Monterey county, The Naval Air Station in Sunnyvale, The Presidio and Fort Mason in San Francisco, Treasure Island and Oakland - Alameda Naval Air Station across the bay. If you went to San Francisco, you were sure to see the bunkers all along the coast. They looked pretty scary to a little kid.

During the day we could hear the noise from the gunnery range at Fort Ord and the roar of planes taking off. I would look up and see the planes flying low overhead. How quickly I would run to find a place to hide --sometimes it was in the fields, other times it was in my parent’s garage. I still have those reoccurring nightmares of Japanese fighter planes flying right over our house on Western Drive (Cliff Way), the Japanese pilots staring out from their cockpits and seeing me through a window in the garage or just as I was making a break and running into the open to get to the house.

The sights and sounds of war can be terrifying to a little kid --the air-raid sirens, the blackouts, the rumbling of military vehicles on the road, etc. It so happened that my Dad was an Air-Raid Warden. When there was an air raid alert, he would quickly put on a hard hat and arm band; then grab a flash light and rush to the corner where he would stand until the all clear sound was given. Sometimes it seemed like an eternity.

During the day the troops and heavy tanks would go up and down the street on maneuvers --soldiers with guns over their shoulders, big guns being pulled by jeeps, etc.. Sometimes some of the solders would come to the house and get a drink of water from our garden hose. Being so young, it was all so confusing and I really did not know what was going on. I remember just taking off with my dog and running to my Grandparents house next door. Once there, I would go down to the cellar where they kept the wine barrels, cheese and Pilot Bread Crackers. At times I would even calm my nerves with a swig or two of the wine. It was especially scary, when all of this took place at night, and you'd peer out the window at all that darkness.

One day our neighbor, Mrs. Templeman, Ted Templeman’s (Harpers Bazzar) Grandmother, came running out of her house, screaming her lungs out. Her son, Ted, had been taken prisoner of war by the Japanese. Oh that poor woman, her other son Kenneth was serving in the Army and was stationed in Germany. (That was before they passed the law that only one son could serve in the military at the same time.) Ted was in the Navy in the Pacific when all this happened. This sweet woman was never the same after this and I can truly understand why. Her son came back, but there were others that unfortunately didn't. One of those, but from a different time, was Harvey Levine -- a happy go lucky young man, so full of life and fun. It l ended all to soon for him. I can still remember the funeral procession down Pacific Avenue --how sad, heart wrenching.

Getting back to WW II, I can recall gas rationing --you either had an ‘A’ sticker (normal driving –3 gallons per week) or a ‘B’ sticker (factory workers, traveling salesmen –8 gallons per week). And those OPA books of stamps that allowed you to buy 2 pair of shoes a year. Nylon was used for the war effort, so ladies wore silk stockings. If you got a run in them, you took them to the second floor of Leasks Department Store on Pacific Avenue to be mended. Or you just used leg make-up to draw a line down the back of your legs to look like seams, (Check it out girls. Make sure the line is straight.) Butter was rationed, so your Mom bought Oleomargarine with a little orange capsule that you mixed into the white gunk – phooey, I didn't like that. I was used to home made butter, but my Mom figured if everyone else had to do this we had to do it.

My sister learned to roll bandages at Laurel School. Then she would come home and teach me, so she could double her quota. I finally figured out that she was using me. All this for the war effort, of course.

There were good times and bad times, but the one thing that I remember most and learned from all this, was the camaraderie of the neighbors and people in general, All joined in, helping each other, sharing happiness, grief, sadness, food clothing or what ever was needed --what's mine is yours -- good feelings for bad times.

-Barbara Silva Wagner-

IVANO SAYS: Thanks Barbara. Many of your memories of WW II coincide with mine as recorded in my book “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast), Chapter 3, “La Costa E La Guerra” (The Coast ant The War). It’s kind of ironic that your father was an Air Raid Warden. On pages 30-31, I write about my father, being almost arrested by an Air Raid Warden, during a Blackout. He was using a flashlight while feeding the rabbits in our backyard. That was a "no-no". Thanks again Barbara. As our parents did in WW II --Sempre Avanti.

TO VIEW PART I OF BARBARA'S MEMORIES "CLICCA": http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/09/barbara-silva-wagner-remembers.html

AMICO DI SANTA CROCE (FRIEND OF SANTA CRUZ) - WAYNE SHAFFER WINS AWARD

2011-11-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

IVANO SAYS: I received the following message and news release from Rosa Radicchi in regards to Wayne's award:

Wow, Congratulations Waye!!! Check out the News Release below about Wayne Shaffer and the Good Neighbor Award. Also please check the link below to the article that was written in the "Realtor Magazine" publication. Thanks again to those who voted for Wayne!

http://realtormag.realtor.org/good-neighbor-awards/article/2011/11/good-neighbor-wayne-j-shaffer-love-your-neighbor

As some of you know, Wayne was also the recipient of the ICF Pope John the XXIII Award for 2011.

Lots of blessings,
rosa

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

RealtorÒ from Santa Cruz, Calif., Wins National Volunteer Award for Helping the Less Fortunate

WASHINGTON (November 2, 2011) – RealtorÒ Wayne J. Shaffer, a broker with Shaffer and Associates in Santa Cruz, Calif., is one of five winners chosen by the National Association of RealtorsÒ as REALTORÒ Magazine’s 2011 Good Neighbor Award winners. Shaffer was selected for his work with the poor and homeless through three different organizations that he helped establish.

“The Good Neighbor Awards program acknowledges RealtorsÒ who are dedicated to strengthening communities through volunteer work and helping those in need,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “As a past Good Neighbor Award recipient, I know of the tremendous effort and time these winners devote to each of their causes. Wayne has been a tremendous leader within his community, working tirelessly to help those less fortunate.”

For more than three decades, Shaffer has devoted himself to helping the poor and homeless in Santa Cruz, Calif. In 1982 he cofounded the St. Francis Catholic Kitchen, a local soup kitchen which serves hot lunch to 190 people per day. Shaffer is now president of the board of directors and a frequent visitor. From there he went on to also cofound the Jesus Mary Joseph Home, a shelter for women and children.

In 1999 Shaffer met a pregnant woman who was living out of her car. He was inspired to help her and within a year he had founded the Siena House Maternity Home, an emergency shelter that provides care for women experiencing a crisis pregnancy. As cofounder and president, Shaffer has helped provide more than 350 women with pre- and post-natal care, counseling, baby care and lessons on nutrition, parenting and life skills.

“Women need a safe place to deal with their pregnancies,” said Shaffer. “They need a place that encourages a lifestyle that will be an improvement for their babies and themselves.” The shelter is housed in a former convent that accommodates up to 10 women during their pregnancies and for up to three months after delivery.

One of the women Shaffer has helped, Asmara Gebre, credits Siena House for putting her on a better path. She is currently attending the University of San Francisco’s nursing program and has earned a high school diploma and three associate’s degrees after giving birth to her daughter, now five. “The discipline I developed at Siena House, combined with the family atmosphere helped me learn what it meant to love and respect myself,” said Gebre. “It was the first time I was in an environment where people believed in me and encouraged me to pursue an education. Wayne is the father figure I never had. He didn’t know me but was willing to help.”

Siena House has an annual budget of $200,000. Women pay a house fee of $150 per month, and all other funding comes from donations and an annual dinner auction. Shaffer personally donates $10,000 per year.

Once admitted to the home, the women must follow a strict set of rules. They must remain sober and have no addictions. They must do household chores and take turns preparing meals for up to 15 people. In addition to attending counseling sessions and house meetings, they learn computer skills and are referred to other agencies for educational and vocational training.

“There are no strings attached to Wayne’s giving. He is a man who means what he says and does what he means,” said Siena House Director Sharron Rudell.

Meanwhile, the soup kitchen keeps going strong, serving 45,000 nutritious, free meals per year and spreading the word that positive change is possible. “When you help people get off the streets and into a safe place with a meal, this is where it all begins,” said Shaffer. “Someone will come up to you and thank you for something you did then years before and it makes you feel good to know you made a difference in that person’s life.”

Shaffer and the other four Good Neighbor Award winners will each receive a $10,000 grant for their charity and a $2,000 Lowe’s gift card, and will be profiled in the November-December issue of REALTORÒ Magazine. The recipients will receive their awards on Saturday, November 12, at the 2011 REALTORSÒ Conference & Expo in Anaheim, California.

“The Good Neighbor Awards honor Realtors® who are leaders in their community,” said Frank Sibley, REALTOR® Magazine publisher. “This year’s winners have literally saved lives, and inspire those around them to make positive changes in the world. We hope this award and the grant money will allow these Realtors® to expand their reach and help even more people.”

Celebrating its 12th year, the Good Neighbor Awards has been awarded annually since 2000 and is presented by NAR’s REALTORÒ Magazine. The Good Neighbor Awards is sponsored by Lowe’s and HouseLogic.

Nominees were judged on their personal contribution of time, as well as financial and material contributions to their cause. To be eligible, nominees had to be NAR members in good standing. More information about the Good Neighbor Awards winners is available at www.realtor.org/realtormag.

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Congratulations Wayne. I first met Wayne at his wife and Esther Frizza Wilson's bookstore in Santa Cruz (Agnus Dei). It was there that I had my first book signing event for "La Nostra Costa (Our Coast). Wayne was extremely supported of the event. Since that time, I have learned that he has done many other things, including giving support to my brother's family when needed. All of this has been done without and publicity and/or noteriaty. Thanks Wayne for all your good works. Sempre Avanti.

(BTW: I saw Wayne wondering thru the crowd at the Davenport-North Coast Reunon 2011. I didn't get a chance to say hello. Thanks for being there, Wayne. ivn0)

AMICO DELLA COSTA - FUMIE 'JIM' SPINETTI REMEMBERED

2011-11-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Fumie Spinetti (1920 - 2011)
Fumie "Jim" SpinettiJuly 22, 1920 - Oct. 29, 2011Resident of Santa CruzFumie Spinetti passed away at Dominican Hospital on Saturday, October 29. Fumie was born on July 22, 1920 in Santa Cruz, California. He was the son of Antonio Spinetti and Adelle Zoccoli. In his early years the family moved to the Springfield District near Moss Landing where his father farmed. Fumie attended elementary school in Springfield and later graduated from Watsonville High School in 1939. Shortly after graduation he went to work for Farmer's Mercantile and worked there for nineteen years. During this time he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Force and became an aviation machinist mate serving in the Western Theatre. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy he married Betty Jordan of Livermore, California and moved to Watsonville, California. From this marriage they had three children: James, Thomas and Claudia. He later went to work for the Granite Construction Company as a heavy equipment mechanic retiring 25 years later as the Master Mechanic. He recently received his fifty-year membership gold watch from the Operating Engineers Union.In 1980 he married Dorothy Asmussen who was his high school classmate. Fumie was very active in the Italian Catholic Federation having served as the first president of the Watsonville branch for five and a half years. He was then elected to the Italian Catholic Federation's Central Council governing board and subsequently became a Member Emeritus. Fumie leaves his wife Dorothy and his three children: Jim and Tom Spinetti of Hollister and Claudia La Rue of Watsonville. He also leaves his stepson Chris Asmussen and his wife Linda, a sister Grace Hill, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady Help of Christians Valley Catholic Church, 2401 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA on Thursday November 3 at 10:00 am. A vigil and recital of the holy Rosary will be held at Benito Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. A visitation will be held at Pacific Gardens Chapel on Wednesday from 3:00 pm until service time. Interment will be in Valley Catholic Cemetery immediately following the funeral mass.Contributions in his memory can be made to the Santa Cruz Italian Catholic Federation, Branch #21, 125 Toledo Street, Santa Cruz, California, 95060 or you can make a donation to the charity of choice.
Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on November 1, 2011

IVANO SAYS: ADDIO JIM, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2011 EVERYBODY

2011-10-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

IVANO SAYS: HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A REAL 'SPOOKY' ONE AT THAT. IT'S GOING TO GET REAL SCARY OUT THERE. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR 'BRAVE PILLS' BEFORE GOING OUT. THEM ITALIAN GHOSTS DON'T FOOL AROUND. SEMPRE AVANTI

LaNORMA, AL AND GINO SEND US PHOTOS OF THE SCARONIS

2011-10-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

PHOTO: HERB SCARONI

IVANO SAYS: GINO CAMPIONI SENDS US A STORY ABOUT HERB SCARONI (NOT RELATED TO THE SCARONI'S IN THE PHOTO (BELOW)

It was the cold war era at a time when all transmitting devices were to be silenced in case of emergency. All radio stations, including amateur radio were mandated to have some sort of device which would alert of required shut-downs. Someone placed a plan and schematic diagram in a Ham radio magazine, showing how a simple tube type radio could be modified so that it could be used normally in the listening mode, or with the switch set to the alarm mode,the radio would be silent until the local standard broadcast station went off the air. When the broadcasting stopped, the radio would give a loud squawk! Amateurs were then to keep radio
silence until the broadcasting resumed and the alarm device went silent again.

In the Santa Cruz Radio Club we had many members, and on most evenings there would be a gathering of any number between two and thirty friends, each taking a turn at talking for a few minutes.(round table contacts) Herb was one of the most talkative, and frequently took a bit more time than the rest of the group.

Someone decided to play a trick on good ol’ Herb, and by talking over the top of him while he was transmitting, told the rest of us to keep silence after he relinquished the frequency. (it may have been me, but I don’t remember for sure.)

Herb called others of the group with no response. Finally, after about 15 minutes, someone came on with, “Herb, didn’t you hear the signal to stop transmitting? Boy, you will be in big trouble now!”

Most of the members in the group continued in that line of harassment, until we got tired of it, and told Herb it was just a joke. He took it very nicely, as I remember, but it actually had him worried.

So there is my ineptly written report. There is a home address for Herb on QRZ.com and it can be found using his current radio call-sign of AI6D.

Saluti e sempre avanti. Gino

Ivano:

Sending you a foto that was given to me by Sue Girard (she found you on the Facebook).

She attended the reunion and came all the way by herself from Nipomo ( San Luis Obispo area).

I took the foto of all her family with Scaroni’s and Al made it into just the Scaronis. He did a great job. Most people will just know the Scaronis and not Sue’s family but in our archives it will be nice to have her family as well. She thinks this was taken in late 1920’s (way before her time!).

If you post this, it will be interesting to see how many people remember this great family. They were certainly very unique and I, for one, sure do miss them! You might post both fotos – one with Sue’s Family intact. Anyway let me know what you think – I know you have good memories of these people.

The summary is very brief – so much more can be said. I know that Ted Templeton (of Harpers Bizarre singing group spent all his summers at the Dairy), etc. etc.

Sempre Avanti. LaNorma

IVANO SAYS: Thanks LaNorma and Al. I also posted the one photo with Al's brief explanation on the Davenport North Coast Facebook Page. I think I met Sue briefly at the Reunion. She came up to me and showed me copies of the above photo(s). We but them with our Historical Photos display. Thank you, Sue. I wish I would have more time to spend with you. Thank you for coming all that and attending our Reunion.

FOR A RELATED SCARONI FAMILY ARTICLE ON THIS BLOG, 'CLICCA': http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/06/lanorma-remembers-scaronis.html

DAVENPORT-NORTH COAST REUNION 2011 A GREAT SUCCESS

2011-09-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

Photo below: Joanne Gemignani Swaney with husband Jan; daughter Jenna with fiancee Kent. Lido Gemignani and his two children are starring over the "shavola.

Dino Gemignani and family: Wife Sheila, daughters Angela and Corrina.

IVANO SAYS: THE DAVENPORT NORTH COAST REUNION 2011 was a great success. Over 230 people attended. I want to thank everyone who was in attendance. Your the reason it was such a great success. Beautiful sunny day, great food and great friends = GREAT SUCCESS.

I realize that some of you do not do Facebook --so I have posted some sample photos taken at the event. Many more photos have been posted (and are still being posted) on the Davenport North Coast 2011 Facebook page.

Photo third from top. The "Old Rancere" presenting Alverda Orlando with her Life Achievement Award for preserving and promulgating Davenport North Coast History. Her two beautiful daughters stand at her side.

Fourth Photo from the top: Rosa Radicchi talking to a Greogory (not sure of first name.)

Fifth Photo from the top: Three "old" school mates: Marvin Del Chiaro, Ivan(0) Comelli and Jerry Mungai.

Sixth Photo from the top: Welcoming Committee: Tina, LaNorma, Steve and the "Old Rancere".

Bottom Photo: The "Old Rancere" and Mary Silva Tambellini.

Kristian says: Thanks Again for being there, everybody.

BARBARA SILVA WAGNER REMEMBERS WW II........

2011-09-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

IVANO SAYS: Some time ago I spoke with Barbara via telephone. Barbara, known back then as Barbara Silva , and I go back a long way. In fact all the way back to our Laurel School days. In our conversation we discussed some of her memories re: WW II. I suggested to her that she write them down and send them to me. She finally did, and now that we are at the ten year anniversary of 9/11, I thought it most appropriate to publish them on the LNostra-Costa Blog. These are Barbara's memories of another War, however; one can imagine that our servicemen and there families are experiencing the same happenings. as described by Barbara:

Well, guess I'd best start w/Laurel School kindergarten. I don't remember if you were there or did you start 1st grade at Laurel? Anyway, I remember that I would go to Pacific Cleaners on Pacific Ave., next to Sam Wo Laundry after school to wait for my Mom to get off work. While waiting, I saw and talked to a lot of the servicemen when they came into the cleaners to get their uniforms pressed. Some were missing limbs, others had their heads bandaged. They were all young and missed their families and home. A lot of them were from the mid west and had never seen an ocean before. They told stories of the corn growing so high, and how they worked the wheat fields. I knew that their surroundings were different from mine, but I soon realized that the people they were talking about were the same, caring individuals that I knew here.
Some had small children and missed them terribly. I could tell this by the way they talked with tears in their eyes. As young as I was, it hurt me and I was deeply touched.

On one occasion, we were on our way to Monterey for the Portuguese celebration. My Dad was driving down Main St. in Watsonville. There, in front of St. Patrick's Church, we spotted a soldier hitch-hiking. Dad stopped to give him a ride. Being a Sunday, the soldier was on week-end pass from Fort Ord, He sat in the back with my sister and myself and started to tell us about himself. He said that he had a little girl, about my age, and how he really missed her; how she wore a bow in her hair like mine. Before we knew it we were at the gate at Fort Ord. The soldier offered to pay my Dad for the ride and gas. Of course, my Parents said no. In a way, it was their way of thanking him for his service to our Country. They expressed their pleasure in visiting with him. I remember those words so vividly. They stuck in my mind, even to this day, even though at that age, I didn't know completely what it was all about.

What happened next left my Mother in tears. The young soldier turned around, bent over where I was sitting, took the propeller insignia off his uniform and pinned it on the bow in my hair. He kissed my head, said thank you so much and walked off ... I never knew his name ... but I do remember his smile and the slight smell of liquor on his breath, to help him ease the pain of what he and others were going through. God bless him where ever he may be ...

I will send another short story regarding the war and troops on Western Drive and Santa Cruz in general if it's OK. Don't want to bore you or tell too long of a tale, LOL Take care, Barb

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D). Thanks Barbara: We'll be looking forward to your next installment, right her on the LNostra-Costa Blog. These kind of personal memories are never a bore and remind us all that we should never forget our servicemen, especially during this time of remembrance.

HISTORIC PHOTO OF THE RODONI FAMILY

2011-08-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

THE RODONI FAMILY ON THE RODONI RANCH, C. 1946. (Dante, Grandma Gina in the car, Mario seated on your left, then Jeannie, then Elio ['Bebo'] and the beautiful Andreina.)

IVANO SAYS: The above photo was posted by Mario and Donna Rodoni's daughter Suzy Rodoni-Silverberg, on the'Davenport North Coast Reunion 2011' Facebook Page:

www.facebook.com/#1/groups/214420118580618/ (Actually, it looks like this link takes you to my FB page. You can 'clicca' on the link provided there. Or go to your Facebook Page and search for 'Davenport North Coast Reunion 2011'. )

I realize that some of you do not do Facebook, therefore; I published the photo on this Blog. As I write in my book (Pgs. 201-205), the Rodoni Family played a significant part in the La Nostra Costa Story. Thanks Suzie for sharing.

REMEMBER: MANY HISTORIC PHOTOS OF DAVENPORT AND THE NORTH COAST WILL BE ON DISPLAY ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, AT OUR REUNION BBQ AT HARVEY WEST PARK, SANTA CRUZ. THERE IS STILL TIME TO ORDER TICKETS. DEADLINE FOR ORDERING TICKETS. SEPT 7. IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION CALL

LaNORMA AT 831-438-8316, OR ROSA AT 831-460-0545. OR "CLICCA":

http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/04/davenport-coast-road-committee-sets.html

See you all at the Reunion BBQ. Sempre Avanti. Ivano

FIGLIO DI FIGLI DELLA COSTA JOSEPH "JOEY' FREEMAN-DELLA MORA - 'RANCERE' - REMEMBERANCE

2011-07-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Joseph Freeman-Dellamora (1992-2011)
JOSEPH "JOEY" UEL FREEMAN-DELLAMORA
BORN: Aug. 12, 1992
DIED: July 21, 2011
OCCUPATION: Farmer
EDUCATION: Santa Cruz High School, class of 2011
SURVIVORS: Mother, Anne Freeman Dellamora of Sandy, Utah; father, Steve Dellamora of Scotts Valley; sisters Tara Rigby of Shelton, Wash., and Ali Richardson of Chowchilla.

Joey, our beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle; cousin and friend passed away in a tragic accident at his family brussels sprout farm on July 21, 2011. He was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school, the third generation of his family to graduate from Santa Cruz High School. He had dreamed, and worked toward, becoming a farmer like his dad Steve since the day that any of us can remember. Joey was a fourth generation Italian American Santa Cruz coastal farmer. He leaves behind his mom Anne Freeman DellaMora of Sandy, Utah; his dad Steve DellaMora of Scotts Valley, CA; his sister Tara Rigby and her family [Lance, Tabitha and Rebekah] of Shelton, Washington; his sister Ali Richardson and her family [Charlie, Reese and Grace] of Chowchilla, CA; his Aunt Jill Dellamora Grossi and her family Billy, [Bianca, Bridget, and Sofia]; his Uncle Dan and Aunt Kathy Roberts of Murphys, CA; and cousins Lee and Eiva Freeman of Phoenix, AZ; cousin Faralyn Roberts and her family of Stockton, CA; Uncle Bob Shaefer of San Jose, CA; Uncle Mike and Aunt Shirley Shaefer of Sonora, CA; and Aunt Valerie Northrop of Jamestown, CA; Aunt and Uncle Patty and Jess Nelson, of Soquel,CA; godparents Kathy and Fred Hibberd of Santa Cruz, CA; Velda DellaMora-Dixon, Tara and Ali's mom, of Chowchilla, CA; and too many cousins to name. Joey was deeply loved by many not the least of whom is his best friend Dominic Boegel, his friends Robby Pappas, Eric Mullis, Alex Demos, Ben Damon, Peter Miller, Eli Ledworth, Cole Collins, Sean Forbes, Jonathon and Ian Heald, Logan Banks, Jaclyn Brosio, Shane Brosio, Michael Gangloff and many others and we apologize for not naming all of you-your friendship meant so much to Joey and his family really wants to acknowledge how much it means to them as well. He left behind his beloved dogs Buster and Roscoe. His Uncle Dennis Freeman passed away on the farm just a year ago. He was also predeceased by his grandparents Uel and Elvena Freeman, Joseph DellaMora and Henrietta Lowe. As a young boy, Joey participated in Cub scouts, t-ball, baseball, soccer where he broke his foot, and football. Joey tried all of this but his true callings were hunting, farming, friends and family. Joey loved to hunt and fish, ride motorcycles, loved his animals, he loved farming and he especially loved the ranch. We loved his big mischievous grin, his twinkling eyes, his laugh, his willingness to hang out with friends and family, old and young. Joey and Dominic were very excited about a hunting trip they had planned for this past weekend to Carri Stanley's ranch, Los Ninos, in King's Canyon, to go pig hunting. Joey and Dominic lived on the ranch. Joey and Steve just donated a Farmall 300 tractor to the Farm Bureau museum at the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds. The tractor has been at the farm since 1949.

In the last year, we all saw Joey blossoming into the man we were so delighted to see he was becoming: including one who was ready to step up and make his dream of becoming a farmer a reality. Last year, during the rains, his dad credits him and his best pal Dominic with saving the crops: They spent weeks working dawn until well after dark hauling in the sprouts. It was a point of contention between Joey's sisters and dad that he was out of school for that period of time. Now we're all glad that he got to truly farm and partner with his dad for a season.

His dad remembers taking Joey to the first game of the World Series last year and how Joey just had to have a Tim Lincecum jersey. Now he will be buried in it.

The family would especially like to thank Doug Banks who risked his own life to rescue Joey. We will be forever grateful. We're all sorry the outcome was not different but want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the valiant efforts of those, including Doug, who worked desperately to save his life.

It is hard to write about his life-it was just ending for him as a child and just beginning as an adult. There were so many more memories to be made with him. We will keep him in our hearts forever and meet him when we meet our heavenly Father. Joey you leave a hole in our hearts. Someday we will laugh again as you would have wanted and we will be forever changed for the better for you having been a part of our lives. Our lives will be forever altered for having lost you far too soon.

In Joey's honor, please remember life is fragile and hold your loved ones close.

There will be viewing for family and friends on Thursday, July 28, from 4 to 8 pm, at Santa Cruz Memorial Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz. Services will be held on Friday, July 29, at 11 am, High Street Community Church, 850 High Street, Santa Cruz, 426-0207. A celebration of Joey's life and our gratefulness that we got to share it with him, will immediately follow the service. The reception will be held at the DellaMora ranch, 5511 Coast Road, Santa Cruz. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes to the reception. His internment will be private and held on Saturday, July 30.

Joey's family wishes to thank those that have called, emailed, sent food and their condolences. We are deeply touched and comforted. Donations in Joey's memory may be made to Agri-culture 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076 [http://www.agri-culture.us/support/make-donation] or the California Waterfowl Association 4630 Northgate Boulevard, Ste 150, Sacramento, CA 95834 https://www.signup4.net/public/ap.aspx?EID=MEMO11E&OID=130.

Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on July 26, 2011

THE NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - RYAN ROUBAL

2011-07-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Ryan Roubal (right) one of the recipients of Santa Cruz High School Class of 1954 Scholarship Award
is pictured with his Grandfather
Giovanni Primo (John) Comelli (on his
immediate right), his Great Uncle Ivano Franco Comelli and his cousin
Matthew Reid (standing on the left).
Ryan and Matthew's Great-Great Aunt, Lina Bressani Gemignani stands in front. Photo taken at Ryan and Matthew's recent graduation party.
Matthew graduated from Harbor High; Ryan from Santa Cruz High.

Hailey Sims and Ryan Roubal, 2011 Santa Cruz High grads and recipients of SCHS Class of 1954 scholarships, were luncheon guests of local Class of '54 members on June 29 at Chaminade.
Ryan was accompanied by grandmother, Donna (Moro) Comelli, and Hailey was accompanied by her stepmother, Monique Kremer. Ryan plans to attend San Jose State University and Hailey plans to attend UC-Berkeley.
They were selected by the Santa Cruz High Alumni Association scholarship committee.
To receive a Class of '54 scholarship, a student must have had a parent or grandparent who graduated from SCHS. Ryan, incidentally, is a grandnephew of Ivan Comelli, SCHS Class of 1955.

*******

IVANO SAYS: I received the above information and photo from Len Klempnauer, SCHS GradClass of 1954. Ryan and Matthew are the Great-Grandsons of Bronco and Valentina Comelli and Lou and Enis Moro. Congratulations Ryan and Haily and a great big Sempre Avanti to all the Grads.

THE SPIRT OF THE DAVENPORT DESTROYER LIVES ON

2011-07-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

DAVENPORT DESTROYER'S GREAT GRANDSON HITTING HIS HOME RUN.

IVANO SAYS: AS MANY OF YOU KNOW: I devoted a whole chapter in my book on Pacific Coast League Hall of Famer, Joe (Pino) Brovia - The Davenport Destroyer. Joe grew up in Newtown, Davenport-CA. and started to play baseball on 1st Street (Newtown). From there his highly successful career included playing for the San Francisco Seals, Portland Beavers, Oakland Oaks and Sacramento Solons. He even had a stint with Cincinnati Reds of the American League. Joe was elected to the the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame in 2005. Now it appears that the spirit of Joe Brovia lives on in his Great Grandson, Levi Snowden. I received the following information from proud Great-Grandma Cathy Brovia.

Hi Ivano,

I thought maybe some of your readers would like to hear about the Davenport Sluggers great grandson Levi Snowden...

Levi is 8, going on 9, and loves and breathes baseball. He plays for the Kalawai Pinto team. in Kauai, and was selected to play in the ALL STAR TOURNAMENT IN OAHU JUNE 11, 12....

I sent him an e-mail and told him I was praying that he would hit a home run for grandpa in the tournament. His father (Matt) wrote back, and told me he would tell me all about what happened in the game when he got back from Oahu...

An e-mail I received reads......

Dear Grandma Cathy,

Your prayers were answered! In the bottom of the last inning with the score tied and one out, LEVI hit your home run (photos above), and a walk after that.. It was the highlight of the tournament as it was against the TOP SEATED TEAM. Levi's team went 5-0 and Levi played solid defense and batted over 500. Grandpa must have said something to him after the swing and miss... Thank you for your encouragement and support. It was a wonderful weekend..Sending lots of love, Matthew...

An e-mail I received this morning tells me Levi has been hitting left handed as well and looks to be comfortable from that side of the plate. (Joe Brovia was a notorious left handed pull hitter.)

DON'T YOU THINK THIS A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK???? I know Joe would be so happy to have him follow in his foot steps...

It is so sad that all my grand children and great grand children live so far from me. Idaho, California, and Hawaii....They grow up, and you don't get to watch them.

Levi also has a sweet sister called Selah, she is going on 4, and is a pistol when it comes to singing and baking, they tell me.....

Ivano, I know how much you love bragging about your grandson, so I thought I would let you know,,,,, I have a little to brag about too...!!!

Sempre avanti.... Cathy

REMEMBERING RITA DEL PIERO STRINGARI -FIGLIA DEL FRIULI

2011-06-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

IVANO SAYS: The above photo (mostly Furlans) was taken on the Del Piero Ranch in Watsonville, circa 1948 at Rita's sister's (Aurora) wedding. Unfortunatly, Rita does not appear in the photo, however, members of the Del Piero and Comelli famlies do.

THE BELOW REMEMBRANCE OF RITA APPEARED IN THE SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL.

Rita was the daughter of Timo and Caterina Del Piero who were very close family friends to my parents Valentina and Gervasio (Bronco) Comelli. The Del Piero's who were originally from Nimis, Udine Italy (same birth place as my parents)owned and Apple Orchard in Watsonville near Pinto Lake. Timo originally began his farming career on the North Coast of Santa Cruz, CA ('su per la costa'). ADDIO RITA - UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN - ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE'.

***

With profound loss, we share with you the passing of Rita Del Piero Stringari. Rita was a passionate advocate for literacy and the language arts. For over sixty years she was a beloved teacher who inspired and enriched generations of families in the Pajaro Valley. Rita's childhood experience as an immigrant struggling with two languages gave her a personal perspective and a deep concern for the bilingual children she taught. She believed in the potential for success in every child and felt that learning to read and write well was the basis for achieving that success. Rita's passion for books and her dedication to the children of this Valley have had a lasting effect on the community.

Rita was born in the village of Nimis, Udine, in northeastern Italy, the first child of Caterina Comelli and Timoleone Del Piero. In 1921, still in her mother's arms, she immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island. She traveled by land across country to join her father, Timo, in Davenport, CA where he had settled the previous year. In time, her sister, Aurora, and brother, Richard, were born and the family moved to Castroville and then to Moss Landing and Watsonville where they farmed coastal acreage.

Rita attended Moss Landing School, Monterey High School and Hartnell College. In 1942 she graduated with an elementary teaching credential from San Jose State University and married Lawrence S. Stringari, a graduate of the University of Santa Clara, and a resident of Colorado. After the war ended, they moved with their children, Lorita and Tim, to Watsonville to be near family.

In the late 1940's, Rita began as a teacher at Moss Landing School and Pajaro Union Elementary School. She taught the primary grades and art [for all levels] until she retired in 1985. Following retirement, Rita continued to teach as a "preferred' substitute in part time and long term assignments and as a volunteer at T.S. McQuiddy School until 2008.

In 1976 Rita and a small group of professional educators founded the Asilomar Regional Reading Conference [ARRC] for the Santa Cruz, Monterey, and surrounding counties. The conference annually invited vendors and authors of children's literature to provide educators from local counties a weekend of ideas and speakers on language arts teaching materials. She continuously served on the board and as the Coordinator for Vendors through the final conference held in 2009.

The T.S. McQuiddy Elementary School teachers and parents honored Rita by naming the school library in her honor in 2006. Rita was appointed to the Watsonville City Council Library Board of Trustees and served as Board President the year that the newly constructed Watsonville Library was dedicated. She was a member of the Santa Cruz County Reading Association for almost forty years, served as President for two years, received the Gold Medal honor as Member of the Year. She was honored again in 2010 for her years of service.

Other organizations in which Rita was a long term active member include American Association of University Women, Y.L.I, Watsonville Women's Club, International Reading Association, California Reading Association, Pajaro Valley Arts Council, Delta Kappa Gamma.

Rita Del Piero Stringari is survived with loving memories by her family: Lorita Winfield [daughter] of Scottsdale, Az; Tim [son] and Kay Stringari of Truckee; Aurora [sister] and Clyde Mitchell of San Mateo; Richard [brother] Del Piero of Watsonville. She will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews and their families: Kathy and Michael Ladra, Dr. Matthew Ladra, Jeff Ladra, Michael Mitchell, Marc and Tina Del Piero, Paul Del Piero, John Del Piero, Dr. Eric and Teresa Del Piero, Kris Del Piero. She has the love of her Winfield step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, the Virgil and Barbara Stringari Family, the Ileene Ericson Family and Rita's Italian cousins, the Comellis and Del Pieros of Nimis, Italy.A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Church [The Valley Church] 2401 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, California, 95076 on Saturday, July 9, 2011, at 2:15 pm. A reception will follow at the Church Community Hall for Rita's family, friends and former students. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rita's memory to: The Cabrillo College Foundation, [memo: The AAUW Watsonville Branch Endowed Scholarship Fund] 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos CA 95003; Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066; or to the Watsonville City Library.

Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on June 29, 2011

FIRST DAVENPORT -NORTH COAST REUNION - 1977

2011-05-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

IVANO SAYS: THE ABOVE NEWSPAPER CLIPPING RE: THE FIRST DAVENPORT-COAST ROAD REUNION WAS SENT TO ME BY 'LaNORMA'. IT APPEARS THAT HER PARENTS DANTE AND DIANA DINELLI SAVED IT FOR ALL OF US TO SAVOR. 'CLICCA' ON THE ABOVE ARTICLE TO ENLARGE FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE.

WHAT: FIRST DAVENPORT- NORTH COAST REUNION

WHEN: AUGUST 1977

WHERE: SOCIAL HALL - CAPITOLA - ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH

WHO: 325+ OLDTIME AND PRESENT DAY RESIDENTS OF DAVENPORT AND THE NORTH COASTAL AREA OF SANTA CRUZ, CA.

COMMITTE:

LOUIE MAZZEI, CHAIRMAN

FRED MORO

RAY TAMBELLINI

ANN (PAPA) PERKINS

GENE TERRINI

ELMER MORELLI

PETE PIANAVILLA

TOMMY DIAZ

DATE OF NEXT REUNION: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011, HARVEY WEST PARK, SANTA CRUZ, CA. AND YES, SEMPRE AVANTI CON LA HISTORIA DELLA COSTA.

BREAKING NEWS: 'DAVENPORT NORTH COAST REUNION 2011' NOW ON FACEBOOK

DAVENPORT-COAST ROAD COMMITTEE SETS DATE FOR REUNION BBQ-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011

2011-04-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS: YOUR MASTERS OF CERAMONIES FOR THIS YEARS DAVENPORT
NORTH COAST BBQ WILL BE:
LaNORMA (NORMA DINELLI WILSON) AND
IN HIS 'GUISE' AS THE "OLD RANCERE",
IVANO COMELLI. LaNORMA IS THE GOOD LOOKING ONE ON THE LEFT.
REMEMBER DEADLINE FOR ORDERING
TICKETS IS SEPT 7, 2011. SCROLL DOWN THE
PAGE FOR ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO ORDER TICKETS.

KEEP SCROLLING DOWN TO VIEW
MOST RECENT INFORMATON(WITH MAIL IN COUPON) FOR THIS HISTORIC EVENT.
Salute a Tutti!

DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011

LOCATION: EVERGREEN PICNIC AREA

HARVEY WEST PARK IN SANTA CRUZ, CA.

TIME: 11:30 AM TO 4:00 PM

(BBQ: 12:30 PM TO 3;00 PM)
MENU: Appetizer: Sauage BBQ Lunch: Tri-tip or Chicken and beans, vegetable stir-fry, salad & garlic bread. Hot dogs availble for Children. Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake

BEVERAGES: Lemonade and water w/meal. Beer, wine and soda will also be available.

ALSO YOU ARE WELCOME TO BRING YOUR OWN ETHNIC FOOD. HOPEFULLY, YOU WILL FEEL FREE TO SHARE.

PRICE: Adults: $20.00 Children under 12 - $5:00

(After expenses, proceeds will be donated towards projects that benefit the Davenport Community)

Pre-ordered tickets will be available at the event (tickets will not be mailed).

DEADLINE FOR ORDERING TICKETS: SEPT 7, 2011

PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

ROSA RADICCHI: 831-460-0545 NORMA DINELLI WILSON: 831-438-8316

TINA OLIMPIO CUTTER: 831-566-9082

-OR-

email: davenport_nc_reunion@yahoo.com

SPECIAL GUEST TO BE HONORED: ALVERDA ORLANDO

FOR HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE PRESERVING AND PROMULGATING DAVENPORT-NORTH COAST HISTORY.

____________________________________________________________

COPY AND MAIL TO D.C.R.R., P.O. BOX 234, DAVENPORT, CA 95017-0234

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: D.C.R.R

Total Adults___Total Children ___Total enclosed _____

Name _____________________

Phone_______________

E-mail: __________________ Confirmation request: e-mail __ tp #:__ (check one)

GUEST NAMES:_______________________________________________________

____ I/we are unable to attend. Enclosed is my/our donation.

************************************************************************

'DAVENPORT NORTH COAST REUNION 2011' NOW ON FACEBOOK.

REMEMBERING 'FIGLIA DEL FRIULI' EVELINA CANTARUTTI

2011-04-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

TOGETHER AGAIN - ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE'

(Photo: Evelina on the left, and Valentina, c. 1946)

1912-2011 - Evelina Cantarutti, nee Venturini, was born in Rodeano Basso, a small town in the Friuli Region of Northeastern Italy. Her childhood and upbringing there would forever shape her life, values and view of the world. Evelina passed away peacefully the morning of March 28, 2011 at Nazareth House in San Rafael, California.

Evelina met her husband, Guido, in the nearby town of Cisterna. The couple married in 1931. Their first son, Carino (Reno), was born in Cisterna shortly thereafter.

In 1935, Evelina with her infant son, immigrated to America where they rejoined Guido, who had previously immigrated to the North Coast of Santa Cruz, near Davenport, CA. There they were befriended by Gervasio (Bronco) and Valentina Comelli, who had also immigrated to America from Friuli. The two families formed bonds that would last a life time.

Initially, Guido made his living working as a rancere on the Venturini Ranch, su per la costa.The newly immigrated family lived in a ‘wind blown shack’ located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, seven miles north of Davenport. (Evelina would often say in Italian, “We had nothing then. Nothing. No money,no property. All we had was the clothes on our back and il vento (the wind)in our faces.") During this period there second son, Lido was born. In 1947, a daughter, Norma, was born to them. This was after they had relocated to Richmond, California. (Thus,Norma didn't get to experience life in the 'windblown shack' su per la costa)

Evelina undertook her life in the new world and with her growing family with characteristic hard work and determination –trying to learn the language, always making new friends and ever maintaining her ties, contacts and support with all of the family relatives in Italy. This included two brothers and sisters and many other relatives. For many years, Evelina and Guido with their family, lived in Richmond, CA, then moved in the early fifties to the home she loved so much in El Cerrito. Evelina continued to live there following the death of her beloved husband, Guido, in 1971, and until moving into Nazareth House eight years ago.

Evelina lived a long and full life and cherished it all: the family, the friendships, the hard work, Italy, her town of Rodeano Basso, America, Davenport,Santa Cruz, Richmond, El Cerrito and San Rafael. She especially loved and was proud of all her grandchildren; Dino, Steven and Gary Cantarutti(parents Franca and Reno); Jeffrey and Perry Cantarutti (parnts Mary Brent and Lido); and Anne Marie van Amson and Lisa Beebout(parents Norma and Randy Reiter) plus six great grandchildren! Her children were all around her as she left this world, and wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone who loved and helped her, especially the clergy, the medical staff and caregivers at Nazarath House. Evelina’s family is very grateful.

-------

IVANO SAYS: The Rosary was held Wednesday evening (3-30-2011) at Monte’s Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo CA. The Funeral Mass was celebrated the next day at Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903. In lieu of flowers The family prefers contributions to Nazareth House, or a charity of one’s choice.

ADDIO EVELINA. UNTIL WE ME AGAIN “ACROSS IL ULTIMO PONTE”.

REMEMBERING 'FIGLIA DELLA COSTA' - NADINE (FAMBRINI) SCARGILL

2011-04-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Nadine Marie (Fambrini) Scargill On Friday, March 25, Nadine Marie [Fambrini] Scargill passed from this world after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 72. A native of Santa Cruz, Nadine was born on December 16, 1938 where she lived on the north coast for 40 years before retiring with her husband, David, to Scotts Valley, Ca. She graduated from Holy Cross High in 1956 and then married David, her high school sweetheart and together raised a family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Every day of Nadine's life was spent taking care of her family, friends, and neighbors. She was admired by many for her love of life and was never without a nurturing moment or willingness to help. Nadine was an active volunteer at Vista Del Lago, which she and David have called home since 1995. Nadine was an active member of YLI for over 50 years and supported numerous local charities. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Margaret Fambrini, Uncle Fred Dimeo, Aunt Theresa Modena, Aunt Etta Finley, Uncle's Alfred and Marvin Fambrini. Nadine is survived by her loving husband of 54 years David Scargill of Scotts Valley, son Raymond Scargill and daughter-in-law Tish Scargill of Scotts Valley, son Jeffery Scargill of Santa Cruz, daughter Elaine Delgado of Scotts Valley, daughter Catherine Bruce and son-in-law Jacob Bruce of Santa Cruz. Nadine has nine grandchildren: Lindsey, Jennifer, Kaleena, Marco, John, Graeme, Christina, Jordan, and Sean and her treasured four great-grandchildren: Trajan, Auden, Hamish and Questen. She is also survived by her brother, Raymond and wife Zelma Fambrini of Santa Cruz, her nephews John, Steve and Brian Fambrini of Santa Cruz, her Uncle Charles Modena of Santa Cruz and numerous other family members. Viewing will be held Thursday March 31 from 4pm-7pm, followed by a rosary at 7pm, at Santa Cruz Memorial Oakwood Chapel 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday April 1, 2011, 11am, at Holy Cross Church, 126 High Street in Santa Cruz. Interment will be held immediately after the mass at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nadine's name to "Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center" or St. John's Catholic Church in Felton, Ca Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on March 30, 2011 ---------------- IVANO SAYS: IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LITTLE GIRL I PLAYED WITH IN THE OLD BARN ON THE GULCH RANCH 'SU PER LA COSTA' NO SO LONG AGO. ADDIO, NADINE, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE'

THE RIVER RISES AGAIN - BY DON MILLER, EDITOR SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL

2011-03-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Don Miller: Santa Cruz County disasters -- The river rises again - It's not a dream. It never is. Thursday was that kind of day. It had been raining off and on for seemingly weeks, but the way it was falling, falling that morning reminded me of so many other moments in time. And it probably brought unwelcome memories to lots of other folks who have been around Santa Cruz County for more than a decade or so. Because one of our barely repressed secrets is that in an area blessed with so much beauty -- we're a mecca for natural disasters. That's a little difficult to fathom a little more than two weeks after the apocalypse in Japan, but here at the Sentinel the river of experience and memory runs deep. Our most recent rain and wind storms culminated in flooding that ruined manufactured homes in a Capitola park, sent water and mud into businesses in Capitola Village, toppled trees into homes, caused epic landslides and mud ooze, and forced homeowners to evacuate along the surging and cresting San Lorenzo River on the stretch between Felton and Santa Cruz. Less than two weeks before, a tsunami surged through the Santa Cruz boat harbor, causing more than $26 million in damages and destroying or sinking 10 boats. And even recent emigres to Santa Cruz County can talk with some authority about the '89 earthquake, which killed six people and pretty much destroyed downtown Santa Cruz and Watsonville along with 700 homes countywide. Damages. In recent years, we've also endured a series of wildfires that have destroyed property and set off millions of dollars in damages and firefighting costs. But the most frequent unwelcome visitor -- please allow me to introduce myself -- is water. Our coastal-mountain geography lends itself to torrential downpours -- and low lying areas can be helpless in the face of raging rivers and streams, often choked with logs that once were mighty redwoods and douglas firs in Santa Cruz Mountain forests. In December 1955, after days of heavy rainfall, the San Lorenzo River jumped its banks and took a trip through downtown Santa Cruz. Nearly every business in the area suffered extensive damages and losses. Neighborhoods were at the mercy of the floodwaters and houses were ripped from foundations. Homes along the river in the San Lorenzo Valley were ruined and cabins swept into the torrent. A logjam in Soquel Creek led to Soquel Village being flooded. More than 2,000 residents were evacuated -- and this was a time when the entire population of the county was only 66,500 about 22,000 in the city of Santa Cruz, less than a quarter of today's population. Eight people died and damages were estimated in 1955 dollars at $7.5 million. The Great Flood of '55 led to government funding for a flood control project to tame the routes the San Lorenzo River and Branciforte Creek took through the city -- and for rebuilding downtown Santa Cruz. But that storm was surpassed by the disaster of Jan. 4, 1982, that left 22 people dead and more than $100 million in damages as incessant storms led to devastating flooding and mudslides. The Love Creek slide in Ben Lomond killed 10 people when an entire saturated hillside collapsed. Aptos Creek went on its own death and destruction rampage and Soquel Creek, shades of 1955, was again backed up by a logjam and flooded its namesake village. Although the river levees held in downtown Santa Cruz, the surging San Lorenzo River threw a section of the Soquel Avenue bridge into the water. On March 11, 1995, the Pajaro River's levees failed, flooding Watsonville neighborhoods, the town of Pajaro and miles of rich Pajaro Valley agricultural lands. Sixteen years later, a much discussed and disputed flood control project for the river remains just talk. Our merry band of photographers, reporters and editors have become battle-scarred veterans covering disasters. Today, the effort includes keeping up-to-date emergency information posted on our website, which sees incredible traffic during these events. We solicit and post readers' photos and videos -- and host discussion forums where people in the midst of what is happening share their experience, strength and hope -- and tell other readers what to avoid and how. Meanwhile, our news team constantly updates what we know, when we know it. The next morning, you, the print reader, get to relive the event. And while all of us are feeling weary these days because life just keeps surging over our boundaries and riverbanks, we also know that in Santa Cruz County, the next big thing is inevitably just moving downstream. Don Miller is the editor of the Sentinel. Email him at dmiller@santacruzsentinel.com. You can read his blog at santacruzlive.com/blogs/dmillereditor/ The Sentinel is using Facebook for your feedback and commenting on this page. See our commenting policy. ------- The above article was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ and was posted on the LNostra-Costa Blog with the permission of Don Miller, Editor.

IL MARE SPAVENTOSO (THE SCARY OCEAN)

2011-03-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

COASTAL BEACH 3-MILES NORTH OF

SANTA CRUZ, CA. WHERE THE "TSUNAMI"

HIT CIRCA 1950.
(Photos taken by Gino Campioni)

'BAFFI' CAMPIONI LOOKING AT A CALM PACIFIC OCEAN IN SANTA CRUZ, (C.1950)
-Beware, Baffi! Beware!-

The tsunami in Japan and the tragic events that followed reminded me how scary the ocean can be. My mother would always warn us of this by saying, “Il Mare e traditore” (The ocean is a traitor). What she meant was quite clear to us. The ocean can appear calm one minute; then sweep you out to sea the next showing no mercy. Pretty scary stuff to us kids.

Kristian, my 13-year-old Grandson, asked me if a tsunami had ever hit Santa Cruz. I responded, “Not until now”.

“But Grandpa”, he said, “You write about one in your book.”

The event that Kristian was talking about occurred in the early 1950s. I don’t think it was labeled a tsunami, however, the storm and giant ocean waves did quite a bit of damage. At the time, my family and I were living on the Gulch Ranch, 3-miles north of Santa Cruz.

The following is an excerpt from my book, “La Nostra Costa” (pgs. 299-300) describing the event.

“. . . .circa 1950, a giant rainstorm hit the coast. The rain and wind came down upon us,buffering the walls and roof of our small fragile house. Rain hit the Coast Road in such volume that it quickly caused the drainage ditches to overflow. Water formed on the road, creating wild currents of water which flowed past our house and down into the Gulch. Amid the sounds of rain, wind and rush of flowing water, we could hear the ocean roaring in the not-too-faraway distance.

The whole scene reminded me of a film that Dante (Rodoni) would often show us at (his) ranch. (I think it was a Laurel and Hardy silent feature.) The old flick was a comedy, but rather scary because it depicted and old rickety house situated on a beach. A big storm hit and giant waves swept the house off its foundation and into the ocean. To ride out the storm, the fat man and the skinny guy sat on the roof of their house, as it bobbed about in the ocean. If the 1950 storm had continued, I imagined that we would have gotten into the same situation as those two guys. Thankfully, the rains would stop in time and we would be once again safe. However, in the background we could still hear the roar of the ocean loud and clear.

A few days later, I took a stroll down to the beach. The ground was still wet, but the sun was shining and things were getting back to normal. I walked to the top of the bluff overlooking the beach . . . . What greeted me was something unreal, something that you might now see in a special effects movie. It was as if I was looking at the creation of a whole new world. The surf had hit so hard that it had completely wiped out the sandy beach, exposing the bedrock beneath and had so much force that the tide was driven up into the gulch by about 300 feet (or more). The sides of the gulch were completely denuded of vegetation. It was as if giant bulldozers had carved out a new canyon, making it ready for development. The only difference was that the sides of this canyon were soaking wet and dripping with salt-laden kelp and seawater. As I stood looking agape at this amazing scene, Il Mare in the background kept roaring, its sound now reminiscent of rolling thunder, I could almost hear it saying to me: ‘See there, little boy. This is what I have done in the past and what I can still do in the future. Beware. Beware.’” *

* From the book, “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast), published by Authorhouse (2006). Copyrighted (2006) by the author, Ivano Franco Comelli. All rights reserved.

"La Nostra Costa" is now available in ebook format: http://www.amazon.com/kindle

'EAT POLENTA' - T-SHIRT- BY RENO DI CISTERNA

2011-03-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: My Grandson, Kristian
is proud to announce that 'Reno Di
Cisterna' has designed a brand new
'EAT POLENTA - THAT'S ITALIAN'
T-Shirt.

THE 'OLD RANCERE SAYS: "If Kristian likes it, I like it!
Sempre Avanti
.

REMEMBERING FIGLIA DELLA COSTA EMMA FERRARI MUSITELLI

2011-02-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: THE REMEMBERANCE BELOW WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL:
www.santacruzsentinel.com

Emma Ferrari Musitelli [Auntie Emma] passed away peacefully of natural causes at her Westside Santa Cruz home, surrounded by her loving family on February 5th, 2011. She was 91, and a resident of Santa Cruz County for 90 years.

She was born to Battista John Ferrari and Antonietta Mattei Ferrari on February 24, 1919, in the Butchertown District of San Francisco [now known as the Bayview/Hunters Point District].

At 1 ½ years of age, along with her mother and sister Effie, she traveled in a Model T Ford to her new family home in Davenport, over the treacherous Devil's Slide roadway, driven by a neighbor, Mr. Collins, who prayed the rosary the entire way. That must have somehow influenced her, as she prayed the rosary daily until her passing.

After attending local schools, she graduated from Smith's School of Business.

She played the guitar and often accompanied her father as he sang songs from his native Piedmont in northern Italy.

She met her future husband, Robert "Bob" Musitelli, who preceded her in death in 2000, as classmates at the one room Agua Puerca schoolhouse at Davenport Landing, north of Santa Cruz. They were married in Salinas, CA on November 18, 1958.

She was known for her generosity, wonderful upbeat personality, and hospitality. During WWII, Emma and her parents hosted many card games at the ranch house, sharing food and coffee, with members of the 54th Coast Artillery Regiment, of which a subordinate unit was co-located on the Ferrari family cattle ranch north of Davenport, establishing lifelong friendships.

Although Emma and Bob did not have any children of their own, they were blessed with seven loving nieces and nephews, of which six survive her, as follows: Emma Garbini Bertoli, Norma Garbini Quilici [Paul], Dolores Del Chiaro Locatelli, Donald Innocenti [Claudia], Marvin Del Chiaro [Elaine], and Robert Innocenti, numerous cousins, and 14 great, 25 great-great, and 2 great-great-great nephews and nieces.

Besides her husband Bob, she was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Giovanna Garbini Dorsa, Marie Innocenti, Florence Laurendine, and Effie Del Chiaro, and her niece Elizabeth "Betty" Innocenti Le Baron.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. David Beck, for his loving care, all of his staff, and Hospice of Santa Cruz.

The funeral procession will leave Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA on Friday February 11, 2011 at 9:30 am for Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High St, Santa Cruz, CA where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am. The vigil prayer service will be held at Pacific Gardens Chapel on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. Friends are invited to call at Pacific Gardens Chapel on Thursday from 1:00 pm until service time. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to express your condolences to the family and sign the online guest book.

Remembrances may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, or your favorite charity.

-----

ADDIO EMMA. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS IL ULTIMO PONTE. IVANO

REMEMBERING MARGARET KOCH - HISTORIAN

2011-01-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: THE BELOW REMEMBRANCE ON MARGARET KOCH WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/

Margaret Rau Koch, age 92, died peacefully on January 7th, 2011 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Eternal Hills Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Margaret R. Koch was born April 13, 1918 in Sacramento, California. Her father was Dr. George James Rau, a dentist and U.S. Naval Officer in World War I. Her mother was Callista Marie Martin, a teacher. She also had a younger brother, George James Rau, born in 1919.

She grew up and spent almost her entire life in Santa Cruz, California. Margaret studied journalism at U.C. Berkeley where she met her husband, Edward C. Koch. They were married in 1938, on Margaret's birthday April 13th.

Margaret was a staff writer for the Santa Cruz Sentinel newspaper for over twenty years. She was a California historian and published six books. She was a community activist and key in preserving and restoring historic downtown Santa Cruz. She was also named woman of the year in 1972.

She and Ed were world travelers and very adventuresome, starting with a car trip-honeymoon from California to Mexico City in 1938. The entire family spent two weeks every summer hiking and camping in the High Sierras of California. Margaret and Ed traveled to Japan, Russia, China, South America, Guatemala, Mexico, Europe, British Isles, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. They had two sons, Edward and Thomas and a daughter Kathleen. They had five grandchildren and four great-grand children.

There will be a small memorial service at Crystal Terrace on Sunday, January 16th at 1:00 PM. A private family service will be held in April in Santa Cruz on the property that has that has been in the family for six generations.

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): ADDIO, MARGARET. As one of my sources for historical background in writing my book, "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast), I extensively used your book, "Santa Cruz County, Parade of the Past", published in 1973, by Valley
Press. Thanks Margaret for enlightening and educating us all with your life and great works.

-------------------------------------------------------

01-24-11: This just in from Len Klempnauer:

Ivan,
Attached is a B/W photo of Margaret Koch that was published with a news story -- added below -- about her death that was published in Saturday's Sentinel (Jan. 22).
-- Len Klempnauer
P.S. I worked with her at the Sentinel for about 15 years.

Headline: Newspaperwoman, Author and County Historian Margaret Koch Dies

As a fourth-generation Santa Cruz resident who lived on the property first settled by her great-grandparents, it's fitting Margaret Rau Koch dedicated much of her life to preserving the history of Santa Cruz County.
She died Jan. 7 in Klamath Falls, Ore. She was 92.
During her tenure as a staff writer at the Santa Cruz Sentinel, where she worked from 1957-1981, Koch's work focused heavily on the county's history. She penned articles that helped lead to the restoration and preservation of some of the historical buildings in Santa Cruz, including an adobe building on School Street, part of the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
"It was a life well lived and full of adventure and enthusiasm," said Soquel resident Barbara Burklo, a former Sentinel co-worker and life-long friend.
"She had a real zest for life," and was a "fountain of knowledge" about Santa Cruz County, she added.
Koch was born April 13, 1918, in Sacramento, but spent most of her life in Santa Cruz. She met her husband, Edward Koch, while studying journalism at UC Berkeley, and they married in 1938 -- on her 20th birthday.
As a reporter, Koch focused on feature stories, as well as religion and history, and even had her own column, "My Mountain Home," about life around her Glenwood homestead.
Koch also wrote numerous books about the county's history, including "Santa Cruz County: Parade of the Past."
In fact, a distant relative found Koch earlier this decade because she was such a prolific writer.
Lompoc resident Gail Benson was conducting online research into her family's history in Santa Cruz, and found one of Koch's books. Benson saw a notation that Koch was looking for a picture of a gentleman by the name of Nicholas Gann, who Benson said is one of her distant relatives.
She did some sleuthing and found Koch's phone number and the two met several times.
"She was just a very bright lady, fun to talk to and cheerful," Benson recalled.
Carolyn Swift, director of the Capitola Historical Museum, still has a copy of "Parade of the Past," which was published in 1973 and is filled with pictures taken during the course of her interviews.
Gathering all of the information about the history of the entire county was a "phenomenal feat," Swift said, and set the framework those who came after her such as Sandy Lydon, historian emeritus at Cabrillo College.
"People still talk about her," Swift said. "She was very influential in telling people's stories. She was synonymous with Santa Cruz history before Sandy Lydon came along."
In her later years, Koch moved to Sedona, Ariz., to live closer to one of her sons, and became active in the artist community there showing her watercolor paintings.
Koch most recently had moved to Klamath Falls to live closer to her other son Thomas Koch.
"We're all sort of just passing through," Swift said. "When you move away, people tend to forget about you, but people still talk about her . . . She passed through, but she didn't get forgotten, and I think that's kind of a tribute."

REVIEWING SOME INTERESTING ARTICLES APPEARING ON THE LA NOSTRA COSTA BLOG

2010-12-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING???

IVANO SAYS: LISTEN TO THIS!

La Nostra Costa Blog is in its Fifth year. As we enter the New Year, the 'Old Rancere' thought it would be appropriate to list some past articles that may be of interest to new readers of the "blagga" and perhaps to others, offer an opportunity to review them . To retrieve :

'CLICCA' ON THE LINK PROVIDE AT THE END OF EACH ARTICLE.

The "Blagga's" first year was 2006. (Coincidentally, "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast) was published in 2006):

August 2, 2006 - CARABINIERE - "THE GHOST WHO WALKED" - A story about one of Davenport's most legendary characters and the mystery of what might have happened to him after his death.

www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/ghost-who-walked.html

Aug 8, 2006 - HUGO'S LETTER- Hugo Bianchini of Monterey, gives his best review of "La Nostra Costa" and links it to his own personal experiences growing up in a different locale.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/hugos-letter.html

Sep 6,2006 - THE RANCERE's LAMENT - BY RITA (FRANCESCHINI) GIANNADREA- Rita, who grew up "su per la costa" captures the true essence of the "Rancere's Lament", as it appears in "La Nostra Costa. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/09/essence-of-ranceres-lament.html

August 10, 2006 - IL FAMOSO BAFFI - A short bio of Guglielmo 'Baffi" Campioni by his son Gino Campioni - Describes the life and times of one of the most colorful ranchers "su per la costa".
www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/il-famoso-baffi.html

Sep 4,2006 - A WHITE SPORTS COAT AND A PINK CARNATION - Carol (Costella) Swartz
remembers Santa Cruz and a certain fellow who went out with her sister Pat. A very charming story. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/white-sport-coat-and-pink-carnation.html

Oct 23, 2006 - FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE LEN KLEMPNAUER- Len describes the efforts of his German American Family as they establish themselves in Santa Cruz. Not too surprisingly
they were very similar to those experienced by the Italian immigrants. html costa.blogspot.com/2006/10/figlio-di-santa-croce-len-klempnauer.html

Nov 5, 2006 - FROM SANTA RADICCHIO TO SANTA ROSA- What starts out as a discussion of Chiogga Beets and Radicchio turns out to be a very interesting story of Italian World War II prisoners who settled in Santa Rosa. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/from-santa-radicchio-to-santa-rosa.html

Nov 11, 2006 - PETE PIANAVILLA VS FORREST McDERMOTT - The story of a colorful coastal "poacher" and a zealous Game Warden who confront each other "su per la costa". www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/pete-pianavilla-vs-forrest-mcdermott.html

--------------------------------------------------

Nov 6, 2009 - STORIES OF THE 'OLD COAST ROAD' BY LaNORMA - Once again LaNorma digs deep into her bag of memories to recall some amusing stories (some about the CHP) that occurred on the Coast Road. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/stories-of-old-coast-road-by-lanorma.html

Nov 16, 2009 - MICHAEL NANNA REMEMBERS SANTA CRUZ - A bio and boyhood memories of a former Santa Cruzan. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/michael-nanna-remembers-santa-cruz-2nd.html

Nov 28, 2009 -'PANE AMARAO' (BITTER BREAD) FOR THANKSGIVING - A synopsis and review of Gianfranco Norelli's documentary film about the struggles of early Italian immigrants upon their arrival in l'america. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/pane-amaro-bitter-bread-for.html

Dec 12, 2009 - COAST ROAD BLOG - The 'blagga' finds Anneliese Agren's new Coast Road Blog on the net: http://www.coastroad.wordpress.com/

-----
The following articles were published in 2010:

March 3, 2010 - THE GREAT POLENTA CONTROVERSY - A re-print of Santa Cruz Sentinel columnist Donna Maurillo's article on 'quick and easy polenta'. This article caused great controversy among the 'traditional slow-cook' polenta lovers. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/03/great-polenta-controversy.html

July 18, 2010 - FIGHTING FURLANS (CONT'D) - BY RENO DI CISTERNIA - An incredible but true story of hardships faced by Italian soldiers fighting on the Russian Front during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/07/fighting-furlans-ii-by-reno-di.html

Aug 28, 2010 - LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SPECIAL GUEST - LIDO CANATARUTTI - A bio on Figlio della Costa, and Director of the Italian Film Festival of Marin ( http://www.italianfilm.com/ ) who braved the rain all the way from San Raphael to be our very special guest at LNCD Revival II. Thanks again, Lido. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/08/la-nostra-costa-days-revival-speical.html

Sep 20, 2010 - AN AMERICAN STORY BY GINO CAMPIONI - A story of hardships faced by the Okamoto Family of Portland, Oregon under 'Enemy Alien' restrictions during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/09/american-story-by-gino-campioni.html

----------------------------------------

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): There are many others of course. To view all articles in the LNostra Costa archives, simply click on the year (right hand side of the blog page),
then scroll down the retrieved page. (You may have to click on "Older" at the bottom of the page to continue.) I want to thank everyone for submitting their aritcles - without a doubt -the reason for the 'blagga's" success. Sempre Avanti and Happy New Year.

BTW: You can also retrieve many articles pertaining to "La Nostra Costa" by "googling": la nostra costa blog

A CHRISTMAS STORY BY LaNORMA

2010-12-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

LaNORMA WITH SANTA IN SANTA CRUZ, CA. (circa 1946)

How many of you Italo-Americans remember your first time seeing Sani Closi (Santa Claus).
I remember so well: I was 6 years old and had just started First Grade at Laurel School. I did not speak English very well. I think I knew about 10 words. As the photo above shows I had just gotten glasses (for a crossed eye) when I first met Santa at Woolworth's on Pacific Avenue (next to JJ Newberrys.)

I sat on his lap and then he asked me what I wanted for Christmas – I was so excited.

I said, “Voglio un caretino rosso” (I want a little red wagon).

Santa said, “A what?”

According to my Mom, (Diana Dinelli), my face got as red as Santa's suit. I remember thinking, “Horrors – Santa Claus doesn’t speak Italian or understand it either!"

I did not know how to say "a red wagon" in English…..so I blurted out one of the few words I knew – “ dolly”. Of course that is not what I really wanted – I so wanted that wagon!

In reminiscing about Christmas years past with Ivano, we recalled how different it was years ago from today. At least we thought so. Still it was a magical time and I remember going to sleep after we had bought a Christmas tree. About 10 o’clock that night my parents woke me up and said, “Come see -Santa Claus was here and he helped us put up the tree”?

With a look of disbelief on my face I asked, "You could understand him?"

They said, "Oh yes. He was a nice Santa and he spoke Italian very well . In fact he told us to tell you to be a good little girl."

"Where is he now?" I asked.

"Oh", my mother answered, "he had to get going so he could help some other people put up their trees".

I was disappointed of course, but I could understand that. Besides the room was awesome with the lights on the tree in the dark and the Nativity scene under the tree.

"Well", I thought, "even if he didn't understand me when I saw him, it certainly was nice of him to come by and help my parents put up the tree. And he learned Italian so fast."

That was the magic of Christmas for a small child.

Still, I was disappointed that he didn't wake me up and I never did get the red wagon. But, I did get a "Dolly". All in all it was a good Christmas and I forgave Santa for not understanding my Italian.

Other memories of Christmas Past:

Christmas Eve was spent at the Neri’s on DuFour St (in Santa Cruz), with my Aunt and Uncle and Cousin.

Christmas Day was spent with a huge dinner in the cookhouse at the Pietro Bargiacchi’s. So many of us were there and we had turkey and so many wonderful things to eat including ( you guessed it) home made ravioli made by Ida Bargiacchi with some help from Zia Elvira and Emma Bargiacchi.

Everyone – BUON NATALE and Buon Anno Novo – many blessings for the New Yea 2011!

As Ivano always says "Sempre Avanti."
'La Norma'
Norma Dinelli Wilson

AND LEN SAYS:

Hi, Ivan,
I just read Norma's Christmas story and thought you might be interested in reading about the day I learned that Santa Claus is not a real person.
It's a piece I wrote three years ago for a web site called The Columnists. The Columnists site, as I may have informed you previously, is made up mostly of retired newspaper people. Ron Miller, a 1956 Santa Cruz High grad and a Pulitzer Prize nominee when he worked for the San Jose Mercury, was one of the site's founders and administers it. Another columnist you probably know is Chuck McFadden, from your SCHS Class of 1955 and a former reporter for the Associated Press. All three of us were on the SCHS Trident student newspaper.
My 2007 piece, titled "Learning The Awful Truth About Santa Claus," is at:

http://www.thecolumnists.com/klempnauer/klemp32.html

Ron and Chuck also have numerous Christmas stories on the web site.

-- Len Klempnauer - SCHS Class of '54

P.S. The Columnists annual Christmas edition this year will be on the web on Dec. 20.

AND IVANO SAYS: THANKS LaNORMA AND LEN. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

LaNorma and the "Old Rancere"

LA NOSTRA COSTA (OUR COAST) - NOW IN E-BOOK FORMAT

2010-11-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

IVANO SAYS: IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR BOOK "LA NOSTRA COSTA" (OUR COAST) IS NOW AVAILABLE IN E-BOOK FORMAT.

IT IS AVAILABLE ON LINE AT AMAZON'S KINDLE BOOKSTORE:

http://www.amazon.com/kindle

AND ALSO AT BARNES AND NOBEL'S NOOKBOOKS

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/NOOK

AND ALSO AT:

http://www.scribd.com/

www.ebookstore.sony.com/google-ebooks

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY

SEMPRE AVANTI

AND HERE IS A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING MESSAGE FROM CATHY BROVIA (BELOW ON THE RIGHT) AT JOE BROVIA'S INDUCTION TO THE PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE HALL OF FAME.

Happy Thanksgiving Ivano and family....

I was watching Channel 25, and watching a Japanese fellow from Watsonville (professor or something).. He was talking about living in Watsonville at the time of the war with Japan.... how they were treated etc., and forced to move to the camps... was sooooo interesting and heart breaking at the same time for me. I can not remember his name, but he spoke of so many people like Norman Mineta, Harry Truman, and so many politicians etc.....

Then...... all of a sudden, BOOM!!!! Davenport Historical moments came on, and there YOU WERE!!!!!!!!!! I think it was 2010 reunion at the berry farm. I got interrupted with a call from my firefighter grandson Nick... He is Joe's grandson, and is with the California Firefighters. He lives in Carmel Highlands, and wanted me to go down to his home for Thanksgiving... I am just not up to it this year... Guess that is why I did not attend the Berry farm reunion.... was in the hospital twice in july, and am still feeling crappy.

Just wanted you to know I really enjoyed the video, and you are handsome as ever. Hope you got to sell a few books.

It looked to me like there was a picture of Joe in front of what I thought was you in uniform.... Like I say, I got interrupted, and I heard you mention his name. I am so happy he is always remembered...

Anyway, thanks for the Costa Nostra News... i so enjoy reading it...

Happy Thanksgiving, and like the old saying goes.... YOU OUTTA BE IN PICTURES!!!!! Singing those old songs.

I am sorry I just could not make it this year... But I REALLY, ENJOYED WATCHING THE WHOLE TV PROGRAM especially all the beautiful Italian songs!!!! I remember listing to Joe's dad sing those beautiful Italian songs at holidays, and I always had tears in my eyes. He had such a beautiful voice.... I miss him so much along with Maria, and of course my dear husband.

Keep up the good work,

Sempre Avanti,,,,, Cathy

IVANO SAYS: Sempre Avanti Cathy. And yes, I did have a photo of Joe (Brovia) on the Photo Display Table. I never go to an event without at least one photo of Joe. I'm always asked the question, "Who is the baseball player", which gives me the opportunity to tell the story of the famous "Davenport Destroyer".

MORE PHOTOS - LA NOSTRA COSTA REVIVAL II

2010-11-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

Nov 22, 2010 - "Il Vecchio Professore Buffo" has sent me another photo that should be included in the group photos. Again we have Zia Lina and Nunni Radicchi at the front. This time Stan Prolo, seated at the right, has his face to the camera. On the left hand side seated behind Nunni we can see Florence Bell SCHS Class of '55 and member of the Bianco Clan "su per la costa". Seated on her right is her husband Earl Bell. If someone can ID the two pretty "gals" seated on the left , please let me know. Thanks "Buffo". Keep them coming. ivno

Above: Standing at the counter: Derrill Kerrick, brother of "Il Professore Buffo" and my partner in "Turbulent Quest" movie venture; his wife Kathy Kerrick-blond seated at right, Anna (Petroni)Orsini seated at front. Below The 'Old Rancere" and Sister-in Law Shirley. Shirley, who is not in the best of health, drove herself and husband Tony from Morgan Hill, over Hector Pass (in the all that rain and slick road) To come see the "Old Rancere" do his 'stuff''. Thanks Shirley. You are a marvel.
Standing in blue dress at the right (same photo), Patty Morelli, Davenport Native and LNCDR Committe member.

Below: The "Old Rancere" and daughter Suzanne (looking somewhat bewildered).

Below: LaNorma, she of the Dinelli- Neri clan and Jim Ceragioli , he of the Ceragioli-Fistolera clan "su per la costa". Next photo: Zia Lina (singing?) with her friend Nunni Raddichi (left) and Davenport Historian Alverda Orlando on the right. Muriel and Stan Prolo (she of SCHS Class of "55 fame; he of Eugene Prolo Chevrolet Co. in Santa Cruz fame) are seated directly behind Alverda. Then Nunni and Zia Lina (not singing?). Muriel Prolo can be seen seated directly behind them.

Below Al Fehn of SCHS Class of '55 football fame. Then David Harra (facing camera) SCHS Class of '55 with fellow classmate Jim Ceragioli . David has just revealed that he was a closet Italian in High School. He now admits being part Italian (on his mother side of the family).

IVANO SAYS: ABOVE PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE 'LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL II:

COURTESY OF JERRILL 'VECCHIO PROFESSORE BUFFO' KERRICK. IFA YOUA NO LIKA DA FOTOS, BLAMA HIMA. E plezza speaka uppa if youa seea yourself. Nome plezza. O -youa

canna clicca on foto to maka bigga.

AGAIN, A BIG THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR BEING THERE. IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THE SAME WITHOUT YOU. SEMPRE AVANTI. IVNO

LA NOSTRA COSTA'S "OLD RANCERE" HARD AT WORK

2010-11-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

THE OLD RANCERE AT 'LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL II - OCT. 17, 2010
(GRANDSON MICHAEL IVANO ASSISTING WITH TECHNICALITIES)

THE OLD RANCERE AND GRANDSON KRISTIAN AT GUGLIELMO WINERY IN MORGAN HILL - "CORK EQUITY FESTIVAL" -NOV 6, 2010

LEFT- PLAYING THE s "SHAVOLA" - SAME EVENT

HOPEFULLY, THIS WILL DISPEL ANY NOTIONS THAT THE "OLD RANCERE" IS RESTING ON HIS "LAURELS. SEMPRE AVANTI. IVANO

FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE - JOSEPH ARMANINI ON HISTORY CHANNEL - NOV 10, 2010

2010-11-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

IVANO SAYS: LEN KLEMPNAUER FORMER SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL REPORTER AND SCHS CLASS OF '54 GRADUATE ADVISED ME OF THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE BY NADIA DRAKE APPEARING IN THE SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL: www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_16509428

SANTA CRUZ -- During World War II, Santa Cruz native Joseph Armanini frequented the skies over Europe, a member of the 8th Air Force's famous "Bloody 100th" bomb group.

"Big Joe" Armanini was lead bombardier for the squad. Their task? Destroy the German Luftwaffe. Armanini flew more than 25 missions, was one of the few members of the Bloody 100th to complete a tour and returned home a decorated war hero.

On Nov. 10, the History Channel will air "World War II in HD: The Air War," a two-hour special narrated by Rob Lowe that features Armanini and three others during the battles leading up to D-Day. Young Armanini will be voiced by Casey Affleck. The show is a follow-up to the highly rated 10-part "World War II in HD" series broadcast last year.

"Joe dominates the show," said producer Liz Reph.

Reph said she decided to focus on Armanini, one of the original members of the Bloody 100th, after speaking with a historian from the group. Of the people in the 100th bomb group, "Joe is one of the rare individuals that made it through," Reph said. "Only 25 percent of the people who set out to fly 25 missions succeeded. The other 75 percent were killed, captured, wounded or suffered mental breakdowns."

Armanini, 94, was born and raised in Santa Cruz. He graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1934, then went on to San Mateo Junior College, where he played football and was student body president. He then attended Dartmouth, where he majored in romance languages and graduated with honors in 1940.

On Jan. 25, 1941, Armanini joined the Air Force.

"I loved the idea of flying," Armanini said. But he didn't complete pilot training, and instead became a bombardier. "Everyone wanted to be a pilot or navigator. Not a bombardier. It wasn't as romantic."

Armanini was assigned to the 349th squadron, 100th bomb group -- the Bloody 100th -- and based in Thorpe Abbotts, England. He dropped bombs from B-17s, the four-engined "Flying Fortresses" that carried a crew of 10. The Bloody 100th became the basis for 1949's "Twelve O'Clock High," starring Gregory Peck, and the movie's screenwriter, Col. Bernie Lay, flew with them.

The squadron was tasked with daylight bombing raids before fighter escorts could accompany them to targets. As such, few flight crews survived to complete the required 25 missions before they could return home. According to Armanini, the graphic moniker is appropriate.

"We sustained such tremendous losses. We had a more than 80 percent casualty rate," he said.

Armanini, who now lives in El Cerrito, said mission days often started at 4 a.m. -- with the noise of engines warming up. Breakfast was at 6 a.m., followed by a meeting in the war room explaining the mission.

"There would be a big map of Germany and a pin maybe 600 miles in. The longer the mission, the more dangerous," Armanini said. "You're flying for 12 hours, and you're under attack from the time you leave the British Isles."

Armanini's first mission was to Bremen, Germany, on June 25, 1943, aboard a plane named El Pisstofo. The Bloody 100th lost seven planes that day.

On Aug. 17, 1943, the squadron sent 19 planes to Regensburg, where the target was an aircraft factory. The Bloody 100th flew in the unenviable position of "tale end Charlie" during that mission, or the bottom-most part of a flight formation. They lost nine planes out of 20, and Armanini's plane arrived in Libya minus an engine and plus 200 bullet holes.

"But nobody was injured," he said. They returned to England by way of Marrakesh, in a different plane, similarly unsuited for battle. "The whole Plexiglass nose had been shot off, and was covered in plastic," Armanini said.

By this time, Armanini was part of Sammy Barr's crew, aboard Torchy -- a plane named after navigator Jim Brown's "good-looking wife. She was a redhead," Armanini said.

Armanini flew in the lead plane on at least five missions, an especially precarious position.

"They always wanted to knock down the lead plane," Armanini said. "It was the only one dropping bombs on the target."

And while some missions, like the one targeting Bremen, were significant for the squadron, others are etched in Armanini's memory for a different reason, like one targeting Leipzig, where they only lost one plane. In that plane was Armanini's friend William Griffith, a classmate of his from bombardier school.

"We had more fun together than you could shake a stick at," Armanini said. He didn't find out what happened to Griffith until he was back in the United States after the war was over, when he learned that Griffith drowned when his plane was shot down.

When he came home, Armanini worked for several years at Bank of America.

"After all that exhilaration, the bank was kind of tame. You didn't know what the hell to do with yourself half the time," Armanini said.

He then worked as an executive at British Motor Cars and for Maserati Imports until 1985, when he retired at age 69.

Armanini returned from the war with a Bronze Star, two Flying Crosses, the French Croix de Guerre and numerous Victory and Air Medals. Despite the decorations, he doesn't think his role in the war was any more significant than anyone else's.

"It was just a matter of luck that you finished," Armanini said. "If you ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. ... You had to be lucky."

--------------------------------------------------

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Although I would not begin to compare anything that I did as a Police Officer, with what Joe had to go through, I did write the following regarding police survival tips in my book "La Nostra Costa"(pgs. 335 - 336):

"Experienced police officers worth their salt will have their own personal short list (held in their minds, at least) to augment survival techniques taught during their training. Having said all this I still must admit I truly believe the ultimate determiner of survival is just plain luck. In retrospect, I was very lucky, regretably, Richard was not." *

* San Jose Police Officer Richard Huerta was killed in the line of duty, August 6, 1970. For articles on Richard and the circumstances surrounding his death, type his name in the search block at the top left hand corner of this page and click on the spy glass.

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL II - A GREAT SUCCESS

2010-10-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks To: Everybody for showing up despite the rain. A special thanks to those who brought a side dish and/or wine to share. It complimented the exquisite cuisine prepared ‘Bear’ and his Swanton Berry Farm Staff. And thanks to all who made generous donations to off-set our costs.

As you can see from the photos, our plans to have an outdoor ‘picanica’ were dashed by la pioggia (the rain). We took it inside and had an old fashion ‘cookahousa’festa. It reminded me of the times we went to the Rodoni Ranch (La Nostra Costa,page 201) ‘cookahousa’ on one or more of the holidays, and Andreina Rodoni cooked a fabulous meal for the ranceri
and invited family friends. We, kids and all. crowded around the tables to gorge ourselves with the delicious food. Then we would entice Bronco, my father, to sing some Italian songs. Unfortunately, the “Old Rancere” doesn't possess Bronco’s great singing voice; however, with the aid of an “Italian Sing-Along” record he attempted to sing and emulate Bronco’s gestures, etc. Hopefully, he was able to entertain you all and give you a sense how it was inside the ‘old cookahousa' su per la costa.

Again thanks to one and all for being there. Your presence help make “La Nostra Costa Days Revival II” a great success. Hopefully, we will have better weather for LNCD Revival III. Then we can have that ‘picanica’.

Sempre Avanti con la historia della Nostra Costa (Our Coast). ivno

BTW: Peter McGettigine was there to video tape the Event for Santa Cruz Community TV. Those of you who do not live in the Santa Cruz Community TV area, might want to entice some friends who do live in the area to video tape it for you when it airs.

THE 'OLD RANCERE' AND AL WILSON - ONE LAST REMINDER- "LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL" SUNDAY, OCT 17, 2010

2010-10-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

AL WILSON (LaNORMA'S HUSBAND AND LNCDR OFFICIAL VIDIO CAMERAMAN) WITH THE OLD RANCERE GIVING US ONE LAST REMINDER THAT THE "LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL" EVENT WILL BE HELD THIS NEXT SUNDAY, OCT 17, 2010

WHERE: JIM COCHRON'S SWANTON BERRY FARM

( http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/ )

TWO MILES NORTH OF DAVENPORT, CA.

TIME: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

WHAT: FOOD, SONGS AND NORTH COAST TALES OF OLD

FEE: DONATIONS ONLY

WHO:

IVANO FRANCO COMELLI IN HIS GUISE AS THE 'OLD RANCERE'

CAVALIERE LIDO CANTARUTTI, DIRECTOR OF THE MARIN COUNTY ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL (http://www.italianfilm.com/)

PLUS LOCAL AUTHORS with their books:

Robert W. Piwarzyk & Alverda Orlando, authors of Davenport Cement Centennial, Limekiln Legacies, and Valley of Redwoods.

Nancy Lynn Jarvis, author of 3 mystery books set in Santa Cruz County: Buying Murder, Backyard Bones, and The Death Contingency. Website: http://www.bonny-doon.info/
.
Joe Aliberti, author of Joey, the autobiography of a Davenport Native describing life on the North Coast of Santa Cruz during the 1930's, 40's, 50's........ Website: http://www.authorhouse.com/

Ivano Franco Comelli, author of La Nostra Costa (Our Coast) A Family's Journey to and From the North Coast of Santa Cruz : http://www.lanostracosta.com-a.googlepages.com/

DIRECTIONS TO THE FARM:

TAKE COAST HWY 1 TO DAVENPORT (ABOUT 10 MILES NORTH OF SANTA CRUZ). PROCEED NORTH FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES (PAST THE CEMEX CEMENT PLANT ON YOUR RIGHT)TO THE THE COAST HWY 1 AND SWANTON ROAD INTERSECTION. STAY ON HWY 1 AND GO ANOTHER 500 FEET NORTH THEN TURN RIGHT AT THE FIRST DRIVEWAY. YOU ARE THERE. LARGE ORGANIC FARM SIGNS ON HWY 1, WILL ALERT YOU TO YOUR APPROACH TO THE FARM. BUONA FORTUNA AND SEMPRE AVANTI. AND REMEMBER: DIRVE SAFELY.

IVANO SAYS: ALSO CHECK OUT DONNA MURILLO'S

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT" IN THE SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL FOR WEDS. OCT 13

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_16323703

or: www.santacruzsentinel.com

LA NOSTRA COSTA (OUR COAST) DAYS REVIVAL II - SUNDAY, OCT. 17 - JUST AROUND THE CORNER

2010-10-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

My Grandson, Kristian (photo above) reminds us that that LA NOSTRA COSTA (OUR COAST) DAYS REVIVAL II is just around the corner - Sunday, October 17, from 1-4PM, at Jim Cochron's Swanton Berry Farm: http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/

Remember that this historic setting is a working ranch, so wear your best rancher's clothes (hats and 'shavolas' are optional'). Food will be served; however, if you wish you can bring your own 'picnicka' basket with your favorite wine. Also if you have a favorite dish you want to share, please do so. So, come along and enjoy a fun day, of food, music and stories as told by his friend the "Old Rancere". And don't forget that Lido Cantarutti, Director of the Italian Film Festival http://www.italianfilm.com/ will be our special guest. In the meantime enjoy some of the photos taken at "La Nostra Costa Days Revival I. For further info and photos scroll down this "Blagga" Page ( http://www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/ )

LA NOSTRA-COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SUNDAY - OCTOBER 17, 2010

2010-09-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

JIM COCHRON AND THE SWANTON BERRY FARM
PRESENTS
LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS (OUR COAST) REVIVAL
SUNDAY, OCT 17, 2010

Ivano Franco Comelli, Author –Screenwriter of
La Nostra Costa/Turbulent Quest

In his guise as the “Old Rancere,” Ivano will re-create (with stories and songs), historical events as they might have occurred on the North Coast of Santa Cruz (1923-1983).

Come join us for a fun afternoon of food, music, and “tall tales of old.”

Location: Swanton Berry Farm – 2 miles north of Davenport.

http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/

Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00PM

Fee: Voluntary Donations Only

SEMPRE AVANTI

AN AMERICAN STORY BY GINO CAMPIONI

2010-09-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

MARY OKAMOTO IN FRONT OF HER PORTLAND, OREGON FRUIT STAND

GINO SAYS:
After reading the current discussion (re: restrictions placed on Italians during WWII) on the LNOSTRA-COSTA BLOG, I feel prompted to share this story with you and your fellow bloggers.

************************************************

AN AMERICAN STORY - SUBMITTED BY GINO CAMPIONI
In South East Portland, Oregon, there once was a small but well built fruit stand in front of a nice private home. The fruits and vegetable were always the finest to be found, and arranged in artistic manner. The owners of this business were Mary and Haru Okamoto. Mary was Nisei, a native of Watsonville, California, while Haru, a
Nihon Jin, was born in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Their several children were all born in the United States.

The Okamoto gained a large following of customers, not just because of the high quality and fair prices of their products, but also by their friendliness and courtesy. Many people called them "Oka San" and "Oto San". (Grandma
and Grandpa)

By the time the war began, two of their older sons were already serving in the U. S. military. One of them later was lost in action. When the family was given short notice that they were to be bussed to a concentration camp in Arizona (because of those WWII restrictions against "enemy aliens"), they took with them all the clothes they could carry, plus a tricycle for the small children, and an electric iron and ironing board. Those three "luxuries" were the only ones at the camp, and they were shared by many families.

After the war they were allowed to return home. They continued the business until one morning a car driven by a drunken driver smashed into the fruit stand, and completely demolished it. Neither the driver nor the fruit stand were insured. Mary and Haru received no help to restore their business. It was over two years before they could resume their work, but somehow they managed to return to normal, with no help from those who should have given it.

On my latest visit there, I found the stand looking nice as before, but being run by a young American man. Haru had passed on, and Mary, now very old, was only working part time. Presumably the Okamoto are now both on the other
side of the "Nihon Hashi" or Japan Bridge.

*******************************************

GINO SAYS (CONT'D) It has been many years since the times I used to see these people. Their place was on 52nd Ave. in South East Portland, near the Rhododendron gardens, Reed College, etc. I would stop at the fruit stand any time I was scheduled to work on a TV anywhere near it, and buy something, either "ringo", (apple) "sakurambo" (cherries),"budo" (grapes), or "kaki" (persimmon). Note that persimmon is "cachì" in Italian and pronounced the same. It is also khaki in English, for the color of the leaves of the persimmon tree.

LIDO CANTARUTTI PRESENT THE 2010 ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

2010-09-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

SHOWCASE THEATRE IN SAN RAFAEL (TEL: 415-499-6800)

LIDO CANTARUTTI HAS JUST ANNOUNCED HIS FILM SELECTIONS FOR THE UPCOMING ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE SHOWCASE THEATRE IN SAN RAFAEL, CA., OCT 2 to NOV 13, 2010. TO VIEW HIS SELECTIONS, DATES FOR SHOWNG, AND TICKETING INFORMATION GO TO LIDO'S WEBSITE: http://www.italianfilm.com/

IVANO SAYS: Remember Lido is going to be our special guest at the "La Nostra Costa Days Revival" on October 17. Come meet Lido at Jim Cochron's Swanton Berry Farm between 1 and 4 PM. The Film Festival will still be going on and you can ask Lido a bunch of questions. Oh, by-the-way "The Old Rancere" will be there too. That is if he can find his way.

Sempre Avanti

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL COMMITTEE MEMBER - LaNORMA

2010-09-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

LaNORMA ,pictured above (on the left) with Nunni Radicchi, is an integral part of the 'LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL
COMMITTEE (LNCDRC). Nunni is the mother of 'LaRosa' Radicchi. LaRosa is also a member of the LNCDRC. Come meet these wonderful ladies at the LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL EVENT on SUNDAY, OCT. 17 at JIM COCHRON'S SWANTON BERRY FARM BETWEEN 1-4pm. Scroll down on this page to view Event Announcements.

In the meantime, LaNorma has sent us a gem of a story that conjures up many, many memories of the past.

“La Storia del Circolo” (The Story of the Circus) by LaNoma
Circuses are mostly a thing of the past now and most of the ones that do exist do not even have animals.

However, years ago they were magnificent entertainment and everyone looked forward to the circus coming to town. They mostly must have traveled by train (remember the old movie “Greatest Show On Earth” with Cornel Wilde, Betty Hutton, Charlton Heston, etc.)

My Dad used to talk about the circus coming to town by train. I recently talked to Sharon Watson and she also remembers the circus coming to Santa Cruz by train – they would disembark at the depot and then the elephants and horses would pull the cages and wagons and all the equipment trailers down Pacific Avenue to what is now 550 Water Street Medical Buildings (across from the old Adolph’s). This was quite an adventure. Everyone would come down and it was literally a parade that everyone enjoyed until the circus was put up and going!

I cannot remember when this stopped happening – Sharon and I are in the same age category and can remember it but the oldtimers remembered it vividly as well so it must have been going on for a long time!

My Dad talked about the circus coming to town and this one episode happened in the late 20’s or early 30’s.

Again – why oh why didn’t I (we) pay more attention to these wonderful stories and remember details!

Anyway the circus had stopped at the depot and all the cages, etc. werw lined up; d the horses and elephants started pulling the wagon, cages, etc. down Pacific Ave. It was a grand parade with both sides of Pacific Avenue being packed with excited people, especially the kids! THE CIRCUS WAS COMING TO TOWN !

About half way down Pacific Avenue, as everyone was excitedly watching the grand parade, a Mother apparently took Her eyes (and hands) off her toddler for just a second. As the elephants got closer to her location - everyone gasped in horror! The little toddler had wandered out right in front of the elephants – probably thought WOW – these guys are huge! No one knew what to do except gasp. A few seconds probably seemed like an eternity. All of a sudden one of the elephants picked up the child with her (or his) trunk. He paused then turned slightly closer to the crowd and gently placed the child next to the mother. Everyone gasped again in sheer disbelief.

Wish I knew more details but that must have been quite and adventure. Guess things change and now the circus hardly comes to town and as I said mostly without animals if it does come……but our memories shall always go on even if some are bit 'fuzzy".

LaNorma

IVANO SAYS: Great Story LaNorma. And to all our "blaggatori" out there we thank you.
If you all come to the "La Nostra Costa Days Revival" on October 17, I'm sure you will here many more stories like this. And NO!! The Monkey is not a LNCDRC member. SA (Sempre Avanti ) ivn0

PHIL NETTO - FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE- REMEMBERED

2010-09-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Phil Netto passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 1st after a sudden illness, with his family at his side.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marie, his two girls Kelly and Kristy Netto, his granddaughter Whittaker Miller and his faithful companion Sulley. He is also survived by his brother David Netto of West Hills, Ca., and many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Edith Netto and his sister Loralee Kingdom.
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Phil graduated from SCHS in 1957. He attended Hartnell College, Cabrillo College and San Francisco State College. He then was drafted into the Army in 1962 and proudly served until 1964. His proudest memory was standing Honor Guard at President Kennedy's funeral, where he stood at attention for 16 hours straight. After serving his country he returned to Santa Cruz and began working for Lone Star Industries in Davenport, Ca. where he continued to work for 33 years. He met his wife to be Marie Maranta in 1964; four months later they were married at Holy Cross Church.
Phil's involvement in sports spanned over 40 years. He coached basketball at every level, girls and boys, sharing his knowledge of the sport that he loved, with patience, passion and a voice that could be heard throughout any gym in Santa Cruz. His involvement with Special Olympics was also very important to him and his family. After retirement he enjoyed tending to his flower garden, feeding his birds and being tortured by his beloved Giants. He had the gift for storytelling; even if you had heard once, he always made you want to hear it again. Phil also enjoyed riding around the Westside with his granddaughter Whittaker in his Chevy pick up.
Known to so many as "Coach" or "Big Phil", this gentle man, with a big heart, strong hands will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, September 6, 2010 at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz at 11:00 a.m. The Rosary will be held on Sunday, September 5, 2010 beginning at 7:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church. A committal service will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 2271 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Cross Elementary School, 150 Emmet St. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060 or Cabrillo College Woman's Basketball Program, 6500 Soquel Dr. Aptos, Ca. 95003.
Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz. Please visit our web site www.pacificgardenschapel.com to sign the online guest registry.
Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on September 3, 2010

IVANO SAYS: In my book, “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast), Chapter 27 (Rancio Di Bronco, Casa Di Valentina) page 307, I write:

A second-hand Willy’s Jeep Truck was one of Bronco’s first purchases. Bronco (my father) and John (my brother) would park the truck (usually facing the wrong way) along the curb
next to our new house (729 Seaside St.). Phil Netto, the son of Edith and Manuel Netto, had the dubious privilege of attending Santa Cruz High School with me. Along with his parents, brother David, and sister Laurie (Loralee), Phil lived across the street from our house at 722 Seaside St. Phil often told me that he "cursed that infernal truck", for waking him up so early in the morning (when Bronco and John left for the ranch). Sorry, Phil if we had had more money we could have bought a less noisy truck.

And in a Chapter Endnote on Page 315 I add: "Phil Netto was a star basketball player at Santa Cruz High School, circa 1956 to 1957. Credible reports have it that his father Manuel, who worked for many years at the Portland Cement Plant, had been even a better player than Phil."

Addio Phil. Until we meet again "Across Il Ultimo Ponte"

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SPECIAL GUEST- LIDO CANTARUTTI

2010-08-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

LIDO CANTARUTTI - FIGLIO DELLA COSTA has agreed to be our Special Guest at the "La Nostra Costa Days Revival Event" on Sunday, OCT 17, at Jim Cochron's Swanton Berry Farm

(1-4PM).

To re-introduce Lido to you I post an article that first appeared on this "Blagga" in 2006.

(Photo) Lido Cantarutti (Right) with his mother, Evelina and brother, Reno (Left). Photo taken at the Cantarutti family home in Richmond in 2002. Evelina celebrates her 98th Birthday this coming December (2010).

Lido Cantarutti was born in Santa Cruz, at the old Sisters' Hospital, which was located at Bay and West Cliff Drive (near Cowells Beach). His parents Guido and Evelina Cantarutti with their first born infant son Carino (Reno) immigrated from Italy to California in the mid-1930s. For the first couple of years of his life, Lido lived in a wind-blown shack which was located about 7-miles north of Davenport. ("La Nostra Costa" p.140). From these meager beginnings (All they had according to Evelina, was the clothes on their back and that infernal coastal wind in their faces), emerged a most honored "Figlio della Costa."

"Born of an Italian family from the Friuli region, Lido Cantarutti grew up in the Bay Area. He attended U.C. Berkeley, earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Romance Languages and Literature, and "Highest Honors" and Phi Beta Kappa recognition.

After college, Lido served as a U.S. Army officer, followed by a corporate career in marketing administration and human resources. Throughout his career he has maintained and enthusiastic interest in Italian cultural activities. In 1980 he assumed leadership of a fledgling Italian film program at the College of Marin. His presentation of the program, as a "festival" and not just a movie, with live entertainment, informative and entertaining introductions, and personal "family style" greeting of guests, produced a winning formula for popular success.

Since 1985, most Festivals have been sold out. Special series featured great neorealist (1985) and comedy classics (1986 and 1987) of the Italian cinema. In 1988, Mr. Cantarutti offered two shows in the open-air setting at Dominican College's Forest Meadows Theatre. In 1989, the Festival moved to the Showcase Theatre at Marin Center in San Rafael, affording improved patron conveniences and 35 mm film projection.

Also in 1989, Lido was honored with Italian knighthood, and the title of "Cavaliere", or "Knight" of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He was named Marin County's Italian American Citizen of the Year by the Cristoforo Club of Marin in 1995. In 1996, he received two awards in Italy - the Merit Furlan and recognition from the Friulian branches of the Alpini national soldier association. For the academic year 1998-1999 at the College of Marin, Lido was honored for his teaching of Italian with the award as Outstanding Faculty Member (Part-Time). In addition he has served as the host of Northwest Airlines' inflight video program showing Italian films.

More recently, Lido was again honored by the Italian government with a promotion to "Cavaliere Ufficiale" or "Knight Officer", and by his family's native town in Italy with the conferral of honorary citizenship."

Well done Lido! All those honors and please add one more :"Figlio Della Costa - Speciale", conferred on you this day by your 'amico della costa" Ivano Franco Comelli.

BTW: The Italian Film Festival is held annually (usually in October). New releases for this year's festival will be posted soon on Lido's website:

http://www.italianfilm.com/

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SUNDAY- OCT 17, 2010

2010-07-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

JIM COCHRON AND THE SWANTON BERRY FARM PRESENTS:

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010

(1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

FEATURING AUTHOR/SCREEN WRITER

IVANO FRANCO COMELLI

Join us as Ivano, in his guise as the "Old Rancere" re-creates (with stories and songs) events and

how they might have occurred 'su per la costa' (up the coast) during
the 1930s and 40s.

The "Old Rancere" says: The best
part of this "Event" is that I get to tell 'tall' tales about Santa Cruz and the Coast from days past. And we get to sing-along to our favorite Italian songs (some American favorites, too). Everyone is welcomed. A Great opportunity to learn more about the history of the North Coast of Santa Cruz.

By-the-way, The Swanton Berry Farm is located just north of
The Coast Road (Hwy 1) and
Swanton Road intersection (about two miles north of Davenport). Look for the Organic Farm signs (on Hwy 1) just north of that intersection. For a map and other information regarding the Farm please go to their website:

http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/

I hope you all will put this 'Event' on
your calendar. I want to see you there. Bring your hats and 'shavolas'.
Trust me! This is going to be a lot of
fun. SempreAvanti.

For more information call : 'LaNorma' at: 831-438-7061 or Ivano at 831-521-0576.
-------

Ivano Franco Comelli is the author of La Nostra Costa (Our Coast) published by Authorhouse (2006). His new screenplay Turbulent Quest was inspired by true events as recorded in his book.

FIGHTING FURLANS (CONT'D) - BY RENO DI CISTERNIA

2010-07-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

TOP PHOTO: Luigi "Moro" Degli Esposti (standing center) and comrades in the Italian Cavalry, C. 1920. Photo courtesy of the Degli Esposti Family.

RIGHT PHOTO: Dante Dinelli, Italian Soldier WW I Photo courtesy of Norma Dinelli Wilson.
(For explaination of photos, please see Comments section.)

Ivano's new movie script,brought back to mind the true story of my Uncle. One that I think should be made into a movie. Here it is as I remembered it. (I'm sure some of you have a story like mine --lets hear them).

My Uncle from Rodeano Basso (Friuli) who was a CPA and a newly wed (married to my Aunt) was drafted into the Italian army in 1938. In 1940, with very little training, he and his fellow soldiers,were sent to the Russian front. (Yes, the Italians fought along side the Germans against Communist Russia). My Uncle was never seen or heard of again.

In 1946, my mother and I went to the American Red Cross on behalf of my Aunt to seek information about my missing Uncle. The answer we received was that the Russian's (at the time) were not responding to questions concerning MIA enemy soldiers.
Subsequently, the Russian's did start to release Italian prisoners of war. Problem was that they released them in the middle of Siberia, in the middle of winter -- with NO SUPPLIES of any kind. Among those released, were about 90, originally from our area in Friuli. Only six survived.

The story on how these six survived is incredible (and horrifying) in itself. Having no food to eat, the group decided to draw straws. The ones that drew the short straws,were cannibalized by the others. (Of course the 6 that finally made it back home suffered from severe depression and mental illness.)

In 1990, my cousin found out from the Italian government (after all those years), that the Russian government had finally turned over a list of prisoners and the location of their remains. Incredibly, and to our great relief, my uncle's name was on the list.

My cousin and her husband traveled to Russia in an attempt to find my Uncle's grave. The trip took about 6 hours by train from Moscow. My cousin described it as being in the middle of hell, ice cold with nothing but empty tundra before them . (The area was a mining area. The Italians prisoners worked the mines as slave labors. Of course, many died there.) My cousin did locate the grave site. Imagine the emotion she felt as she actually saw her Father's name (who she had never seen) on the grave. Truly a sad and poignant moment in her life.

AND here is the beautiful part of this story . The people of our part of Italy, sent a group back to Russia to the final resting place of my Uncle and his fellow fallen soldiers. As a memorial to these brave soldiers they built a school and church for the people who lived there. As far as I know, they still stand today as a memorial to these brave "FIGHTING FURLANS".

As incredible as this story might seem, EVERY BIT OF IT IS TRUE. ( Yes, a book has been written about this story. My Aunt sent my Mother a copy a few years ago.)
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IVANO SAYS: Thanks, Reno and yes this story should be made into a movie. TURBULENT QUEST (my screenplay) does take us back to Italy during this time period. It offers a glimpse of what the Italians had to go through under Nazi ocupation.

BTW: FIGHTING FURLANS OF WW II - by Doriano Degano also appears on this Blog. to view, type in Fighting Furlans in the search block located at the upper left hand corner of the Blog and "clicca" on the spy glass. Sempre Avanti

TURBULENT QUEST - A SCREENPLAY BY IVANO FRANCO COMELLI

2010-06-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

TURBULENT QUEST

A SCREEN PLAY BY IVANO FRANCO COMELLI

A young immigrant couple from Northern Italy confronts
Fascism, the Great Depression and a World War while
seeking the American Dream.

**************************************************

IVANO SAYS:
For the last several months, my colleague, Professor Derrill Kerrick (SCHS Class of ’58) and I have been working on the above script. I wrote the script and Derrill provided editing, feedback and he formatted the script according to the movie industry strict standard. During the scriptwriting process we have experienced several stops and starts, mostly having to do with editing and rewrites. Today I would like to announce that we have both agreed on a final, formatted version, which we intend to market to producers.

TURBULENT QUEST is fiction; however, it is inspired by true events as recorded in my book: “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast). The time period is 1923 to 1949 and the main setting is the coast north of Santa Cruz, near the little town of Davenport, California. There, as the logline of our screenplay implies the two main characters BRONCO and VALENTINA struggle to seek a better life in America for themselves and their two sons. The screenplay also takes us to a Nazi-occupied Northern Italy where Bronco and Valentina’s families face dire circumstances during World War II.

Derrill and I have no illusions about our own ‘turbulent quest’ ahead of us. This is only the beginning and we know it is going to be very difficult to bring TURBULENT QUEST to the screen. However, this is our dream and we are seeking your help. If any of you know people in the movie business who you think might be interested in carrying this project forward, please let us know. We have prepared a Treatment (Synopsis) of the screenplay. We are happy to make it available to qualified interested parties. You can contact us via the comment section on the LaNostra-Costa Blog: http://www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/

I have often concluded my writings by the words “Sempre Avanti” (Always Forward). Well, for Derrill and I this is certainly a very big “Sempre Avanti” project. Wish us luck.

Ivano (and Derrill).

ALOHA! WE'RE BACK !!

2010-06-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

IVANO SAYS: MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE MILDRED AND I JUST GOT BACK FROM MAUI, HAWAII.

BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE GONE. WELL, WE WERE. UNFORTUNATELY, AS THE 'OLD RANCERE' IS FOND OF SAYING, "ORA E FINITA LA CUCCAGNA". (NOW THE PARTY IS OVER.) IT'S BACK TO WORK I GO. SEMPRE AVANTI!

FABBY DEGLI ESPOSTI (LANCE EGAN) 50TH SCHS REUNION

2010-06-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

(L-R)BUNNY AND MARIO - FABBY AND LINDA-ROBERTO AND DEANNA

Hello Ivano,

Thanks for the picture of Mildred, Andrew (Roubal) and yourself. Sorry that we didn't make the performance,Bob had surgery on May 26th.

Our picture was taken last October when Fabby had his 50th HS reunion down in Santa Cruz We were able to get together with Mario& his wife Bunny, ,Fabby and Linda and us two for brunch. Deanna (Degli-Esposti)

--------------

IVANO SAYS: CONGATULATIONS FABBY DEGLI-ESPOSTI AKA LANCE EGAN AKA "LANZIO EGANNI".
And thanks Deanna for the very special photo.

Sempre Avanti.

GREAT PERFORMANCE - A CHORUS LINE- ANDREW ROUBAL

2010-06-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

MILDRED AND IVANO - A CHORUS LINE- SACRAMENTO

IVANO, ANDREW AND MILDRED

AFTER THE SHOW

IVANO SAYS: Last Saturday, May 29, 2010, my lovely wife Mildred and I attended a live performance of "A Chorus Line" in Sacramento, California. What a great performance by my Great Nephew Andrew and the entire Chorus Line Cast. Congratulations to one and all. We were thrilled to be there to see you all perform. Sempre Avanti.

LA NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - JENNA SWANEY

2010-05-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ivano:
Joe Gemignani's (La Nostra Costa's 'Figlio di Ferro', Chapter 16) Granddaughter, Jenna, just yesterday got notice that she passed the bar exam!

Maybe she deserve to be on your "Su per la Costa" Blog. Here is a cute picture. By the way, I'm doubly proud to say that she is also my Granddaughter and Great Niece of my sister, Valentina.
Zia Lina.

----

IVANO SAYS: Congratulations Jenna. We of the "La Nostra Costa" family are all very, very proud of you. Imagine -- a lawyer and a beautiful one at that. And it's all in the family.
Yes, yes, Zia Lina, she is certainly deserving to be featured on our "Su per la Costa" Blog.
Sempre Avanti.

BOBBY CAMARLINGHI - REMEMBERED

2010-04-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

IVANO SAYS: The below Remembrance on Bobby was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/

Robert "Bobby" Camarlinghi
Santa Cruz will be saying goodbye to the patriarch of the Camarlinghi clan on Thursday April 29, 2010. Robert "Bobby" Arthur Camarlinghi, 78, was born October 21, 1931 and died April 25, 2010, and will be missed by all who knew him. He is affectionately remembered by his children as a man you looked up to, as he personified a true father figure. Best known to the community as owner of Adolph's Italian Family-style Restaurant, a landmark in Santa Cruz for over 50 years.
In the large family of animated and sometimes cantankerous personalities, Bobby was always the calm and gentle soul who warmed your heart and brought a smile to your face. Always a pillar of fashion he was admired and adored by the family and they will all miss his smile, his hugs, and the loving kiss on his shiny head. Everyone enjoyed spending time with Bobby at the family functions.

Part of the Italian heritage spread throughout the heart of Santa Cruz community, Bobby was true to his family, community and church, which he attended regularly. Bobby's copious generosity touched the lives of many whether it was working in a soup kitchen, or volunteering to drive those in need, or simply taking up collections at mass. He enjoyed giving. Truly an exceptional individual Bobby Camarlinghi was a giving soul and he embodied characteristics that are rarely seen in this world.

Bobby took pleasure in family above all, and then golfing, dancing, traveling, and volunteering. He enjoyed his yearly fishing trips with close friends and family. He loved and talked often of his travels across the country with his lifelong friends.

The large and loving Camarlinghi clan extends throughout Santa Cruz and various other locations in California. Bobby is survived by his wife Ardilla and daughter Marina, son Michael, son Mathew and grandson Luke; son Marc and daughter-in-law Diana and two granddaughters Madison and Ashley; nieces Barbara Aluffi and Cindy Famularo and husband Chuck; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Georgia Camarlinghi; brother Rudolph and wife Norma, brother Gilbert Camarlinghi and nephew Mark Camarlinghi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Ave., Capitola, Ca. on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Friends are invited to call at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. Santa Cruz, Ca. on Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Volunteer Center Transportation Department, 1010 Emeline Ave. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060.

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): In "La Nostra Costa" (P.68) I mention Adolph's Restaurant and on page 75 I have two extended end notes about the history of the Restaurant, the Camarlinghi family and also 'Smitty'(Grover Smith) the ever faithful bartender. When I think of Bobby, I always think of 'Smitty' . For a long, long time, the two together made Adolph's the place to be in Santa Cruz. Addio Bobby, and please say hello for me when you meet 'Smitty' "Across IL Ultimo Ponte".

ALBANO (AL) DEGANO - FURLAN REMEMBERED

2010-04-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

DEGANO, ALBANO (AL)After a long fought battle Albano Degano has crossed over the last bridge. Quietly and peacefully with his loving wife Allegra his sons Doriano, Paul and daughter Joanne by his side. Albano was born in Pasian di Prato, Udine, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Italy on January 26th, 1924 amongst a large family of six brothers and five sisters. Predeceased by Enrica(Adelchi), Rosa(Egidio), Pasquale (Augusta), Maria, Natalina, Fortunato, Ugo, Ettore and Giuliano. Albano is survived by his wife of 58 years Allegra (Zuliani) and his sons Doriano (Suzanne) Paul (Tracey), daughter Joanne (Robert) Caruso and sister Rita. Albano is also survived and adored by his grandchildren Celina (Mike), Genna, Olivia, Quentin, Anthony and Elio. Albano will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada and Friuli. Albano arrived in Welland from Italy in 1952 as a licensed Auto Body Repairman, applying his trade for 45 years at local businesses such as Storey and Rose, Patterson Motors, Len McGee, Maclean Motors, George's Auto Body. A proud Canadian, Albano loved his new country while retaining his Furlan Heritage, as one of the founding members of the Fogolar Furlan Niagara Club; member of the Club Roma Seniors and a life long Alpino of the 3rd Battalion Artillery Company. Family will receive family and friends at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL 585, Carlton St., St. Catharines on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Vigil prayers will be recited at 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, April 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church, 169 St. Paul Crescent, St. Catharines. Rite of Committal to follow Mass at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens, Fonthill. If desired, donations may be made on behalf of Albano to the Hamilton General Hospital Cardiac Unit or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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IVANO SAYS: Doriano our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
And yes your father has crossed the last bridge (Il Ultimo Ponte), but as the "Old Rancere"
finds out -- there we will all re-unite, young, strong and without any kind of sickness.

"Oh, my dear, sweet wife! How can this be? I was old and sick, shadowy death constantly by my side. Now by you I stand, young and able, so glad to be alive!"

His young wife smiled and looked up at the rancere.

"O rancere mi," she replied in a soft and gentle voice. "Don't you know? Now you are in Heaven"

-LA NOSTRA COSTA - Il ULTIMO PONTE-
-

METAL BATS

2010-04-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

GUNNER SANDBERG AGE 16

IVANO SAYS: ON MARCH 11, 2010, GUNNER SANDBERG WAS HIT IN THE LEFT TEMPLE AND ALMOST KILLED BY A BATTED BALL OFF A METAL BAT. THE ARTICLE BELOW WRITTEN BY SPORTSWRITER TED SILLANPAA FOR THE NAPAVALLEY REGISTER http://www.napavalleyregister.com/

GIVES GOOD REASONS WHY EVERY PARENT AND EVERY GRANDPARENT SHOULD BE FOR THE BANNING OF METAL BATS.

Home / Sports / Columnists / Ted-sillanpaa
Wood bats better than helmets for pitchers
StoryDiscussionBy Ted Sillanpaa Posted: Sunday, March 28, 2010 12:00 am (7) Comments

It’s impossible to understand the controversy over the use of metal softball and baseball bats in upper age groups until you have a family member pitching in game where the high-tech hitting sticks are being used.

My youngest son, now 14, pitches for elite-level baseball teams. It became clear from watching him pitch from high school distance (60 feet, 6 inches from home plate) that a well struck ball off a metal bat leaves a pitcher virtually no time to react to a rocket back to the mound.

I knew that metal bats that cost hundreds of dollars enable players to hit the ball harder and further than their respective physical gifts should allow. So, we quietly waited and hoped my son would be an elusive target on the mound. It’s hard to hide a 6-foot-1, 165-pound eighth-grader, you know?

A Marin Catholic High School pitcher remains hospitalized after being hit in the head with a line drive hit with a metal bat. The result is that Marin County Athletic League baseball teams, including Justin-Siena, will use only wood bats for the remainder of this season.

It was only a matter of time before a tragedy forced leagues to really consider the safety of metal bats. Somebody had to suffer a life-threatening injury before everybody paid attention.

Look, I’m an old-school baseball guy. The idea of wearing safety helmets to pitch seems silly. If too much protective gear is required, the game’s just not right. I’m absolutely in favor of using wooden bats.

My kids and their buddies starting using those lightweight metal bats to hit balls to the moon in the 1990s.

My older sons played at the same huge ball park that I played at during my early teen years. It’s 335 feet down the left field line, 345-ish in the gap in left field. The center field fence is 410 feet from the plate. It’s a cavernous yard.

Using wooden bats, I had a reputation as a bit of a power hitter in 1972. I hit four balls off of the green wall in left and hit a one-hopper off the 410-mark in center. Nobody hit balls over those fences with wood bats.

By the time my older sons hit their teens, kids were pounding balls over that wall all the time. When a nondescript 13-year-old hit three home runs in one game — I knew the game was forever changed.

Two springs ago, I saw 12-year-old boys hitting home runs more than 300 feet over softball field fences. The typical 12-year-old plays on a Little League field with fences 200 feet from home plate. Metal bats makes Little League parks nearly too small by half.

And, sure, the metal bats made my sons better hitters. It didn’t matter, though, because they were all pitchers and the risk outweighed the reward. A long home run versus a line drive between the eyes? An easy call for a dad.

Everything changed when the family welcomed the youngest brother to the fraternity of pitchers. His fastball was clocked at over 80 mph — last year at age 13. The taller a pitcher is, the closer he is to home plate when he releases the ball. My youngest appears to be on top of home plate at the point of release.

My kid pitched in a 13-under league with teams from throughout the region. League games were played on high school fields where he pitched from 60 feet, 6 inches. Tournaments were played on softball fields where the pitching distance was 54 feet or so.

One weekend in San Jose, my son struck out the first six hitters he faced. Then, he got a fastball up to a tiny kid at the bottom of the batting order. The kid reached up and hit a line drive off the barrel that smashed off my son’s left kneecap and sent him sprawling into the dirt.

After leaving that game and spending a week watching deep bruise slowly subside, my son pitched again. Three innings into that game, he was decked by another shot up the middle. This one hit just below the right kneecap, at the top of the shin. By the time coaches helped him to a spot behind the dugout, he had a baseball-sized lump and couldn’t put any weight on what we were sure was a seriously damaged leg.

Only blind luck keep those line drives from hitting him in the head. We still made two trips to hospital emergency rooms in successive weeks. It was sobering to know that, even being a fairly gifted pitcher who doesn’t get hit hard often, my son was helpless against a well struck ball off of a metal bat.

We bought a clear, hard plastic mask for my son to try. No kid wants to be riding that first wave of safety-first gear. I almost had him convinced that the bench jockeys who heckled the mask would be quiet after four scoreless innings. Then, maybe, other kids would wear masks.

My son didn’t go for it. Too bad.

There’s no good reason to keep putting kids at risk by allowing bat manufacturers to make a fortune of metal bats that give hitters more pop than they need. Those bats can cost $400 — and kids can buy three, four quality wood bats for less than that.

Those safety tests are meaningless. I saw my kid, a skilled pitcher, hit by line drives in successive weeks. After two trips to the hospital, I promise, the bats aren’t safe enough.

Register Sports Writer Ted Sillanpaa can be reached at 256-2220 or tsillanpaa@napanews.com.

Posted in Ted-sillanpaa on Sunday, March 28, 2010 12:00 am Updated: 10:48 pm.

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): So why am I posting this on the LNOSTRA-COSTA Blog: It so happens that I have a 12 year old Grandson, who plays in the Morgan Hill Pony Baseball League and who, on occasions, takes the mound and pitches. I worry that what happened to Gunner might happen to Kristian (my grandson). And I'm sure many of you readers of this blog have sons or grandsons (or perhaps even daughters - granddaughters) who pitch for Little League Teams and have the same concerns that I do. If so, I urge you to let your concerns be known to League Administrators, both at the local and the national level. It's only through your vocal efforts that things will change. Remember, our concern must not be how well our sons or grandsons pitch or how hard they hit the ball. As parents and Grandparents it is their safety that must be our primary concern.

'THE LARK' WRITES ABOUT RAMANDOLO AND POLENTA

2010-04-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Dipping Ramandolo Straws (like biscotti)in Ramandolo Wine

hospitality at the Ramadolo Club. (Ferruccio Dri and wife to the left;

Derrill and Kathy Kerrick to the right - 2008)

Ivano, I must get some words off to you, so many things happening.

We did make the trip to Ramandolo, very successful and very worthwhile. We did not get to visit your family nor a planned luncheon with the Mayor of Tarcento. We did stay at the Ramandolo Club http://www.ramandoloclub.it/ under the care of your cousin Ferruccio Dri, even in January it was truly delightful, we finished our trip early Saturday morning with a visit to the Church of Ramandolo, has a beautiful small Osteria( I had an expresso with 100 ml of grappa, a good way to get started and I was not driving).
Concerning polenta: I am truly shocked that there are people making polenta without stirring, but no more so than being served pollo Visentin with polenta that was bought in the market in a small block, sliced and browned with butter. A beautiful meal served by a favorite niece in Manzano, this is the heart of Furlan, the niece is of the same family of my wife. The Mother of my wife, mio suocera, family name of Visentin, came from a family of Farmers. During the thirties and early forties, they lived in a very large farm house, four families including 4 wives, 3 husbands, perhaps 16-22 children, one kitchen, and other similar singularly facilities, including a polenta making machine. This machine required manpower to rotate same, this came from the kids. My wife has some arm scars to prove that she did her turn and did not live there as a resident. Her Father, mio suocero, had decided long before that he was not going to be a farmer. Polenta was made once each day, in a quantity to meet the needs of this household for 3 meals. My wife remembers this as about a 2 hour project and everybody who has made really good FRESH polenta, knows there is a bubbling, or popping period when hot little balls of polenta pop out and if they land on fresh young skin, they will be remembered. By the time I arrived in 1947 the family had gotten down to 2 wives, one husband, and 4-8 kids. No polenta machine as polenta was being made 4-6 times a week, having been replaced with good white rolls.

I do not remember the Fieste de Patrie dal Furlan, this would be asking a lot, I am sure they celebrate at least 50 holidays each year.

Do any of the Americanized Furlani recall any talk about polenta machines??

Happy Easter e sempre avanti,

Lark

CANADIAN FURLAN ANNOUNCES A DEGANO FAMILY MILESTONE, ETC.

2010-03-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

Allegra and Albano Degano

Ivano "Mio Caro Amico"
Just wanted to share a little something with you. The photo above is of my parents Albano and Allegra during their 58th wedding anniversary celebrations on 26Feb2010. My Father Albano is 86 and my Mother Allegra 82. This joyeous event was celebrated just a few weekends ago.
Well my Father has not been doing well these past few months and yesterday after many weeks of demands and pushing the doctors I finally received some not so great news. My father will require surgery to repair a bad heart valve. He has been steadily retaining water since Christmas in his stomach and legs ... the medical team took a few weeks to determine what the root cause was. Well yesterday we were told. My father is presently in Hospital and somewhat resting. He hates the food. He asked my last night to bring some Proscuitto and some wine!! I said sure thing here you are weeks away from major surgery on your heart and you want Proscuitto and wine!! Typical Furlan !!
Any way I said to my Dad sempre avanti ... We carry on no matter what. This operation is necessary and it will be done and you will be back on your feet. My father is a tough person he still drives and is in good health otherwise. Now the big task is the preparation for surgery and most importantly the post surgery.

Ciao e Sempre Avanti
Doriano

----

CONGRATULATIONS ALLEGRA AND ALBANO. OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. AS DORIANO SAYS, SEMPRE AVANTI. IVANO

JIM ALIGO REMEMBERED BY JAIMI SALDIVAR

2010-03-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

OFFICER JIM ALIGO - SAN FRANCISCO POLICE TAC SQUAD 1968-69

FAMOUS FRONT COVER PHOTO SEEN AROUND THE WORLD

IVANO SAYS: I received the below e-mail from Camille Brent, Jim Aligo's daughter, regarding her father along with a remembrance by retired San Jose Police Officer Jaime Saldivar. After leaving the San Francisco Police Department, circa 1970, Jim Aligo joined the San Jose Police Department.
......
Hi all. I discontinued the virtual memorials (or I thought I did) some time ago. This entry just popped up today. Since I cancelled the service I'm not sure if it will post when I approve it for entry so I thought I'd forward it on. It's a long post about dad but brought laughter and tears at the same time. But it's so dad! Enjoy the memory. -Camille

.....
I was a rookie officer in the early months of 1976 and spent one week with Jim as my FTO as he was filling in for my regular FTO. I knew who he was by name, but I sure as hell didn't know who he was. After I loaded up the car before shift, he came out . " You got everything you need kid"? "Yes." I said. " Lemme see your soft hat". So I gave him my brand knew, crisp soft hat. He turned it over and over in his hands and said," lemme fix it for ya". He then reached into the hat and pulled out the plastic forming coil and threw it in the garbage can. As I watched in disbelief, he walked towards the front of the car and placed my hat right in front of the tire. He started the car and drove forward and backward over the hat a few times all the while being careful to miss the hat piece. He then picked up my hat and with great care and masking tape rolled over his hand, he cleaned it and formed it into a shape closely similar to his own that was placed atop his head. " Here," he said handing it back to me," that's a real policeman's hat now". Not uttering a word I took it back. " You don't mind if I drive do ya?" " No, I don't mind." I replied. " Let's see if we can pinch a crook tonight." " Sure," I again replied. Wow! What the hell else is he going to do to me tonight? I excitedly thought.
Later on that night we were cruising on one of the main streets with nothing and nobody in front of us. Jim was mostly silent during the shift . His silence was only broken by the occassional cough, piss break or his one or two questions regarding my personal history or upbringing. I never thought he was mean and I didn't feel intimidated by his demeanor. On the contrary, I felt comfortable and somewhat at ease, something not usually felt as a recruit being evaluated. My attention was brought back to the emptiness of the streets ahead of us as Jim calmly broke the silence. " Hey kid, you wanna make a pinch?" "Yea! sure... " My head rapidly pivoted side to side trying to see what the hell I missed. He smoothly tapped the brakes which slowed us to about 25mph and a car on my right passed us gradually. Now I'm still wondering who or what he is talking about. " Do you know how to use the radio?" he asked. I said I did and he told me to use it on the car that just passed us. So we stopped the car according to all the academy proper protocal. Jim got out, put on his hat and calmly walked up to the drivers side. I was also out of the car and was keeping a nervous eye on the two males in the car ahead of us. Halfway up to the car Jim pulled out his revolver and held it alongside of his leg, keeping it there as he was talking to the driver. I had seen this before with other officers so it didn't surprise me to much. What did surprise me was when he pointed the gun at the men and told them to put their hands up which they did. Now he was very calm and speaking softly so my brain became even more confused. Keeping the gun trained on both of them he told the passenger to get out and " talk to that kid back there", motioning towards me. I was fumbling with my gun at this time and the passenger did what he was told. I searched this guy when Jim told me to hook him up. My mind was racing and heart was ready to burst. " What is going on!!!!!" I thought. Keeping his gun trained on the driver, Jim told him also to " go talk to that kid over there." Now I did the same thing to the driver. Jim was still standing by the drivers door of the crook car and asked if I had them both. I said I did. He then holstered his revolver and started looking inside the car without actually going in. He then hesitated for a second, bent down reaching under the drivers seat. He then pulled out a loaded 1911 pistol with the biggest shit-eatin-grin on his face. My jaw dropped. I was stunned. After we booked the guys I stopped him and looked him straight in the eyes. " How in the hell did you know that was there?????" I demanded. He just grinned with his teeth clenched and gave me a husky laugh. " Aw, you'll figure it out" and walked away as he kept laughing.
The next night, he did the same identical thing with two hippie girls in a VW bug. He pulled a pound a marijuana out of that one. When that bug drove in front of us and he turned again to me and uttered those words, " hey kid, you wanna make a pinch?" I couldn't believe it. Again after the booking I asked how did he know. He told me the same thing that I will figure it out.
My friend Jim was one of , if not the best policeman I have ever known. Over the years I learned much from watching him as he never really told how he did something. Maybe he really didn't know himself or if he did he couldn't explain it. But his sixth sense was uncanny and his ability and methods were passed on through me to my recruits as well. I am very proud and honored to have known him and to have been his friend. I think of him often and am grateful for the experience of learning from this man. I was saddened when I was notified of his passing and funeral service long after it was held. I wanted to be there to bid my friend goodbye. To his children I hope that this gives you a little insight as to how your father impacted guys like me. He always ruled by the adage " good people get a break, bad guys go to jail." He is a great street cop; I think that is all he ever wanted to be. About a week before he retired, I heard him go out on a foot patrol at a pool hall. I rolled up to say hi and see what he was doing. He showed me a picture of a burglar and got a line that the guy frequents this pool hall. A week before he retires, at his age, and he is still looking for crooks. Amazing.
God, take care of my friend in heaven, because he sure spent his time in hell.
Jaime Saldivar #1805 SJPD ( Ret)

THE GREAT POLENTA CONTROVERSY

2010-03-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

(Ivano says: We have quite a few comments to this article. Here's a tip. To view the "Polenta" article along with all the comments "clicca" on the title of the article above. The comments will appear at the end of the "Polenta Story". )

DORIANO THE 'CANADIAN FURLAN' (2nd from left) WITH
FURLAN FRIENDS AT A 'SCRUPLES' POLENTA PARTY.

"CANADIAN FURLAN'S" OLD WOOD BURNING STOVE (OPTIONAL) USED TO COOK POLENTA.POLENTALOGIST OLG GROSSUTTI SHOWS US HOW TO MAKE 'SCRUPLES' POLENTA. WOOD BURNING STOVE NOT NECESSARY.

NO 'SCRUPLES' POLENTA

AHHHHA -- MOLTO BUONO. NO 'SCRUPLES' POLENTA AT CESARE E ANNA MARIA COMELLI'S
CASA IN NIMIS-RAMANDOLO, FRIULI, ITALY.

IVANO SAYS: Last week, Donna Maurillo's column in the Santa Cruz Sentinel http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/
had a few suggestion on how to shorten the time to prepare polenta. In this week's column she published some of the responses she received. Very interesting.

Donna Maurillo: Column on quick-and-easy polenta stirs up quite a response
By Donna Maurillo
Posted: 03/03/2010 08:02:12 AM PST

Last week’s column about polenta generated much more response than I’d anticipated. A lot of you must love polenta, and you have your own favorite ways for preparing it in a snap — or at least without much stirring. Here are a few comments. Gail Levy says, “I’ve been making cold water polenta for years, and it has never failed. Stir the grain into cold stock or water, then stir as it comes to the boil. Add more boiling liquid as needed and stir in the butter at the last — perfect lump free creamy polenta in under 30 minutes.”

Ivano Franco Comelli wrote, “Making polenta the traditional way was almost a ritual — no additives or shortcuts please.

Imagine my chagrin when I received a photo from my cousins in Italy making polenta in a large electric cake mixer.

Nobody has any scruples anymore.”

To that, Richard Smith of Aptos wrote, “I don’t need any stinking scruples! Is there any way my bread machine can make polenta? Now that sounds cool.”

A reader with the screen name Polenta Casserole Junkie said, “I whisk in two cups of polenta to four cups boiling water, turn the heat down low, and I only stir it twice in 15 minutes of cooking.

I turn off the flame and let it sit for five more minutes. I do not cover it with a lid. It is always great.”

Ken Clark, an impressive 99 years old and still cooking, says, “Have you
ever cooked polenta in the microwave?

In a Pyrex large bowl, mix polenta with three times as much water. Cover with plastic wrap. Cook for 5 minutes. Add sour cream, butter and cheese, stir well. If too thick, add some milk. If not hot enough, just microwave for 1 or 2 minutes more.

No splatters from the hot stuff.”

Keith and Barb, no last name, wrote, “Another way to make polenta without stirring is to start with cold water.

Add pinch of salt and two tablespoons butter to cold water. Stir in polenta.

Turn on low heat and bring to a slow boil. Stir occasionally. Polenta is cooked shortly after coming to a boil. Add cheese before removing from the stove.”

Marianne Plastina says, “In an ovenproof pot, add salt to 5 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil on the stove. Melt butter in a skillet and stir in 1 cup polenta to coat, toasting it slightly.

Whisk toasted polenta into the boiling water.

Place the pot in a 350 degree oven, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Whisk until smooth.”

NOT THE SAME

Whenever people ask what my favorite restaurant is, I have the same response. My mother’s dining room table. There’s just nothing like the food you can get at home.

A few days ago, I was having an alarm system installed in my home, and Saul the installation guy was talking about the fine Mexican food his mother and grandmother could make. “No matter what restaurant I go to in Watsonville,” he said, “it just isn’t the same.”

We thought maybe it was the ingredients.

But no. Restaurants can access the same ingredients your family can find — and sometimes even better.

Or maybe we just happen to like the cooking we’ve grown accustomed to as children. But I think the real secret is the love that goes into it. You just can’t get Mom’s love at a restaurant.

BE NICE

If there’s one thing that annoys party organizers more than anything, it’s the increasing lack of responses from invited guests. The season is coming up for graduations, weddings and other milestones.

Please remember to respond to your invitations, and do it before the requested time.

Your host and hostess are depending on an accurate count to ensure enough seating and refreshments. And please do not ask if you can bring a guest of your own. Many party budgets are limited, especially in this economy.
-----------

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Sempre Avanti, Donna and keep stirring the pot.

SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OR 1955 REUNION

2010-02-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

HEY, HEY, HEY!! THE GANGS ALL HERE!
Photo above (l-r): Jim Ceragiol, Marvin Del Chiaro, Muriel Prolo, Ivan "Zorch" Comelli, Jerry Mungai.

IVANO SAYS: RECEIVED THE BELOW NOTIFICATION FROM MURIEL (McPHERSON)PROLO REGARDING THE SCHS CLASS OF '55 REUNION. NOTICE TO ALL SCHS'55ERS :MARK OCTOBER 16 AS
THE DATE TO BE IN SANTA CRUZ. IF I STILL CAN COUNT THE YEARS CORRECTLY THIS WILL BE OUR 55TH YEAR REUNION. SEMPRE AVANTI

Dear Classmates,

Our reunion committee (David Hara, Ivan Dodson, Marvin Del Chiaro, Josephine
Hart, Esther Wilson, Lois Esposito, and I) planned all for October 16th,
2010 at the MacKenzie Bar and Grill at Pasatiempo from 5:30 - 11:00. All
further info will be sent to you (including lodging suggestions etc.)
during the week of February 9th. We had fun planning it all; in fact we
even recognized one another!!!! Muriel
Posted by Ivano Franco Comelli at 1:57 PM
Labels: la nostra costa - santa cruz
5 COMMENTS:

LEN K. SCHS '54 said...
Ivan,
Ceragioli, Comelli, Del Chiaro, Frizza-Wilson, Mungai, Van Orterendorp-Esposito -- That's quite a reunion committee lineup.
What did you have to do to get on the committee? Grow up on the West Side or up the Coast?
But the real reason I'm writing: What is Josephine Hart's maiden name? I posted the reunion committee picture to the Class of '54 web site, but I have no idea who Josephine Hart was? I could find only one Josephine in the '55 yearbook: Josephine Tinetti. Is it she? Another Italian?
Len
9:06 AM

ZORCH said...
Len: I don't know Josephine's maiden name. Perhaps someone on the committee could answer your query.
BTW: The four "boys" in the photo -
Ceragioli,Del Chiaro,Comelli and Mungai, are also graduates of Laurel School and were members of the award winning "Traffic Boys" Squad. Also, I do believe Muriel attended Kindergarten at Laurel. I'm sure if she would have continued on she would have been selected by the principal(Miss Edith King) for the equally prestigious Traffic Girls' Squad that monitored the traffic in the hallways. Sempre Avanti ivn

Saratoga Sam said...
Hey there "Zorch". Seems that the four guys in the photo are also from the Coast. Am I right? SS
9:26 AM

IVANO said...
Right you are Sam. Jim Ceragioli,
Marvin Del Chiaro, Jerry Mungai and I, are "Figli della Costa" (Sons of the Coast). Muriel was born and raised in Santa Cruz. As an aside, she married Stan Prolo the son of Eugene Prolo who owned the Prolo Chevrolet Company in Santa Cruz. In 1949, my father and mother bought a brand new Chevrolet from him. This was a major event in our family and is properly recorded in "La Nostra Costa. ivn0