June 23, 2008

We're curious, where are you and what are you up to?

We had had some requests for this blog page and we would like to invite one and all to add a biography/comment below.  Tell us what has happened to you during the last 30 years...the good, the bad and the ugly...

Due to the length of this blog, I have archived some of your entries in an effort to shorten this page.  Many classmates are using Facebook as  a medium of connection also.  Simply join our "Los Altos High 78" group.


Comments Hide Comments (163)       Add a new comment
Mark Williams on October 2, 2008 10:57 PM

Hey Kristen McD-B;

it were me what posted all der Santa Rita pickers.  I am still finding them under the carpet, so check back once in awhile!

Mark W, Mr. Liewer's Class of '72  :)

Reply
James D. Taylor on October 10, 2008 12:34 PM
Marcus-
Greetings from a fellow scrub. Last discussion with you had you living/working in the Chico area as I recall but after my car got broken into the night of the 20yr reunion I lost the card you'd given me-Gotta admit I grin when I see the Santa Rita class photos. I'd forgotten what a crush I had on Judy Jackson in 4th grade before she left me for parts unknown!
Also wanted to find out if I'm the only one who can't help but smile every time I hear Shaun Halverson's voice on the PG&E tv and radio adds. Nice to know someone among us is doing well! You go, girl!!(Hope to see you!)
Ran into Steve Schick,Fred Grolle and Mark Dolby during the LAHS 50 yr anniversary gathering on Main Street and had some fun reminiscing(sp?)about the good old days at Santa Rita and Egan when you could still find a few apricot trees around town. I'm hoping they make it just to hear their memories of good old Los Altos
Looking forward to catching up in November-
Until then...
                                                 GO SCRUBS!
                                                      JDT
Reply
Mark Williams on October 10, 2008 10:42 PM
Hey Jimbo!
don't forget we are also fellow Banana Slugs (UCSC for those who don't know) although if I remember correctly I stumbled across you at graduation, in '82!  Or '83??
Either way it was a cool surprise and great to see your Mom again after all those years from neighborhood/Santa Rita sports and kids parties.  
Yes, I was in Chico for a few years, "retired," a little too ambitious as it turned out; back at work in L.A. now.
Don't know the PG&E ad, but I see Michele Gile on the news all the time and I always wave hi, but she just keeps talking! 
Now, about Judy Jackson, you should email Vicky, maybe she'll tell you about Judy...   :)
<img src="http://18-75.iicinternet.com/homeburner/LAHS/JudyJeanJackson.jpg">
Maybe you're the one Judy remembers "looking longingly..."  Ha!  I hope so!  
Anyway, I'll give it away that Vicky and Judy both live in Santa Barbara, married, kids, and have stayed friends the whole time! 
Glad to hear Mark, Fred and Steve are still out and about; I think we should all meet at the nearest field and toss the football around... I miss that.
 - Mark W., (down the street from you and Rosssssss.....  and the best entrance to Adobe Creek).
Reply
Mark on October 10, 2008 10:53 PM

sorry, I'll try again:

Hhhhheeeeerrrrrreeeesss JUDY!

Reply
Mark Williams on October 31, 2008 8:36 PM
And maybe the above needed a little more background...
Like Jim, Judy was an early crush, the first my own age (before that was of course 3rd Grade teacher Mrs. Gustafson!)...  I remember telling Judy during a 4Square game she had "pizzaz"...  Somehow that memory, my folks saving the class pix, and somehow knowing her middle name made a 3-J name, and her disappearing, all made her an enduring mystery.  A few weeks ago I saw Vicky signed in and thinking but not being sure that they were friends back then, I emailed the pic of her, without comment to see what she would say.  It amazed me that they were friends still, and in California all this time!  Because my 6th Grade friend Dan Willingham moved to New Jersey, I always "sent" those who disappeared to New Jersey.  So I told Vicky the pizazz story...  she passes that along to Judy, who responded she thinks she remembers me "looking longingly" at her in class.  That made me laugh!  I'm sure I was wearing the stupid long sleeve gold color turtleneck shirt (which every time I wore, a bee stung me).  Hearing that Jim also liked Judy... I thought he'd like to know, and my caffeine-fried brain blurted it out in a jumble.  Sincerely hope I didn't offend anyone.  
Besides, Vicky now rules!  :-)
Reply
Steve Schick on October 29, 2008 11:45 PM
Hey Mark,
Nice to hear from you. I am still out there. There are probably only a handful of us that remember your name before you became the 4th Mark of our class at Santa Rita.
Reply
Mark W on October 31, 2008 12:11 AM

Hey Steve!
Yes; one of several things I never got the chance to forgive my parents for... 
And do I remember correctly you building a big space ship back then?  Any pictures?
I always figured you would work for NASA... 
So what HAVE you been up to since Los Altos?
Mark, still needing to reinvent himself, at 48.
And Hey, put your name on the sign in list so you can hear from us!  :)

Reply
Steve Schick on November 1, 2008 6:42 PM
Mark,<br />You are right. I think I was building some kind of space ship in the backyard around 4th grade. I was a goofy kid. Shaun Halverson remembers us playing Star Trek on the Santa Rita playground. I went into high-tech marketing and have been there for the past 24 years. I'm not really a sci-fi fan and haven't watched all those iterations of Star Trek. I'm more hooked on &quot;The Unit,&quot; Prison Break,&quot; etc. I still live in Los Altos, thanks to the dot-com era. I'm looking forward to seeing you.<br /><br />Steve
Reply
Mark Williams on November 2, 2008 4:37 PM

Good goin' with the dot com era, Steve; last I checked I can't afford a vacant lot in Los Altos (it was a million).  I still dredge out my Scotty impersonation now and then, but over the years it's morphed into a pirate.  "Arr, Cap'n, could you beam us a little mustard for the warp drive, arrr..." etc.
I hope you are keeping an eye on Santa Rita for us, one time I drove through there was a fence around everything, like they were going to bulldoze and put in condos...
- Mark, in the neighboring country of Southern California

Reply
James D. Taylor on November 6, 2008 4:13 AM
Kerry-
Your comment on Ed Winslow has me wondering what he ever got involved with after high school. He was definitely ahead of the curve on a variety of social issues and that always impressed me greatly. I'd appreciate any info anyone has on him so I could try and get in touch if possible.
Speaking of people who were way ahead of their time your little brother was damn smart-I know he got crap from some folks for being so bright, but they're all on welfare or in jail now, and I'd like to know if he got any tech patents or is a professor somewhere.
                                      JDT
Reply

David LeMieux on October 3, 2008 4:20 AM
JT   (james taylor)  JImbo.
Good to see that you are still alive and well.  You were the very first friend I met when i moved to Los Altos from Chicago in 1975.  You were the one who introduced me and craig copeland (who moved into los altos the same time as myself) to the los altos party scene (not vegcove) and I remember we used to work out with those plastic weights doing weight lifting at your house and then we would go run the streets for football season and then the kegger partys at night.  You remember my sister Beth and Denise Williams who were seniors when we were sophmores.  They are still friends and doing well.   Beth gives her regards to you.  Nutshell:  foothill college (2years) played football.  Cal poly san luis obispo (landscape architecture) played football on the 1980-81 division II-A championship team against Eastern Illinois.  Stayed in SLO town until 1985. Played rugby after football for cal poly.  Went to Cal Poly Pomona for Masters degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Design,  graduated, got married in 1988, had my son in 1989, divorced in 1993, entered the real estate mortgage industry in so california in 1992, worked as a loan agent for 9 years, started my own mortgage company in 2000, opened my escrow company in 2003, my son blake who is 19 years old graduatd Mater Dei High School with scholarship to stanford and chapman university for football and academics.  Injured his back in off season before college, gave up stanford and is now at chapman university as English Literature major.  Since the real estate implosion in so cal, i have changed my mortgage company into a loan modification company and debt settlement company which settles credit card debt for pennies on the dollar and gets peoples mortgage loans modified into low fixed rates without refinancing.   Jim Taylor...you the man
david lemieux
Reply
Kristen Wilke (McTeague) on October 3, 2008 11:25 AM
David,
Must have passed you in the architecture building many times.  Watched you play football without realizing it.  You must know good friend of mine who played rugby for Cal Poly SLO, Steve Sommer.  Must have watched you play rugby with him as well.  You ever party at the Theta Chi house?  If so, I would have seen you there as well.  Very small world.
Kristen
Reply
David LeMieux on October 4, 2008 5:32 AM
Kristen,  
what a small world.  Im sure we probably walked by each other both in architecture and on the field.  Isnt it funny that I too did not stay in architecture for more than 8 years before doing what i really love....people.  And yes I knew Steve Sommers.  We did many road trips on the rugby team to so cal, santa barbara, los angeles and other places all crammed in the back of a camper listening to the "doors"  it was a good time.  simple, fun, and wild.  I wonder if our days in our later years will be that fun again. It has its rewards now, but alot more responsibilities.  Good to hear from you
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 3, 2008 3:38 PM
Dave,

Good for you! I have been a Realtor since 1988 and love to see that people like you are stepping up to the plate to help normalize the issues. I applaude you.
Reply
David LeMieux on October 4, 2008 5:37 AM
Hello fellow realtor,
Hasnt it been interesting these last 20 years.  I have been in the mortgage industry for 18 years.  And yes, I helping to dig people out of those horrible option arm  neg-am loans that is literally killing peoples incomes and actually causing alot of people to walk or lose their homes to forclosure.  Alot of greed in our industry and now i feel like a counselor when get hundreds of calls a week with stories of people losing everything to this upside down market.  It is definately rewarding and I hope i can change some of the situations alot of people are in.  How are you doing in this market in real estate?  david
Reply
David LeMieux on October 4, 2008 5:43 AM
almost forgot,
I pledged phi kappa psi at cal poly so i probably partied with you.  Last week of pledge week, there were a number of us who walked out of the fraternity because of major hypocracies and stuff I didnt like.  They tried getting me back but the fraternity scene I decided not to do.  Maybe i missed you after the bail out.
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 5, 2008 10:02 AM
Dave,
No I went to SDSU. Went to my fair share of parties at USC & UCLA  but never Cal Poly.
As for the real estate business. Interesting! I live in the DC area and have a steady stream of GOV/MIL buyers. They have money. Very hard to work with people that don't have money. Quite a change. I have bailed out a couple of forclosure/short sale people. Made me feel good but really made me think "how did you get here". Oh well.
Reply
Kristen Wilke (McTeague) on October 6, 2008 11:02 AM
David,
Cal Poly was a lot of fun, beautiful place to go to school.  Where did you live?  Bet you know Steve's old roommate, Brian, he was in landscape.  Always spell Steve's last name wrong :( you'd think I'd get it right after all these years.  Amazing that our kids are having those experiences now, wow, when did we get this old?  :)
Kristen
Reply
david lemieux on October 7, 2008 3:32 AM
i lived in stenner glen off campus housing by the rail road tracks across from the old clock tower (business building) off of foothill.  The rest of the 3 years i lived in a house off of foothill on del norte against madonna mountain on the way out to "this old house barbeque"   We lived right up the street from that huge frat house who had all those raging partiesl.  (forgot the frat name) but it was by the foothill dorms behind luckys food store.    It has been a long time but it has gone quick. And as i get older, it seems time is speeding up....I am my parents age when i first went to college.  yowww....Did you ever run poly canyon?  I stopped by cal poly this summer.  you wouldnt recognize part of the campus.  They have new dorms that are 6 stories and under neath are retail stores and Petes coffee.  It looks like a mini village in snow mass colorado.  Its quite awesome
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 7, 2008 4:18 PM
David,
TKE house, off the wall parties.......I lived on campus 1 year,  off campus at Islander for 1 (met Steve then), Valencia for 2 then Rosewood (?) for 1.  I probably ran by your house every day, hated running up foothill blvd.  Didn't run the canyon, built structures for poly royal up there.  Difficult to imagine anything else in the canyon. Haven't seen SLO town in 25 years.  Life was so uncomplicated then.  Loved Morro Bay & Los Osos in the fog...... used to go for rides with steve in the 924...makes me smile :)
Kristen
Reply
david lemieux on October 14, 2008 2:53 AM
your right.  TKE   they always had functions and parties going on.  Great house.  Life was un complicated then.  Part of poly canyon is now high rise dorms with retail stores under neath.  I cant believe how good the students have it now.  Petes coffee is one of the retail stores at the bottom level of the dorms.  It looks alittle like snow mass colorado condos with stores underneath.  College has remained the same in the old part, but alot of new buildings down by the agricultural side going out the back way to pch highway.  They also built a brand new football stadium.  It is huge for a division II school.  Saw the campus this summer with my son blake.  life was simpler then.  did you ever go to the great american fish house in moro bay.  best mesquite fish ever. 
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 14, 2008 3:19 PM
David, 
Loved to eat in Morro Bay, the coast here looks just like it (minus the big rock)..... Trying to remember the ice cream place we liked so well in Arroyo Grande.  Really liked Tortilla Flats on the river and the place up on the hill overlooking Pismo Beach, McLintock's....
Kristen
Reply
Linda on September 24, 2009 11:40 AM
The ice cream place was Burnardoz.  It closed a few years ago, but has reopened as Doc Burnstein's with all the old recipes, and some new ones - better than ever!
Reply
James D. Taylor on October 10, 2008 12:51 PM
Dave-
Good to hear from you aand I to remember working out the summer you arrived from Naperville! Seem to recall it as record heat as we worked out on the patio doing multi-reps and trying to "get bigger"-God knows, now I wonder why I was in such a hurry to have that happen. When you were at Cal Poly was Phil Manoukian still playing for the Mustangs football program?
Sounds as if life has had it's twists and turns for a lot of us but it sounds as if you are doing well. Please pass on a big "howdy" to sister Beth for me as she was always kind to me which was appreciated as it came from an upperclassmen. Last I saw you, you were in the old "LUCKY's Chinese Food" on State Street with your folks but that was way back when-Are they still residing in Los Altos?
Still haave fond memories of your touchdown against Awalt our junior year-truly a "beautiful thing" and  lodged in my memory forever.
If your son played at Mater Dei he must have been a baller as they make De LaSalle  look like pee-wee league.
Bring some photos as something tells me he looks a lot like his old man...
                                              JDT
Reply
david lemieux on October 12, 2008 11:45 PM
Jim, its about time you responded; And it seems you have even a fonder memory than i do, but yes, it was damn hot and muggy that summer working out on your patio; I remember your dad very well and he was a real nice guy. I hope and pray he is doing ok; Actually, my son looks like me in the face, but he is 5' - 11; taller; curly waiver hair, and; good looking; I guess he beat me in all areas but im proud of him; How do you know about Mater Dei; He was the starting outside linebacker and made 115 tackels for the season his junior year which got him the scholarship to stanford and first team all CIF.&nbsp; But your right, things do change in life and now he is focusing on grades and politics since his back injury; He is going to El Salvador winter break to help build homes and wants to go to russia in the summer for literary writing; I dont know why he wants to go way over their.&nbsp; Last time i saw phil manoukian was in rugby in 82; After that i lost contact; He was a great guy to hang out with and it was like ol times playing with him; I talked to Carey Fiske and she reminded me of the time your car;(silver camaro) slid down the hill behind her house and landed in her pool. You jumped in the car to try to stop it but couldnt; What was the deal with that; I didnt remember; She says Hi to you also.&nbsp; I do remember seeing you with my folks at Luckys chinese cusine; They have long since retired and moved to the Del Webb retirement community in Sun City Roseville outside of Sacramento; Golf for my dad and lots of new friends; Alot of his friends from los alots moved up their so they are all transplants and loving life; I will bring pictures....good to hear from you...what is; your email.
Reply

Steve Jorgensen on October 5, 2008 12:43 PM
Laura, it was pretty easy to miss anyone on that campus if you did not share a major.  Like many others, I mostly stuck to the M-W-F schedule and spent a lot of time down working at Mission Beach.  BTW, you may remember another LAHS alum that was at SDSU from 1979 to 1982, Tom Turnbull.  Although I did not know him at LAHS, we met at the SDSU dorms and became friends.  He was the best man at my wedding in 1989.
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 8, 2008 3:17 PM
Tom Turnbull? With the T-Bird? No way!!!!. Both my sister and I dated him during the LAHS years. Me first then my 77 LAHS sis, Diane. Thought they would marry. Are we talking about the same guy? What is he doing now? 
Reply
Steve Jorgensen on October 14, 2008 12:31 PM
Oh yeah, I heard something about the dating sisters thing.  I remember seeing that white T-Bird with the red leather interior in his dad's garage.  Thankfully he didn't bring it to SDSU with him.  By then he had moved on to that sweet Ford Capri V6 with the loud exhaust that he was so proud of.  Anyone ever even see a Capri anymore?  :-)  In spite of dating both Gangemi sisters, Tom is successfully imbedded in the Chicago financial world and lives in Naperville with his wife and two daughters.
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 14, 2008 3:48 PM
Steve,
HMMM I had a Capri at SDSU for a time. I think we called it a Blow-up Buggy.
Reply

Jeffrey D. Tribble on October 9, 2008 12:37 PM
Hey the other JDT:

I've got to work the evening of the 8th... but I get off at 11:30 (23:00) so if there are still a few of you hanging out at a pub somewhere I'll surely pop by for a visit.

I'm at GoodSam Hospital (San Jose/Los Gatos) for now.  In my year in the ICU I worked with quite a few stroke victims.  We have an awesome stroke/neuro team.  I also had a teenager who was "non-compliant" in checking his blood sugars and came in pretty darn sick...

Now hey, for the large number of classmates who've found this site and registered, there sure is a low number of bloggers.... hmmm.

I'll follow later with some teenage angst poetry.  Anyone else dare to pull out those 70's journals/diaries?  Oh wait, maybe I was the only one who spent a little time in Gary Bacon's class...

Still in touch with a couple of people from the class of '77: Vicki Murray and Kenny Elvin.  And see around town the likes of Sue Stark and Peggy Hennessee.  Also some "old timers": Todd Gisler and Craig Murray (of "the Garden"). I know the location of a few who have NOT signed up so I'm thinking maybe they WANT to remain hidden... or lost.

Write on dudes and dudettes,
seaborn
Reply
James D. Taylor on October 11, 2008 1:37 PM
Jeff-
Thanks for update on your location. The stroke program at your hospital is first rate but the distance for the 87 year old parents is just too far and we have Dad involved in the Stanford program along with the group therapy program thru Foothill that is at the old Cubberley High School.
When you deal with "non-compliance" and those up to age 25 who are dealing with Type ! diagnosis I am not a good poster boy for doing it the right way. When diagnosed in 1965 I was too young to be fully cognizant but at that time most Type ! patients were considered "lucky" if they made it to mid-thirties. This was well   before glucometers and when"disposable syringes" were considered cutting edge technology! When you add all that to the "teen angst" that you spoke of it can get absolutely overwhelming. My approach for a long time was to live fast and hard as I didn't think I'd be around all that long-Thankfully sports gave me a "somewhat" suitable outlet for anger but I drank like a fish and used any substance that could be swallowed,inhaled or eaten as long as it had an organic base! NOt exactly what you you would call compliant behavior as it was done in mass quantity. (THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL ME ONLY SERVES TO MAKE ME STRONGER-I have that tattoo'd on my left shoulder)-Like i said if I'd have known I'd make it this long way back when I'd have been a lot better to myself way back when. Who knows? Maybe there is something to the old mind/body conundrum and being flat out pissed off and stubborn as hell might have pulled me thru where others fell by the wayside, but in the long run it does take it's toll and you can share that with your next non-compliant diabetic who arrives in the ER for me!
Drop dime on my mobile at (916) 715-0000 and I'll buy you a beer when you get off work-My guess is some of us will still be trying to learn Bocce ball at around that time.
                                                   JDT
Reply
Mark W on October 13, 2008 3:47 PM

Jim,
is someone taking care of your eyesight?  I don't want you to get too much of this.
I did some angiography for a retina surgeon in Sacramento a while back, but couldn't truly recommend him.  However, there's a doctor Keyser (I think that's her name) in San Rafael who seemed good with people.  I know when I tell you she's a great looking blonde you will make an appointment before I finish this sent...


Jim?


PS: here's some of my "music" you may find entertaining...

Reply

betsy fitzgerald on October 10, 2008 12:47 PM
HI Gaby, Just looked through the blog and yes I do still live in Alamo. Did not know Mark Frazier lived in Walnut Creek. I ran into Shaun Halverson at the airport the other day and have a vacation place down the street from Ken Hurst but besides that have not seen anyone from LAHS. We just went to my husbands 30th reunion for Saint Francis high school a couple weeks ago and had a great time. This has motivated me to attend ours. Looking forward to seeing you and all the others.
Reply
Gaby Marent on October 13, 2008 12:15 PM
Betsy, 
I remember running in to you at Taco Bell right after getting my haircut. Don't you just love living in the East Bay. Walnut Creek has the best shopping and restaraunts. I don't ever plan on moving.
I saw that you will be at the reunion. See you there.
Gaby
Reply

James D. Taylor on October 10, 2008 1:03 PM
gaby-
I see Dave once in awhile over here in the Sac-Town region.
He's in the Elk Grove phonebook and still having fun with life.
Would someone please explain to me about what the hey went on the back of the band bus? For those of us who were trying to prepare for games it all sounds kind of mysterious-How's about cluing us in as I have visions of Jeff Spicolli in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" stumbling out of the van in the school parking lot-Did Chuck Taber know what you boy's and girl's were up to ?
                                               JDT
Reply

Gaby Marent on October 10, 2008 11:25 PM
Cindy  you better come! I live in the east bay as well, Where do you live and maybe we could go down together? I am still married to Scott but he won't be coming. He is going elk hunting in Montana and has planned this for almost a year. I would love to catch up with you send me and email sometime. No excuse for not coming.
hope to see you there.
Gaby
Reply

James D. Taylor on October 11, 2008 2:01 PM
Dammit Truman-
You best be there so we can continue the long running debate over which of us should have been committed first!
Hope this finds you well-Are you still in Tele-Com in any way?
Gotta run, but will respond to any and all.

PS-Do you remember Jan Levy from our sacking of Europe after LAHS grad? Ran into her awhile back and got some stories to tell on that meeting.
                                                   Still Crazy,
                                                       TAY
Reply
Cindy Graham (Truman) on October 11, 2008 11:31 PM
Hi Jim!!!!!  We have a lot to catch up on!  Yep, still at ATT, Director of Sales in B2B, I will have been there for 20 years next April! Would love to catch up with you and not take up too much space on this blog.  Send me an e-mail OK?  I still have all my pictures of Europe, they are hilarious!  That was the best trip, we had fun didn't we?  I've decided that I will go to the reunion and have already heard from Shelly and Monica, so it will be a good time.  Look forward to lots of laughs.  Hey, tell Sobon he is in a heap of shit with me.  I've been trying to track him down through all of his relatives and I just can't catch him.  Talk to ya soon, Cin
Reply
James D. Taylor on October 14, 2008 11:07 PM
Cindo-
Rumor has it they will have a metal detector at the door of our reunion so make sure you bring the ceramic scissors-
How's that for a flashback to LUAU 78 at the Los Altos Hills Golf & Country Club?
Gotta run-
                                  JDT
Ah, hell...Skip the scissors and give her a "Brazilian Wax" for me!
Reply

Gaby Marent on October 13, 2008 11:51 AM
Kristen, I would love to see you. I hope you are coming to the reunion. I too went to Poly and loved every day there. I took my daughter there last year for a pre college tour. She's only 16 but was trying to pump her up for better grades in high school (she's got a 3.0 or better) plus plays sports and volunteers for a non profit orginization that the school has, but to get into colleges these days you definately need much higher. I also took her to Santa Barbara and Pepperdine. Out of those she really fell in love with Santa Barbara (who wouldn't) But she loved the charm of the town of San Luis Obispo.  I couldn't believe how much the town has changed since we went there. The one place I totally remember is Apple Farm. We stayed the night there too. The shopping there is great. I couldn't beleive all the new high rise (six story) dorms there are now. 
My husband went to Santa Barbara while I was at SLO so I was down there 3 out of the 4 weekends in the month. Most of his dorm mates thought I went to school at UCSB. I missed most of the Poly parties for UCSB parties. Halloween in Isla Vista was wild and dangerous. 
Anyways hope to see you at the reunion. I would love to catch up with you then.
Gaby
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 14, 2008 2:02 PM
Gaby
Never knew you were at Cal Poly, would have been great to reminisce, we had a lot of fun at the cabin... So glad to hear you're doing well.  I enjoyed the college trips, the east coast schools are so different, very currier & ives.  I think it's great you're looking early for your daughter because unfortunately our kids have soooo much competition. Luckily, both of mine were able to get in their 1st choice schools (been working on their resumes since the 4th grade).  Just got back from parent's weekend at Trinity, watched an awesome football game (tied with seconds left, won in overtime due to a blocked PAT), hard to believe the kids are both in college.  Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the reunion, it would be fun to see everyone and catch up on the last (oh my GOD) thirty years.  I'm looking for pics from grad nite to add to the photo album.  I used to have so many from Santa Rita, Egan & LAHS but mom has no idea where they are.  So many great memories and great friends.  Did you ever go on the sewer tour in SLO?
Kristen
Reply

Gaby Marent on October 13, 2008 10:23 PM
Hey anyone living in the south bay or penninsula Vince Larkin was working at a radio statio at Stanford about 2 or 3 years ago. He was taking care of his elderly ill father at the time. He was riding on the Bay Area Ski bus next to my father. He had mentioned that he went to LAHS and after about 15 minutes my dad had his cell phone out and Vince was talking to me. Has anyone else heard from him. He was the class clown after all. 
Anyways just thought I'd ask.
Gaby
Reply
James D. Taylor on October 14, 2008 11:21 PM
Hey Girl-
Mr. Larkin and I see each other fairly often. We argue like Arabs & Jews over politics but eventually he'll see things my way. His e-mail: vinnyraylarkin@yahoo.com                            Tell him his butt best be in attendance at the 30 year cuz some of us ain't too sure about being around for the next one!
His dad is still hangin' in there and pretty damn sharp to boot!
                                            JDT
Reply

kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 14, 2008 3:02 PM
Mark,
Loved Mrs. Church, took two of her classes, unfortunately can't remember who else was in the class, so sad.  Dominic, had him in science class....think of him when I see a Hang Ten t-shirts.....I loved the Santa Rita pictures you posted, happen to have the 6th grade pic of Mr. Elliot's class?  Amazing I can still remember who's who in the class pics you've posted :)  many smiles
Kristen
Reply
Mark Williams on October 15, 2008 12:38 AM
Hey Kristen!
isn't it funny to see the teenagers we knew again as 10 year olds!  Now we're almost... 50!?  No, that doesn't make any sense.  I'm 23.
Since I was in Mr. Liewer's class, I don't have Mr. Eliot's, but bizarrely I think I still have a cassette tape my brother had of some kind of parent teacher presentation with Mr. Eliot teaching his students about poetry... and I thought he was such a jock as our football coach!  :)
I've been slowly digitizing everything I've pack-ratted over the years (and inherited) I may get to that cassette, and I'll post it, somewhere, I promise.  Brought back strong memories for me.  Like flicking paperclips and paper wads across the class with our macho flag football flags (I think Bob Roszkos started that mayhem).  
Tanbark.  Limbo days.  Autographing everyone's "Dad's big shirt"...  Kindergarten nap blankets...  
Must stop drinking Monster Energy drinks.
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 15, 2008 1:16 PM
Mark,
As I just said to Sherry, the pictures are so much fun to look at, I wish others would add more to the albums.  I am adding the few I have in my possession this weekend, one great Poloroid from grad nite with nothing but faces, any body else save theirs?  Unfortunately, most of mine were at my mom's and they've disappeared..... Mr. Elliott makes me think of terrariums.  Thanks again for the pics :) would love to see more.  Hope everyone will play the picture game at the reunion.
Kristen
Reply
Mark G Williams on October 15, 2008 11:28 PM
Kristen, 
Terrariums!  That is so funny!
I'm also wondering if anyone still has a copy of "The Big Picture" of the senior class out on the field, which I just remembered included a front row of Coors T-Shirts, and Steve Alexander in the center in the back.  
Anyone heard from Steve?  He and me and John Poerio used to go bowling!  
And it would be great to see more pix of what people have been up to since LAHS....  there seems to be no "Album" for that, but maybe people could upload their pix to photobucket.com and put in a link...?

Reply

Amy Leppo on October 15, 2008 12:27 AM
WOW! I can't believe what great memories you all have!  MINE is almost totally gone... I guess maybe the weekends of drinking beer with the "boys" and the other things I might have done to my body has caught up with me.  LUCKY, my parents "genes" have kept me looking sort of young for my age, or at least that's what men say to me while out at "Menars" in Danville.

OK, who the hell remembers 30 years ago! I can't hardly remember what happened last week! SO, no good, bad, and the ugly out of me.  I will keep it reallll simple.  Left LAH, off to Foothill for 2 years, then to SD State.  Left prior to degree to start my first company! That was the start of my life as an"entrepreuneur". Stayed in the horse business up until the early 80's, then got serious! Currently own my own frozen dessert company currently being sold at Draegers, Whole Foods, Lunardi's, Costco, and many more!!!  Had not seen anyone from LAH, except recently my long, lost friend James Taylor! I can't wait to see all the long, lost faces of our great class!!! OH, have two children, Max is 10, and Hannah is almost 15.  Yeah, I guess the gray hair and wrinkles are on their way soon!!
Reply
Steve Jorgensen on October 15, 2008 1:00 AM
Hi Amy,
Another SDSU survivor admits to being there.  Guess I missed you down there as well as Laura Gangemi.  How's Randy these days?  He and I used to ride our motorcycles together all over the hills back as sophomores.  I pretty much lost touch with him after that.
Steve
Reply
Gaby Marent on October 15, 2008 10:54 AM
Amy,
You live in Danville? What is your frozen dessert label? I would love to try some. 
See you in a couple of weeks
Gaby
Reply

David Kaplan on October 18, 2008 1:51 AM
Hi Y'all,

I wonder if Cindy Watson has kept her Elton John LPs, if Laura Gangemi Baranek remembers that I had a crush on her in the 5th grade, and I still can't quite forgive Kris McDonald for attending USC, but alas I digress.

Life has been good to me.  Studied Geophysics at Stanford, worked in Alaska and then New Orleans for big oil for a couple years before getting Harvard MBA.  Traded oil futures in NY and then moved back to CA (SF/Oakland) in 1989.  Married in 1991 and still together with two boys, 13 and 10.  Now CFO of a software company in Sunnyvale.  Looking forward to seeing everybody at reunion.  David Kaplan
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 18, 2008 10:40 AM
David,
You had a crush on me?? Was that when I was "going" with Eric Schnorr (can't remember how to spell that)? I don't think Eric & I ever kissed but I still have the funny clown pendant that he gave me. 5th grade memories bring me to Mrs Finch, can't remember the music teachers name and learning that you can make crayons look really cool by rubbing them with a tissue after you put them on your hand drawn map! Looking forward to seeing you.
Laura
Reply
David Kaplan on October 19, 2008 1:45 AM
Laura,

Yes, excellent memory...though Mrs. Finch was our 6th grade teacher but all the rest is accurate.  See you at reunion! Best, David
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 20, 2008 3:57 PM
You are so right. It was Mrs Gordon in 5th grade. She and I never saw eye to eye. I remember sitting in the "alley" a few times. 4-Square was fun though. Remember that ball room shed! Do you know what happened to Eric  Schnorr or Ben Bossivien? Or Elizabeth (can't remember her last name) Elizabeth I think went to a private high school, Ben, "called me out" can't remember why, all of of us have funny history 30+ years ago!
Laura
Reply
James Wasson on October 20, 2008 6:08 PM

I think it was Elizabeth Pruitt, if my memory of Purissima is correct.  I did run into Andrea Correl the other day.  She is an equestrian trainer in Portola Valley and my daughter had been training (with another trainer) in the same barn for 5 years and I had never bumped into her.    I still keep in touch with Keith Silver (our youngest daughers are good friends and they both go to Los Altos High School together).   It is good to hear from you and Dave Kaplan.

Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 21, 2008 1:12 PM
Jim Wasson,
Good to see your name on the Blog instead of all the Santa Rita geeks. Elizabeth Pruitt is correct. Any idea where she is or where Ben is. I would love to remember why he called me out!
Laura
Reply
Fred Grolle on October 21, 2008 5:10 PM
Santa Rita Geeks??  We prefer to be called Santa Retards, thank you very much.  

Hey, my first memory of California was lunchtime at Santa Rita (Miss Morris's a.k.a. Mrs. White's 5th grade class) and all these kids were hunched over playing resins ... anybody else remember that?

Also, remember Jim Taylor blasting "Back in the USSR" over the loudspeakers at lunch.  California kicked Illinois butt right there and then.

Ok, back to obscurity.

Fred Grolle, still alive at 49
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 27, 2008 9:17 PM
So Fred,
Love your pics from then & now, you definately have a sense of humor.  I, like you, think fondly of the "Santa Retards" moniker, although I know it is no longer PC as Mark has pointed out :(  I am looking forward to many more pictures hopefully posted by others as it is so nice to look back at the fun we all had growing up.
Kristen
Reply
Steve Schick on October 29, 2008 11:49 PM
Do you guys remember what we called our rival school to Santa Rita?--Portoilet.
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 30, 2008 1:53 PM
Steve, 
I wondered when and if the Portoilets nickname would surface in the blog.  I guess there are just more of us Santa Retards online  :)
Kristen
Reply
Steve Schick on November 1, 2008 6:50 PM
Kristen,
It's funny I've forgotten about lots of people I knew in college, even when I run into them by chance, but I remember almost everything about Santa Rita, as though it were yesterday. It's good to hear from you. Mrs. EyeBalls would be less unhappy to know that we've connected.

Steve
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on November 3, 2008 9:27 PM
Steve,
Joined the Santa Rita crowd late in the game (6th grade) but it was a great group of friends.  It still amazes me how I can look at the pics from even the earliest years and recognize everyone.  So sorry I won't be at the reunion, it would be fun to see everyone although I wouldn't recognize anyone but Joanne <  and she went to Portola :(   >
Kristen
Reply
James D. Taylor on November 6, 2008 4:30 AM
Let us not forget Bull-Piss,Hill P-U or crOAK, Piss on Ma, and ODD-Man Elementary Schools for their hallowed contributions to Los Altos Academic Achievements
                                   JDT
Reply
Diana Sullivan on November 6, 2008 11:44 PM
Amen Jim  - a few of us even came from Eastbrook. My question is though --- are any of the elementary schools we attended still schools or even standing? I know the elementary school I attended is not  Nor is my junior high (Covington) even a school any longer. Okay, the truth be told not even Los Altos High is the school we graduated from. But again it has been 30 years! I was shocked by the changes I saw driving by in September, when I was down in the araa for a wedding. Where did the quad go?

Reply
James Wasson on October 22, 2008 12:06 PM
No, I don't know where either of them are.  I know a few people that know Ben's family.  If I see them I will ask about him.  I'm sure he called you out because he thought you were cute.
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 22, 2008 4:25 PM
Jim,
So sweet.
Laura
Reply
David Kaplan on October 23, 2008 2:28 AM
Hey Jim,  Good to hear from you as well.  In my 2-year stint in New York City  from 1987-1989 I ran into both Ben Boissevain and Claire Britton but that doesn't help much with current whereabouts.  Hope to see y'all soon.  Best, David
Reply
James D. Taylor on October 23, 2008 4:59 PM
Fred-
Good to see your post and hope to see you at the 30yr as it was great catching up briefly with you and Steve and Mark at the 50th LAHS Anniversary party.
What little remains of my memory had you living in the Sonora region but I might be mistaken.
All the Santa Rita postings/memories got me thinking about Mrs.Anderson and her caffeine addiction and Steve Schick bringing in a Juan Valdez poster for her.
Earlier someone asked about Dave Roszkos and I still remember when Mr.Elliott grabbed him by the neck and lifted him off the floor and carried him that way to the office-Something about that leaves me to believe that he probably had it coming and then some.
Mr.Liewer's 5th grade class and his replay of the boring history professor he had in college-"In the French & Indian War, there were some French, and there were some Indians."
Kerry Long-good to see your post and brief update. I always remembered you and Cindy Neville along with Suzanne Zechter, before she moved, as being better athletes than most of the boy's in grade school but not rubbing it in on us too bad.
Last memory I gotta insert was when we got to be on Channel 2 news when Mark Dwight discovered a Wooly Mammoth tusk. That was pretty cool stuff in the 4th(?)grade for sure.
          Over & Out,
               JDT
Reply
Steve Schick on October 29, 2008 11:57 PM
Hey Jimbo,
I forgot all about the Juan Valdez. I remember we used to do stuff like that. I mostly made fun of Mr. Liewer and was forced to "drop and do 50" push-ups. I remember the incident of Mr. Elliott's "airlift" on Dave's neck. Yikes. Probably scarred him for life.

Fred talk about you playing Back in the USSR, but whenever I hear anything from Neil Young's Harvest album with "Heart of Gold" I think of you and that low-fi PA system on the Santa Rita hardtop.
Steve
Reply
Sue Brown (Gould) on November 2, 2008 10:20 PM
Hi, Laura,

Long time, no see!  Great to see you and David K.  (hi, Nalpak) holding up the Bullis/Purissima banner!  I, too was beginning to wonder if everyone at LAHS went to Santa Rita.  

Elizabeth Pruitt went to Castilleja, and through various mutual Castilleja friends I occasionally saw her and/or her sisters at plays and wedding receptions way back when, but I haven't heard anything about them in a long time.  Theoretically, I might be able to track her down, but given how little time I have been able to put in to tracking down our LAHS classmates, I'm not likely to get around to it. 

I still remember Mrs. Finch very fondly...what an amazing teacher!  Remember the squiggly animals she used to throw at inattentive students; and the yardsticks she used to break in her temper; and the time we all tried to surprise her for her birthday, and she came storming down from the office, as we shook in our boots; and the countries we all made up; and her no-test policy; and the Cranberry Award and trial (good old Paul Otto--Plotto--the most frequent award-winner, of course!); and how we all loved her?!?  What a crazy year that sixth-grade year was!

I'm looking forward to seeing folks at the reunion, and to getting more people signed up on the site eventually...maybe by Christmas card time I'll get around to it....

Sue
Reply
Paul Noble on October 29, 2008 11:53 AM
Hey, David,

You still a big Giants Fan? Last game I went to was when I was still living in Belmont --Game 5 of the 2002 WS! Cannot believe the Giants blew it in Anaheim! Oh well, still the Giants!
Won't be at the reunion, but just wanted to let you know I am still a Giants fan!

--Paul N.
Reply

Kerry Long / Kresge on October 19, 2008 2:09 AM
Hey Kristen and all those Santa Rita Retards!  
  Nancy Davis sent me this website and it has been kind of fun remembering names and trying to remember faces of those who are writing.  I remember James Taylor as being the brain of the class in grade school and knowing he would do well in the world.  I always wondered what happened to you Kristen McD as you always were so quiet and you had that really great house on the creek at the end of Van Buren.  I'm glad you are well.   Cindy Burgess was one of my earliest friends and I remember making the best mud pies in her back yard.  I also remember having a substitute in kindergarten and I got her to cut school and go to our neighbors house before the flag went up--I guess it was a sign of things to come as I cut a lot of classes in high school.   I was not much of a participant in high school but  had a lot of fun and no regrets.   Annette Wreaks,  Paul Bates, Edward Winslow, Nancy Davis, Janis Beatty, Cindy Neville,  and LeeAnn Vosti are names  I remember from our neighborhood.  
  I have lived in Idaho since I left home at 17, been married for damn near 30 years,  have a daughter who teaches at a private school in Los Gatos; worked a thousand different jobs and still don't know what I'm gonna be when I grow up.   Life is good and I really can't grasp that thirty years has gone by.   Have fun at the reunion and I might make it to our 50th. 

Kerry Long Kresge
Reply
Mark Williams on October 22, 2008 10:52 PM
Hey Kerry, 
I just put a picture from 6th Grade Camp in the Photo Album that has 3 of the Santa Ritans you mentioned (Retards...  I dunno...  just not p.c. anymore  :) So in case you want to spread the word.  
It's a picture of Dave Roszkos grabbing Mark Frazier in a big embarrassing hug and everyone's laughing.  Were you there, or did you cut school AND camp?
Anyone know where Dave went off to?  I know Bob (and my other old sports buddy and friend Richard Byrd) are running Wells Fargo these days...
Ed and Paul and Mark Dolby and Bob Schaeffer and Dave Sampson and Bob R. ... and others...   we all used play football at Santa Rita during the summer... or was it basketball in the winter (with Kent Peters, Brian Fitzpatrick and other "big kids.").    
I remember lots of 3 on 3 football behind "lunch hill" too (see other photo in album)... 
 - Mark W.
PS: Kerry, I always thought you looked "60's cool" with your red hair and bandana headband.  I also remember Janice Beatty throwing a couple of us around as kids, then I hit her near the eye with a rock!  Then wondering to myself, "what the hell did I do that for!?" (crazy as children...  that's probably how I ended up in Ophthalmology as an angiography technician: curse of the rock!)  And winning huge all-day suckers with Annette Wreaks as 4-Square / "Sock-Out" champions!  Ahh, the wild days of youth.
Reply
Nancy Davis/Alcala on November 14, 2008 10:36 PM
Hey Kerry... thanks for having a reunion of our own!!  It was great seeing you... ahh, the memories, the weird, the fun. 
Reply
Nancy Davis/Alcala on November 14, 2008 10:41 PM
Mark, I think it might have been me that was nailed in the eye!! Or maybe it was someone else that threw it??? We were down in Kristen Mc's  backyard towards the creek.  My eye swelled up like a balloon and I begged my mom to not make me go to school for several days.  I know Janice & Kristen were there, and I think Nikki Salinas.  Maybe it wasn't you, but the rock & eye thing triggered a memory.
Reply
Mark Williams on November 15, 2008 12:22 AM
Nancy, 
no, I'm quite definite it was Janice, on the Santa Rita playground, possibly after school, but near the south side of the playground in front of the jungle gym/tanbark zone.  I'm sure she was throwing us boys around first, so it was kind of self-defense/retribution.  
And Dave Sampson's big dog was Suzie.  Once watched Danny burn a big tick off her, in awe.  I think there was a Paco and maybe a Chico, chihuahua's also.  Dave?
 - Sociopathic Rock Thrower, Mark
[Tell Janice My God I'm so Sorry...  but I was 11.  :-)
Perhaps a blanket apology and forgiveness to all of Los Altans for standard cruelties of youth, up to the end of summer '78?  We could burn a yearbook and make a chant over it.]

Reply
Jan Madden on November 21, 2008 1:40 AM
Mark -
 
Please, no apologies for throwing the rock. Honestly I don’t remember it.  I was a complete tomboy and social frog as a child. Always thinking I could be as good as anyone else if I was tough enough, the strongest, fastest…whatever. I was totally insecure.. I was probably looking for attention – trying to “prove” myself. Thank God my children are nothing like me in that respect.
 
 A few Santa Rita memories..
- Halloween and Jerry Shields put shaving cream on my mom’s wig I was wearing…then chasing him down the Neville’s driveway.
- Kick the can with the Rosco’s
- My worst memory was pulling Mark Frazier off the jungle gym and chipping his teeth.  
(I am still sorry for doing that)
 
I was devastated to hear Cyndi passed away. I have an 8x 10 picture of her in her AYSO uniform. I wanted to send it to her. I wish someone knew if she still has family around.
 
I also have a picture from First Grade, Mrs Krauses class, Nancy, Kristen, Mark Dolby, Mark Dwight …to name a few. I would be happy to scan it and send it to whoever is interested.
 
LeAnne Vosti and I ended up going to Gunn together. She is a beautiful as ever.We had our 30 year reunion in October. My brother did go to LAH a few years ahead of us.
 
I am in Southern CA. Don’t get up to the Bay Area much any more and I still miss it.
 
If you want the picture email me at my personal email  jmadptc@hotmail.com
Reply

Karen Bradshaw (Steiner) on October 22, 2008 12:59 PM
Wow this is really great hearing what everyone has been up to in the last 30 years!  Never heard about the 20 year reunion, but will be attending the 30 and looking forward to it.   I am another Foothill  and SDSU grad.   Remember running into Laura at Sigma Nu and Scott (lost the last name) at Sigma Chi.   Returned to the Bay Area after graduation and worked in Semi Conductors until 1996 when I officially retired ... Ok I met my late husband who  enjoyed traveling  which we did  quite abit.... Moved to Idaho, sounds like there are several of us here) officially in 2005 when we sold our San Jose house,, but had really been here since 1996.  The Boise area reminds me alot of Los Altos when we were groing up.  Now  I'm a volunteer with the Amreican Red Cross and Specail Olympics.  Both are alot of fun.

Can't wait to see eveyone....
Reply

Mark Williams on October 22, 2008 10:58 PM
Hey Mr. Frazier!
I thought I should point you toward the Photo Albums for a pic from 6th Grade camp which might make you laugh some more. 
Reply

Joanne Noble (Ross) on October 27, 2008 3:52 PM
Okay - I'll jump in here - It's been fun reading and 'catching up' with people.  I'll have to get out my yearbooks before the reunion.  I have a bunch of pictures - hopefully I can add some to the site.  I might even have some from Portola - some of us went there - not Santa Rita!

Let's see - High school was a blast for me - being a band geek (drill team) made for lots of things to do.  Left LAHS and went to SDSU for 4.5 years and graduated with business degree with information systems.  moved back up to the bay area and have been around ever since - but kept moving closer to the beach.  I had a great time in SDSU, kept in touch with lots of folks and had visits from some (Kristen and Sherry).  Met my future husband, Ed, thru mutual friends.  I was a programmer for 20+ years - worked at ESL, Unitied Technologies and Amdahl (from '89 to 2003).  Now I work for the Bursar's dept at UCSC and live in Scotts Valley, still messing around software applications.   Married my husband in 2004 and we just celebrated our 24th anniversary in September.  Daughter Melanie arrived in 1990 and she is now a freshman at SJSU.  Daughter Alicia came along in  1994 and she is a freshman at Scotts Valley high.   Love them to death and enjoy them a lot - we've had lots of fun traveling (san diego, hawaii, oregon, washington (got to see Cindy B. up there!) florida, nevada)  I can't believe how much time has gone by.    We've had 3 dogs (just got the third), a tortoise, 1 hamster, a cat and several mice as pets over the years.    

My dad passed away in 1996, but my mom is still kicking around in Mt. View (they moved from Los Altos while I was in college).  

I'll have to fly solo at the reunion - my husband is having shoulder surgery on the 5th, so he will be out of commission.  Can't wait to see everyone at the reunion. 
- Joanne
Reply
Joanne on October 27, 2008 5:09 PM
Okay - so I can't type - got married in 1984 - not 2004! - Joanne
Reply

Joanne Noble (Ross) on October 27, 2008 4:30 PM

Kristen - just saw the picture you used as your 'then'!  aaack! I think I have that same one.  For those of you trying to remember who everyone is, Kristen is on the left, I'm on the right in that picture! I think I officially have more pictures on this website than I EVER did in the yearbook! (yes, I was one of the invisible people :)  

I'm betting that the one from grad nite (#40) in the classmates photo album is from you too.  We sure had some fun!  Was just thinking about your b-day party at the Madonna Inn this summer when we went to SLO and Morro Bay - Joanne

Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 27, 2008 4:53 PM

Joanne,
Nice to finally have you ante in.... figured most would know who was who in the pic, but nice of you to clarify :)  The group pic is mine from grad nite as well as #39 & #41.  I believe you are part of the triangle on the lawn, possibly the top, it's tough to see, I think Gaby is just below you on the left, I think I'm middle of the bottom between to carole & shirley..... I also posted the pic of Lisa, sad to know she's listed in the In Memoriam section.  Wish I had more to pictures to share, bet you have some really good ones you could add.  Make sure to play the picture game at the reunion, one pic will look very familiar :)  wish I could fly in for a visit, maybe I'll make the next one.  
Always, Kristen

Reply
Joanne Noble (ross) on October 27, 2008 5:07 PM
I was wondering if that was me on the top of the pyramid.  I thought it  might be - wouldn't have remembered that until I saw that picture.  - Joanne
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 27, 2008 5:43 PM
Joanne,
The black tie party, what can I say, prom dresses, a bathtub full of champagne bottles, and steve, brian & john in black bow ties and boxer shorts, too much fun....... and so little responsibility :)  we definately knew how to play.....
Always, Kristen
Reply

Brent Merolla on October 27, 2008 5:45 PM
Wow - 30 years. Still feel like I'm barely out of LAHS. Well from someone who didn't run with the crowd and barely made it to class, Hello to all-great to hear all the stories of life. For me after high school I mostly worked at my family catering business but did finally manage to get a BS in Business Admin. from Menlo College. After college I stayed in the catering business until I was about 32 - ( I did a few weddings and events for some of my fellow classmates). Kind of burnt out on Catering and went into recruiting for a number of years-was onsite at SGI, and NEC as well as many other companies where I worked as a contract recruiter. Hated it!! So off to Arizona and back in the F&B Industry since '97 working at various golf clubs, resorts and restaurants. Also, I've been doing various online things to earn a living giving me many avenues of income. Arizona has been great - In my first position at Troon North golf club I finally managed to meet a women, Dianne, that would put up with me for life (the one in the picture next to me in found classmates). What a concept! We are the proud parents of 2 great dogs. Other than work and wife, Mostly traveling the country as Dianne is a SWA flight attendant and skiing, diving and especially golfing a lot. Glad to hear from the Portola crowd-hope to see some photo's from Portola as I can't seem to find any of mine. Well sorry I won't be able to make the reunion as I have a prior commitment. Brent
Reply

David Sampson on October 27, 2008 7:48 PM

OK, these conversations are just too good. Does anyone else think we need to start a Facebook group (e.g.: LAHS 1978) so we can keep the conversation going? Or is Facebook just too hip for most of us old farts? I am one of several of us are on there and I bet someone has the expertise to get that going (I'm looking at you, John Cowan!)

Thanks to Mark Williams's amazing ability to keep stuff, I am able to stare, horrified, at my gangly legs sticking out of cut off shorts as Ross, Jeff Smith (class of 79) and I played some horrible cover of an endless Grateful Dead jam in the pictures Mark uploaded. Ross now lives in Bangkok, so I don't think he's coming to the reunion.

I'm in L.A., ... ok, Hollywood... raising my great boy (age 9), working as Director of Medical/Scientific Communications for the American Cancer Society. It's about as close as I was willing to come to medicine (my Dad's job). Between LAHS and now I played in a dark 80s band from Palo Alto (Quiet Room), went to San Francisco State, worked at KGO-TV as a medical producer, moved to Los Angeles, worked at Dateline NBC, and did some charity work in Sierra Leone (West Africa).

Other than that, looking forward to seeing everyone on the 8th!! Feel free to find me on Facebook in the interim!

David (OK, I guess you guys can call me Dave).

Reply
Mark Williams on October 27, 2008 8:19 PM
Dave, or how about "O.J."  (forgot we called you that at, dare I say it, ...Santa Rita!)  Sorry I seem to have touched a nerve with all the Santa Rita pix, but I just didn't have much from the actual LAHS years that seemed, um, appropriate, despite inheriting near "corridors of piled newspapers" DNA from me mum.  
I guess "O.J." isn't p.c. anymore either!
I'd just like to say I would love to see pix of EVERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in the greater bay area, if someone I once new (or saw in the hall...) went there.
And Dave, I just bought a Grateful Dead DVD to revisit an animation sequence I remembered as being extraordinary... only to find I no longer think much of it, or the music.  I guess without the certain "enhancements..."
But you guys were great, if I remember correctly, at Tracy Gelbach's that day.  
(High praise from a lame late bloomer musician hobbyist and former Mini-Play enthusiast...)
And here was I thinking you were at CBS!
 - Mark from the playground
Reply
Mark Williams on October 27, 2008 8:38 PM
Mini-PLANES, I meant, of course, !#$#spell checker!!!  :-)
Beyond or in addition to Facebook, let's see more family / personal (or professional) WEBSITES linked here...  we all grew up blocks from the famous garage where Apple Computer started...  this should be Easy! 
Reply
gaby marent on October 27, 2008 11:42 PM
Mark 
I keep seeing your name pop up in the comments but haven't seen your name on the YES i"m coming to the reunion list.  So are you coming or not?

Hope to see you there 
Gaby
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 28, 2008 2:21 PM
David,
I was going through my yearbooks from '77&78. I noticed an entry to Jim Plunkett from OJ. Was that you? I was perplexed!
Laura
Reply
Laura Gangemi on October 28, 2008 2:28 PM
I mean Mark
Reply
Mark Williams on October 29, 2008 1:01 AM
Gaby, 
VERY kind of you to notice and to ask!
 - not likely to make it... have a condo in Toluca Lake about to go into Escrow this week, after being on the market 2 1/2 years(!), ... want to grab what equity I have left in it, then keep an eye on the "supply"  (Realtors on the blog will help us time the market, Yes?)
Really enjoying emailing with some of you, however, and may have to figure a way... (and so much Escrowing  can be done by FAX nowadays)
And does anyone know is this blog/website up permanently?

Laura G;
no it wasn't me.  Dave WAS the "O.J." as in "O.J. Sampson" ... but we don't want to associate the man to that anymore: let's just call him David   :)
My nick in gradeschool and P.E. was "Willie" (also from the last name, duh, and from my impressive outfielder ability :)
As for the odd yearbook signing, I might be able to top it: Bill Ticineto signed my yearbook:
"Frank, it was swell to have you in autoshop, give me a call"  (i was never in autoshop; never been called Frank)
(and then scribbled pages and pages later: "Frank, I hate you guts, anoumous" (yes, that's how it was spelled).  
I still laugh when I think about it!
And the guy has been one of my best friends ever since.
He and his amazing wife Jill are in Connecticut now, but used to be here in L.A.
I miss them both.
Anyone else have funny Yearbook signings/mysteries??
Reply
David Sampson on October 29, 2008 7:06 PM
Mark, I think this only stays up as long as our generous host pays for it; I had the same thought about keeping the fun conversation going, which is why I mentioned Facebook. So sign up, everyone! It also allows you to spy on your kids :-)
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on October 30, 2008 2:32 PM
Mark,
Per our 1st e-mail from sherry:
  • Reunion Website -  Because of the increasing interest on the website, we have arranged to keep this website live following the reunion....at least until the 40 Year Reunion in 2018! 
Reply
Mark Williams on October 30, 2008 11:12 PM
Far out!...  oh, and kinda scary...  I think I'll write a rough draft offline from now on!  :)
Reply
James D. Taylor on November 11, 2008 1:34 PM
Dave-
Might have to get the 6th Grade daughter to assist on Facebook for me. She learned long ago that she has an LP Dad in an IPOD world. Hell, if I could I'd still be writing with a well chewed Hammacher-Schlemmer #2 pencil! SCANTRON sheets, anyone?
I'm sorry you and I did not get to spend anytime in conversation at reunion but hopefully I can catch you in person during one of Ross Blaufarbs intermittent journeys back to the states-Think it would be a total crack up to have the recall of you and Ross to fill in the blank spots.
Still remember your bird and it repeating "Horatio" and some "naughty words" when we were in 3rd and 4th grade-Thought it was totally cool when it would wolf whistle! Also still have scar on right index finger from pulling a pocket knife (That I wasn't supposed to be carrying!) out of the fence in your front yard that we throwing it into to. Went deep enough to knick the artery and gushed like a stuck pig. was able to keep it wrapped in gauze and kleenex long enough for bleeding to slow and was able to keep it hidden from both our folks as we had promised until it began to heal. Kind of makes you anxious to have a 9 year old son doesn't it? OH well...
Gotta run (OK, stroll.)
Stay In Touch..
                                 JDT
Reply

Diann Iufer (Field) on October 28, 2008 12:59 AM
I have really been enjoying reading the blogs, so I decided it was only fair if I added my info.

After high school, I attended Foothill then Santa Clara University.  3 weeks after I graduated from Santa Clara (1982) I married Gregg (homestead 1978), a wonderful man I met during high school at First Baptist Los Altos.  We moved to Sacramento for a year, but moved back to the Silicon Valley before our first son, Chris, was born in late 1983.  We added a son, Kyle to our family in 1985, a daughter Stephanie in 1988 and one more son in 1990.  We have continued to live in the area, currently residing within ear shot of the Homestead marching band's practice field.  My life really has been great.  Wonderful kids, wonderful husband, what can I say. This summer we celebrated our 26th year of marriage.   I've been very blessed.  My children are all out of the house now which has been quite an adjustment for me since I have been a stay at home mom for 25 years now.  My oldest son graduated from Chico State and now lives there with his wife  designing web pages.  My second oldest lives in Cupertino with his wife, will graduate in December from SJSU and has been hired by a large accounting firm.  My beautiful daughter lives in SLO and attends Cal Poly.  My youngest just left in September to attend Cal Poly Pomona.  He is an avid bike rider.  We are so proud of each of our kids, love them tremendously and have had so much pleasure raising them.  Gregg and I were a little leary about being empty nesters, but as Sherry stated...we are beginning to relish it. 
       There really has been very little bad in my life, other than the loss of both of my parents.  My dad passed away in 1995, my mom in 2007.  I miss them both tremendously.   My extended family  (brothers and sister) all live outside the great state of California now, which has been another big thing for me to adjust to.
      For a variety of reasons I won't be able to make it to the reunion, but hope people keep adding to the blog.  It is so nice to read about what everyone is doing.
Reply
Sue Brown (Gould) on November 2, 2008 10:02 PM
Hey, Diann,

Nice to hear how you're doing!  I guess it's silly to have to read a blog to catch up on your life, since, after all, I only walk past your house multiple times every day...but if you have any free time due to that empty nest, stop by and say hi!

Sue
Reply
David Linn on November 4, 2008 1:41 AM
Diane and Sue (two birds with one stone)!- It's really not so silly to blogmunicate-  sometimes the only way I can talk to my wife above the din of kids is via email. And it sure is fun to see what's become of everyone.

Sue, what a beautiful family you have! It looks like you've acheived equal amounts of quantity and quality.  It would be great to hear some details.

Diane, it sounds like you've been blessed with a great family as well. I remember going to a dance with you- and being lame and insecure (which describes all four years of my tenure at LAH)- but you were kind and gracious. While I'm probably still lame and insecure, my recollections of LAH are filled with the kindness of so many friends who were much cooler than I- and that's what made it bearable. Thank you!
Reply
Diann Iufer (Field) on November 4, 2008 10:58 PM
David

How nice to hear from you.  I remember hanging out with you in high school (as well as the Sutton brothers, Steve Moore and Bruce Miller)  I never though of you as being lame and insecure.  I just always thought of you as polite and fun to be around.  It sounds like you have a wonderful family.  I agree with you about blogging.  My husband and I email each other almost every day.  Great way to touch base quickly during the day.  Plus when we are really in a lazy mode we have been know to IM each other so as to avoid going up and down the stairs, a bad habit we learned from our teenage kids. 
Reply
Diann Iufer (Field) on November 4, 2008 10:51 PM
Sue,

Now that life is slowing down a little I will try to stop by on one of my morning walks.  Never sure when you are home schooling though and I don't want to interrupt.  I recently had hoped to talk with you at the Bahl memorial, but I ended up having to leave early.  You too should feel free to stop by some day when you are walking by my house.  I am seldom doing something that can't wait. 

Diann
Reply
James D, Taylor on November 6, 2008 5:32 AM
Hey Lufu-
Sorry to hear you won't ne in attendance but hopefully I'll get to see before the next reunion.
One of my darkest memories of High School involved your kindness and my ignorance. We shared one of the few history classes I ever hated or found utterly irrelevant. World History  W/Tom Bosman's our Senior Year.  He required us to
maps in specified colors of the old Austro-Hungarian empire.
This would have been acceptable if there was any relevant conversation  outlining what  those  maps signified in lead up to the First World War but that would have been expecting far too much from our esteemed educators. It was much more important that we all used the right colors in  shading in our maps!  I found this approach to  teaching history utterly pedantic and  sophomoric and had kind of blown off the coloring book assignment for the entire quarter as it was utterly irrelevant until Dear Mr.Boz announced at the end of the quarter that 33% of our grade would be based on the coloring books which I had blown off the entire class-That's when panic hit and I asked for your assistance as you, unlike me, had been exceptionally diligent in keeping your map coloring book up to snuff despite the fact that I believe you felt it as irrelevant as I did. You were kind enough to allow me to borrow your map folder and I was going to hastily scribble something to satisfy Mr.Bosman's and return your folder the next day to be handed in. Somehow, the fact that the folders were to actually be handed in the following day escaped my consciousness along with the fact that I was in possesion of your folder also. I opted to blow off a class I absolutely abhorred and in the process caused you to be on the receiving end of a major chastising by the aforementioned Mr.Bosman's. When Shelley Stokes caught me in between classes and advised me of what was transpiring my heart absolutely sank for the position my thoughtlessness had placed you in. I rushed to Mr. Bosman's class to find you in tears and him continuing to berate you for having put your trust in "someone like Mr.Taylor" I'd never considered clocking an elder "educator" before ,but I was damn close to going over the table and feeding him his teeth, as I told him I did not care one iota what he did to me but he should in no way have held you responsible/liable for my actions that prevented you from having your "map book" for him to collect during class-The feeling I had when I realized my actions had caused you such distress and potentially damaged your academic standing still haunt me to this day and I remain eternally sorry for my cavalier approach to regarding your kindness so deeply insufficiently. By the time I left Mr.Bosman's, his tone was somewhat less snarky toward you and I did not give a flying fig what his opinion of me was ,as I knew it could be no worse than the opinion I held of him and his academic prowess or obvious lack thereof.
All said, I can still only hope that after all these years you have forgiven me for a completely thoughtless action and the pain it caused you that day, as you were only trying to assist me and being extremely kind in doing so. 
Please accept my apology and know how terrible I felt for causing you such distress.
                                              Respectfully,
                                             James D.Taylor
PS-Remind me to tell you the story of my first visit to Chef Chu's in 1968/9 when they didn't have tables yet the next time I see you!   
Reply

Steve Schick on October 29, 2008 11:25 PM
Denise,<br />It's so good to hear about you. Our youth group was one of the best times of my life. It has made all the difference for me. It will be good to see you.&nbsp; - Steve
Reply

David Linn on November 1, 2008 1:49 AM
Hey Jeff- Thank you for the kind words. Your Internet Dream looks amazing! Very ambitious work. Is there any video of the performance available? It's great to see other artists/musicians from the cultural epicenter of LAH.
Reply
Mark Williams on November 1, 2008 10:10 PM
Just wanted to say ditto to the two comments above. David, I remember you winning the bank/calendar contest back then. Your work certainly has evolved upwards! Mystical, transcendent, yet detailed and specific. I especially liked seeing the work in installation, specifically the work hanging in the middle of the room. That really brought the ephemeral into the physical. Jeff, I also liked what I saw of your multi-media presentation, the textural/chaos of psychology and modernity and humanity has always been an interest of mine as well, and I am impressed by the work required to put such a thing together. (How does one get a video; And what, no DVD??). I also have to say your music sounds a lot better than mineP! :-) Los Altos drummers Bob Trayer and Rob Wait inspired me with an interest in percussion, which I took up in college, but like my artwork, I don't seem to have the stamina or sustained interest to do the hard work of perfecting a craft, as you two appear to have done (I think I just like the play aspect of creating, not so much the work aspect of artwork). I've been working on assembling some digital images/mp3's/etc. to put a link up on the blog here, and hope you two will check it out if I ever manage it.
Reply
David Linn on November 4, 2008 11:58 PM
Greetings, Mark! Great to hear from you. Just for your information, you left a signed abstract piece in my yearbook. No, really, I have it right here. You also wrote, "art lives in Tuskeegee," which words have haunted me for years. Hmmm... So don't give up. It's never too late to find your true destiny. I can't believe you remember that bank contest- that puts your memory in the "highly scary" category. I do appreciate your kind words, as well as your thoughtful approach to seeing. I hope you have a chance to get your image/music project online. It would be great to have all of the "home studio" musicians here post our sonic work somewhere in the ether where we could all relive our near-miss with greatness and stardom.
Reply
Mark Williams on November 15, 2008 12:33 AM
Hey Dave, 
send me a .jpg of my abstract!  As for music, I've found a couple places to upload free, like MySpace, and a couple others I forget.  But I've found it more fun to create my own html pages and upload them to a $7/month unlimited storage server at iicinternet.com (I don't know if they still offer it, it seems to be domain hosting oriented).  
here's where I have some of the least sucky (to my ear) of my music:
http://18-75.iicinternet.com/homeburner/hb2/homeburner.html
now it's your turn!  :)
 - Mark, amateur guitarist/drummer/keyboardist with a 4-Track, for all the finest tape hiss one could ask for...
Reply
Mark Williams on November 15, 2008 4:07 PM
I really should pay more attention to the input forms!  Here's a clickable link, so you don't have to copy and paste!  (at least I hope it works).

Some sucky Los Altan's MUSIC.
Reply
David Linn on November 19, 2008 12:28 AM
I LOVE the tape hiss! Analog... yumm. I only do digital now, but I have vivid memories of my 4 track. Those were heady days. I'll send you a shot of your masterpiece in my yearbook. This may be the break you're looking for. Just enlarge it to 8' x 8' and you're there.
Reply

Lufu (Ho) Parisi on November 1, 2008 5:08 PM
Wow, I'm finally catching up with all these Blogs, and it's been great reading about what and where everyone is after 30 years!  I only attended LAHS and did not have the history as the rest of you from Elementary school on, but remember many of you!  Jim, my sister Ruth (Chef Chu's) will still occassionally ask about you from time to time.

Unfortunately I will not be at the reunion due to my daughter's HS championship soccer game happening that same night.  But glad to hear the Blog will be kept for the next 10 years.  Great way to stay in touch!  Love to hear from some of the old Band members!  Those were fond memories traveling to competitions!
Reply
Joanne (Ross) Noble on November 3, 2008 7:58 PM
The band trips were a blast - all those hours on the bus, changing in the back, the lovely smell of wet wool :)  For those of us on drill team - enough final net hairspray to make your hair stay up even without bobby pins, doing the splits in the mud.  All worth it when we WON!
I think of you and chef chu's a lot - my husband and I went on our first date there - and then went to see The Empire Strikes Back! 
Reply
Cindy stangl on November 4, 2008 12:11 AM
Joanne, How about the blue polyester drill team uniforms, the vinyl knee high boots from Sears, the gold lamee(sp?) hats as well? How about band competition in Lodi--the raisin capital of the world? and the sound of Ross Blaufarb's cow shaker in the middle of the night sending everyone into hysterics after a long bus ride. Everyone settled down in sleeping bags on some high school gym floor (girls on one side, boys on the other, chaperones down the middle). All is quiet and suddenly mooooo. Not much sleep that night! Great times for sure! Cindy Stangl
Reply
Gaby Marent on November 4, 2008 1:09 AM
Cindy, 
Boy do I remember those competitions.  It was Selma that was the raisen capital. I think my mom was one of the chaperones. I remember marching down Main St in Disneyland and it was the opening of the Space Mountain ride and the lines being 2 hours long. And the competitions in San Diego and Cupertino and Pleasanton and... Too many to remember them all. We also did the Raiders Half time show the first year I was on the Flag team my freshman year- I was all but 20 feet from Joe Namoth (they played the N.Y. Jets that weekend). But those uniforms were the dorkiest of all. The wigs we had to get and mathing our hair color and all the bobbie pins and tons of cans of Hair spray. The blisters we got from marching in high heel boots was not a fond memory. 
Anyways hope to see you on Saturday
Gaby
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on November 4, 2008 3:28 PM
Gaby,
I mentioned to Joanne that every time I see a show invoving a marching band, I check the lines.... Watching a movie like Drumline and really understanding the many hours of hard work involved and the precision always bring back the memories of watching the field competitions and the parades.  You all did such a great job.  Curiously marching bands are not a big thing here in New England.  Lots of fond memories :)
Kristen
Reply
joanne (ross) noble on November 4, 2008 5:17 PM
'we are bitchin', we are grand, we're the LA marching band....'  :)

Reply
gaby Macleod on November 4, 2008 5:40 PM
I remember that chant!!!!! Marching band now a days isn't the same. I think our band had about 150 members and the drill team and flag team combined had about 45. My daughters high school has about 40- 50 band members and 4 -6 flag carriers. I've seen them practice and they don't do half the stuff we used to do. I don't think the band competes either. 
Oh well----
Gaby
Reply
Jonnie Jonnie on July 29, 2011 3:47 PM
At last, someone comes up with the "right" awsner!
Reply
xsunjsymz xsunjsymz on July 30, 2011 6:18 AM
ZWZky2 sotkfldlnpax
Reply
Jenn Jenn on October 5, 2012 11:01 PM
car insurance 979406 infinity auto insurance 2777 viagra :-) car insurance rates 8OOO
Reply

Sue Anne (Tallakson) Donohoe on November 2, 2008 11:18 PM
Hi All!...what an awesome reunion this is going to be!!! Have recently been in touch with Greg Albright, and Gaby Marent called me tonight!...Talked me into staying at the Los Gatos Lodge vs. drive home to Monterey or stay w/ family in Mountain View...who else is staying in Los Gatos? Maybe we could get together for brunch on Sunday!

Dave Kaplan, do you remember playing Tevya in the play "Fiddler On The Roof?" in junior high? You played a perfect part...that was a fun play, but our teacher (can't remember his name) was quite an abusive chap!

Looking forward to seeing all of you!

Sue Anne (Tallakson) Donohoe
Reply

James D. Taylor on November 3, 2008 1:54 PM
More Mindless Monday Morning Ramblings-
happy to see some updates since last check in. Good to see Tom Finnigan making it. The last time I caught up with him was when he had the "coolest job in the world" working for Russ Solomon behind the counter at the old Tower Records head shop! Also happy to see the "funkiest white guy" I ever knew, David Curtis in attendance(Go Scrubs!)
Can anyone provide an update on Sherry Baugh for me? I know she was married and living the bucolic  Mormon life but beyond that I have nothing.  Here are a few more  I'd like an update on-Kurt Lipanovich-Where'd he go after FBI? Randy Marks? Larry Healy? Chris Spork-saw him briefly at 20 yr reunion and then he vanished into neo-con world. How's about Debbie Hoogs? Loyce Mitchell? There's a lot more I want to hear about or wonder, "What ever happened too"?
Hopefully, before I bite the big one, someone can provide me with 411 on these and others.
Any and all info is greatly appreciated even if you are unable to convince them to attend the 30 Year LAHS "Survival-Fest"         
                                  Merci Beaucoup,
                              (Jim Marshall's French Class!)
                                        JDT
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on November 3, 2008 9:18 PM
Jim,
Many fond memories of Monsieur Marshall, the only way I could pass a language class...... great guy.
Kristen
Reply
Joanne (Ross) Noble on November 4, 2008 5:16 PM

You guys were lucky - I had Mr. Paoletti - the Italian Men's soccer coach.  Interesting trying to get the accent right - and he really didn't want to be teaching.  Only made it thru French II - then I bailed!  Even managed to work my way around the language classes at SDSU.  I learned how to say "je ne sais pais" and "je ne comprend pas" really well - and it counted as answering in french.  anyone remember the french teacher at Egan?   It has helped me in one regard - never had to/have to help either of my girls with their spanish homework! - Joanne

Reply
Gaby MacLeod on November 4, 2008 5:34 PM
Joanne,
I didn't take french but spanish instead. The spanish teacher(forgot her name) I think it was Ms. Carmen --anyways --she always wrote on the chalkboard with a ruler or yardstick so her letters were always perfect. I took German in high school since I already spoke it fluently . Got a  D in it because the teacher was from Prussia and my accent wasn't right. I had to got to German School every Saturday from 9-12  during grade school  and Jr. High years and still managed to get a D. 
I hope to see you there this weekend!! Are you staying at one of the hotels locally? 
Gaby 
Reply
Joanne on November 6, 2008 12:42 AM
I'll be there - I'm just driving 'over the hill' (highway 17) from scotts valley.  See everyone Saturday! - Joanne
Reply
James D Taylor on November 6, 2008 5:55 AM
Joanne-
Our French teacher at Egan was Mrs.Hartvickson. That name is stuck in my horny little 7th grade boy brain ,as she was a pom-pom dolly at Stanford and drove a Porsche 911. Between she and Senorita Remley, I think languages were my favorite class at Egan!
Do you remember Mr.Cummings and getting assigned 500 or 1000 word essays on obtuse subjects like "tree frog mating rituals" as punishment?
How about RA's in P.E. or in Mr.Jacques class?
Those really were the good old days,oui?
                           I'm Outta Here-
                                  JDT
Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on November 6, 2008 11:21 AM
Jim,
You beat me to it :) I think every 7th & 8th grade boy at Egan looked forward to language class, given the rather "hot" female language teachers.  Us girls typically liked Mr. Gonella, but definately preferred the guys from LAHS who were monitoring our lunch time outside.  I think Joanne & I had Mr. Cumming's class together, he always liked the girls better than the boys so we usually escaped those essays.  Something else that doesn't seem to exist anymore (like marching bands).... shop and home ec classes
Kristen
Reply
Joanne on November 6, 2008 11:54 AM
I only got 1 500 word essay - my locker jammed and I was late.  I think he was stunned.  I don't know if he favored the girls - it just depended on how good you were at being invisible.  If you argued at all you were toast!  thanks for the  name of the french teacher.  I think my class made her cry one time.  (weren't we special).  I think my brother (two years ahead of us could have supplied the name of the spanish teacher too ;)   Didn't Hartvickson and Gonella have a 'thing' going on?  anybody remember Ms. Hertz in the art room?  She would fit right in over here in Santa Cruz!  I seem to remember something about her not having any underwear on one time.  (shudder).  On the P.E. side for the girls - we had Gladys (Glad-a**) hunter and the total joy of those one piece gym uniforms. 
Reply
Gaby MacLeod on November 7, 2008 1:07 AM
Oh My - I remember Gladys Hunter oh too well - And the one piece P.E. uniforms-- white on top blue on bottom - man does that bring back some  memories.  And the guys P.E. teacher was much younger and much better looking! I remember someone( I can't remember who) ( I think it was Dave Roscose)  got a spanking by the Science teacher  Mr. Jacques and it was called the Jacque smack it was basically a paddle ball racket. That's now completely illegal. How times have changed. Now you can't even give the kids a hug with a law suit. How times have changed. I think we had it pretty easy growing up.  
My kids had a P.E. teacher very similar to Mrs. Hunter her name was Mrs. Ferguson and she reminded me of her in her mannerisms and voice.  I wonder if all P.E. teachers are like that? I take that back  Mrs. Lodge and Mrs. Johnson were great P.E. teachers
Gaby
Reply

Sue Anne (Tallakson) Donohoe on November 3, 2008 7:57 PM
Okay, Gaby has inspired me to stay "in tune" w/ this blog...this really is a kick to get some updates on people before we see them Saturday!

Hey, Greg Albright...You convinced Sherry to start the 1st blog a while back...haven't seen anything from you though! IT'S YOUR TURN!!!

Hey, does anyone know if Shelly Spurlock and/or Brenda Kooyer is coming? It would sure be fun to see them both...also, it will be a blast to see Cindy Truman again!

Jim Taylor, are you okay? You keep eluding to possibly not being around for the next reunion...

Keep healthy, everyone! See you Saturday!

Sue Anne
Reply
Sue Brown (Gould) on November 7, 2008 2:32 PM
Sue Anne,

I just called Brenda (finally!).  She isn't signed up for the reunion, but I urged her to register on the site, so hopefully she will do that soon and you can contact her that way; otherwise, you can contact me and I can give you her contact information if you'd like to reconnect!

Sue
Reply

Annette Wreaks on November 4, 2008 12:58 AM
It is amazing the memory some of you have especially Mark Williams. I do remember the gold turtleneck. I just received an email from Vicky W and thought about blogging, but haven't taken the time to do it. I do agree the stories are great. There are so many great memories not only from high school, but yes once again from Santa Rita. My son recently played in a lacrosse game at Santa Rita and I drove my kids around the neighborhood and showed them where all my friends lived (they didn't seem that interested). I stopped by my old house on West Portola and took a walk down memory lane. Patty Einerson and her family currently live in the home. Honestly, nothing much had changed. I walked around Santa Rita and could remember resins, red rover on the hill, football, basketball, dog pile, square dancing, the luau in 5h grade and Terry (forget his last name) was sent out of class and was climbing in the garbage can, Mr. Liewer (did he wear a tupe), Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Kurtz. I also remember all the freedom we had to roam the neighborhood. I did see quite a few people at the 50th anniversary and am looking forward to catching up with more of you. The lahs memories are good ones too. The pictures have been fun to look at. Do you all remember Scott Loghridge(spelling). His younger sister Trish is a good friend of mine and is my neighbor. LAHS brings back memories of sports, homecoming float parties, I think Doug Matz had the most parties. He lives in Sonoma - I met his wife and daughter a few years back through Megan and Paul Segre. in a nut shell - I graduated from Chico State in 83 and SF state in 86 with a masters. I am married with 3 children. I work part time and put many miles on my car with all the activities my kids are involved in. Having a great time and can't wait to catch up. Dave Sampson - I still have your business card from the last reunion. Your wife was just pregnant. You will always be remembered as Dave not David. I also remember your big dog!
Reply
Laura Gangemi on November 4, 2008 5:29 PM
Annette,
I remember Scott Lockridge very well. We went to Sadie Hawkins together and went on a couple of date shortly before he entered the hospital for the last time. I kept the flowers he gave me for years. I still remember that the church was packed. He was such a kind and gentle guy.
Laura
Reply

Shelly Huey (Spurlock) on November 4, 2008 7:51 PM
Wow.. Sherry you are amazing for putting this together.  It was fun reading the entries. Since I can't be there, I thought I'd give a brief update of my life.  After high school, I graduated from Cal Poly SLO. Moved to So Cal. Got married. Had two fantastic kids, Kelly 21, studying to be a nurse at Arizona State, and is a finalist in the Arizona/Miss USA pageant. Cory 19, attends Saddleback Jr. College and is a Physical Trainer at 24hr. Fitness. Divorced in '93. Single parent for 7 years. Science and Math teacher for 15 years at a variety of Continuation High Schools. Remarried Craig in 2000. He is not only my best friend but an incredible gift from God. He came with 3 kids. The oldest Asher, 24, graduated from American University in Washington, DC and is working a REAL job there!! His sister Julia,22, graduated from Boston University this May. She is here in Los Angeles and just got an agent, and aspires to make it in the Theatre Arts world, while teaching at LA Unified. Caleb, also 19 is a student at American University, being a surfer misses the waves and is freezing his butt off in DC.  So, I guess you could say that we are survivors of the "blended family". Between all five kids and two ex's, we've been through it all.There is hope for those of you that are just now embarking on the college tuition train. Trust me it's a real celebration when they graduate, get a job, and "get it"! We've got two down and three to go. We own an advertising agency in Torrance. Keeps us quite busy. Craig speaks/travels a lot for business and I tag along.  It's been great fun as I have been able to literally see the world. We live in Rolling Hills Estates which is about 20 miles south of LAX on the peninsula. We are so close to the beach that I go there as often as I can. I am keenly aware of how fragile life is as I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a year ago this month. I had surgery and radiation therapy several times this year. I was recently given a clean bill of health... Every day is a gift! We all were blessed to grow up in Los Altos, a community that had amazing opportunities and an abundance of wealth. I remain eternally thankful for that and for Jesus Christ who has been my anchor in my life since high school. It is my faith that has kept me going through all the difficult times.So, there's a bible verse that has been encouraging to me and has kept me going all these years.  Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,plans to prosper you, and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." So, May God Bless y'all and have a fantastic time!
Reply
Diann Iufer (Field) on November 4, 2008 11:02 PM
Shelly

First off let me say how wonderful it was seeing you at the FBCLA reunion. 

I too cling to the same verse.  A couple of years ago I literally posted it on my mirrors and refrigerators.  It really helps get you through rough times when you know that God is in control.

If you and your husband are ever up in the bay area and need to use up some time, feel free to give Gregg and I a call (or email).  We would both love to catch up with you.


Reply
Jeff Bialy on November 7, 2008 2:56 PM
Hey Shelley,
Nice to see your name and read your update. It brought back many fine memories. Remember when we ran for President and VP? It sounds like you are doing very well now and well deserved. I wanted to ask you how your parents  Jack and Susan are doing? i was hoping to have more time. will write again.

Cheers & best wishes,

Jeff Bialy
Reply

Joanne (Ross) Noble on November 6, 2008 1:47 AM

I found some more of my pictures - including class photos from Portola, and the last day of school at Egan.  I was organized back then and even wrote everyone's name on the back- let me know if you are trying to figure out who someone is.  They are in the classmates photo album.  Enjoy! - Joanne

Reply
kristen wilke (mcteague) on November 6, 2008 11:29 AM
Joanne,
You and Mark both get the gold stars for having and posting the early years pics :)
Kristen
Reply
Joanne on November 6, 2008 11:42 AM
You know me - the consumate pack rat!  I realized last night after posting that I have made some mistakes in the spelling of some names and I apologize!  - Joanne
Reply

Rebecca (Becky) Sammel on November 7, 2008 10:22 AM
Hey everyone! 
it's fun to read this blog -- all these memories come back.  a little about what I've been up to--
went off to UCSB for undergrad, took a quarter off to travel in Australia, Fiji Islands and Papua New Guinea.  Then spent a year living in Oxford, England.  Came back, waitressed at Frankie Johnnie & Luigi where I served many of my LAHS classmates including Annette Wreaks!  then went to University of Toronto where I did a Masters in Medieval Studies, then to UC Davis where I did my PhD in Comparative Literature.  I taught there for years, *almost* got married, but backed out (one of the smartest things I've ever done) so am now single again which actually is kinda fun.  After I broke up with my "partner" I believe is the term now, not boyfriend, I decided to make a change & went on the academic job market.  I scored a great job as a professor of World Literature at Ferris State University in Big Rapids MI.   I only just started here in September 08.  I love my job.  At UC Davis I was in a rut; here the teaching & publishing requirements are easier & I am out kayaking and hiking all time.  It's beautiful here.  Come visit me!   And if anyone's ever in Chicago, let me know, I'll come see you!  Chicago is a great town.  Look forward to seeing you at the reunion.  There's one person I really want to see and that's T.J. Lawler.  He went off to be a cowboy in Quincy, CA, and I can't wait to see him again.  He used to let me drive his truck around Los Altos.  The cops could always pull us over, thinking it was T.J. out raising hell again.  They all knew his truck..   All right people, write this down:<< rebelleb@yahoo.com>>    see you soon!  Rebecca (Becky, but I never liked that name)
Reply
Rebecca (Becky) Sammel on November 7, 2008 10:24 AM
oops, I mean the cops *would* always pull us over...
:)
Reply
Rebecca Sammel on November 7, 2008 10:26 AM
oops, I mean, I want to see everyone else too!
That's what happens when you blog in a hurry.
Reply

Mike Orsak on November 8, 2008 2:08 PM
In high school i had&nbsp;a reputation for procrastinating when it came to writing papers, so i am keeping true to form here.&nbsp; Here is an update on what i have been up to:<br />I got married in 1998 and now have two daughters, ages 9 and 6.&nbsp; I live in Menlo Park.&nbsp; Since school, other places i&nbsp;have lived&nbsp;are SF, Palo Alto, and Aspen.&nbsp; My career has been in venture capital.&nbsp; I started a firm called Worldview Technology Partners (<a href="http://www.worldview.com">www.worldview.com</a>).&nbsp; For fun, i still play tennis, as well as golf, skiing, and ultimate frisbee.&nbsp; I am impressed with the turn out for the reunion, and am looking forward to it!
Reply

Bart Rothwell on November 8, 2008 5:53 PM
Ha, I procastinated longer than Mike.  I'm living in New York now getting a degree in Financial Engineering, to start working as an options trader next year.  This comes after many years in software development for video games and other things, and a few more years playing poker for a living (again).  I know, I picked a good time to move to Wall Street.  No longer married, but living with my girlfriend of two years and quite happy.

 See you all in a few hours.
Reply

Diana Sullivan on November 9, 2008 1:08 PM
I wanted to be the first to say what a great time the reunion was. It was great to see everyone and get caught up on how life has been so far. Not much bocci ball happening but great conversations. Looking forward to seeing all the pics and staying in touch with folks. 

Sherry, Thanks for all your hard work on making this such a successfull event. 

Take Care all,
Diana
Reply
Gaby MacLeod on November 9, 2008 4:08 PM
Darn I wanted to be the first to say THANK YOU to Sherry for all the long hours she put into this AMAZING evening. I had a blast and I know just by  talking  this morning with several other people they did as well. It was alot of fun seeing people that traveled so far to come for this event. The conversations were quiet funny because you would start a conversation with a small group of people and one other person joined the group and the conversation changed direction and would start into a whole nother conversation.  I think the 35 year reunion needs to be a weekend long because there really wasn't enough time to talk to every one.  Let's make the next one a 3 day weekend. I'll help too. 
Thank you again Sherry for an evening of great memories. 
Gaby
Reply
James D. Taylor on November 11, 2008 2:12 PM
Sherry,
I also wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to you for putting on a tremendous event. My voice is still hoarse from all the conversations and my jaw still hurts from all the laughs those conversations provided.
I have to agree with Cindy that I could have used another 24 hrs at least to catch up with all in attendance I didn't get to talk to (Or talk to long enough) Hopefully next time-God willing!
Also have to say that it appears that quite a few of the ladies from the Class of 78 seemed to have been able to reverse the aging process much to my tattered and beaten bodies shame! Kudos ladies! As I mentioned to Heather Blum (Sorry Mrs.R) all of you were lovely in high school, but some of you have morphed into absolute stunners! Impressive to say the least!
Hope to see some more postings and some additional photos as I remember lots of different folks shooting photos and it would be great to have them posted.
Again to Sherry on behalf of all of the LAHS Class of 1978 Knights, our sincere thanks and appreciation to you for a job well done.
                                     Respectfully,
                                    James D.Taylor
PS "Royal" Blue and Gold always beat drab White and Blue (UGH!) 
Reply
Fred Grolle on November 12, 2008 10:49 PM
Ditto. Well planned and very fun.  Everyone looked good, especially the LAHS women (as always).  Even the spouses looked good!  My throat was thrashed after that night.  More talking than I do in a whole year.  I wish I could have heard more of Jim Pauli's music.  Yummy food deserts.  Somehow I ended up with Vicky Wauchope's wine glass.

Regards, Fred Grolle
Reply
sandy brown on November 14, 2008 11:54 AM
To Sherry, Jim and all involved - the reunion was a blast - it was so good to see all who attended - but alas, I too felt that there was just not enough time to catch up with everyone.  I left feeling kind of sad not having had the chance to really talk at length, although my voice was pretty hoarse by the end of evening as well!

Be well and thanks again for a fabulous evening - until next time....
Sandy
Reply
Amy Leppo on November 16, 2008 8:55 PM
GABBY,
I totally agree that we should do a 3 DAYER!!!!!  Wouldn't that be fun??? Maybe Tahoe, or the BEACH!!

I would love to help organize that one.

Amy :)
Reply
Mark Smallhouse on November 24, 2008 8:25 PM

If the choice for the next reunion is Tahoe, I would be more than happy to help.  Living in Reno does have its advantages. 

Reply

Kara Orsak on November 10, 2008 1:14 AM
Jim,<br />I'm so sorry i didn't get to talk to you at the reunion.&nbsp; I pooped out around 10:30 pm but I heard there were all these great blogs.&nbsp; I am settling in for some reading...and catching up on you anyway!<br />Kara Orsak
Reply

Amy Phillips (Leppo) on November 10, 2008 8:28 PM
HI Eveyone who attended the Reunion,
Just wanted to say that it was great to see you all, and I forgot that I am in my late 40's!  What fun was that???  Hope you all had a great time visiting old friends, and let's not wait another 30 years to get together.
OH, Thank you GABBY for being the DD!!

Sincerely,
Amy Phillips (Leppo)
www.3sensesgourmet.com
925-413-7901 Direct
Reply
Rebecca (Becky) Sammel on November 17, 2008 7:54 PM
a ***HUGE*** thank you to lovely Sherry Waldron Downey.  Sherry, you rock.  You covered every detail and organized a great event.  Thank you for all your hard work.  I had a great time seeing everyone. 

cheers mates!
Rebecca
Reply

Rasta Man on November 25, 2008 4:24 PM
Band for next reunion, click here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otGjnSwGvd0


Reply
Rasta Man on December 6, 2008 3:40 PM
okay, okay.  just kidding.  they booted me out anyway because i had to cancel too many rehearsals due to kid duty...

remember Jim Guyette's band that played at the 5th reunion?  Jim's since played bass with Bonnie Raitt and the late great John Lee Hooker.

more art "happening" can be found here with my Russian collaborators.

 http://arthealing.org/fin_sol.mp4
Reply

Sandra Brown on September 3, 2009 6:17 PM
We are so sad to hear the news about TJ.  His eyes and his smile were a window to the kindness of his soul.  He was just a sweetheart.  He will be missed.

Many years ago, we visited TJ on the ranch in the Red Bluff area and my husband, Bob, stayed to do some fishing with TJ as host. To this day Bob still talks about the out-of-this-world steak TJ cooked for him and a friend over an open fire.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,
Sandy and Bob Brown

Reply

Dorm # 3 on November 1, 2010 5:12 PM
In the lounge with Dave Stein?
Reply

Rod Bien on July 22, 2011 11:58 AM
Hello, I'm just wondering if any of my old Pine Elementary and Orange Grove Jr. High 69-73 classmates remember are still around.  I moved back to Oklahoma in 1973 after living in Hacienda Heights from 69-73.  I would have graduated LAHS in 1978.  As it turns out, I graduated from Putnam City Highs School in Okc.  Anyway, best wishes to everyone..........man I sure miss living in Cali.   
Reply

Latisha Latisha on July 29, 2011 4:35 PM
I'm so glad that the intrneet allows free info like this!
Reply

Candy Candy on July 29, 2011 9:19 PM
Hot damn, lkooing pretty useful buddy.
Reply

susan zechter on August 22, 2012 2:45 PM
Hi,
Not sure if this blog is still alive, but wanted to let you know I am!! Saw my name pop up in a google search (would love to know who remembered me!). I remember many of you and would love to be part of any group - FB or whatever!!!
Reply

Hide Comments (163)       Add a new comment