Monday, July 30, 2007

COLLISION COURSE: THE DELUCCA ACCIDENT




COLLISION COURSE: THE DELUCCA ACCIDENT – INTERSECTION OF SWANTON ROAD AND STATE HIGHWAY 1 (THE COAST ROAD).


AUGUST 1, 2007, IS THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC DELUCCA ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED JUST NORTH OF DAVENPORT. THE PHOTO ABOVE HAS NEVER BEEN PUBLISHED BEFORE. IT WAS SENT TO ME BY JIM SILVA, A RELATIVE AND CLOSE FRIEND OF THE DELUCCAS. IT SHOWS THE DELUCCA FAMILY STANDING IN FRONT OF THEIR RECENTLY PURCHASED AUTOMOBILE, A BLACK 1941 BUICK. THIS PHOTO PROBABLY WAS TAKEN A FEW DAYS, PERHAPS EVEN A FEW HOURS, BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: AMERIGO DELUCCA, WIFE MATILDA (BROVIA) DELUCCA, DAUGHTER MARIE, SON ANTHONY AND DAUGHTER DOLORES. THE LITTLE GIRL STANDING IN FRONT OF AMERIGO IS DAUGHTER MADONNA (DONNA) DELUCCA. MR. AND MRS. MANUAL QUANDROS WHO ALSO WERE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT; DO NOT APPEAR IN THIS PHOTOGRAPH. (Individuals whose names appear in bold type were killed at the time of the accident, or died shortly thereafter.)
THE TOP PHOTO IS OF A 1941 BUICK SIMILAR TO THE ONE DRIVEN BY AMERIGO DELUCCA THAT ILL-FATED EVENING. THE BOTTOM PHOTO IS THE ACTUAL VEHICLE AFTER THE VIOLENT COLLISION.
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During the course of my thirty year police career, I learned that many tragic events would not have occurred at all, if it wasn’t for the happening of certain other events just preceding the tragedy. The DeLucca Accident is a case in point.


Event#1: THE DELUCCA’S DECIDE TO TAKE NEIGHBORS TO SAN GREGORIO

The DeLucca’s ill-fated journey “su per la costa” probably started in Santa Cruz, during the late Friday afternoon hours of August 1, 1947. The DeLucca’s reportedly were taking their neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Manual Quandros to San Gregorio, a small agricultural hamlet located several miles north of Davenport and the Swanton Road – Highway 1 intersection. Counting the Quandros, there were eight passengers in the car, a Black, 1941 Buick, recently purchased by the DeLuccas. Normally, the vehicle was designed to carry up to six passengers.

Event# 2. THE DELUCCA’S DECIDE TO STOP AT BELTRAMI’S; DELAYING THEIR JOURNEY BY SEVERAL MINUTES

Norma (Dinelli) Wilson, then 7 years-old, recalls seeing the DeLucca’s at Beltrami's, a small bar and gasoline station located on the Coast Road, mid-way between Santa Cruz and Davenport. The Dinelli family used to live in the house next door to Beltrami’s. Norma remembers the shiny black car and she remembers talking with the DeLucca children seated inside. She also remembers them waving good-by to her as the DeLucca’s left Beltrami’s and continued their journey north toward Davenport.

Norma doesn’t remember how long the stop was, however, one can assume it was several minutes.

Event# 3: THE DELUCCA’S DECIDE TO MAKE A SECOND STOP AT NEW TOWN; FURTHER DELAYING THEIR JOURNEY.

Patty Morelli, age 6 at the time, remembers the DeLucca’s stopping in New Town, just north of Davenport and just south of the Swanton Road – Highway 1 intersection. Patty lived in New Town with her family. Patty recalls that the DeLucca’s stopped to see Julia Stefani, Matilda DeLucca’s sister. According to Patty, all the neighbors came out to see the beautiful new car. Again, one can assume that this stop was of several minutes in duration.

Event# 4. REPORT OF BRUSH FIRE AT CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY (CDF) BIG CREEK STATION OFF OF SWANTON ROAD.

About the time that the Delucca’s were visiting in New Town, the California Department of Forestry (CDF) received a report of a brush fire at a location south of the Swanton Road-Coast Road intersection. They dispatched a CDF fire truck with a crew of six men. Truck and crew proceeded in a south-westerly direction on Swanton Road towards the Coast Road. Reportedly, the truck’s Red Light and Siren were activated.

Event#5: THE DELUCCA’S DECIDED TO CONTINUE ON THEIR JOURNEY TO SAN GREGORIO SHORTLY BEFORE 6:30 PM.

Having finished their visit in New Town, the Delucca’s decide to continue their journey north on Highway 1. This is about the same time that, the CDF truck traveling on Swanton Road is nearing the Highway 1 intersection.


THE COLLISION

The Santa Cruz Sentinel (Aug 2, 1947) reported that the tragic accident occurred at approximately 6:30 PM. For the accident to have occurred as it did, the two vehicles had to arrive at the intersection at approximately the same time. If either vehicle had arrived at the intersection a minute or two before or a minute or two after, the collision would never have happened.

As reported in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the accident probably occurred in the following manner: The DeLucca car, traveling north on the Coast Road, broadsided the CDF truck as it entered the intersection. Apparently the driver of the car, Amerigo DeLucca, did not see the fire truck soon enough to avoid the collision.

The Sentinel identified the dead victims as Amerigo DeLucca (driver), age thirty-six, Donna DeLucca, age four, Anthony DeLucca, age nine, Mr.Manual Quandros, age sixty, and Mrs. Manual Quandros, age fifty-five. Members of the DeLucca family, seriously injured were identified as Matilda Delucca, age thirty. Marie Delucca, age 12, and Dolores Delucca, age 10. None of the CDF crew was killed.

The August 3, 1947, edition of the Santa Cruz Sentinel gives some evidence on just how violent the collision was. It describes the front end of the DeLucca car being, “smashed back into the front seat, completely demolishing the sedan; the fire truck was a total wreck, with its strong, reinforced steel frame bent and the cab knocked right off the frame, smashing wheels and axle.” The year-end edition off the Sentinel, dated 10/31/47, re-published a picture of the accident, and stated that it “was probably the worst traffic accident in the history of Santa Cruz County.” So badly damaged was the DeLucca automobile that the only identifying item clearly distinguishable was the California licenses plate, number 35 H 170.

La Nostra Costa, mourned the dead, especially the children, for years to come. The accident has never been quite forgotten in the memories of those who heard the sirens and the ambulances streaming up an down the Coast Road, transporting the dead and injured that frightful evening.

With hindsight, it is easy to speculate if this accident would have happened if one or two of the events cited above had not occurred. If the DeLuccas had decided not to take the Quandros to San Gregorio, would they have continued north of Davenport that evening? There would have been no reason to do so. If they had decided to go north,even without the Quandros, would a less crowded vehicle have allowed for less distractions for the driver. Theoretically, this could have given Amerigo DeLucca, more time to take evasive action.

If the DeLuccas had not made their stop at Beltrami’s and/or in New Town, the chances would have been greatly increased that their vehicle would have passed through the intersection of Swanton and Coast Road, before the arrival of the CDF truck. On the other hand, if they would have stayed longer at either one of these locations the CDF truck probably would have passed through the intersection prior to the Delucca’s vehicle arrival.

Of course, something that was beyond the control of everyone involved was the timing of the brush fire. No brush fire reported; no dispatching of the CDF crew. No dispatching of the CDF crew; no accident. As I have experienced in my police career, a seemingly routine happening, sets in motion a series of events that can have dire and even tragic consequences. Unfortunately this was so true for the DeLucca and Quandros families.

We must also address the issue of driver(s) error. The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported that the DeLucca vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed. The force of the collision tends to verify this. It is quite possible, even probable, that the accident could have been avoided, if the vehicle was going at a much slower speed. On the other hand, if the CDF truck hadn’t pulled out into the intersection, when it did this accident would not have happen. Red lights and siren were activated, but red lights and siren do not relieve one from exercising due caution when driving on a public highway.

It was my experience that during a “Code 3 run” (red lights and siren activated), entering an intersection was probably the most dangerous part of the "run". Traveling at a fast or a slow rate of speed, drivers of vehicles having the right of way on through roadways do not normally expect to see an emergency vehicle pulling into an intersection. Many drivers have their windows up and do not hear the siren or if they do hear it, they are momentarily confused as to which direction it is coming from. Believe it or not some drivers have trouble seeing the red lights and/or, for a moment, can not comprehend what they signify or what is happening.

Even with my red lights and siren activated, it was my practice to make a full stop at an intersection; I made sure that vehicles on the opposite corner(s) were at a full stop before I proceeded through. This is called “due caution” and it comes with proper training and experience. My philosophy was that it wasn’t going to do anybody any good to save a few seconds on the “run” if an accident on the way prevented me from arriving at my destination.


Finally, as I have stated in “La Nostra Costa” (Page 357), these are, “Just the thoughts of an “old cop” here. I don’t think it matters much any more. People died here so long ago and nothing can ever change that.” All that is left now is our memories of those who died that terrible evening on August 1, 1947.*

*Other portions of this article were also taken from the book “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast) by Ivano Franco Comelli and published by Authorhouse, (2006),
http://www.authorhouse.com/ .


For more information on "La Nostra Costa", please visit the new La Nostra Costa Website:



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SADLY, JIM SILVA HAS JUST INFORMED ME OF THE PASSING OF HIS MOTHER; DIVA (ROCCHI) SILVA. HER DEATH OCCURRED ON AUGUST 1, 2007, THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF HER BROTHER AMERIGO'S DEATH IN THE TERRIBLE ACCIDENT DESCRIBED ABOVE. BELOW IS HER REMEMBRANCE AS IT APPEARED IN THE CONTRA COSTA TIMES:


Diva Gloria Silva
Diva Gloria Silva Aug. 23, 1917 - Aug. 1, 2007 Resident of Rodeo Diva was born to Italian immigrant parents Pietro and Maria Rocchi in Bonny Doon, California and was a 66-year resident of Rodeo. Diva retired from Brookside Hospital, San Pablo, California and enjoyed many years of retirement. During her retirement she traveled extensively to many countries in Europe, and also visited Australia and New Zealand. She enjoyed trips to Reno and her weekly bingo games with her many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Silva; and daughter, Diane Bessolo. Diva is survived by sons, Jimmie J. Silva, Rodeo, Frank Silva and daughter-in-law Sheri, Hercules. She also leaves grandchildren, Rick and Paul Silva, Martinez, Matthew and Lesley Silva, Hercules, John, Darrin and Jimmy Bessolo, Rodeo; eleven great-grandchildren and son-in-law, John Bessolo, of Rodeo. Diva will be remembered for her kindness, love of family, friends, giving nature and zest for life. She touched many during her long life and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew her. Private graveside services will be held in Santa Cruz, California. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.




Thursday, July 26, 2007

SPROUZZI ALA JOUNZZI



RUSS JONES , A FORMER SAN JOSE POLICE OFFICER, SENDS US THE ABOVE PHOTO AND THE ACCOMPANYING RECIPE BELOW. IL PIATTO ABOVE LOOKS GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT, SUBITO. (CLICCA ON THE PIATTO TO MAKA BIGGA.) SI MANGIA!! BUONO,BUONO, BUONO. WAY TO GO RUSS.



Ivano,

Every time I read your blog, I get the appetite for Brussels sprouts.

Here is a picture of what I fixed my wife for dinner tonight. The Brussels sprouts, (which I discovered while growing up in the Los Gatos / Santa Cruz area), are first boiled for about 8 minutes and then, just before serving, sauteed very shortly with mandarin oranges and juice, and a few pine nuts. The polenta has sun dried tomatoes, garlic, (that recipe comes from my first wife, a wonderful Italian girl from Paso Robles). The Abbacchio, or young lamb, comes from here in the Texas Hill Country.

Not bad for a kid named Jones, huh?

Buon Appetito, Russ

Sunday, July 22, 2007

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY SHAINA



TODAY WE WILL BE CELEBRATING SHAINA REID’S 21ST BIRTHDAY. SHAINA IS MY GREAT-NIECE AND THE GREAT GRAND-DAUGHTER OF GERVASIO (BRONCO) AND VALENTINA COMELLI, MY MOTHER AND FATHER. CONSEQUENTLY, SHE IS THE GRAND-DAUGHTER OF MY BROTHER, GIOVANNI PRIMO (JOHN) AND HIS WIFE DONNA (MORO) COMELLI. AND OF SOME IMPORTANCE, SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF DENISE (COMELLI) AND MARK REID. ALSO CELEBRATING SHAINA'S BIRTHDAY WILL BE LOU AND ENEZ MORO (LNC: PGS. 329-330), THE OTHER SET OF GREAT GRANDPARENTS , BARBARA REID, GRANDMOTHER, AND LINA (BRESSANI) GEMIGNANI, SHAINA'S GREAT-GREAT AUNT (LNC: PGS 187-200).

Shaina was born and raised in my hometown of Santa Cruz. She graduated from Holy Cross High School and is currently studying at Cabrillo College. Shaina aspires to become a Dental Hygienist.

An interesting fact is that during her growing-up years, Shaina, along with her brother Mathew, lived at ‘Casa D’ Valentina’ (LNC. Pg.316). The one real serious regret my mother had upon learning she was going to cross ‘Il Ultimo Ponte’ at a relatively young age (64) was that she would never get to see her great-grand children born in her life time. Knowing that two of them lived in the very house she had built would have made her very happy. And I am sure that both ‘Bronco’ and Valentina would have been very proud of their Great Grand-Daughter today. ‘Con Un Bacin D’Morivn0
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Photo Above was taken at 'La Nostra Costa' book signing at the Capitola Bookstore in January of this year. Shaina is wearing her Great-Grandfather's (Bronco) hat.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

BUON VIAGGIO DERRILL AND KATHY



























NEXT WEEK PROFESSOR DERRILL KERRICK (A NATIVE SON OF SANTA CRUZ) AND HIS LOVELY WIFE KATHY (Top Photo with your Gran Blaggatore) WILL BE TAKING OFF FOR A TOUR OF EUROPE. ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THEIR TRIP (AT LEAST FROM MY POINT OF VIEW) IS A THREE-DAY STOP OVER VISIT IN THE TOWN OF NIMIS IN THE FRIULI REGION OF ITALY. AS I WRITE IN 'LA NOSTRA COSTA', NIMIS WAS MY FATHER AND MOTHER’S HOME TOWN.


THEY WILL BE STAYING AT MY COUSIN FERRUCCIO DRI’S RAMANDOLO CLUB (Photo second from top). IN ADDITION TO FERRUCCIO THEY WILL BE GREETED BY COUSINS ANNA MARIA AND CESERE COMELLI (PHOTOGRAPHED ABOVE, STANDING BEFORE AND AUSTRIAN "CASTLE" WITH TWO OF THEIR GRAND CHILDREN). ALSO ON HAND WILL BE MY COUSIN ALDO COMELLI, THE RENOWNED MAKER OF 'VINO ORGANICO' IN NIMIS. HE IS PHOTOGRAPHED ABOVE WITH HIS LOVELY BLOND FRIEND, OLGA.


IF THEY WERE NOT ENOUGH, TWO OLD FRIENDS (Bottom Photo), MAMMA NANNA AND BABY NANNA . WILL BE ON HAND AT THE RAMANDOLO CLUB (Website: www. ramadoloclub.it ) TO MAKE SURE THAT THE KERRICKS HAVE A GOOD TIME.


BTW: DERRILL AND KATHY HAVE PROMISED TO DO A WRITE-UP OF THEIR EXPERIENCE IN NIMIS FOR THE BLAGGA. THAT AN LOTS OF PHOTOS TO BOOT. EXCITING......DON'T YOU THINK?? GB






Thursday, July 12, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY- FIGLIO DELLA COSTA- MARVIN DEL CHIARO









Photos: At the top: Marv, in his Roaring Camp Conductor's Uniform, wife Elaine and grandson Cameron. Second from the top: Laurel School Traffic Boys and their Trophies (1949). Marv is seated at the left in the front row; your 'Gran Blaggatore' is seated on the left in the rear row. (See Comments Section for further IDs.) Third from the top: At the SCHS Class of '55 Reunion (2005): Left to right: Jim Ceragioli, Marv; Muriel (McPherson) Prolo, 'Gran Blaggatore' and Jerry Mungai. (We all attended Laurel School, initially.) Bottom Photo: Marv and the 'Old Rancere' at Davenport/Coast Road Day 2005.
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FIGLIO DELLA COSTA MARVIN DEL CHIARO IS CELEBRATING HIS 7OTH BIRTHDAY THIS SATURDAY. MARV AND I GO BACK SOME 65 YEARS, WHEN WE FIRST MET AT LAUREL SCHOOL. I WRITE ABOUT MARV AND HIS FAMILY IN 'LA NOSTRA COSTA'. NOW, IN HIS OWN HAND HE GIVES US A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEL CHIARO - FERRARI FAMILIES AND THEIR LIVES 'SU PER LA COSTA'.
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Hi Ivano: I finally located the bio you mentioned having seen back around May, 2006. It was part of an email I sent to Glenn Kimmel. Historical background - Marvin J. DEL CHIARO, Scotts Valley, CA For those of you who don't know me, I've been a train lover since we lived along the RR track on West Cliff Dr., starting in 1940. I developed a relationship with the trainmen on the Southern Pacific route which passed our house daily. They threw me toys from the train, and in fact, I still treasure a metal battleship and a plastic tanker (ship) to this day.


Even during the blackouts of WWII, when any lights were absolutely prohibited, they would turn on a small light in the engine on their way back down from Davenport, so I could see them returning my wave; I didn't miss waving to the train, day or night, for probably six to eight years. Now at age 70, that feeling of excitement has never gone away. I've been working part time as a conductor and greeter at Roaring Camp.


I am son and second child (my older sister is Dolores Del Chiaro Locatelli, who still resides in Santa Cruz) of Lisandro (Andrew) Del Chiaro and Effie Ferrari Del Chiaro, who raised row crops along the Coast and in Swanton. Primarily we grew artichokes, from 1918 until 1959. My dad started in Tunitas Creek (north of Half Moon Bay) in 1918, and ended up raising artichokes on 25 acres in the general vicinity of Ingalls and Swift Streets (bordered by the RR track and Delaware St.), on the west side of S anta Cruz, east of the former Lipton plant. He sold the property and retired in 1959.


At one point, in the late 1920's or early 30's, I understand my father was in partnership in a ranch along the Coast with Dante Dinelli, Norma Dinelli Wilson's father.


I worked on the family ranch/farm from the time I was about 8 years old, until I left for the Army in 1959, and also began raising my own cattle from about 1956 to 1964. I ran a very small feeding operation, where I would buy feeder steers and fatten them up, selling dressed half beefs to a number of repeat customers.


I know I was working in the fields, with my mom, dad, and sister, picking broccoli, in August, 1945, because on VJ Day, the day WWII ended, the box factory and packing sheds all blew their whistles to commemorate the occasion. All of a sudden, our horse, Betsy, a very spirited mare, took off up the field, wagon in tow, with broccoli bouncing out right and left (horses don't like whistles). It's a sight I'll never forget. It was the first time in about four years that we went to bed at night, feeling much safer. All along the West Coast, we lived in constant fear of an invasion by Imperial Japanese forces.


My maternal grandparents, Battista (John) and Antonietta (Mattei) Ferrari, originally immigrated from Italy around the turn of the century (1900). My grandfather worked for the Southern Pacific shops in Oakland in 1905, but quit after a dear friend was killed in an industrial accident on the job. He then worked on an orchard in Santa Clara and later raised hogs in Butcher Town, which is now Hunter's Point in San Francisco. He and his brothers-in-law collected swill (edible garbage) by horse and wagon from many of the finest hotels and restaurants in the "City". (This evokes many more stories about interaction with the chefs and their kindness, too numerous to mention.)


Finally, the family came to Davenport from SF in 1920 (a memorable trip, and another story in itself), and operated the Mucchettini (spell?) dairy until the Great Depression hit. They then raised beef cattle on a 2000 acre ranch just north of the cement plant until my grandfather sold his herd in 1945.


One of my aunts, Domenica (Marie) Ferrari Innocenti, as a young girl, worked for the Morelli's as a cashier at the original Davenport Cash Store, back in the 1920's. A large contingent of Coast Artillery were located on my grandfather's property during WWII, and they often brought my grandparents leftovers from the mess hall. I believe my grandfather reciprocated by giving them fresh farm eggs, milk, and other products he raised. These fine African American soldiers grew very fond of my grandparents. After the War, thery came back to visit on occasion .


At that time, my grandparents had moved to a house on West Cliff Dr, just south of Mission St. (now Natural Bridges Dr.), where my aunt Emma Ferrari Musitelli still resides (I lived there from 1940 to 1945, then moved down the track a few hundred yards to the Ingalls St. ranch).


There are a multitude of anecdotal stories that go along with the Ferrari family and their dairy/cattle ranch, which bordered the original train tracks (now Hwy. 1), including reports of cattle rustling, nights spent playing cards with the local Irish priest, Father O'Flynn, an alleged visit by a well known train robber by the name of Gardner, who never used a gun, but would poke his pipe in the back of the engineer's back to stop the > train, visits from their Maltese friends from San Francisco and the wonderful baked good they would bring with them, the goat who ate the cloth roof of one of the touring cars, men hired as milkers with questionable pasts, stories of the "tramps" during the depression who rode the rails and came by for a meal, of my grandmother tossing my aunt into the grass, from the buggy, when the horse bolted and she was captive in a buggy with a runaway horse, of cozy fires built in the stove in the one room schoolhouse they all attended at the "Landing", and how the school building itself was moved from Swanton overnight because of a disagreement with the teacher, and on and on.


What still amazes me is that a number of rifles and shotguns were stored behind the kitchen door, and with all of us grandkids running around, none of us ever dreamed of touching one of those weapons without permission. Respect for elders and the unwritten code of never bringing shame upon the family name was paramount. You behaved not because of fear of punishment, but for fear of hurting the family's reputation. We really never had a lot of money, so our good name and our word had to be unblemished. Business was transacted on a handshake. My grandfather was a cheesemaker. Originally there was no electricity therefore lighting was provided by coal oil lanterns. So without refrigeration, milk was sold locally, the cream was separated and shipped by train to Santa Cruz to the creameries (cream didn't spoil as fast as the milk), and the remaining milk was used to make a type of dry Monterey Jack cheese. I remember the "cheese room", with the cheeses wrapped in cheese cloth, then rubbed with black pepper, and turned periodicaly during the aging process.


The building used to make the cheese is still standing. If you follow "the old highway" past the Cement Plant, past the New Town, you'll see it on your right just shortly before you come to the current Hwy. 1. You can't miss it, with it's beautiful coupola. If you cross the highway, you are continuing on the original road, which takes you past Davenport Landing, and back to Highway 1; if you cross again, you will continue on the old road to Swanton. This was the original road connecting Pescadero and Half Moon Bay with Davenport, before the current Hwy. 1 was built, partly on the old railroad bed.


I was born in 1937 while my parents were living at Davenport Landing, so I consider Davenport my place of birth, although I was actually born at the old Hanley Hospital, which was located where the parking lot for the Coast Santa Cruz Hotel (formerly the Dream Inn) is now located. I was baptised at the St. Vincent de Paul church in Davenport in 1937, but then made my First Communion and Confirmation at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz. I attended school with

Ivan(o) Comelli from first grade through graduation from San Jose State (Laurel Elementary, Mission Hill Jr. High, and Santa Cruz High); we were roomates at SJSC for two+ years, he was best man at my wedding, and we served in the same Army Reserve unit, the 422nd MP Co. (PCS) for a while. We're still close friends.


Elaine and I are both retired and have been living in Scotts Valley since we married on the fourth of July, 1966; Elaine is the daughter of Eddie and Emma Costella, now both deceased. The Costella's operated Costella's Chalet in Felton from the mid 1940's until the mid-late 70's; Eddie's parents were Louis and Regina (Bach) Costella, who at one time, I believe, operated the old Garibaldi Hotel in the vicinity of where the Wells Fargo Bank is located on River St. in Santa Cruz. ( Of course, it was before the 1955 flood, so it was down at river level.)


We have four wonderful children, Tim Del Chiaro, Cheryl Howard, Jeff Del Chiaro, and Debbie Roberson (Corky) and five special grandchildren, Branden and Christina Del Chiaro, Hailey Howard, and Cameron and Carson Roberson. Luckily, three of our four children live within walking distance, and we can walk to Tim place of work.


My mother, her sisters, my sister and cousins, and many friends attended Agua Puerca School on Davenport Landing Road from the 1920's until about 1940. Both my grandfather and my mother were trustees of the school at different times during those two decades.


Anyway, I guess that gives you some idea of why I feel so much a part of Davenport, and always will. I attend the Davenport/Coast Road Reunions regularly and support the restoration of the Davenport Jail.; Ivan Comelli > and I attended the fund-raiser dinner at the Cash Store last year. Sincerely, Another figlio della costa, Marv

Saturday, July 07, 2007

ADIO AMICO DELLA COSTA - SALVATORE (SAL) LOCATELLI


Locatelli remembered as self-made lumberman
By: TOM RAGAN SENTINEL STAFF WRITER


Salvatore Locatelli, an Italian immigrant who came to Santa Cruz with nothing but the clothes on his back but worked long enough and hard enough to own his own lumber business, died July 2 at Stanford University Hospital.

He was 76 and had suffered from a lengthy illness.

Locatelli was a U.S. citizen from his father, who was born in Boulder Creek. He grew up with his mother in Italy, and his father would return to visit every couple of years.

"He came from Italy the year I was born, in 1949," said his wife, Althea Locatelli, 57, of Santa Cruz. "We used to joke to people and say it was an arranged marriage because I'm Italian and my parents came from Italy, too"

In fact, the marriage was arranged, kind of — by Locatelli's brother, Mario, who met Althea while he was a patient at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara. Althea was a nurse at the time and had helped Mario while he was suffering from melanoma — which claimed his life a few years later.

"He wanted to do me a favor, and his brother was single and he really wanted me to meet him," said Althea. "So Sal delivered two cords of firewood to me in October 1985"

And the rest was history. The two hit it off and had been together ever since, she said.

Locatelli came from Berbenno, Bergamo in the northern part of Italy, about an hour from the Alps. His grandfather helped pay for his trip to the United States, where he eventually landed in Ellis Island like hundreds of thousands of immigrants before him.

From there he traveled to San Francisco, then on to Santa Cruz, where he eventually got a job working for the city's Sanitation Department in the day, then cutting lumber in the evenings.

"He'd work early in the morning, then go into the woods in the evening," said Althea. "Then he'd come home, sharpen the chains for the next day, eat dinner, then go to bed"

In the early 1960s, Locatelli founded his own business, Sal Locatelli Firewood, cutting and selling firewood. Family members joined the business in stages: a cousin first, then one brother, another brother and a son. Locatelli retired in 1985 and passed the business to his son Sal J. The company is now owned by one of Locatelli's nephews.

Locatelli was an avid hunter and loved to fish. He also enjoyed making wine and gardening.


Salvatore Locatelli
BORN: Nov. 19, 1930.
DIED: July 2, 2007.
HOME: Santa Cruz.
OCCUPATION: Owned lumber business.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Member of the Marconi Club.
SURVIVORS: Wife, Althea Locatelli of Santa Cruz; sons Richard S. Locatelli, Daniel S. Locatelli and Sal J. Locatelli, all of Santa Cruz; stepson Jeremy Gibson of Tacoma, Wash.; stepdaughter Cheryce Chartier of Elkhurst; brothers John Locatelli and Joe Locatelli, both of Santa Cruz; sister Angie Inman of Bakersfield; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
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Wednesday, July 04, 2007

PRIMO CARNERA - FIGLIO DEL FRIULI




Check Spelling





























PHOTOS: At the top, Primo's villa built in the 1930's in Sequals that is now converted into a museum for all his memorabilia. Next photo; Primo Carnera and Max Baer posing in civilian clothes with Jack Dempsey (1933); next photo; Primo Carnera, circa 1933. Fourth photo from the top; Primo Carnera KOs Jack Sharkey,winning the Heavyweight Championsship 1933. Bottom Photo; Carnera and Max Baer in the ring before their Championship fight; June 1934. All these photos from the Primo Carnera Commerative Calender sent to me courtsey of Doriano Degano.


The photo second from the bottom is from the 'La Nostra Costa Archives' (c.1934). It shows Frank Bragazzi on the right. Better known su per la costa as "Carabiniere", he was often described as being even bigger than Primo Carnera. In the photo with "Carabinere" are Mary and Bepo Ferlizza. All three were part-owners (along with Frank and Pina Micossi) of the Hotel D'Italia in Davenport. All were from the same Region in Italy (Friuli) as Primo Carnera.


This photo just sent me
(6-9-2012)
 by F. John LaBarba,
shows Primo Carnera holding
John's Father, World
Flyweight Champion Fidel LaBarba
   c. 1927).

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In "La Nostra Costa" I write about Primo Carnera who was the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion 1933 to 1934. Because Primo was from the Friuli Region (same area that my father was born and raised), he became a great source of pride for 'Bronco' . Doriano Degano, the 'Canadian Furlan' has sent me the above photos of Carnera and also an excellent summary of his history.








Ivan0: You really started the juices flowing for me with your book on "La Nostra Costa".

Attached are some photos taken from Primo Carnera's commemorative calander celebrating his 100th anniversary of his birth. This is Primo's data from a Professional boxing site called boxing records. As you will note Primo was born in Sequals which at the time of his birth was under the province of Udine but today it falls under the jurisdiction of Pordenone. As you know Friuli is comprised of the following four provinces, Udine, Pordenone, Gorizia, and Trieste, these are all in order of population size.



Note Primo's boxing record 104 total bouts 88 wins with 14 losses 2 no contests.



Primo won the Heavy Weight Championship by KO 6th round over Jack Sharkey June 29, 1933 at Madison Square Garden Bowl Long Island NY, 40,000 people in attendance. Primo lost the Heavy Weight Championship against Max Baer June 14, 1934, 11th Round TKO, as it occurred Primo was knocked down 11 times during the bout. However we can also say he got up 11 times as well. No excuses here for our fellow Furlan but I really think after winning the title Primo did not focus as much as he should have and became very distracted during his title reign. Too many guest appearances too much time away from the ring and subsequently as we all know Primo suffered the most devastating experience in the ring. One of his opponents Ernie Shaaf died during their bout in 1933.. just prior to fighting Sharkey for the title.



This all combined to affect Primo negatively. Also Primo was very strong naturally and he could take a tremendous punishment. As I mentioned before Primo was an extremely agile boxer for his size, he developed and maintained an excellent left jab and did extremely well with smaller much faster opponents. As you know Primo's size was a hindrance as well, similar to George Foreman the shear size and weight tired him out... as you will note Primo contained hugh muscles and his hand size was almost 2 times the size of a regular man during his time.
The attached photographs show a few details of his career as a professional boxer; boxing photos of his younger days, Primo shaking Max Baer's Hand agreeing to fight him with Jack Dempsey in the back ground, etc.



During Primo's time prior to and after winning the Heavy Weight Championship, Mussolini's Fascists used Primo to promote the Fascist superman machine to the entire world. They dictated to Primo to wear the black shirt at all events promoting his Fascist roots. However, as soon as Primo lost the Heavy Weight Championship Mussolini and the fascist party wrote him off. This gets better, during his return to Italy after loosing the title and during the war Primo supported the partisans, since his home town Sequals is located in the pre-Alps where most of the Paritsans held their own against the enemy. Primo made certain that anything and everything the Partisans needed was delivered to them in order to win the war against Fascism.



According to reports, the Fascists tried to punish Primo for his anti-Fascist exercises and a couple of Fascist officers questioned Primo. The questioning turned very ugly and two of the Fascist officers ended up stabing Primo in the back with a bale hook, Primo lived with an ugly scar on his back. I do not know what happened to the Fascist soldiers, but I would imagine Primo busted them up. Once the Allies started up towards the Northern territories of Italy and into Friuli a couple of American Infantry companies were warmly greeted by Carnera into his home, he took out the food and wine and made sure they were well looked after.. Typical Furlan...


Primo Carnera

Sex
Male
Nationality
Italian
Alias
The Ambling Alp
Hometown
Sequals, Italy
Birthplace
Sequals, Italy
Division
Heavyweight
Date of Birth
1906-10-25
Date of Death
1967-06-29
Age at Death
60
Reach
85½ inches
Stance
Orthodox
Height
6' 5½
W 88 (72 ko's) (+ 1 news) L 14 D 0 Total 104