Thursday, August 14, 2008

LA FEDORA SWINGS








AS YOU KNOW THE 'OLD RANCERE' wears an old fedora hat when making his public appearances. I adopted the fedora hat and the 'sciavola' as the symbols of the 'bagnatori' ( irrigators) who irrigated the crops 'su per la costa' of old. The fedora that the 'Old Rancere' wears is actually the last hat my father, Bronco, wore. (It is over thirty years old now. ) Of late, I have notice that the only people who wear fedoras any more are the young ladies. (Brittney Spears is often photographed with a fedora hat.) Imagine my surprise when I received the above pamphlet in the mail from Gavilan College in Gilroy. The handsome young man in the photo may start a new trend........... don't you think?












Posted below is an article 'borrowed from "wikipedia' the free on line dictionary,


http://www.wikipedia.org/ . It tells you all you want to know about the famous fedora hat.


Fedora
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For the Linux distribution, see Fedora (operating system). For other uses, see Fedora (disambiguation).

This article needs additional citations for verification.Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2008)

This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims.Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (July 2008)

A fedora that has been pinched at the front and being worn pushed back on the head, with the front of the brim bent down over the eyes.
A fedora is a soft felt hat that is creased lengthwise down the crown and pinched in the front on both sides. Similar hats with a C-crown (with an indentation for the head in the top of the crown) are occasionally called fedoras. The brim goes all the way around, and often there will be a hat band as well. A trilby hat is somewhat similar to a fedora, but typically has a shorter brim, and the back of the brim is distinctively more sharply upturned as a result.
The term fedora was in use as early as 1891. Beginning in the 20th century, the fedora came into use as an upper-class clothing accessory. Hats that resemble the soft felt version are often called fedoras even if they are made of straw or twill. Fedoras did not start to become widespread until the late 1910s. Its popularity soared, and eventually it eclipsed the similar-looking Homburg by the 1930s. Fedoras can be found in nearly any color imaginable, but black, grey, and tan/brown are the most popular.
Contents[hide]
1 History
2 Etiquette
3 Fedoras in popular culture
4 References
5 External links
//

[edit] History

A fedora made by Borsalino
The word fedora comes from the title of an 1882 play by Victorien Sardou. Princess Fédora, the heroine of the play, wore a hat similar to a fedora. In the early part of the twentieth century, the fedora was popular in cities for its stylishness, ability to protect the wearer's head from the wind and weather, and the fact that it could be rolled up when not in use. Since the early part of the 20th century, many Haredi and other Orthodox Jews have worn black fedoras and continue to this day.
The hat is sometimes associated with Prohibition-era gangsters and the detectives who sought to bring them to justice. In Hollywood movies of the 1940s, characters often wore a fedora, particularly when playing private detectives, gangsters, or other "tough guy" roles. A trench coat was frequently part of the costume, a notable example being Humphrey Bogart's character in Casablanca. The fedora is widely recognized with the characters of The Blues Brothers, Indiana Jones, and Freddy Krueger. The fedora is closely associated with film noir characters. In the case of action/adventure films, such as old "B"-movies, and the Indiana Jones series they inspired, the fedora served the practical purpose of hiding the face sufficiently to allow doubles to perform the more dangerous stunts seamlessly.
Like the bowler hat, the fedora fell out of usage and popularity during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The hat began to lose favor even earlier on the west coast of the United States, which is known for its more casual clothing. The early 1950s switch from large lapels and ties to thin ones, resulted in shorter-brimmed hats, and this likely played a role in the fedora eventually being deemed a non-essential item. Also playing a part was the shrinking automobiles of the mid-1950s, which often made it difficult to wear a hat while driving. By the early 1970s, the fedora was seen as a dead fashion, typically only worn by older and/or more traditional men.
The demise of hat use by American men was quite abrupt. One hypothesis explaining the sudden shift places the date for the change as January 20, 1961, when John F. Kennedy supposedly chose not to wear a hat to his inauguration. However, There is ample photographic and journalistic evidence that President Kennedy indeed wore a top hat to his inauguration ceremony, only removing it when he gave his speech.[1][2]
Fedoras have staged something of a comeback as of the 2000s.[citation needed] This trend seems to be expanding particularly fast in the rock and indie communities, where artists such as Pete Doherty have been seen donning a trilby (a fedora variant) at concerts and live performances.

[edit] Etiquette
Traditionally, when a man doffs this hat, he grasps a fedora by the crown (though it can and does do damage over time). If there is a strong wind it is acceptable to anchor a fedora using the "wind trolley" found on some fedoras. This elastic band can be taken off the crown and wound through the button hole of a suit lapel. Hats, including the fedora, are typically doffed indoors, except in public areas such as lobbies or elevators. If a man wearing a fedora enters into a conversation with a lady, custom dictates that he doff his hat.

[edit] Fedoras in popular culture

Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (August 2008)

This section does not cite any references or sources.Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (August 2008)
University of Alabama football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant is noted for wearing a black and white houndstooth fedora cap.
Singer Dean Martin is seen wearing a fedora cap in many photos.
Anatomist Gunther von Hagens always wears a fedora in public, even while performing dissections in front of audiences.
The fictional character, Indiana Jones is known specifically by his iconic brown fedora.
The DC comic book character The Question wears a fedora.
The Red Hat logo features a red fedora on its Shadow Man logo. In addition, the Red Hat community-oriented distribution of Linux is called Fedora.
The logo of newsreader Forté Agent is a person wearing a fedora.
The logo of the production company Flyte Tyme is a pair of walking legs under a fedora.
ZootFly prominently features a yellow fedora in its logo.
The characters Joliet Jake Blues and Elwood Blues, along with other characters, wore black fedoras or trilbies in the 1980 movie "The Blues Brothers.
Synyster Gates of the metal band Avenged Sevenfold often wears a fedora.
The lead singer of Three Days Grace, Adam Gontier, often wears a fedora during their concerts.
In L. Ron Hubbard's fiction, the Marcab Confederacy had a custom of wearing fedoras. It has become a trend among Anonymous to wear fedoras at anti-Scientology protests.
The TV and video game character Carmen Sandiego's trademark costume includes a red fedora with a yellow band.
Singer Michael Jackson has worn fedoras during his concerts.
Musician Roger Cicero is known to wear fedoras, and his fans often wear them to his concerts.
Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman has been known to wear fedoras. It is becoming a trend among Switchfoot fans to wear fedoras to the band's concerts.
Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy has been known to wear fedoras.
Singer David Archuleta was photographed wearing a fedora on the red carpet of the world premiere of the movie WALL-E in Los Angeles on June 21, 2008.
Harry "the Hat" Gittes, a recurring character on Cheers, wore a white and black fedora.
Ben Croshaw of the video review column Zero Punctuation wears a black fedora, and includes a fedora in his logo.
Singer/Songwriter Jason Mraz and Ne-Yo have been known to wear fedoras.
The character Freddy Kruger of the horror movie series A Nightmare on Elm Street wears a fedora.
Sylvester Stallone wears a fedora in the movie Rocky Balboa.
In the stage production The Phantom of the Opera, the Phantom wears a fedora in three scenes.
Pro wrester The Miz fedora during his entrances and interviews.

[edit] References
^ Kennedy and Eisenhower at Inauguration, 1961, Viewimages. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.
^ http://www.snopes.com/history/american/jfkhat.asp

[edit] External links
Hat etiquette






!


NOW THATSA FEDORA!














Monday, August 04, 2008

GUGLIELMO'S CORK EQUITY DAY NUMERO XXI

************************ 'Romping and A-Stomping' at Guglielmos'*******************



SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2008. SEE DETAILS BELOW:


BOTTLE YOUR OWN RED WINE: GUGLIELMO’S CORK EQUITY DAY #21,SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2008 – 10 AM – 3 PM. ‘RAIN OR SHINE.’CORK EQUITY n: Definition: A method of saving big money by getting hands on involvement assisting in the bottling, corking and labeling of your own premium wine. Nearly six thousand wine lovers have turned up at our cellar door on Cork Equity Day looking for a great bottle of wine at a great price. Few have been disappointed! Don’t miss your chance to meet some friends, have some fun, hear some great Italian music, enjoy our complimentary bread and cheese, plus earn access to our Chef's Table featuring or famous grilled sausages with purchase of a case or more.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


IVANO SAYS: AS USUAL THE ‘OLD RANCERE’ WILL ONCE AGAIN BE PRESENT TO SELL AND SIGN COPIES OF “LA NOSTRA COSTA” (OUR COAST), AND POSSIBLY SING A FEW ITALIAN SONGS OF OLD. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.

GUGLIELMO ‘S
1480 EAST MAIN AVENUE
MORGAN HILL, CA 95037(408) 779-3166 http://www.guglielmowinery.com/
DIRECTIONS: FROM SAN JOSE TAKE HWY 101 TO E.DUNNE AVE OFF RAMP. TURN LEFT ON E.DUNNE AVE. PROCEED ACROSS HWY 101 OVER-PASS TO CONDIT RD.(2ND STOP LIGHT). TURN LEFT ON CONDIT RD AN PROCEED NORTH 0.8MI TO E.MAIN AVE.(NEXT STOP LIGHT). TURN RIGHT ON E.MAIN AVE. AND PROCEED APPROXIMATELY 1/2MI TO WINERY ON YOUR RIGHT. (LIVE OAK HIGH SCHOOL IS ACROSS THE STREET.)------



FROM: SANTA CRUZ-WATSONVILLE-SALINAS-GILROY, GET ON HWY 101 AND PROCEED NORTH TO E.DUNNE AVE. OFF RAMP. TURN RIGHT ON E. DUNNE AVE TO CONDIT RD (FIRST STOP LIGHT). TURN LEFT ON CONDIT RD. AND PROCEED NORTH 0.8MI TO E.MAIN AVE.(NEXT STOP LIGHT.) TURN RIGHT ON E.MAIN AVE. AND PROCEED ABOUT 1/2 MILE TO THE WINERY ON YOUR RIGHT.
BUONA FORTUNA E SEMPRE AVANTI. IVANO

Saturday, July 26, 2008

IT'S A KNOCKOUT!!!!

FRIULANO PRIMO CARNERA KNOCKS OUT JACK SHARKEY TO WIN THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD - 1933 (Photo courtesy of the 'Canadian Furlan')



Now that I have gotten your attention.......I just wanted to announce that the 'LNostra-Costa Blagga' is two years old. Yes, your old 'Blaggatore' launched it on July 27, 2006. This is my 138th posting on the 'Blagga" My how time flies when you are having fun. And yes, I have had much fun.

Originally the 'Blagga's" purpose was to publicize my book "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast). However, it quickly developed into something much more. This was because many of you submitted articles, photos and stories about your family and friends. Without your support the 'Blagga' would have floundered. I want to especially thank: Gino 'd'Baffi' Campioni the official Italian translator for the 'Blagga', Norma Dinelli Wilson (LaNorma), who submitted numerous articles and photos relating to 'La Costa' [and also her husband Al Wilson, who took many photos at my book signings]; Doriano, the 'Canadian Furlan', historian extra-ordinarier of the Furlan culture; Thelma (Micossi) Gill, who has been my eyewitness to my boyhood memories of Davenport and 'La Costa'; Marvin Del Chiaro, my 'old' college roommate who contributed articles and photos to the 'Blagga'; Reno Cantarutti who keeps reminding me of events that occurred 'su per la costa' that I should have remembered and everyone else who sent articles or made comments. [Speaking of comments: I must not forget to thank Carolina 'Carrie' Cariola for her frequent colorful and insightful comments. Truly a delight 'Carrie'.]

Since there are 138 articles on the 'Blagga' it is sometimes difficult to 'pull' them up for display.
Here is a helpful tip. AT THE UPPER LEFT HAND (YOUR LEFT) CORNER OF THE FRONT PAGE, THERE IS A BLANK SPACE FOR SEARCHING THE BLOG. TYPE ANY WORD (FAMILY NAME, TOPIC, TOWN OR A GROUP OF DESCRIPTIVE WORDS). IF AN ARTICLE HAS BEEN WRITTEN ON IT, THE 'BLAGGA' WILL DISPLAY IT. FOR EXAMPLE; IF YOU TYPE ITALIAN DICTIONARY IN THE SPACE AND THEN 'CLICCA' SEARCH THIS BLOG, GINO'S FAMOUS ITANGLISH DICTIONARY WILL 'POP-UP' AND ALSO, AS A BONUS, HIS ITALIAN FAMILY NAME LIST.

In addition, as you probably already know, the articles published on the 'Blagga' are often picked up by the Google scrawler. As often happens, persons around the world researching family names, etc. are referred to articles on this blog. I have met several interesting people who did just that. Recently, I just heard from a 'Furlana' who lives in the Morgan Hill area. Searching the word 'Furlan' or Friulan on Google she came up with the 'Blagga' and my name. Up to that time she thought she was the only Furlan in the area. Sempre Avanti. ivn0



BTW: You still can order "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast) through the publisher, Authorhouse, by going online at: http://www.authorhouse.com/ or order by phone at 1-888-7715. And, of course, you can order it through your favorite bookstore. I am told that it makes for a great gift and it is an excellent way to spread the word about our life 'su per la costa'.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

IL CAPITANO FRANK MICOSSI AND THE FUSARI FAMILY

IL CAPITANO FRANK MICOSSI (right) WITH ZVAN DEL LOSC (center), IVANO'S GRANFATHER; AND A MICOSSI FAMILY RELATIVE (left) IN NIMIS, ITALY, C. 1945. [Photo courtesy of my cousins, Cesare and Anna Maria Comelli. Nimis , Italy.]


JOLENE'S GRANDPARENTS: LUIGI AND RACHELE FUSARI




JOLENE'S GRANDMOTHER RACHELE (PIFFERO) FUSARI AND HER FIRST BORN DAUGHTER, PALMA






GROUP PHOTO OF THE FUSARI FAMILY: FRONT ROW (l-r): RACHELE (MOLLIE) WITH DAUGHTER PALMA; BACK ROW (l-r): RACHELE'S THREE SONS, JOE, DELL, AND SAM.









VINE HILL SCHOOL

















FUSARI VINE HILL RANCH













In my book 'La Nostra Costa', I write about the Micossi Family, Tony and Rosie and their children Frank and Rena. [Chapter 12: 'La Strada Per Pescadero (The Road to Pescadero), pages 131-134]. On page 137, I have a photo of Frank Miccosi [c.1945] who was then stationed in Northern Italy as a Captain in the US Army. As I write in the book, Frank or "Franchin" (fran keen') as we use to call him, was a boyhood hero to my brother John and me when we were growing up 'su per la costa'. Il Capitano Frank Micossi was also a hero in Nimis, Italy [his father's as well as my father's hometown]. In the book I write: "While there, (Frank) bought surplus U.S. Army supplies and food, and distributed the items among the war-lorn citizens." He is still remembered there today.







Because of the Internet and the LNOSTRA-COSTA Blog, Jolene Fusari, a cousin of Frank Micossi sent me the following e-mail and photos above:






Dear Ivan,



My name is Jolene Fusari. I do some family genealogy and last night as I was looking up some information on my cousin, Frank Micossi, I came across your (very) interesting blog. I also recognized some of the names that are mentioned.


Frank's Mother, Rosina (Fusari) Micossi, married Antonio (Tony) Micossi. In 1920. Tony and partner Charles Bergamini had a Hotel on Cooper Street in Santa Cruz. Rosie and my Nono, Luigi Fusari, were sister and brother. The Fusari family came from Castiglione, Massacarra, Italy. Nono Luigi married Rachele Piffero (my Nona).
My Nono, Luigi had a brother Edward. Together they had a ranch up on Vine Hill. There they planted grape vineyards, apples, pears, cherries, etc.. They also made Wine. I remember hearing that people used to come out from Santa Cruz to drink wine, eat bread and cheese; then when they left they would take a few bottles along with them to drink on the way home. When the bottles were empty they would just through them out along the way. It is said that if you search (hard enough) along the side of Branciforte Drive, you can still fine some of those old bottles. My father told me that when he was a kid and was in school, (I believe it must have been during prohibition), he saw my uncle Ed driving past….. going like a bat out hell, with the “revenuers” hot on his tail. (The old Vinehill School Is still there, but it is a house now. I remember living in it for a while as a child with my Nona. My cousin Louie still has property on Vine Hill, but it is a lot less than it used to be. I was raised there and I loved it. (I enjoyed) many happy times. )



Amadeo Piffero, my Nona's father brought her to this country; my Nono Fusari brought her brother Francesco (Frank) Piffero, her sister Leopoldina (Polda) Piffero, Vitale Adolfo Piffero and his wife Louigina (they were my Godparents) to this country. The Piffero's, were from, Spoccia, Novara, Italy. Polda married Pete Locatelli. They had two daughters Eva Locatelli (Pini) and Mabel Locatelli. Pete owned a hotel and restaurant on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, I don't remember the name of it, but I do remember going there with my Nona, when she would go to help out.


I (will always) remember the first time I saw my cousin, Frank Micossi. It was in the 1940's and was a little girl then. There was a big party at the Vine Hill School House Lots of people were there and they had music.( It may have been when he came home from Italy after the war, or maybe before he left.) There he was, this tall handsome man in uniform. I must have been bugging him so he finely danced with me. (There) I was, standing on his shoes as we danced and I totally fell in love with him and I have had a crush on him all of my life. No one ever knew but me …… until now. Now you know (my big secret).

Unfortunately, Frank died much too young. I know that he died in Monterey on April 7, 1967. He was only 49 years old.

I was born in Santa Cruz on June 21, 1942, My Father's Name was Joseph Louis Fusari, my mother's name was Dorothy Marie Blake. My Father's brothers names were Augustino (Sam), Adolfo (Dell), His sister was Palma. Sam work all his life for Big Creek Lumber, as did his sons Louie and Augie.

More about Frank: I believe it must have been his dream to become an actor as he attended acting school, 'Pasadena playhouse College of Theatre Arts'. He was in a play called 'Pillars of Society' February 13 to 18th of 1939. He played Johan Tonnesen in the play. I have been to the Holy Cross Cemetery(Santa Cruz) and have taken pictures of Family Head stones, I thought it would be a good way to keep tract of birth and death dates, I have Frank's. I haven't been there in a long time. I live south in a little town called Santa Paula, in Ventura County about 60 miles from Los Angeles. My brother Gary Fusari still lives in Santa Cruz, he a custom home building Contractor. I am sending you a couple photos, one is of my grandmother Rachele Fusari, it is a beautiful Photo, my Favorite. The other a photo of her and from left to right, my dad Joe, Dell, Sam and sister Palma Fusari. I may have one of Frank taken in Italy, I will send it also, maybe you can tell me if it is.


I don't know if you knew any of the people I have mentioned or not let me know. Waiting to hear from you .


Jolene



IVANO SAYS: Thanks Jolene. What a wonderful story to remind all of us of Frank. Yes, he died much too young. I miss him a lot. Hopefully, my fellow 'blaggatori' will recognize the names you mentioned and will come forward with some additional information. Also, thank you for sharing your beautiful photos with us. 'Con un bacin d'mor'. Ivano










Jolene also sent the above photo, however, she was unable to ID the two persons in it. It was such a beautiful photo that I decided to publish it anyway. Perhaps someone might recognize the man and the women in the photo. First prize is a guided tour of 'La Nostra Costa' by that noted author Ivano Franco Comelli.








Thursday, July 17, 2008

MESSAGE/INQUIRY FROM ANDY

Most likely they have some information for Andy.....don't you think?
(See comments for photo IDs)
IVANO SAYS:

ANDY LEFT A MESSAGE ON ONE OF MY EARLIER POSTS. I THOUGHT I WOULD POST IT HERE AT THE TOP OF THE 'BLAGGA' . ANY INFORMATION CAN BE POSTED AS A COMMENT TO THIS MESSAGE OR SEND DIRECTLY TO MY E-MAIL ADDRESS.



ANDY has left a new comment on your post "HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIOVANNI PRIMO":


HI,MY GREAT GRAND FATHER WAS PIO SCARONI, THE DAIRY BEFORE KATY SCARONI PLACE, MY MOTHERS MAIDEN NAME WAS DOROTHY ANNAND. I AM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON S.K. ANNAND WHO TOOK OVER THE DAIRY AFTER PIO MOVED INTO TOWN ON LAURENT STREET - HE ALSO MARRIED MY GRAND MOTHER. COULD YOU HELP ME OUT ON WHERE I COULD FIND SUCH INFO.THANKS,ANDY CARCELLOPS. MY FATHER OWNED MISSION PHARMACY FOR 57 YRS. LENA BROVIA WORKED FOR US.


Posted by ANDY to lnostra-costa at 3:44 PM

Saturday, July 12, 2008

FIGLIO DELLA COSTA FREDDIE DEL CHIARO; FIGLIA DELLA COSTA NEVA RINALDI ONETO -Remembered


THE FOLLOWING REMEMBRANCES WERE PUBLISHED IN THE SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL THIS WEEK.


- FREDDIE -


Alfred Louis Del Chiaro

Services will be Sunday for Alfred Louis Del Chiaro who passed away July 8, 2008 at home in Santa Cruz surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old.
He was born in Santa Cruz on December 23, 1928, the son of Giuseppe and Pia Lombardi Del Chiaro. He grew up in Santa Cruz where he attended local schools and was a graduate of Santa Cruz High School, Class of 1946. Following high school he attended Hartnell College for two years and then went to work for the Bank of America for a short time. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his return from the service he worked with his father in farming at the Gordola Ranch. He later worked as a foreman for John Ingles Frozen Foods and Pfyffer Bontadelli Associates.
Freddie was a member of the Marconi Club, Italian Catholic Federation, Sons of Italy and the Santa Cruz Elks Club. He enjoyed traveling with his son David and his best friend, Tony Franceschini. He loved farming, gardening and also enjoyed woodworking. He made many beautiful bird houses and shrines.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Betty Del Chiaro of Santa Cruz; son, David Del Chiaro of Santa Cruz; mother, Pia Del Chiaro of Santa Cruz; sister and brother in law, Diana and Danny Petrolino of Santa Cruz; sister in law and brother in law, Eva and Albert Quilici of Santa Cruz; aunt, Lena Passarino of Santa Cruz; nephews, Gary Quilici and Randy Quilici and his wife, Roxann; nieces, Elaine Padilla and her husband Frank and Patricia McNeal all of Santa Cruz and Cori Gabbert and her husband Mike of Granite Bay, CA. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family in Santa Cruz and in Italy.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High St, Santa Cruz, CA Sunday July 13, 2008 at 7:00 pm. A visitation will be held at the church Sunday evening from 6 pm to service time. A private entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tracy Maclay, Dr. James Glancey, Dr. Patrick Shields, Hospice of Santa Cruz, Dr. Thomas Larson and Fr. Mike Cross.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr. Scotts Valley, Ca or your favorite charity.Published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel from 7/10/2008 - 7/11/2008


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




- NEVA -


Services will be Tuesday for Neva Oneto who was taken by the Lord to eternal happiness. She passed away July 6, 2008 after a long and courageous battle with cancer with her loving family by her side. She was 77 years old.
Neva was born November 17, 1930 in Santa Cruz. She was the daughter of Rinaldo and Maria Rinaldi. As a child her family and extended family worked in agriculture and as a result Neva grew up living on the coast road. She was a graduate of Santa Cruz High School.
In her younger years she worked in banking and later worked for Santa Cruz City Schools in food service for over 20 years. She was a life long member of Holy Cross Church. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother and was always there to help members of her family and friends. She enjoyed family activities, gardening, crossword puzzles, music, movies, socializing and travel. She was an avid lifelong San Francisco 49'er and Giants fan.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Joseph Oneto and her parents, Rinaldo and Maria Rinaldi.
She is survived by her sons, Steve Oneto and Dan Oneto of Santa Cruz; brother, Reno Rinaldi of Salinas; granddaughters, Jenny Oneto and Erin Oneto and her great grandson, Philip all of Santa Cruz. Neva will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St, Santa
Cruz, CA Tuesday July 15, 2008 at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA. A private entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley or Heartland Hospice, 2511 Garden Rd., Monterey, Ca.Published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel from 7/10/2008 - 7/12/2008



ADDIO FREDDIE AND NEVA. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE.



Wednesday, July 09, 2008

SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL -Fund Raiser

Santa Cruz High School - 2006. Photo taken by Roger 'Ruggero' Princevalle




Photo: Memorial Field with the City of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz High School in the Background.
(c. 1954)


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

I received the f ollowing e-mail and accompanying Santa Cruz Sentinel article from Len Klempnauer, SCHS Class of '54 Alum:

As you probably know, the Rotary Club is currently undergoing a campaign to raise $750,000 in community donations to rehabilitate the Santa Cruz High track and football field.


The SCHS Class of 1954 already has contributed $1,000 to the fund-raising drive, and I have been told the Class of 1956 also is considering make a class donation.
I was wondering whether your Class of 1955 might be interested is making a donation.
In our case, we were going to donate $250 from our class general fund (money we've saved up over the years from reunions) and ask if any of our classmates would individually like to contribute the remaining $750. As it turned out, four of my '54 classmates each contributed $250, so we didn't have to take the money from our fund. (Instead, we'll be able to add that amount to the perpetual Class of 1954 Scholarship administered by the alumni association that we set up this year.)
If you're interested, the Rotary contacts are Jon Sisk, senior vice president of Lighthouse Bank, and Ken Whiting of Whiting's Foods. Sisk can be reached at jsisk@lighthousebank.net and Whiting at ken@whitingsfood.com.
I'm sure many of you have email contacts with other members of the Class of '55, so you may want to send this suggestion to them.
Below is an article about the campaign that was published in the Sentinel.
-- Len Klempnauer, Capitola
P.S. Wouldn't it be great if all of the SCHS classes from the Fifties would contribute $1,000 apiece? If you have any contacts in other classes, could you pass on this information. I've already sent a similar email to Bob Lemmon of the Class of 1957.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following story about the Memorial Field fund-raising drive was published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel on Sunday, May 4, 2008.Headline: Santa Cruz High Track and Field Project Needs $750K. More than a decade has passed since Santa Cruz High School -- home to a dusty, narrow dirt track -- has hosted a meet on its own turf, forced instead to play at other schools or area parks that offer better facilities.Speaking of turf, the adjacent infield at the school's Memorial Track and Field has more craters than the moon. The football and soccer teams can host the occasional competition, but the bumpy battleground is a potential minefield for twisted ankles, errant passes and broken hearts. With no real "home field," students are far less likely to support their peers by traveling to other schools to watch them compete, say supporters of the effort to improve facilities."There'd be a lot more school spirit" if the facility at the 113-year-old school was in better shape, said junior soccer player and track team member Kelsey Johnson.If the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is successful in raising $750,000, 10 years worth of dreams for a new track and field might actually come true by next year. Thanks to a $500,000 boost from Rotary charity bike rides, a $750,000 investment from the school district and other community pledges totaling nearly $500,000, a planning committee has cobbled together about three-quarters, or $1.7 million, of the project's estimated $2.5 million cost.Committee leaders Ken Whiting, former Rotary Club president, and brother-in-law Jon Sisk are launching a big push to raise the final amount by this fall so the district can put the roughly 200,000-square-foot project out to bid while the construction market is still favorable due to the downward demand for new houses. The preliminary design plan was OK'd by the school board in December after several community forums, but the project can't move forward without all the money. "We want to leverage the monies we made through the bike rides into a complete project that would serve the school and community and stand there for the test of time," said Whiting, who, like wife Renee, graduated from the school in 1974. The couple's three daughters also are graduates, with the youngest, Jenny, running track for the school several years ago.Santa Cruz architect Steve Sutherland, whose daughter graduated from the school last year, said the "state of the art" project would take at least four months to construct after a contractor is chosen through a district bidding process. Though his firm, SSA Landscape Architects, has designed plans to eventually build new softball fields, expanded bleachers and a concession building, the track and field upgrades are all the district can afford right now.The new field would be made of polyethylene carpet supported underneath by an infill made of recycled tires. The track surface would be made of polyurethane, also supported by recycled rubber. Though there have been some community concerns about using artificial turfs, he said the synthetic materials are safe, reduce injuries and don't require watering, fertilizers and the maintenance hours the district can ill-afford.Assistant Cardinals track coach Bob Sanders, whose children Elle and Zeke are on the team, looks forward to the day when "finally there won't be bare spots" in the field."Whenever we travel to other school districts, they have really a nice track and field," Sanders said. "I always wondered why we couldn't offer our children the same type of facility."The track team uses the existing track for practice, but not to compete because the facility isn't regulation size and has no marked lanes. "That's a shame -- the kids deserve to have home track meets," he said. The district's assistant superintendent for business, Dick Moss, said parents and community members had to raise most of the funds privately because there is only so much money to go around for facility improvements, especially in tough budget times. This year, schools are bracing for at least 2.5 percent in state funding cuts thanks to the state's growing multibillion dollar deficit."A lot of facilities have needs in the district," Moss said, adding that Harbor High's track facility is also deteriorating. "Things like that tend to take a lower priority."Erik Redding, the boys athletic director at Santa Cruz High, applauded the efforts of Rotarians and others to get the project under way."Every year, we try to get things going," he said. "Finally, we just got to the point that we had some people wanted to take the bull by the horns."Those interested in donating to the project can make corporate gifts from $15,000-$20,000 and get advertising on bleachers or the scoreboard. Individual donors of $1,000 or more will receive a plaque on what will be called the Cardinal Wall of Fame at one of the entrances to the field.Freshman Elena Venable hopes enough donors chip in so she can run on the new track next spring and perhaps the rest of her athletic career at the school."It's kind of upsetting because my friends can't watch because they can't go to San Lorenzo Valley or Aptos," she said. "I'd like not having to drive somewhere, and it would make it easier to practice.”

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

THE STORY OF 'BONZO' DA DEERHEAD

Charlie Bella's Ocean View Hotel in Davenport (c 1950)

Mac's Office in Wyoming (Photo courtsey of Patty and Mac Morelli)

Hello, Ivano...



I thought you might want to put this on the 'blagga'. Some people may remember the story.
This story started many, many years ago when my brother, Mac Morelli, Jr., was a teen and worked summers and weekends in the woods with our Dad (Mac Morelli) and uncles Elmer (cat skinner) and Lewis (faller and choker setter) Morelli. One day, our Uncle Elmer killed a deer while working in the woods. Mac had such strong memories of the whole thing that he has always hoped that the deer head might eventually be passed on to him. About two months ago, Aunt Donna, Elmer's wife, passed away. (Uncle Elmer passed about 10 years before.) She left the mounted deer head, named Bonzo, to Mac.....at our Uncle Elmer's request. Aunt Donna's daughter, Sue, and I worked together to get 'Bonzo' to Mac, who is now living in Wyoming with his wife, Holly.

The e-mail below is Mac's thank you for our efforts in getting the deer head to him. I've attached a picture which shows where he hung 'Bonzo'.....Read on.

Patty (Morelli)

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Hi everyone,
I would like to thank you all for getting Bonzo to me. Patty did a great job in shipping him here. This is the story of Bonzo as I know it:



Elmer (Morelli) was working with our Dad (Mac Morelli, Sr.) logging up Gazos Creek in San Mateo County. The year was either 1953-1954. Elmer always carried a 32 special rifle on the cat with him and one day he was building road when Bonzo jumped up and out from behind some brush. Elmer jumped off the cat and onto a stump and had a chance for one shot and luckily hit the deer in the neck. Dad paid to have the deer head stuffed and in the late fifties he was displayed on the wall of Charlie Bella's Bar at the Ocean View Hotel in Davenport. I think that's when they named him Bonzo.

He was a magnificent animal. The normal coastal black tail deer field dressed @ 100 lbs. and a big buck would be 120lbs; Bonzo field dressed @ 172 lbs. (they weighed him at the old Linda Vista butcher shop on Mission St.) Bonzo's heavy weight was attributed to eating flax which was grown in the area at that time. I had a small picture of Elmer with the buck in the back of a pickup but I'm afraid the photo got lost in our moving. I still have the rifle which was our dad's, a pretty Winchester 32 special with an octagon barrel, which I will hang under Bonzo. I included a couple of pictures of him on the wall of my shop/office. I'm so proud to have him even though he has aged and does look to be at least 54 years old.




Thanks again all; have a great weekend.
Mac (Morelli)


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Thanks Mac and Patty. Patty as you know the LNostra-Costa Blagga is dedicated to keeping the memories of 'La Costa' alive. It's stories like this that do exactly that. Please keep them coming. ivn0
HOME: www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

AMICA DELLA COSTA - LENA (VIVIANI) LOEZIUS REMEMBERED

Lena (age 18) with Bronco Comelli at his going back to Italy party on the Marina Ranch, 'su per la costa', c. 1931. The man smiling behind the accordion is Cuneo Viviani, Lena's future husband. (Photo courtesy of Tony Franceschini)

As I write in 'La Nostra Costa':

"Circa 1940, the Viviani Family took over management of inn. Lena and Cuneo Viviani, along with their daugher Dolores and son Eddie lived at the Laguna Inn." (LNC: p.232)
- LAGUNA INN NOW-







- LAGUNA INN THEN - CIRCA 1934-35 -



The following Remembrance was published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.




Lena (Lee) Loezius

Lena Loezius was born on June 1, 1913 in Camby Oregon, the daughter of her Italian parents Edwardo & Menna Stefani who migrated from Lucca, Italy. The family set out moving from Oregon traveling with all 5 siblings at a young age in the mid 20's, settling on the North Coast near Davenport. After the birth of her two children she and her husband, Cuneo Viviani operated the Laguna Inn where it was a place known for so many family, friends and dignitaries to spend time enjoying the outdoors in the picnic grove socializing, eating wonderful food, dancing, playing games and having a marvelous time.
She loved animals and had many. Her adorable kitten Muffin is now with her daughter continuing to being loved and spoiled. When she entered the nursing facility, Muffin would visit frequently which made her happy. She raised a black bird from birth after falling out of its nest. It was never confined to a cage. It flew freely in and out of the Laguna Inn and out to the park and picnic area, but always returned to the loving arms of Lena. She was an avid golfer winning many tournaments while residing on the East Coast. She was an artist in food preparation, working at the Colonial Inn and Loma Linda restaurants for her brother Don Stefani, and then Aptos Seascape where she was loved by all of her employers and coworkers. Her love for music and dancing continued until she was confined to a wheel chair. She was a resident of the Driftwood Healthcare Center for several years with Pat Byrne as the Administrator, including a staff that became like family to her and her children.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Dee Murray and partner Bob Clark, son Eddie Viviani and wife Sandi, sister Nelli Stagi, brother Don Stefani and wife Sandi, Leo Stefani and wife Eva, grandchildren, Linda Lippi and husband John, and Michael Viviani, Christina Viviani, 5 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, her special nieces Teresa Darling, Nilda Salano, Gloria Campos and Antonette De Amico and nephew George Mungai, and their spouses, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. She was deceased by her loving sister, Mamie Bertolli and brother Fred Stefani.
A visitation will be held on Thursday June 26, 2008, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. Santa Cruz, Ca. The funeral will be held on Friday June 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
We will miss you so much Mama. The guardian angels are in heaven waiting for you with open arms to share your love.
Published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel on 6/24/2008.
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IVANO SAYS:

I am certain that by now Lena has been safely guided across "Il Ultimo Ponte" to join her relatives and 'amici" who have gone before her. As you know in "La Nostra Costa" (last chapter), I describe how once over "Il Ponte" all are transformed to being young as they once were. Perhaps on the other side of "Il Ponte" Lena will also find the Laguna Inn, appearing as it once was 'su per la costa". Imagine Lena and all those 'Amici della Costa' listening to "I Cantatori di Laguna" once again singing "Quel Mazzolin di Fiori" in the picnic grove behind the Inn. 'O che bella cosa'. ivn0






Wednesday, June 18, 2008

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION - Buddy Guzman

Photo: "Furlans" picnicking on the Iacopetti Property in Bonny Doon, C. 1952. Back row, L to R: Guido Cantarutti, Evelina Cantarutti, Elena Moro, Giga Taurian, Mary Ferlizza, Ivano Comelli. Front Row: L to R: Louis Iacopetti ??, Mario Taurian, Norma Cantarutti, Lido Cantarutti, Phil Taurian, name unknown, Bronco Comelli, John Comelli, Reno Cantarutti. (La Nostra Costa Photo Archives)



CRAIG KILLE, WHO MANAGES THE BONNY DOON INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY WEBSITE AT: < http://www.bonny-doon.info/ >, forwarded the below request for information from Mr. Buddy Guzman.

Hello, My name is Buddy Guzman. I attended school in Davenport in the early sixties. If I had to guess the year, 1963-or 1966. This is why I'm attempting to locate someone who can help me find a time frame. My sisters and I we're staying at my uncles at the time, Jess Davila. We would charge our lunch at a store right across the school grounds. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I really am just trying to find out about the time I was there. Both of my parents were ill during that time period, and myself and two sisters were sent to live with my Uncle Jess Davila. I believe he owned a labor camp on the outskirts of town somewhere. I do a lot of writing and loved the time I was there. I remember the inside of the school vividly, and I remember it was more than one grade in the classroom. Everyone was very nice to us and I can’t get that time period out of my mind. My uncle had one son, who still resides in Aptos, but he was a baby at that time, Jess "Sonny" Davila Jr.; he has no memory of it. It is such a memory to me; I am just compelled to find out when I was there. My uncle and aunt who we were staying with, are both deceased. My dad is also and my mom doesn't like to speak of it. It hurts her that we were "sent off'", and I understand this, but it leaves me with a blank in my life. It actually took me awhile to get to this point to research it. I love what I read about Bonnie Dooners, I might have the spelling wrong? I don't expect you to go out of your way, but I would very much like some help in this. I also have become a pretty decent wood carver and have a few things at the Mission in Soledad. I was raised in Gonzales.

Thanks again Craig, it took me 52 years of age to face the fact I had to live someplace other than home, but what a place! Just this one response from you reminds me of the two friends that befriended me.

Take care, Buddy Guzman

If anyone has information you can send it to me directly at: ivcomelli@arilion.com or posted it as a comment to this article. Craig and I will get the info to Buddy. And Craig adds the following:

To all Bonny Dooners and people who have contacted me about Bonny Doon, There has been a wildfire in Bonny Doon and many of us were evacuated from Wednesday through Friday, and even today for the Martin Road folks. We still hear the chain saws and helicopters from our place in Pineridge today. Now that I could return, I updated the http://www.bonny-doon.info > website to allow residents, fire fighters and everyone touched by this fire to share their stories and pictures. Please visit the site and see if you would like to contribute. Depending on what I receive, I will organize pictures, links, and stories so we can all share.

Thank you Fire Fighters!!! ..Craig

Friday, May 30, 2008

LaNORMA - MORE 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' FAMILY NAMES




Photo: LaNorma e Ivano con cappelli e 'Shavola' (hats and shovel), Scotts Valley, CA (2006) Courtesy LaNorma and Patty Morelli.)


I RECEIVED THE BELOW E-MAIL FROM LaNORMA (Norma Dinelli Wilson) of "La Nostra Costa" fame. It contains a wealth of information about all those 'Amici della Costa'.





Caro Ivano & Gino:
I am addressing this to you Ivano but it is also for Gino. In response to e-mail of Nov. l7, 2007
(sorry it took me so long but I filed it in a safe place and forgot it and came across it today!!)
Scusa!! First of all I really want to acknowledge and say how much I appreciate and enjoy
Gino’s Italanglish and of course the Italian. I have forgotten so much and you both bring it
Back out of my “storage computer”. I miss speaking Italian and of course miss the “oldtimers”
So much. I love talking to Flora Bargiacchi Anecito as she is a wealth of info on the old days
And of course we speaka Italiano.


I had some names and info to add to the list of Nostra Costa familynames. I made a few
Corrections as I thought they might be - between us all we will get it l00%. It is so great having
Such teamwork. Our folks are very proud of us all – I am sure!!


Bargiacchi, Giulio and Emma – parents of Don but also Mary Bargiacchi Condon.
Bertacca, Teresa (Patty Morelli’s great grandmother and grandmother of Evelyn Morelli)
Same name as her daughter Evelyn Morelli Tambellini Marchi (Augusto)
Teresa was very instrumental in a suit against the Cement Company with several ranchers
Because of the cement dust. They won the suit – can furnish details and also a foto of her at
Laguna with several Italians including the Battistinis when she became a UScitizen .
Bertolli, Italo and Mamie (Stefani ?) – parents of Teresa Darling and Nelda
DeLuca, Amerigo etc. - I think it is spelled with only one C not two.
In reference to the tragic accident – in addition to the DeLuca’s deaths – also their two
Neighbors died – husband and wife – think they were Portuguese – name escapes me at the
Moment.
Costella, ? cement contractor (many sidewalks in Santa Cruz have their name stamped on them)
Daughter Irene Costella married Penniman – mother of Warren “Aldo” Penniman
Del Chiaro, Pia and “Tripoli” – parents of Diana Petrolino and son Fred.
Dell”Orfanello, Landa & ? - parents of Eva Quilici and Betty DelChiaro
Franceschini, Francesco – remember my parents talking about his injuries.
In reference to the Marina Ranch - Did Alessandro DelChiaro and Dante Dinelli have a share at one time?
When? It is located above the hill where the S.Grossi Ranch was on the Coast Rd.
Garibotti, Dr. - Was the story that he ate the mushrooms at a dinner at one of the ranches? His son is still in
Santa Cruz – Patty Morelli talked to him last year. He was a building contractor. Also Mary Joan Rodriguez
Worked for Dr. Garibotti and/or Dr. Franes McKay his wife. She lives in Scotts Valley and has some info about them.
Puccinelli, Armando – nickname “Fumetto” Was cook for the S. Grossi Ranch (partner D.Dinelli and Bruno Rodoni)
Moceo is spelled with o not an a – father of Ralph Moceo
Marchi, Augusto and Evelyn (Bertacca) – Teresa’s daughter – also Ali Bertacca and Patty’s grandmother Gilda (Evelyn Morelli’s
Mother) Married Collins and then divorced.
Morelli, Mac and Evelyn – parents of Mac and Patty and also Margo and Carol. (Margo died in l964?) at a young age.
Neri, Quinto and Elvira parents of Laura. Also owner of property at Gulch Ranch with Joe Antonetti.
Quinto Neri and Pete Rinaldi and Americo Presepi started what is now known as Rodoni Ranch. They brought Dante Rodoni in as a partner as he was married to Andreina who was Pete’s niece. Rina Rinaldi is Dante Rodoni’s
Sister.
Pieracci I think is spelled this way – think I am correct – check it out – always a possibility I am wrong!!
Perlino – the chicken people – when his wife died in 2002 she left 4 million dollars to many charities. Chickens
Paid off!!!
Pollastrini – can’t remember their first names – parents of Christine Walker (Ray Walker’s wife)
Pera, Alberto – there were two by the same name: nickname: “il Brown” (don’t know the Italian spelling)
Worked for the Pianavillas
Nickname: “Villa” worked for S. Grossi and Lorenzi ranches
Grossi, Settimo and Inez Fistolera – parents of Ida and Lea (Lambert)
Presepi, Amerigo and Luisa – also partners in what is now known as Rodoni ( see Neri)
Rinaldi, Ulisse – father of Martha Oneto and ? (divorced wife Bruna)
Scoppettone – Harpers Bizarre member was Dick. His brother Jim (Painter) lived in house in Scotts Valley
Where Alfred Hitchcock lived – (either Jim or Dick?)
Chiesa, ? and ? - parents of Ann Moye(?) - caretakers for Alfred Hitchcocks place in Scotts Valley
Tori – yes Il Trovatore Hotel was place for all occasions including weddings, lst Communions, Confirmation, etc etc.
Ivano asked about a bar on Pacific Ave. named Manhatten – yes it was across from Zoccoli’s and owned by
Danny Cavadias – a Greek – father of Marios and Georgia who were Holy Cross students
Gino – do you remember the bridge going across the railroad tracks from the Coast Road at the Lorenzi Ranch?
I think this is it – I will think of the names I couldn’t come up with or maybe when you see the info the names will
Come to you.
I sure appreciate the list – what a memory – I could fill in the blanks but that was a great job and memory work compiling
Such a treasured list. Thanks again for sharing – thank you Ivano and Gino for all your info. LOVE IT!!!
Grazie – be in touch.
Ciao per ora – La Norma

Friday, May 23, 2008

MEMORIES OF SOME POLICE OFFICERS I KNEW - BY GINO CAMPIONI


Photo courtsey of Marvin Del Chiaro. Top row (l to r): Damon Knight, Ron Daugherty, Marvin Del Chiaro, Donald ??, Jerry Mungai, David McCabe, name forgotten. Middle row (l to r): Ivan Comelli, Jim Ceragioli, Dennis Soo Hoo, Neil ??, Mario Rodoni, Louis Costa, Gay-lea Morse. Bottom row (l to r): Barbara Jean Smith, Barbara Silva, Jeanette Benedetti,
Shirley Machado, Ellen Herrman, Marion Hagler, Marcia Pori.




FOR THIS MEMORIAL WEEKEND, I THOUGHT I WOULD PUBLISH AN E-MAIL I RECEIVED FROM GINO CAMPIONI. IN IT HE REMINISCES ABOUT SOME POLICE OFFICERS HE KNEW DURING HIS LIFE TIME. ONE IS CHARLES DERBY WHO WAS A MEMBER OF THE SANTA CRUZ POLICE DEPARTMENT. IN 'LA NOSTRA COSTA', I WRITE HOW INFLUENTIAL OFFICER (LATER SERGEANT) DERBY WAS ON MY OWN POLICE CAREER. UNFORTUNATELY, I DO NOT HAVE A PHOTO OF CHARLES DERBY, OR I WOULD HAVE PUBLISHED IT WITH GINO'S ARTICLE. AS A SUBSTITUTE I CHOSE TO PUBLISH A PHOTO OF WHAT WAS CERTAINLY PART OF OFFICER DERBY'S LEGACY, THE TRAFFIC BOYS AND GIRLS OF LAUREL SCHOOL. AS I WRITE IN THE BOOK, OFFICER DERBY SPENT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TRAINING US FOR OUR ENDEAVORS AT THE SCHOOL. IT PAID OFF! WE WON TWO FIRST PLACE TROPHY'S AT THE YEAR END BBQ HELD AT DELAVEAGA PARK IN SANTA CRUZ. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES OFFICER DERBY AND YOU ALSO GINO.



Hello Ivano,

I am coming to the end of reading La Nostra Costa for the second time, and last night read the part about your police career. That prompted me to send you some thoughts about some lawmen I have known.

I do remember officer Derby, having seen him several times at school. I may have been in a class on traffic safety or something. He made frequent appearances at Mission Hill School.

Did you know Officer Dennis Finnegan? He made an imposing figure riding his police Harley, sitting straight in the saddle as if he were in a parade. I certainly admired
him.

Another policeman who lived just up the street from me was Officer Ray Carpenter. He rode bikes too. One day he was after someone and drove down a hill and had to make a wide right turn onto Beach Street, and ran head-on into a pickup driven by his neighbor John Strohbien. (air raid warden years before) Ray was thrown over the windshield and into the bed of the truck. He suffered a back injury and could not ride motorcycles afterward.

I know I already told you of my meeting with Captain Klein at the corner of Race and Park in San Jose. Partly because of his understanding and partly from my apologetic behavior, my failing to see the stop light only resulted in receiving a request from the traffic court of "Fine $1. Bail $1". I paid it with gratitude.

Bob King was a member of Santa Cruz Police Dept. I met him at the Santa Cruz County Model Airplane Club. I had built a model Piper Tripacer airplane, and wanted to give it a fine finish. Bob offered to paint it for me, and did a fine job. He lived not far from me, perhaps on Seaside St. One day, while driving on Bay St. past Seaside, I had a police car behind me with flashing lights. On stopping I found that it was Officer Bob. (nothing wrong. He just wanted to talk about model airplanes)

You would not know this one, but may have known of his doings: Stanley O. Nicolayson was a member of California Highway Patrol in Los Angeles. He rode police motorcycles. He had an accident while riding his bike, and severely injured his back. He was not able to continue as a CHP Officer. While recuperating, he pondered what he might do to earn a living by other means. He had always liked Mexican food, and decided to make it more available to the general public at reasonable prices. He started a restaurant which became popular so he added others and these spread throughout the Western United States. He called his business, "Taco Bell".
Stan also has other businesses in Oregon. (S.O.N. Enterprises) He is involved in many operations. I first met him when he and I were members of the Salem Fourth Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I used to sit next to him at choir rehearsals. More recently he was called to be a member of the presidency of the Portland Temple.

This one you might have known: Merlin Ellis was a tall and heavy officer. (I don't think he would have done well on motorcycles) He was an expert on firearms, and rented a room in the shop where Gerhard Schreiber and I worked. He rebored and balanced police pistols so that (in his own words) they became WEAPONS! He also was keen on home built helicopters. He built one with a Lycoming engine, parts from a wrecked Piper Cub, bits and scraps, etc. It never flew, which was fortunate. A ground test of the thing nearly did him in.

I used to take my lunch to work in a paper bag and leave it on a counter. Occasionally I would come back from service calls at noon and find my lunch gone. Merlin was hungry! I got a bit tired of that trick, so knowing he did not like pickles, I fixed a lunch with a sandwich loaded with peperoncini. That day I came in for lunch and found a sandwich with one bite out of it. He never stole my lunch again.

Merlin drove his police car onto my driveway one day. He said that a lady several blocks away was having severe TV interference from my radio. I don't know how it was determined that it was my radio that was causing the problem, but we went to look. (my only ride in a police car) It was a customer of Paul Pay's Rainbow TV shop. I had worked on that TV shortly before. I checked the service information for that set. (an ancient GE black & white table model) It had a main amplifier string operating on 21 Megahertz. Exactly the frequency range on which I ran my radio. (legal frequencies for amateur radio, no longer being used for any other purpose) There was no way to keep a 21 MHz signal out of a 21 MHz receiver. The customer did not understand and was very upset. The TV solved the problem. Shortly thereafter, it self-destructed. She couldn't blame me for that. (although she might have thought so)

Saluti Gino

Sunday, May 18, 2008

LA SHAVOLA (scia'vo la)


IN 'LA NOSTRA COSTA (OUR COAST) I WRITE HOW THE ITALIANS 'SU PER LA COSTA' (AND I PRESUME ELSEWHERE) ITALIANIZED CERTAIN AMERICAN WORDS. FOR INSTANCE, THE RANCERI CALLED THE SHOVEL 'LA SHAVOLA' (scia'vo la). I HAVE SINCE ADOPTED 'LA SHAVOLA' AS THE SYMBOL OF THE BAGNATORI WHO USED TO IRRIGATE THE FIELDS UP THE COAST BY THE HAND AND SHOVEL METHOD. THE ARTICLE BELOW, "BORROWED" FROM: http://www.policybers.com/ TELLS YOU ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT 'LA SHAVOLA".



Shovel with wide blade - especially appropriate for lifting snow or coal
A shovel is a tool for lifting and moving loose material such as coal, gravel, snow, dirt, or sand. It is usually a hand tool consisting of a broad blade with edges or sides that is fixed to a medium-length handle. The term "shovel" is also applied to larger excavating machines, such as steam shovels, which are designed for the same purpose—lifting and moving material, see Loader (equipment).
Hand shovels have been adapted for many different tasks and environments. They can be optimized for a single task or designed as cross-over or compromise tools to perform multiple tasks. For example:
A coal shovel typically has a wide, flat blade with steeply turned sides, a flat face and a short D-shaped handle.
A snowshovel often has a very wide sideless blade that curves upward attached to a long, straight handle. It is designed as much for pushing the snow as for lifting it.
A spade is designed primarily for breaking up ("spading") clumps of soil. A spade usually has a point and is designed to be pushed into the soil with a foot. Spade blades usually have a rounded face without sharply upturned sides.
A gardening trowel is a small single-hand implement for breaking up clumps in soil. Gardening trowels typically have strong, narrow blades with sharp points.
An entrenching tool is a collapsible shovel designed for the military. It may have a spade-like point or even serrated edges for secondary use as an axe.
A regular, but dirty, spade shovel.
The traffic signs warning of a Work zone or Construction site generally show a person operating a shovel.
Toy shovels are common playthings on sandy beachs or in sandboxes.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
cs:Lopata
Search Term: "Shovel"
Categories: Mechanical hand tools Gardening tools
shovel news and shovel articles
Here's our top rated shovel links for the day:
Some divine intervention in real estate
Akron Beacon Journal - 2 hours, 17 minutes agoRandy Moore jumped on the shovel with both feet, and the blade pierced the earth. ``It's supposed to be buried 8 inches deep and upside down,'' said Carla Herbert, owner of Harvest Home Realty, who has Randy and Beth Moore's $149,900 Cape Cod on the market.
Kids flourish as blossoms flower
Bar Harbor Times - Oct 09 10:25 PMTREMONT Tiny Alahna Mild wields a shovel almost as long as she is tall.

Son of Italian immigrants farms background for book
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Oct 09 5:08 AMWith shovel in hand and old-country hat on head, Ivano Comelli re-enacted a scene of what it was like to be an Italian farmer in Santa Cruz County at the start of the Depression in the late 1920s.

Rake now because snow is in the forecast

Thank you for reading the shovel page - shovel.
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Friday, May 09, 2008

GUGLIELMO'S CORK EQUITY DAY NUMERO XX

Ivano Diavolino Got His Girls by bottling his own Guglielmo Wine
(Photo from the 'La Nostra Costa Photo Archives, Bonny Doon c.1938)


ATTENTION BLAGGA FANS!! IF YOU WANT TO GET THE GIRLS, YOU GOTTA KNOW WHERE TO GO! IVANO DIAVOLINO RECOMMENDS THE GUGLIELMO WINERY, SATURDAY,MAY 17,2008. SEE DETAILS BELOW:




BOTTLE YOUR OWN RED WINE: GUGLIELMO’S CORK EQUITY DAY #20,SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008 – 10 AM – 3 PM. ‘RAIN OR SHINE.’CORK EQUITY n: Definition: A method of saving big money by getting hands on involvement assisting in the bottling, corking and labeling of your own premium wine. Nearly six thousand wine lovers have turned up at our cellar door on Cork Equity Day looking for a great bottle of wine at a great price. Few have been disappointed! Don’t miss your chance to meet some friends, have some fun, hear some great Italian music, enjoy our complimentary bread and cheese, plus earn access to our Chef's Table featuring or famous grilled sausages with purchase of a case or more.


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IVANO SAYS: AS AN ADDED BONUS, THE ‘OLD RANCERE’ SAYS THAT HE WILL ONCE AGAIN BE PRESENT TO SELL AND SIGN COPIES OF “LA NOSTRA COSTA” (OUR COAST), AND POSSIBLY SING A FEW ITALIAN SONGS OF OLD.


GUGLIELMO ‘S
1480 EAST MAIN AVENUE
MORGAN HILL, CA 95037(408) 779-3166
http://www.guglielmowinery.com/
DIRECTIONS: FROM SAN JOSE TAKE HWY 101 TO E.DUNNE AVE OFF RAMP. TURN LEFT ON E.DUNNE AVE. PROCEED ACROSS HWY 101 OVER-PASS TO CONDIT RD.(2ND STOP LIGHT). TURN LEFT ON CONDIT RD AN PROCEED NORTH 0.8MI TO E.MAIN AVE.(NEXT STOP LIGHT). TURN RIGHT ON E.MAIN AVE. AND PROCEED APPROXIMATELY 1/2MI TO WINERY ON YOUR RIGHT. (LIVE OAK HIGH SCHOOL IS ACROSS THE STREET.)
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FROM: SANTA CRUZ-WATSONVILLE-SALINAS-GILROY, GET ON HWY 101 AND PROCEED NORTH TO E.DUNNE AVE. OFF RAMP. TURN RIGHT ON E. DUNNE AVE TO CONDIT RD (FIRST STOP LIGHT). TURN LEFT ON CONDIT RD. AND PROCEED NORTH 0.8MI TO E.MAIN AVE.(NEXT STOP LIGHT.) TURN RIGHT ON E.MAIN AVE. AND PROCEED ABOUT 1/2 MILE TO THE WINERY ON YOUR RIGHT.
BUONA FORTUNA E SEMPRE AVANTI.

Monday, April 21, 2008

DAVENPORT JAIL: PHOTOS PLEASE




I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING REQUEST FROM 'LNOSTRA-COSTA' HISTORIAN

ALVERDA ORLANDO:

Hello Ivan
I am looking for photos of the Davenport jail taken between 1910 and 1945. We are trying to restore it to its original condition. That has become a small controversy because no one really knows what the original was like. It has been "repaired" many times. In particular we need a good photo of the door.
Could you send out an SOS to your contacts to see if anyone took a photo of the jail, maybe with Aunt Mary or little Gino standing in front of it. We can deduce quite a bit from even a snapshot.
Thank you
Alverda

The article below article and the photo above was borrowed from the following website: www.cruzio.com/-scva/davenjail.html


The Davenport Jail Museum

2 Davenport Avenue Davenport, CA 95017 Voice: (831) 429-1964
The Davenport Jail Museum is administered by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.
Hours: Weekends, 10 am - 2 pm, and by appointment.

Built in 1914, this two-cell county jail was used only once before being abandoned in 1936. Fifty years later it was given a new purpose when it was converted into a museum of North Coast history in 1987. Its intriguing permanent exhibition explores aspects of the North Coast story such as native settlements, the natural environment, major industries, early families, and community life. Davenport Jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The town of Davenport is 11 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. The Jail Museum is next to the Davenport Cash Store.
Santa Cruz Visual Arts
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SPEAKING OF DAVENPORT HISTORY,ETC: Last Saturday, April 19, was the 62 Anniversary of Joe 'Pino' Brovia's ("The Davenport Destroyer') mighty homerun at Seal Stadium. In "La Nostra Costa" I write the following regarding the event:
".............Jim Sargent, in his excellent article on Pino, credits him with hitting the longest home run in the history of Seal Stadium.* Estimates had the ball traveling some 560 feet, up and over the center field wall. (Unknown to me at the time , Pino's "blast" occurred on my ninth birthday, April 19,1946.) Because of its significance, a star was place at the top of the wall marking the spot where the ball had left the stadium. After arriving in San Francisco circa 1958, Willie Mays, the legendary center fielder for the Giants, was alleged to have said of Pino's home run. "Hey, that's a five-dollar ride in a taxicab. (Five dollars took you a long way in 1958.)**
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*Mr. Sargent's article,dated 9/1/2001, appeared on the website:
**"La Nostra Costa (Our Coast), page 120, copyrighted by Ivano Franco Comelli, and published by Authorhouse: http://www.authorhouse.com/

Monday, April 14, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY; JOE PALOOKA E IVANO


Joe Palooka Looka Like 1944
(La Nostra Costa Photo Archives)

Above image copyrighted by Estate of Ham Fisher and appears on Toonpedia website;
www.toonpedia.com/palooka.htm



Well what do you know? Another year has passed and your ‘Grand Blaggatore’ will be celebrating another one of ‘them thar birthdays’. Guess what? Another famous character, of which I mention in ‘La Nostra Costa’ P.152, is also celebrating a birthday on April 19. Of course he is much older than I; however, I understand that he is still in very good physical shape. Happy Birthday to us, Joe Palooka.

The following was taken from the website: www.geocities.com/jnevins/pulp .




Palooka, Joe. Created by Ham Fisher, Joe Palooka debuted on 19 April 1930 and ran through 1984, one of the most successful comic strips of all time. Palooka, a genuinely nice man, was a poor man whose skill was boxing, and who used that skill to become the "undefeated heavyweight champion of the world." Actually, that's not quite correct. Palooka's greatest skill was in being human. Very much a working class hero (it's something to be), he was humble without being craven, shy without being withdrawn, laid-back without being a slacker, easily embarrassed without being a stiff, and genuinely likable. To quote one critic, "Joe personified the ideals of the American majority of old--the simple life, the virtues of the Boy Scout code, and goodness for its own sake. He also exemplified toughness and power and could be moved to intense anger when his or someone else's toes were stepped on." He really was a good guy. Palooka fought his way to the top of the fight game, and then, when war was declared, entered the Army as a private and fought through the war at that rank. Joe was assisted by Knobby, the small, nervous, twitchy and argumentative fight manager, and by Smoky, whose vocabulary and appearance was that of a racist stereotype but who was always treated by Joe as an equal and friend. (Joe, like I said, was a good human being)


In “La Nostra Costa”, I write: “Joe Palooka never lost a fight and I thought he was a great funny-book Champion. However, there was another, rival “Funny Book Heavyweight Champion” at the time. His name was Curly Kayoe. He, also, was white and he, also, never lost a fight. My greatest wish was that the two champions would one day slug it out in the same ring, and resolve once and for all the disputed “Funny Book Heavyweight Championship.” Then we would know for certain who the best fighter really was. Much to my disappointment, they never did.” *


* “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast), copyrighted by Ivano Franco Comelli, 2006. Order on line:
www.authorhouse.com or through your favorite bookstore.