FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE - NICK PAGNINI

IVANO SAYS: The following Remembrance appeared in the Santa Cruz Sentinel www.santacruzsentinel.com

Nicholas Roy Pagnini

Nicholas Roy Pagnini passed away on June 6, 2009 of Multiple Myeloma, a form of bone cancer. He fought the disease with tremendous bravery and an amazing positive attitude that we would expect from such a great man. Nick was born in Santa Cruz, CA on August 4, 1936. He was the son of Roy and Catherine Sinnott Pagnini of Felton, CA.
Nick began his education at Felton Elementary, a one room school house, where he attended up to the sixth grade. Being the fourth generation resident of this county and a young wanderer, he knew the Santa Cruz area like the back of his hand. He went on to go to Mission Hill Junior High in Santa Cruz where he formed many wonderful friendships to continue through the years. His Italian grandparents Rose and Nello Pagnini resided in Santa Cruz, near the SC Wharf, and he told many stories of great food, amazing surf, and warm family memories.
One of Nick's passions was surfing. He traveled up and down the California coastline to find the perfect wave and to be with friends. With wetsuits not yet invented, he would say, "I surfed before hypothermia was invented." On his travel to Hawaii in 1955, he would be transformed and his love of the Isles emerged. He loved the warm salt water, the slack key music, and the food. Nick would travel to Hawaii many times after this with his family and he passed on his deep appreciation of the Isles to them.
Nick graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1954 and was all CCAL in football, a sport that he always loved. Upon graduation, he worked for the California Department of Forestry in Corralitos, CA and attended Hartnell Junior College where he also played football. He returned to forestry work, but in the fall of 1955, Nick was off to Hawaii to pursue his passion for surfing. Also in 1955, Nick returned to California to attend Orange Coast Junior College and to work at Disneyland the first year it opened. He was always proud to say that Uncle Walt Disney signed his paychecks. In 1956, he joined the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was tremendously proud of this accomplishment and enjoyed being a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment #711 Monterey Bay. Nick also loved his continued connection with the SCHS class of 1954 and looked forward to attending the monthly luncheons.
In 1958, Nicholas returned to Felton and the community he cherished. He worked for his father at Roy's Market, a family owned business since 1936 currently New Leaf Market. Nick married Beverly Sommer, SCHS Class of 1955, in April 1959. Dana Pagnini, their first daughter, was born in 1960 and their second daughter, Jennifer Pagnini-Gedymin Mark, was born in 1973. He is survived by his two daughters and many cousins.
Further demonstrating his commitment to the community, Nick joined the Zayante Fire Department in 1976. He was an EMT and a Captain during his time with the ZFD. Nicholas was not only an officer, but a well respected mentor to the young fire department recruits who wanted to join Zayante Fire's finest. Through the years, Nick would return home with interesting stories of emergency calls and always expressed his concern for the local people who needed his assistance.
Nick coached one of his favorite sports, football, at San Lorenzo Valley High for the freshmen teams. Throughout the years, Nick was an active supporter of the SLV and Santa Cruz High Booster Clubs. He also attended local high school football and track events to cheer on the many dedicated athletes.
He was also, for recognition of his incredible community involvement, awarded San Lorenzo Valley's Man of the Year Award in 1979. In many peoples hearts, Nick is the man of the century.
When he sold Roy's Market in 1990, Nick certainly didn't retire and continued to remain busy as ever. He was not only active with the Zayante Fire Department but also managed the Trout Farm for a few years. Since people couldn't talk to him at Roy's, the Trout Farm was a good place to catch up with their favorite local personality. He loved being the person that people could turn to for whatever they needed. Nick did this with his whole heart and no agenda.
Nick was a loving and kind person who gave 110 percent to his family, friends, and community where he grew up. He had deep roots to the local area and dedicated his life to serving its people. He enjoyed great company, good food with a nice cold beer, and a hearty laugh. Always taking the time to help and listen, he touched many people's lives in so many ways. He will always be with us, but his physical presence will be forever missed. Thank you, Nick, for everything.
The Pagnini family would like to extend their thanks to the Veteran's Administration Hospital at Palo Alto. The doctors, nurses, and the hospice unit provided Nick with respectful, wonderful, and compassionate care. For eight years, thoughout Nick's treatment, the oncology staff gave him first class attention to allow him a full life while managing his cancer.
Our family would also like to thank the Zayante Fire Department for all the love and support. We consider the members to be our extended family.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund will be appreciated. This fund will provide for local athlete scholarships. You may send your contribution to the Pagnini Family at PO Box 336, Felton, CA 95018. For further information, you may also visit the fund's website at: http://www.pagninimemorial.com/

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D)

As Nick's Remembrance states, he was married to Beverly Sommers, SCHS Class of '55. I think the article above says it all about Nick. I enjoyed talking with him at the SCHS Class of "54 lunches and picnics. He always had an encouraging word to say about my attempts to keep the memories of Santa Cruz and "La Nostra Costa" alive Thanks, Nick. I will miss you.

ADDIO NICK PAGNANI. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE'.

LEN SAYS

One item missing from Nick Pagnini’s obit is that he is in the San Lorenzo Valley High School Hall of Fame. Nick told me he was selected because of his years of coaching and being president of the SLV High Boosters Club for many years.He also was often referred to as the "unofficial mayor of Felton."Nick not only was among seven SCHS Class of 1954 members interviewed by KTEH-TV for the San Jose PBS station's "This Is Us" show telecast on May 31, he also also among a number of Santa Cruz oldtimers interviewed for the Santa Cruz Boardwalk's 100th anniversary DVD in 2007, which has been shown on KTEH and on KQED, San Francisco's PBS station.

Len Klempnauer, Capitola - SCHS '54

PHOTO SHOWS: Nick (on the left) being interviewed for KTEH-TV - 2009

[Photo courtesy of Len Klempnauer]

LA NOSTRA COSTA - IL BUCO

IL BUCO AT THE GULCH RANCH (C. 1953)

['Clicca' on photo for enlarged image]

IVANO SAYS: IN 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' I write (LNC: p. 35) about Il Buco (The Hole) on the Gulch Ranch. This was the place where the ranceri (Italian ranchers) worked in the 'old barn' and eat their meals at the 'old cooka housa'. When I was describing the ranch compound in 'Il Buco', I did it (mostly) by memory. Now, Gino d'Baffi Campioni, sent me this excellent black and white photo he took in the early 1950's. I was very happy to discover that my memory of 'Il Buco" was pretty good. (Please 'clicca' on photo. The enlarged image is really something.)

The 'old barn' (still stands today) where my mother cleaned all those 'sprouts' (LNC: pgs. 57-60) is the big building on the left. In the front of the barn are some sheds where the tractors, etc. were stored. (Some of these sheds still stand today, although at a different location.) The small shed forward of the barn is the washroom, where the ranceri washed up before entering the 'cookahousa' for their meals. Across (left side of photo) from the wash room is the shed covering the dugout where the Gulch Ranch stored their homemade wine.

Unfortunately, the 'cookahouse' is barely visible at the right hand corner of the photo. The tree in front obstructs the view. The 'old cookahousa' burned down in 2002.

I want to thank Gino for sending me the above photo. It brings back a lot of memories about how things were back when. Visible in the photo is a small wooden bridge (gone now) which crossed a small stream. As a young boy, I spent many hours on that bridge dropping 'rock bombs' on imaginary 'enemy ships' sailing below. Thanks again Gino. Sempre Avanti.

BTW: 'Il Buco' today is home to the Santa Cruz Mushroom Company owned and operated by Andrew and Jean Hsu.

FIGLIO DELLA COSTA - RICHARD STEFANI REMEMBERED

IVANO SAYS: In "La Nostra Costa" (P.237) I write: :It seemed to me (I was two or three years younger than they were), that those Davenport kids were nothing but a bunch of ruffians. I always thought that they went around with a chip on their shoulders........." Although I didn't mention him by name, Richard Stefani was one of those "ruffians". In the following paragraph I continue to write about these 'ruffians': "Fortunately, most of these ruffians, grew out of their stage of rowdiness, and did not become serious wrongdoers............"

As the Remembrance published in the Santa Cruz Sentinels

indicates Richard successfully shed his "ruffian" image and went on with his life in a meaningful and productive manner.

Addio Richard . Until we meet again across "Il Ultimo Ponte".

Richard John Stefani

Richard John Stefani passed away on June 7, 2009 in Santa Cruz, Ca. Richard was born on June 7, 1932 to Ezio Italo and Julia Stefani. He was raised in Santa Cruz, although he lived in Grants Pass, Oregon for 30 of his 77 years. Richard graduated from Santa Cruz High and worked as a Truck Driver for soft drinks and beer distributorships, as well as, a produce company. He also worked in logging during his time in OR.
Richard loved the outdoors, animals, camping, and fishing. He was a former member of the Marconi Club. He was predeceased by his parents, and his son, Richard. He is survived by his children: Mark Stefani, Janet Patrick McDonald, Norma Strite, and Eugene Stefani. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and a dear friend, Georgia Magnabosco.
Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz.

LA COSTA - PHOTOS BY GINO CAMPIONI -ARTICLE BY NANCY JACOBS

LOVER'S BEACH ON THE GULCH RANCH (SOUTH TO NORTH)

THE DAM ON THE RODONI RANCH HOLDING

WATER FOR THE 'BAGNATORI'

RODONI RANCH LOOKING FROM EAST TO WEST

.
My memory of living where my family lived on the coast is one of remoteness. It was very hard to access the ranch.
The farmhouse was built next to the estuary and when the estuary flooded and the bridge washed out WE BECAME SURVIVALISTS IN THE TRUE SENSE!
I was definitely a scroungy kid because we had to live in the proximity of mud everywhere, the fear of rising water and only and abandoned barn to escape to which was on the third level of the ranch next to the dairy cow corral.
Our farmhouse had a large pantry which allowed for the storage of foodstuffs. We kept large cans of olive oil, large bins of pasta, canned tomatoes, large sacks of cornmeal, large round of cheese and dried herbs. In one corner we had a medicine chest. In the other we had a small keg of wine, sometimes we had dried salciccia, (sausage), a keg of olives, canned artichokes, dried garlic and sacks of flour, canned spinach, and some dried firewood.
We also had a victory garden which, in fact, was a survival garden in which we planted carrots, swiss chard, lettuce etc. We never had any fruit trees because it was simply too cold.
When we were stuck because the bridge was out and the there was a slide we had to hunt for game. Ducks, deer, birds such as quail, rabbits and chickens. We raised the chickens.
The true survivalist was probably my brother because he was jungle trained. But, in fact, we all had to be survialists in order to survive the weather, especially the cold and the perennial flooding.
We still had horses, two of them and if things got really bad, at least two of us could ride out on the horses if they could climb the hill to reach the level spot so that we could get to the highway. It was all dicey at best! And if you went the other way you had to battle the curvy Swanton Rd. On a stormy day or night that was a challenge! The weather on the coast was extremely dramatic, quick changing and extraordinarily beautiful all at the same time. The sunsets could be stunning with all the colors showing as the sun went down and if a storm approached, the dark blue grey of the clouds really set off the sunset. Those clouds could put us in a survival situation overnight.

THE LA NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - JENNA, JESSUP AND KADIN SWANEY

JENNA (CENTER) AND FRIENDS

JESSUP - JOANNE - KADEN

----------

IVANO SAYS: In "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast), I write about the improbable marriage of a 'Figlio della Costa' (Son of the Coast), Joe Gemignani and a 'Figlia del Friuli' (Daughter of Friuli), Lina Bressani (LNC: pgs. 191-197). The marriage was arranged by mother, Valentina (Lina's sister) in 1947. Lina came to the America as a "War Bride", after Joe who had served as a US soldier in Europe during WW II, agreed to marry her (sight unseen, except for a famous photo). Joanne (Gemignani) Swaney is the daughter of Joe and Lina. Joanne and her husband Jan Swaney make the following announcement:

Ivano

Jan and I are our proud to inform you that your cousin (our daughter), Jenna graduated with her jurisdoctorate on May 9, 2009 and was recognized by the school for her academic achievement in tort law. She is now studying for the Bar Exam which she will take in July. Please wish her luck.

We also want to let you know that your cousins (our twin sons), Jessup and Kadin also graduated. Jessup graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Civil Engineering and with honors in general studies from Chico State on May 23, 2009. He's looking for a job! Wish him luck too! Kadin graduated with a degree in Construction Management from Chico State on May 23, 2009. He is currently in his second round of interviews with Ghilotti Brothers Construction Company which is based in San Rafael Ca. Keep your fingers crossed! Jan and I are extremely proud of the achievements of our daughter and sons. They worked very hard and deserve the best.

Your Cousin (Prima),

Joanne

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

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Wow! Congratulations to one and all. Quite an achievement. Joanne, I know that your father Joe would have been extremely proud. And I know that Lina, your mother (who I failed to mention in a previous article is also the Great-Great Aunt of Andrew Roubal), is bursting at the seams. What a year for the 'La Nostra Costa' story (in continuance). Best wishes e Buona Fortuna to all.

Ivano

SANTA CRUZ HIGH ALUM ANNOUNCEMENT

SANTA CRUZ HIGH PEP BAND '54-'55

-----------

IVANO SAYS: Bring on the Band! Len Klempnauer, SCHS Class of '54, makes the following announcement:

KTEH-TV, the PBS channel in San Jose, will spotlight the Santa Cruz High School Class of 1954 in its next edition of "This Is Us," a show featuring interesting people within the station's viewing area.The Class of ‘54 segment will be telecast on Sunday, May 31, at 6 p.m. Since January 2000, the ‘54ers have been getting together every month for dinner or lunch, and KTEH was interested in finding out why they have remained so close for more than five decades.KTEH sent a four-person crew to interview the local grads on Feb. 25 at the DeLaveaga Park Golf Lodge restaurant. The TV staff circulated among the diners to “eavesdrop” on their conversations during the lunch and interviewed seven individually who had varying interests while teenagers:o Nick Pagnini of Zayante, one of two Class of ’54 board surfers before the days of wetsuits and fiberglass boards.o Nancy Jellison of Santa Cruz, a teenage carhop at the Cross Roads, a local drive-in diner in the Fifties, who married after her junior year but remained in school to earn her diploma.o Chuck Filice of Salinas, a three-sport letterman and All-Coast Counties Athletic League (CCAL) selection in football and baseball.o Ruth Mitchell of Santa Cruz, a topnotch female beach volleyball player when the sport was virtually unknown outside Hawaii and Southern California.o Dick Lippert of Carmichael, a hot rod enthusiast noted for his lead foot and outracing local gendarmes.o Cookie Ruschin of San Jose, an outstanding actress who was invited to the Pasadena Playhouse high school drama tournament in her senior year.o Len Klempnauer of Capitola, class president who was instrumental in getting the monthly get-togethers started.Also scheduled to be interviewed but unable to attend were Lorraine Voight of Santa Cruz, a ‘54 cheerleader, who was ill, and Rod Jensen of Aptos, a top scholar and recipient of a full-ride NROTC scholarship, who was away on business.In addition to the seven interviewed, 40 more classmates, spouses, guests and members of other SCHS classes attended the February lunch.A total of 118 different members of a class numbering about 265 have attended one or more of the informal monthly affairs over the years.*****Of course Chuck Filice and Nick Pagnini are Italian-Americans. Chuck's uncle owned and operated the Anchor Bar on Pacific Avenue and Nick's father owned and operated Roy's Market in Felton for years.I received a preview DVD of our part of the one-hour show (we're on for seven minutes), and a lot of still photographs are used as backgound shots, including the one attached of the SCHS Pep Band that was published in our '54 Cardinal yearbook. Most of Pep Band members were in your Class of '55.

-Len-

LA NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - ANDREW ROUBAL

Andrew Roubal

Andrew and Ivano at the Capitola Bookstore and Cafe (2007)

BTW: Andrew is wearing his Great-Grandfather Bronco's hat. Nice fit Andrew.

THE PRESIDENT AND FACULTY

OF

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON

ANNOUNCE THAT

ANDREW JOHN ROUBAL

IS A CANDIDATE FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS

IN MUSICAL THEATRE

AT THE

UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

SATURDAY, MAY TWENTY-THIRD, TWO THOUSAND AND NINE

EIGHT O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING

---------

Ivano says: Andrew is the Great Grandson of Bronco and Valentina and Louie and Enes Moro. He is the son of Christine and Louie Roubal and the Grandson of Giovanni (John) Primo and Donna Comelli. And of course, he is my Great Nephew.

Andrew is doing Summer Stock Theatre at Cabrillo this summer. He plans to leave shortly thereafter, for The Big Apple, New York. Appearing on Broadway is in his plans for the future. Congratulations and Buona Fortuna, Andrew. Bronco and Valentina would have been most proud of you. Sempre Avanti. Ivano

A GHOST STORY BY ANON FURLANA

In a little Friulian Village, circa 1920 (when poor people did not have electricity), something spooky was going on in the family home. In the attic of their house a frightful noise was heard late at night. Because it was very dark up there, no one had the courage to into the attic to check out the noise. In the daytime they did check it out by climbing a wooden ladder that led to the ceiling attic door. They looked around and found everything in perfect order. The corn, potatoes, beans and many other things that the family kept in storage were still there. Nothing was stolen. This frightened them to no ends. They began thinking that demonic spirits had inhabited their attic.

The Reverend Monsignor from a neighboring village was called upon to perform a special ritual to bless the house and to clear it of the demons. This did not help. Late at night the demons continued to do their thing in the attic.

Sadly, the family decided that they had enough of the late night noises. They put the house up for sale. Thinking that they would have a hard time selling the place because of the ghosts in their attic, they listed it for sale at a very reasonable price.

To their surprise a person from their village met their price and bought the house. The family moved out and (surprise-surprise) the demons in the attic were never heard of again.

The question in the village then was: were there actually ghosts up in that there attic or was it "he who had bought the house" the mischief maker?

Many believed that the wise guy buyer had snuck into the house after dark and made all those rattling sounds in the attic. Thus, they said, he bought himself a very nice Friulian house at a very reasonable price.

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!"

Anon Furlana

AMICA DELLA COSTA DOLLY GREGORY - REMEMBERED

Services will be Monday and Tuesday for Dolly Gregory who passed away peacefully on May 11, 2009 surrounded by her loving family.
Dolly was born in San Francisco, CA on February 9, 1920, the daughter of Anita and Dan Demos. She grew up in Davenport. After graduating from Santa Cruz High School, Dolly Demos married her childhood friend, Alvin Gregory on December 1, 1940. Together they created a loving home for their children, Leon and Eleanor. Dolly and her late husband Alvin, together with Alvin's brother, Francis and his wife, Hazel owned and operated Gregory's Country Store for 30 years.
Dolly was an active member of the Davenport community. In her earlier years she participated in the 4-H sewing and cooking classes led by Mrs. Elsie Collins, a beloved native Hawaiian teacher. She was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Altar Society and the Sewing Club and she created countless mouth watering desserts for the numerous Improvement Club card parties and the Davenport Volunteer Fire Department Dances.
Dolly took special pride in creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in her home. She designed and made drapes, cushions, flower arrangements and other decorative items. Dolly and Alvin shared a special and loving marriage for 66 years. They enjoyed a rich array of activities including folk and square dancing, travel abroad, church events and working on the Davenport/Coast Road Reunion Committee. They were very proud to have been interviewed for the Davenport Coast Road History Project, which was organized by Alverda Orlando.
Art and all things creative defined the soul of Dolly's world. She especially loved oil painting, had a one woman show and was elected to a lifetime membership in the Santa Cruz Art League. Whatever she touched became special and unique: from planting a garden, to cooking for the family, to frosting a cake; she had a special artistic way of swirling the icing.
Dolly is survived by her son, Leon D. Gregory of Santa Cruz, daughter Eleanor O'Connor and her husband, Jack of Petaluma and her grandson, Matthew Schmitka of Petaluma. She is also survived by her loving brother Alvin Demos and his wife, Mary of Hollister. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin V. Gregory in 2007 and her brothers, Mike, Andy and Anthony. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High St., Santa Cruz, CA Tuesday May 19, 2009 at 11:00 am. A vigil prayer service will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA Monday May 18, 2009 at 7:00 pm. Visitation will be at the chapel on Monday from 1:00 pm until service time. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA.

Remembrance first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com

FIGLIO DELLA COSTA RICHARD RAFFIN REMEMBERED

THE LNOSTRA-COSTA BLOG IS A WONDERFUL THING. THROUGH IT I HAVE MADE CONTACT WITH JENNIFER RAFFIN FOUST, THE DAUGHTER OF RICHARD RAFFIN. IT WAS JENNIFER WHO SENT ME RICHARD'S REMEMBRANCE PUBLISHED BELOW.

---------

RICHARD F. RAFFIN

Winfield Daily Courier
SAN DIEGO –Richard F.Raffin , 59, longtime resident of San Diego, died unexpectedly Aug. 14, 2003.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church, 655 C Ave., Coronado, Calif. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held later.
A memorial has been established with Sherman Heights Community Center, 2260 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92102.
Raffin was born Aug. 18, 1943, in Santa Cruz, Calif., to Norma (Rocchi) and Federico Raffin. He attended schools in the Santa Cruz area.
In 1961 he moved to San Diego when he joined the U.S. Navy. After eight years of service, he settled permanently in San Diego. He was employed in dining services at the University of California.
Survivors include two daughters, Janell Maria Tatum, Burden, Ks, and Jennifer Renee Foust, Winfield, Ks ; their mother, Judy Patterson, Winfield Ks; a brother, Peter Raffin, San Jose, Calif; and six grandchildren.

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

IVANO SAYS: As I write in my book, (LNC: P. 290), Richard was just three years old in 1947, when one of the most tragic incidents in the LA Nostra Costa Story occurred. Richard's father, Federico Raffin, shot and killed his wife (Richard's mother), Norma (Rocchi) Raffin. Richard's older brother Peter, who is still living, was just 10 years old at the time. Jennifer has agreed to partner with me in writing follow-up articles about this tragic event. The articles will be published on the LNostra-Costa Blog. Thanks, Jennifer.

TOM SILVA REMEMBERED

Thomas F. Silva
Entered into rest on May 4, 2009 at the age of 71. Loving husband of 43 years to Filomena Silva of Newark. Beloved father to Ron Silva of Newark, Ken Silva of Eugene, OR, and Wayne Silva and his wife, Stacy, of Valley Glen. Cherished grandfather to Carissa, Kaitlin, and Jeremy. Treasured brother to Amelia Della Mora of Santa Cruz, Catherine Rego of Santa Cruz, Alvin Silva and his wife, Delores, of Novato, and Nelson Silva and his wife, Gloria, of Napa. Dear brother-in-law to Otilia Simas-Silva of Riverbank, and Cris Silva of Santa Cruz. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born September 24, 1937 in Santa Cruz, Tom was very proud of serving in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He was a Vietnam Veteran. He retired from Applied Materials in Santa Clara after 20 years. Tom loved sports. He was involved in football, baseball, and track at Santa Cruz High and Monterey Peninsula College. He was a Santa Cruz High Alumni. He was a member of AARP. He loved to watch sports, he especially loved watching his children play. He adored his grandchildren. He loved to travel.
Visitation Thursday, May 7, 5-8pm with a vigil at 7pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, 94536. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 8, 10:30am at St. Edward's Church, 5788 Thornton Avenue, Newark, 94560. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
510 797-1900

Published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/

TOM SILVA WAS A MEMBER OF THE SANTA CRUZ CARDINAL FOOTBALL TEAM 1954-55. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO PLAY WITH TOM ON THAT TEAM ALONG WITH: RICHARD HAWKINS, RICHARD HAGLER, LARRY PARR, JAY DEBENEDETTI, DON AUSBURY, ED FERRELL, LANCE BEI, JERRILL KERRICK, MIKE KUFFEL, JACK SPURLOCK AND STEVE TRAYLOR. (THERE WERE OTHERS OF COURSE AND I INVITE THEM TO ADD THEIR NAMES)*. AS I RECALL ,TOM WAS NAMED SCHS CLASS OF 1955, FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES TOM. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE'.

*Other seniors that I remember who were on your '54-'55 football team: Al Fehn, Jim Davis, Dave York, Bert Wagner, John Knox, Harold Barber, Larry Jones, Tom Palmer and Gary Bryan.

Len

THE CANADIAN FURLAN'S STORY

The Canadian Furlan, Doriano (left), and brother Gianpaolo (Paul) under family sign - Italy.

IVANO SAYS: Many of my LNostra-Costa 'Blaggatori' have asked me, "Who is this Canadian Furlan who knows so much about Italian History?" Well, Doriano, who is a teacher in Canada, has written a short bio about himself and his family. Thanks Doriano.

THE STORY OF THE CANADIAN FURLAN

I was born in Canada 1956. My parents immigrated to Canada in 1952, just after they were married. My Father left first and then my Mother joined my Dad almost a year later. I was the only child for a long time when my brother Paul was born in 1965, and then my sister came much later in 1969.


My parents were not typical Italian (Furlan) immigrants because they both had a trade. In fact many of my parents’ family and friends discouraged my parents from immigrating and instead asked them to weather out the storm that Italy and most of post war Europe was experiencing economically. My Father, an auto-body repairman’ was involved in a business partnership. He and another fellow Furlan owned a body shop in Udine. It was established during the war and continued until in 1950 - 51.

The partnership was eventually dissolved and my father attempted to do it on his own. However, due to issues beyond his control, Dad was not able to make the business viable. He became discouraged and originally decided to immigrate to Australia. The only reason he changed his mind (to immigrate to Canada instead) was due to the fact that he had a cousin living in Welland, Canada. His cousin Maria Degano had been living in Welland since the 1930's. Even so, Dad and Mom decided to immigrate for only 5 years, planning to make some money and then returning back to Friuli.

As I mentioned I was born in 1956 and our first trip back to Friuli was in 1960. We stayed in Friuli for 3 months. My father looked around and decided maybe we could stay permanently. However, Italy was still economically recuperating from WW II. Things were not yet good enough to stay. My Dad could earn more money working as an employee in Canada then working on his own in Italy. So back to Canada!

It was difficult for my parents because there were only cousins on my Father's side living in Canada. My Mother's brother and my Dad's brother came to Canada for short periods; however, my Mother's brother returned to Friuli. There he found a bride who did not want to leave Friuli. (To this day my, Uncle Luciano regrets not returning to Canada. He always says the life in Canada is much better than in Friuli.)

My Father's brother Giuliano, also came to Canada and did extremely well; however, he became severely ill with an incurable liver decease. He was given 3 months to live (he was 33 years old). My Father convinced his brother to return to Friuli where he lived exactly 3 months, passing away in November 1960. (This was during the time that my family was visiting Friuli.)

After my Uncle’s death, my parents decided to return to Canada. I was only 4 yrs old at the time, but remember it like it was yesterday. My parents worked away loving Canada, but their heart was still in Friuli. My father returned to Friuli in 1963 to look after his Mother who was very ill. He spent another 3 months there with his mother taking her to many places. While there my Father purchased a very large piece of property in Campoformido, Udine. His intention was that one-day we would all return to Friuli and build his Autobody Shop and home in Campoformido.

All he and my Mother would talk about was one day returning to Friuli. In the process they prepared me for the eventual trip back to Friuli. They always spoke to me in correct grammatical Italian. They even sent me to an Italian school on Saturdays. Meanwhile they spoke in Furlan when speaking to one another. As a consequence, I can speak and write Italian fluently and also Furlan.

The years passed, and in 1965 my brother Paul was born. I was the one who chose the name Paul, because the Beatles were popular at that time; I was torn between choosing John (after John Lennon) or Paul (after Paul McCartney). At this point, my Mother took over and said, “We will call him Gianpaolo”. I told Mom that it had to be a North American derivative name since we lived in Canada. I suggested the name John Paul. She said, “No! We are going back to Friuli so it must be a Furlan name...an Italian name!” Thus, my brother was named Gianpaolo; however, in the end, I had my way. I proceeded to call him Paul and I always have called him Paul. Guess what? The name Paul has stuck with him... all these years. And he still goes by Paul.

After my brother Paul was born, my parents really started to get serious about their plans to return to Friuli. One day they finally decided that they were indeed going to leave Canada. Oh Boy! That really hit me. I wasn't so sure that I wanted to leave for Friuli. I was 11 years old at the time and I just finished grade 5 and was going into the 6th grade. I had a lot of friends. I started to feel a little negative about the whole thing! I really had doubts about leaving Canada and all my friends.

After they had decided (in 1967) to move back to Friuli, my parents went through a hectic six months of preparing for the voyage. They had to sell off all their furniture and other things that they could not take with them. We even had to move in with friends for a month prior to leaving. There was a lot of confusion. Even my parents were starting to doubt their decision to move back to Fruili; however, late August 1967 the move was finally made.

Once back in Friuli, we moved into my Father’s birth home in Pasian di Prato Udine. (Pasian is about 5 kilometers outside the City of Udine.) The house my father was born in was shared with Dad's older brother Pascul. Well things did not look so good for me there. My friends were not around and everything was so different. Also my parents could not get used to being back in Friuli. Yes, it was certainly nice to see the family and being close to them and I did make friends who, by the way, I am still in contact with today. But the economics in Italy / Friuli were nothing like in Canada/North America. Things seemed very antiquated! My Father attempted to set up his business again; however, there were too many obstacles (a lot of red tape, too much bureaucracy, etc.). Also, the old house we were living in at the time was not very comfortable. Believe it or not, there was no bathroom inside that house. We had to go outside to an out- house to take care of business.

Meanwhile things were not going so great for me at school. They told me that my Italian was not up to standard, so they placed me three grades back. This was a lot of baloney because I could speak and write perfect Italian. However, the school knew my father was from Canada and they thought he had plenty of money. They wanted to send me to this tutorial school (for a fee of course) that was affiliated with some of the teachers. It really was quite political.
At about this time, I ended up getting really sick. I contracted Spinal Meningitis and was hospitalized for 3 months. (At one point, I almost did not make it.) While recuperating in a hospital in Udine, I actually was quarantined due to the nature of my virus. I was restricted to being seen by adults only.

While I was still in hospital, my father came by one day and told me he was going to return to Canada and set things up for us to all return to Canada. Wow! We were going back home to Canada. I was extremely happy for myself, but also for my parents. Both my Father and Mother experienced considerable stress in the one-year we spent in Friuli. They found it extremely difficult to repatriate themselves after living away for 15 years. They often said, “We have become Canadians and we actually prefer the way of life in Canada.”

I could not believe it! After all those years of preparing me for the “wonderful” life in Friuli, we were going back to Canada. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) Friuli was a total disappointment. However, I could see that my parents’ minds were now at ease. They at least made the attempt to return even if it didn’t work out. To their credit, they had the courage to admit their mistake and placed closure on the idea of returning to Friuli.

Well it really does not end there because my parents, brother, sister and I have returned back to Friuli many times throughout the years. We never really lost touch. We keep our traditions and always to this day my parents’ hearts are still in Friuli. However they also will say without any disrespect to their Friuli, that Canada is now their home because it provided the financial path they were seeking for themselves and all of us as well. My parents had good foresight and became Canadian Citizens back in 1957 after five years in Canada.

Of further note: my brother Paul and Sister Joanne speak Italian but not as well as I do and unfortunately they do not speak Furlan. My sister responds to my Mother and Father in English, my brother in Italian / English. As for me, I respond strictly in Italian and when I want to emphasis things I speak to my parents in Furlan!

My sister Joanne who will be turning 40 this year has two boys, her youngest, Elio, is only 4-months old. This has kept my parents young because my Mother loves children. So my sister has a young family and now my oldest daughter Celina who will be turning 26 in a few weeks will be marrying! Genna my youngest daughter will be matron of honor. My brother Paul who lives in Toronto has two children and is also a teacher.

My wife Suzanne is French Canadian; she is bilingual and speaks fluently in French. This is a story for another time, because my mother and father in law both speak French. They speak limited English because they were born in the province of Quebec, which is a French-speaking province. As you can imagine they also had a lot of hardships when they moved from Quebec to Ontario (an English speaking province). The language and customs were very different and they also went through many years of hardships wanting to return back home to their land of birth.

Well, Ivano, mi caro amico Furlan, that’s my life in a nutshell, or is it a castagna. As you always say: sempre avanti.

ciao e mandi,
Doriano
The Canadian Furlan

FIGHTING FURLANS OF WW II - BY DORIANO DEGANO

"Fighting Furlans": (l-r) Fortunato [Toni] Degano and Tarcisio [Civon] Rossi

IVANO SAYS: IN MY BOOK 'LA NOSTRA COSTA', I INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ENDNOTE ON PAGE 148:

"A very poignant film, directed by Enzio Monteleone, entitled "El Alamein-The Line of Fire",depicts, both with courage and pathos, the Italian soldiers' hopeless plight in North Africa. Distributed by Palace Films, it was shown at the 2004, Italian Film Festival, in Marin." *

While the hopeless war in North Africa was raging, another hopeless war was being faught in Greece and the Balkans. The 'Canadian Furlan", Doriano Degano gives us an historical account of the "Fighting Furlans" who participated in that war.

Ivano "Mio Caro Amico"How are you my dear Furlan Friend !! Sempre Avanti that is a motto we should all take to heart. Well as you know I have been in contact with Reno, we have had some long email discussions and a few telephone conversations. And he has been sharing some information with me regarding the Alpino Reggimento Julia. And as you know I have been doing some research on my family tree and have completed some extensive historical research on my uncle Fortunato (Toni) Degano who was in the Alpino Julia Division 8th Reggimento Battiglione Cividale 16th Compania. In the Photo attached, left hand side, is my Uncle Fortunato (Toni) Degano born 2-October-1919 died 28-February-1941 Albania, and beside him (right hand side of photo) is his childhood friend Tarcisio (Civon) Rossi born 11-November-1919 missing in action never found 19-January-1943 Russia. As you know all Furlans had nicknames as you have experienced with your Father "Bronco". For some reason that was the style in Friuli back then primarily because many had very common last names. In Pasian di Prato Udine where my Father's family originates Degano is similar to Smith here in North America. Today however the nickname is no longer a style used. My Uncle Toni Degano was part of an Elite Division Alpini known as the Julia. The Division is no longer part of the Italian army, the Alpini are but the Julia was basically retired after WWII due to so many casualties. As I mentioned in order to qualify to become an Alpino, an individual must be at least 5' 9" tall and weight at least 160lbs., so this qualified many Northern Italians primarily Friulani, and this was the area that the Julia was formed from. My Uncle Toni and his best friend Tarcisio were drafted in the Army and quickly deployed to Kukes Kosovoe Albania where the Italian Army very quietly over took the very weak and fragile Balkan country of Albania. This was a strategic move to ensure Italy was protected due to their declaration of war against Britain. As you know the plan was then escalated when Mussolini heard of his buddy Hitler, quickly dispatching Poland in 1939. Feeling less of a dictator, Mussolini ill advised entered of Greece with absolutely no plans. Here the Italian armies primarily supported by the Alpino Julia were not prepared to fight a Guerrilla Type warfare in the mountains of Greece in late Autumn 1940, where the weather and the terrain hampered any formal military interaction. The Greek army primarily relied on sniper and ambush attacks using the mountains as their back drop. In addition the Greek army was being heavily supported by the British with equipment and supplies. Now the Regiment my Uncle was in, the 8th Alpino battaglione Cividale were without supplies, another friend of my uncle Vittorio Demarco, who is alive today at 90 years old, spent days with me to recount the sacrifices they all endured in Albania, Greek and Russian Fronts. Like I mentioned out of 350 men in my uncle's Battaglione only 50 men survived. They were basically murdered to put it bluntly. They did not have any clothing for winter warfare. It was brutal. Vittorio told me he was there the day my uncle Toni died. He went to witness the slaughter after major bombings. They were continuously hit by mortar attacks, they did not stand a chance. Vittorio told me the only reason he survived the Greek campaign was because he was given orders that 28th day of Feb 1941, to bring all the wounded down to the medical team from the Mountain top known as the Golico. Otherwise he would have been gone as well. Vittorio also told me all the men that did survive February 28th 1941, were all stricken with severe frost-bite to their hands and feet. My uncle's boyhood friend Tarcisio was badly stricken with frost bite on his feet, and was deployed back home to Friuli to hospital to recover. However, soon as the recovery was over from Frost Bite, both Tarcisio and Vittorio were both deployed to the Eastern Front Russia in 1942, but before leaving again to war they both signed a pack to join the resistance THE PARTISANS. Both Vittorio and Tarcisio both knew that they must rid Italy of this dictatorship that was strangling Italy. Many people joined the resistance forming an army of Partisians to secretly remove the Fascists from power, regardless of the methods used. Once in Russia Vittorio managed to survive through shear toughness. And as evident today, Vittorio has this air about him that one would have second thoughts to pick a fight with him. Tarcisio went missing in Russia never found on January 19th 1943. Many Italian soldiers went missing in action, never returning and their families never really putting some sort of closure to their lives. My uncle Toni Degano was laid to rest in Albania but after the war his remains and all the remains of his soldier friends were moved to Italy.They are resting in a military cemetery in Bari, review the web site http://ilcapocomitiva.blogspot.com/2006/10/il-sacrario-militare-di-bari.html where 1,000's of Italian soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice during WWII. My uncle Fortunato was really not "Fortunato" as you know fortunato translated means fortunate. He gave his life for his country. The sad part of his my uncle Toni left behind a girl friend that he had intentions of marrying, but she too shortly after my uncle passed away, also passed away from not having quick medical attention due to a severe appendix attack. Many hospitals in Friuli were without medical care due to most Doctors being deployed for the war effort. This is truly a sad story. I have more but this should do well on the 'Blagga'. Wishing all of you and your Families a very Happy Easter. Spend time with your loved ones!! -- Doriano A. Degano

SANTA CRUZ RECOLLECTIONS - BY LaNORMA

l
LaNORMA (IN FRONT) WITH (L-R) UNCLE QUINTO NERI, MOTHER DIANA AND FATHER DANTE DINELLI AND AUNT ELVIRA NERI
THIS PHOTO TAKEN IN FROM OF SERAFINA'S [BELTRAMI'S] 'SU PER LA COSTA', C. 1946

NORMA DINELLI WILSON:

I was born in the old Sisters Hospital in l940 although then it was the Handley Hospital
(the Sisters bought the hospital in l94l).

Now it is gone – it is the Dream Inn parking lot. Where the Dream Inn is now was a cliff
with paths that we walked down to Cowell’s Beach. We always parked on Bay St. by the
big barn – where the condos are now. I am sure many of you remember how it was.

There are so many things to remember and so many things have changed and with us
all sharing – so much comes back to our minds – how cozy and laid back Santa Cruz and surroundings were.

One high school – SCHS – buses coming from everywhere in the county –
north from the Summit, south from Aptos and from Davenport, Bonny Doon
and from Felton and Ben Lomond. In l953 San Lorenzo High School was opened
(before that it was in Boulder Creek). There was Holy Cross but it was a small school.
Our big rival for football was Watsonville.

We walked everywhere even at dusk and nighttime without worrying as we do today.
I remember Madeline Perrona Crews telling me that she and a friend worked at
the Boardwalk in summer and after it closed they would walk home to Encinal Street –
think she said that sometimes they walked through the tunnel under Holy Cross!!

In those days there was no highway from Mission Street to River Street behind Holy Cross.
Some of the houses that were located where the intersection of Mission & Chestnut Sts are
were moved to the corner of Mission and Chestnut. It is worth checking out photos at
Covello & Covello (which was Vester Dick Photography years ago)

One big change to Santa Cruz was the l955 flood. Our town was never quite the same
after that and then l0 years or so later in l965 the University was begun and changes really escalated.

The flood was sad and devastating. We lived up the Coast (where I grew up after we moved
from Davenport). On Dec. 22 (I think?) we were visiting my aunt and uncle on Dufour and
we left later that night driving the old Coast Rd. – when we got to Wilder’s Ranch – it was all
flooded. My Dad was really brave and took a chance driving slowly through the raging water.
My Mom and I and my Dad were really scared and probably did more praying getting through
there than all our life combined!! Luckily we got to the other side safely and home. It was a
treacherous night of rain. The next day my Dad and I drove his big 4-wheel drive from the
ranch as he had to bring something to the packing house in Santa Cruz. After that we decided
to drive down to Lincoln Street Bakery for a treat --- lo and behold as we came off the hill by
SCHS everything was under water almost all the way up to Chestnut St.
Cars were topsy turvy - it was tragic! We drove a little further and we could see debris of all
kinds rapidly going down the river – it touched me so as I saw Christmas trees and gifts among
other things going down the river. Of course we didn’t know anything about what had happened
in the night as our electricity had been out all night and we did not have a phone in our house –
the nearest phone was in our cookhouse across the street. Also there was no TV – only a few
people had TVS especially up the Coast as reception was bad. But it wouldn’t have mattered –
we were without electricity.

We just couldn’t believe what we were seeing---was it the “beginning of the end” of
Santa Cruz as we knew it?!

Guess we all could go on and on with so many memories. I know I could
but we’ll have to stay tuned for the “rest of the stories”………………………

THOUGHTS FROM IL BUCO - GULCH RANCH-SU PER LA COSTA

THE 'OLD RANCERE' IN IL BUCO. THE OLD SHEDS IN THE BACKGROUND ARE THE ORIGINAL (ALTHOUGH MOVED AROUND).

VIEW OF 'IL BUCO' FROM THE COAST ROAD. THE OLD BARN IS ON THE LEFT. THE PATH UP THE HILLSIDE FOLLOWS CLOSELY THE PATH THAT MY FATHER, GERVASIO "BRONCO" COMELLI TOOK EVERY MORNING FROM OUR HOUSE AT THE TOP OF THE HILL (NO LONGER THERE) TO THE RANCH 'COOKAHOUSA' (NO LONGER THERE)

PILE OF LUMBER INDICATING THE LOCATION OF THE 'OLD COOKAHOUSA' BEFORE IT BURNED DOWN, c. 2002.

THE 'OLD RANCERE' WITH JEAN AND ANDREW HSU, CURRENT OWNERS OF 'IL BUCO'

IVANO SAYS: Received the below e-mail from Michael Feldman, current resident of 'Il Buco'

Dear Ivano,

I am currently reading your book "La Nostra Costa (Our Coast)" and am so intrigued that I had to e-mail you before I could even finish. My roommate Scott lent me the book after he read it and was equally inspired. As you know by now we both live in your former residence at 'Il Buco' and have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here over the past two years. This property is truly one of a kind, given its beautiful surroundings, proximity to the ocean (all of us happen to be avid surfers by the way) and relative isolation.

Reading your book and gaining insight into the surrounding history of the property, along with other areas of the North Coast, has made our stay in il buco so much more rewarding. I can honestly say that we are tending to the land and property as best we can, planting a large organic garden, adding an herb garden in the front of the house, keeping the house in prime condition and maintaining the qualities that have made our stay so special. This place has felt like paradise from day one and the feeling has not been lost in the time between. I hope you know that you have an open invitation to stop by anytime you'd like to meet us and reconnect with the property that has provided you with such a rich and lively upbringing. I'm sure you'll be surprised to see how its changed, as well as how much it has remained the same. I look forward to meeting you someday and receiving a tour of the place that has continued to give so much to all of us. Much thanks to the history and inspiration you've provided. -Michael Feldman

FALLEN OFFICERS - OAKLAND POLICE

SGT. DANIEL SAKAI, AGE 35

SGT. ERVIN ROMANS, AGE 43

SGT. MARK DUNKIN, AGE 40

IN WHAT THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE CALLED THE WORST

POLICE KILLINGS SINCE 1970, THE ABOVE THREE SERGEANTS

WERE KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

SATURDAY, MARCH 21,2009

THE FULL STORY AND MORE PHOTOS CAN BE

FOUND AT: WWW.SFGATE.COM

L'IMMIGRANTE (THE IMMIGRANT)

THE ABOVE PHOTO WAS BORROWED OFF ONE OF THE 'FURLAN' BLOGS.( I FORGOT WHICH. ) IT SYMBOLIZES QUITE WELL THE THOUGHTS EXPRESSED IN 'THE CANADIAN FURLANS' ELOQUENT E-MAIL POSTED BELOW.

Ivano "Mio Caro Amico": I am so ever greatfull to you for allowing me to be a part of "La Nostra Costa".There are times I feel as if I actually grew up with all of you "Su per la Costa"!! And to make things even more realistic I have recently been in contact with my other caro amico Reno Cantarutti. As all of you may or may not know I knew Reno's aunt Luigina (Reno's Mother's Sister) and his uncle John, who was the founder of the Fogolar Furlan in Windsor Ontario. So we have a significant connection. And as I stated in your "Blagga" and will state it until my last breath; we cannot ever thank our parents enough for their visionary dreams to make a better life for themselves, leaving their land of birth and in many cases sacrificing beyond our worst nightmares. As I mentioned to Reno and I know most of you on the "Blagga" most of the Italian immigrants here in the Niagara Region are primarily from Southern Italy, Abbruzzi, Calabria, Napoli. These Italian immigrants most of whom came across the Atlantic after WWII from 1949 - 1960. Most of these people have never left their villages, let alone embark on a ship to cross the Atlantic. Many were taken advantage of, some taken advantage of by their own paesani that were already here for years. Some were paid $0.50 a day in 1950 to work as a farm hand, can you believe this ? As the years passed by many of these people landed jobs in the fast emerging industrial growth of the late 50's and 60's. Many Italian immigrants were able to land good paying manufacturing jobs primarily because of their unconditional work ethic. And I can state this since I saw this with my own eyes; many of these factory workers worked all the over time they could get many taking advantage of working double shifts. They never took holidays except for two weeks a year when the factories closed during the summer heat wave. And you think during the two week factory shut down these paesani would take a holiday? Not a chance they all went to work at seasonal jobs that were in abbundance, especially in the local farms. In the Niagara area we are blessed to have many fruit farms; strawberries, peaches, pears, cheeries and now recently on the lower escarpment bordering Lake Ontario grapes and the wine industry. So many of our Paesani worked non stop for years, many years. And they were frugal some never learning to drive, growing enormous gardens with fig trees that they would bury to protect during our sub zero winters. Now as I mentioned to Reno what do you think happened to the children of these hard working immigrants? Some emulated the work ethic of their parents and went on to become pillars of our community as lawyers, doctors, etc. And some well amounted nothing but spoiled take and never give back type of individuals. I can say most of my friends who's parents have immigrated from Italy have all thanked their parents first of all for giving them opportunities and most have gone on to contribute where their parents have left off.

Ciao e Mandi

Doriano "The Canadian Furlan"

PRIORITIES

A RANCERE'S LAMENT

IVANO SAYS: Today is March 15, 2009. It is my father's (Gervasio "Bronco" Comelli) 109th birthday. It is also marks the third year that "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast") has been in publication. The 'Lament' (hopefully) capsulates the hard times that the ranchers faced "su per la costa", during the Great Depression. In my father's honor I publish below the "Rancere's Lament" as translated into Italian by my good friend Gino Roberto Campioni. Those of you who have the book can go to the back cover to read the English version. Sempre Avanti.





Lamento d'un Rancere*

In una mattinata particolarmente nebbiosa, un rancere era nel campo, faticosamente cambiando direzione dell'aqua che mandave alle piante di cavolini. Era profondamente dipresso. Appoggiato alla sua sciavola, ha dato uno sguardo al cielo scuro. Con voce di tristezza e se forse aspettasse quache cosa o qualcuno di essere lassu, ha cominciato suo lamento:

"Lavoro ogni giorno in questi campi, sprofondo nel fango, sento nessun' odore altro che pattume, ed in un paio d'ore il vento mi soffiera sabbia e detriti in faccia. Il prossimo mese quando pioverà, mi bagnerà i panni, e dovrò portare quei sacchi bagnati su e giu per i sorchi in fango. Lavoro dieci o dodici ore ogni giorno per pochissimi soldi. Mio figlio giovane è malato e non posso pagare il medico. My mogliettina è incinta e presto arriverà nostro secondo figliolo. Dove troverò la moneta per governare unaltra bocca? Ho promesso my bella sposa una vita facile in America. Ha trovato soltanto lavoro duro e tempi disperati. Se c'è un Dio lassu, perche non si fa vedere? Perche non mi aiuta? Ho bisogno di piu moneta! O Dio, se Voi siete lassu, perche non fate cenno e con Vostra mano per migliorare la mia vita?"

Veramente, non aspettando risposta, il rancere abbassò sua testa e con sua sciavola pian piano tornò à lavorare. Poi dalla nebbia fitta ed arcana, gli parve sentire una voce, gentile e sincera:

"O rancere mi. Non lo sai? Vivi su per la costa--non in paradiso."
*****************************************************
*Translated by Gino Roberto Campioni (with the exclusive permission of the author) from the copyrighted English version, as it appears in "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast), published by Authorhouse, 2006: http://www.authorhouse.com/

MICHAEL NANNA REMEMBERS SANTA CRUZ

IVANO SAYS: RECEIVED THE ABOVE PHOTO AND E-MAIL (BELOW) FROM MICHAEL NANNA. THE SANTA CRUZ HOSPITAL (WHERE 'LITTLE IVANO' AND MICHAEL WERE BORN) IS NOW PART OF THE BRANCIFORTE PLAZA ON SOQUEL AVENUE.

Signor Ivano,

I just received your book 'La Nostra Costa (Our Coast) Wednesday (a paperback copy). Now I am looking forward to getting a hardback copy of this book. I'm still digesting much of what you say (and don't say). I will write a comprehensive sketch sometime in the future. I will say this….. your book speaks straight to my heart.

Please note that my wife Tania (of 20-years this April), and I left California over 10-years ago. The last time I visited the Santa Cruz area was in 1997, to see my maternal Grandmother, Ruby Violet Strong (only weeks before her death). She was born in San Fransisco in 1906. Needless to say, I've been out of the area for quite a spell now. Your book, however, does bring back sweet memories.

A little about me. I was born at Santa Cruz Hospital in 1956. Of course this is the same hospital that you were born in (only 19-1/2 years apart). I am the grandson of Ermanno Vincenzo Nanna ( Herman Vincent Nanna Sr.) who was born in 1906 in Massa Cararra (Commune di Fivizanno, Italia.) I am the second son of Herman Vincent Nanna Jr. who was born 1932 in Hollister California. My Grandfather was a Santa Cruz Police Officer. My Great-Grandfather, Gustavo Nanna worked at the cement plant in Davenport and lived with his wife Maria on Garden St., Santa Cruz in the 1950s and 60s.

Gusatvo was also from Fivizanno, however; (for some unknown reason) he was not deemed to be an Italian citizen. Of coarse, this is a matter of interest to me and I am still investigating. A possibility is that Nanna was not his real surname, rather a Catholic name given to him as a newly converted immigrant.
Today, my wife and I live in Alexandria, Louisiana (located near the center of the State). My wife is from Brazil (Brasileira, della estado de Parana, a cidade de Curitiba) and speaks fluent Portugues. I do enjoy the colloquial Italian expressions in your book -che bello- they are so much like Portuguese from the south of Brazil. By the way nice touch with the off-color Italian expressions. I think that you are making a statement here.


BTW: Do you remember the Locatelli's Mahia ranch just up the road from the CHP office…. off of Soquel Ave. (I can't remember the name of the street).Old man Locatelli had the best cherries and apricots this side of heaven.


Tchau,

Michael Nanna

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

IVANO FURTHER SAYS:

My credentials for being born at the Old Santa Cruz Hospital are recorded in "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast), Page 3:

"I was born Ivano Franco Comelli on April 19, 1937, at the old Santa Cruz Hospital on Soquel Avenue. (Presently, this is the site of the Branciforte Plaza.) Dr. Norman R. Sullivan was the doctor in charge, and it was he who suggested the name Ivano [ee vah no] to my mother.)

Also, please visit the La Nostra Costa Website:

www.lanostracosta.com-a.googlepages.com