HISTORIC PHOTO OF THE RODONI FAMILY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST DAVENPORT -NORTH COAST REUNION - 1977

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

WHAT: FIRST DAVENPORT- NORTH COAST REUNION

WHEN: AUGUST 1977

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

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

COMMITTE:

LOUIE MAZZEI, CHAIRMAN

FRED MORO

RAY TAMBELLINI

ANN (PAPA) PERKINS

GENE TERRINI

ELMER MORELLI

PETE PIANAVILLA

TOMMY DIAZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.amazon.com/kindle

AND ALSO AT BARNES AND NOBEL'S NOOKBOOKS

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/NOOK

AND ALSO AT:

http://www.scribd.com/

www.ebookstore.sony.com/google-ebooks

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY

SEMPRE AVANTI

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

Happy Thanksgiving Ivano and family....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep up the good work,

Sempre Avanti,,,,, Cathy

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

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

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

WHERE: JIM COCHRON'S SWANTON BERRY FARM

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

TWO MILES NORTH OF DAVENPORT, CA.

TIME: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

WHAT: FOOD, SONGS AND NORTH COAST TALES OF OLD

FEE: DONATIONS ONLY

WHO:

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

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

PLUS LOCAL AUTHORS with their books:

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

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

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

DIRECTIONS TO THE FARM:

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

IVANO SAYS: ALSO CHECK OUT DONNA MURILLO'S

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

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

or: www.santacruzsentinel.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/


Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00PM

Fee: Voluntary Donations Only

SEMPRE AVANTI

LIDO CANTARUTTI PRESENT THE 2010 ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

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

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

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

Sempre Avanti

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL COMMITTEE MEMBER - LaNORMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LaNorma

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

LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SPECIAL GUEST- LIDO CANTARUTTI

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

(1-4PM).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.italianfilm.com/