HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING???

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY. I have posted below links of some articles that were published on this blog during this year. Simply "clicca" on the link and it will take you to the article. I also re-published links to some older articles that have appeared on the blog in previous years.




Remembrance for Joey Della Mora killed in tragic accident on the Della Mora Ranch (formerly the Lorenzi Ranch)
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/07/figlio-di-figli-della-costa-joseph-joey.html




Article with historic photos of the Scaroni Family send to by LaNorma and Al.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/10/lanorma-and-al-send-us-photos-of.html

Davenport-North Coast 2o11 Reunion with photos.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/09/davenport-north-coast-reunion-2011.html


Newspaper article with photo of Committee members for the first ever Davenport-North Coast Reunion

http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-davenport-coast-road-reunion-1977.html

Barbara Silva Wagner honors our Veterans by remembering what it was like growing up in Santa Cruz, during WW II.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-11-2011-veterans-day-we-honor.html

'CLICCA' ON THE LINK PROVIDE AT THE END OF EACH ARTICLE.


The "Blagga's" first year was 2006. (Coincidentally, "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast) was published in 2006):



August 2, 2006 - CARABINIERE - "THE GHOST WHO WALKED" - A story about one of Davenport's most legendary characters and the mystery of what might have happened to him after his death.

www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/ghost-who-walked.html




Aug 8, 2006 - HUGO'S LETTER- Hugo Bianchini of Monterey, gives his best review of "La Nostra Costa" and links it to his own personal experiences growing up in a different locale.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/hugos-letter.html






Sep 6,2006 - THE RANCERE's LAMENT - BY RITA (FRANCESCHINI) GIANNADREA- Rita, who grew up "su per la costa" captures the true essence of the "Rancere's Lament", as it appears in "La Nostra Costa. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/09/essence-of-ranceres-lament.html





August 10, 2006 - IL FAMOSO BAFFI - A short bio of Guglielmo 'Baffi" Campioni by his son Gino Campioni - Describes the life and times of one of the most colorful ranchers "su per la costa".
www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/08/il-famoso-baffi.html



Sep 4,2006 - A WHITE SPORTS COAT AND A PINK CARNATION - Carol (Costella) Swartz
remembers Santa Cruz and a certain fellow who went out with her sister Pat. A very charming story. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/white-sport-coat-and-pink-carnation.html


Oct 23, 2006 - FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE LEN KLEMPNAUER- Len describes the efforts of his German American Family as they establish themselves in Santa Cruz. Not too surprisingly
they were very similar to those experienced by the Italian immigrants. htmlcosta.blogspot.com/2006/10/figlio-di-santa-croce-len-klempnauer.html

Nov 5, 2006 - FROM SANTA RADICCHIO TO SANTA ROSA- What starts out as a discussion of Chiogga Beets and Radicchio turns out to be a very interesting story of Italian World War II prisoners who settled in Santa Rosa. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/from-santa-radicchio-to-santa-rosa.html

Nov 11, 2006 - PETE PIANAVILLA VS FORREST McDERMOTT - The story of a colorful coastal "poacher" and a zealous Game Warden who confront each other "su per la costa". www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/pete-pianavilla-vs-forrest-mcdermott.html

Nov 21 and 27 2006 - FIGLIA DELLA COSTA NORMA (DINELLI) WILSON PART I AND PART II - The story of a little girl growing up 'su per la costa".


www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/11/figlia-della-costa-norma-dinelli.html


Dec 4, 2006 - FIGLIO DELLA COSTA LIEUTENANT ATTILIO JOSEPH DOGLIOTTI REMEMBERED - A remembrance of one 0f the first Santa Cruzans of Italian descent to be killed in World War II. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/12/figlio-della-costa-lieutenant-attilio.html

Dec 9, 2006 - FIGLIA DI SANTA CROCE - MARGARET GHIO-HARTMAN - Tells the story of Italian immigrant fishermen struggling in Santa Cruz under "Enemy Alien Restrictions" during World War II. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/12/figlia-di-santa-croce-margaret-ghio.html


Dec 13, 2006 - DISASTRI DI SANTA CROCE - Robert Lemmon Jr. remembers certain disasters that befell Santa Cruz and request further info on same. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2006/12/disastros-di-santa-croce.htmlcosta.blogspot.com/2006/12/disastros-di-santa-croce.html

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The following articles were published in 2007 :



March 22, 2007 - GINO'S OFFICIAL ITANGLISH DICTIONARY - Gino Campioni spent a considerable amount of time composing this dictionary of "Italianized" words. One of the "Blaggas" most favorite publications. http://www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/03/ginos-official-itanglish-dictionary.htmldictionary.htmlofficial-itanglish-dictionary.html

June 23, 2007 - AMICA DELLA COSTA CATHY BROVIA - REMEMBERS - Cathy tells the story of growing up in a small town in Minnesota during hard times. www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/06/amica-della-costa-cathy-brovia.html



July 4, 2007 - PRIMO CARNERA - FIGLIO DEL FRIULI - A short Bio by Doriano Degano of
Primo Carnera, former Heavyweight Champion of the World and a fan favorite "su per la costs". www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/figlio-del-friuli-primo-carnera.html

July 12, 2007 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIGLIO DELLA COSTA - MARVIN DEL CHIARO - Marvin celebrates his 70th birthday with a bio of his family who lived and worked "su per la costa". www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/happy-birthday-figlio-della-costa.html



July 26, 2007 - SPROUZZI ALA JOUNZZI - Russ Jones a former San Jose Police Officer recalls some boyhood memories of Hwy 17 and Santa Cruz. He also sends along a recipe for one of his favorite dishes featuring Brussel Sprouts. His follow up article on January 21, 2008 - SPROUZZI ALLA JOUNZZI 2 - features his favorite recipe for Osso Buco (w/Brussel Sprouts)
and much more. Buono Appitito . www.nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/sprouzzi-ala-jounzzi.html



July 30, 2007 - COLLISION COURSE: THE DELUCCA ACCIDENT - A dissertation by Ivano Comelli as to how one of the worse traffic accidents in Davenport history happened and how it might have been avoided.
http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/collision-course-delucca-accident.html

August 5, 2007 - RICHARD HUERTA - FALLEN OFFICER - REMEMBERED - A remembrance by Ivano Comelli regarding his best friend, San Jose Police Officer Richard Huerta, killed in the line of duty Aug. 6, 1970. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/08/fallen-officer-richard-huerta.html


August 28, 2007 - "LA STORIA DI ADA" BY GINO CAMPIONI - Gino tells the story of his beloved mother Ada (Berti) Campioni. Ada and her husband 'Baffi' lived in Santa Cruz for many years. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/04/la-storia-di-ada-by-gino-campioni.html


Oct 1, 2007 - RAMANDOLO/NIMIS/FRIULI CON FOTOS - Prof. Derrill Kerrick and wife Kathy send us some interesting photos taken during their trip to Friuli. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramandolonimisfriuli-con-fotos.htmlcosta.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramandolonimisfriuli-con-fotos.html

Oct 5, 2007 - FIGLI DELLA COSTA - SUPREME SACRIFICE - A remembrance of Amadeo Lucchesi and Atilio Dogliotti who were killed in World War II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/10/figlio-medeo-lucchesi-revisited.html

Oct 14, 2007 - LaNORMA: O DIO CHE TRENO LUNGO - A little girl's memories of the Old Train that used to travel to and from Santa Cruz and Davenport every day. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/10/lanorma-o-dio-che-treno-lungo.html

Nov 5, 2007 - LOU MORO: FURLAN, AMICO DELLA COSTA, AMERICAN - A remembrance of one of Santa Cruz's best loved man. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/11/lou-moro-furlan-amico-della-costa.html

Nov 17, 2007 - ITALIAN FAMILY NAMES - 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' - A list of family names associated with the 'La Nostra Costa' story compiled from memory by Gino Campioni and others. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/11/family-names-santa-cruz-la-costa.html

Dec 7, 2007 - THELMA (MICOSSI) GILL - EYEWITNESS REPORT TO THE BURNING OF THE HOTEL D'ITALIA - Thelma tells of her memories of the night in 1945 when one of the famous hotels in Davenport burned to the ground. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/12/thelma-micossi-gill-eyewitness-report.html

Dec 25, 2007 - HATCH MAP - THE 'OLD COAST ROAD - Bryan Robinson sends a copy of 1859 Hatch Map that depicts La Nostra Costa as it once was. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/12/hatch-map-old-coast-road.html


Dec 29, 2007 - DAVENPORT- A MOMENT IN TIME - A delightful story by Patty Morelli based on her memories growing up in Davenport in the 1940s -50s. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/12/davenport-moment-in-time.html


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The Following articles were published in 2008:

Jan 5, 2008 - ADDIO MI BELLA GILDA- A remembrance of Gilda Stagnaro of Gilda's Restaurant, 0ne of the best known and best loved women of Santa Cruz. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/01/addio-mi-bella-gilda.html

Jan 9, 2008 - THE 'DAVENPORT DESTROYER' HAS A BENCH- Cathy Brovia describes her successful quest in getting a BENCH in memory of her beloved husband, Hall of Famer, Joe Brovia 'The Davenport Destroyer', established in 'La Barranca Park' in Santa Cruz. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/01/davenport-destroyer-has-bench.html

Jan 29, 2008 - LA NOSTRA COSTA - THOUGHTS AND RECOLLECTIONS BY LaNORMA
LaNorma -recalls more of her memories including story's about the DMV in Santa Cruz. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/01/la-nostra-costa-thoughts-and.html

Feb 8, 2008 - THE FAMILY QUILICI BY NANCY (QUILICI) JACOBS - Nancy Jacobs writes a bio of her family who lived and worked on a ranch just north of Davenport. Nancy recalls some of her memories as a little girl growing up on that ranch. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/02/family-quilici-by-nancy-quilici-jacobs.htmlcosta.blogspot.com/2008/02/family-quilici-by-nancy-quilici-jacobs.html

Feb 20, 2008 - WELCOME GABRIELE CARMINE FALVO-CITRIGNO - Gabe tells us about his family who used to own the Napoli Cafe in San Jose. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/02/welcome-gabriele-carmine-falvo-citrigno.html



March 15, 2008 - AMICO DELLA COSTA: LUIGI 'MORO' DEGLI ESPOSTI - Roberto Degli Esposti writes a bio on his father 'Moro' Degli Esposti and tells the story of his family's immigration from Italy to "La Costa" shortly after World War II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/03/amico-della-costa-luigi-moro-degli.html

April 21, 2008 - DAVEPORT JAIL: PHOTOS PLEASE - Alverda Orlando announces that the "Old Davenport Jail" is open for business (for tours, I mean). She requests old photos to display. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/04/davenport-jail-photos-please.html

May 30, 2008 - LaNORMA: MORE 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' FAMILY NAMES - LaNorma submits additional Italian names to augment Gino Campioni's original list. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/05/lanorma-more-la-nostra-costa-family.html

July 2, 2008 - THE STORY OF 'BONZO' DA DEERHEAD' - Patty Morelli subits a charming story of 'Bonzo' the deerhead that hung on the wall of Charlie Bella's Ocean View Hotel in Davenport . http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/07/story-of.html

July 20, 2008 - IL CAPITANO MICOSSI AND THE FUSARI FAMILY- Jolene Fusari sends us a bio (with photos) on the Fusari Family and La Nostra Costa's Frank Micossi whose mother, Rosina, was a Fusari. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/07/il-capitano-frank-micossi-and-fusari.html

Sept 6, 2008 - MAL OCCHIO BY LAWRENCE DISTASI- A bio of Prof. Lawrence Distasi, Project Director of "Una Storia Segreta", and a review of his book, "Mal Occhio" (The Evil Eye)http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/09/mal-occhio-by-lawrence-distasi.html


Sept 19, 2008 - THE KING OF JORDON VISITS THE WHALE CITY BAKERY-DAVENPORT
LaNorma submits a true story regarding a visit by the King of Jordon as told to her by Bakery employees. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2008/09/king-of-jordon-visits-whale-city-bakery.html



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The following article were published in 2009:

Jan 27, 2009 - MRS. HELEN SONNEBORN'S CITIZENSHIP CLASS - 1945 - The re-production of an article appearing in the Santa Cruz Sentinel announcing the newly made US Citizens (including my mother, Valentina Comelli) of Santa Cruz County. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/01/mrs-helen-sonneborns-citizenship-class.html


April 7, 2009 - FIGHTING FURLANS OF WW II BY DORIANO DEGANO - A true story of bravery and hardships endured by Furlan and other Italian soldiers fighting for Italy during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/04/fighting-furlans-of-ww-ii-by-doriano.html

July 16, 2009 - NANNETTE MORGAN'S FAMILY STORY- Nannette writes a bio on her family including her own memories about growing up in Salinas, Ca. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/07/nannette-morgans-family-story.html

July 23, 2009 - AN OX'S TALE - ANON FURLAN - An amusing, yet true, story of a Furlan, his wife and two Oxen. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/07/oxs-tale-anon-furlana.html




Sep 2, 2009 - A 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' SOLDIERS STORY - NANCY JACOBS - A bio of Guliano Quilici (Nancy's brother) who served in the Pacific Theatre (including Iwo Jima) during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/09/la-nostra-costa-soldiers-story-nancy.html

p>Nov 6, 2009 - STORIES OF THE 'OLD COAST ROAD' BY LaNORMA - Once again LaNorma digs deep into her bag of memories to recall some amusing stories (some about the CHP) that occurred on the Coast Road. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/stories-of-old-coast-road-by-lanorma.html





Nov 16, 2009 - MICHAEL NANNA REMEMBERS SANTA CRUZ - A bio and boyhood memories of a former Santa Cruzan. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/michael-nanna-remembers-santa-cruz-2nd.html




Nov 28, 2009 -'PANE AMARAO' (BITTER BREAD) FOR THANKSGIVING - A synopsis and review of Gianfranco Norelli's documentary film about the struggles of early Italian immigrants upon their arrival in l'america. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2009/11/pane-amaro-bitter-bread-for.html

Dec 12, 2009 - COAST ROAD BLOG - The 'blagga' finds Anneliese Agren's new Coast Road Blog on the net: http://www.coastroad.wordpress.com/



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The following articles were published in 2010:

March 3, 2010 - THE GREAT POLENTA CONTROVERSY - A re-print of Santa Cruz Sentinel columnist Donna Maurillo's article on 'quick and easy polenta'. This article caused great controversy among the 'traditional slow-cook' polenta lovers. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/03/great-polenta-controversy.html





July 18, 2010 - FIGHTING FURLANS (CONT'D) - BY RENO DI CISTERNIA - An incredible but true story of hardships faced by Italian soldiers fighting on the Russian Front during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/07/fighting-furlans-ii-by-reno-di.html

Aug 28, 2010 - LA NOSTRA COSTA DAYS REVIVAL - SPECIAL GUEST - LIDO CANATARUTTI - A bio on Figlio della Costa, and Director of the Italian Film Festival of Marin ( http://www.italianfilm.com/ ) who braved the rain all the way from San Raphael to be our very special guest at LNCD Revival II. Thanks again, Lido. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/08/la-nostra-costa-days-revival-speical.html


Sep 20, 2010 - AN AMERICAN STORY BY GINO CAMPIONI - A story of hardships faced by the Okamoto Family of Portland, Oregon under 'Enemy Alien' restrictions during WW II. http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2010/09/american-story-by-gino-campioni.html


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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): There are many others of course. To view all articles in the LNostra Costa archives, simply click on the year (right hand side of the blog page),
then scroll down the retrieved page. (You may have to click on "Older" at the bottom of the page to continue.) I want to thank everyone for submitting their aritcles - without a doubt -the reason for the 'blagga's" success. Sempre Avanti and Happy New Year.

BTW: You can also retrieve many articles pertaining to "La Nostra Costa" by "googling": la nostra costa blog

OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE - BY GINO

It may have been around 1944. On a previous Christmas my mother (Ada Campioni) had decorated a very small tree. I can remember it well. It was only about a foot high and had a wooden cube for a stand, which was white with colored bells and candles painted on.

The decorations were glass globes of silver or gold color. Some were half-globes with
the hollow side painted in shiny colors of red, blue, and silver. (I still have the last one which survived my playing with them as a child.)That was the same tree that my mother set up for me in June one year, when I was ill with the
measles. That helped me so much to take my mind of my discomfort.

This particular year I so much wanted a real tree. Naturally, my dad “Baffi” was against buying something so expensive, especially since one could not eat a Christmas tree. In later years I realized that he was right. His entire life was devoted to feeding his family. Now at my age, I appreciate him all the more for his choices.

After a short session of grumbling about my request, he took a walk to the top of the hill North of our house.
(near the present site of the University of California, Santa Cruz) He returned with a few mushrooms and
a Redwood branch. “That’s no Christmas tree!” I wailed. “Be quiet and watch.” was my mother’s suggestion.
She produced some thread, and carefully tied the branches, which all grew in the same plane, as Redwoods do.
She pulled them into a spiral shape, and fastened them in place. When that tree received its ornaments, it was
a work of art! I got over my dislike of a redwood tree. Indeed it is the only Christmas tree which I have remembered
for my entire life. It was not so much the tree itself, but that my father had taken the time to do me such a much appreciated favor. I have told this story to some local friends, one of which said, “He must have loved you a lot.” He did indeed.

Saluti e Buon Natale, Gino

***********************************************************************************


IVANO SAYS: Thanks Gino for reminding us what Christmas is really about. Merry Christmas everybody e Sempre Avanti.

DECEMBER 7, 1941, "A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY'

IVANO SAYS: JUST IN CASE SOME OF US MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN WHAT DECEMBER 7, 1941, WAS ALL ABOUT, I'M PUBLISHING KRISTIAN'S (MY 13-YEAR OLD GRANDSON) CLASS ASSIGNMENT FOR TODAY.

December 7, 1941, ‘A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY’

On December 7, 1941, Japan, without declaring war, made a ’sneak attack’ on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, bombing our ships. Many ships were sunk and many American lives were lost. This ’sneak attack’ caught our armed forces stationed in Hawaii completely by surprise.

On December 8, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt went before Congress and declared that “December 7, 1941, was a day that will live in infamy .” By that he meant that the ‘sneak attack’ by Japan was a disgraceful and dishonorable act and would always be remembered that way. He demanded that Congress declare war on Japan.

Congress did declare war on Japan. Japan’s partners (Germany and Italy) declared war on the United States. The United States then declared war on Germany and Italy. The United States became fully involved in WW II.

Because many of the ships had been sunk, the United States could not attack back. It was also not prepared to defend itself. Many people thought that Japan would launch another attack on the west coast of the United States. Coast Guard Units and Army soldiers were set up all along the coast to look for enemy Japanese submarines and airplanes. Blackouts were ordered at night so the enemy could not see us. Laws were passed to make Japanese, German and Italians who lived in the United States to stay away from the Coast. Some lost there jobs and property; Some were forced to move inland.

To win the war, the United States called up many, many young men to serve. Some were volunteers, but most were drafted. This left many jobs without men to do the work at home. The women filled in and did most of those jobs. Factories that turned out cars, trucks, etc. were made to turn out war things such as airplanes and tanks. Restrictions were put on the amount of food, gasoline and other products you could buy at one time or not at all. Everybody was involved one way or another in this war.

The United States soon became strong enough to attack back. We became so strong that we beat the Germans in the first part of 1945. Later in 1945, we dropped Atomic bombs on Japan ending the war there. By doing so we began the Atomic Age.

The United State began the War as a nation that didn’t want to get involve in other nation’s wars. At the end of the War, we became the leader of the free world. We supported the United Nations and to this day are deeply involved in international affairs some involving undeclared wars in foreign nations. What would the founders of the Constitution think of this?

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D) I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT KRISTIAN GOT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COAST FROM THE BOOK"LA NOSTRA COSTA" (OUR COAST) BY YOURS TRULY . SEMPRE AVANTI.

FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE (SON OF SANTA CRUZ) DON BINSACCA REMEMBERED

THE FOLLOWING REMEMBRANCE OF DON BINSACCA, SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1955, WAS SENT TO ME BY CLASSMATE BRUCE HANSEN.




Don Binsacca was born in San Francisco, to Dorothy and Sam Binsacca.
He passed away peacefully and without pain, on the morning of November 10,
2011, from complications of Alzheimer's. He spent his last months under the
loving care of his family, his friends, his caregivers, and his devoted Hospice team. He never lost his famous sense of humor, and laughter often
rang from his room.

Don grew up in Santa Cruz, and then studied at U.C. Berkeley, and S.F.
State University, marrying Meredith Ludwig in 1961, and then beginning his
career in health. He retired in 1999 after thirty-five years at the Alameda County Health
Agency, spent most notably in developing research in and evaluation of
public health issues. Don and his beloved wife Meredith fortunate enough to celebrate their
50th wedding anniversary in June of this year, with close friends and
family.

He is survived by Meredith, their devoted children, Anya (Josh) and
Anthony (Lydia), and grandchildren Finley, Satchel, and Vanessa, as well as
his loving brother, Bob Binsacca (Lynn). Don will be remembered for his
wit, his generosity and his gentle kindness.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 3, at 1:30 p.m.,
at Mountain View cemetery in Oakland, at 5000 Piedmont Avenue. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be sent to Vitas Hospice, 365 Lennon Lane, Suite 140,
Walnut Creek, CA 94598.



DON BINSACCA (ON THE LEFT) WITH FELLOW SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATES-CLASS OF 1955, JERRY MUNGAI, FLORENCE BIANCO BELL AND IVAN COMELLI. (PHOTO TAKEN AT "NOSTRA COSTA DAYS" AT THE SWANTON BERRY FARM ON THE NORTH COAST OF SANTA CRUZ -2006)






ADDIO DON, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS "IL ULTIMO PONTE" (THE LAST BRIDGE).

BARBRA SILVA WAGNER REMEMBERS WW II - PART 2

NOVEMBER 11, 2011 - VETERANS' DAY



WE HONOR THOSE WHO HONORED OUR FLAG BY DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY

Normandy Memorial

Guido Bianconi

Mike Demos


Guiliano Quilici


TAMBELLINI BOYS

FRANCIS AND ALVIN GREGORY

Attilio Dogliotti

PHOTOS ABOVE: NORTH COAST WW II VETERANS

BARBARA REMEMBERS:

Santa Cruz was surrounded (or at least it seemed to me) by military bases during the outbreak of WWII, Phelan Park on the cliffs, Camp McQuaide in Watsonville, Fort Ord and Monterey Naval Air Station in Monterey county, The Naval Air Station in Sunnyvale, The Presidio and Fort Mason in San Francisco, Treasure Island and Oakland - Alameda Naval Air Station across the bay. If you went to San Francisco, you were sure to see the bunkers all along the coast. They looked pretty scary to a little kid.

During the day we could hear the noise from the gunnery range at Fort Ord and the roar of planes taking off. I would look up and see the planes flying low overhead. How quickly I would run to find a place to hide --sometimes it was in the fields, other times it was in my parent’s garage. I still have those reoccurring nightmares of Japanese fighter planes flying right over our house on Western Drive (Cliff Way), the Japanese pilots staring out from their cockpits and seeing me through a window in the garage or just as I was making a break and running into the open to get to the house.

The sights and sounds of war can be terrifying to a little kid --the air-raid sirens, the blackouts, the rumbling of military vehicles on the road, etc. It so happened that my Dad was an Air-Raid Warden. When there was an air raid alert, he would quickly put on a hard hat and arm band; then grab a flash light and rush to the corner where he would stand until the all clear sound was given. Sometimes it seemed like an eternity.

During the day the troops and heavy tanks would go up and down the street on maneuvers --soldiers with guns over their shoulders, big guns being pulled by jeeps, etc.. Sometimes some of the solders would come to the house and get a drink of water from our garden hose. Being so young, it was all so confusing and I really did not know what was going on. I remember just taking off with my dog and running to my Grandparents house next door. Once there, I would go down to the cellar where they kept the wine barrels, cheese and Pilot Bread Crackers. At times I would even calm my nerves with a swig or two of the wine. It was especially scary, when all of this took place at night, and you'd peer out the window at all that darkness.

One day our neighbor, Mrs. Templeman, Ted Templeman’s (Harpers Bazzar) Grandmother, came running out of her house, screaming her lungs out. Her son, Ted, had been taken prisoner of war by the Japanese. Oh that poor woman, her other son Kenneth was serving in the Army and was stationed in Germany. (That was before they passed the law that only one son could serve in the military at the same time.) Ted was in the Navy in the Pacific when all this happened. This sweet woman was never the same after this and I can truly understand why. Her son came back, but there were others that unfortunately didn't. One of those, but from a different time, was Harvey Levine -- a happy go lucky young man, so full of life and fun. It l ended all to soon for him. I can still remember the funeral procession down Pacific Avenue --how sad, heart wrenching.

Getting back to WW II, I can recall gas rationing --you either had an ‘A’ sticker (normal driving –3 gallons per week) or a ‘B’ sticker (factory workers, traveling salesmen –8 gallons per week). And those OPA books of stamps that allowed you to buy 2 pair of shoes a year. Nylon was used for the war effort, so ladies wore silk stockings. If you got a run in them, you took them to the second floor of Leasks Department Store on Pacific Avenue to be mended. Or you just used leg make-up to draw a line down the back of your legs to look like seams, (Check it out girls. Make sure the line is straight.) Butter was rationed, so your Mom bought Oleomargarine with a little orange capsule that you mixed into the white gunk – phooey, I didn't like that. I was used to home made butter, but my Mom figured if everyone else had to do this we had to do it.

My sister learned to roll bandages at Laurel School. Then she would come home and teach me, so she could double her quota. I finally figured out that she was using me. All this for the war effort, of course.

There were good times and bad times, but the one thing that I remember most and learned from all this, was the camaraderie of the neighbors and people in general, All joined in, helping each other, sharing happiness, grief, sadness, food clothing or what ever was needed --what's mine is yours -- good feelings for bad times.

-Barbara Silva Wagner-


IVANO SAYS: Thanks Barbara. Many of your memories of WW II coincide with mine as recorded in my book “La Nostra Costa” (Our Coast), Chapter 3, “La Costa E La Guerra” (The Coast ant The War). It’s kind of ironic that your father was an Air Raid Warden. On pages 30-31, I write about my father, being almost arrested by an Air Raid Warden, during a Blackout. He was using a flashlight while feeding the rabbits in our backyard. That was a "no-no". Thanks again Barbara. As our parents did in WW II --Sempre Avanti.

TO VIEW PART I OF BARBARA'S MEMORIES "CLICCA": http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2011/09/barbara-silva-wagner-remembers.html

AMICO DI SANTA CROCE (FRIEND OF SANTA CRUZ) - WAYNE SHAFFER WINS AWARD

IVANO SAYS: I received the following message and news release from Rosa Radicchi in regards to Wayne's award:


Wow, Congratulations Waye!!! Check out the News Release below about Wayne Shaffer and the Good Neighbor Award. Also please check the link below to the article that was written in the "Realtor Magazine" publication. Thanks again to those who voted for Wayne!

http://realtormag.realtor.org/good-neighbor-awards/article/2011/11/good-neighbor-wayne-j-shaffer-love-your-neighbor



As some of you know, Wayne was also the recipient of the ICF Pope John the XXIII Award for 2011.

Lots of blessings,
rosa


PUBLIC AFFAIRS

RealtorÒ from Santa Cruz, Calif., Wins National Volunteer Award for Helping the Less Fortunate

WASHINGTON (November 2, 2011) – RealtorÒ Wayne J. Shaffer, a broker with Shaffer and Associates in Santa Cruz, Calif., is one of five winners chosen by the National Association of RealtorsÒ as REALTORÒ Magazine’s 2011 Good Neighbor Award winners. Shaffer was selected for his work with the poor and homeless through three different organizations that he helped establish.

“The Good Neighbor Awards program acknowledges RealtorsÒ who are dedicated to strengthening communities through volunteer work and helping those in need,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “As a past Good Neighbor Award recipient, I know of the tremendous effort and time these winners devote to each of their causes. Wayne has been a tremendous leader within his community, working tirelessly to help those less fortunate.”

For more than three decades, Shaffer has devoted himself to helping the poor and homeless in Santa Cruz, Calif. In 1982 he cofounded the St. Francis Catholic Kitchen, a local soup kitchen which serves hot lunch to 190 people per day. Shaffer is now president of the board of directors and a frequent visitor. From there he went on to also cofound the Jesus Mary Joseph Home, a shelter for women and children.

In 1999 Shaffer met a pregnant woman who was living out of her car. He was inspired to help her and within a year he had founded the Siena House Maternity Home, an emergency shelter that provides care for women experiencing a crisis pregnancy. As cofounder and president, Shaffer has helped provide more than 350 women with pre- and post-natal care, counseling, baby care and lessons on nutrition, parenting and life skills.

“Women need a safe place to deal with their pregnancies,” said Shaffer. “They need a place that encourages a lifestyle that will be an improvement for their babies and themselves.” The shelter is housed in a former convent that accommodates up to 10 women during their pregnancies and for up to three months after delivery.

One of the women Shaffer has helped, Asmara Gebre, credits Siena House for putting her on a better path. She is currently attending the University of San Francisco’s nursing program and has earned a high school diploma and three associate’s degrees after giving birth to her daughter, now five. “The discipline I developed at Siena House, combined with the family atmosphere helped me learn what it meant to love and respect myself,” said Gebre. “It was the first time I was in an environment where people believed in me and encouraged me to pursue an education. Wayne is the father figure I never had. He didn’t know me but was willing to help.”

Siena House has an annual budget of $200,000. Women pay a house fee of $150 per month, and all other funding comes from donations and an annual dinner auction. Shaffer personally donates $10,000 per year.

Once admitted to the home, the women must follow a strict set of rules. They must remain sober and have no addictions. They must do household chores and take turns preparing meals for up to 15 people. In addition to attending counseling sessions and house meetings, they learn computer skills and are referred to other agencies for educational and vocational training.

“There are no strings attached to Wayne’s giving. He is a man who means what he says and does what he means,” said Siena House Director Sharron Rudell.

Meanwhile, the soup kitchen keeps going strong, serving 45,000 nutritious, free meals per year and spreading the word that positive change is possible. “When you help people get off the streets and into a safe place with a meal, this is where it all begins,” said Shaffer. “Someone will come up to you and thank you for something you did then years before and it makes you feel good to know you made a difference in that person’s life.”

Shaffer and the other four Good Neighbor Award winners will each receive a $10,000 grant for their charity and a $2,000 Lowe’s gift card, and will be profiled in the November-December issue of REALTORÒ Magazine. The recipients will receive their awards on Saturday, November 12, at the 2011 REALTORSÒ Conference & Expo in Anaheim, California.

“The Good Neighbor Awards honor Realtors® who are leaders in their community,” said Frank Sibley, REALTOR® Magazine publisher. “This year’s winners have literally saved lives, and inspire those around them to make positive changes in the world. We hope this award and the grant money will allow these Realtors® to expand their reach and help even more people.”

Celebrating its 12th year, the Good Neighbor Awards has been awarded annually since 2000 and is presented by NAR’s REALTORÒ Magazine. The Good Neighbor Awards is sponsored by Lowe’s and HouseLogic.

Nominees were judged on their personal contribution of time, as well as financial and material contributions to their cause. To be eligible, nominees had to be NAR members in good standing. More information about the Good Neighbor Awards winners is available at www.realtor.org/realtormag.



IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Congratulations Wayne. I first met Wayne at his wife and Esther Frizza Wilson's bookstore in Santa Cruz (Agnus Dei). It was there that I had my first book signing event for "La Nostra Costa (Our Coast). Wayne was extremely supported of the event. Since that time, I have learned that he has done many other things, including giving support to my brother's family when needed. All of this has been done without and publicity and/or noteriaty. Thanks Wayne for all your good works. Sempre Avanti.

(BTW: I saw Wayne wondering thru the crowd at the Davenport-North Coast Reunon 2011. I didn't get a chance to say hello. Thanks for being there, Wayne. ivn0)

AMICO DELLA COSTA - FUMIE 'JIM' SPINETTI REMEMBERED

Fumie Spinetti (1920 - 2011)
Fumie "Jim" SpinettiJuly 22, 1920 - Oct. 29, 2011Resident of Santa CruzFumie Spinetti passed away at Dominican Hospital on Saturday, October 29. Fumie was born on July 22, 1920 in Santa Cruz, California. He was the son of Antonio Spinetti and Adelle Zoccoli. In his early years the family moved to the Springfield District near Moss Landing where his father farmed. Fumie attended elementary school in Springfield and later graduated from Watsonville High School in 1939. Shortly after graduation he went to work for Farmer's Mercantile and worked there for nineteen years. During this time he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Force and became an aviation machinist mate serving in the Western Theatre. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy he married Betty Jordan of Livermore, California and moved to Watsonville, California. From this marriage they had three children: James, Thomas and Claudia. He later went to work for the Granite Construction Company as a heavy equipment mechanic retiring 25 years later as the Master Mechanic. He recently received his fifty-year membership gold watch from the Operating Engineers Union.In 1980 he married Dorothy Asmussen who was his high school classmate. Fumie was very active in the Italian Catholic Federation having served as the first president of the Watsonville branch for five and a half years. He was then elected to the Italian Catholic Federation's Central Council governing board and subsequently became a Member Emeritus. Fumie leaves his wife Dorothy and his three children: Jim and Tom Spinetti of Hollister and Claudia La Rue of Watsonville. He also leaves his stepson Chris Asmussen and his wife Linda, a sister Grace Hill, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady Help of Christians Valley Catholic Church, 2401 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA on Thursday November 3 at 10:00 am. A vigil and recital of the holy Rosary will be held at Benito Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. A visitation will be held at Pacific Gardens Chapel on Wednesday from 3:00 pm until service time. Interment will be in Valley Catholic Cemetery immediately following the funeral mass.Contributions in his memory can be made to the Santa Cruz Italian Catholic Federation, Branch #21, 125 Toledo Street, Santa Cruz, California, 95060 or you can make a donation to the charity of choice.
Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on November 1, 2011

IVANO SAYS: ADDIO JIM, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2011 EVERYBODY

IVANO SAYS: HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A REAL 'SPOOKY' ONE AT THAT. IT'S GOING TO GET REAL SCARY OUT THERE. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR 'BRAVE PILLS' BEFORE GOING OUT. THEM ITALIAN GHOSTS DON'T FOOL AROUND. SEMPRE AVANTI

LaNORMA, AL AND GINO SEND US PHOTOS OF THE SCARONIS

PHOTO: HERB SCARONI



IVANO SAYS: GINO CAMPIONI SENDS US A STORY ABOUT HERB SCARONI (NOT RELATED TO THE SCARONI'S IN THE PHOTO (BELOW)



It was the cold war era at a time when all transmitting devices were to be silenced in case of emergency. All radio stations, including amateur radio were mandated to have some sort of device which would alert of required shut-downs. Someone placed a plan and schematic diagram in a Ham radio magazine, showing how a simple tube type radio could be modified so that it could be used normally in the listening mode, or with the switch set to the alarm mode,the radio would be silent until the local standard broadcast station went off the air. When the broadcasting stopped, the radio would give a loud squawk! Amateurs were then to keep radio
silence until the broadcasting resumed and the alarm device went silent again.

In the Santa Cruz Radio Club we had many members, and on most evenings there would be a gathering of any number between two and thirty friends, each taking a turn at talking for a few minutes.(round table contacts) Herb was one of the most talkative, and frequently took a bit more time than the rest of the group.

Someone decided to play a trick on good ol’ Herb, and by talking over the top of him while he was transmitting, told the rest of us to keep silence after he relinquished the frequency. (it may have been me, but I don’t remember for sure.)

Herb called others of the group with no response. Finally, after about 15 minutes, someone came on with, “Herb, didn’t you hear the signal to stop transmitting? Boy, you will be in big trouble now!”

Most of the members in the group continued in that line of harassment, until we got tired of it, and told Herb it was just a joke. He took it very nicely, as I remember, but it actually had him worried.

So there is my ineptly written report. There is a home address for Herb on QRZ.com and it can be found using his current radio call-sign of AI6D.

Saluti e sempre avanti. Gino

Ivano:

Sending you a foto that was given to me by Sue Girard (she found you on the Facebook).

She attended the reunion and came all the way by herself from Nipomo ( San Luis Obispo area).

I took the foto of all her family with Scaroni’s and Al made it into just the Scaronis. He did a great job. Most people will just know the Scaronis and not Sue’s family but in our archives it will be nice to have her family as well. She thinks this was taken in late 1920’s (way before her time!).

If you post this, it will be interesting to see how many people remember this great family. They were certainly very unique and I, for one, sure do miss them! You might post both fotos – one with Sue’s Family intact. Anyway let me know what you think – I know you have good memories of these people.

The summary is very brief – so much more can be said. I know that Ted Templeton (of Harpers Bizarre singing group spent all his summers at the Dairy), etc. etc.

Sempre Avanti. LaNorma

IVANO SAYS: Thanks LaNorma and Al. I also posted the one photo with Al's brief explanation on the Davenport North Coast Facebook Page. I think I met Sue briefly at the Reunion. She came up to me and showed me copies of the above photo(s). We but them with our Historical Photos display. Thank you, Sue. I wish I would have more time to spend with you. Thank you for coming all that and attending our Reunion.

FOR A RELATED SCARONI FAMILY ARTICLE ON THIS BLOG, 'CLICCA': http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/06/lanorma-remembers-scaronis.html

DAVENPORT-NORTH COAST REUNION 2011 A GREAT SUCCESS

Photo below: Joanne Gemignani Swaney with husband Jan; daughter Jenna with fiancee Kent. Lido Gemignani and his two children are starring over the "shavola.



Dino Gemignani and family: Wife Sheila, daughters Angela and Corrina.

IVANO SAYS: THE DAVENPORT NORTH COAST REUNION 2011 was a great success. Over 230 people attended. I want to thank everyone who was in attendance. Your the reason it was such a great success. Beautiful sunny day, great food and great friends = GREAT SUCCESS.

I realize that some of you do not do Facebook --so I have posted some sample photos taken at the event. Many more photos have been posted (and are still being posted) on the Davenport North Coast 2011 Facebook page.

Photo third from top. The "Old Rancere" presenting Alverda Orlando with her Life Achievement Award for preserving and promulgating Davenport North Coast History. Her two beautiful daughters stand at her side.

Fourth Photo from the top: Rosa Radicchi talking to a Greogory (not sure of first name.)

Fifth Photo from the top: Three "old" school mates: Marvin Del Chiaro, Ivan(0) Comelli and Jerry Mungai.

Sixth Photo from the top: Welcoming Committee: Tina, LaNorma, Steve and the "Old Rancere".

Bottom Photo: The "Old Rancere" and Mary Silva Tambellini.

Kristian says: Thanks Again for being there, everybody.

BARBARA SILVA WAGNER REMEMBERS WW II........

IVANO SAYS: Some time ago I spoke with Barbara via telephone. Barbara, known back then as Barbara Silva , and I go back a long way. In fact all the way back to our Laurel School days. In our conversation we discussed some of her memories re: WW II. I suggested to her that she write them down and send them to me. She finally did, and now that we are at the ten year anniversary of 9/11, I thought it most appropriate to publish them on the LNostra-Costa Blog. These are Barbara's memories of another War, however; one can imagine that our servicemen and there families are experiencing the same happenings. as described by Barbara:

Well, guess I'd best start w/Laurel School kindergarten. I don't remember if you were there or did you start 1st grade at Laurel? Anyway, I remember that I would go to Pacific Cleaners on Pacific Ave., next to Sam Wo Laundry after school to wait for my Mom to get off work. While waiting, I saw and talked to a lot of the servicemen when they came into the cleaners to get their uniforms pressed. Some were missing limbs, others had their heads bandaged. They were all young and missed their families and home. A lot of them were from the mid west and had never seen an ocean before. They told stories of the corn growing so high, and how they worked the wheat fields. I knew that their surroundings were different from mine, but I soon realized that the people they were talking about were the same, caring individuals that I knew here.
Some had small children and missed them terribly. I could tell this by the way they talked with tears in their eyes. As young as I was, it hurt me and I was deeply touched.

On one occasion, we were on our way to Monterey for the Portuguese celebration. My Dad was driving down Main St. in Watsonville. There, in front of St. Patrick's Church, we spotted a soldier hitch-hiking. Dad stopped to give him a ride. Being a Sunday, the soldier was on week-end pass from Fort Ord, He sat in the back with my sister and myself and started to tell us about himself. He said that he had a little girl, about my age, and how he really missed her; how she wore a bow in her hair like mine. Before we knew it we were at the gate at Fort Ord. The soldier offered to pay my Dad for the ride and gas. Of course, my Parents said no. In a way, it was their way of thanking him for his service to our Country. They expressed their pleasure in visiting with him. I remember those words so vividly. They stuck in my mind, even to this day, even though at that age, I didn't know completely what it was all about.

What happened next left my Mother in tears. The young soldier turned around, bent over where I was sitting, took the propeller insignia off his uniform and pinned it on the bow in my hair. He kissed my head, said thank you so much and walked off ... I never knew his name ... but I do remember his smile and the slight smell of liquor on his breath, to help him ease the pain of what he and others were going through. God bless him where ever he may be ...

I will send another short story regarding the war and troops on Western Drive and Santa Cruz in general if it's OK. Don't want to bore you or tell too long of a tale, LOL Take care, Barb

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D). Thanks Barbara: We'll be looking forward to your next installment, right her on the LNostra-Costa Blog. These kind of personal memories are never a bore and remind us all that we should never forget our servicemen, especially during this time of remembrance.

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

FIGLIO DI FIGLI DELLA COSTA JOSEPH "JOEY' FREEMAN-DELLA MORA - 'RANCERE' - REMEMBERANCE

Joseph Freeman-Dellamora (1992-2011)
JOSEPH "JOEY" UEL FREEMAN-DELLAMORA
BORN: Aug. 12, 1992
DIED: July 21, 2011
OCCUPATION: Farmer
EDUCATION: Santa Cruz High School, class of 2011
SURVIVORS: Mother, Anne Freeman Dellamora of Sandy, Utah; father, Steve Dellamora of Scotts Valley; sisters Tara Rigby of Shelton, Wash., and Ali Richardson of Chowchilla.


Joey, our beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle; cousin and friend passed away in a tragic accident at his family brussels sprout farm on July 21, 2011. He was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school, the third generation of his family to graduate from Santa Cruz High School. He had dreamed, and worked toward, becoming a farmer like his dad Steve since the day that any of us can remember. Joey was a fourth generation Italian American Santa Cruz coastal farmer. He leaves behind his mom Anne Freeman DellaMora of Sandy, Utah; his dad Steve DellaMora of Scotts Valley, CA; his sister Tara Rigby and her family [Lance, Tabitha and Rebekah] of Shelton, Washington; his sister Ali Richardson and her family [Charlie, Reese and Grace] of Chowchilla, CA; his Aunt Jill Dellamora Grossi and her family Billy, [Bianca, Bridget, and Sofia]; his Uncle Dan and Aunt Kathy Roberts of Murphys, CA; and cousins Lee and Eiva Freeman of Phoenix, AZ; cousin Faralyn Roberts and her family of Stockton, CA; Uncle Bob Shaefer of San Jose, CA; Uncle Mike and Aunt Shirley Shaefer of Sonora, CA; and Aunt Valerie Northrop of Jamestown, CA; Aunt and Uncle Patty and Jess Nelson, of Soquel,CA; godparents Kathy and Fred Hibberd of Santa Cruz, CA; Velda DellaMora-Dixon, Tara and Ali's mom, of Chowchilla, CA; and too many cousins to name. Joey was deeply loved by many not the least of whom is his best friend Dominic Boegel, his friends Robby Pappas, Eric Mullis, Alex Demos, Ben Damon, Peter Miller, Eli Ledworth, Cole Collins, Sean Forbes, Jonathon and Ian Heald, Logan Banks, Jaclyn Brosio, Shane Brosio, Michael Gangloff and many others and we apologize for not naming all of you-your friendship meant so much to Joey and his family really wants to acknowledge how much it means to them as well. He left behind his beloved dogs Buster and Roscoe. His Uncle Dennis Freeman passed away on the farm just a year ago. He was also predeceased by his grandparents Uel and Elvena Freeman, Joseph DellaMora and Henrietta Lowe. As a young boy, Joey participated in Cub scouts, t-ball, baseball, soccer where he broke his foot, and football. Joey tried all of this but his true callings were hunting, farming, friends and family. Joey loved to hunt and fish, ride motorcycles, loved his animals, he loved farming and he especially loved the ranch. We loved his big mischievous grin, his twinkling eyes, his laugh, his willingness to hang out with friends and family, old and young. Joey and Dominic were very excited about a hunting trip they had planned for this past weekend to Carri Stanley's ranch, Los Ninos, in King's Canyon, to go pig hunting. Joey and Dominic lived on the ranch. Joey and Steve just donated a Farmall 300 tractor to the Farm Bureau museum at the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds. The tractor has been at the farm since 1949.

In the last year, we all saw Joey blossoming into the man we were so delighted to see he was becoming: including one who was ready to step up and make his dream of becoming a farmer a reality. Last year, during the rains, his dad credits him and his best pal Dominic with saving the crops: They spent weeks working dawn until well after dark hauling in the sprouts. It was a point of contention between Joey's sisters and dad that he was out of school for that period of time. Now we're all glad that he got to truly farm and partner with his dad for a season.

His dad remembers taking Joey to the first game of the World Series last year and how Joey just had to have a Tim Lincecum jersey. Now he will be buried in it.

The family would especially like to thank Doug Banks who risked his own life to rescue Joey. We will be forever grateful. We're all sorry the outcome was not different but want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the valiant efforts of those, including Doug, who worked desperately to save his life.

It is hard to write about his life-it was just ending for him as a child and just beginning as an adult. There were so many more memories to be made with him. We will keep him in our hearts forever and meet him when we meet our heavenly Father. Joey you leave a hole in our hearts. Someday we will laugh again as you would have wanted and we will be forever changed for the better for you having been a part of our lives. Our lives will be forever altered for having lost you far too soon.

In Joey's honor, please remember life is fragile and hold your loved ones close.

There will be viewing for family and friends on Thursday, July 28, from 4 to 8 pm, at Santa Cruz Memorial Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz. Services will be held on Friday, July 29, at 11 am, High Street Community Church, 850 High Street, Santa Cruz, 426-0207. A celebration of Joey's life and our gratefulness that we got to share it with him, will immediately follow the service. The reception will be held at the DellaMora ranch, 5511 Coast Road, Santa Cruz. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes to the reception. His internment will be private and held on Saturday, July 30.

Joey's family wishes to thank those that have called, emailed, sent food and their condolences. We are deeply touched and comforted. Donations in Joey's memory may be made to Agri-culture 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076 [http://www.agri-culture.us/support/make-donation] or the California Waterfowl Association 4630 Northgate Boulevard, Ste 150, Sacramento, CA 95834 https://www.signup4.net/public/ap.aspx?EID=MEMO11E&OID=130.

Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on July 26, 2011

THE NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - RYAN ROUBAL

Ryan Roubal (right) one of the recipients of Santa Cruz High School Class of 1954 Scholarship Award
is pictured with his Grandfather
Giovanni Primo (John) Comelli (on his
immediate right), his Great Uncle Ivano Franco Comelli and his cousin
Matthew Reid (standing on the left).
Ryan and Matthew's Great-Great Aunt, Lina Bressani Gemignani stands in front. Photo taken at Ryan and Matthew's recent graduation party.
Matthew graduated from Harbor High; Ryan from Santa Cruz High.

Hailey Sims and Ryan Roubal, 2011 Santa Cruz High grads and recipients of SCHS Class of 1954 scholarships, were luncheon guests of local Class of '54 members on June 29 at Chaminade.
Ryan was accompanied by grandmother, Donna (Moro) Comelli, and Hailey was accompanied by her stepmother, Monique Kremer. Ryan plans to attend San Jose State University and Hailey plans to attend UC-Berkeley.
They were selected by the Santa Cruz High Alumni Association scholarship committee.
To receive a Class of '54 scholarship, a student must have had a parent or grandparent who graduated from SCHS. Ryan, incidentally, is a grandnephew of Ivan Comelli, SCHS Class of 1955.

*******

IVANO SAYS: I received the above information and photo from Len Klempnauer, SCHS GradClass of 1954. Ryan and Matthew are the Great-Grandsons of Bronco and Valentina Comelli and Lou and Enis Moro. Congratulations Ryan and Haily and a great big Sempre Avanti to all the Grads.

THE SPIRT OF THE DAVENPORT DESTROYER LIVES ON

DAVENPORT DESTROYER'S GREAT GRANDSON HITTING HIS HOME RUN.

IVANO SAYS: AS MANY OF YOU KNOW: I devoted a whole chapter in my book on Pacific Coast League Hall of Famer, Joe (Pino) Brovia - The Davenport Destroyer. Joe grew up in Newtown, Davenport-CA. and started to play baseball on 1st Street (Newtown). From there his highly successful career included playing for the San Francisco Seals, Portland Beavers, Oakland Oaks and Sacramento Solons. He even had a stint with Cincinnati Reds of the American League. Joe was elected to the the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame in 2005. Now it appears that the spirit of Joe Brovia lives on in his Great Grandson, Levi Snowden. I received the following information from proud Great-Grandma Cathy Brovia.

Hi Ivano,

I thought maybe some of your readers would like to hear about the Davenport Sluggers great grandson Levi Snowden...

Levi is 8, going on 9, and loves and breathes baseball. He plays for the Kalawai Pinto team. in Kauai, and was selected to play in the ALL STAR TOURNAMENT IN OAHU JUNE 11, 12....

I sent him an e-mail and told him I was praying that he would hit a home run for grandpa in the tournament. His father (Matt) wrote back, and told me he would tell me all about what happened in the game when he got back from Oahu...

An e-mail I received reads......

Dear Grandma Cathy,

Your prayers were answered! In the bottom of the last inning with the score tied and one out, LEVI hit your home run (photos above), and a walk after that.. It was the highlight of the tournament as it was against the TOP SEATED TEAM. Levi's team went 5-0 and Levi played solid defense and batted over 500. Grandpa must have said something to him after the swing and miss... Thank you for your encouragement and support. It was a wonderful weekend..Sending lots of love, Matthew...

An e-mail I received this morning tells me Levi has been hitting left handed as well and looks to be comfortable from that side of the plate. (Joe Brovia was a notorious left handed pull hitter.)

DON'T YOU THINK THIS A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK???? I know Joe would be so happy to have him follow in his foot steps...

It is so sad that all my grand children and great grand children live so far from me. Idaho, California, and Hawaii....They grow up, and you don't get to watch them.

Levi also has a sweet sister called Selah, she is going on 4, and is a pistol when it comes to singing and baking, they tell me.....


Ivano, I know how much you love bragging about your grandson, so I thought I would let you know,,,,, I have a little to brag about too...!!!

Sempre avanti.... Cathy