VINTAGE SAN JOSE POLICE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT OF THE ST. JAMES PARK LYNCHING IN SAN JOSE, CA 1933

• IVANO SAYS:  AS YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW I WAS A SAN JOSE POLICE OFFICER FROM 1959 TO 1989. THUS, I ALWAYS CONSIDERED THE HISTORY OF THE SAN JOSE POLICE DEPARTMENT AS BEING PART OF THE "LA NOSTRA COSTA (0UR COAST STORY [LA NOSTRA COSTA (OUR COAST) THE BOOK, PAGES 319-337]   THE HISTORY OF SAN JOSE POLICE IS MOSTLY GOOD, HOWEVER, AS IN ALL BIG CITY POLICE DEPARTMENTS, SOME IS BAD AND ON RARE OCCASION IT IS UGLY.  SOME MIGHT REGARD THE HANDLING OF THE ST. JAMES PARK LYNCHING AS BEING "THE UGLY".  WHAT FOLLOWS IS A PHOTO ACCOUNT OF THE  LYNCHING AS INITIATED BY BOB EMERSON (SON OF  A FORMER SAN JOSE POLICE OFFICER) AS FIRST PUBLISHED ON MY VINTAGE SAN JOSE POLICE FACEBOOK PAGE.

  

                                             

  

• 4 days before Thanksgiving in 1933, 80 years ago, the accused killers of Brooke Hart, heir to the Hart’s Department Store of San Jose, were lynched by a mob in St. James Park. This badge is that of William J. Emig, who had arrested the  (accused. The badge is part of a collection from Harry Farrell, a reporter at the Mercury News, who wrote the definitive book on the subject, "Swift Justice."

Unlike · · Share · Unfollow Post · November 28 at 3:02am

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  Bob Emerson Brooke Hart.
  

  
  

  

  November 28 at 3:03am · Unlike · 1
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  Bob Emerson Accused Killers. Thurmond and Holmes.
  

  
  

  

  November 28 at 3:04am · Unlike · 1
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  Bob Emerson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUdUagb_sfk
  

  
  

  Vigilante Justice! Kidnappers Lynched By An Angry Mob - November 26, 1933

  
  

  Brooke Hart (June 11, 1911 -- November 9, 1933) was the oldest son of Alexander ...Hart, the owner of L. Hart and Son Department Store in San Jose, California. ...See More

  November 28 at 3:04am · Like · Remove Preview
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  Bob Emerson The majority of people familiar with the history of the fatal kidnapping of Brooke L. Hart in San Jose, California in the fall of 1933 believe that the two men arrested and lynched for the crime were guilty. 80 years ago, no one (except for the father of one of the accused men), came forward to argue the suspects innocence, or try to stop the lynching. This unanimity of the belief in the guilt of the two men crossed economic, social, ethnic, religious, and political lines.

  
  
• Angie Martinez Always fascinated with this story...

  November 28 at 4:28am via mobile · Unlike · 2
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  Bob Emerson Yes, I agree! What is less hard to dismiss is two eyewitnesses account of seeing Hart transferred into a car with five men. It was a story vetted by the Bureau of Investigation (later the FBI) but ignored by the local sheriff. Before he was taken out and hanged, Thurmond swore to his God, in front of Santa Clara County Sheriff Emig, that he and Holmes were the only kidnappers...

  November 28 at 4:51am · Unlike · 2
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  Bob Emerson At least four films have been made based on this story:
  Fury (1936)
  The Sound of Fury (1950)
  Night Without Justice (2004)
  Valley of the Hearts Delight (2006)

  November 28 at 4:55am · Unlike · 2
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  Angie Martinez I had no idea...I'll need to locate. Thanks!

  November 28 at 5:40am via mobile · Unlike · 3
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  Patrick Boyd I play golf with AJ Hart who would be the victims brother son. He still lives in SJ

  November 28 at 9:28am via mobile · Unlike · 3
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  John Bariteau Thanks Bob my dad was there and witnessed lynching...Emig I believe later became Co.Sheriff ...Blackmore was on duty as one of jailers.....which you probably already know if you read the book....have a nice Thanksgiving and thanks for info....John

  November 28 at 10:14am via · Unlike · 3
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  Angie Martinez I recall reading the Mercury News articles that were published once a week over the course of several weeks on this story back in 1987 or 1988???

  November 28 at 6:44pm via mobile · Unlike · 3
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  Bob Emerson Re-Enactors: Holmes coldcocks Hart on San Mateo bridge before throwing him over into the water.
  

  
  

  

  November 29 at 4:57pm · Like · 1
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  John Bariteau interesting video.......my dad said when I asked him if it was the right thing to do and he replied, there's never been another kidnapping in S. J. has there ?
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  November 29 at 5:16pm via · Unlike · 3
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  Bob Emerson San Jose on Sunday Evening November 27th 1933
  

  
  

  

  December 1 at 12:30am · Unlike · 2
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  Angie Martinez I saw the 2006 version of the movie. Crazy story line.

  December 2 at 9:44am via mobile · Unlike · 2
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  Bob Emerson After the dust settles...
  

  
  

  

  December 3 at 1:58am · Unlike · 1
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  Bob Emerson Kidnapped car with Brooke taken hostage.
  

  
  

  

  Yesterday at 7:53am · Unlike · 1
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  Ivano Franco Comelli Do you have year, mke, model, Bob Emerson?

  Yesterday at 8:16am · Like · 1
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  Bob Emerson Actually, this particular car "above" looks more like a 1933 Studebaker President Eight Convertible. But at the time of the kidnapping Brooke Hart was driving a brand new green 1933 Studebaker Roadster, pic below, which would be the envy of many a young man in San Jose. I at one time owned a green 1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight coupe( bullet nose). Great car too! Maybe, I should have kept it. lol
  

  
  

  

  8 hours ago · Unlike · 1
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  Bob Emerson This might be a typical scene around town, SJ Civic Auditorium, after the kidnapping.
  

  
  

  

  8 hours ago · Unlike · 1
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  Bob Emerson I located the exact car Brooke Hart owned. His 1933 Studebaker Roadster.
  

  
  

  

  7 hours ago · Like
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  Bob Emerson Little known fact: Actor Jackie Coogan who later portrayed Uncle Fester on the 1960's TV show "The Adam's Family” and was to marry to Actress Betty Grable (1937-1939), but already was famous for his role in Charlie Chaplin’s 1921 film, The Kid, and was good friends at Santa Clara University with classmate Brooke Hart. Astoundingly, Jackie Coogan was seen at the lynching, helping with the rope that hanged Jack Holmes.

  6 hours ago · Unlike · 1
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  Angie Martinez Wow....this gets more interesting by the day! Thanks

  2 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 2

• Via Bob Emerson >John Holmes became fascinated with outlaws and what he saw as, their exciting lives. He frequently mused over dreams of committing the perfect crime. In Henry Farrell's book, Swift Justice, the author said, "He would pore over the newspapers, analyzing the crimes reported and the errors that led to the perpetrator's detection." In his mind, Holmes must have thought he could commit crimes that would make him lots of money and not get caught. He soon found out quickly that crime doesn't pay and he wasn't as smart as he thought about committing crimes.
  

  
  

  

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  • Via Bob Emerson >Thomas Thurmond was taken in by Holmes and with Thomas liking of Holmes idea of making some fast money, they set out using Holmes' inside info on the oil company, they planned the abduction of a courier who worked for Union Oil Company. On September 25, 1933, they kidnapped and robbed the employee. The victim was released unharmed and the two men split $716, which was a large sum of money during the Depression era. Barely one month later, on October 23, Thurmond and Holmes robbed a Shell Oil company messenger and made off with $700. With this kind of money they were hooked and Thomas just followed the orders of John Holmes. Now they were off to bigger crimes.
    

    
    

    

  
  

  
  

REMEMBERING FIGLIO DELLA COSTA (SON OF THE COAST) COSTANTINO "AUGIE" GEMIGNANI

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Costantino "Augie" Gemignani
June 24, 1915-Nov. 26, 2013
Resident of Santa Cruz

Augie Gemignani passed away on November 26, 2013 at his home in Santa Cruz. He was 98. Augie was born in Carraia, Lucca Italy. At the age of 16, Augie immigrated to America with his parents and two younger brothers, Lido and Joe. His older sister Marietta remained in Carraia. 
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Victoria Ghio Gemignani. Together they had two daughters; Aldine Marsalisi and Donna Karst. His grandchildren are Krista Lighthall and her husband Scott; Kurt Karst, Monica Karst; and Kenna Thompson and her husband Charles. He has seven great-grandchildren, Katana, Kayla, and Kamria Karst; and Biagio, Costantino, Italia, and Domani Thompson. His family also includes brothers and sisters-in-law, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He spent the majority of his life farming.
He was greatly loved and will be truly missed. Per his request, no services will be held.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santacruzsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=costantino-gemignani&pid=168301414&fhid=8818#sthash.XJxZ2tJd.dpuf

 

 

Costantino "Augie" Gemignani  with Ivano . Photo taken c. 2007.  Augie is wearing my father's (Gervasio "Bronco" Comelli ) old Rancere Hat. Augie and Bronco were Partners on the Gulch Ranch, 'su per la costa' in the late 1940s and early 1950s.  Augie was the son of Aladino and Argentina (Biancalana) Gemignani.  He was the last of the Gemignani Brothers[La Nostra Costa (Our Coast) P.18] .  Lido and Joe preceded Augie in death . 

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

REMEMBERING THOSE SAN JOSE POLICE OFFICERS AND FRIENDS WHO ARE NO LONGER WITH US.

IVANO SAYS:  I POSTED THIS MAINLY FOR MY VINTAGE SAN JOSE POLICE FACEBOOK FRIENDS. THE SOURCE OF THIS MATERIAL IS THE "FARSIDER", A POLICE PUBLICATION, BILL MATTOS, EDITOR.

We also pause to remember our former friends and coworkers:
(Alphabetical by last name:)



Former Officer David Adams
Retired Officer Virginia Adams
Retired Sergeant Harley Adams
Retired Reserve Officer Dave Aguilar
Officer Tom "Wings" Alexander
Retired Officer Jim Aligo
Retired Secretary Doreen Amburgy
Retired Sergeant Andy Anderson
Retired Sr. Police Data Spec. Beverly "Jill" Anderson
Retired Officer Frank Ankenbauer
Retired Officer Dick Anthony
Retired Captain Joe Azzarello
Retired Reserve Officer George Argall
Dispatcher Teresa Arruda
Lieutenant Cecil Ayer
Retired Sergeant Bill Bailey
Retired Sergeant Buck Ballard
Retired Officer Gordon Ballard, Sr.
Retired Sergeant Jim Barnett
Retired Officer Ernie Barozzi
Retired Lieutenant Terry Bauleke
Lieutenant Arnold "Arnie" Bertotti
Retired Sergeant Curt Bishop
Retired Sergeant Tony "Ants" Biskup
Retired Sergeant Don Black
Retired Police Chief John N. Black
Retired Police Chief J.R "Ray" Blackmore
Retired Sergeant Terry Blackwood
Officer John Bledsoe
Retired Officer Bill "Curly" Bond
Retired Sergeant Ron Bondi
Retired Officer Richard Boone
Retired Officer Bud Bosque
Retired Officer Harold Bounds
Retired Sergeant Curt Brandt
Officer Delia "Dede" Bravo-Carney
Retired Sergeant Dave Brickell
Retired Officer Richard "Rocky" Bridges
Retired Police Records Clerk II Wanda Brooks
Retired Captain Bill Brown
Retired Sergeant Gene Brown
Former Officer Phil Brown
Retired Police Chief William Brown
Retired Officer Gordon Bruce
Retired Sergeant Ralph Brune
Sergeant John Buck
Officer John Buck, Jr.
Former Officer Runyon A. Buckalew
Retired Sergeant Lloyd Buffington
Former Typist Clerk II Betty Burk
Retired Sergeant Chuck Burde
Retired Sergeant Bobby Burroughs
Retired Dispatcher George Burton
Retired Officer Wilbert "Ed" Bush
Officer John Cahill
Officer Mike Caldarulo
Retired Officer Johnny Calderon
Retired Sergeant Bill Campbell
Retired Analyst Kathy Campbell
Retired Officer Art Campos
Former Officer Dan Campos
Retired Assistant Chief George Cannell
Retired Senior Dispatcher Alice Cano
Retired Sergeant John Canuel
Retired Sergeant Charles "Charlie" Cardona
Retired Records Clerk Velma Cardona
Retired Officer Gilbert "Bulldog" Cardoza
Former Fiscal Officer Bob Carlsen
Retired Sergeant George Carter
Retired Assistant Chief Joel Carter
Retired Sergeant Glen Castlio
Former Sergeant Hal Chapman
Retired Alviso Chief Pat Chew
Former Officer Steve Chesley
Police Data Specialist II Rosemarie Christensen
Retired Captain Bob Cleary
Retired Reserve Chief George Cochern
Retired Chief of Detectives Bart Collins
Former Officer Billy Collins
Retired Lieutenant John "Jack" Collins
Retired Sergeant Anthony "Tony" Colón
Retired Dispatcher Jimmy Compton
Retired Sergeant Joe Conversa
Police Data Spec. II Marilyn Cordes
Retired Sergeant Jim Cornelius
Sergeant Julian Covill
Retired Police Data Specialist Lillie Cox
Retired Officer Andy Crawford
Retired Officer Bill Creamer
Retired Reserve Officer Chuck Crowell
Officer Alejandro “Alex” Cruise
Retired Officer Betty Cunningham
Retired Officer Marvin "Marv" Curtiss
Retired Sergeant Larry Darr
Retired Officer Don Davis
Retired Senior Identification Officer Pete DeLuca
Retired Deputy Chief Don "D.O." DeMers
Retired Deputy Chief Howard Donald
Retired I.D. Technician Peggy Donald
Assistant Police Chief Ross Donald
Retired Sergeant Ron Dowling
Retired Officer Bob Duffy
Officer John Duncan
Retired Sergeant Leo Dunn
Officer Pete Dupont
Retired Sergeant George Dwyer
Retired Sergeant Hugo Edes
Supervising Public Safety Disp. & Res. Dep. Chief Stan Edwards
Retired Reserve Officer Phil "Duke" Ellington
Retired Officer Paul Elorreaga
Former Sergeant Bob Emerson
Retired School Crossing Guard Winnie Emerson
Retired Officer Lou Emery
Retired Sergeant Jim Emmons
Retired Officer Walt Emery
Retired Officer Anton "Rich" Erickson
Sergeant Gerald "Gerry" (and Carroll Ann) Erickson
Retired Officer Richard "Dick" Erickson
Retired Sergeant Joe Escobar
Retired Sergeant Dave "Porkchop" Evans
Former Officer Mitch Fagan
Officer Joe Falcao
Retired Sergeant Roy Farley
Retired Lieutenant Bob Fazio
Former Legal Adviser and Reserve Officer Royce Fincher
Retired Officer Roger Finton
Retired Sergeant Fred Flesner
Retired Comm. Supervisor Beatrice "Bea" Fletcher
Officer Bill Fletcher
Retired Reserve Officer Robert Flinn
Retired Police Records Clerk Maxine Fontes
Officer Tom Fowler
Retired Typist Clerk II Frances Franco
Retired Airport Officer Ross Frantz
Retired Officer Don Franzino
Retired Reserve Officer Glenn Fudge
Sergeant Gordon Fujino
Retired Secretary Sally Funkhouser
Retired Sergeant Walt Gadsby
Retired Dispatcher Claire Gallagher
Retired Data Specialist Marietta Games
Sergeant Paul "Beans" Ganshirt
Senior Account Clerk Darleen Garman
Former Reserve Officer Ray Garringer
Retired Sergeant Roy Garringer
Retired Messenger Clerk Salli Gathers
School Crossing Guard Jan Gephart
Retired Sergeant Ken Geppert
Retired Sergeant Hans "Westgate" Gerdts
Retired Lieutenant Bill Gergurich
Former Officer Cliff Gerlach
Retired Police Records Clerk Nina Gillette
Retired Officer Will Givin
Retired Senior Office Specialist Fran Goff
Former Crime Data Analyst Mara Graves
Retired Officer Ray Gray
Retired Secretary Ruth Grayson
Retired Captain Leon Green
Retired Captain John Guerin
Retired Sergeant Mike Guerin
Retired Sergeant Pete Guerin (Sr.)
Retired Sergeant Lovell Guptill
Retired Sergeant Stan Hall
Retired Captain Lewis "Lew" Haller
Retired Police Records Clerk Betty Hanson
Retired Lieutenant Stan Hardman
Retired Dispatcher Ken Harness
VOLT Volunteer Bob Harris
Officer Marty Harris
Officer Tom (and Judy) Harris
Retired Captain Charles Hartell
Retired Officer Joe Haslemann
Retired Officer Jim Healy
Retired Sergeant Al Heiken
Retired Sergeant Jim Hellam
Retired Deputy Chief Eusevio "Ike" Hernandez
Retired Lieutenant Kenny Herrmann
Retired Policewoman Janet Hickey
Retired Typist Clerk Rae Hildebrand
Retired Lieutenant Art Hilscher
Retired Dispatcher Betty Hixon
Retired Sergeant Jim Hober
Retired Sergeant Fred Hoffman
Retired Officer Vern Hoffman
Retired Officer Chuck Hogate
Retired Captain Mel Hornbeck
Former Sergeant Howard Hornbuckle
Retired Assistant Police Chief Stan Horton
Sergeant Steve Howard
Officer Art Huckabay
Retired Captain Lyle Hunt
Former Police Woman Eunice (Long) Huntwork
VOLT Volunteer Diana Hurst
Officer Ray Ireland
Retired Police Data Spec. II Shirley Louise Jackson
Retired Senior Analyst George Jacobson
Former Sergeant John Jaeger
Retired Sergeant Merle Johns
Former Reserve Officer Alfred "AJ" Johnson
Retired Captain Tom "TJ" Johnson
Officer James "Tim" Jones
Retired Sergeant Ken Jordan
Retired I.D. Technician Betty Keiser
Officer Keith Kelley
Senior Police Records Clerk Verna Kennelly
Former Officer Mahlon Kent
Former Sergeant Gus Kettman
Retired Sergeant Don Kidder
Retired Secretary Bernice King
Retired Officer Steve Kirkendall
Retired Deputy Chief Elmer Klein
Retired Analyst II Dick Kleiner
Retired Officer Dick Knell
Sergeant Ted Korth
Retired Officer Vic Kosik
Airport Officer Dick Kountz
Retired Lieutenant Floyd Kuehnis
Retired Photographer John Lancaster
Retired Officer Ken Lanch
Officer Carter (and Marsha) Langdon
Officer Jim "Red Dog" Larson
Former Officer Jerry Law
Retired Sergeant Ray "The Deacon" Lee
Former Officer Larry LeFall
Retired Dispatcher Ralph Libby
Officer Charles "Chuck" Lintern
Retired Sergeant Bob Lira
Retired Sergeant Dave Longaker
Account Clerk II Marion Lopaus
Retired Officer Dan Lopez
Retired Officer Herman Lorenz
Retired Officer Mike Lowry
Former Officer Dave Luna
Retired School Crossing Guard Johanna Machado
Retired Sergeant Bill Maddox
Public Safety Dispatcher II Keao Mai
Former Reserve Officer Tim Malley
Typist Clerk II Beth Malnburg
Retired Sergeant Jim Manthey
Sergeant Elliott "Tiny" Mars
Former Sergeant Floyd Marshall
Retired Sergeant Jay Martin
Retired Dispatcher Jean Martin
Reserve Officer Pete Martin
Retired Airport and Reserve Officer Bob Marotz
School Crossing Guard Eleanor Maruca
Retired Disp. Thaddeus "Tedd" Casimer Matusiewicz
Retired Officer William Mauldin
Senior Police Data Specialist Frances McCabe
Retired Captain E. Dale McCay
Retired Sergeant O.D. McClinnan
Retired Sergeant Earl McClure
Former Officer Garth McCormick
Retired Lieutenant Glenn McCourtie
Sergeant Mark McDaniel
Retired Deputy Chief Ed McKay
Retired Deputy Chief Bill McKenzie
Former Officer Brian McNamara
Police Property Specialist Tarr Mehary
Retired Officer Bob Meheula
Retired Lieutenant Lloyd Meister
Lieutenant Ed Melz
Retired Office Specialist II Chris Mendoza
Senior Police Records Clerk Shirley Merrill
Retired Sergeant Liz Michaelsen
Retired Sergeant Art Miller
Retired Officer Dorothy Miller
Retired Sergeant Herb Miller
Retired Sergeant Jess Miller
Former Officer Steve Miller
Former Sergeant Carl Mills
Officer Jose "Joe" Molina
Retired Sergeant Charles "Chuck" Molosky
Retired Officer Ann Moore
Retired Lieutenant. Bruce "Blue Eyes" Moore
Retired Sergeant Don "Santa Clara Sam" Moore
Retired Assistant Policewoman Sharon Moore
Officer Rogelio "Roger" Moreno
Retired Exec. Admin. Secretary Bonnie Morganthaler
Retired. Chief Dispatcher Ron Morrill
Retired Police Records Clerk Ruth Morrison
Retired Dispatcher Antoinette "Fi Fi" Morse
Retired Officer Ken Morss
Retired Officer James Morton
Retired Sergeant Gene Moss
Retired Sgt. John Mosunic
Retired Officer Fred "Moon" Mullins
Retired Officer Pat Murphy
Retired Sergeant Charles Murray
Retired Chief Communications Dispatch Ron Murrell
Retired Chief Dispatcher Hank Murtha
Retired Officer Len Myers
Retired Sergeant Tom Nagengast
Retired Typist Clerk II Amy Nagareda
VOLT Volunteer Marynell Naughton
Retired Officer Annie (Hally) Navin
Former Officer Glen Neece
Former Crime Prevention Spec. Marlin "Cotton" Neufeld
Retired Sergeant Rex Newburn
Reserve Officer Jack Nichols
Retired Police Data Specialist Helene Norman
Officer Alvey "Al" North
Retired Dispatcher Linda Norwood
Former Reserve Officer Terry O'Connell
Former Officer Tommy O'Connell
Retired Sergeant Dexter O'Day
Retired Officer James O'Day
Retired Dispatcher Ed "Radio Ed" Oiseth, Sr.
Retired Secretary Carolyn Page
Retired Police Records Clerk II Phyllis Papa
Former Officer David Parbst
Retired Officer John Patrick
Former Sergeant John Percival
Retired Sergeant John Periman
Retired Lieutenant Fred Petersen
Retired Dispatcher Shirley Petersen
Retired Steno Clerk Carole Peterson
Retired Sergeant Courtney "Court" Peterson
Former Sergeant Arthur "Art" Philpot
Retired Officer Joe Pinkston
Retired Police Data Specialist Betty Poe
Retired Sergeant Bill Poelle
Retired Lieutenant Dave Pollock
Retired Typist Clerk II Charlene Poole
Retired Captain Eddie Pracna
Retired Officer Dante "Dan" Provasi
Park Ranger Todd Quick
Retired Typist Clerk II Phyllis Quirley
Former Officer William Radunich
Retired Officer Frank Rafferty
Retired Sergeant Lloyd Ralston
Retired Officer Anthony "Tony" Ranada
Retired Latent Print Supervisor Ken Raney
Retired Secretary Pauline Rasmussen
Retired Sergeant Hal Ratliff
Senior Steno Clerk Constance Ravenstein
Retired Police Data Spec. II Carlotta Redmond
Sergeant Richard "Rich" Reyes
Retired Sergeant Jack Richards
Retired Officer Ed Ricketts
Retired Office Specialist Clara "Marie" Roberts
Retired Records Supervisor Maggie Roe
Retired Officer Chad "Coach" Rolston
Retired Lieutenant Steve Ronco
Retired Police Data Spec. II Dolores Rosamond
Retired Officer Dennis Rosario
Officer Miguel "Mike" Rosas
Retired Officer Tony Russo
Retired Identification Officer Bernice Sadler
Officer Juan Salcido
Retired Officer Dwight Salsbury
Retired Police Records Supervisor Connie Sandoval
Retired Officer David Sandoval
Retired Lieutenant Greg Sargent
Retired Latent Print Examiner Vic Sartin
Former Officer Ray Saunders
Retired Officer Charles "Charlie" Schaefer
Retired Identification Technician Frances Schotenheimer
Retired Police Data Specialist Elsie Schrull
Retired Officer Herman Schwandt
Retired Captain Tom Scribner
Retired Sergeant Garyn Scott
Former Officer Ed Sekaquaptewa
Retired P/T Typist Clerk II Regina Sellarole
Records Clerk Gretta Shannon
Sergeant Chris (and Lynn) Shimek
Retired Captain Tom Short
Retired Officer Paul Shuman
Retired Sergeant Bob Silfvast
Retired Senior Police Records Clerk Ruth Silverstein
Retired Sergeant Bob Sims
Retired Dispatcher Ethel Sims
Former Dispatcher Jim Slater
Retired Police Data Specialst II Charlotte Smith
Retired Property Specialist Justin Smith
Retired Sergeant Ron Smith
Retired Lieutenant Ken Stagg
Retired Police Data Specialist II Dorothy Stang
Retired Assistant Policewoman Clarice "Tawny" Stelzer
Retired Officer Mario Stefanini
Retired Officer Dave (Watry) Stengel
Retired Sergeant Joe Stewart
Former Officer LeMoine "Lee" Stille
Retired Dispatcher Howard Stout
Retired Deputy Chief Larry Stuefloten
Retired Sergeant Marc Sturdivant
Retired Juvenile Sergeant Stella Sullivan
Director of Communications Lyman Swan
Garage Attendant Frank Sypert
Retired Lieutenant Larry Tambellini
Retired Officer Frank Tanner
Retired Dispatcher Jim Terra
Retired Lieutenant Jim Terry
Lieutenant Larry Thannisch
Former Sergeant Steve Thatcher
Reserve Captain Cal Thomas
Retired Secretary Nadine Thompson
Former Reserve Lieutenant Greg Thul
Former Officer Forrest Tittle
Retired Reserve Sergeant Sixto "Toby" Tobias
Retired Sergeant Harold "Hal" Toussaint
Retired Dispatcher Ron Townsend
Account Clerk Pauline Trevisano
Former Officer Mitch Ucovich
Clerk Typist Marlene Uyehara
Dispatcher and Reserve Officer Tom Vanderpriem
Former Reserve Officer Ron Tsukomoto
Retired Sergeant Mike Van Dyck
Lieutenant Ernie Vasquez
Retired Reserve Captain James "Jim" Vinson Sr.
Retired Reserve Deputy Chief Julio Viola
Retired Officer Joe Vittoe
Retired Secretary Alice Wagner
Retired Sergeant Seymour "Sy" Wakeman
Retired Officer Maury Warner
Retired Sergent Bob Warrick
Retired Sergeant Lloyd Warthan
Former Officer Vern Watson
Officer Carl Watt (and Wife)
Retired Officer Rich Weiser
Retired Sergeant Bill Wells, Sr.
Retired Lieutenant Merlin "Wheat" Wheatley
Retired Officer Fred Whitley
Retired Garage Attendant Freddie "3-Wheeler" Whitmarsh
Retired Officer Leroy Widman
Retired Sergeant Ron Williams
Former Sergeant John Willis
Retired Lieutenant Jack Wilson
Retired Secretary Maxine Wilson
Former Sergeant Frank Winkler
Retired Officer Bill Wiskel
Retired Sergeant Bill Wittmann
Retired Sergeant Doug Wright
Former Officer William "Sharpshooter" Young



IVANO SAYS (CONT'D):  NOT INCLUDE ABOVE ARE THE NAMES OF THOSE VINTAGE SAN JOSE POLICE OFFICERS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY (BELOW):

Morris Van Dyck Hubbard

John Buck

John Covalesk

Richard Huerta

Robert White

Henry Bunch

Bob Wirht

Gordon Silva

Gene Simpson

Desmond Casey

Jeffrey Fontana

FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE (SON OF SANTA CRUZ) AND WW II HERO JOE ARMANINI REMEMBERED

Son of Santa Cruz and WW II Hero, Joe Armanini has passed away. This his Remembrance as it appeared in the SC Sentinel:
        On a beautiful, clear, warm October afternoon, unexpectedly and peacefully, with son Scott at his side, Joe Armanini soared into the Heavens at the young age of 97 after a day of laughing, joking, watching the baseball playoffs and a golf tournament on tv with family members - and flirting with nurses at San Ramon Regional Medical Center where he had just begun tests for low blood pressure. Active and vibrant to the very last moment, it was as if an angel's breath gently touched his candle's flame.
Dad will always be remembered for his kind heart, warm smile and world-famous gnocchi, suck-bone chicken and Manhattans. A Mason for nearly 60 years, dad attributed his long life to a combination of good genes, regular exercise, moderation in food and drink, a positive outlook, thirst for knowledge, and hard work.
Dad had a truly blessed life, growing up in Carmel Valley and Santa Cruz in the 1920s and 30s where his father was an entrepreneur (founding the Montebello Winery in San Francisco), rancher and artichoke farmer (Sea Mist). He played football for Santa Cruz High School and San Mateo Junior College, where he was elected class president, until a scholarship lured him east to Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, playing Defensive and Offensive Tackle on Earl "Red" Blaik's ("You've Got to Pay the Price") teams of 1938 and 1939.
After graduating with honors in 1940, earning a degree in romance languages, dad returned to Santa Cruz, working for Bank of America in Pacific Grove before volunteering for the Army Air Corps in 1941 where he served as Lead Bombardier for the 100th Bombardment Group ("The Bloody Hundredth"), stationed at Thorpe Abbotts, England. After flying 25 missions, he reenlisted for a second tour of duty, retiring at the end of the war as a Major.
In 2009, he was interviewed for the History Channel's documentary, "WW2 in HD: The Air War". Dad had no idea that the producer would select his experiences (alongside fellow 100th Bombardment Group B-17 pilot John Gibbons, fighter pilot Steve Paisanos and journalist Andy Rooney) to help tell the story, and was embarrassed by all the attention. Dad always said that the real heroes never came home.
Dad married his sweetheart and life partner of 50 years, Victoria, of Santa Cruz and Davenport, and moved to El Cerrito - and, later, Rancho Palos Verdes - where they raised two children, Scott and Laurel.
He worked for Bank of America in San Francisco for nearly 20 years before joining BofA buddy Andy Regalia at Kjell Qvale's British Motor Car Distributors (BMCD) where dad held sales and operations positions, retiring after nearly 30 years as Executive Vice President, Marketing.
After mom passed in 1999, dad continued living in their home - surrounded by wonderful, loving neighbors - until 2011 when he stopped driving and moved to San Ramon to live with Scott, Teri and grandsons Jefferson and Kellen. We were incredibly fortunate to have two incredible years with dad.
Throughout their lives, dad and mom always made time for the most important things: Family and friends. They taught us about the importance of getting a good education and hard work, being good citizens, helping others, and saving for a rainy day. Whether it was teaching us to play the piano, cook, fish, garden, save money and balance a checkbook, or play golf, develop our passions for learning and reading, helping with homework, Cub Scout and Camp Fire Girl projects, school plays, coaching Little League, and learning how to establish lifelong relationships with customers, dad and mom were always there to share their many talents and experiences. Both loved to cook, laugh, sing, and enjoyed comedy, crosswords and karaoke.
Dad is survived by children Scott (Teri) of San Ramon and Laurel (John) Tronolone of Rancho Palos Verdes; grandchildren Jefferson and Kellen Armanini of San Ramon, and Lindsey, Richard and Paige Andersen of Rancho Palos Verdes; nieces Lynn (Cal) Ponzini of Aptos and Valerie Reed of Scotts Valley; nephews Doug (Faith) Armanini of Wailuku, Maui and Michael (Cory) Engelking of Santa Cruz; grandnephew and grandniece Christopher and Bianca Armanini of Wailuku, Maui; grandniece Jessica (Tony) Warner and their children Chelsea, Aaron and Dillan; grandnephew Zachary Sterns of Seattle, Washington; daughter-in-law Debra (James) Bierwagen and their children Daniel and Rosie of Chicago Park, California; daughter-in-law Laurie (Thom) Anderson and daughter Ali of Huntsville, Alabama; and many cousins in Spain and Italy.
Waiting for dad in Heaven were his wife, Victoria (Ferrari De Luca) Armanini; mother and father Francesca Barrutia Armanini Colavizza and Isidoro Armanini; step-father Nello Colavizza; mother-and-fathers-in-law Eva Ferrari De Luca Tabacco, Victor De Luca and Ernest Tabacco; brothers and sisters-in-law Edward "Eddie" (Marian) Armanini and Hugo "Googs" (Helen) Armanini; step-brother Mario Armanini; sisters-in-law Lorraine (Les) Bongiovanni, Dolores (John Zanella, Edward Koontz, and long-time companion Al Ebert) and her twin sister Dorothy; brother-in-law-and-sister in law Eddie and Sandria Nelson; cousins Andone and Inkai Arano, Louis Ferrari, and Louis and Florence Knafla; nephews Melvin Silva and Errol Zanella; and grandnephew Gary Zanella.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you please consider making a donation to the 100th Bombardment Group Foundation (www.100thbg.com), or the Davenport Resource Service Center (www.cabinc.org/DRSC).

REMEMBERING "FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE" (SON OF SANTA CRUZ) ALLAN VOIGHT

IVANO SAYS:  I first met Allan in the early 1960s when he joined the San Jose Police Department. Later Allan transferred (from the SJPD)  to the California Highway Patrol, prompting Captain Elmer Klein, who was the head of the Patrol Division, to state "Al is going to be doing the same job for far less pay".  (At the time the CHP was being paid less than the San Jose Police". )  Al subsequently made Sergeant and was assigned to his beloved Santa Cruz were he served until his retirement.   Addio Al.  Until we meet again across "Il Ultimo Ponte" (The Last Bridge). 
The below Remembrance of Al first appeared in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com




Sgt. Allan F. Voight 
February 17, 1937 - September 27, 2013
Resident of Santa Cruz
And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord, Psalm 35:9
Services will be held in Santa Cruz for Allan Voight who passed away at his Santa Cruz home at the age of 76. Born in Stockton, California, he has been a resident of Santa Cruz County for the past 38 years. He joined the Stockton PD in 1958 and was drafted into Army in 1960 serving until 1962 as a Military Police Officer in Heidelberg, Germany and discharged with a good conduct medal. He then rejoined the Stockton P.D until he became a member of the California Highway Patrol in 1965. Al Voight was proud of his service with the California Highway Patrol, graduating from the academy in 1965. His career spanned over 26 years with the department, 18 years as a distinguished and respected sergeant, retiring as S-1 from the Santa Cruz Office, badge number 3698. 
Affectionately known as "Sergeant Chuckles" to his constituents, his jovial manner and clever office pranks played on his Staff will forever be remembered. Al's humorous side could only be matched by his thoughtfulness and his genuine concern for people. 
His family and friends will cherish the many times they received an envelope in the mail printed simply with the name of the person, places to visit, and enclosed would be items of interest, tickets to events, two for one coupons, or just the fact that he was thinking of things that were of importance to them. 
An avid collector of coins, stamps, and baseball memorabilia, to mention a few, he enjoyed going to baseball games (He was a BIG Giant's fan.) with his wife, friends, children and grandchildren. He toured a lot of the old major league baseball parks throughout the country with his buddy, Jerry Calkins and they also enjoyed going to local music concerts. Al loved Blues, Celtic, Country Western and Christian music and Christian concerts and was a frequent visitor of Twin Lakes Church.
Al enjoyed traveling in their R.V. with his beloved wife Lorraine (Lefty) of 35 years, visiting all but four states. As members of the local "River Rigz" for 25 years they enjoyed the monthly outings with their many close R.V. friends and some of them would also join them on their RV trips too, as well as the many vacation trips with Lorraine's sister Sara and brother-in-law Ray Ward of Santa Cruz, CA. 
Two of his favorite past times; walking along the Seacliff Beach and feeding the birds in his back yard. He enjoyed meeting his fellow retired CHP buddies once a month at a local restaurant for breakfast. Ward Schuyler, who attended the CHP Academy with Al, and later they celebrated their retirement together was a life-long friend and regular visitor throughout his illness. Al touched many lives during his career including his CHP partner and Best Man at his wedding, Loren Marburg and wife Karen, whose caring friendship was a strength during Al's illness.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Voight of Santa Cruz, his daughter, Tammy Wagner of Placerville, his sons and daughters-in-law, Vance and Maria"Malena" Wagner of Soquel, Stu and DaLauna Wagner of Fall River Mills, and Matt and Alisa Wagner of Carson City, NV. He also leaves his sister, Jo Alders of Escalon, his brother-in-law Vern Willey of Long Beach and several nieces and nephews. "Grandpa Duck" also is survived by his eight loving grandchildren Jordan, Brittany, Cody, Erik, Stephanie, Brian, Hennessy, and Raif; and three great grandsons; Joseph, Lincoln, and Waylon. 
Friends and family will gather on Monday October 21, 2013 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel for a memorial service , beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will be private at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz. .

REMEMBERING VIRGINIA GIOVANNONI (nee' BROVIA)

Virginia M. Giovannoni
Feb. 18, 1922-Sept. 10, 2013       
Resident of Santa Cruz
Virginia M. Giovannoni passed away on September 10, 2013 at her home in Santa Cruz, with her loving family by her side. She was 91.
Virginia was born on February 18, 1922 in Davenport, the daughter of Pietro Brovia and Maria (Grotesi) Brovia. She grew up in Davenport where she attended Davenport School and later moved to Santa Cruz where she has been a lifelong resident. Virginia did custodial wOork at UC Santa Cruz for many years before her retirement.
Virginia was described by her family as a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, cooking Sunday dinners, daily visits with her sister, Lena and especially loved her grandchildren. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
She is survived by her daughters, Nadine Murphy and her husband Jim of Santa Cruz and Edie Dahlberg and her husband Mark of Santa Cruz; her sister, Lena Castiglioni of Santa Cruz; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Guido Giovannoni in 1961.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High St., Santa Cruz, CA on Monday September 16, 2013 at 10:00 am. A private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Santa Cruz, CA. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle or express your condolences to Virginia's family.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Florence Kuo Home Health Care and her staff for the loving care they provided Virginia. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to your favorite charity .
(The above Remembrance first appeared in the Santa Cruz Sentinel. www.santacruzsentinel.com )

 

This photo of Virginia Brovia and my father "Bronco" Comelli,  was taken circa 1936 in Newtown north of Davenport. It adorns the back cover of my book "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast).  Virginia was the twin sister of Joe "Pino" Brovia, known during his baseball playing career as the 'Davenport Destroyer'. Virginia was also the sister of Lena Brovia  Castiglioni,  who was my babysitter when my family lived in Davenport (1937). As I write in my book the Brovia and Comelli families were very close.

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

A PHOTO REMEMBRANCE OF FALLEN SAN JOSE POLICE OFFICER RICHARD HUERTA - 2013

In my book "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast), I write about the brutal killing of my best friend San Jose Police Officer Richard Eugene Huerta, on August 6, 1970 and how it affected my personal and professional life.,  I previously posted these photos on the Vintage San Jose Police Facebook page; now I publish them on the LNostra-Costa Blog in Remembrance of Richard

This is a photo of Richard's Academy Class, c.1963. He stands second from the left in the back row.

This photo was taken in my backyard in San Jose in July 1969.  One year later in August of 1970, Richard (pictured in the center) was shot and killed in the line of duty. On Richard's left is SJPD Sergeant Ray Obierne




                                                                        

                                                                        

                                       Officer Richard Eugene Huerta on Patrol c. 1970


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Flag flying at half staff in remembrance of Fallen Officer Richard Huerta. The photo was taken in front of the Police Administration Building in August 1970. I believe that the SJPD Officer standing at attention is Robert Gummow.

       US Marine and SJPD Honor Guard  for Fallen Officer Richard Huerta, August 1970.

Pallbearers attending to Richard Huerta's casket, Aug. 1970. On the left side (front to rear): Officers Richard Yuhas,  Jim Emmons and Tom Perez.  Right side (front to rear): Sgt. Ivan Comelli, Officers Fred Esparza and Jim Larsen. Lt. Bill Bown stands at the extreme right corner of the photo.

 San Jose Police Motorcycle Officers escorting Fallen Officer Richard Huerta to Grave site at Oakhill Memorial Cemetery in San Jose, Aug. 1970.

Laying Fallen Officer Richard Huerta to rest at Grave site at Oakhill Memorial Cemetery, San. Jose, Aug. 1970. Officers facing camera (l-r): Sgt. Ivan Comelli, Officers Fred Esparza and Jim Larsen. Backs to the camera (l-r) Officers Richard Yuhas, Jim Emmons and Tom Perez.

San Jose Police Identification Officers Christine Mendoza (on the left) and Janie Jensen placing flowers on  Richard's casket, Oakhill Memorial Cemetery, San Jose, Aug. 1970. Long time San Jose Police Records Person, Margie Thompson can be seen in the background (middle) in the  light color dress.

Remembrance of Fallen Officer Richard Huerta, written by Editor Richard Cadenasso and appearing in the Aug. 14, 1970, publication  of the Vanguard, a San Jose Peace Officers Association newsletter.

Dedication of Richard Huerta Park at Hillsdale Ave. west of Ross Street, in San Jose, Oct. 10, 1974. Richard's Mother (center) receives plague from San Jose Police Chief Robert Murphy (left). San Jose Mayor Norman Mineta stands at the right.

 Lt. Ivan F. Comelli marches San Jose Police Honer Guard into Richard Huerta Park, Oct. 10, 1974.

 Richard's Mother in tearful remembrance of her fallen son. Photo taken at Richard Huerta Park dedication Oct. 10,1974.  Officer Joe Hasselman (in uniform) is seated in front row, second from right.  Deputy Chief Robert Allen (in uniform) is seated in second row directly behind Richard's mother. San Jose Mayor Norman Mineta is seated in the second row on the end at the left.

          Official Dedication Annoucement of Richard Huerta Park in San Jose California, Oct. 10, 1974.

A WINDOW TO THE PAST

 

This photo tells it all. For me, its like having a window into the past.

 

It is one of my favorite photos and it appears on page 77 of my book "La Nostra Costa  (Our Coast) [LNC]. It is captioned "BRONCO IN HIS RANCERE OUTFIT C.1950". I took this photo from the inside of our bedroom in our old house on the Gulch Ranch. In it you can see "Bronco", my father, like he would be dressed to go to work each morning. In the background to the right you can see the clothesline that my mother hung clothes to dry. Capi, our dog, appears to be watching for something. And to the left with the "Keep Out" sign on the door is the club house where my brother and I kept and read our "Funny Books" . And where we played Italian songs [some with a Fascist flare to them]  on an  old  stand up Victrola phonograph. [LNC : pages 145-147]

You can also see the enclosed chicken yard where we kept our chickens. Inside that chicken yard to the left, out of view, is where Bronco almost got arrested as an Alien Spy, while feeding our rabbits in their hutches, during a WW II Blackout. [LNC: Pages 30-31]  All of this is gone now, except for the distant field. BTW: Near the top of the photo, horizontally across along where the crops end, is part of the race course my brother John and I took when racing in the "Old Carrettone", our old family car.[LNC: Pages 261-263]

 

 

 

THE DELUCCA ACCIDENT - SIXTY-SIX YEARS AGO TODAY

r
IVANO SAYS: I posted this today on our La Nostra Costa (Our Coast) Facebook page. I know that some of my LNostra-Costa "Blagga" friends (Gino Campioni for one) to not do Facebook for personal reasons. Therefore,  I'm posting this for you  to see.

At approximately 6:30 PM on August 1, 1947, sixty-six years ago today, quite possibly the worst accident in Santa Cruz North Coast History occurred at the intersection of Swanton Road and Coast Hwy 1. The photo below appeared in the SC Sentinel that year, and shows the two vehicles, a California Department of Forestry Truck and a 1941 Buick passenger car after the violent collision. None of the six member Fire crew was killed, however; five of passengers in the Buick did not survive the accident. “The Sentinel identified the dead victims as Amerigo DeLucca, age thirty-six, Donna DeLucca, age four , Anthony DeLucca, age 9, Mr. Manual Quadros, age sixty, and Mrs. Manuel Quadros, age fifty-five.” [La Nostra Costa (Our Coast) Page 291]

 

 

For my personal views and additional photos "clicca": http://nostra-costa.blogspot.com/2007/07/collision-course-delucca-accident.html

OLD 'LA NOSTRA COSTA ANNOUCEMENT - SANTA CRUZ FAIRGROUNDS 2006.

JUST IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD....