Name: George Johnson ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Dec 22, 2011, 12:21 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Spinnaker Cove, Ca

Message: Hey, Armand & JB; Here's a place I bet you remember, LOL, Armand, you probably took some of your out of town friends to this place, "The Venus Massage Parlor" it was located on I believe the corner of Imperial Hwy. & Aviation Bl. They had the most beautiful scantilly clad masseuses who on first observation, wore 4" Stelleto spiked heels, which I thought an odd way to dress & give massages (just kidding) I knew what they were doing, but I did not work Vice, so I didn't care. The place was owned or ran by the infamous Horace McKinna, ex- LAPD/CHP, gone bad. Horace was later killed at his home in Diamond Bar. We (Sheriff's) used to respond to calls at this place from disgruntled customers who had their wallets/money/jewelry ripped off while they were enjoying their massages or whatever else they did in that place, it was pretty fancy inside, just like you would expect a whorehouse to look like. Horace was actually a nice guy when you met him, a true con artist & manipulater, however, when he was investigated Re: racketeering, he was found/suspected to have been involved in several killings that could never be pinned on him, however, his name always came up in the investigations. Horace, also owned (on paper) most if not all of the topless bars on Hawthorne Bl., most of the bars were N/of Imperial & Lennox Bl. in the un-incorporated county area back in those days, not sure of the one on Imperial Hwy. that you refer to JB, but he probably was involved in it one way or another. Just another story from the old days of Hawthorne history.

Name: Bob Clobucker ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Dec 22, 2011, 11:17 am - HHS Time
Class: 1973
City & State: Reno Nv.

Message: Ah, The Goose. Farewell to another "Pillar of the Community". After age 21 I spent many non sober yet fun hours within those walls. As did many others. Including my Dad, Brother, numerous uncles and cousins, friends, co-horts etc,etc. The crowd was an ecclectic mix of characters, from ceos, aerospace industry types, airline people, truckers, bikers, construction workers, movie studio tradesmen, and many others. Was in there last August and enjoyed some drinks with my old Bro Bob Straube HHS 1974. Wasn't as crazy as it used to be but neither am I. Was cool to 'hit The Goose" one more time. It had a good long run. Not bad for a place that used to have a railroad track go thru the middle of it. Used to be a foundry then a truck paint shop, then The Goose. May the last happy hour pitchers go down smooth. 1966-2011 Goodbye. Bob C.

Name: Judy Blomsterberg ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Dec 22, 2011, 11:11 am - HHS Time
Maiden: DeGrazia
Class: 1964
City & State: Torrance CA

Message: Wow...can I go on about 2 & 3 story apartments going up like weeds in Hawthorne. My parents had a home on 118th and Sundale.. after Hawthorne changed so much a 3 story apartment went up directly in back of my parent's home. Here's what my folks found in their yard after that.. coke bottles - cigs - beer cans - trash - & dirty diapers! (what's that all about ) and people peering down from above & my folks lives were never the same, even after planting a huge tree for some privacy. It was the end of an era as we knew it. The titty bar JB is talking about might be Bare Elegance... another thing in the neighborhood that left remnants behind..use your imagination Ginny Lambert campaigned for it's removal...all for nothing. All I can say is that I was blessed to be in the big H when it was fun, clean and very, very, very, very good. If only the kids there now knew it as we did...they'd never believe it! J

Name: George Johnson ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Dec 22, 2011, 10:39 am - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Spinnaker Cove, Ca

Message: Hey, Armand, Were you aware that there were a few HHS girls who danced at the W/G back in the day, I will not devulge any names, but they know who they are and they danced very tastefully I'm sure. Jorge

Name: Jim Schroeder ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Dec 22, 2011, 8:32 am - HHS Time
Class: 1966
City & State: Central Point, Oregon

Message: Just returned from touring the Hawthorne area, and as I drove the route I used to walk to school (York, Haw Intermediate, HHS) it occured to me how things had changed. It was the advent of the apartment building(s) that changed the landscape of Hawthorne. Not a profound statement, but something that turned Hawthorne from an innocent, friendly neighborhood into a mass of nameless occupants. When they changed the zoning to allow apts. on Oxford, the guy next door threw up a two story complex that loomed over our small cracker-box. We moved to Freeman. That street is almost all apts now. Thomas Wolfe said, "you can't go home," (or something like that). Some things never change. The burgers at Fosters still have the same taste. If you ever saw Ernie Nixon run cross country at HHS, you know he's not a quitter. I fell in love at the Flying Goose (several times). I don't think Peter Paul and Mary played HHS, but Thurlow Spur and the Spurlows did (sponsered by Chrysler)-- as did the Crossfires - a Westchester band that became the Turtles. Good to be home in Oregon. Happy Holidays everybody.

Name: Armand Vaquer ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Dec 22, 2011, 12:35 am - HHS Time
Class: 1972
City & State: Tarzana, Karloffornia

Message: George, here's a Goose story for you. One time, a friend was about to fly home to Sacramento from LAX and we stopped in for a while before his flight. A dancer was up on stage (keep in mind this is a topless club) and was adjusting her g-string when, suddenly, it shot off like a rubber band, leaving her red-faced in just her birthday suit. Hilarious!

Name: Richard Haider ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 21, 2011, 6:37 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1976
City & State: San Bernardino, Ca.

Message: Ah, the Goose ... Been thrown outa there many-a-time. Good times.

Name: George Johnson ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 21, 2011, 10:13 am - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Spinnaker Cove, Ca

Message: JB, I thought I told you this story once LOL. Back in 1970/71, I worked Lennox Sherif's station Early mornings (10:00PM to 6:00AM), subsequently, after 10:00PM briefing, my partner & I would make a bar check at the W/G almost every night. Back in those days the dancers were mostly school teachers, secretaries or female professionals of some sort etc, (before the biker & doper gals took over) making extra money as topless dancing paid very well back then. Also, this was way before total nudity was allowed, only topless. I met a lot of the dancers and actually went with one for about a year, that's how I know the story, the free Popcorn, Hot Dogs & Pizza were just added gratuity's AHHH!, brings back good memories. Surprisingly, I did not even know the W/G still existed, I thought it closed year ago. Jorge

Name: Armand Vaquer ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 21, 2011, 10:08 am - HHS Time
Class: 1972
City & State: Tarzana, Karloffornia

Message: I don't remember free popcorn at the Wild Goose. That place was a favorite for friends from out-of-town. They'd all want to go there. My dad worked at Hughes Aircraft in El Segundo and he and his co-workers would go there for lunch. My mom didn't mind, she just laughed.

Name: George Johnson ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 21, 2011, 8:35 am - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Spinnaker Cove, Ca

Message: LOL, Hey JB & Armand; That's why there closing the W/G, the Democrats went in and all they did was eat the free Popcorn & Hot Dogs & didn't buy anything, causing it's demise. Jorge

Name: Sharon Branigan ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Dec 20, 2011, 9:14 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1976
City & State: Milton, GA

Message: It's been a tough year for 76- Keith Jones and Cindy Whittaker. Two people on opposite ends of the spectrum. Keith- big, bold, brash, out there, lots of chutzpah. Cindy- smiling, welcoming, warm, giving, cheerful. Different, but alike- both friends of mine, at different times of my life and in different ways, at different depths; and yet, the loss I feel is - sad, sinking... I met Cindy in, what, 5th grade? There were 4 of us, Susie Smeltzer, Aeron Bonnet, Cindy, and myself; we called ourselves Sam, Pete, Joe, and ?? We were the four musketeers for the next few years. Then I moved to Dana in 8th grade; Aeron moved to MN, we all grew apart. At Dana, I met Keith, along with many others, and grew a whole new set of friends. My mom had tried to get me special dispensation to remain at HIS when we moved across town but it was denied. Now of course I realize what a blessing it was- I had friends from both schools when I got to HHS. Well, anyway- Cindy. We reconnected in 2002, Mikey and I visited her in Gig Harbor. She helped us get the materials and the man- know how to build a potato cannon and we spent several hours shooting potatoes into Puget Sound. We laughed about it for years, it was so much fun! She was so positive, so open, so accepting. What an exceptional human being. We have definitely lost one of the good ones.

Name: Sharon Leach ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Dec 20, 2011, 7:20 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1966
City & State: Long beach ca

Message: So sorry to learn of Cindy's passing. May she be at peace. She was a vibrant part of Cougartown. She will be missed.

Name: Armand Vaquer ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Dec 20, 2011, 7:00 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1972
City & State: Tarzana, Karloffornia

Message: Wild Goose closing?! There goes the free pizza and hot dogs!

Name: John Baker ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Dec 20, 2011, 12:53 pm - HHS Time
No E-mail
Message: BOYS, If you want one last look, get to the Wild Goose before Christmas as it is closing down.

Name: Jim Raines ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Dec 20, 2011, 10:23 am - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Taylorsville

Message: Thanks Bob for your reply. Just curious, other than another 409 who/what gave you the most competition? Where did you race? After I got back from the Navy in '65 the carscape on the Blvd. had definitely changed. Now being competitive demanded some serious cash. A lot of custom cars were now coming along as well. We would hang out at Alan Hauges' custom paint shop on Imperial during the day and at night sometimes check in the Century Club where customs from all over L.A. would come. What a time and place to grow up! Just a snapshot in time. John, your "58 must of been pretty hot to run it at Lion's Drags.

Name: Bob Fraser ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 19, 2011, 7:17 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1960
City & State: Hawthorne, Ca
No E-mail
Message: To Jim Raines: I really didn't do much to the 'ol 409. I did tear it down once and found it was already balanced; re-ringed it and did a valve job, rebuilt carbs, etc. The 409's just ran pretty good. Spent weekends adjusting valves, timing, and changing plugs,(average life 2 weeks). Colder ones for racing, and hotter ones for street. Had lots of fun street and drag racing. It wasn't the fastest but it held its own. Belonged to Chevies, Inc., raced GMC Assoc. and Performance Associates. We won over both clubs. A message to Ernie Nixon: Missed you since you moved to Florida. Hope you come to Cruise Nite sometime. We are all praying for a speedy and complete recovery to you. We are with you in spirit. Finally, great breakfast Jan! Thanks to you, Judy, and the rest of the kitchen crew and ROTC crew. Enjoyed seeing everyone and looking forward to the Jan. breakfast. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Name: Steve Maldonado ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 19, 2011, 5:21 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1976
City & State: Longview, WA

Message: So sorry to hear of Cindy Whittaker's passing. She was a vibrant fire in life! Cindy, you will be missed.

Name: Susan Adams ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 19, 2011, 5:00 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Nelson
Class: 1969
City & State: Anderson, Calif

Message: Hi fellow Cougars! I was wondering where Jerry Miles got those great videos of NuPike-it looks like P.O.P. That's where I got my first....not what you think...pizza! A Beach Boy comment..I remember when they played at my prom,they kept joking about the huge amount of cash that they were getting to play there. People who live up here in NorCal don't believe me when I say the famous Beach Boys played at my prom...I have to dig out my year book, blow the cobwebs off and show them. After looking at the tribute column, I have to wonder if any of my classmates are still kickin it. p live up here in NorCal don't

Name: Debbie Beachler ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 19, 2011, 4:54 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Kilroy
Class: 1971
City & State: The O.C.

Message: Hi John, Merry Christmas to you and all Cougars! Have a wonderful holiday and cherish this time with your families. My heart and prayers are lifted up for our ailing Cougs, Cindy and Ernie, tough at any time but especially during the Holidays. John, thanks for keeping this site up and running and keeping everybody informed of the good, wonderful and sometimes sad happenings of our classmates. God Bless you John!!

Name: Roni Kobel ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 19, 2011, 4:10 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Treckman
Class: 1976
City & State: Huntington Beach

Message: Cindy's mom, Maxine Whittaker posted this a few minutes ago: Dear Friends and Family. Cindy is gone. She's with our loved ones in heaven and will be watching over us always. It was so peaceful. Thank you for your love and caring. Please say a prayer of thanksgiving for Cindy's Gerardo who loved her and whom she adored. They gave each other such joy and happiness. His heart is breaking now, too. God Bless you all and God Bless our precious Cindy. Love to you all!

Name: Al Rocca ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 19, 2011, 10:02 am - HHS Time
Class: 1970
City & State: Mesa, AZ

Message: Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good day!!

Name: Judy Blomsterberg ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 19, 2011, 9:06 am - HHS Time
Maiden: DeGrazia
Class: 1964
City & State: Torrance

Message: BIG COUGAR SIGHTING! Really wanted to thank our HHS group for always showing up at the Hawthorne VFW breakfast each 3rd Sunday of the month. Lee Leonard, Mo Trott, Marsha Russell, John Baker, Tommy Shelley, Don & Vicki Scheliga, John & Annie Rout, Barb Norris Westrope, Don DiTomasso, Denny Unfried, Bill Schultz, Sherry Peppers Wingo, Harry Plotkin, Kathy Brooks, Bob & Karen Fraser, Jody Weller, and Eric Putman. Perhaps those of you that have never come don't realize that we have 15 alumni or more eating at our reserved HHS tables. Good breakfast and you can stay as long as you like with plenty of room to move around the room and visit. A canteen for those of you who want that Bloody Mary or Mimosa with your eggs. Your attendance helps Jan (the chief cook, bottle washer and Grand Pooh-bah) tally up a nice sum that helps Veterans and keeps the post running. If you've never been before, it might be time. Next breakfast is January 15 - breakfast is served from 9-11:30 am. Huge breakfast all for $7.00 & I promise you won't be disappointed! Thanks from your friendly waitress and Grand Pooh-batta. Judy