Name: joseph mailander () on Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 12:59:09
E-Mail: joseph.mailander@uboc.com
Class: 75
Message: I see much discussion of late regarding Pink's, and I feel it incumbent as a longtime resident of Hollywood to proffer herein a bit of urban archaeology regarding the place. Whilst Pink's remains a noble and wellworn eatery unto this day, there was a time when it was even more venerable than it is in its current form.
Pink's now sells Coke and The Usual other drinks--but for the longest time, the exclusive beverage there used to be something kosher, suspiciously frothy, and entirely saccharine called "Mitz". There was a "Drink Mitz" sign painted on the south wall of Pink's, in vaguely Hebraic script, placed there more as a Commandment than an advertisement. Many flavors were uniquely unpalatable; in fact, the only safe Mitz flavor, which sold much more than any other flavor, was strawberry, which became for regulars a part of the experience. When you go to Pink's today, you should order the Strawberry Crush, an inclusion which is a deliberate throwback to Pink's paleolith days, and thereby link yourself to a longstanding Judeo-Christian tradition of culinary wisdom. You will also find that the mix of Strawberry and chili in your gastrointestinal tract will perfectly replicate for your intestines and central nervous system the effects of the most suspicious fish taco stands of Baja, and thereby it will make you feel even more farflung than the simple act of taking leisure on La Brea would ordinarily give license to.
Also, the idea of having a hamburger at Pink's is a ghastly and gauche one, as the old establishment only introduced these compressed ovate intruders reluctantly in the late '80's. While Pinks remains a hot dog stand, for most of its history it was a hot dog stand EXCLUSIVELY, and did not compete for the de classe ground beef dollar. The omission of hamburger from the menu for many years made Pink's beloved not just to the cultural detritus of greater Los Angeles but also to the effete culinary purists among us as well. As MEK Fisher said, "The first thing you need to know about ground beef is it should not be that." The Pink's purist will never be tempted by anything less than a Hoffy.
To old timers it is also tempting to be cynical regarding Pink's customer service level today, for there was a time when it was so extraordinary that it was a part of the place's value proposition. In the 70's and 80's, the place boasted that it could serve a customer "in under 30 seconds", and three redfaced redhaird hell-or-high-water Irish washerwomen in pink Pink's smocks made sure that this promise was delivered. A key part of the facility of service was the slender rage of product offerings: you used to be able to say, "One with everything," and be handed a chili dog with mustard and onions nearly upon the completion of the sentence. To mark the dissolution of years, I typically today stand in the "hot dog only" line (an abomination in itself) and say "one with everything", and now I always receive a quizzical stare, and am asked "One WHAT? You want onions too?") Alas, the social contract between vendor and client isn't what it used to be.
Also, there was a time at Pink's when the photos of celebrities on the walls in the dining area were not celebrities, but desperate ingenues and remarkably unaccomplished bit actors. I knew the day in 1986 I saw Julia Roberts and Kiefer Sutherland there that that was about to change forever. But the general good news about Pink's today is that the news is generally still good. The primary unit of sale at Pink's--the chili dog--remains unchanged from my earliest visits. There is still a token Strawberry Soda available to remind one of the days of the mostly undrinkable Mitz. The architecture of the place has not changed at all, and the hours are satisfactory enough that on a weekend one can go to a late show and still get one with everything after the credits roll at midnight.
John, it is always a pleasure to archive the past with veracity and competence.
Thank YOU joseph for that in depth look at Pinks from your era. I however, can recall Pinks when the only vocabulary you had was "goo-goo da-da".
In the early 60's there weren't ANY celebs hanging on the wall. The building was the same and there was seating in the rear of the building and on the north, but none out back. The bathrooms have always been next door, but used to be free. I don't remember the Mitz sign although I wasn't looking for it either. The store north of Pinks was a gun shop. The person waiting on you was a short, elderly, gray headed and balding man named Boris. If he wasn't Russian, he was their next door neighbor as he had a thick accent. If he didn't know you, he'd ask your name and what school you went to. After that he'd never forget you, or what you ordered last. You could come back months later and he would say, "how do you do joseph, and how are tings at Hawtorne Hi Schul? Are you going to have one with everyting?"
Hot dogs were 25 cents and yes, hot dogs (chili dogs I think were 33 cents) were the only thing on the menu. The place was just as busy, but as I recall the service was much quicker then too. This all makes me want to head on down La Brea and have a little lunch. Maybe I better save it for the next Pinks Run in a couple of weeks. It would be nice to see you there too joseph. Be there if you can, and we'll split a Mitz. Thanks man.

Name: Keith D. Jones () on Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 11:53:00
E-Mail: cmi50@yahoo.com
Class: 76
City and State: Las Vegas
Message: I know Pink E's it is just up the street from my screenprinting business. I've never been in there though. I never really ever see any cars there. Plus if it doesn't have craps I don't care. I was just in Long Beach for the ISS show at the convention center. Didn't really go anywhere but there and Laguna Nigel. If anybody is coming to Vegas after next month be sure to check out the NASCAR CAFE it is awesome. We are doing some of the t-shirts for the place. If any Cougars need screenprinted t-shirts done we can do them. We have clients in 11 states now. I know we can beat prices. Check out our website at http://www.superiorscreenprint.com It's still being worked on but you can get the point. Thanks John for the advertisement.
That's what I'm here for. Thanks Keith.......BTW, you haven't ordered a Cougartown Tshirt yet.

Name: Howard Duran () on Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 11:07:46
E-Mail: DOO4USC@aol.com
Class: 1961
City and State: Lake Forest, CA
Message:Royal: I didn't get your e-mail, and the picture was taken in my back room. I was taking Photo at the time and you were part of my homework. Oh, the year was 1958!!
Dan Johnson: You're right, we were waiting for our Sea Food Platter!
Check out the wire size on that telephone.

Name: Dan Johnson () on Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 09:42:42
E-Mail: wch1ispink@aol.com
Maiden: David Gilmour
Class: 1977
City and State: LA
Message: Dear Howard: I could be wrong but that looks an awful lot like El Faro Viejo -- The Trailer Park. Gloria, I remember those outfits, haircuts and accessories you'all used to roam the halls in. Have another quesadilla!

Name: bill sloey () on Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 07:20:54
E-Mail: wsloey
Class: 69
City and State: calledtotheteachersofficeagain
Message: Hi everybody, Royal in response to your posting, that was not a screen you told me to body block in basketball just like football remember? Hey once a teacher always a teacher, you are calling me to the office and telling me to keep JIMBO out of trouble, not my job man. He once told me, "I hit you, I am an attorney, you hit me and you need an attorney." ha ha
How is Dennis doing? he probably has as much control on you as I do with Jim. JB where do we go from here, I probably get an e-mail now from Frank (MOON) Graves saying I still have an assignment due from his shop class. Love this site JB, Anybody doing SUPERBOWL? or do we care???
Frank Graves.....Now there was a great shop teacher. He had a 58 Ford station wagon that he parked right behind wood shop. We borrowed a floor jack from auto shop one day and jacked the rear end up and blocked up the center of the differential so the rear wheels were about an inch off the ground. Frank jumped in it after work and put it in reverse, turned his head around as if he was going to back out......NOTHING. He just kept revving the engine and the rear wheels were spinning. Course a bunch of us were there for the event and had a big laugh over that one. Frank Graves was one of the fun guys at HHS. Thanks Bill for the shout. Be a Coug boy.......

Name: Dan Johnson () on Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 01:14:30
E-Mail: wch1ispink@aol.com
Maiden: Roger Waters
Class: 1977
City and State: Hawthorne, California 90250
Message: VEGAS, if you live there or if you plan to be there on Sat, 2/19/2000 AND if you like Pink Floyd, well here's your chance to see Which One's Pink? -- the Floyd tribute managed by HHS alum, Dan Johnson. The gig is at (no kidding) Pink E's which is across the street from the Rio behind the Outback Steakhouse. Pink E's is a real throwback joint -- very Vegas local circa 70s, 80s. Care to weigh in on this Keith Jones?

Name: Royal Wm. Lord Jr. () on Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 23:45:39
E-Mail: lord@ugsolutions.com
Maiden: Same as above.
Class: 1961
City and State: Cerritos, California
Message: Will the following people please check back at the indicated feedback, I had some questions or comments for you and I was afraid you might have missed them.
Jim Sloey, Karen Hare, Marsha Hare, And Bill Sloey P. 199, 1-20-00, 23:19:44
Howard Duran, P. 200, 1-22-00, 19:49:19 Also, did you get my last e-mail.
El Rojo, P. 200, 1-22-00, 19:09:17
Thank You for your time. Thank God I'm a Coug!
R. Lord

Name: Gloria Herlosky() on Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 00:15:21
E-Mail: Gpork
Maiden: Valencia
Class: 76
City and State: Las Vegas
Message:to: Sandra Gomez/Class of 2000
Sandra you remind me of ME over 20 years ago!!!. When I was a senior in 1976 the show "Happy Days" was the number one sitcom on TV. I remember walking down the halls with Sharon Bierman. Both of us wearing "shag" hair-dos, a la Mrs. Brady, and jeans with platform shoes, and puka-shell necklaces around our necks. Everyone was talking about the Fonz or something that had happened on the show the night before. And I turned to Sharon and said, "Gosh, I wish we lived in the 50's and had music, and clothes and hair-dos that everyone would imitate." But look at us, we have nothing! The 70's is totally boring, and no one NO ONE is going to have anything from it to imitate. This whole decade is like a total bummer." Well, take a look at the outfits from the 70's shows that are presently making a comeback and you have a good idea of what we had when I went to school. I was feeling as you are, but was I ever wrong! I pass many high schools during my day, and believe me, you will have a lot of memories coming your way in another 15 to 20 years. But for now, remember, as Fonzie would say, "AAAAY, it's only four years of your life!"

Name: Betty Rodriguez () on Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 19:35:52
E-Mail: tombetty@kelp.net
Maiden: Kean
Class: 69
City and State: Lake Elsinore, CA
Message: To Carol McClintick-
Uh, hey, you go, girl! (I think). Seriously, I do agree that an occasional PSA is great. We are 2,000 strong, after all. Lets just stay away from politics and religion.
And now for my PSA. February is Cougartown Y2K Membership Renewal Month! Please send your $10.00 Check or Money Order to John Baker! Thank you, thank you, thank you very much.
Betty
OK Betty!!! Is the Pope a liberal or what??!! No really, thanks for that. We're still trying to get the Newsletter off the floor but we do need some more shekels to do it. The membership drive has ground to a complete halt. Of all the people who check in, 90% are not members. We'll keep after it for a while longer and see if we can generate some more dollars. Thanks Betty for that Cougartown membership plug.

Name: Terry Leeper () on Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 18:55:37
E-Mail: HHS63@webtv.net
Class: 63
City and State: Hawthorne, Ca.
Message: John, about the check-up. May I suggest a female Dr. Smaller digits, if you know what I mean. Wanted to put something in feedback to EL ROJO, but it was boring car stuff. Maybe something later. Terry
Hey Terry, boring car stuff is what we're looking for here. Cars were a part of growing up in the 60's in Hawthorne. Don't let Carol run you off.

Name: Laura Porter () on Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 17:50:42
E-Mail: dsnycrw@ivic.net
Maiden: Twitchell
Class: 79
City and State: Hemet, CA
Message: What do they say Howard...you're not bald..you've just got more head !!!

Name: Judy DeGrazia () on Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 17:32:09
E-Mail: REDONDO612@aol.com
Maiden: JudyWudyChickenBoody
Class: 64
City and State: Torrance, CA
Message: Janny update... Well, it's been a few days since I've checked in. Just wanted all of you to know that I'm treating Jan Blomsterberg with kid gloves and he's loving every minute.. Last weekend I took him with me for a manicure (he loved it) and next week I have him scheduled for a "high colonic." He doesn't know what that is yet--but that's California for ya.!!! Now..I'm off like a prom dress. Judy DeGrazia THE ROWDYS

Name: Howard Duran () on Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 16:15:56
E-Mail: DOO4USC@aol.com
Class: 61
Message:Laura, thank your friend's father for me!! A friend of mine who ran "Beckers" in Hermosa, turned me on to it (Bullfrogs) years ago, now "I never leave home without it." You can see why. Here I am in Cabo with mother and son...PS I'm the bald one!

Name: Roni Kobel () on Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 14:12:17
E-Mail: rskobel@aol.com
Maiden: Treckman
Class: 76
Message: OK, Jeff Roy, we're waiting........ I remember that if someone forgot their combination, you could always do a little magic and tell them the number to unlock the lock. Looking forward to your posts!!

Name: Laura Porter () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 23:56:10
E-Mail: dsnycrw@ivic.net
Maiden: Twitchell
Class: 79
City and State: Hemet, CA
Message: Hey Howard Duran...are you talking about BullFrog the sunscreen...if so...I worked with a gal in Redondo Bch who's Dad and brother invented the stuff. Seems the kids was a fair skin surfer who always got fried. Dad dabbled in odd chemical mixtures and developed BullFrog from the actual stuff that keeps frogs from burning in the sun. They sold it "beach to beach" out of their van for a awhile. They sold the company a few years ago and retired nicely.

Name: Susan King () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 22:12:48
E-Mail: sueking18@aol.com
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Message: Message to Sandra Gomez - Class of 2000: All of us oldies have great fun reliving the past but we would also like to hear what HHS is up to today. We often wonder if the old traditions remain and what the current crop of Cougars think about the "ghosts who walk the halls." Maybe you can describe for us what school is like now. I know I'm curious.....

Name: Carol () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 20:48:17
E-Mail: carol.shih@juno.com
Maiden: McClintick
Class: 75
City and State: San Jose, CA
Message: NOW WAIT ONE GOL'DARNED MINUTE. this site isn't about rotating tires? Then how come there is all this stuff about cars all the time (boring stuff) And we aren't going to talk about brushing and flossing? Or quitting smoking or sexual preferences or the weather? ONLY ABOUT MEMORIES??? Well, I agree that this isn't an Ann Landers column, but I am sorry to tell you all (oh, my god I am baring my soul here) but I think it was great to read about Hepatitis C, and THANK YOU LISA! for informing the town that they should get informed in this area. YOU KNOW 25 years ago people didn't talk about breast cancer, now days keeping abreast of it is compared to brushing ones teeth. And, my hat is off to LISA for being a volunteer! And, JOHN, thanks for starting this site. And, if you don't agree with there being an occasional serious topic..... maybe you should go get you prostate examined.
YIKES!!!! OK Thanks Lisa for the PSA on Hepatitis C. Now both you and Carol go rotate your tires.

Name: Sandra Gomez () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 20:38:23
E-Mail: maligna73@yahoo.com
Maiden: Sandra Gomez
Class: 2000
City and State: Lennox, California
Message: This is a great page. It lets me see how happy and sad this time was. I attend HHS at the moment. I am one of the few from the class of 2000. Wish I could of been there.
Thank you Sandra, but hang onto your own memories. You come from a great school with lots of history and pride. Times change; people don't. You still have the class clowns, the great sports stars, the campus beauties, the neer do wells, the scholars, etc. You ARE a part of the HHS history. Hang onto that.

Name: Tricia Sokol McDowell () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 14:37:36
E-Mail: triciarokn4m@hotmail.com
Maiden: Sokol
Class: 70
City and State: 29 Palms
Message: Royal and Paco- My sister Sandy lives in Indian Wells Ca. She has been married to a guy named Bob Clark for 34 years. WOW that's a long time. I'd give you her e-mail address but her husband Bob keeps changing it. I am the youngest Sokol. When I was a kid all you ball players used to call me Dennis (short for Dennis The Menace) because I was such a tomboy. In school being youngest I was always Little Sokol. I had no identity. Tricia

Name: Matt Peterson () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 14:15:03
E-Mail: mpeters2@dtsc.ca.gov
Class: 74
City and State: El Dorado Hills, CA
Message: Hello. Just checking in. I saw where Wayne Dickey visited Coach Yost. Are there any other ex-wrestlers out there? I was talking to Dan Beebe and he had the idea of all the ex-wrestlers videotaping a message for Yost. That way those that cannot visit can say hi. We could pass around a video cassette for each to add to and then we can give it to Yost. If there is enough interest maybe we can get a wrestlers reunion together. Does anyone know when Yost started and stopped coaching at Hawthorne? I have heard from some wrestlers like Rick Barrow, Ken Wright, Gavin Ostowski, and others but I don't know many of the wrestlers beyond my time. If interested send me an email to mattpete6@yahoo.com or mpeters2@dtsc.ca.gov. Matt.

Name: Mario () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 13:36:41
E-Mail: imnu7@aol.com
Class: 76
City and State: Concord, N.Ca
Message: The Blue Bird Liquor store on Hawthorne Blvd & 137th st the spot hang out and get your junk food for the day. across from Hawthorne grill.

Name: Howard A Duran () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 13:28:11
E-Mail: doo4usc@aol.com
Maiden: Bluthenthal
Class: 61'
City and State: Lake Forest Ca
Message: Gosh I love spring! Wedding bells, BullFrog, Wedding bells.........

Name: Debra Lee McGregor () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 12:21:56
E-Mail: mcgregord@la.lancaster.k12.ca.us
Maiden: Lee
Class: 72
City and State: Lancaster, CA
Message: Hey - 200 pages! I was really hoping to get on the 200th - but 201 is fine! Drove from the desert again yesterday to Redondo Beach Pier. Sure miss that area. For anyone who won't attend functions because they feel they're overweight or underhaired - hey, we don't care! Inside we're Cougs and we'd love to see everyone. Tommy's sounds like fun - their cheeseburgers are awesome and I'd even ignore my diet for that one. Hope to see everyone at Pink's. Does anybody know where Barry Catalano is? I heard bad news - and I'm hoping it's a rumor. Have a great week Cougs - Thanks again JB for this great site. I check in daily, and chuckle daily because of it. God bless ...
Thanks Debra. . . .

Name: Beth Meade () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 10:37:34
E-Mail: bethmeade@earthlink.net
Maiden: Treckman (T1)
Class: '75
City and State: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Message: I haven't been here in months. I've been missing mucho! Sooooo nice to hear from Risa (Hi! and say hi to Marla - I didn't see her here at the Gravity Games this weekend. Maybe next time) and Paula Lutz!! Very nice to know you're out there! I have great memories of HHS girls volleyball friends. That was a special time and special people I'll not forget. We had a lot of laughs. Where is Rhonda Hall? Too bad I had to graduate and leave all you youngsters to keep having fun. Definitely, always an athlete. By the way Jeff, are you going to post some of those memories here on Cougartown? Be careful, I know you do have incriminating photos too! Beth

Name: Ted Gioia () on Monday, January 24, 2000 at 01:34:45
E-Mail: tedgioia@hotmail.com
Class: 75
City and State: Napa, CA
Message: Susan pointed out that Jeff Roy is now visiting Cougartown, and asked that he share some memories. I bet that Jeff has a lot more than memories to contribute. As I recall, he captured most of his high school years on film, and probably has more incriminating evidence on early 70s Cougars than anyone else.

Name: Lisa () on Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 23:14:43
E-Mail: ledsea123@aol.com
Maiden: Graham
Class: 67
City and State: Ramona, CA
Message: Hello - I just came back from seeing Pam Cleeton Martinez, class of l970. I told her about this website and she asked me to put her address on if someone wants to write her.
Pamela Martinez at W23969, MBl23L, Frontera, CA 9l720. Thank you.

Name: Elizabeth Castanon () on Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 23:04:54
E-Mail: lizcastanon6@hotmail.com
Maiden: Cary
Class: 1973
City and State: Amarillo TX
Message: Hi to JB and all. Thanks for telling me that my favorite little store was Bens. I never would have remembered it. Is it still there? Or has it gone by the wayside like so many other favorite places have? Sorry to get you all excited Christine, I did get your email. Thanks. Now Wendy Frye,???? I know your out there and you had better remember babysitting for me and my four holy terrors. Please email me. I would like to fill you in on the kids and catch up with you. JB I sent you a piece I wrote about Mr. Fix but I dont know for sure that you have received it because I havent come across it anywhere. Please let me know if you did not receive it and I will resubmit it. Bye for now Liz
Hi Liz, Yes, the little market is still there. In fact that picture was taken last year. As to the story about Danny Fix; no, I didn't receive it. Sorry.........

Name: Royal Wm. Lord Jr. () on Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 20:04:19
E-Mail: lord@ugsolutions.com
Maiden: Same as above!
Class: 1961
City and State: Cerritos, California
Message: Hi Tricia, Thanks for the response. I thought a lot of your dad's coaching ability. The only time I played for him was on the all-star team at the end of the year. Please tell your parents I said Hi. Wasn't Sandy your older sister? Where is she today? I am still a sports nut also! R. lord

Name: ginny shoren () on Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 19:39:40
E-Mail: vshoren@aol,com
Maiden: lutz
Class: 66
City and State: hermosa bch,ca
Message: Hi Ricki and Myrna. Yes we worked at the Haw.P&R. You made more money than me. Remember Don Winfrey and all the whoppers he used to tell those kids? I remember girl scouts and spending some freezing nites in someones back yard. That is Lyndas Bro. My sister says we should meet at Pinks sometime.

Name: Mari Davis () on Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 17:25:22
E-Mail: irishrutter@hotmail.com
Maiden: Rutter
Class: 67
City and State: Lubbock, TX
Message: This is the first time I've checked back in for quite some time and it was really nice to see some of my old friends checking in too....especially Carolyn Petersen (CJ) we had some really fun times. She even lived with my family my senior year for awhile. What fun. And Kelly Currie and Lisa Graham..it was great reading your comments too. Steve Fraser: Do you remember Hawthorne Youth Camp in about 1961 or 62 with Bill Tamborino , Patty Calvert, Sally Copinger, Tim Hood? Long hikes? Fun days. Thank you John Baker for helping to bring those memories to the surface. I hope to make it to one of the cruise nights sometime soon as 3 of my grown kids are living back on the coast of CA again.
Thanks Mari for being a part of all this.

Name: Tricia Sokol McDowell () on Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 15:48:05
E-Mail: triciarokn4m@hotmail.com
Maiden: Sokol
Class: CA
City and State: 29 Stumps
Message: Royal- Yes Don Sokol is my Dad. I remember you from the middle league field. He remembers every boy that ever played for him. My Mom and Dad now live in Lewiston in Northern Ca. He is still a sports nut. Thanks for asking about him. Tricia

Name: Susan King () on Sunday, January 23, 2000 at 12:33:03
E-Mail: SueKing18@aol.com
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Message: Well, I just checked the alumni list looking for new additions and what to my delighted eyes did appear but the name of Jeffery Roy of Class of 74 fame. We spoke of him early on in these pages (I'll bet his ears were burning) but I am not sure we referred to him by his given name - at least the one his momma gave him. So JR has checked in but not contributed to feedback yet. Perhaps Tim Long and Stephen Nill will help me inspire Jeff to share some hi-jinks memories with all of us..........boys??