Name: Dawn Moffett () on Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 15:54:39
E-Mail: Dawn7@aol.com
Maiden: Koch
Class: 78
City and State: Simi Valley, Ca
Message: Just checking in and had to send my prayers to Don DiTomasso and his family. Although I don't think I knew you at HHS I do know what its like to lose a Father. It was one of the hardest things I've done in my life. One feeling I came out of the experience with was "Wow I am really a grown up now". John is right, lean on your friends and remember all the good times. Write things down so you can look back over the whole growth experience, it helps. I also wanted to send a message to all the Band bods out there who had Mr. DeLaO at HHS. I went to his birthday party last Saturday night and had lots of fun and good food. The only other HHS student there was Debbie Hagopian (Egland). It was great seeing her but next year we want to round up lots more of us so we can really surprize him! He is doing great and is looking forward to next year. Start planning on it! Always a Cougar!!

Name: Tom Burroughs () on Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 14:29:43
E-Mail: TB-Sande@webtv.net
Class: 1958
City and State: Prescott AZ
Message: So John, tell us more about this bicycle thing that you & Janet are into? I close my eyes & picture you in your lycra shorts & clipless pedals, US Postal jersey , helmet gloves, two water bottles. I mean a lean, mean, biking machine? Am I close?? Were you inspired by the Tour de France? All kidding aside I love to bike with or without a motor. How about we put together a CT. bicycle ride? Maybe park at Marina Del Rey & ride the bike path down to Redondo, have lunch & margaritas at El Torito & ride back?? I would drive over for that if you did it on a Sat.?
You're sure to lose if your not at the cruise!!! TB from AZ
Hey Tom, No it's more like cutoffs, tennies, Tshirt, backpack with some water, and a sore butt. These bikes are Janet's and are nice mountain bikes. They're great to ride but I need a decent seat, you know, lots of PADDING!!
A Strand Ride. That sounds like a good excuse to get a mess of Ctowners together. We'll talk about it on Cruise Night. Speaking of upcoming Cougartown events. Next summer....PROM NIGHT. I can't wait to see Rowdy Judy's velcro Prom dress. Later Tom......

Name: Sharon Leach () on Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 13:36:42
E-Mail: slleng@aol.com
Maiden: Moore
Class: 1966
City and State: Long Beach, CA
Message: Melanie, I'm on the floor laughing. Yep, just call me Marge Simpson, only the hair isn't blue. I'm sure the B-52's are looking for me. Actually, I had that du done for my senior picture. What was I thinking?
20 years from now you'll be looking back at the pictures taken in the year 2000 and saying, "What was I thinking".

Name: Anita Young () on Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 12:14:14
E-Mail: amyinor@webtv.net or youngun39@yahoo.com
Maiden: Aceves
Class: 1978
City and State: Newberg, OR
Message: Gina (Black) Peck! LOL! You are sick but funny! Wiping well wasn't on my mind until you said that! OH MY GOD!!!! But then, if I remember correctly, you are one of Terrie Kostiszak's old buddies, right? I am, too, just don't have as long a track record with her as you do! She needs to get herself in here and do some talking too, doesn't she? Hey Terrie...where the heck are ya? And, the hemline stuck in the pantyhose is another good one! The sandbox...another good one! Aren't you a vet? Cat analogies....good! I like cats, too. Keep up the good work Gina. I love to laugh! = )

Name: Sharon Moore Leach () on Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 09:57:58
E-Mail: slleng@aol.com
Maiden: Moore
Class: 1966
City and State: Long Beach, CA
Message: Where are the 66'ers out there and are there any plans for a 35 year reunion next year. I never received a notice for a 30 year reunion. Did we have one? Cathy Moore asked me to put her name on Cougartown, so I signed her up. She doesn't have a computer, but if anyone out there wants to talk to her, send me an e-mail and I'll help you get in touch. Connie Jax Beverly, I read the tribute you wrote about Carol Rugtive. She was a dear friend and you wrote a fitting tribute. Connie, I was going through my senior yearbook and you wrote to the "nothing in our club." Thanks a lot! Now you're probably wondering what club all these many years later. And Candy Conley, I know you are out there reading feedback. I think it's time for you to chime in.

Name: Raymond Smith () on Thursday, July 20, 2000 at 05:34:36
E-Mail: Kawabunganorth@juno.com
Class: 1981
City and State: Portland, OR
Message: I've been hearing so many memories that I have yet to hear any beach parties of the 60's. I'm curious if it was legal back then to have bonfires (or at least a good fire going) to cook hot dogs, marshmallows or just staying warm right on the Beach? When I visit the coast of Oregon back in 89 I was amazed to see people having fires going because in L.A. it was illegal. It's nice to have something like that because you can have family/friends get together and have a great time like that. I even go crabbing and cook them that night for a feast. How much fun can we have up here in Oregon? ALOT! I recently talked to a guy living in Australia and he surfs alot. I asked him if they get any Beach Boys music and he said no, haven't heard it in quite a while. Bummer. They're missing out or they weren't popular there??? Does anyone know any more info about the property Hawthorne High sits on? I saw an old photo that looks like an airfield which HHS now sits on. Can you imagine it could of been a present day LAX if the sale didn't goes toward the new HHS back then? I saw the "NEW" Manhattan Beach Pier on "Blind Date" show and I tell ya it looked good. Hats off to those who restored my beloved pier which I get a kick out of shooting the pier while surfing. Haven't yet hit one. Is the Chart House still in Redondo Beach (or is it Hermosa?). Lots of memories there. I've must of taken half my dates there. I hope it didn't go into the sea. Up here we have 2 of them. One in Portland overlooking the city and the other in Vancouver, WA right on the river. Love that place! John, got some photos I'd like to send to you to be posted on feedback. Where can I send them? Anita, you say you don't have any yearbooks? If you want to look at my 1977/78 we'll have to get together. I can probably get my sister Toni's of the other 3 years if she still has them?
Hey Ray, Way back in the old days (60's), if you wanted to have a beach party, the place to have a fire on the beach were the pits at PLaya del Rey (the same goes for today). We had some good ones down there.
If you want to send pics, or anything pertaining to the website, please send to John Baker, PO Box 1406, Lomita, CA 90717
Thanks Ray....

Name: Melanie () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 22:48:43
E-Mail: msminear@hotmail.com
Maiden: Minear
Class: 82
City and State: Hawthorne, Ca.
Message: Lost my internet connection for a couple days, thought I might be missing something! I just wanted to say I really like the old class pictures. I gotta tell ya SHARON Leach...Class of 66. That picture of you... Your hair ROCKS!!!!!! how long did that take daily? WOW! Also does anyone from the 80's know how to get ahold of Norm Fernandez of Stacy St.? I tried his email addy listed here & it bounced back. thanks you guys, later M-
Did EVERYONE that went to HHS live on Stacy St? Cmon Norm, if you're out there, update your email address please.

Name: Linda Dietrich () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 22:41:09
E-Mail: leonard-linda@juno.com
Maiden: Dawson
Class: 69
City and State: KCMO
Message: Thanks John, I will contact Joann as we were very good friends. She is in the same house as she grew up in. That would be weird to never move away. I've lived so many places I sometimes have to think to remember names of streets and places. I'm sure I would get lost if I came back home to Hawthorne and the Beach cities where we use to party. As for turning 50 I have a yr. yet. I will be 49 in a couple months but dread the big 50. If anyone else out there had a hard time turning 50 let me know. Living so far away it's almost impossible for us to come to any of the parties or reunions. Last Oct. was the first in 5 yrs. Hope it won't take another 5 yrs. Hopefully in a couple yrs time we will be moving to NV or AZ. Then we will be close enough to make some trips. Are there any full time RVers out there? We have considered it but have a lot of homework to do before we take the plunge, if we do it at all. But there are a lot of full timers out there really enjoying the lifestyle.
I had no trouble turning 50. I can remember sitting at home watching TV that night and drinking a Root Beer (all I had). Very exciting. At least no one through me an "Over the Hill" party, and I didn't get one of those canes with a horn, bottle of viagra, and a "Honk if you're a Senior Citizen" bumper sticker attached. I'll never live that birthday down. I thought I had more frien.......

Name: Janet Burkett () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 21:51:23
Maiden: Humphreys
Class: 62
City and State: Mission Viejo, Ca
Message: Hey Ed Sharp,
As John said, we are into the pedal kind of bike, but Slopey Joe's at the Spectrum is a great place! Maybe we could show up and throw a bon voyage party there for you two next time you take off on some distant trail. Funny, I remember in high school I wouldn't have been caught dead on a bicycle. Proof...never say never!
JB2
Hey Ed, Janet knows I have enough problems staying upright on a NON-motorized bike.

Name: Sherry Wingo () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 21:16:49
E-Mail: dscwingo@pacbell.net
Maiden: Peppers
Class: 1964
City and State: Haw. Ca.
Message: Class of '61 check out Howard Durans latest pictures , especially Jimmy Peppers. They're really good.
Hey, great pics Howie. Those take me back.......

Name: Linda Kristof () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 20:30:25
E-Mail: LKWriter1@juno.com
Maiden: Christian
Class: 64
City and State: Kansas City, Missouri
Message: Hi John,
Here are a some names to add to the Hawthorne Intermediate pic. Top left, Albert Acrey. 2nd row 2nd from left, Mike Sullivan. Bottom row middle, Lawrence Sullivan (I think) Interesting, Linda K.
Thanks Linda

Name: Linda Dietrich () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 20:12:55
E-Mail: leonard-linda@juno.com
Maiden: Dawson
Class: 69
City and State: Kansas City, MO
Message: To all my friends at CT and class of 69. I am here but just don't have much to add to all the exciting happenings going on in Calif. My husband and I are enjoying the empty nest. Life is dull here but thats OK. A few yrs. ago we were going crazy with 4 teenage girls and 2 that were having babies at a very young age. It was a 3 ring circus. I guess you could say I got all (and more) the grief I gave out as a teenager to my parents. But I wouldn't trade my grand babies for a million dollars. We finally got a relief from the heat today. My brother Ray and his family were here from Torrance for a few days for my nieces wedding and of course it was the hottest time of yr. They were glad to go home. The wedding was the best! Big Brother Steve had a hard time giving the bride away. There was a long hesitation when his part came to say " Her mother and I". We were all holding our breath to see what he would say. In the end he did the right thing and stepped aside to go on with the ceremony. The Kristof's are very lucky to get such a nice son-in-law. Wish we all could be so lucky. Hope everyone is healthy and happy out there in CT. Bye for now.
Hey Linda and all you 69ers. I received a snail mail from one of your classmates today wondering if there's any plans for a get together as the 69ers are turning 50 this year. The note was from Jo Ann James Halalilo. If you know anything, or want to get together, please let her know too, as I have her address. Thanks......

Name: Wayne Dickey () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 18:49:08
E-Mail: impalawayne@aol.com
Class: 69
City and State: La Palma, Ca.
Message: Good to here from some "69" cougars. Keep the feedback rolling. Ed, yes I do motorcycles. Only "G" rated stuff. Candies, flakes, pearls, designs, etc. My shop should be open for busniess some time next month, in Buena Park. John B. I also do bicycles. Just a little fuel for thought!

Name: Gina Peck () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 18:37:07
E-Mail: rjpeck@pacbell.net
Maiden: Black
Class: 80
City and State: Los Angeles, CA
Message: Yo Anita!! I hope you had wiped well!! That was my worst fear. Another fear was getting the hem of my skirt stuck in the waistband of my pantyhose! I always check, and double checked that every time I left the sandbox. Too much information, I know.

Name: Anita Young () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 16:48:45
E-Mail: amyinor@webtv.net or youngun39@yahoo.com
Maiden: Aceves
Class: 1978
City and State: Newberg, OR
Message: O.K. Hopefully, something to cheer all of us up now, huh....we've done the nylon thing, recently did the hairdo thing, and Lisa Graham brought up the make-up (never did much of that and still don't), here's a fun one (I hope)....what was your worst fashion faux pas or most embarrassing thing that happened to you while you were wearing the coolest fashion of your day? Mine was wearing hip huggers to school when I was like a sophomore. Ladies, any in here who wore those know what happens when you sit down in a pair of those, don't you? A funny thing that we usually tease fat old guys about in old Levi's called Plumber's Butt! Yep! After my first class that day, a few guys were all laughing at me and making jokes like "Anita you CRACK me up" and stupid stuff like that! Well, since I only lived across the street from HHS, after I finally figured out why they were doing this, I went home to change into a pair of high waisted Ditto's jeans (remember those?)

Name: Anita Young () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 16:40:07
E-Mail: amyinor@webtv.net or youngun39@yahoo.com
Maiden: Aceves
Class: 1978
City and State: Newberg, OR
Message: Don Di Tomasso: My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family. I cannot imagine the pain and loss you feel at this time. The closest I came thus far was in April when I lost my mother-in-law. Things like this do make me count my blessings and make me want to come down to L.A. very soon to see my parents and let my daughter, Cassie, see them and they her, again. It's things like that none of us can take for granted. God Bless, Don.
And Linda Farrow and Liz Estrada...thank you for your kind words and thoughts. You both are very special ladies in my book. God, it's so great to be a Coug, isn't it people?

Name: Ed Sharp () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 13:40:58
E-Mail: esharp@csc.com
Class: 68
City and State: Anaheim, Ca
Message: Hello to all Cougars from Ed and Pat. It has been some time since either one of us has raised our heads and posted. We've been so busy with family, vacation in Hawaii, charity bike rides or just riding for the fun of it we haven't had a chance. This past weekend we rode up to Big Bear Village, that was a challenge for me with all the curves and switch backs but it was all good "sweet". Pat and I ride almost every weekend even if it's just to breakfast. If there are any other Cougars out there that are bike riders looking for someone to ride with let us know. We belong to a club named American Thunder based in Orange Co. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at Sloppy Joe's at the Spectrum in Irvine. Wayne Dickey, I remember your name from our school days but don't remember actually meeting. I have read some postings about your Low Rider and the havoc that was raised about perceptions of art. I have no comment on that at this time but was wondering if you do custom paint jobs? If so, do you do motor cycles?
Ed Sharp
Hey Ed, Glad you checked in and just wanted to let you know that Janet and I are getting into bike riding...........well, actually the non-motorized kind, so I guess it might be kinda hard for us to keep up with you two huh......never mind.

Name: Monica Fermin (Scoseria) () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 12:24:48
E-Mail: monica_fermin@yahoo.com
Maiden: Scoseria
Class: 90
City and State: Long Beach, Ca
Message: This site is looking better and better all the time! Keep up the good work John!!!
Thanks Monica.....

Name: Linda Farrow () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 12:07:40
E-Mail: Linda.Farrow@trw.com
Maiden: Elia
Class: 82
City and State: Redondo Beach, CA
Message: Message to Don: I'm sorry to hear the loss of your father. I lost my father 3 months ago due to pancreatic cancer, he was 76. Tomorrow would have been his 77 birthday. Each day gets a little better, but I'm guessing it will take a long time to get over the shock of it all. My prayers are with you.
And to Anita, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend also, you are in my prayers as well. And I plan on making it to the next Fosters run in August, hope to see allot of you there, and some 80's classes!!
Linda

Name: Pauline Matthew () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 11:34:45
E-Mail: pmsockser@aol.com
Maiden: Spencer
Class: 69
City and State: Oakhills, CA
Message: HI TO ALL OF THE CLASS OF 69.I HAVE BEEN BUSY WITH SCHOOL. TRYING TO GET DONE SO I CAN GRADUATE IN MAY 2001 AND THEN ON TO LAW SCHOOL. GUESS WE ARE NEVER TO OLD TO FOLLOW A DREAM. IT IS NICE TO KNOW THAT WE ARE MISSED. HI TO DONNA, WAYNE, LIZ, LUPI, BETTY AND THE OTHER MISSING COUGARS. TO WAYNE AND DONNA, HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOOD WITH THE TWO OF YOU. AND A SPECIAL HI TO MY SISTER BILLINE, CLASS OF 66. AND THANKS AGAIN TO KING JOHN, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
PAULINE
Thanks Pauline, and good luck in law school........are you sure the world needs another lawyer?

Name: Gary Lents () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 11:02:32
E-Mail: glents3030@aol.com
Class: 67
City and State: vista
Message: Blake, We are practicing nearly every day...we arrive in Toronto on July 27. There are almost 300 teams coming (in all age divisions)...We won the Pacific Cup (Western USA) in the 18 & under division. I am not sure of what hotel yet, but either in Mississauga or Brampton. The tourney is in Brampton. I will Email you when I have more info...80 degrees#*^@! in Canada? How is the humidity? Liz, my condolences...Wayne, say hi to Artie. He and Tim Awayan did my "POMP" for the prom in '67; now there's a "doo" Kelly.

Name: Elizabeth Estrada () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 10:55:11
E-Mail: dzlizzy219@aol.com
Class: 69
City and State: redondobeachca
Message: Dear Don DiTomasso, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I lost mine many years ago and not a day passes that I don't think of him or something he taught me. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing your dad but I will pray for him and for your sorrow to be lightened by His love.
To Anita Young, as we age we will lose many friends and family. I hope knowing that you have many friends right here brings you some solace. Meredith MacRae was a shining light to everyone who knew her. Now she shines her light just beyond the horizon where we will all meet again.
On a happier note, Cougars are EVERYWHERE! One of my clients was at the Colorado River last week and happened to mention my name to a man she was chatting with, and guess what....He's a Cougar from the class of '67, Jerry Skaff my old heartthrob. I guess they shared Estrada stories because when I next saw her, she was grinning like a lady with a secret. So, Jerry, are you here? What did you tell her that makes her smile so?
To Christie Higgins, I noticed your name on new arrivals some time ago. Are you here? I remember playing Barbies with you and cruising to Catalina with our Girl Scout Troop 270. I hope your mother is well. Please give her my regards and tell her thank you for all she taught me. She was a terrific Girl Scout Leader. And BTW, I think if there had been a contest on who had the biggest hair, you would have won, hands down. I think I remember you telling me you went through a can of Aqua Net every few days.
And finally, to Karen Considine-Sturges, Do you remember when we thought fried baloney sandwiches on white bread was a special treat? Love to you all It's great to be a Coug! The Goddess
Here's a picture from 1931 of class president Mitch Skaff. Jerry, was Mitch your Uncle? I know Mitch was my father's best friend in high school and their friendship continued on for many years.

Name: Lisa () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 06:17:46
E-Mail: ledsea123@aol.com
Maiden: Graham
Class: 67
City and State: Ramona
Message: I sometimes now look at all the hair styles when I take my Mom to the beauty shop and think that is how we were wearing our hair in the 60's. I don't have a hair style - long gray hair to my butt, but I did consider putting a royal blue streak in it last Saturday. No stock in aqua net. I guess what I am trying to say is I am still into ponytails and braids. Remember the make up - I do recall that it took me hours to get ready to go out. Thank god for Richard B. I haven't worn make up since l967. To the class of 67 where are all of you? Hope your all well. Have a great cruise night I will be getting ready for my parents 60th wedding anniversary and won't be able to come up. I do plan on coming up for homecoming - it is the first weekend in October, right? Lisa
Lisa, Yes, Homecoming is October 6th and Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad too.

Name: Don Di Tomasso () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 02:06:39
E-Mail: dond@ix.netcom.com
Class: 75
City and State: South Bay
Message: Fellow Cougs, August 5th (Cruise Night III) would have been my father's 85th birthday. Nicholas Di Tomasso died today, July 18th, 2000 at approximately 1120AM at Beach Cities Health District ambulatory care unit. All those who remember him, feel free to post or e-mail. I would love to receive information regarding your experiences with him.
He was a strong father and a creative human being with a lot of insight that helped me at various stages in my life.
I offer special thanks to sweet Sharon S., who offered great comfort during this time.
Love you all.....
Don, I offer my sincere condolences, knowing that my father was one of the two toughest losses I have endured. You have many friends here, so please lean on us if you feel the need. I'm sorry for your loss.

Name: Betty Rodriguez () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 01:41:54
E-Mail: tombetty@kelp.net
Maiden: Kean
Class: 69
City and State: Lake Elsinore, CA
Message: Hey Everybody- Okay, okay! Geez, I wait & wait for some of my classmates to write in, and then they all write in on the same day! I don't have much to report - kids are back in school and I'm going to paint. I remember painting our house on Sundale every couple of years. Dad didn't believe in removing wallpaper - just paint over the darn stuff. I'm also going to refinish a dresser from my teenage years - all that Aqua Net hairspray to hold those french rolls in place. Can't make it to Fosters on the 5th - got plans with the 'girls'. Have fun!
Betty

Name: Lupi () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 01:32:07
E-Mail: perkisassy@yahoo.com
Maiden: Dominguez
Class: 69
City and State: Hawthorne,Ca.
Message: Hi to all of you from the class of "69". This means you Wayne, Donna, Betty, Liz, and Pauline. Thanks for asking about me. I'm fine, just real busy at work. I'm sorry I'm going to have to miss Foster's but I'll be on my way to Chicago to help my sister-in-law and Cougar brother Humberto with their new twin girls due by then. I will just have to look forward to homecoming and Stick & Steins. Loretta if you need help give me a call. I'll do what I can and maybe talk the girls into helping too. John as usual your doing a great job, keep it up.

Name: Anita Young () on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 00:54:24
E-Mail: amyinor@webtv.net or youngun39@yahoo.com
Maiden: Aceves
Class: 1978
City and State: Newberg, OR
Message: To Elizabeth Estrada: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Meredith MacRae. She was a fine actress. I, too, lost an old friend yesterday. She was the wife of one of mine and my brother's old friends. Her name was Annie Colvin. Great lady and around Meredith's age too. Now I have to sit and try and find the words to say to her widower, Allen, whom I haven't talked to in like 15 years. I know he's devastated.
Anyhow, sorry for your loss. But, on a lighter note, congratulations on your sister's doctorate! Not anything to sneeze at by a long shot! Salute! = )