Name: Larry Reese () on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 21:09:27
E-Mail: Draakjaeger@hotmail.com
City and State: Hawthorne, CA
Maiden: Reese
Class: 63
Message:First off, not too much response to my comments about Senior Square's eminent destruction, but the ones who did felt the same as I do. However I talked to my son today, a second generation Cougar (92) and he said "What Senior Square?" I guess somewhere between the 70's and the 90's that tradition sort of faded away. Maybe all of us "Senior Cougars" should just wait until they crush it all up and ask the school for pieces as mementos like the Berlin Wall.
Second, as for the Pledge controversy and the Bin Laden hunt, I spent twenty years in the United States Air Force and while I never had to go to Viet Nam, I knew all about it, so you can guess where I stand. If you can't, just turn on KZLA and listen for Toby Keith's latest song.
Larry Reese, Master Sergeant, USAF Retired
Hey Larry, sorry about that picture thing. If the old one's still there, hit your reload or refresh button.

Name: SANDRA () on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 17:18:21
E-Mail: SAIRVE@COLLEGECLUB.COM
City and State: HAWTHORNE
Class: 97
Message: I THINK THIS WEBSITE IS GREAT. I GOT TO SEE WHAT HHS WAS LIKE BEFORE MY MOM WAS BORN... COOL..
THANKS.
Thanks Sandra, and no, you didn't make us early 60's people feel like Jurassic fauna or anything.

Name: Enza Nicocia () on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 17:11:03
E-Mail: Futre HHS Athletes...
City and State: Still Look The Same...
Maiden: After All These Years! :-)
Class: 72
Message: I'm on a roll with this scanner, and tripping down memory lane once again. Here's one of HIS eighth grade winners of the All Star Football Game. This picture unfortunately does not come with names of students. Although, some are REAL easy to identify. Let's see if I can name some of these future HHS Football Players. Back row 2nd from left: David Engstrand,(4) Max Castorani,(6) Tim Cooper (my secret crush!),(9) Steve Duel? Middle row: (1) John DeForest. Everyone else draws a blank. Surely someone out there recognizes these future HHS Athletes.
OK Enza, enough with the scanner already. I know you're having fun but it's my day off, plus lots of people want their pics put up and I just can't handle them all. HEY, how about Paco??

Name: Kathleen Griffin () on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 16:08:28
E-Mail: ct_helpdesk@yahoo.com
City and State: San Pedro
Maiden: Nix
Class: 1974
Message: Doris, I have been to the wall in DC, I've been to all the war memorials. I've wept at each and every one of them. I remember well Vietnam, I wore two POW bracelets and had the privilage of returning one back to it's namesake, the other person never returned. It's partly because of the Dove's that Vietnam ended. I lost friends and relatives in that war. I'm not advocating polical correctness and for the record I said I grieved for ALL people who have suffered loss as a result of the actions of the past year. (Including those at the WTC John). I protested the war in Vietnam and I do not regret that. I believe you can protest the actions of the goverment while still supporting the "Boys" who are doing the fighting. For the record, my nephew goes to Afghanistan on Monday, He's with the 101 Airborne and I'm greatly saddened that the world has come to this. When will we (everyone, not just us in the US) learn? I would love to continue this discussion with anyone who wishes to do so, including your critisims in email. Thank you so much for responding to my writing. My email address is Spirithart@sbcglobal.net
Again, I'm lost. You say I'm greatly saddened that the world has come to WHAT, WAR?? It hasn't COME to war. War has been going on since man could fling a stone. When Bin Laden comes into your country, takes your planes piloted by his brain-washed followers thinking they are going to live with the virgins forever because they kill themselves and 1000's of others in the name of "Allah", what are we supposed to do, go pick a flower and hand it to Osama as a peace offering? NO, we're going to send the 101st Airborne, the Marines, the Navy; we're going to rid the world of this kind of vermin and not because of some red necked "John Wayne" mentality. We're going to do it that way because it's the only way to get the job done. I'm not saddened at all but very proud of your nephew and thank Jesus Christ, MY Lord God, for him and every last serviceman and woman this country has now, and has had in the past, for without them all we'd have would be the flower pickers to make peace and that just won't fly.

Name: doris () on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 11:05:04
E-Mail: raydori@mindspring.com
City and State: Twin Falls, ID
Maiden: Donaldson
Class: '57
Message: In response to Kathleen Griffin's post about being a "dove", etc. ... I have to agree with John here girl. Do you have any vivid recollection of the VietNam war (oh pardon, "CONFLICT" ... must be politically correct, right?)? And you are more than likely too young to recall anything about the Korean war (oh pardon, "CONFLICT" ... must be p.c., right?)? And then there was World War II, which Kathleen, I remember well even though I was quite young, because I was raised by a Mother who also experienced World War I. What should we do, Kathleen, give up more of our boys because it's "politically correct" or "dove-like" if you will? I say NOT!!!! Innocents die in war and there will always be war, and although it makes me just a little embarrassed to say it, I'd rather see us go into Afghanastan and wipe out the entire country than let one more of our boys be killed, maimed or wounded, not to mention the "POOR INNOCENTS" who were killed in the WTC on 9/11 and those "POOR INNOCENTS" who WILL BE killed in any further terrorist attacks on the U.S. Kathleen ... do me a favor and go see the Wall when it appears there locally in CA. Have someone provide you with a list of those HHS boys lost in VietNam. Don't get me wrong here kid ... I'm not putting you down for your beliefs, but if you are going to be a true DOVE, you must REALLY open your heart and your eyes and mind. I don't consider myself a dove or a hawk; just a realist.

Name: Cheryl Nicocia () on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 10:55:02
E-Mail: chernico@cvc.net
City and State: Keno,Oregon(ontheriver)
Maiden: Christensen
Class: 62
Message: Hey, feedback is open on a Saturday morning. This is a nice treat.
John, you missed a GREAT party while I was down in So. Ca. last week. #1 Grandson had a big 16th bash. Lots of Food, Drink, People .....And boy oh boy has that kid grown. His Mother (my #2 Daughter) is 5'11", and he passed her up. Passed up Grampa too. A GREAT kid. :o)
I know and sorry, but had my Fathers Day last weekend in La Quinta. Yeah the boy is growing up all right. He should be going around Shaq on his 18th BD, plus he's gonna be a Heartbreaker too. Happy Birthday Ryan.

Name: Patti Smith () on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 03:19:48
E-Mail: grnidl80@attbi.com
City and State: Cypress, CA
Class: 68
Message: For those of you interested, I just read an article that the Vietnam Moving Wall, the half-size version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC, will be at Houghton Park in Long Beach for one week beginning this Sunday. Houghton Park is on Atlantic Avenue just south of Artesia. I think this is appropriate for CT, since there are some Cougars' names on it.
Thanks for the information Patty. I've seen it before; it's very moving in more ways than one. Cougs, if you have a chance, please go see it.

Name: Rick Trullinger () on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 00:13:09
E-Mail: Tapplefish
City and State: Independence
Class: 73
Message: Hey, Tim Helble I remember David Shoren. He drove a hot '57 Chevy and had a sister named Cynthia that was very easy on the eyes. Remember Jeff that was killed in a motorcycle accident that lived next door to you that drew pictures of "Murphy" with a long board on top of his head on kids T-shirts? also didn't Jeff play in a band in his garage?

Name: Alan Nelson () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 22:21:25
E-Mail: boatcop@boatcop.com
City and State: Parker, Az
Maiden: Still Serving The USofA
Class: '73
Message: Don't EVEN get me started!

Name: Ron Dickson () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 20:52:06
E-Mail: rond201@earthlink.net
City and State: Norco,Ca
Class: 1967
Message: Being an ex Marine, and a Viet Vet, when people talk like that I really take offense. Right on John with your response!!!!!!

Name: Kathy Martinez () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 20:29:15
E-Mail: twofuries@aol.com
City and State: Spokane, WA
Maiden: Tindel
Class: 1977
Message: I went to Dr. Gray, the dentist in the castle too. He was really mean and he made me cry. I wouldn't open my mouth for a shot and he told me if I didn't open my mouth, he would open it for me. I think about him every time I have to go to the dentist. Not one of my more pleasant childhood memories.
I had a dentist once when I was about 5 who drilled out a cavity without giving me any anesthetic. He said it was just a small one and wouldn't require any numbing. YEAH RIGHT!!!

Name: Sharon Branigan () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 19:12:47
E-Mail: srbranigan.srb@verizon.net
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 76
Message: I'll be travelling from CA to CO to OR/WA to CA this summer, any Cougars in that loop that I might stop in to see? Just now starting to plan my itinerary. Blake's note to Ingrid made me realize there are Cougars everywhere!
Hi Sharon, I'm in that loop.

Name: Kathleen Griffin () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 18:53:22
E-Mail: ct_helpdesk@yahoo.com
City and State: San Pedro, CA
Maiden: Nix
Class: 1974
Message: (From Dan Johnson) I thought it would be interesting to post the text of the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
I?m usually quiet when it comes to the political opinions expressed on this web site out of respect for our founder and king, John Baker. Cougartown wasn?t founded as a platform for expressing or debating our religious or political beliefs nor was it established as a forum for foreign policy. Having said that, it?s time for me to say something. I do not share the same political or religious values as the more outspoken folks in this community. I?m not a communist, I?m not an atheist and I have a different idea about what patriotism is all about. One thing I did learn at Hawthorne High was how to think critically and not follow the herd (I?m not saying anyone here is following the herd either).
I firmly believe in the first amendment and as such I will defend your right to freedom of expression, whether I agree with you or not (even if it means my imprisonment or death). Since 911, I?ve seen an onslaught of flag waving folks who take offense to the fact that I do not choose to wear my flag or display it. I was even removed from a co-worker?s ?I love America? email distribution list (at my request) and she made a point of letting me know that I was a communist for asking to be removed from it. I?m not a sunshine patriot; I fully exercise all my rights as a citizen of this country including the most precious of all, the right to vote. I know what congressional district I live in, I know who my representatives are, I write them regularly, I call the white house when bills come up for vote that I want to see become law and when bills come up that I do not wish to see come to fruition. I know who my local representatives are and I attend town meetings to discuss things that are happening in my community.
How many flag wavers are registered to vote? How many actually vote? I?m not a republican or a democrat; I vote my conscience not for a particular party. I spend weeks researching items before I vote on them, including researching where the money is coming from. I didn?t vote for nor do I support our current president select and I firmly believe he stole the election. I followed the shadow convention when it occurred in downtown LA (although I didn?t take time off from work to attend, that was my husbands job). I support the rights of all Americans to be who they are and live what they believe. The whistles and bells go off whenever I hear a politician saying it?s un-American to express views that are opposed to the federal government. I preach tolerance however; do not condone the actions of those fanatics who push their agenda to the point of murder. I don?t believe that our actions in Afghanistan are ethical or even legal. Thus far over 4000 innocents have been killed by our actions in that country. Is this a fair trade? Is this the way to end violence? I do not believe the people of that country should have to pay for the sins of a very few fanatics and I grieve for all who have lost family and friends as a result of the actions of the past year.
As for the issue with the Pledge, the words Under God were not part of the original version. It wasn?t until the 1950?s that the phrase ?under God? was added to the otherwise secular Pledge of Allegiance. It was in response to the McCarthy era witch-hunts for communist (who were also identified as atheist by the powers that be. It appears to me that more things happen out of a knee jerk reaction to fear than for any other reason. It?s interesting to note that during the 1950?s the following happened: The phrase ?under God? was added to the Pledge, ?So help me God? was added as a suffix to oaths of office for federal justices and judges, and ?In God We Trust? began appearing on all American Currency. Just some things to think about.
Your friendly HHS Dove?..
Kathleen, I have NO IDEA where or why that came out. I haven't been calling you a communist, have I?
Obviously you needed to vent. You say you're neither for the Elephant nor the Jackass. I see anti-GOP all over this piece. One thing really bothered me. You say, "Thus far over 4000 innocents have been killed by our actions in that country (Afghanistan)." Is that to make us out to look like unmerciful killers or something? We didn't start this thing. Although it is unfortunate that in war, innocent people are killed, but yet you mention nothing about the thousands who were slaughtered in the WTC on 9-11.
Just an observation from your friendly HHS Hawk....

Name: Max Roelen () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 18:37:50
E-Mail: mardel@jps.net
City and State: Citrus Heights
Class: 1974
Message: Hey JB, I was wondering, how I can get my hands on a '71 and '72 year book? I was looking at the varsity football team but could not put names on the faces except for one. John Allen. He's the one on the bottom holding the team on his back. He's the one who laid me out flat in spring training 1971 that made me decide to be equipment manager. Yes, I did letter in that occupation and it was much safer. Ahh! Those memories. Be safe and have a fine Cougar weekend!
Hi Max, I do know the school has a few books but I think they're from recent years. Here's the picture with names. Hope they all come back to you now. Have a great weekend yourself.

Name: Chris Prewitt () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 15:08:38
E-Mail: cjprewitt@juno.com
City and State: Fullerton, CA
Class: 1967
Message: I also read the article in the Daily Breeze, http://www.dailybreeze.com/content/bln/nmcafeteria27.html , and have mixed emotions. First there has been an article in the WEB page that John has on his ?What?s new? page: ?3-4-01,Hawthorne High School has it's own Website courtesy of Marcus W., a student at HHS. It's very new and all the blanks aren't filled in yet, but so far it looks GREAT!! Thanks Marcus for your time on this project. I know you'll do us Cougs proud.? See article at: http://server45.hypermart.net/hhstech/What_s_New/Cafe/cafe.html No one seemed to be concerned for about a year. The next thing is what can be done about Senior Square? If you look at the artist?s drawing it looks like the building is somewhat round. How about just reinforcing the second floor and moving the benches from Senior Square to the roof of the new Senior Circle! Instead of putting the lower classmen in a trash can, they can just toss them out of the circle!

Name: Dan Johnson () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 13:50:09
E-Mail: wch1ispink@aol.com
City and State: Sherman Oaks, CA
Class: 77
Message: There has been litigation over the "so help me God" language in the oath and the Courts have upheld a witnesses right to refuse to use those words. Also, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal (which issued the recent decision) is an appellate court and, therefore, does not take witness testimony. FYI, the United States Supreme Court begins its sessions with the words "God save the United States and this Honorable Court" It will be very interesting to see how the US Supreme Court deals with this issue. Given the public outcry, perhaps there is sufficient support for an amendment to the Constitution exempting from the First Amendment certain governmentally sponsored references to God in various public contexts? Then again, when the US Supreme Court ruled that burning of the US Flag was protected speech under the First Amendment, there was a similar outcry and the idea of a constitutional amendment was floated but never happened.

Name: Enza Nicocia () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 13:46:03
E-Mail: antiquenza@aol.com
City and State: SoCal
Maiden: Still The Hopeful Romantic One...
Class: 72
Message: Kim~I didn't know your Mama was so sick. My deepest heart felt condolences to you and your family. I remember her to be such a character~and as I recall an artist. I think you have some of her quick wit and humor AND artistic abilities too. The last time I saw her was at Juli Pillar Mom's house for a party, about 10 yrs ago or so. Anyway, she looked great~the same as when I knew her in High School.
My Dad passed on New Year's Eve morning 1999. And, since then he has been a constant in my dreams. I know she will come to you and you will "feel" her presence like I do with my Dad. It's an amazing experience to have, seeing him in my dreams regularly and feeling him around me when I need him. Only our bodies die away, our spirit lives on FOREVER!!
Ti Amo Sempre. Your Friend, Enza

Name: Kim Begley () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 13:07:18
E-Mail: kbegley@pacbell.net
City and State: Scotts Valley, CA
Maiden: Stembler
Class: 73
Message: Hey Wade, I'll be at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier at 7:00 a.m. on July 4th for my mother's memorial service. She died Monday from a long battle with lung cancer. She was born July 4, 1925 in Manhattan Beach and graduated from Redondo Beach High School. While cleaning out her Santa Monica apartment this week I've found some great old photos of Manhattan Beach including letters from her mother also born in Manhattan Beach dipicting life as a beach rat at that time. When my mother was an airline stewardess for Flying Tiger Airlines in her 20's she kept an apartment in Manhatten Beach. When we were kids growing up in Hawthorne she would drop my brother and I off every day in the summer at the pier with our surf rafts. Fond memories. I love you mom and I'm going to miss you. You put up a great fight but it's time to rest now and reflect on the good times. I'll see you in my dreams. xxoo

Name: Jill McFarlane () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 11:57:01
E-Mail: jillmcfar@aol.com
City and State: Mission Viejo
Class: 1977
Message: I just got through reading the Daily Breeze article on the plans for this cafeteria, and let me sum it up in two words, It sucks! In a time where tradition in schools is sorely lacking the CVUSD decides to tear down one of the few traditions of HHS left. How many, upon entering HHS in your freshman year had been warned about entering Senior Square? If you were caught, it was the trashcan for you. During the summer between your Junior and Senior year, all you thought about was hanging in SS with your friends, and possibly throwing a freshman or two in the trash yourself? The school board is being ridiculous. What they should be doing is perhaps adding on to the facility they have now, by adding on a second floor. I don't know if we alumni have much clout with the school board, but we should try to do something. I plan on writing the district myself, anyone else? What next, will they change the school name, because it offends PETA?, the school colors, because they are just tired of it? Sorry to hear the passing of John Entwistle of the Who, I love their music and spent many an hour trying to figure out what Qaudraphenia was all about, never saw them live, but would of like to. They were suppose to be playing down here at the Verizon in Irvine, but that has been cancelled. Favorite Who song? Mine is Guitar and Pen.

Name: Ingrid Larson () on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 11:37:14
E-Mail: ingridl@fdgdesign.com
City and State: Long Beach
Maiden: Larson
Class: '74
Message: Enza - Thanks for the memories. The photo you posted on Tuesday, of the "jocks" from 1972 is a great memory-jogger. I recognize Dave Campbell, Wes Myamoto, John Fowler, Mike Coburn, Mike Scott, Wade Greasby. I don't have my El Molinos, so the rest are going to remain unknown for now - at least.