March 20, 2015

Spring begins at 3:45 Pacific Daylight Saving Time.  Joe Dyke corrected me last week, as Mr. Billings once corrected him.  Daylight SAVING Time, not Daylight SAVINGS Time.

About three hours into Spring, the Aztec Men's Basketball Team will meet St. John's in the NCAA tournament Round of 64.  It will be broadcast on CBS at 6:40 PM Eastern Time.

The baseball season is upon us and Coach Cedric Neeley could use some gloves, mitts, bases, masks, certified bats, helmets and uniform items.   If you have any of the above items in the garage, perhaps you can drop them off at school.  A certified bat, I am told, is an aluminum bat that is certified.  In addition the Crawford Foundation has set up a GoFundMe account.  I'm hoping it will be as successful as what we did for soccer.  Get out your credit card and click HERE to contribute.

Greg May's Vintage San Diego Facebook page now has an album devoted to University Lanes and a Google street view link so you can see what's there now.  Those of you have been reluctant to join Facebook might want to think about it.  Click HERE to check out the album.  It's a slide show, so click on the first photo to get started.

I've decided to start cataloging the thousands of slides I've taken around San Diego over the last 35 years.  I'll scan the good ones and share them with you.  Here's one of two photos I took on February 20, 1980 showing the flooding in Mission Valley.  I'm now more interested in the fact that I captured a photo of the old Mission Valley Circle Theater and, nearby, Caesar's Restaurant.  Click HERE to see photos enlarged.

Ron and Heather Meyer Jagodinski have forwarded Jon Proctor's web site featuring airplane photos he's taken at Lindbergh Field over the years.  Click HERE to check it out.

Lew Fay has made a cut from the Nomads album available to the public.  Click HERE to listen to it on YouTube.  It's accompanied by a nice slide show, with a photo of what I think might be the Pacific Highway Oscar's Drive-in.

Kris Pruski Wood tells me the Class of ’70 is having a 45th Anniversary Reunion in the Baja Room at Marina Village on Saturday, July 25th from 6-11 PM.   Call Kris at 619-246-3777 or email her at kriswood@cox.net

Karen Lozier, a popular PE teacher died March 6th in Lakeside.  My tennis partner Teresa O’Malley and I kept in touch with her after high school and, Teresa more than I, knew her family.  I believe she died from a lung related disease and had been fighting it for some time.  There is no service planned and her brother from Phoenix is handling her estate -- Linda Dederman ’69

Al Marko ’63 passed away peacefully from malignant melanoma on March 2, 2015.  He was born in St. Paul, MN and moved to San Diego in 1957.  He served in the Coast Guard from 1965 to 1971.  He was a proud member of Sheet Metal Union 206 for 46 years and retired in 2002. He leaves behind, among others, his brother Tom ’70.  His sister Susan Marko McArdle ’75 preceded him in death.  Click HERE to read more and view the Guest Book.

March 13, 2015

IT'S STILL DARK IN PACIFIC BEACH but I'm OK with that because -- thanks to Daylight Savings Time -- it's staying light in the evenings.

Friday the 13th AGAIN??  I thought we just had one.  Oh, wait -- if February has 28 days I guess that's the way it works.

I thought some of you might enjoy this image posted by artist Tom Rogo yesterday on Facebook.  It's an oil on canvas painting of his titled "Linda at Pacific Beach".  It shows famous surfer Linda Benson waxing her surfboard in the 1950s at Law Street.  Of interest is the fact that Crystal Pier is shown as it looks today, having been rebuilt after the destructive 1983 storm.

Suzi Karel won the San Diego City Schools speech contest, Jane Peters was named March Girl of the Month, and Rod Collier and Peggy Thomas were featured in Senior Sketches.  Click HERE to read all four pages of the March 11, 1965 Golden Anniversary Pacer.

David Weim ’59 passed away unexpectedly at Kaiser Zion Hospital of heart problems on March 1st. He was a San Diego native whose parents were first generation Americans from Norway and Sweden. He was very proud of his Viking heritage. After graduation, he went into the Army for a brief stint that included Korea, and then returned to San Diego, graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Accounting. He worked for Advanced Rehabilitation Technologies for over 30 years, and had his own income tax business that he just gave up a few years ago.   Survivors include brother Donald Weim ’63.  Click HERE to view the Guest Book.

I received word on Wednesday of the passing of Don Tineo '63 on February 18th in Roswell, New Mexico.  There will be a memorial service in San Diego, but I don't know when.  Click HERE to read more and sign the Guest Book.

March 6, 2015

IT'S GETTING LIGHT IN PACIFIC BEACH.  I'm looking forward to Machaca con Huevos at the Waffle Spot.  It's not on the menu, but Beto says he'll make it for me and Nancy.

The March 2015 newsletter is in the mail.  Those of you who subscribe should be on the look out for your copy.  Those interested in subscribing can click HERE for more information.   Class of '65 members are on a March-March billing cycle so you should be getting your renewal envelopes.  I used to send them to all members for which I had addresses.  Now I'm just sending renewals to those who subscribe.  See the above link if you didn't get a renewal envelope and would like to subscribe to the 12-page quarterly publication.

I snagged a couple of photos of the U S Grant Hotel off Greg Lee's Vintage San Diego Facebook page.  They appear to have been taken in the early 1950s.  Click HERE to check them out.

“You all know I ‘went to the dogs’ many years ago,” says Londa Galley Warren ’62.  “Earlier this month I was honored at the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, TN, for my work in training, competing with and furthering the cause of the Irish Setter in the competitive field-trial world.  Here's a photo of the presentation of my Life Patron award.”

The Class of '65 Reunion Committee has respectfully rejected my offer to donate five unused '65 Centaurs.  They were given to me by Original Yearbook Advisor Jesse Morphew and I thought the committee might like to use them as door prizes at their upcoming 50th Anniversary Reunion.  Apparently not.  If you are interested in purchasing one, I am charging $50 each -- all monies to go to the Crawford Yearbook fund.  

Speaking of the '65 reunion, George Troutman asked if the King's Inn would be offering Colts a deal for the weekend of September 25th.  The hotel will offer rooms at a price of $65.00 per night plus tax if at least 10 people make reservations.  Check with me first.

Scott Shaw '68 said yes to getting the Fry Day emails again, and attached the above artwork.  Says Scott, "This is one of my contributions to Rhino's Grammy-nominated CD/DVD boxed set, WEIRD TALES OF THE RAMONES".

The memorial service for Jane Rudeen Marus will be held on Saturday, March 7th, at 11:00 a.m. at College Center Covenant Church. A potluck reception will follow.  To celebrate Jane's sense of joy, attendees are invited to wear silly hats and wigs if they are comfortable doing so.  College Center Covenant is located at 4463 College Avenue, San Diego 92115. (The parking lot is on Tarragona Dr.)

February 27, 2015

Last Friday's U-T San Diego had a nice article about Crawford's soccer team

I have attached a recent photo of one of our neighbors looking in the front window of our home here in Anchorage, Alaska -- Griff Rausch '60

Jim Schrupp '61 was sorry to hear about his classmate Paul Dean.  I quickly corrected him. Paul Dean is just fine thank you.  It was Milton Levant who passed away.  Jim's blaming it on not learning to read at Crawford.  He had a good education -- but it could have been gooder.

Bill Gore and Patsy Walden were the Senior Sketches in the February 25, 1965 Pacer -- published 50 years ago today.   I'm not sure what became of Patsy, but Bill is the sheriff in these parts, so watch your step if you're thinking of making trouble in the Long Branch Saloon.

Jim Teeter '67 shares his 4th, 5th, and 6th grade photos from Phoebe Hearst Elementary School.

Michelle Morioka was the Coed of the Year in 1972.  Can you name the other finalists?  Click HERE for the answer.

Gary Wax ’72 died of cancer on November 4, 2014.  He graduated from UCSD in 1976.  He moved to Honolulu after college, working first in the photography industry, and later in the golf industry. He enjoyed success in business. He loved Japan, learned Japanese and traveled there often for business. He traveled the world playing golf . He collected classic golf clubs and books on golf. He loved and collected music, and played guitar. He also loved the NFL, and the world of Wall Street. He is survived by his sister, Pamela Bosworth; and his brothers, Stephen and Marshall.

A memorial will be held at Noon, Sunday, March 1st, at Greenwood Memorial Park, Shalom Mausoleum, corridor of Emet

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Yippee!!  The days are getting longer and guitarist Paul Caston will be back at the Amigo Spot on Thursday nights, beginning with the Crawford First Thursday dinner on March 5th.

February 20, 2015

Boy, those 911 operators can get testy.  I had a hankering for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and could not, for the life of me, open the jar.  I figured a fireman could do it with ease and, if all else failed, bring in the Jaws of Life.

Some folks out there have personalized their email "signature" with philosophical sayings or, better yet, something clever.  Stan Faulwetter's says "The internet is full of false information -- Benjamin Franklin"

Two ladies from the Class of '67 have contributed class photos from their elementary schools.

Susan Hanstrom Cates sends shots from Hardy Elementary School

Linda Malone shares photos from Oak Park Elementary

I hike with a group that was started years ago by two Crawford teachers, Marion McAnear and Tom Patton. Shortly after they began, LaMar Rogers and Bob Genette, also Crawford faculty, joined them. I'm the second youngest one in the group and often work hard to keep up with their pace. Here's LaMar and I after a short local hike -- Joe Dyke ’65

I have placed a link for the Tom Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund under Tom's photo on the Class of1966 Obituary Page.  Sadly, no one ever sent me information on Tom's life that I could also share. 

I'm pretty sure Milton Levant '61 has passed away, because Paul Dean went to Miramar National Cemetery this past Wednesday for his burial.  If I had more information I would share it.

Marc Friedman '61 says his classmate Jane Rudeen Marus passed away February 13, 2015.  I haven't been able to confirm her passing.

Ron Dargo '63, a standout pitcher on a team full of stars, died January 31st.  You can read his obituary and sign the guest book at U-T San Diego

Robert Scroggs ’64 passed away in Madera County, CA on February 12, 2015 of complications following a stroke.  He was born in San Diego on October 24, 1946. 

February 13, 2015

It's still dark in Pacific Beach, but a day of spectacular beauty is in store.  Once again, I have nothing that NEEDS doing -- and all day to do it!!

Circus Vargas has pitched its tents at the southeast corner of Mission Bay Park this week, which reminded me of the great photo Bob Richardson '61 sent in years ago of the Clyde Beatty Circus.  Click HERE to see it enlarged, find out who the girls are, and read what folks had to say about it.

Londa Galley Warren just found her Colts Beanie "in a drawer that hadn't been opened in 30 years".   I think mine had a propeller on it.  Actually, I don't recall ever getting one.  I wonder if they were for the Jewish kids.

Jay Katz -- are you out there?  Eric Watkins wants to apologize for the dirty, rotten trick he played on you 50 years ago.  Read all about it in the February 11, 1965 Pacer.

George Sorensen '69 sends photos of himself and the Colt Marching Band at the 1968 Mother Goose Parade.  "Who is the girl with the 'R'?" he asks.  Click HERE to look at the photos.

February 6, 2014

I DON'T KNOW HOW they're doing at the Farmer's Insurance Golf Tournament in Torrey Pines, but the fog has lifted in Pacific Beach and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day.  I'm hoping to talk Nancy into breakfast at the Landing Grille, formerly the Kruse Galley, on the bay near Islandia.

Here are the items I posted on Facebook this past week.

Steve Haiman '62, insisting he's not just another pretty face, wants folks to know he'll be appearing in "Into The Woods" as a member of the Pickwick Players.  He plays a character known as the  "Mysterious Man", which -- he notes -- shouldn't surprise his friends.   The venue is the Off Broadway Theater located on Cuyamaca Street in Santee (sharing the Food-4-Less parking lot).  The play runs from February 20 through March 1st.  Steve is certain the play will sell out quickly and hopes you will get your tickets early.  EMAIL Steve with questions or just go to the Pickwick Players web site.

Click HERE to check out the goodies sent to me by Dietra Anderson Davis '62

I've just updated some of the first photos I ever uploaded to my Crawford High web site, loaned to me by Mary Jo Schmith Grubb '62 from her time at John Muir Elementary.  Click HERE to see three photos of musical groups.  Click HERE to see class photos from Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Paul Wright died January 20, 2014.  He was born in Coshocton Ohio. In 1950 he left for South Carolina to attend Central Wesleyan College where he fell in love with Betty Lou Henderson, his wife of 63 years. With the start of the Korean War, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 4 years on the Rendova and Bon Homme Richard aircraft carriers. From 1960 to 1996 Paul taught Physics and Chemistry at Crawford, starting the Advanced Science Program for San Diego County. When not in a classroom, you could usually see him digging in his garden, repairing one of his rental houses, or involved in a construction project at his church.

Services will be held at 2pm Sunday February 8th at El Cajon Wesleyan Church, 1500 E. Lexington Ave, El Cajon, CA 92019

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John Lane ’59  died, with family at his side in Nampa, Idaho of natural causes on December 29, 2014.  He retired as a construction superintendent, relocated to Lone Pine, California then moved to Caldwell, Idaho in 2008.

Christopher Crumrine ’63 passed away on December 14, 2014 at home in Redding, California.  Chris was born and raised in San Diego.  He was an officer in the ROTC program at Crawford. After high school he joined the Army, where his specialties included Intelligence Analyst, Correctional Specialist and Tactical Air Operations Specialist. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, one tour of duty in IndoChina, two tours of duty in Germany.  He received an honorable discharge in March of 1984 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. He was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans and a member of the American Legion.

Stephen Anderson '73 died January 6, 2014 in Corpus Christi, Texas.  He was born in San Diego on December 28, 1954

January 30, 2015

Soccer Coach Kyle Hagenburger has emailed UPDATE #5 to the folks who contributed to his GoFundMe fund. There is a home game vs Madison on February 3rd and the Alumni Game on Saturday, February 7, at 11:30.  If you have additional questions you can EMAIL Kyle or call his cell phone at 619-885-0113.

Terry Hall '64 shared a photo of some members of the Crawford Surfing Club, and Coach Malcolm, at a barbecue in 2013.  Click HERE for the big picture and the names.

After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease Adrian Fernandes '60 passed away on January 7, 2015. He taught Graphic Arts and Photography from 1971-1984 at Clairemont High School. His family is honoring him with a "Celebration of LIfe" event at their home on 2128 Pine St. San Diego, 92103 on February 1st from 1:00-4:00 P.M

Have you joined the Crawford Colt Corral Facebook page?  You won't have to wait until Fry Day for these alumni updates -- and you can comment on what others have to day.

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The First First Thursday of 2015 will be held on the First Thursday of February which, I believe, will be February 5th, but you better check.  I may be using an old calendar.  Nancy Miljas as changed the time on her artwork to reflect when folks actually arrive, so I expect they will now start arriving at 4.  Either way it should be light when you arrive, so you can find your way across the parking lot.  You're on your own finding your way back after the sun goes down and you quit drinking.

January 23, 2015

THE SUN IS UP IN PACIFIC BEACH and a gorgeous day is in store.  Nancy and I will be having our usual late breakfast at the Amigo Spot, and will be joined this morning by Ken and Joanne Ptack.  Ken and I were best buddies growing up in Normal Heights, and I was best man at their wedding at Annapolis in 1967.  

I've made good progress on letting folks know about transitioning the Fry Day email to Facebook, getting through the Class of '72 yesterday.  Some folks are digging their feet in, but several hundred have made the move.  

Ernie Cowan '62 wrote a nice article about migrating birds for the U-T this week.  Click HERE to check it out.

Michael Klatt '70, who now surfs Morro Bay, didn't know Crawford HAD a Surfing Club until he picked up a copy of Surfing in San Diego, by John Elwell.  He loaned me his copy and I snagged a handful of great shots of Coach Marshall "Scooter" Malcolm dating back to the '40s.  I've posted an "album" of the shots on Facebook.  You may be able to see them if you click HERE.   The shot above is from the '64 Centaur.  I talked to coach Coach Malcolm yesterday.  He's 81 now and still hits Tourmaline most weekday mornings.  You'll have to get there around 6:30 if you want to join him. 

The Ladies of Dorian Gray (they never get older, but somewhere on a wall their portraits aren't doing so well) met on January 15th for the annual Class of '72 Re-Gifting Party.  Click HERE for a larger portrait, caption, and a few additional photos.

Here's the Golden Anniversary Pacer for January 21, 1965.  I just noticed the headline:  "Pasty Walden ROTC Queen"  Click HERE to read all four pages.

Janice Casteel Mills '64 died November 11, 2014 in Marysville, Ohio. Click HERE to read an obituary.

The death of Jim Testa '67 hit his brother Ed harder than the passing of his twin brother Ray in 2002.  Read what he had to say on the Class of '67 Obituary Page.