Michele Ferrantino (1971)

Thanks Tim.  It will still be a bit before I can visit the family.  My grandson has had both his injections and my grandaughter is getting her first in a couple of days (both work in retail).  They were the biggest concern with contagion/exposure factor.  Although my daughter (a homemaker) has not had hers, I believe my SSiL has. 
One thing for sure .. I can't wait to get back to Italy.  I imagine my orchard is a mess.

CarolLynne Biddle (Cole) (1971)

Leslie Lamata...I used to have all the badges from all the competeing bands sold at parades and competitions that we competed in... from The Weldonian Band, Santa Clara Vanguard's and the Blue Devils and many more that have drifted from my memory! My Mother used to buy the 3 of us each a badge and then sewed them on our "The Royal Family of San Leandro/Royalaires Drum and Bugle Corp" jackets. We competed many times on field--after thousands of hours of practice,...I twirled baton for the  Royalaire Juniors to Senior Majorettes and then became Drum Major of the Red Knights of San Leandro. Lots of other Vikings were also part of the Royal Family and maybe they can join in! My Mother was Secretary/Treasurer of the Royal Family and made all the flags for parades and comps and even made several of the uniforms for us and others that could not sew. She would walk the line cleaning shoes and rubber tips on our batons...straightening barets and hats...and drove us to all the parades and comps. My Dad would give her directions on how to get there and off we went while he worked. It was a good life...but heaps of practice and good friends made us what we were...winners.

Michele Ferrantino...let's hope your family is watching your property in Italy and your fruit trees will be abundant in fruit for your return...I know it must be so hard for you being tied to the States when your other life lives in the heart of Italy. I hope this ends soon and you can travel safely once again! xx

Diana Carlton (Smith) (1974)

Older adults are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, so if you're 65 or older, it's especially important for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The current authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness from COVID-19. Hopefully, then we can all enjoy vacations again with no worries.

CarolLynne Biddle (Cole) (1971)

Roxanne J. Ferguson (Cline) (1970)

CarolLynne - I was in the Royal Family too - the Royal Lancers Color Guard, such fun times.  Loved every minute, from practice on the field at John Muir to parades to field shows.  Would be fun to have a reunion.  Can't remember Ray & Nancy's last names, but I still remember Mr. Hyer who was the equipment manager.  Some of us rode to competitions in his camper on the back of his truck.  Such a nice man.  Lots of Vikings were in the corps.  Good Memories!

Tom Brody (1969)

Why am I always the last to know?   During my nerdy high school years, one of my friends had the last name, Babbino.    At the time, I thought it was a variation of, "bambino."    Last week, I found an album of Italian arias sitting in a pile of compact discs.  I played the first song, which was, "O MIO BABBINO CARO."  Then, I explored the internet for a video recording of it, and discovered Amira Willighagen's rendition of this aria.  In Amira Willighagen's video she is ten years old, and accompanied by an orchestra, and they are performing for a audience of thousands.  The link is this:  https: //  www dot youtube dot com / watch?v-s9PQ7qPkluM      Let's just say that I was transformed by this ten year old's performance.  I will never be the same again (and in a good way).   Also, I learned that "babbino" means "father."   

John Statler (1966)

Wow Tom Brody, you are right that was amazing. To help others -- I went to youtube.com then searched for < amira willighagen babbino caro > and there it was, To hear her more recently as a young woman in 2017 search for < amira willighagen amazing grace > not quite the impact as when so young but still quite nice to hear. Thanks Tom.

Steve Larsen (1968)

The for runner to the Royal Family was the San Leandro Rythemettes, Drum and later Bugle Corp.  The name of the founder was Nancy Butler, and  Ray DiDanado was the original drum instructor.  Our family, the Larsen's, Leslie, Kim, Jim, Denny and Steve, were part of the original members. We marched, twirled and drummed all over the place, including the Worlds Fair in Seattle.   Gramma Keller also sewed and helped make the costumes and uniforms for years. Wow Carol what memories you invoked, thank you!  A pleasant distraction to the goings on of today.

Steve

CarolLynne Biddle (Cole) (1971)

I heard back from Gail Acosta regarding Vincent "Vinny" Acosta obit...here is link to it. Please leave a message on there if you please. I'm sure the family would love to hear from all his friends!

https://obits.reviewjournal.com/us/obituaries/lvrj/name/vinny-acosta-obituary?n=vinny-acosta&pid=198024369&fhid=13804

You will have to copy and paste I guess...but I checked it and it took me to the 'Las Vegas Review Journal' where it is posted under Vinny Acosta

Christine Michaelson (Lindstrom) (1970)

Steve,  I was in the Rhythmettes Junior Corp for a few years also way back then.  I had a blast twirling my baton in many parades in San Leandro as well as up and down the coastal towns in CA.  Remember,the Artichoke Festival Parade in Castoville and the Garlic Festival in Watsonville (I think). I remember your sister Kim was a fabulous twirler, she was younger than me, but had such a natural talent.  Good memories.

Lenore Albers (Ryan) (1968)

Thought I'd add my 2 cents worth.  I have had both my covid shots (Maderna) and have had no reactioon to either one except a little sore arm for a day after each.  Please get your shot.  I have a cardiac specialist son and a  firefighter son and they both say, get the shot. My husband and I ( married 41 yrs) live on a farm and get outside every day doing chores etc. It is our saving grace. John Denver had no clue and was totlly wrong when he sang" Life on the farm is kinda laid back"  It is hard work, but we love it.  It is 8 am and I just finished milking the goats, now on to the other morning chores.  So good to read about all of you.  Lenore Albers Ryan

Patricia McFadden Martinez (1965)

Ralph & Patricia Martinez (1965)  We have heard that George Martinez passed away this year.  We lost contact with him many years ago.  Does anyone have any information on George?

Manuel Bustos (1964)

George Martinez did pass away this year.I was notified by Cosmo Panetta.He owns Cosmos barbershop in Pleasanton.He was to notify me when they were going to I have services.What I know is that his ex-wife(Brenda Clarke) lives in Pleasanton.He also had a daughter.Sorry that is all the info I have.Long time ago from Denver home n mine on Dorman!,

Patricia McFadden Martinez (1965)

Manual,  Thanks for posting info about George.  That is the info we got from Bob Martinez, Ralph's brother.  U r Gloria's brother right?  Gloria was in our class (1965).  Where is she?  How is she doing?  Gloria & I shared the same birthday.  🌺🐠🌺 Ralph & Patricia 

Peggy Wood (Guernsey) (1968)

Just wanted to add a comment that i received my 2nd Maderma vaccine with not even a sore arm this time.

So glad all are doing well.  So disappointed that Alameda Co and CA isn't doing more.   I do hope we can reach the people out of city and hospital areas.  Everytime i hear about people driving 500 miles to a drug store I give thanks for all the people who dreamed, built, paid taxes to supply infastructure, yes that needs repairs, so we do have what we have.  Look back at our school, then torn down too soon.  We were blessed to have what we had. Bus lines, cars, walkability, and the campus itself, food running water, teaachers, coaches, and choices!  Not perfect, nothing is, but we had the use of it and reading what all of you say, it was pretty good.  Look who we have become.  I hear caring in a lot you post and to me that's very important.

Chris Christophersen (1978)

Viking Alumni,

it is with a heavy heart that inform you of my older brother Eric Christophersen has passed away, Eric is one of 5 boys that grew up in the Bonaire area and attended James Madison, John Muir and Pacific High even though he recieved his diploma in the U.S. army during what would have been his senior year. he loved his friends and will be missed.

Chris Christophersen

Class of 1978

CarolLynne Biddle (Cole) (1971)

Chris Christophersen (1978) So sorry on the loss of your brother! His year would be 71...I remember him now after seeing his picture. May his memory and laughter help comfort you with the loss of your family member.

Linda Munoz (Brooks) (1965)

Chris, so sorry for the loss of your brother Eric. May he rest in peace.

Linda Munoz Brooks

Tom Judd (1971)

I'm really sorry to hear about the passing of Eric Christophersen. The Christophersen family lived around the corner from us in Bonair. He was a great guy. RIP Eric.

Tom Judd (1971)

Eric would have graduated in 1971 if he had remained in school. Thanks for your service Eric.

Rick Templeman (1971)

I remember him well, nice guy. Rest In Peace Eric. Thanks for your service.

Marla Fry (Evans) (1974)

Chris,

I am so sorry to hear about Eric,  I remember him so well.  He hung out with my brother  John.  So now the are both in heaven hanging out again.  May he rest in peace.  My prayes are with you and your family. Marla Fry

Lorri Carey (Duarte) (1978)

Hi Chris,

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I pray you and your family will find peace and comfort during this sad time.

Lorri

Pamela Goodhart (Epstein) (1978)

Oh Chris, my deepest sympathy for you and your family as you grieve the passing of your brother Eric. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Pam

Peggy Wood (Guernsey) (1968)

Chris, I am so sorry for your loss.  I have just found some pictures of Locust St.  Two of little blond boys appear to be "fixing" a car, in front of my house 14354 Locust.  You first lived accross the street from me and then then Rielly Family bought your house and you moved 2 houses down from me.  The Jardine Family lived between us.  Your family was really involved in mine.  The 4 family, adults got together a lot for "theme" parties and Johnny Goodman and his wife Blance lived 2? blocks from us were a tight group.  Funny how it never turned to parties involving the kids.  Your mom took care of me after school, because my mom worked and later I took care of you guys.  I can say I always felt so safe and good with your family.  I'm now feeling the loss of not  having our families closer.  Peggy Wood