Bruce Erricson

Oh You Guys,

This is getting better & better. 

Charlene - does Cootina work?  It sounds so feminine.

Ken Owen, I am so disappointed.  When we spoke on the phone a few months ago it sounded like you'd be able to make it.  Is there any chance you can?  There's only one 50th.

Debbie - I remember you wearing my sweater.  Can I have it back now?

Kathy Donahue -- my goodness.  I've thought of you many times over the years.  People don't believe this but I was really very shy in many ways: like about asking girls out, even if I knew them well at school.  Do you remember our one little date?  We went & played tennis together (you're a lefty, yes?).  We rode our bikes to where ever we played & I was too shy to ride along beside you -- didn't know what to talk about or something stupid -- so I rode ahead & you had to follow.  I enjoyed our game very much but never mustered the courage to follow up.  Would that have been the 8th grade?  I'm sure you don't even remember.

As I recall you went to Berkeley after High School & then I lost track of you.  How's your brother?  So many memories -- always considered you a good friend through all those years.  Looking forward to seeing you next month.

Cathleen Donahoe (Leonard)

Ah! Yes I do.  Trouble with being a teenager is you think your'e the only one who is morbidly shy. So was I and I suspect more that we think. I do really have motor planning issues and never got really decent at any sport, including tennis.  Probably because I am a lefty with a righty brain.  My brother is fine, lives in Daly City.  He lost his wife about 3 years ago and is still working on re-defining life.  He taught school for eleven throusand years and is now retired.  I found my niche working with kids and am especially drawn to kids on the autism spectrum.  I likely understand them because I have lots of things in common with them.

If you are out there????? I remember with fondness Pat Hartle, JoAnn Garcia, Mary Gaghen, Chris Robin, Diane Doughty and Bobbie Burnsed. Many others as well.   I see Pat Burnsed in Sonoma from time to time as she has a copy business in town.  Mostly I haven't seen any one else over the years.  I have seen Jerry Belden at weddings and funerals as he was good friends with my brother at the co-op at UC Berkeley. For some vague reason I rember Bill Grigsby as being a really nice guy.  Alot was influenced by where you sat in class and whose pop quiz you could peek at without being caught!

I have a copy of the Ridgeview Rebel newspaper from October 1961.  Lots of names, who was running for office, etc.  I will bring it to the reunion and maybe will post some tidbits from it over the next few weeks.

Just a newsworthy teaser,

The chorus and orchestra will be featured at the seventh annual installation of officers tonight in the cafetorium. (sic) Bruce Erricson, president, will be introduced by Bim Coyle, outgoing president.  Others introduced and installed will be Kathy Ledford, vice president, Jannette Stratton, secretary, Linda Huber Directory of Finance (and snooping around), Jane Dickel director of recreation, Jeri Kern, directory of noontime activities, Willa Weidler directory of public relations, Kathy Niccols, hisotrian, Bobby Burnsed Head Yell Leader, Kris Bush, Diane  Doughty, assistant yell leaders and Ted Tyson Director of traffic and grounds.

So much for now.  Don't want to overwhelm you with memories. 

Mary Kaye Pearson

Sammy Dent

Mary I talked to Bob Fraid ,Who was a sergent at the prison, He told me that he had seen Charles Manson and Bobby Kennedy assian also. He also had seen thy guy I cant rember his name ,who killed his pregnet wife and dumped her body In San Pablo Bay.Sad these things happen.

Mary Kaye Pearson

Larry Hamilton

Paula Quandt (Libby)

Interesting how many of us knew someone who saw the inmates @ San Quintin. I have a cousin, who was a guard at the time & was there when they brought Manson in. He said, if you looked Manson in the eyes long enough, you'd get shivers down your spine because you could tell he had no remorse.  When JFK was shot, Craig & I were at lunch, 4th. period I believe. When I got home from school, I remember my mom having the tv on, with all the news. Sad time, for America.

Joan Arruda (Latimer)

First before I forget and no pun intended....Scott Peterson was the guy who killed his pregnant wife and dumped the body in the bay.

I don't know anyone who saw these horrible men. With that said, when I was just a little tyke I played tea party with Nancy Ling Perry of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). Our grandparents lived next door to one another. When Nancy would visit her grandmother her grandmother would call mine so I could play with her. Funny as little as I was I did not like her. 

I was at Chic's Burgers when the annoucement came over the radio that JFK had be shot. Very sad day for America.

David Johnson

Cathleen Donahoe (Leonard)

Sorry Dave but I have to put another installment in from the Ridgeview Junior High School "REBEL" newspaper that was put out by the students.  October 20, 1961

" RHO SIGMA CHI"

Rho Sigma Chi's thirty ninth and tenth graders has (sic) been participating in various activities at Ridgeview. They have served as guides for school gatherings, school lunch pass at checks at noon,  and they have been monitoring a study hall.  RSC is active during the schoold year in extracurricular activities and during the summer conduct fund-raising activities for the American Field Service and other groups.  The officers of Rho Sigma Chi are Ron Gipson, president and Kathy Ledford, Secretary Treasures.  Written by Rosemary Bowen"

Just think how many really politically relevant "clubs" we were able to choose from.  Gee, let's go monitor school lunch passes and see who really showed up for study hall. Was there a segment of us that were ready for Bob Dylan but didn't know it yet!

Mary Kaye Pearson

Diane Raymond (Ball)

Mary, I've been trying to start a thread for us Warriors, but I haven't figured out how yet.

David Johnson

Mary...What am I wearing? You mean to the reunion? I think something like in this pic. Or in the photo? Let's see now...two napkin holders for glasses...gummy worms for nose rings...and I can't remember what those ear rings were...was a nice dinner party I remember...that's ok Cathy...I guess Ridgeview wins...DJ

Bruce Erricson

Hi Again Everyone,

Larry, are you talking about Bob or Bill Buckner?  (or for that matter, Jim?)  Bob was the oldest, and married Kathy Tenant, who lived across the street from me.  He was two years behind us in school, and since high school was a two year endeavor at that time, the only time I got to really see him play was when we were on the American Legion team during the summer of 1964.  Bob was the best player I ever played with; he could hit like nobody's business.  He was drafted by the Braves after high school, and the story I heard was that he just wasn't quite good enough to make the majors.

Bill had an incredible career as we all know.  If his health (knees, I believe) had been better, he might have gotten 3,000 hits and been a viable candidate for the Hall of Fame.  Jim, the youngest, had a great minor league career, hitting around .300, but never got a chance to play in the majors.

Where does Ken Owen fit into all this?  For my money he was the best athlete at Ridgeview.  (I talked him into letting me join him in the 3-legged race @ Ridgeview's play day, figuring that if we could get a running rhythm going, his speed could carry us to the winner's circle.  I was right.)  He then made some life decisions and I don't recall him playing any sports at the high school level.  How would he have fared in high school?  While we had a number of remarkable athletes, I think he certainly would have been at the top of the heap with a couple of other exceptional people.  It would be hard to rate him ahead of Bill Buckner, with the professional success he had.  It's too bad Ken didn't play on the American Legion team with Bob.  I never saw Jim play, but he was obviously a professional level hitter.  I really can't guess how Ken would have fared if he had pursued a professional baseball career -- he might have done quite well.

Cathy -- Grigsby lives in Chilicoth, Ohio with his wife, Wanda.  I'm hoping he'll come out for the event, but I don't know.  Funny you should mention Pat Hartle (Smith) as I'm visiting her as I write this.  She lives in La Quinta, CA, close to Palm Springs.  We got in touch a few years ago, not too long before she & her husband moved down here.  She's dealt with some serious health & personal situations since then, but is on the mend.  She just had hip replacement surgery after spending several years in a wheelchair & is mending quite well.  Unfortunately she won't be up to going to the reunion, but I know she'd love to hear from you or anyone else.  You can call her @ (760) 625-1058 and write to her @ Patricia Smith, 79690 Rancho La Quinta Dr., La Quinta, CA  92253.

I ain't gonna apologize for the fact that Ridgeview people seem to be more gregarious.

Cathleen Donahoe (Leonard)

OK,  I was going to restrain myself on publishing articles from the Ridgeview Rebel newspaper but I couldn't resist this one, it is word for word,

' Teachers went out of the room crying because Mr. Ten Broeck and his buddies would not behave properly.  Mars junior high school was a training school for teachers right out of college.  (Tony, as only the faculty and adults call him) attended John Duncan grammar school in Michigan.  After a hard struggle Mr. Ten Broeck graduated from Hayward High in California.  he made the honor often enough to enter college.  Mr. Ten Broeck's grades went up after a pep-talk administered by his father.  He attended the University of California in Berkeley. He worked his way through his freshman year.  Before coming to Ridgeview he worked for the St. Helena Schools.  He was a counselor for several years here and is now head of the mathematics department.

When asked how long he's worked at Ridgeview, he replied "too long"    written by Anne Hedemark

Thank you Bruce for Pat's address.  I have just sent her a note with a picture from those days.  I hope that she will respond.  She was a very good friend to me during those days.

Kenneth Owen

Debbie German (Hammond)

It's true...John Cozad is coming to the reunion. He just bought his ticket.

David Johnson

Ok Bruce, quit showing off with those big words...gregerious? Anybody have a dictionary?

Bruce Erricson

Cathy -- Thanks for taking the time to write to Pat.  I know she'll be delighted.

Ken -- Whaddya mean you wouldn't be playing anymore?  They've got old men's baseball & softball leagues.

Burt -- Do you happen to have any contact with the Buckners?  If so, please say hi from me.  I don't know if Bill would remember me, but I think he knew my dad & was kind enough to autograph a ball for him to give to me.  Also, Bob may not recall me, although we did play American Legion ball together.  However, I would hope his wife Kathy might remember my sister & I from across the street when we were kids.

Dave -- Guess I'm not that good with the big words if I'm misspelling them.  Say, you used to post those funny, silly photos of yourself instead of the normal ones above.  Why did you stop?

Re: Cozad -- I'll be ready for him -- he better come armed....

Christine Robin (De Woody)

Hi everyone,

I am so excited to be coming to our 50 yr. reunion. I appreciate that everyone has always included me in the events. I went to Shearer Elementary School, Ridgview Jr. High and then Napa High. But, I had to move at the end of my Jr. year. I still came back on week-ends and for parties. I will never forget the "big" party that Cathy Donahoe gave me when I was leaving. I remember a lot of you. I will name a few, but please don't be hurt if I forget to mention everyone. Linda Huber, Marlene Linder, Kris Bush, Barbara Ruha, Jane Dickel, Kay Rutherford, Pat Hartle, Diane Doughty, Bobbie Burnsed, Gale Lecair, Bonnie Hoppe. I won't even try to list the guys. But, Bruce Erickson, I will never forget.

Gale Lecair and I have been best friends all these years. We were in each others weddings, etc. I think I am coming to the reunion with Marlene Linder. We have been missing each other on the phone for weeks.

I would love to find someone to ride with me to St. Helena for the picnic. I want to explore some of St. Helena while I am there. Please let me know if anyone wants to join me.

Christine Robin DeWoody

Joan Arruda (Latimer)

CLASS PICNIC.

CHECK OUT THE PICTURES THAT HAVE BEEN POSTED OF THE "WAGNER FAMILY PARK" WHERE OUR "DAY AFTER PICNIC" WILL BE HELD.  THE PICNIC IS OPEN TO ALL CLASSMATES OF 1964. YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTEND THE REUNION TO ATTEND.  BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC LUNCH, DRINKS AND LAWN CHAIRS IF POSSIBLE. THERE IS A BBQ. 

A MAP WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE REUNION. FOR THOSE NOT ATTENDING PLEASE EMAIL ME AT: joan_latimer@att.net. I WILL SEND YOU ONE.

DATE: MAY 18TH 

TIME: 12:30

IT WILL BE FUN TO"YAKETY YAK" IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE.

Burton (Burt) Williams

Hi, Bruce:  I didn't know either Buckner boy but a close friend here knows the family.  I'll make sure they get a Hi from you.

They are well respected in the area and community contributors.  I hike and Chukar hunt a mile above his estate but don't know him so "dropping in" with a shotgun is probably not a viable option...

Kudos Joan for your picnic effort.  Looks like the perfect site!

Great to see Chris Robin DeWoody on the forum.  Another Ridgeview Rebel comes through!

Janet Neely (Coats)

My gosh, the Ridgeview Rebels.  I have so many good memories from Ridgeview, like getting in trouble in Mr. Kirkbrides science class because I was always turned around in my seat looking at Steve Gregorys big brown eyes.  Swapping  and copying math assisgments in Mr. Stoddards class. I think that I had more fun in Jr. High than any other school I attended.  To be that young again.  Does anyone else remember (for want of the correct term) the carnival day we had once a year?

Charlene (Cissy) Taylor (Brazil)

Well, I am from Redwood Jr High. That's about all i remember. I do remember the gymnasium and the quad. But teacher's names, out the window :(  I do know I was in Social Studies class when news about JKF was announced. Cant remember teacher's name, though.

Unlike most of you, my memory is shot. I was seriously considering not going to reunion as I can't remember so many of us...but, alas, I am going! Picnic too!

Old Cootina (thanks to Bruce)

Charlene (Cissy) Taylor (Brazil)

Joan, how do you manage to look the same after 50 years?