John Davies

Manuel, thanks for the birthday updates.  Since all the restaurants are now closed, I am relegated to going to the nearest McDonalds drive-thru and ordering a large unsweetened ice tea which I then raise in a toast to honor all our great classmates who are celebrating another year on this planet.  My little “pea-brain” still struggles with the fact all of us “kids” are now in our upper 60’s.  I truly hope everyone is healthy and surviving this whole Coronavirus thing.  Who would’ve ever thought something like this would ever happen??  I hope we get through it soon....I can only paint the back door so many times before it won’t close any more!!!!  Well anyway, everyone please be healthy and safe and drop a line to some of us Old Codgers....it will give us some comfort knowing there are still humans living exciting times in this world!!  Take care....John

John Davies

Manuel.....thanks as always for your monthly reminder of how old all the OTHERS are getting!!  I feel bad for THEM!  Well, anyway, I hope everyone is surviving all the COVID stuff and all the unrest we are witnessing around the country.  I am not smart enough to profess being able to understand all the different viewpoints, but hopefully, we all will see a better world after all the scenarios are played out.  I am happy to finally see a few sporting events going live again.  I am about burned out on 1973 World Series reruns and 1961 I Love Lucy shows.  I can only watch so much TV before I go crazy (which is a short trip even in the good times!).  I am sorry for the 50th reunion delay, but I think Debbie (and the committee) were right to point out we would be better off waiting until next year.  Just think, we will all have more stories we can tell....well, if we can remember them!!!  It is still hard to imagine it has been 50 years since we graduated HS.....time has gone way too fast!!  Thank you to everyone in the class of '70 for being good people and good friends to all of us.  Why am I thinking about Mr. Ganzfried and Miss Christianson and Mr. Jasper and Coach Carll and Mr. O'Donnell, and....and......and on and on?  Wow, they and ALL our other teachers and coaches left a footprint in our lives.  What great people!!!  Hats off to the entire gang of people who made our entire school experience one that would carry us through our lifetimes!!!  We have been so fortunate......take care everyone......John

DeAnna Gassaway (Brooks)

Thank you Rick and Manual for your heart felt posts sharing memories from the past and encouragement for today with the difficult times our country is facing!

I look forward to the reunion next year and hope everyone attends!

Yes, the teachers and coaches were so special. I remember Mr. Gamble always called me and others out of class if we didn't sign up for choir. I had the opportunity of playing a classical piano solo at a church I grew up in and played organ for as well as playing keyboards for a few special services at churches in Tehachapi... such a blessing that Mr. Gamble showed up. I use to sing duets with him at church... I was always too shy to sing solos.

I am back practicing piano/keyboards again! I use to play years ago in LA and Orange County with some extremely talented world class musicians... I had to make a real livinng... instead of pursuiing a music career I went back to school and became a graphic designer after my two sons graduated from high school.

Love all you special classmates with all my heart and pray God blesses all of you!!!

DeAnna

I'm available for  graphic design, etc. to help with the upcoming reunion!

John Davies

Manuel, thanks as always for the “youthful” reminders of this year and yesteryear!!  I also remember running laps around that dirt field in 7th grade.  I can still hear Mr. Dorrington’s raspy voice imploring us to “cut the chatter” and pick it up on the lap speed.  I remember the gym was actually the cafeteria that had to be converted back and forth during basketball season.  We were flexible in those days.....but nowadays the flexible-ness is gone....well I am speaking for my own body....I realize there are still many agile members of the ‘70 team who have not aged very much!!!  Digressing, I think that school is now an elementary school, right?  Ah, those were the days when we were there, huh?  Well, enough of my faded distant memories.  Maybe someone can chime in with some new old stories.  Until next time, everyone please stay healthy and safe from all this COVID garbage.  Take care....John

Manuel Avila

It is time to celebrate our classmates but first I would like to comment on John's comment about our first Jr High. Not only do I have good memories of Tompkins, so do my two children and granddaughter. They also attended classes there when it changed to an elementary school. John, I also remember the cafeteria. For basketball practice, we would have to run "forever" to get in shape to play on "normal" basketball courts. Getting back to business. Happy BDay to Patricia McCain (Crawford), Steve Helms, Roger Longcrier, Paul Moore, Tom Thompson, Carolyn Kirkendoll (Johnson), Glenda Killingsworth (Ursua), Ray Koehler and Bob Warner. Many more to you all! I appreciate the updates sent by Roger, thanks Debbie, and Carolyn.  Manuel

Manuel Avila

Dear Classmates, I have very sad news to share with you. Frank Bachara passed away at home in Calif. City of Covid. No words can express my great sadness with his loss. I feel sadness for Michelle and his sons and their loss also. I ask that you all post memories of Frank as I will. He will always be remembered by those who have been blessed to share his life.

Manuel Avila

Happy New Year! After last year it might be hard to keep a positive outlook especially if you are a "bah humbug" like me but if I can do it, it should be easier for the rest of you who have a sunny outlook on life to begin with. I saw an old post by Frank and was reminded of his great outlook on life. He is missed but not forgotten.

Happy BDay to Mary Herrera (Burns) and Dae Lantz! We have many more to celebrate! Take care my friends. Manuel

Debbie Munguia (Knowles)

Hello everyone!  I hope you are all doing well.  Unfortunately I have sad news to report.  Rick Davis passed away yesterday February 13th due to cancer.  Words cannot express our sadness.  Rick always looked forward to coming back to Tehachapi for class reunions and visiting old friends.  He will be greatly missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.  Rest in peace dear friend.

John Davies

Debbie, thanks for letting us know of Rick’s passing.  He was almost like a second brother to me...so many memories.  I think everyone has a Rick Davis story...a complement to his place in our hearts and memories.  Rick made his place in this world and left us with a good perspective on this world and all the people in it, and thinking of him brings a smile to all our faces.  Thank you Rick, and also a “thank you” to every member in our class of ‘70.  What an amazing group we have been a part of.  Salutes to Rick and our entire team as we march through this thing called “life”.  Be well and take care....John

Manuel Avila

With the loss of two of our classmates, BDay greetings take on a special significance. I am very happy and honored to be able to celebrate the BDay's of Debbie Munguia (Knowles), Jim Wright, Peggy Melton (Selby) and Tom Booth. I do not know about John but all I seem to be able to raise is a cup of coffee any more. Tracie gets tired of me raising a glass of spirits and then taking a long "nap." However, raise one or two or several of whatever drink you are able with me for these young at heart classmates..

John Davies

Manuel, thanks for your heartfelt messages each month.  As always, your perspectives are right on.  I agree with the naps and all that, and will continue to hoist a beer in honor of our classmates’ birthdays.  Yes it is true I am a little shaky and occasionally spill a “drop or two” but those around me have accepted my feebleness.  In fact I sense disappointment when I don’t mess up or err in some way, or I forget what day of the week it is!  What was I talking about?  Oh yeah, I am hoping we all can get together this summer for a reunion of some sort.  It is probably still a little early to predict the COVID situation....what a mess that whole thing has been in our lives, huh?  Well anyway, just wanted to drop a note to everyone who still reads this stuff.  Please everyone stay healthy and happy, and join me in waiting for more Manuel and Debbie and anyone else who will send us all a note or tidbit of advice as we navigate these golden? years!!!  Take care all....John

Manuel Avila

John's last message mentioned forgetfulness! I vaguely remember what he is talking about. Now, getting back to the 1st day of the month BDay greetings for last month. Yes I know it is the 5th but read the above! Tilt a glass, bottle, jug, keg of whatever to the BDays of Peggy Melton (Selby), DeAnna Gassaway (Brooks), Dave Edmiston and John Marin. I hope you celebrated your special day with Family and friends. Celebrate each and every day for all are special. Just a thought but have you ever thought of your birthday as twofold? The day you were birthed and the day your mother gave birth. Just a thought from an old person who remembers "stuff" at some time during the day, week, month or year. Take care my friends.  Manuel

John Davies

Manuel, I remember in the olden days when every Dad handed out cigars when Mom gave birth to a new baby.  I still have a couple of those cigars when my kids were born.  Those truly were the good old days, and you are correct when you mention our birthdays were also a big day in our Moms' lives (and our Dads' too!).  I wonder if this cigar tradition still happens.  I haven't received anything in years!!!  It is one thing for sure that we all still have in common.....BIRTHDAYS!!  Well, that and being in the class of '70.  I can't pick up a keg anymore.  I can barely bend over to tie my shoes each day without breathing hard.  I'll stick with the beer glass and give kudos and thanks to all our fellow "counterparts in crime"......By the way, I don't know the actual definition of the word "kudo" but it seems good.  I think it was invented after we left school (along with many other things).  I still think the word "swipe" is a bad thing (as in stealing something), but now it is good, as in when my credit card gets swiped, and then the Amazon truck shows up the next day with a gift for ME!!!!  Wow, life really is a beautiful thing!  Well anyway, thanks for joggling a couple of dusty old brain cells with your insights Manuel.  I found a senior class picture of my Wife Pam and also one of my Mom.  The pictures are still posed in almost exactly the same way from generation to generation.......but the hairstyles are amazingly different.  Well anyway, I could go on and on, but I think it is time for my daily nap.  Everyone please take care and enjoy the "beautifulness" of this world......John

Manuel Avila

Most of you thought I would forget again about the BDay's on the 1st. All probably do not care but I did remember! John, you are correct about the cigars. Maybe the practice is not popular because of evolving health concerns. Bubble gum cigars were also popular at one time. Possibly dentists put an end to that practice. Not to sure about the gender reveal parties that are popular now. I read some of those have caused injury and death. Cigars could be long term detrimental to your health not immediate, even though you do not "inhale" the smoke. Was I rambling AGAIN?! Back to business. Celebrate the BDay's of Shirley McCain (Nelson), Kathy Bermudez (Forcum), Janette Sanders (Ashworth) and Susan Willard (Whitton/McPhee). Raise a toast of good cheer or fond memories to all. Take care good friends. Manuel

Manuel Avila

BDay celebrations are celebrations of life and also remembrances of a life. I read somewhere that to forget a life is to die twice. With sadness, I must inform all of you the passing of Javier Herrera. I considered Javier a friend though we did not "hang out." I have many fond memories of him throughout Jr. High and High School. One of those was when we played high school baseball together. I was shocked, amazed and maybe a little jealous when he bought a baseball glove and spent $50 for it! In the late 60's, it was quite a sum of money. So let us celebrate the memory of Javier and the BDay's of Mary Ursua, Dennis Yearton and Russ Ary! And let us celebrate every day we are with our loved ones. Manuel

Manuel Avila

Dear Classmates, I am very saddened to advise you of the passing of our dear classmate and my "drinking" buddy, John Davies on June 15th. I understand there is some information on FB under Tehachapi Fallen Warriors. I always enjoyed our conversations on our site and when he came to our Reunions from Florida. He was positive with his comments and ready to share his memories of old times. I will miss those conversations very much.  Manuel

Manuel Avila

Happy BDay Mary Herrera (Burns) and Dae Lantz! You and our class made another rotation around the sun and start the journey for the next one. Are we wiser? Possibly. We are certainly older and experienced. Take the time to reflect on the past 70+ years, what we can remember, and celebrate the joys as well as the disappointments we have experienced that make us the unique person we are. Happy New Year everyone!

Manuel Avila

Happy BDay to Debbie Munguia (Knowles) and Jim Wright. As we are all entering a new decade of our lives, I know I pause to reflect some of the decisions I have made. Some good and some bad. I am thankful I am able to still make some good and some bad decisions. Mostly I try to make more good decisions based on all the decisions I have made. I am very thankful I am still around to make any decisions. Tip a glass of your favorite libation to the current BDay celebrants and to yourself for still being around!

Marvin Williams

Well I can't let Manuel drink alone, I will raise a toast to the birthday gals & guys, as my Grandpa used to say "at my age any day I wake up and don't see the bottom of grass is a good day." I'm not near as talented a writer as Manuel so I'll keep this short. Good health to you and yours, live well, laugh hard and love harder.

Manuel Avila

Marvin, I am glad to have someone to drink with! I was beginning to think I was becoming an alcoholic drinking by myself. Now, if we could get others to make comments! I agree with you and your Grandpa about waking up. Take care all.

Manuel Avila

Do not know if any of you are keeping track of the weather in Tehachapi besides the ones who still live here. But, it seems to this old mind with only my long term memory on which to rely, the weather has returned to the old days of snow and cold weather for days. Seems we did not have near as many snow days off from school as they do now. We also did not have the communities of Bear Valley, Stallion Springs and Alpine Forest with all the kids living there.

Now for the good news! Happy BDay to Peggy Melton (Selby), DeAnna Gassaway (Brooks), Elaine Spellman (Brister), Dave Edmiston, John Marin and Sally Warfield. A tip of the glass to you all!

Manuel Avila

Good Morning all. Note of interest. I actually witnessed the tail end of a catalytic converter theft! Two guys were running into a car as I was driving up to their stopped car. The car made a u-turn in front of me but did not have a front license plate so I could not write anything down for the police. I did stop and notify the Victims. Sad. I read this in the News but it is different to actually see it. Now the good news! Happy BDay to Kathy Bermudez (Forcum), Shirley McCain (Nelson),Janette Sanders (Ashworth), and Susan Willard (Whitton/McPhee)! Let us all celebrate these classmates with a toast and well wishes. Take care. Manuel

Manuel Avila

Good morning to all. This fine day commemorates the BDay's of classmates Mary Ursua, Russ Ary and Dennis Yearton this month. Raise a toast and cheer to them. I know Marvin also is with me on the toast part. I hope the month and months leading to this day have been kind to you all. Be safe and enjoy life.

Manuel Avila

Happy BDay to Yolanda Vasquez (Gum)! Another day to celebrate and have a toast to and for a classmate. I do not know if Marvin imbibes in alcoholic beverages any more,or any less, but lift one or two with me Marvin! I hope all is well with our classmates and their families. The last couple of years have been a roller coaster of emotional and economic situations for the country and myself as well. At this point, I am doing my best to weather each day and month as best I can. Along the way, I try to have fun and make each day count. I wish all of you good health and good fortune.  Manuel

Manuel Avila

Here we are with another BDay for my old friend Larry Morphis, A toast to you and Happy BDay. I can remember paying it forward with you for BDay toasts in the very old days! We used to get many toasts in on one night. I hope the rest of you classmates are having a good year and weathering the heat. Tehachapi has been having what I consider warmer weather than what I remember in Jr. and High School days. I am told by "experts" it is global warming. I notice on the news from Bakersfield the temps reached 113 but no one talked about global warming then. You all take care. Manuel