Manuel Avila

This is my last greeting for the old year and I will couple it with my greeting for the New Year.The last year has brought many changes into our lives. Frank B. celebrates the wedding of his grandchild. To add perspective, my 1st and probably only grandchld turned 10. Many others of you have celebrated the births of grandchildren and possible great grandchildren. Rick D, and Marvin W. havegotten settled into retirement and I hope all you others have also. I hope the New Year brings joy to you all. By the way, Happy BDay to Mary Herrera (Burns) and Dae Lantz. Many more to the both of you and for the rest of us.  Manuel

Debbie Munguia (Knowles)

Hello everyone!  Happy Belated New Year!  I hope all is well with all of you.  I just want to let you know  the reunion committee met last Thursday to discuss our 50th class reunion.  Time is flying by...seems like it was yesterday we were in the gym for our high school graduation. 

Once again, Roger and Debbie Longcrier offered to host our reunion.  They can throw a great party and  Debbie says she loves taking care of us old people.  Danny Yocum will bartend again making his famous strawberry margaritas.

The reunion will take place Saturday, August 1, 2020 beginning at 4:00 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m.  The cost is $25.00 per person.  As in the past, we will have a Meet and Greet Friday, July 31st at 6:00 p.m. at Don Perico's Mexican Restaurant.  We are not planning a breakfast on Sunday because the Old Timer's Reunion will be taking place at Philip Marx Central Park beginning at 10:00 a.m.  A few of us attended last year and it was like another class reunion.  Last year the class of '69 held their 50th reunion and quite a few of them attended the Old Timer's Reunion as well as people from classes before and after ours.  It was great seeing people we hadn't seen in years.

A flyer with information regarding the reunion will be mailed to everyone and it will also be posted on our website.  In the past, we have received numerous returned mailings.  If any of you are in contact with classmates who are not receiving reunion information, if possible, please get their address or email so we can update our mailing and email list.

Save the date and we hope to see you at the reunion!

Debbie

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

Yolanda Vasquez (Gum)

Manuel, thank you for the birthday toast!  It means a lot hearing from you each month wishing classmates birthday wishes. I have alwasys shared by birthday month with two fabulous men, John Davies and Rick Davis. and I would like to toast them again this year.  Here's to my "Gemini" classmates and how much I will miss them.  

Like you Manuel, I look forward to each and every day and count my blessings just to be waking up each day.  Again, thank you for keeping our class together and keep the stories coming.  

Manuel Avila

I fervently wish all is well with all of you and your loved ones. It has been trying for everybody for the past couple of years. Some semblance of an end seemed to be happening this year then it was not. Your feelings about the vaccine aside, make your health your priority.

Now, Happy BDay to Patricia McCain (Crawford), Steve Helms, Paul Moore, Tom Thompson, Roger Longcrier, Carolyn Kirkendoll (Johnson), Bob Warner and Ray Koehler. I still celebrate all BDays with my good friend John. Distance was not an obstacle before. It will not be an obstacle now.

Manuel Avila

I thought if I did not celebrate MY BDay, I would not get older and my upcoming dementia would be forstalled. Debbie Munguia (Knowles) has politely informed me that is not the case. SHE IS SUCH A NICE PERSON! She reminded me Glenda Killingsworth (Ursua) had her BDay last August. I owe Glenda my humblest apology. Glenda, I know you celebrated a wonderful BDay with your Family. I will try not to forget your BDay next year and I am sure I will have DEBBIE to remind me if I do. Take care all.  Manuel

Manuel Avila

Hope you all have weathered the Covid extension reasonably well. Normally you would not be hearing from me at this time because I would be in the mountains north of Tehachapi for a month. Last year with the Covid and now this year with the raging forest fires, I will not be in the mountains. However, I am here to wish Sheila McTyre (Williams) a Happy BDay and many more. Take all of you.  Manuel

Manuel Avila

It seems this Covid is becoming like the flu, coming around every year if not more. It has changed the way we live. At our age we have enough problems trying to stay healthy! The good news is we get to celebrate the BDays of Susan Gilliland (Close), Debbie White (Taylor) and Marvin Williams. BDays give an reason to get wild and crazy. Remember when we did not need a reason to get wild and crazy? Did you get wild and crazy and not remember? Take care.  Manuel

Manuel Avila

Classmates, we seem to be leaving the worst of the Covid restrictions and associated maladies. Seems most people have been affected in one way or another either personally or through an acquaintance. Whatever your thoughts and beliefs about the pandemic, the last several years have changed all of us. Now the good news! Happy BDay to Debbie (Munguia) Knowles, Tom Booth and Jim Wright. If anyone has knowledge of or contact with Tom or Jim, give us an update. Like me, Debbie is still in town and going strong. Well she is going strong. Everyone stay safe.  Manuel

Manuel Avila

A day late and a dollar short seems to be my mantra anymore. I will continue to work on the day late part. Covid seems to be receding but surging at the same time according to the internet. So it must be true. I feel it will be like the flu, cold and other maladies we live with, it is with us to stay. Done with my sermon. Now, Happy BDay to Peggy Melton (Selby), DeAnna Gassaway (Brooks), Dave Edmiston, Sally Warfield and John Marin. Hoist a glass, mug, bottle, carton or jug of an alcoholic beverage, milk, soda, sports drink, protein drink or water, whatever does not interfere with your medication(s) and celebrate their special day. Take care everyone,  Manuel