LIFE STORIES
Here you will find bios, notes, and even poetry. Enjoy reading about others and adding your own story. You can click on the Share Your Story button to add information and current photo.
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So sorry to be missing the 50th Reunion---will be traveling back East on vacation. Hope to see & hear lots of great stories of what I missed!
My life in a nutshell up until now....
My dad was in the Air Force and we moved to PV from Virginia in 1968--talk about a complete change of culture! And although I moved to Vandenberg AFB my senior year (Dad got transferred again), in my heart, I'm a PV grad. I went to Colorado State University and majored in math. Married in 1975, moved outside of Chicago in 1979 and had 2 beautiful daughters. Moved back to Colorado in 1989 and have been here ever since. I became a single mom in 1993 and remained single until I met and married Dave in 2002, a wonderful man and my partner in life & adventure! We have 3 daughters and three wonderful grandkids and just celebrated our 20th anniversary. I retired from the oil & gas engineering world 2 years ago after more than 30 years as an electrical designer in the midstream natural gas industry. Sure don't miss work!
Dave & I still love to tent camp, hike gorgeous big mountains, kayak beautiful mountain lakes and snowshoe into backcountry yurts in the winter. I loved all my time in PV and the Pacific Ocean but the Colorado mountains called and I listened. So many great memories of the people and places I experienced in the 3 years I lived in PV. Very sad to learn of classmates who have passed. Makes you appreciate good health, family & friends.
A huge thanks to Ray and the rest of the Reunion Committee for making all this happen. Been a fun trip down memory lane and I look forward to connecting with some old friends in the process!
My life in a nutshell up until now....
My dad was in the Air Force and we moved to PV from Virginia in 1968--talk about a complete change of culture! And although I moved to Vandenberg AFB my senior year (Dad got transferred again), in my heart, I'm a PV grad. I went to Colorado State University and majored in math. Married in 1975, moved outside of Chicago in 1979 and had 2 beautiful daughters. Moved back to Colorado in 1989 and have been here ever since. I became a single mom in 1993 and remained single until I met and married Dave in 2002, a wonderful man and my partner in life & adventure! We have 3 daughters and three wonderful grandkids and just celebrated our 20th anniversary. I retired from the oil & gas engineering world 2 years ago after more than 30 years as an electrical designer in the midstream natural gas industry. Sure don't miss work!
Dave & I still love to tent camp, hike gorgeous big mountains, kayak beautiful mountain lakes and snowshoe into backcountry yurts in the winter. I loved all my time in PV and the Pacific Ocean but the Colorado mountains called and I listened. So many great memories of the people and places I experienced in the 3 years I lived in PV. Very sad to learn of classmates who have passed. Makes you appreciate good health, family & friends.
A huge thanks to Ray and the rest of the Reunion Committee for making all this happen. Been a fun trip down memory lane and I look forward to connecting with some old friends in the process!
I have always felt very fortunate to have gone to PVHS during those wonderful years of the early 70s. So many good memories. I'm married, have four kids (2 bio and 2 step) and two grandsons. I got a whiff of mortality in the last two years when my kidney function failed and I was put on dialysis. My brother (Ernie, PVHS '70) was willing to donate one of his kidneys and I had transplant surgery a year ago. We are both doing great. My brother is a hero! I will miss seeing friends at the 50th Reunion.
I was class of '73 but graduated a year early. My husband and I are in the process of moving from 5 acres in the Sierra Foothills into my family home in Lunada Bay, so our near-term hobbies are remodeling and downsizing. Hiking, gardening, kayaking, and PVPLC are all on the horizon. Most of my life has been in Northern Cal and Oregon, with small bits in Hawaii, Alaska, and Connecticut. U of Oregon and SFSU grad. Career wise, spent 25 years in Silicon Valley and retired pretty early. I'll have a guest room and can host folks in 2023.
I’ve been living in Woodland Hills for long time – and since the pandemic struck, I’ve been working here too.
After college I spent a couple of years teaching English at a high school in Kashiwa City, Japan (Torrance’s sister city). Back in LA, I took a run at the entertainment industry for about a decade, working in film project development and as a writer. Then I retooled, went to law school, and started practice as a corporate and securities lawyer at age 40, just in time for dot.com mania. I’m still at it – these days I mostly advise companies that are raising financing through equity crowdfunding, often based on blockchain technology and DeFi. I help them tell their stories to investors without stepping into any legal pitfalls.
My wife Laura and I just celebrated our 42nd anniversary. We have two grown sons whom we’re lucky to have living close by.
I’ve driven past Rock ‘n’ Brews hundreds of times. It’ll be fun to venture in and step back 50 years.
After college I spent a couple of years teaching English at a high school in Kashiwa City, Japan (Torrance’s sister city). Back in LA, I took a run at the entertainment industry for about a decade, working in film project development and as a writer. Then I retooled, went to law school, and started practice as a corporate and securities lawyer at age 40, just in time for dot.com mania. I’m still at it – these days I mostly advise companies that are raising financing through equity crowdfunding, often based on blockchain technology and DeFi. I help them tell their stories to investors without stepping into any legal pitfalls.
My wife Laura and I just celebrated our 42nd anniversary. We have two grown sons whom we’re lucky to have living close by.
I’ve driven past Rock ‘n’ Brews hundreds of times. It’ll be fun to venture in and step back 50 years.
Guess I am a little late checking in about 50th. Hello to Annette M. and Michelle. Also to Terry Goodhew Witte my typing class buddy, Ellen Frey and Jeff Jordan. My Mother, Dorothy, age 96+ is at same retirement community as our Daniel Boone, (our Dean of students) in Escondido! All the best class of 72!
I live in Rancho Misson Viejo,CA with my husband. We have been married for 50 years as of July 8th this year.We have five children and eleven grandchildren. Hobbies are spending time with my family and grandchildren -- boating, skiing riding electric bikes and going to the gym, and love traveling. My career was Cardiac RN, which I am now retired.
I am really looking forward to seeing again Debbie Web Denise Hart, Beverly Bayne, and Jackie Stacy, and many more, I miss everyone!
I am really looking forward to seeing again Debbie Web Denise Hart, Beverly Bayne, and Jackie Stacy, and many more, I miss everyone!
Living just outside of Nevada City California on a small ranch at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with my wife, horses, goats, dogs & chickens, I still work as a programmer/developer for a video/broadcast software firm after stints teaching, startup firms in San Francisco & the Department of Finance / Governors office in Sacramento.
Both my & I horse are retired from competition/team roping with the passing of our long-time partner but continue to participate in the local Horseman's club with the youth gymkhana, barrel racing & cow work events. And, still actively playing tenor, alto & soprano saxophones in the 60+ member Nevada County Concert Band along with occasional small jazz combo work and benefit charity performances.
To all my classmates from PVHS 1972 – I am honored to be a part of such a talented group of men & women. Though I was not actively involved in many school activities, my experience during those years and enjoying such a beautiful jewel of a high school surrounded by good souls and breathtaking surroundings is truly something I will always consider a blessing – as all of you, and your warm friendship over the decades, no matter how infrequent or the place or time. May all of you and your families be healthy & happy in the days ahead.
**************************
Fifty turns around the sun brought me here today
from a seaside town to make a start and build my life some way
to the halls of learning and science to master sums & equations
but found the lure of song and notes far deeper to my ambitions
Casting forth to the cities of this land in studio, film and stage
I plied my trade in exchange for money, creating a golden cage
Kind-hearted mentors and clever thieves mixed in the wings & spotlights
Until one day I crossed the seas for answers that haunted my endless nights
To a London-town & Scottish highlands and finally a precious Emerald Isle
Where love of poets that fought for freedom and spirited horses changed my life
In a peaceful house of music and a White Hart from the other world, I attest
Clearly I had taken much more than had given back and embarked on another quest
I married a kind maiden, raised a gentle son & taught the young and curious
To build new music with the language of code & opened my eyes to the infinite
The mountains spoke quietly, and a red colt found & taught me patience
Together we gave lost orphans a home & love all others had forsaken
Beneath a wolf moon with my sorrel horse counting stars & distant planets
Recalling dear companions, near & departed, and all those colorful saints & bandits
I was so far from perfect, and lucky to have survived the twisted trials of youth
But only searched for the tunes of life that sweetly sang of the truth
Fifty turns around the sun brought me here today
From a seaside town that gave me love, as well as hope,
To make a start & keep my heart
And build a dream some way…
Mark
Both my & I horse are retired from competition/team roping with the passing of our long-time partner but continue to participate in the local Horseman's club with the youth gymkhana, barrel racing & cow work events. And, still actively playing tenor, alto & soprano saxophones in the 60+ member Nevada County Concert Band along with occasional small jazz combo work and benefit charity performances.
To all my classmates from PVHS 1972 – I am honored to be a part of such a talented group of men & women. Though I was not actively involved in many school activities, my experience during those years and enjoying such a beautiful jewel of a high school surrounded by good souls and breathtaking surroundings is truly something I will always consider a blessing – as all of you, and your warm friendship over the decades, no matter how infrequent or the place or time. May all of you and your families be healthy & happy in the days ahead.
**************************
Fifty turns around the sun brought me here today
from a seaside town to make a start and build my life some way
to the halls of learning and science to master sums & equations
but found the lure of song and notes far deeper to my ambitions
Casting forth to the cities of this land in studio, film and stage
I plied my trade in exchange for money, creating a golden cage
Kind-hearted mentors and clever thieves mixed in the wings & spotlights
Until one day I crossed the seas for answers that haunted my endless nights
To a London-town & Scottish highlands and finally a precious Emerald Isle
Where love of poets that fought for freedom and spirited horses changed my life
In a peaceful house of music and a White Hart from the other world, I attest
Clearly I had taken much more than had given back and embarked on another quest
I married a kind maiden, raised a gentle son & taught the young and curious
To build new music with the language of code & opened my eyes to the infinite
The mountains spoke quietly, and a red colt found & taught me patience
Together we gave lost orphans a home & love all others had forsaken
Beneath a wolf moon with my sorrel horse counting stars & distant planets
Recalling dear companions, near & departed, and all those colorful saints & bandits
I was so far from perfect, and lucky to have survived the twisted trials of youth
But only searched for the tunes of life that sweetly sang of the truth
Fifty turns around the sun brought me here today
From a seaside town that gave me love, as well as hope,
To make a start & keep my heart
And build a dream some way…
Mark
Thank you to Ray and the rest of our classmates who have worked so hard on the reunion and all that goes along with that. It takes a lot of time and effort to set up the Facebook page, organize the events, pull together the pictures, and find members of the Class of 1972. PVHS remains a big part of who I am today, and that has a lot to do with generous people like you.
After graduation, I went to UC Berkeley, followed by The University of Texas at Austin for a Masters in Social Work. It took me about a minute to realize that I wasn’t equipped to be a child and family therapist at 24 when I had yet to experience the real world myself. After a few years as a property/casualty insurance adjuster, getting married and having my first of two children, I went to law school at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. I worked for several years as a corporate/security lawyer in a Dallas law firm before leaving law firm practice and joining my primary client, Perot Systems Corporation. I spent 22 years with Perot Systems and Dell (acquired PSC in 2009) before retiring from the paid part of legal practice in 2015.
Unfortunately, I didn’t marry my life partner the first time around, but I’ve been married for 27 years to John Ferrari, who has given me not only an adventurous and happy life but four additional children (step). Together we have 12 grandchidren and one great grandchild. We have lived in Dallas and London, and currently have homes in Titusville, FL and Warrenton, VA. We love to travel in our motorhome seeing the USA and Canada, as a contrast to our lives on planes while we were working.
Until the last minute, I had hoped to come to the reunion, but I just couldn’t work it out. After I moved away for college, and although I often returned to see my mother, who lived in the only home I had ever known on Via Palomino until her death in 2014 at 99, I wasn’t good about staying in touch with old friends. The one exception is Terry Goodhew Witte, my first and best friend growing up. For this reason, and as I get older and more melancholy, I was particularly looking forward to seeing those who I grew up with at pre-school, Valmonte and Malaga Cove, like Terry, Ray, Bill Bundy, Susan Bony, Mary Lou Keyes, Joan Latimer, Merilee Jordan, Pam Ferraro and Kathie Hood. I’ll be thinking of everyone on the 10th. Have a wonderful time.
After graduation, I went to UC Berkeley, followed by The University of Texas at Austin for a Masters in Social Work. It took me about a minute to realize that I wasn’t equipped to be a child and family therapist at 24 when I had yet to experience the real world myself. After a few years as a property/casualty insurance adjuster, getting married and having my first of two children, I went to law school at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. I worked for several years as a corporate/security lawyer in a Dallas law firm before leaving law firm practice and joining my primary client, Perot Systems Corporation. I spent 22 years with Perot Systems and Dell (acquired PSC in 2009) before retiring from the paid part of legal practice in 2015.
Unfortunately, I didn’t marry my life partner the first time around, but I’ve been married for 27 years to John Ferrari, who has given me not only an adventurous and happy life but four additional children (step). Together we have 12 grandchidren and one great grandchild. We have lived in Dallas and London, and currently have homes in Titusville, FL and Warrenton, VA. We love to travel in our motorhome seeing the USA and Canada, as a contrast to our lives on planes while we were working.
Until the last minute, I had hoped to come to the reunion, but I just couldn’t work it out. After I moved away for college, and although I often returned to see my mother, who lived in the only home I had ever known on Via Palomino until her death in 2014 at 99, I wasn’t good about staying in touch with old friends. The one exception is Terry Goodhew Witte, my first and best friend growing up. For this reason, and as I get older and more melancholy, I was particularly looking forward to seeing those who I grew up with at pre-school, Valmonte and Malaga Cove, like Terry, Ray, Bill Bundy, Susan Bony, Mary Lou Keyes, Joan Latimer, Merilee Jordan, Pam Ferraro and Kathie Hood. I’ll be thinking of everyone on the 10th. Have a wonderful time.
Live by and love the ocean, in San Diego. Married 35 years to my soulful wife, Karen (Mira Costa, class of 1974). Father of two sons, Matthew and Austin, 32 and 31, who were both married in the last year. Grandchildren to come, hopefully.
Met Karen in the graduate program of English & Creative Writing at UC, Irvine, after earning a BA in English & Communications at UC, San Diego. I studied fiction writing; Karen, poetry. After teaching and moving around a lot (8 states for me), we ended up married and working in documentation and training in the computer software industry in Seattle. Our sons were born in Seattle.
Moved back to southern California/San Diego 28 years ago to raise our sons and be closer to family and the (warmer) ocean.
Having moved into Palos Verdes for only 11th and 12th grade, my deep bonds of friendship were forged on the PV High basketball court and the black top, with, coincidentally, a number of other guys who also moved in from out of state: Dennis Day (Iowa), Jeff Densmore (Michigan), and Jim Maddox (New Jersey). These friendships along with other basketball guys who had grown up in PV sustained me in what was an emotionally tenuous time--transitioning at age 16 into a new state, city, school, etc. Look forward to hanging with my bball brothers and so many other fine people I had the pleasure of getting to know in a few memorable years, 1970-72.
RIP dear brother and teammate, Dan Bales, who passed away a few years ago, cancer. Dan was one of the first PV locals who reached out to me as a "new guy"; Dan embodied the southern California spirit--the openness, casual friendship, and relentless sense of humor, always a smile on his face.
Met Karen in the graduate program of English & Creative Writing at UC, Irvine, after earning a BA in English & Communications at UC, San Diego. I studied fiction writing; Karen, poetry. After teaching and moving around a lot (8 states for me), we ended up married and working in documentation and training in the computer software industry in Seattle. Our sons were born in Seattle.
Moved back to southern California/San Diego 28 years ago to raise our sons and be closer to family and the (warmer) ocean.
Having moved into Palos Verdes for only 11th and 12th grade, my deep bonds of friendship were forged on the PV High basketball court and the black top, with, coincidentally, a number of other guys who also moved in from out of state: Dennis Day (Iowa), Jeff Densmore (Michigan), and Jim Maddox (New Jersey). These friendships along with other basketball guys who had grown up in PV sustained me in what was an emotionally tenuous time--transitioning at age 16 into a new state, city, school, etc. Look forward to hanging with my bball brothers and so many other fine people I had the pleasure of getting to know in a few memorable years, 1970-72.
RIP dear brother and teammate, Dan Bales, who passed away a few years ago, cancer. Dan was one of the first PV locals who reached out to me as a "new guy"; Dan embodied the southern California spirit--the openness, casual friendship, and relentless sense of humor, always a smile on his face.
I have been living in San Diego since graduating from San Diego State University. 5 years ago I retired from 40 years of teaching elementary school. I taught kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. My husband Dennis and I celebrated our 29th anniversary this past year. We have 1 son who graduated from Humboldt State in 2018, and lives in Northern California.
In our free time we enjoy camping in our Airstream and going to Padres baseball games.
In our free time we enjoy camping in our Airstream and going to Padres baseball games.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
I've been living in the Eastern Sierra (near Mammoth) since 1994 and have been married for 35 years with two grown daughters. I started a Fine Wine Brokerage business, which I sold after 20 fun years, and manage our residential, long-term rental properties. Currently I work for the US Forest Service as a Naturalist conducting ski tours and for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area as a host on skis. I get to put by BS in Biology and 60 years of backpacking experience to work to better inform the public. Still surfing, skiing, fly-fishing and backpacking with my dog friend.
I've been living in the Eastern Sierra (near Mammoth) since 1994 and have been married for 35 years with two grown daughters. I started a Fine Wine Brokerage business, which I sold after 20 fun years, and manage our residential, long-term rental properties. Currently I work for the US Forest Service as a Naturalist conducting ski tours and for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area as a host on skis. I get to put by BS in Biology and 60 years of backpacking experience to work to better inform the public. Still surfing, skiing, fly-fishing and backpacking with my dog friend.
I live in a small town, nestled next to the Santa Cruz mountains on the edge of Silicon Valley. After a long career in Human Resources in the Pharmaceutical and Health Diagnostics industry I retired to finish raising our two boys. Both my husband (recently retired) and myself hope to be hitting the road soon and doing some long postponed traveling. I'm sure not that different from the rest of you. Sorry to say I will not be making the reunion, but I hope you all have a wonderful time catching up and reminiscing.
I retired from a long career as an information designer and teacher and am now living full-time in a camper trailer with my wife of 35 years and focusing on my personal art. We only drive on back roads and have put on 20,000 miles since August!
Most recently I was a faculty instructor at Michigan State University for 15 years where I taught creative problem solving to a class of 500 (😵💫) and also how to make infographics. Prior to joining academia, I had been the Director of Information Graphics at Newsweek magazine for ten years, and also at The Associated Press, The National Sports Daily, the N.Y. Daily News and United Press International.
As a data designer and creative thinker, I consulted with organizations on the topics of visual communication and creative thinking. I have presented at three TEDx talks, at Harvard University's "Political Analytics Conference" and twice at the South by Southwest (SXSW) technology conference on the “Power of Visual Storytelling.”
If you’re curious about my art you can see some here: https://www.gudethinking.com/artwork. The only art training I ever had was from Mr. Dunse! I didn’t love his class, but I did love drawing! I illustrated the 1971 yearbook with the very talented Chris Consani and drew political cartoons for The Trident, my first news job! Alas, this platform doesn’t allow for image attachments or I’d show a couple of the cartoons.
Most recently I was a faculty instructor at Michigan State University for 15 years where I taught creative problem solving to a class of 500 (😵💫) and also how to make infographics. Prior to joining academia, I had been the Director of Information Graphics at Newsweek magazine for ten years, and also at The Associated Press, The National Sports Daily, the N.Y. Daily News and United Press International.
As a data designer and creative thinker, I consulted with organizations on the topics of visual communication and creative thinking. I have presented at three TEDx talks, at Harvard University's "Political Analytics Conference" and twice at the South by Southwest (SXSW) technology conference on the “Power of Visual Storytelling.”
If you’re curious about my art you can see some here: https://www.gudethinking.com/artwork. The only art training I ever had was from Mr. Dunse! I didn’t love his class, but I did love drawing! I illustrated the 1971 yearbook with the very talented Chris Consani and drew political cartoons for The Trident, my first news job! Alas, this platform doesn’t allow for image attachments or I’d show a couple of the cartoons.
Live in San Diego. Lived 11 years on Kauai where we had a successfully farm on the north shore. Grew papayas, watermelons sweet corn, bell peppers and exotic fruits. A wonderful time of my life on many levels. I’ve traveled to Alaska, Mexico, Canada and all over the USA. Lived in New England. Nice place to visit during the fall. I won’t be at the reunion as I’m on a trip out of state at that time. Have a fun reunion with lots of good cheer!
My updated life story:
This seems self-indulgent - but here goes…
Dazed and confused in high school, terrified by girls, daunted by the academic assignments, confused by the social hierarchy, insecure - I opted to be invisible.
“Graduated” high school, my parents were not of means so I did not have the money or maturity to attend college immediately - worked, went to Harbor JC, Long BeachState; I was finally accepted to USC on an academic scholarship, earning undergraduate degrees in philosophy and art history, and a graduate degree in Architecture; worked a bit in SoCal.
I trained w/Dan Inosanto (Malaga Cove PE teacher/Bruce Lee’s top student) and went on to be a life long “martial arts” student, with black belts in several disciplines, even did a little “cage fighting”.
Moved to Seattle (Bainbridge Island) and worked for 19 years for large and small architectural firms; took a “break” from architecture and was a cop for 10 years… went back to architecture.
Married for 22 years no children, moved to rural WA. State in 1998, worked on my own and for some small firms and State agencies and won a few AIA awards. My wife died in 2014 after a protracted battle w/leukemia, I have not remarried.
I earned a PhD in building science (thought it might enhance the architecture, but not really :)
I live in a 1902 renovated farm house in rural Eastern WA. State on a small “farm” w/my dogs, still “practicing” architecture. Trying to contribute some positivity to the world, I am active in my local community - city council member, various boards, farmers markets, housing, etc. I try to live a “clean” lifestyle, grow most of my own food (I’m a vegetarian), exercise, meditate, journal - read widely! I’ve experienced a lot of deaths in my life, so as part of my grief mitigation, I volunteer w/a local hospice group (hopefully) providing some end of life peace for those of us moving on, it is rewarding to give back a little where I can, but I question my motivation.
I have a big wood shop and build furniture, work on my house; a collection of motorcycles I work on/rebuild some of which I race. I have a smallish Sprinter Van RV that I occasionally take out on excursions w/my dog exploring the country - Savannah, GA. is one of my favorites!
I read and cook for entertainment - no TV! I also “play” the harmonica a bit, currently learning the ukulele, paint watercolors as time allows.
So that’s it for me in a nutshell - To paraphrase No Doubt - “Just a boy” (in the world).
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be, be one” - Marcus Aurelius
This seems self-indulgent - but here goes…
Dazed and confused in high school, terrified by girls, daunted by the academic assignments, confused by the social hierarchy, insecure - I opted to be invisible.
“Graduated” high school, my parents were not of means so I did not have the money or maturity to attend college immediately - worked, went to Harbor JC, Long BeachState; I was finally accepted to USC on an academic scholarship, earning undergraduate degrees in philosophy and art history, and a graduate degree in Architecture; worked a bit in SoCal.
I trained w/Dan Inosanto (Malaga Cove PE teacher/Bruce Lee’s top student) and went on to be a life long “martial arts” student, with black belts in several disciplines, even did a little “cage fighting”.
Moved to Seattle (Bainbridge Island) and worked for 19 years for large and small architectural firms; took a “break” from architecture and was a cop for 10 years… went back to architecture.
Married for 22 years no children, moved to rural WA. State in 1998, worked on my own and for some small firms and State agencies and won a few AIA awards. My wife died in 2014 after a protracted battle w/leukemia, I have not remarried.
I earned a PhD in building science (thought it might enhance the architecture, but not really :)
I live in a 1902 renovated farm house in rural Eastern WA. State on a small “farm” w/my dogs, still “practicing” architecture. Trying to contribute some positivity to the world, I am active in my local community - city council member, various boards, farmers markets, housing, etc. I try to live a “clean” lifestyle, grow most of my own food (I’m a vegetarian), exercise, meditate, journal - read widely! I’ve experienced a lot of deaths in my life, so as part of my grief mitigation, I volunteer w/a local hospice group (hopefully) providing some end of life peace for those of us moving on, it is rewarding to give back a little where I can, but I question my motivation.
I have a big wood shop and build furniture, work on my house; a collection of motorcycles I work on/rebuild some of which I race. I have a smallish Sprinter Van RV that I occasionally take out on excursions w/my dog exploring the country - Savannah, GA. is one of my favorites!
I read and cook for entertainment - no TV! I also “play” the harmonica a bit, currently learning the ukulele, paint watercolors as time allows.
So that’s it for me in a nutshell - To paraphrase No Doubt - “Just a boy” (in the world).
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be, be one” - Marcus Aurelius
Jackson Hole last 24 years after UCLA and Ross CA.
Lucky to be retired and manage my short term rentals here as well as Lake Tahoe. Looking forward to seeing friends from the class of ‘72: Terry, Dave, John, as well as the fun folks that have been attending ‘73’s reunions!
Lucky to be retired and manage my short term rentals here as well as Lake Tahoe. Looking forward to seeing friends from the class of ‘72: Terry, Dave, John, as well as the fun folks that have been attending ‘73’s reunions!
I have lived in AZ since graduating from ASU. I taught elementary school for 40 years and am now retired. I enjoy hiking, pickle ball, kayaking, biking, and reading. I am also a busy grandmother to four beautiful grandkids who fortunately live close by. I’m looking forward to catching up with old classmates this Fall.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and am so glad the classes of 1971 and 1973 will be included.
Since 1972, I left college without my degree to get married, had two children--a boy and a girl--and divorced. After a few years as a Realtor, I went back to college, finished my BA, quickly added my MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry, and just to be stubborn, got my PhD in Rhetoric and Writing. I found that I like writing research in digital spaces.
I taught rhetoric and creative writing at Missouri State University and retired as full professor in 2021. I continue editing and writing, and am co-editor for an upcoming special co-issue of Computers and Composition: An International Journal and Computers and Composition Online. I also continue to publish poetry. My poetry has appeared in a variety of literary journals, including TAB: The Journal of Poetry and Poetics, Star*Line, Yellow Chair Review, Stirring, Menacing Hedge, and Flint Hills Review. My poetry collection, The Tethered Ground, came out in 2019 from Woodley Press.
So, I'm slowly disentangling from my professional life and basically am trying to see what retirement will be like.
Since 1972, I left college without my degree to get married, had two children--a boy and a girl--and divorced. After a few years as a Realtor, I went back to college, finished my BA, quickly added my MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry, and just to be stubborn, got my PhD in Rhetoric and Writing. I found that I like writing research in digital spaces.
I taught rhetoric and creative writing at Missouri State University and retired as full professor in 2021. I continue editing and writing, and am co-editor for an upcoming special co-issue of Computers and Composition: An International Journal and Computers and Composition Online. I also continue to publish poetry. My poetry has appeared in a variety of literary journals, including TAB: The Journal of Poetry and Poetics, Star*Line, Yellow Chair Review, Stirring, Menacing Hedge, and Flint Hills Review. My poetry collection, The Tethered Ground, came out in 2019 from Woodley Press.
So, I'm slowly disentangling from my professional life and basically am trying to see what retirement will be like.
Although I would love to move back to California, I am currently in the Texas Hill County city of Kerrville. Living in retirement with my 2 beasts of dogs (thanks Cherry Moon), Gemma and Hayley. I have a parade of deer every day and I am their moving corn dispenser. Staying with Annette Mannara along with Leslie Lotina. Hoping to see Betsy Connors, my San Diego State roomie. Wishing Julie White will show up. I also am anxious to meet and greet all those wonderful classmates from FB, a few being ,Cherry, Jerri-Anne, Lannette, Sylvia, Brian and, I suppose, Ray! Can't wait!
I’ve been living in Orange County since 1976. Still married to the same guy, a Rolling Hills grad. We have 3 kids and 4 grandkids. We travel a lot especially for snow skiing and scuba diving. Just got the youngest grandkid certified (she’s 10) so we are having a blast diving with the 4 of them! We have a sailboat in Oceanside harbor and I have a miniature horse that we keep in our backyard.
Not sure I can make the reunion because we fly in that evening from a dive trip, but trying to work it out.
Not sure I can make the reunion because we fly in that evening from a dive trip, but trying to work it out.
I live in Summerland, California now. I continue to enjoy seaside activities, boating and watching sunsets over our beautiful western coastline. Over the years I have had a variety of careers in the hospitality and wine industry as well as in membership and event planning with museum organizations. I am currently officiating wedding ceremonies and working with calligraphy.
While I did not graduate from PV High as we moved to New Mexico our freshman year, I am looking forward to seeing everyone I had the pleasure of growing up with at Malaga Cove Grade School, Lunada Bay Elementary and Margate Intermediate.
While I did not graduate from PV High as we moved to New Mexico our freshman year, I am looking forward to seeing everyone I had the pleasure of growing up with at Malaga Cove Grade School, Lunada Bay Elementary and Margate Intermediate.
Early career in Computer Graphics then switched to school district work when my son and daughter started school.
Sang some jazz locally before COVID. Last place to sing at locally was the closing night of The Admiral Risty Restaurant, ending with "The Shadow of Your Smile" as a fair well song. Now the restaurant has been replaced with a bank. What a shame. It was a landmark I am sure we all loved.
I am sending regards from my sister Lisa, Class of 1972, who lives out of the area.
Sang some jazz locally before COVID. Last place to sing at locally was the closing night of The Admiral Risty Restaurant, ending with "The Shadow of Your Smile" as a fair well song. Now the restaurant has been replaced with a bank. What a shame. It was a landmark I am sure we all loved.
I am sending regards from my sister Lisa, Class of 1972, who lives out of the area.
After graduate school (PhD University of Chicago) I moved to England (English husband…) and have been there for 37 years, with a career in publishing, as Senior Commissioning Editor at Cambridge University Press for many years.
While working with the printed page, I always wondered, what can happen with the next generation of the book—so I launched my first company, Cooper Digital Publishing, followed recently by co-founding Immersive Publishing Ltd http://www.immersivepub.com
We work with clients and their content to combine printed material with the augmented reality (AR) functions of audio, video, additional text, illustrations, and three-dimension, launching the audio or video by identifying a photograph or symbol on the existing printed material through the device’s camera. While augmented reality has been used for some time with marketing and advertising, this exciting technology is beginning to be paired with books, and we’re looking forward to giving the printed book and related print material a new future. It’s rather fun.
Delighted to be in contact with classmates through the website, and please get in touch—would be great to hear from you!
While working with the printed page, I always wondered, what can happen with the next generation of the book—so I launched my first company, Cooper Digital Publishing, followed recently by co-founding Immersive Publishing Ltd http://www.immersivepub.com
We work with clients and their content to combine printed material with the augmented reality (AR) functions of audio, video, additional text, illustrations, and three-dimension, launching the audio or video by identifying a photograph or symbol on the existing printed material through the device’s camera. While augmented reality has been used for some time with marketing and advertising, this exciting technology is beginning to be paired with books, and we’re looking forward to giving the printed book and related print material a new future. It’s rather fun.
Delighted to be in contact with classmates through the website, and please get in touch—would be great to hear from you!
Really enjoyed seeing the pics of the 50th! It looks like a huge success with happy, laughing faces everywhere. The reunion committee worked hard on that- I'm certain! '72 was a class full of the best folks ever.
I am living the good retired life after a career of 30 years with an airline which are also treasured memories. My husband, Mont, and I just beginning our 23rd married year, and reside in Mesquite, Nevada. I have two wonderful stepchildren that let me claim them :) but no grandkids yet. We do a lot of domestic sightseeing and traveling, and when home I keep my days busy with volunteer work. It gets toasty in the summers, and busy on weekends, so we get away to central Utah, ninety minutes up the road, where we can enjoy the outdoors year round, with plenty of lakes, limitless hiking, and skiing. I do miss southern Cal. and make it back to visit friends a few times a year. How fortunate was I to attend Palos Verdes High.. so beautiful, and had some great friends. The next reunion I look forward to because this one was a big miss for me. Best to everyone.
I am living the good retired life after a career of 30 years with an airline which are also treasured memories. My husband, Mont, and I just beginning our 23rd married year, and reside in Mesquite, Nevada. I have two wonderful stepchildren that let me claim them :) but no grandkids yet. We do a lot of domestic sightseeing and traveling, and when home I keep my days busy with volunteer work. It gets toasty in the summers, and busy on weekends, so we get away to central Utah, ninety minutes up the road, where we can enjoy the outdoors year round, with plenty of lakes, limitless hiking, and skiing. I do miss southern Cal. and make it back to visit friends a few times a year. How fortunate was I to attend Palos Verdes High.. so beautiful, and had some great friends. The next reunion I look forward to because this one was a big miss for me. Best to everyone.
Retired HPC Systems Administrator (Linux server/storage/network stuff). Guess I became an IT geek of sorts. Last worked at UCSC. Married with "adult" kids, who have officially fledged the nest, and living in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Still doing pottery and art of any sorts. Enjoy adventure traveling to "offbeat", cool places and do a lot of hiking. Looking forward to seeing my '72 friends!
I have lived in Virginia since 1982. My husband and I retired to a home on Lake Monticello (yes, very near Jefferson's Monticello historical residence) where we boat, kayak, swim. Our six grandchildren (ages 9-3) love to visit. Central VA is home to many vineyards and wineries, which we enjoy visiting. We enjoy our rural town, but are only 20 minutes from Charlottesville, which has all the cultural and gastronomic offerings we love. I retired earlier this year from 25 years working for an Optometry practice as bookkeeper, manager, insurance biller, etc. I worked from home the last 10 years of that career due to electronic records!
My husband and I love to travel and have visited 37 countries so far.
I have really enjoyed reading about all of my PV classmates, and welcome emails if anyone wants to strike up a correspondence. I'm sorry I can't make it to the reunion due to previously planned events. I'm sure I'm not the first to say, "I can't believe it's been 50 years!"
My husband and I love to travel and have visited 37 countries so far.
I have really enjoyed reading about all of my PV classmates, and welcome emails if anyone wants to strike up a correspondence. I'm sorry I can't make it to the reunion due to previously planned events. I'm sure I'm not the first to say, "I can't believe it's been 50 years!"
After PVHS I continued on the path to become a professional actor. I attended CSULB for two years while working professionally in LA area. I was accepted into the LA Civic Light Musical Theater Workshop at age 19 and joined Actors Equity and Screen Actors Guild at age 20. By age 21 I moved to NYC and started touring the county performing in various plays and musicals. In 1978 I landed my first Broadway show “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”. I went on to do six more Broadway shows, a dozen Off-Broadway, National and International tours. I met my wife Barbara in Canada during the Pre-Broadway Hal Prince production of “Show Boat” and we just celebrated our 27th anniversary. My last big tour was the international tour of “West Side Story”; my first production as a freshman at PV High and the show that hooked me on acting. The “West Side Story” International tour was for 15 months, playing over 25 cities ranging from Muskat Oman to Paris. I put together a travel blog during that tour and continue to update it with the latest entry of our 50 year reunion. So if you are looking for your next trip check the blog out. Upcoming trips are to the Galapagos Islands and a South African Safari. I am forever grateful for the opportunities we were given at PVHS and the support to find and follow our passions. https://michaelscottworldtour.wordpress.com/
College saw me off to UCSB then Mammoth Mountain and travel for a year before grad school (SDSU Social Work). After 12 years in San Diego where I met my husband, we started bouncing around the country with my husband's work. Landed in Salt Lake a couple times where the skiing and hiking were wonderful, Georgia (where not much was wonderful) and then settled in Chapel Hill NC. Raised 2 sons to be UNC TarHeels and I turned into a college basketball fan.
I am frequently back in PVE to see my aging parents and love to meet at Ranch Market for coffee with anyone who is in the area.
I am frequently back in PVE to see my aging parents and love to meet at Ranch Market for coffee with anyone who is in the area.
I am Tony Collins from the PVHS class of 1972. I have had many journeys and immersed myself in many creative and educational projects in my career, in many parts of the world. I call myself a professional documentary filmmaker, writer, teacher, and lifelong student of world music in every form. I have a doctorate degree in Education, and MFA/BFA degrees from UCLA in Film/TV. I loved my time at UCLA and it gave me a solid foundation for my lifelong work.
I have worked as a professor/teacher/practitioner of filmmaking and digital fine arts in many countries worldwide for many years. Today I deeply engage in my current work and try to be mindful and grateful for each moment. I am writing a dramatic feature length motion picture screenplay about the life and legend of Admiral Richard Byrd---coming to a theater near you soon!
My fondest memories of my days at PVHS would have to be my focus on learning to play the viola in the orchestra with Mr. Warren Balfour, and my entirely fun experience playing "fiddler" in our PVHS production of Fiddler on the Roof. Lots and lots of good memories about all kinds of music-making during those halcyon days in the midst of teenage angst. I continue to play the viola, old time country fiddle, guitar, and mandolin today--for fun.
I am hopeful to hear from old and new friends.
Please see my website to learn about the scope and nature of my professional, creative, and scholarly work. Comments welcome.
Let's talk about collaboration on a creative project! SEE: iefilm.com
I have worked as a professor/teacher/practitioner of filmmaking and digital fine arts in many countries worldwide for many years. Today I deeply engage in my current work and try to be mindful and grateful for each moment. I am writing a dramatic feature length motion picture screenplay about the life and legend of Admiral Richard Byrd---coming to a theater near you soon!
My fondest memories of my days at PVHS would have to be my focus on learning to play the viola in the orchestra with Mr. Warren Balfour, and my entirely fun experience playing "fiddler" in our PVHS production of Fiddler on the Roof. Lots and lots of good memories about all kinds of music-making during those halcyon days in the midst of teenage angst. I continue to play the viola, old time country fiddle, guitar, and mandolin today--for fun.
I am hopeful to hear from old and new friends.
Please see my website to learn about the scope and nature of my professional, creative, and scholarly work. Comments welcome.
Let's talk about collaboration on a creative project! SEE: iefilm.com
After grad school in Champaign-Urbana, IL I planned to live my whole life in California. Yet, I seem to always say yes to the next adventure. Favorites include living in Oberstedten, Germany where I raised young children, and then years later back again to Heidelberg where my boys went to Heidelberg College, my daughter studied languages, and I worked at SAP. Loved working in communications technology with so many cool, fun, projects and smart, interesting people from all over the world. I have three children, a daughter with 3 daughters; two sons, and one grandson, and my current love Jorah, (Ser Jorah Mormont) a Great Dane.
Not so favorite - married the wrong guy, divorced. Loved being married and still hopeful that the right guy will come along.
Luckily I was living in South Laguna Beach last year when Ray Jones invited me to the PVHS '72 reunion - so much fun reconnecting with everyone! Hope to reconnect again at the PVHS '73 reunion.
Instagram @aprilmooreart
Not so favorite - married the wrong guy, divorced. Loved being married and still hopeful that the right guy will come along.
Luckily I was living in South Laguna Beach last year when Ray Jones invited me to the PVHS '72 reunion - so much fun reconnecting with everyone! Hope to reconnect again at the PVHS '73 reunion.
Instagram @aprilmooreart
My family moved to Oregon in 1972. I attended the University of Oregon and obtained a Professional Bachelor of Architecture degree.
I worked in Portland, Oregon as a design and construction project manager until my recent retirement. I am currently living in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. My husband and I have been married since 1982. Don is a musician and writer. Our daughter, Brenna, is an entrepreneur also living in the Gorge.
Life is good.
I worked in Portland, Oregon as a design and construction project manager until my recent retirement. I am currently living in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. My husband and I have been married since 1982. Don is a musician and writer. Our daughter, Brenna, is an entrepreneur also living in the Gorge.
Life is good.
My husband, Jim, and I met in college and married right after graduation. We moved back to Palos Verdes where Jim went to work for Goodhew Ambulance (our family business) and I into the aerospace industry. We have two children, a daughter 41 and a son 38. They both live in Palos Verdes and have two children each, each with a boy and a girl ages 16 months to 10 years old. Jim and I are retired and spend a good part of our time golfing, traveling, spending time with family and volunteering in an organization for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (Peninsula Committee Children’s Hospital). I am happy to say my mother is a healthy 100 years old and only lives 2 miles from us so we see her often.
I want to congratulate the entire reunion committee, Ray, Annette, Diane, Leslie and Michele for an outstanding and amazing job in arranging and putting together the reunion. They spent costly hours figuring out the best locations, video and audio entertainment, food and beverage and next day get together. It was a huge success. So much so we had people trying to crash the party! Thank you, xxox
I want to congratulate the entire reunion committee, Ray, Annette, Diane, Leslie and Michele for an outstanding and amazing job in arranging and putting together the reunion. They spent costly hours figuring out the best locations, video and audio entertainment, food and beverage and next day get together. It was a huge success. So much so we had people trying to crash the party! Thank you, xxox
Right after high school, which I hardly attended and when I did attend did it very poorly, I got into real estate. At 21, I got my real estate license and worked for a local realty company. Then shortly after, I joined my father's company in real estate development. we’ve developed some really great projects. I’ve been so fortunate to have the very best teacher. I have been married 2 x and now divorced for a long time. I have two fantastic children who are now grown up and live very close to me. No grandchildren yet although I cannot wait for that day to come. I currently oversee the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. I live in Los Angeles. I am sure most of you remember my brother Ernie who is still my closest friend. Ernie is also a real estate developer has been married forever and has four beautiful children.
We are so blessed that our whole family still travel together and still enjoy each other's company and spend most of our time together.
My parents with God's blessing will be celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary. I guess most of you know us by the last name of Collins which my father changed back many years ago to his original name of Cohen.
We are so blessed that our whole family still travel together and still enjoy each other's company and spend most of our time together.
My parents with God's blessing will be celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary. I guess most of you know us by the last name of Collins which my father changed back many years ago to his original name of Cohen.
I attended Margate JHS all three years and PVHS for two years before transferring to Chadwick.
My husband, Rob, and I moved back to the South Bay several years ago to take over my family's business in Hermosa Beach. Prior to that, I was the principal of a very successful high school for 500 at risk teenagers in Santa Clarita for 20 years. I still consult and coach other administrators through the Alternative Education Learning Collaborative at Stanford. My daughter, Lauren, lives in San Francisco and Sonoma with her family. My grandson Jack is 10 and my granddaughter Georgia is 9. My son, Zack lives with his wife and 2-year-old son Ryder in Wisconsin. I enjoy taking water aerobics classes at the Malaga Cove pool with high school friend Lisa Wibroe. Rob and I live in the house that my father built 40 years ago above Torrance/RAT beach. As I am typing this email, I can see the Malaga Cove pool out my window. Several weeks ago, Lisa and I were out boogey boarding when I stepped on a sting ray. Ouch! I still plan on going out in the water, though!
My husband, Rob, and I moved back to the South Bay several years ago to take over my family's business in Hermosa Beach. Prior to that, I was the principal of a very successful high school for 500 at risk teenagers in Santa Clarita for 20 years. I still consult and coach other administrators through the Alternative Education Learning Collaborative at Stanford. My daughter, Lauren, lives in San Francisco and Sonoma with her family. My grandson Jack is 10 and my granddaughter Georgia is 9. My son, Zack lives with his wife and 2-year-old son Ryder in Wisconsin. I enjoy taking water aerobics classes at the Malaga Cove pool with high school friend Lisa Wibroe. Rob and I live in the house that my father built 40 years ago above Torrance/RAT beach. As I am typing this email, I can see the Malaga Cove pool out my window. Several weeks ago, Lisa and I were out boogey boarding when I stepped on a sting ray. Ouch! I still plan on going out in the water, though!
My family moved to PV from Park Ridge (near Chicago) Illinois in the summer of 1965. I started 6th grade at Ridgecrest. What a blessing to be in California, and, although I didn’t really grasp it then, what a privilege to live in PV. My nick name was “Rene” in my high school years.
Many memories of PV High; however, I was anxious to graduate and explore the world. I attended LA Harbor College long enough to get a student ID to then get a Student Eurailpass (European train pass at reduced rate). With my backpack and alone I flew to London and travelled all over England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy for almost 5 months. I stayed at Youth Hostels, with friends or occasionally slept on a train going many hours in one direction! This was low budget student travel. Ahh when one is young, and this was the early 1970’s.
More traveling throughout the mid-80’s and 90’s. Those adventures were not hostel stays and were jam packed with special moments and memories. London, Paris, Berlin, Nice, Monaco, Barcelona, Marbella, Puerto Banus, Athens, Munich, Antiqua, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Vienna, Crete, Bahamas, Milan, Rome, Forte dei Marmi (got engaged there in 1991), Venice, Ischia, Capri, Pozzuoli, Tenerife, Sydney, and the Hayman Islands were wonderful experiences! I got my traveling in when I was young!
I worked in technology, starting off in LA 1977(ish) as a Customer Service Rep for Lexitron (an early word processing company). At Lexitron I kept asking to become a sales rep. There were no female sales reps, and they were not game to move me into sales. Finally, they gave me a chance and said I had to produce in 30 days. My sales territory was Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena (this was back in the days of the Hillside Strangler UGH!!) I’d “cold call” a building, meaning you’d walked each floor pitching your product. I became the number one sales rep in the office and developed clients like JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and Warner Bros Records. I enjoyed working with the nerds at JPL and the hip record industry folks at Warner Bros Records. Qualifying for every annual “President’s Club” sales recognition reward, which was usually in Hawaii, but once was in St. Thomas was great! (oh goodie more travel experiences!)
In 1981 I got married and moved to Sausalito. My marriage didn’t last long, but I lived in beautiful Sausalito for 17 years. I started working for ROLM Corporation selling CBX’s (voice/data phone systems) and had continued sales successes. My main account was Charles Schwab, headquartered in San Francisco. ROLM employees received a 3-month paid sabbatical after 7 years, in which I did much of the travel mentioned above. Good times. IBM bought ROLM and I eventually migrated to an IBM support position in which I traveled on business about 80% of the time, mostly to Boston and Atlanta.
In 1994 I was unexpectedly pregnant at 40 and had only been in a 7-month long relationship with the father. I decided to have the baby as a single mother. I took the next 20 years off work! It is very hard to raise a child with a person you’ve only know for a brief period, and you are no longer a couple. My experience was no exception, and the co-parenting and custody issues were difficult and became overwhelming for our daughter.
In 1998 I sold my Sausalito home and moved to a rental in Belvedere, about a block from the bay and we lived there for 6 years. Then I moved to Greenbrea, where I lived for the next 15 years. My daughter moved to Manhattan NYC to live with her bi-coastal dad.
I’ve done a lot of charity work and volunteering in Marin County. There are a lot of wonderful people here who help those not so fortunate and many fine charities. I’ve also sung in a few choral groups. With Singers Marin we brought joy to many senior housing locations in Marin County and traveled to NYC over Thanksgiving 2011 to sing at Carnegie Hall (with many other choral groups). Singing in Carnegie Hall was outstanding! I also once sang with the San Francisco Symphony’s choral group for a Christmas performance and once with the Marin Symphony Chorus’s Holiday Pops. I also joined a gospel music singing group for a brief period – that was fun. We sang at African American churches over in Oakland a few times, which was very eye opening. I love gospel music.
Living in Marin County provides the opportunity to walk and hike regularly. I’ve done that for many many years. I generally get +/- 20,000 steps in daily and have many friends and neighbors that walk/hike.
My father died suddenly (at 55) when I was only 20. I had never known anyone personally that died, all my relatives were still alive – a tough time. My mother died suddenly, from a fall in 2017. Mom was almost 90 years old. I really miss my parents, and as I age, I often do things that remind me of my mom. As sad as it was to lose both parents suddenly, I hope to die suddenly and not be a burden on anyone.
While most of my friends don’t work and some are retired or retiring, I decided to go back to work after having taken 20 years off!!! Oh my – I tried working in an office environment and did not like it. I then decided to be a nanny!! I am now in my 5th year with a lovely family. The kids are now 6 and 9. I feel very fortunate and being around children brings me great joy. I know that many of you PVHS folks are grandparents and likely enjoying that chapter of life as well. It is also pleasurable to be working at a beautiful estate in Ross, which most homes and property lots are large, and the estate I work at has great views. The parents are young, wealthy, and very very good to me!
In closing, my hats off to the reunion team for heading up the very large and seeming what will surely be a smashingly successful PVHS 50th Reunion. I saw this comment and felt it appropriate to share:
At 10th and 20th reunions, many people are striving to impress. At the 30th and 40th, many are struggling to self-assess. At the 50th, it’s just time to profess: Here’s who I am, for better or worse. Accept me and I’ll do the same for you.
And so it goes fellow classmates. I am healthy and happy and wish all the best as you gather for the 50th
With my best wishes
Maureen “Rene” Sweeney
Many memories of PV High; however, I was anxious to graduate and explore the world. I attended LA Harbor College long enough to get a student ID to then get a Student Eurailpass (European train pass at reduced rate). With my backpack and alone I flew to London and travelled all over England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy for almost 5 months. I stayed at Youth Hostels, with friends or occasionally slept on a train going many hours in one direction! This was low budget student travel. Ahh when one is young, and this was the early 1970’s.
More traveling throughout the mid-80’s and 90’s. Those adventures were not hostel stays and were jam packed with special moments and memories. London, Paris, Berlin, Nice, Monaco, Barcelona, Marbella, Puerto Banus, Athens, Munich, Antiqua, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Vienna, Crete, Bahamas, Milan, Rome, Forte dei Marmi (got engaged there in 1991), Venice, Ischia, Capri, Pozzuoli, Tenerife, Sydney, and the Hayman Islands were wonderful experiences! I got my traveling in when I was young!
I worked in technology, starting off in LA 1977(ish) as a Customer Service Rep for Lexitron (an early word processing company). At Lexitron I kept asking to become a sales rep. There were no female sales reps, and they were not game to move me into sales. Finally, they gave me a chance and said I had to produce in 30 days. My sales territory was Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena (this was back in the days of the Hillside Strangler UGH!!) I’d “cold call” a building, meaning you’d walked each floor pitching your product. I became the number one sales rep in the office and developed clients like JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and Warner Bros Records. I enjoyed working with the nerds at JPL and the hip record industry folks at Warner Bros Records. Qualifying for every annual “President’s Club” sales recognition reward, which was usually in Hawaii, but once was in St. Thomas was great! (oh goodie more travel experiences!)
In 1981 I got married and moved to Sausalito. My marriage didn’t last long, but I lived in beautiful Sausalito for 17 years. I started working for ROLM Corporation selling CBX’s (voice/data phone systems) and had continued sales successes. My main account was Charles Schwab, headquartered in San Francisco. ROLM employees received a 3-month paid sabbatical after 7 years, in which I did much of the travel mentioned above. Good times. IBM bought ROLM and I eventually migrated to an IBM support position in which I traveled on business about 80% of the time, mostly to Boston and Atlanta.
In 1994 I was unexpectedly pregnant at 40 and had only been in a 7-month long relationship with the father. I decided to have the baby as a single mother. I took the next 20 years off work! It is very hard to raise a child with a person you’ve only know for a brief period, and you are no longer a couple. My experience was no exception, and the co-parenting and custody issues were difficult and became overwhelming for our daughter.
In 1998 I sold my Sausalito home and moved to a rental in Belvedere, about a block from the bay and we lived there for 6 years. Then I moved to Greenbrea, where I lived for the next 15 years. My daughter moved to Manhattan NYC to live with her bi-coastal dad.
I’ve done a lot of charity work and volunteering in Marin County. There are a lot of wonderful people here who help those not so fortunate and many fine charities. I’ve also sung in a few choral groups. With Singers Marin we brought joy to many senior housing locations in Marin County and traveled to NYC over Thanksgiving 2011 to sing at Carnegie Hall (with many other choral groups). Singing in Carnegie Hall was outstanding! I also once sang with the San Francisco Symphony’s choral group for a Christmas performance and once with the Marin Symphony Chorus’s Holiday Pops. I also joined a gospel music singing group for a brief period – that was fun. We sang at African American churches over in Oakland a few times, which was very eye opening. I love gospel music.
Living in Marin County provides the opportunity to walk and hike regularly. I’ve done that for many many years. I generally get +/- 20,000 steps in daily and have many friends and neighbors that walk/hike.
My father died suddenly (at 55) when I was only 20. I had never known anyone personally that died, all my relatives were still alive – a tough time. My mother died suddenly, from a fall in 2017. Mom was almost 90 years old. I really miss my parents, and as I age, I often do things that remind me of my mom. As sad as it was to lose both parents suddenly, I hope to die suddenly and not be a burden on anyone.
While most of my friends don’t work and some are retired or retiring, I decided to go back to work after having taken 20 years off!!! Oh my – I tried working in an office environment and did not like it. I then decided to be a nanny!! I am now in my 5th year with a lovely family. The kids are now 6 and 9. I feel very fortunate and being around children brings me great joy. I know that many of you PVHS folks are grandparents and likely enjoying that chapter of life as well. It is also pleasurable to be working at a beautiful estate in Ross, which most homes and property lots are large, and the estate I work at has great views. The parents are young, wealthy, and very very good to me!
In closing, my hats off to the reunion team for heading up the very large and seeming what will surely be a smashingly successful PVHS 50th Reunion. I saw this comment and felt it appropriate to share:
At 10th and 20th reunions, many people are striving to impress. At the 30th and 40th, many are struggling to self-assess. At the 50th, it’s just time to profess: Here’s who I am, for better or worse. Accept me and I’ll do the same for you.
And so it goes fellow classmates. I am healthy and happy and wish all the best as you gather for the 50th
With my best wishes
Maureen “Rene” Sweeney
I've lived at Los Banos since 2013, after moving from San Luis Obispo caring for my mom. I just completed my third marriage ( yes, divorced), and live in a rented home with my cats.
I've been employed at WalMart for three years as a customer host. It consumes most of my energy and time, but I love it!
I've been employed at WalMart for three years as a customer host. It consumes most of my energy and time, but I love it!
After graduating high school, I attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA freshman year, then transferred to the University of Notre Dame where I roomed with Maria Arminio (PVHS class of '73) and graduated with a BBA in Accountancy in 1976. I returned to the LA area and worked for Prudential Insurance Co. as an Internal Auditor (where I met my husband) and then Braverman, Codron CPA firm as an Accountant.
I was married in 1977 and lived in Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park for 43 years, raising 3 children and working in Accounting/Bookkeeping, then switched to teaching preschool for 24 years. I retired from teaching in 2016 and moved to Kansas City, MO in 2020. My oldest daughter and her husband had moved to KCMO from Ventura in 2017 and I fell in love with the city on my first visit. They have a 6 year old daughter and a 3 year old son. My son is a high school Social Science teacher in Camarillo and he, his wife and 4 children (ages 13,11, 8 and 6) still live in Newbury Park. My youngest daughter moved to KC during COVID with her 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter. She had boy/girl twins in December 2022 bringing our total grandchild count to 10 (6 boys and 4 girls).
I spend most of my time with family, helping out with the grandchildren and attending their many activities and events. I love to read (historical fiction, mysteries, suspense, memoirs, biographies and contemporary fiction) and am involved in 4 Book Clubs. I also love yoga, Pilates and playing MahJongg. My husband and I enjoy travel and have had some wonderful trips in the last 30 years (South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland, Great Britain, Ireland, South America, Japan, Hawaii and Alaska. We are looking forward to our next trip in February to New Zealand.
This photo was taken at a gathering of Juli Bliss Kinrich, Pam Prickett, myself, Bya Weber Berger, and Liz Shull Haft taken in 2022 in Juli's back yard.
I was married in 1977 and lived in Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park for 43 years, raising 3 children and working in Accounting/Bookkeeping, then switched to teaching preschool for 24 years. I retired from teaching in 2016 and moved to Kansas City, MO in 2020. My oldest daughter and her husband had moved to KCMO from Ventura in 2017 and I fell in love with the city on my first visit. They have a 6 year old daughter and a 3 year old son. My son is a high school Social Science teacher in Camarillo and he, his wife and 4 children (ages 13,11, 8 and 6) still live in Newbury Park. My youngest daughter moved to KC during COVID with her 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter. She had boy/girl twins in December 2022 bringing our total grandchild count to 10 (6 boys and 4 girls).
I spend most of my time with family, helping out with the grandchildren and attending their many activities and events. I love to read (historical fiction, mysteries, suspense, memoirs, biographies and contemporary fiction) and am involved in 4 Book Clubs. I also love yoga, Pilates and playing MahJongg. My husband and I enjoy travel and have had some wonderful trips in the last 30 years (South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland, Great Britain, Ireland, South America, Japan, Hawaii and Alaska. We are looking forward to our next trip in February to New Zealand.
This photo was taken at a gathering of Juli Bliss Kinrich, Pam Prickett, myself, Bya Weber Berger, and Liz Shull Haft taken in 2022 in Juli's back yard.
I tell the young'uns I went through the California public school system when it was the envy of the world. Chuck Norris spoke/demonstrated 2 years, (amazing I did not break every bone in my hand after that visit). John Goddard explorer who said at age 18 he wrote down 200+ things he wanted to accomplish, inspired me to write down 18 things. But I'm a slacker and have only completed 12.. Top tier bands played our gym, field trips... Mr. Hagin taking us to Camarillo mental hospital, that was a trip! And so much more that my aging brain cannot recall at this moment! We were very lucky, foundation for a happy successful life 🙂
I left HS in June, 1972 and went into the US Navy December 13. 1972, where I remained until January 31 2005. I was lucky enough to fly my entire career, so I got to go to such unique places as Bandar Abbas, Iran; Japan; Australia; the South Pole; Above the Arctic Circle more than 50 times; and around the world 3 times. I flew in such unique aircraft as the P-3, S-3, and the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod Jet when I was with the Brits in Scotland for 19 months in Forres, Scotland. I attained a private pilots license after retirement from the Navy, and a degree in Flight Technology and a degree in Aviation Maintenance, and went into Executive Aviation flying Falcon Jets and Beech King-Airs. In the interim The only charity that I am passionate about is Shriners' Childrens' Hospital, and I give 10% of my annual income to them. Let's keep all of those children in our prayers!
Michele LaFleur Leaver 01.30.23 Hello everyone. What a pleasure reading so many good stories about everyone! Thank you, Ray and team, for setting this up.
I went from high school to UCLA, UCSB and Long Beach State, playing and coaching volleyball. My first job was coaching collegiate volleyball and then after back surgery went on to instead run athletic clubs and corporate wellness programs, competing in fitness events, triathlons, or 10K (no jumping or twisting!). I went on to lead hospital-based wellness and clinical networks designed to better meet the needs of employers and employee health. That led to healthcare tech firms - selling and developing software - to better optimize employee well-being. Then I worked in humanitarian and Christian ministry organizations in leadership development, particularly in developing countries. Over time I got back into integrative medicine, designing wellness centers and working with medical universities and larger clinical organizations to create better programs and improve service delivery, looking for ways to optimize health, especially for people over 50. After having my own business for ten years and always coaching leaders or athletes on the side, I am now developing a new path. I love to learn and have earned four Master’s degrees along the way (marketing, org development, human development, and exercise physiology) and now completing a Ph.D. in leadership studies. Very hard work, especially with this old brain!! I’m focusing on entrepreneurship, mental toughness, and helping young people lead effectively in constant change as they seek to find new solutions to many complex global problems.
I have lived and worked all over the country (but mostly in Colorado and California) and in Egypt and the West Indies. I’ve been married a few times and am now very happily married to Eric – a wonderful man who is CEO of a private equity firm that also mentors young entrepreneurs and leaders. We hope to move to the Alps and hope to teach at one of the good universities in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, or Germany. I never had kids (or wanted to) and love wildlife, the outdoors, and as much hiking as I can fit in as many places as possible! Unfortunately, we had to move to Tennessee last year for Eric’s job, so we only have the Smokies nearby (which are more like hills). However, we have hiked the Alps and the Pyrenees this past year and will do Norway and Italian Alps this year. I am finishing certifications in ultrarunning and triathlon, amazed at what these 100+ mile races involve in remarkably changing environments! There are plenty of older athletes breaking records, so I am inspired!
My mom is still in PV at 96 and living with my older sister. I still watch surf movies and daydream about waves in Hawaii and Lunada Bay!
I went from high school to UCLA, UCSB and Long Beach State, playing and coaching volleyball. My first job was coaching collegiate volleyball and then after back surgery went on to instead run athletic clubs and corporate wellness programs, competing in fitness events, triathlons, or 10K (no jumping or twisting!). I went on to lead hospital-based wellness and clinical networks designed to better meet the needs of employers and employee health. That led to healthcare tech firms - selling and developing software - to better optimize employee well-being. Then I worked in humanitarian and Christian ministry organizations in leadership development, particularly in developing countries. Over time I got back into integrative medicine, designing wellness centers and working with medical universities and larger clinical organizations to create better programs and improve service delivery, looking for ways to optimize health, especially for people over 50. After having my own business for ten years and always coaching leaders or athletes on the side, I am now developing a new path. I love to learn and have earned four Master’s degrees along the way (marketing, org development, human development, and exercise physiology) and now completing a Ph.D. in leadership studies. Very hard work, especially with this old brain!! I’m focusing on entrepreneurship, mental toughness, and helping young people lead effectively in constant change as they seek to find new solutions to many complex global problems.
I have lived and worked all over the country (but mostly in Colorado and California) and in Egypt and the West Indies. I’ve been married a few times and am now very happily married to Eric – a wonderful man who is CEO of a private equity firm that also mentors young entrepreneurs and leaders. We hope to move to the Alps and hope to teach at one of the good universities in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, or Germany. I never had kids (or wanted to) and love wildlife, the outdoors, and as much hiking as I can fit in as many places as possible! Unfortunately, we had to move to Tennessee last year for Eric’s job, so we only have the Smokies nearby (which are more like hills). However, we have hiked the Alps and the Pyrenees this past year and will do Norway and Italian Alps this year. I am finishing certifications in ultrarunning and triathlon, amazed at what these 100+ mile races involve in remarkably changing environments! There are plenty of older athletes breaking records, so I am inspired!
My mom is still in PV at 96 and living with my older sister. I still watch surf movies and daydream about waves in Hawaii and Lunada Bay!
Sarah Chevaillier (Sally Loughrin) 1973
Class of 1972, you really know how to put on a reunion! Thank you for including from above and below!
After graduating in 1973, I was an AFS student for one year in Zurich, Switzerland. When I returned home, I did not have a clue what I wanted to study, and so I decided to indulge the foreign exchange experience, this time in my own country, and chose to attend Ole Miss. I stayed for two years, then transferred to Cal Berkeley, where I graduated.
I married, had three sons, and during my marriage lived in Europe for 18 years (Geneva and Dusseldorf). As a mother of young boys, I began teaching high school at the International School of Dusseldorf.
We moved to Minnesota, and eventually, with a divorce and children grown, I went back to teaching internationally. I have taught at and became a principal and director of schools in China, India, and Guinea (Africa). I now live in Berlin, where I have retired.
I get great joy visiting my kids and their families (I have five grandchildren) in Europe and the States.
I have seen much of the world, and honestly, growing up in PV in the 50's, 60's, 70's gave me the best launching pad I can imagine. I am in touch with some of my PV classmates, but would relish being in touch with even more of you!
Class of 1972, you really know how to put on a reunion! Thank you for including from above and below!
After graduating in 1973, I was an AFS student for one year in Zurich, Switzerland. When I returned home, I did not have a clue what I wanted to study, and so I decided to indulge the foreign exchange experience, this time in my own country, and chose to attend Ole Miss. I stayed for two years, then transferred to Cal Berkeley, where I graduated.
I married, had three sons, and during my marriage lived in Europe for 18 years (Geneva and Dusseldorf). As a mother of young boys, I began teaching high school at the International School of Dusseldorf.
We moved to Minnesota, and eventually, with a divorce and children grown, I went back to teaching internationally. I have taught at and became a principal and director of schools in China, India, and Guinea (Africa). I now live in Berlin, where I have retired.
I get great joy visiting my kids and their families (I have five grandchildren) in Europe and the States.
I have seen much of the world, and honestly, growing up in PV in the 50's, 60's, 70's gave me the best launching pad I can imagine. I am in touch with some of my PV classmates, but would relish being in touch with even more of you!