The Galileo Observer Clarity – Honesty – Integrity

Serving the Galileo Alumni Community since 2002

Vol. XVl, No. 3 July 2018

Galileo Alumni Association 2nd Annual Observatory Telescope Fundraiser

This past June 9th, the Galileo Alumni Association held our 2nd Annual Observatory Telescope Fundraiser in So. San Francisco. It was again another success story just like our First Annual Fundraiser. How could we miss with the outstanding cast of Entertainers we had who performed that evening? Our Featured Guest Richard Bean Sauvecito performed a medley of his iconic hits that made him a musical legend, Sauvecito, Nena, and Love The Way. In addition to him singing his biggest hits, he also sang some songs that he performed with Carlos Santana. Surely, the audience thoroughly enjoyed his performances, in fact, he had to do an encore of Sauvecito for their dancing pleasure. Thank you, Richard Bean. Our Featured Band Jest Jammin, our very own Band made up of many Galileo Alumni, played many of their classic hits that they have played in the 50 years that they have been playing together. Talk about longevity, this group has endured the test of time. They played a great mix of songs that kept the crowd on the dance floor until we had to close the doors. Thank you Jest Jammin. Thank you to our Caterer, Melody Cafe for their fabulous Japanese Buffet Dinner. Thank you to our Photobooth vendor, Sappy Snaps, for their fun photos. Thank you to all who had donated terrific Raffle Prizes. Thank you to all those who made monetary donations Thank you to Frank Jang who took some fabulous pictures of the evening. And a big thank you to our GAA members who donated their time and hard work to make this Fundraiser very profitable and a huge success. Thank you, one and all and we shall see all of you again next year, same time and same place. CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICTURES

IMPORTANT UPCOMING REUNIONS/EVENTS FOR 2018

August 11, 2018

25th Reunion class 1993 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FLYER

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October 12th, 2018

Galileo Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

CLICK HERE FOR FLYER

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November 10th, 2018

50th Reunion 1968 – “YESTERDAY ONCE MORE” CLICK HERE FOR FLYER GAA FACEBOOK PAGE

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GAA MEETINGS ARE THE 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EACH

MONTH AT GALILEO ROOM 210 AT 6:00

* * * * * * * FOR FUTURE REUNIONS OR CURRENT INFORMATION, CHECK

FACEBOOK UNDER GALILEO REUNION (ENTER YOUR YEAR) OR

CLICK HERE FOR FACEBOOK PAGE. IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A

REUNION PLEASE CONTACT US AT GALILEOALUMNI@YAHOO.COM

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ALUMNI LET’S GET YOUR REUNIONS GOING, LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FORMING A COMMITTEE. REUNIONS ARE COMING UP IN 2018. THE GAA IS HERE TO HELP.

GALILEO PENDULUM IS NOW ON LINE

http://galileopress.org/

BETWEEN THE LIONS Greetings Mighty Lions! Here’s what happening at Galileo these days.

GALILEO GRADUATION CLASS OF 2018

Galileo’s Class of 2018 Graduation Ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at 1:00pm at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. New Instructional Minutes requirements for Seniors meant that the graduating students had to attend school through the last day, June 6th. The last few days for seniors were filled with final exams, graduation rehearsals, cap and gown distributions, senior clearance and the Senior Breakfast. All of the graduation speakers were students with very poignant messages and the ceremony was a tribute to all the members of the Galileo Graduating Class of 2018. Hail Galileo!

GALILEO RETIREMENT LUNCHEON CELEBRATION

On a beautiful afternoon, Friday, June 1, 2018, Galileo faculty and staff celebrated the retirement of 5 long time Galileo teachers, Victoria Caparas, Kathleen Golata, Don Papa (2017), Eugene Wing and Ethan Winterling. As always our luncheon was held at Capurro’s Restaurant and a great time was had by all. After a wonderful buffet luncheon, there were a number of fun and moving speeches saluting our retirees! Many former teachers and staff attended the luncheon as well and everyone saluted them along with our retirees.

Don Papa, Ethan Winterling and his wife and Victoria Caparas and Kathleen Golata mother and Bettie Grinnell

Eugene Wing

“LET’S WING IT” RETIREMENT PARTY

A retirement celebration for “The Winger” was held on Saturday, June 9, 2018, from 11:00am – 2:00pm in the Galileo Cafeteria. The celebration began with a short school tour. Attendees entered through the Francisco Street Gate and continued through the courtyard, entering the building through the Portico. The JROTC Drum Corps entertained as everyone proceeded through the courtyard. Once inside, everyone got a look at the auditorium and many reminisced about the fun assemblies and other activities they participated in when they were Galileo students. Our ASB students served as volunteers to show the way and answer questions. Then everyone proceeded down to the first floor to get a look at the Science & Technology Lab Classrooms that were formerly the Auto Shop, the Machine Shop, the Electric Shop and the Woodshop. Then to the Cafeteria for lots of fun and a great Chinese lunch. There was a wonderful video prepared by James Wong, all about Eugene’s career at Galileo and lots of fun speeches and presentations. There was a “wish” table, a photo booth and lots of fun conversations. Eugene gave a speech and thanked everyone for coming! He received lots of praise and salutes from many groups. Bill Reid from Josten’s was among the guests and had a great surprise for Eugene. Head Football Coach Mark Huynh had to leave before the presentation, so I had the honor of presenting Mr. Wing with a Galileo California State Championship Ring! Mr. Wing was thrilled! A few of the photos are here—one of Eugene and his family from the photo booth and one of current and former Galileo faculty and staff. It was a very fun party and Eugene had a blast seeing and talking to everyone. Here are several photos from the party!

Eugene, his wife Lin and their twin sons Gavin and Corey

Row 1: Gwen Chan, Daphne Luke, Gerlinda Damoiseaux, Marie Eisen, Tom Collins, Denise Kwan.

Row 2: Leslie Hughes, Pat Aramandia, Carol Lam, Karen Lau, Jackie Alarcon, Margaret Chiu, Bettie Grinnell, Lourdes Lu.

Row 3: Cathy Kornblith, Franci Lee, Robert Schnitzer, May Sun, John Rivera, Michael Roman.

Row 4: Paul Robertson, Paul Matsumoto, Dan Grimm, Richard McDowell, Hank Machtay.

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London Breed first mayor in 50 years from SF public school LONDON BREED (GALILEO GRADUATE CLASS OF 1992) WINS THE ELECTION FOR MAYOR OF SAN FRANCISCO AND IS INAUGRUATED ON JULY 11, 2018!!

On Tuesday, July 10, 2018, I received a call from Laura Dudnick from the school district’s public information office, asking me if I would meet with a reporter from The San Francisco Examiner to talk about London Breed and her winning the election for Mayor of San Francisco and her background as a Galileo High School student, from 1989 – 1992. I was happy to help and enjoyed meeting with the reporter and showing him yearbooks during London’s time at Galileo, outlining all the activities she participated in. The article was published on Thursday, July 12, 2018, and Laura sent me a link to the article, letting me know the reporter mentioned me several times. I supported London Breed in her campaign and this is the only time in my life that I had a campaign sign on my front lawn! I didn’t even take it down the day after the election! Here is the article, and it is great that London is a San Francisco native and a graduate of a San Francisco Public High School—Galileo! London Breed first mayor in 50 years from SF public school

Mayor London Breed, shown here in a photo from her high school softball team, graduated from San Francisco’s Galileo High School. (Courtesy image)

By Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Mayor-Elect London Breed stood beaming under City Hall’s gilded dome Wednesday morning, her right hand held high as she repeated the oath of office to become San Francisco’s 45th mayor. Before a crowd of roughly a thousand supporters, Breed spoke directly to young San Franciscans with stories much like her own. “I want young people to know their opportunities will be brighter,” Breed promised, eliciting cheers from supporters on the Civic Center lawn. Yes, London will be our first black woman mayor, and her oft-repeated personal story has inspired many. But less discussed is that — in point of fact — Breed will be the first San Francisco mayor to have attended a San Francisco public high school in precisely 50 years. Mayor John “Jack” Shelley, who helmed our foggy city for a single four-year term ending in 1968, attended Mission High School, according to biographical info compiled in the San Francisco Public Library San Francisco History Center. Since then, Mayor Frank Jordan has hailed from Sacred Heart High School, and Mayor Dianne Feinstein attended Convent of the Sacred Heart High School. The late Mayor George Moscone also hailed from a private school — St. Ignatius College Preparatory. Now let me not denigrate those fair institutions — as uniquely San Franciscan as any — but with Breed’s inauguration, our public schools finally get their due. Of course, mayors have little direct authority over the San Francisco Unified School District. But to San Francisco natives who ask “Where did you go to high school?” as habitually as canines sniff derrieres, this is a factoid granting invaluable insight into our new top politico. Breed attended Galileo High School, home of the Lions. To learn more, I went straight to the source: Her yearbooks!

Galileo high school yearbook the “Telescope,” 1990, 1991 and 1992, years London Breed attended Galileo.

Bettie Grinnell school secretary has served Galileo High — now Galileo Academy of Science

and Technology — since 1972. On Tuesday, she led me through its empty hallways to those holiest of high school books. It was a strange sensation — my brother, one of my best friends and father all attended Galileo but I haven’t set foot inside myself since I was a teenager sneaking in for mildly-nefarious reasons. “London asked me not to publish her school photos from her yearbooks,” I told Grinnell as we sat down in the school office. She was mystified as to why. “I think she looks great in the yearbook, and she shouldn’t be so bashful!” Grinnell told me. Indeed, the first photo we found in the 1992 edition of the Galileo Telescope was Breed in a very, very ’90s two-tone baggy jacket as she smiled alongside a dozen members of student government. She was a “student advisory council representative,” which is an obvious path to mayorship, right? This was far from her only yearbook photo, which makes sense: The day before her inauguration, our new mayor told me she was also yearbook editor. On page 17, is Breed’s senior photo in a strapless black dress, her bangs styled low over her forehead. On page 48, Breed sports a long yellow outfit with double breasted buttons — again, very ’90s — at the senior homecoming dance. Her earrings are gold hoops. “She was a popular person,” Grinnell recalled, seeing Breed hold her arms wide around friends in her homecoming dance photo. “You know that yourself,” Grinnell added. “She’s not shy.” Breed’s gregarious nature launched her into many school activities: She played softball, joined the Black Student Union, and participated in the Black History Month assembly. Perhaps the most revealing Breed factoid in her yearbook can be found on page 158, the senior pop polls. No, she didn’t win best-dressed or biggest flirt (that was a senior by the name of Darnell Thompson, who I hope has carried on that tradition into adulthood). Prophetically, our new mayor won “most likely to succeed.” Recounting London Breed’s high school career, tellingly, cast parallels to the high school career of Yeung. Before she campaigned for Breed, Yeung was encouraged to go into politics by her high school AP government teacher, Bobbi Kezirian, and later ran for and won a race for senior class vice president. Her future career will mirror Breed’s too, Yeung said. “I was really inspired by her, and one day, I hope,” she then caught herself hedging, stood up straight, and corrected herself, “I’m going to, actually, be a labor attorney and become District 1 supervisor.” Yeung paused, and her face suddenly brimmed with confidence as a thought occurred to her. Her grin mirrored Breed’s inauguration day expression all too well. “Maybe you’ll be covering a story of mine one day,” she said.

I was able to watch the wonderful Mayoral Inauguration Ceremony on television from my office at Galileo and I was so proud and thrilled by the entire ceremony, especially London’s address and plans for her agenda as Mayor of San Francisco! She looked stunning in her lovely blue dress with sparkles, her smile was wonderful, her enthusiasm for her new job and for the City and County of San Francisco soars! As Galileo Lions we are all so proud of her!!

SAD NEWS

On Thursday morning July 12, 2018 some of us received an email from Chan Hong, partner of our former teacher, George Carter, telling us that George had passed away on or after July 6, 2018. Here is what the email said: Subject: George

On Friday morning July 6th George went for a short walk from the condo in Palm Springs. Chan Hong and George were in Palm Springs visiting a friend who had broken his neck (this friend is doing well and is up and about). When George did not return Chan Hong took the same walk several times over the next two days to look for him. George’s brother and wife drove out from New Mexico to help arriving Sunday afternoon.

6 o’clock Monday morning Chan Hong, George’s brother Jack and his wife Doris left Chan Hong’s condo, walked across the street to the trail where they assumed George had walked. We wandered down every small trail off to the side, and Jack went on goat trails up several hills.

Chan Hong had noticed a water bottle on the rocks further up a little off the main trail and went to look at it more closely. Doris went down a path into the ravine that was just across from the bottle. George was lying there his body hidden from view from the main trail by a bush. He had fallen from the side trail just above where the water bottle was located. We assume the extreme heat may have played a big part in the accident.

Chan Hong is in the process of dealing with all the questions that arise at a time like this. Cremation has been scheduled but no determination yet for some sort of memorial service. Will keep you all informed as plans are made.

Thank You for your support and kind thoughts.

Chan Hong”

I will let everyone know once I get information about a memorial service and celebration of George’s life. He contributed much to our Galileo Community, students and faculty alike. He will be missed. You can see his picture in this edition in the story about the Galileo retirement Luncheon. He is in the photo that shows Eugene Wing in the front—George is at the end of the table on the same side as Eugene, one person away from the window.

George came to Galileo many years ago as a music teacher and along the way made the switch over to Computer Science. For many years he ran the Computer Lab Room 260. George retired a number of years ago and has traveled the world and enjoyed life, while still staying connected with many of us at Galileo.

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FACULTY STAFF CHANGES FOR FALL 2018

Two of our Assistant Principals have moved on. Assistant Principal Gina Ferrante has moved to Sherman Elementary School in San Francisco as Principal. Assistant Principal Holly Rocha has take a job as Principal of a Middle School in the California Delta Area.

In addition to the administrators leaving, we say “Good-Bye” to the following teachers and counselors: Counselor Bai Zhen is moving to Portland, Oregon; David Barrios is taking a job with SFUSD overseeing schools for the district Science Department; Counselors Ceila Chan and Lauren Marshman are both taking a one year sabbatical leave; Martha Harris is transferring to elementary school; Allison Wagner is taking a teaching job in South America; Michelle Moffett is transferring to a high school in Marin County, and Lindsey Cutler (Silverman) is transferring to Thurgood Marshall High School in San Francisco. We will miss them all, and we wish them well! Interviews for their replacements are in process.

SAN FRANCISCO SCHOOL DISTRICT SALUTES SIX GRADUATING

SENIORS

TWO OF THEM ARE GALILEO GRADUATES

The school district created Vision 2025: Reimagining Public Education for a New Generation. The district worked with the community to construct a graduate profile—the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in the future. The site features 6 graduating students and two of them are from Galileo.

Nayla Belayadi, is Ready for Career and Life: “Early Saturday mornings, most teenagers are asleep in their beds, but I’m wide awake surrounded by 4-year-olds at an Islamic Saturday school. Even though I was intimidated when I began, my choice to teach has become one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and my mentors from the San Francisco Unified School District have been the biggest influence on my career decision.”

Jason Ng is Ready to Tackle a Changing World: “Through my involvement in the Student Advisory Council, I was introduced to the SFUSD Legal Department. Together, we hammered out all the specific details that would enable SFUSD schools to legally use drones for educational purposes.” Jason flew a drone when we took the last Senior Panorama photo for this year’s Senior Class during Senior Activities in June. Everyone was excited and impressed!

Check out the main page of the SFUSD Website to see more about these impressive students!

SCHOOL YEAR 2018 – 2019

School begins this year on Monday, August 20, 2018. Some highlights of calendar changes include the entire week off for Thanksgiving, November 19 – 23, 2018. Winter Break is December 24, 2018 – January 4, 2019. Spring Break is March 25 – 29, 2019. The last day of school is Tuesday, June 4, 2019.

JROTC

Galileo’s JROTC Program has come to an end. Their final official school performance was at the Graduation Ceremony on June 6, 2018. The Drum Corps did perform at the celebration for Mr. Wing and now the drums are silent. The reasons for discontinuing the program at Galileo are several. Our class enrollment for JTOTC is lower than in the past, but many students belong to the program without taking the class as they have other graduation requirement to meet. The Army requires two full time instructors for the JROTC program; however for at least the last ten years Galileo and some other schools have maintained with just one instructor. Sgt. First Class Stephen Hardee will assume a supply position for the JROTC program at Lowell High School. Many are sad to lose Galileo’s beloved JROTC.

SPORTS UPDATE

Football

Head Football Coach Mark reports: “We have enough to get back to today then we will see how far we get. Key returning players include Player of the Year, Yarvell Smith (11th, RB/LB) and defensive player of the Year, Jimmie Edwards (12th, LB/RB). Other players making an impact will be first team all-city FS, Michael Duran (12th), and second teamers, Reece Bickart (12th, WR/LB) and Ronald Fox (12th, FS/QB/RB). Fox, a potential dual-threat QB, will look to step into state champ QB, Adrian Poot’s shoes. With all these skills players, Galileo’s main factors in the trench are returning linemen; Thomas Santos (12th) and Joseph Ale (10th). New additions who will make immediate contributions are juniors; Rafael Oropeza (OL/DL), Roberto Lee (WR/FS), Kobe Cabuntala (OL/LB), and Brandon Ho (UTI) who will be our “Swiss Army Knife”. Galileo will open the season at Ygnacio Valley then follow with a rematch of the Norcal State Championship game, hosting Rio Vista at home. The Lions will round out their non-league schedule with a game at San Lorenzo. More info can be found on galileofootball.com.”

Flag Football Team:

Galileo’s Girls Flag Football Team are the city champs, beating Lincoln High School!

Track & Field Galileo’s Track and Field team rose to take a number of All City Championships: Parker Jones won the long jump, high jump and placed end in 300m hurdles and 3rd in 100m. Alanna Lee placed 1st in Varsity Triple Jump. Kevin Serrano took 3rd in varsity 300m hurdles. Frosh/Soph Boys Team Winner: Benny Wu 1st in long jump & 2nd in triple jump. Peter Colias 1st in pole vault. Miguel Santos 1st in 300m hurdles. Team Results: Varsity Girls 3rd place, Frosh/Soph Boys 2nd place. More Sports to following in the Fall Edition.

Let me know what you’d like to hear/read about at Galileo. Bettie on the Beat will be happy to

answer your questions and handle your requests.

Through The Telescope Sisvan Der Harootunian

Congratulations to Galumna London Breed for winning the SF Mayor’s race. Together with Supervisor Norman Yee, Galileo has two alumni in city government.

On June 9th there was a party in the Galileo cafeteria for retiring teacher and student body advisor Eugene Wing. A large crowd turned out to pay tribute to the man who has been associated with Galileo for over 40 years. Many teachers, staff, students and friends joined in the festivities. Three Hall of Merit members were present – Ronald Quan, Margaret Chiu and Gwen Chan. Among the well-wishers were recent graduate Yuyang Zhong (now at Cal), Eugene’s lovely wife Lin and his twin sons. James Wong produced and showed a great video about Eugene’s life – with humor and affection. Eugene is now in retirement and Winging it.

Galileo Academy presented its 2018 Spring Concert on May 1st and 2nd in the auditorium. It was enjoyable and eye-opening to watch these students performing concert pieces under the direction of Mr. Taylor (String Orchestra) and Ms. Sakura (Band). It turned out that Ms. Sakura and I have a favorite waltz in common – Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 from his Jazz Suite. I hope we hear more from these talented students in the future.

Did you know that once Singapore was known as “The City of Lions”?

Converse All-Star sneakers have been back awhile. I found my 1950 white Chuck Taylor basketball shoes (see photo) in a closet. I cleaned them and plan to wear them if they still fit. Afterwards I plan to donate them to the GAA sports memorabilia collection. BTW, if you have any memorabilia, donate them to Galileo. It will contribute to the history of our school.

Library Workers are Nice People: They help you, are cheerful, do research, and work with kids and the elderly. Their jobs are, in my humble opinion, a labor of love.

Over the years I’ve patronized the Main Branch, the North Beach Branch (now Chinatown Branch), West Portal, Parkside and Merced, among others. Whichever branch you visit, the people always want to help you

locate a book, find a video or CD, or show you how to use the computer and printer.

Words for Thought: Reading is the first of the 3 Rs. I learned how to write by reading. At Spring Valley Elementary School, Ben Dito, Don Bragg and I used to read a book a week then exchange books and report to each other on them. My book was “Swiss Family Robinson.” No one asked us to do this; we did it because we loved reading. My hangout was the North Beach Branch. My favorite childhood author was Howard Pease who lived in the Bay Area. His books have long been out of print, but I understand the Main

Library has a couple. You can travel to foreign lands by reading or be transported to fantasy worlds. Warren Buffett, the second richest person in the U. S., spends 80% of his day reading, every day. The San Francisco Public Library is the 2018 Gale/Library

Journal Library of the Year, a model and inspiration for public libraries worldwide.

Things that last a long time: A rubber bathroom deodorizer souvenir that I got from Trump Plaza in Atlantic City lasted over 20 years.

My Whirlpool washing machine, bought in 1977, 41 years ago, finally stopped draining properly. I bought a new Samsung washer with all the bells and whistles. It takes 4 times as long to wash a load of clothes.

I brought a live dracaena plant with me when I moved back from Mexico City in 1976, and it is still alive and doing well.

For some reason, baking soda stick deodorant lasts a long time before you have to throw it out.

Remembering Paul Lamphere: Paul and I were born on the same day, September 15, 1933. Paul delighted in telling strangers that I was a couple of hours older than he. At Galileo, he was a yell leader, and along with Ben Dito, they led the Class of 1951 to victories in each of three consecutive years, a

feat never accomplished before or since. Paul will be inducted into the Galileo Sports Hall of Fame posthumously on October 12th. Before he passed last month, he knew he had been accepted for induction. Although he was nominated a few years ago, cheerleading was not officially a sport until recently. He was always proud to have attended Galileo. The Celebration of Life for Paul Lamphere will be held on September 9th from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at The Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross, CA 94957

“Running to something is better than running from something.” -- SDH

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MIGHTY LIONS

The Galileo Lions finished the 2017 season with a city championship and a historic state championship. Eight lions were selected by league coaches for the city’s first team honors and four for second team. The highest honors went to Yarvell Smith (Player of the Year), Adrian Poot (Back of the Year), and Jimmie Edwards (Defensive Player of the Year). http://galileofootball.com/ Congratulations to our MIGHTY LIONS CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES

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CONGRATULATIONS TO GALILEO’S OWN ED WONG

EDMUND S. WONG

"Growing Up in San Francisco's Chinatown: Boomer Memories from Noodle Rolls to Apple Pie" is

Ed's contribution to the legacy of one of America's great ethnic neighborhoods and the post-war

generation of American Born Chinese who were raised there. The book, published by

Arcadia/History Press, will debut in February and is available through both Amazon.com and

Amazon.co.uk.

See his facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/growingupinchinatownsf/

Buy his book at:

https://www.amazon.com/Growing-San-Franciscos-Chinatown-Memories/dp/1467139351/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Ed was born at San Francisco’s Chinese Hospital in 1948 and is a graduate of Galileo High School. He used graduate degrees in Spanish and International Relations to enjoy a long career in foreign language education. Since retiring in 2013, Ed has been busy with his lifelong passion of writing.

Ed has donated this book to the GAA and also one will be in the library at Galileo. Stop by to read it.

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Sisvan Der Harootunian

MY TIME AT GALILEO I looked forward to going to school every day. Going from class to class was an adventure in learning. Miss Duff taught history, Mr. Campbell science, Mrs. McCormick and Miss Oglu Spanish, Miss Murphy chemistry, Miss Hill public speaking. Last period was always gym when all the athletes could continue with their respective team practices. My high school major was journalism or newswriting taught by Roger Holmes Wood, who had been a radio newswriter in New York City after attending Columbia University. I started as a reporter, then Sports Editor on the Pendulum, whose editor was Bobbi McElroy. In my junior year, I replaced her as editor and also was Sports Editor of the Telescope. My staff on the Pendulum included Vince Gomez, Cordelia Porter (now Surdyka), Bob Fajardo, Shelley Post, Jimmy Harper, Ray Piccinini, Mary Ann Moore, Shigeru Yabu and Joan Harriss (who later married Nick Reynolds of The Kingston Trio). It was fun putting the paper together and going down to the printer in the financial district where they set the type (there were no computers in those days). Mr. Wood went on to become a top notch salesman for New York Life Insurance Company and in retirement wrote three books.

I wrote a column for the Pendulum called Lions Den. One of my biggest stories was covering the Miss San Francisco Contest of 1950, won by Galileo’s Pat Sheehan. At the ceremony held at the Paramount Theatre, I sat next to “Horsetrader” Ed Balatti, who ran a used car lot at the corner of Eddy & Van Ness Avenue and was famous for the flagpole sitter on his property. The statuesque Sheehan later became a showgirl in Las Vegas and married Gary Crosby. She will be inducted into the Galileo Hall of Merit next year.

In Mrs. Anderson’s California history class we read about Conchita Arguello, the 15 year old daughter of the Governor of Alta California, who fell in love with a much older visiting Russian, Nikolai Rezanov.

In Mr. Campbell’s class we studied science and occasionally were treated to a visit to the Galileo observatory where we could see the stars through the telescope. (A massive campaign is underway to restore the longtime nonfunctioning observatory, spearheaded by the GAA.)

Mr. Mills, the stage manager, taught me driving. My practice grounds were the Presidio of San Francisco, but when we drove down to the busy corner of Eddy and Market Streets, and he asked me to cross into Market Street, I was terrified that I would hit

somebody with all the people crossing in front of the car. He said just to go slowly and they would move aside. And they did.

While at Gal, I wrote an essay for a city-wide contest on “How Advertising Affects Our Lives.” It won 3rd prize and a wristwatch. The ceremony took place at the Palace Hotel. First prize went to a friend of mine, Zita Levine of Washington High.

During my three years at Gal, the football team was insignificant in terms of victories under Coach John “Pope” Illia. It was many years later when Galileo became a football powerhouse as it is today.

The soccer teams under Coach Carl Spitzer won multiple city championships and produced All-City players such as Al Massucco and Ralph Lomeli.

Baseball had already passed the years of Gino Cimoli and Vince Moreci, but Jerry Tamelier and Tom King were standouts between 1949 and 1950.

Basketball was king. Under Coach Tom “Fox” DeNike, the varsity won the city championship in 1950, against Lincoln, 24-22. The first string was Don Bragg, Jerry Tamelier, Mario Lombardi, Nick Valeri and Pete Pompei. There were no jump shots, dunks, or 3-point shots then, and “Fox”

T h e G a l i l e o O b s e r v e r | 17

emphasized fundamentals like passing and defense. We did the fast break, Blind Pig, and the Merry-go-Round, or the weave as it is called today. We shot free throws underhanded (Italo Baioni shot overhanded and I don’t know how he got away with it, going against “Fox’s” orders). If you took steps like the pros do today, you would have been called for walking or double dribbling. We did occasionally take a hook shot over an opponent. Today’s high school, college and pro athletes are faster, stronger and more flexible. They make fancy but accurate passes and isolate one on one. The best one-on-one basketball players I saw then were Gino Cimoli of Galileo and Ken Flower of Lowell. The first dunk I saw was when freshman Bill Russell of USF completely dominated 3 time All-American Bob McKeen of Cal at Kezar Pavilion and blocked almost every shot the latter attempted. Last month I attended the annual luncheon of former San Francisco high school ballplayers at Original Joe’s. At our table were Jim Dresser and Pete Pompei of Gal, Flower and Rene Herrerias, former Cal basketball coach, who played on the first USF NIT championship team coached by Pete Newell in 1949. Memories were flowing freely as I reminded Bob Bondanza of the

time he made three consecutive half court shots as a teenager at Helen Wills Playground.

I was primarily a defensive player, getting back on defense earlier than the offense. One time at Commerce (the building now houses the SFUSD), their guard drove toward the basket and I was called for a foul at center. This happened four times more in the first quarter, I fouled out, and before the first half ended I was showered and sitting on the bench in street clothes. This was the first and last time I fouled out of a game. An extra bonus playing on the 130s was that after our game at Kezar, I would sit alongside the sportswriters and keep score for the varsity game. Examiner columnist Don Selby frequently asked me for Galileo players’ names, etc. I played on the 120s with Dick Bennie, Jim Dresser and Pete Asciuto. On the 130s my teammates were Fred O’Donnell and Vince LaRocca, and later, Italo Baioni, Lou “Cappy” Raggio, Jack LaRocca, Dino Natali. Shigeru Yabu, Don Ybaretta, Joe Cannizzo, Frank Orden, Mario Lechuga, Ron Sligar, Tom Wilks, Frank Pignati and Livio Socal.

Because of Galileo’s overall excellence in sports throughout the years, the school was declared “Galileo – School of Champions” in an article of the same name in Open Road magazine.

Hyde Street at Broadway where I lived from 1938 to 1955

T h e G a l i l e o O b s e r v e r | 18

Here is a Gift to the Galileo Alumni Memorial Fund

From ________________________________________________ Class ________ Address ___________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________State________ Zip __________

In Memory of _____________________________________Amount___________

Send Memorial card to:

Name _____________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________State_________Zip_________

Obituaries Click on links to see full obituary)

John Carini (May 23,1945 0 April 22, 2018)

Les Fornaciari (August 5, 1919 – April 26, 2018)

Patricia (Corridan) Gonterman (April 16, 1942 – June 16, 2018)

Genevieve Chin Lee King (July 16, 1924 – June 16, 2018)

Paul Lamphere (September 15, 1933 – June 18, 2018)

Juliet R. Larrabure (age 94 – April 19, 2018)

Jack Nakashima (May 1, 1929 – July 6, 2018)

June Florence Lau Ng (June 2, 1924 – May 30, 2018)

Nicholas V. Marota (January 19, 1923 – May 22, 2018)

Joseph Passanisi (April 27, 1936 – June 21, 2018)

Marian Ronconi (October 21, 1924 – April 20, 2018)

Edgar Stone (November 28, 1920 – May 29, 2018)

– Memorial Gift – Make donations expressing your sympathy to family and friends who have lost a loved one. A memorial card will be sent to the family in your name and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.

Tax ID 30-0066848 Donations should be mailed to:

Galileo Alumni Association 1150 Francisco Street

San Francisco CA 94109 Or you can donate online at

http://galileoalumni.org/membership/DonateAnyAmount.html

T h e G a l i l e o O b s e r v e r | 19

$300.00 - $1,000.00

Joe (Jane) Borg Ronald Yee

$100.00 - $299.99

Alfred Louie Faith Rogan Sherman Wong

$50.00 – 99.99

Henry Black Robert “Bobby” Brown Sandi Fong Benson Louie Leon Manalo Charlene Fachner Mori Gail Ow Joe Scafidi Barbara/Lorin Scola

$1.00 - $49.00

Alex Cortez Sisvan Der Harootunian

Dorothy Gelardi Hawkes Carmela Lombardi Hoffman Janine Laiwa Marvin Lee William Lew Linda Morikawa Joel Napp Mindy Ng Alice Nyhan Laverne La Rocca Schultz Lynette Wong Wendy Yeung

ANNUAL DONATIONS

JANUARY 1, 2018 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2018

TAX I.D. 30-0066848

RENT THIS SPACE 1 YEAR (4 ISSUES) $75.00

Send your business card with your check to: Galileo Alumni Association

Advertising Dept. 1150 Francisco Street, S.F., CA 94109

T h e G a l i l e o O b s e r v e r | 20

COMMITTEES MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Wendy and Mindy would like you to join us on Wednesday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m. for our next alumni meeting! All classes are welcome, so invite your fellow Lions to come!! We are also looking for volunteers to help with upcoming events. Join us if you can! GalileoAlumniMembership@gmail.com

SPORTS HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE:

We are also happy to announce that we have a new Sports Hall of Fame committee being led by Tracy Brown class of 1979. He would love to have any alumni help him on this committee. If you know of any school mates who excelled in sports at Galileo, please nominate them by filling out the attached form or go to - http://galileoweb.org/alumni/sports-hall-of-fame/

HALL OF MERIT COMMITTEE:

From the Hall of Merit Committee…if you know of anyone who has made a significant contribution after graduation to their community, city, state, country or globally, please nominate them by filling out the attached form or go to: form - http://galileoweb.org/alumni/hall-of-merit/

If you would like to have fun, come back to school and join one of our committees, please contact us at the emails above. We could use your help.

T h e G a l i l e o O b s e r v e r | 21

GALILEO’S 100 YEAR CENTENNIAL 2021

BE A PART OF THIS CELEBRATION!

GALILEO’S CENTENNIAL IS COMING UP IN 3 YEARS. MAY SEEM LIKE A LONG TIME, BUT IT’S JUST AROUND THE CORNER. WE NEED IDEAS, THOUGHTS, COMMITTEES TO MAKE THIS EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THIS BIG CELEBRATION, PLEASE LET US KNOW. GALILEOALUMNI@YAHOO.COM

HELLO………………

WE NEED YOU! If you would like to work with current Directors or

Committees to further the mission and goals of the GAA

please contact Charlene Mori at 415-441-6445. We are in

search of a webmaster, social media manager. All of you

retiring and have nothing to do, JOIN US! You can also email - galileoobserver@yahoo.com . I am excited to say we have over 15 Board Members!

ATTENTION ALL LIONS IF YOU HAVE ANY GALILEO MEMORIBILIA THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE BACK TO THE SCHOOL, PLEASE LET US KNOW. SWEATERS - BLOCK G’S - SCRAPBOOKS, YEARBOOKS - PICTURES. WE WOULD LIKE TO PUT THEM ON DISPLAY SO THE STUDENTS CAN SEE WHAT WE HAD IN THE PAST. PLEASE REMEMBER - MAKE SURE YOU “WILL” YOUR GALILEO GEAR BACK TO GALILEO!

NO LONGER WANT YOUR CAP & GOWN, PLEASE DONATE IT

BACK TO GALILEO FOR FUTURE GRADUATES. YOU CAN DROP

THEM OFF AT SCHOOL, MAIL THEM TO GAA 1150 FRANCISCO

ST. S.F. CA 94109 OR WE CAN PICK THEM UP, JUST LET US

KNOW AT GALILEOALUMNI@YAHOO.COM

T h e G a l i l e o O b s e r v e r | 22

Editor

Marvin Lee

Managing Editor

Charlene Fachner Mori

Columnists

Sisvan Der Harootunian

Bettie Grinnell

Advertising

Joe Scafidi

Printing/Mail Distribution

Charlene Fachner Mori

The OBSERVER Is For All

Galileo alumni, family, friends, students, faculty . . . anybody and everybody, the Observer is for you. If you haven't already done so, send in the email addresses of anyone who would like to receive a FREE emailed newsletter to galileoobserver@yahoo.com. We'd like to reach as wide a range of readers as possible.

PLEASE SEND US YOUR IDEAS, GOSSIP, UPDATES ETC.

The Galileo Observer invites your articles, letters, memories, inquiries and suggestions. All submissions

are subject to editing. Deadlines for submissions are January 1st, April 1st, July 1st and October 1st.

Send emails (preferable) to galileoobserver@yahoo.com

Send letters to Galileo Observer, c/o Galileo Alumni Association, 1150 Francisco Street, San Francisco, CA 94109, or email galileoobserver@yahoo.com. All letters are subject to editing.

The Galileo Observer is published quarterly in January, April, July and October by the Galileo Alumni

Association, 1150 Francisco Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. Views expressed are strictly those of the

Association and in no way reflect those of the Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, its students or

faculty. Copyright 2018, Galileo Alumni Association.

Last updated July 2018. © 2002-2018 Galileo Academy of Science and Technology Alumni Association of

San Francisco. Tax ID 30-0066848. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form

without permission of The Galileo Observer and/or The Galileo Alumni Association

GAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, & COMMITTEE CHAIRS ARE LISTED AT http://galileoweb.org/alumni/about/contact/

Check for upcoming events between issues of the Observer, visit our website http://galileoweb.org/alumni/

BACK ISSUES OF THE OBSERVER CAN BE VIEWED AT http://galileoweb.org/alumni/newsletter

Board of Directors/Officers

Charlene Mori (President) ‘65 Jim Young (Vice President) ‘65

Joe Scafidi (Treasurer) ‘50 Janine Laiwa (Secretary) ‘79 Mindy Ng & Wendy Yeung

(Membership) ‘93 Tracy Brown (SHOF) ‘79

Sisvan Der Harootunian (HOM) ‘51 Sandi Fong ‘74

Bill Lew ‘66 Cordy Surdyka ‘53 Dominic Tsang ‘09 Sherman Wong ‘65

Alice Baker ‘69

GALILEO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISING

Since the state has cut back funding to public schools, many of the activities we enjoyed at Galileo now require outside monies to maintain. To date, GAA has contributed to the school newspaper, sports program, and graduation site. With your help, we hope to do even more in the future.

Because of GAA’s nonprofit status, your donations are tax deductible. When making a contribution, please use a check, rather than send cash, so you have a record. Your cancelled check acknowledges receipt by GAA.

I’m sure you remember doing car washes, bake sales, whatever you could to raise money for your senior activities. Students now have to work even harder to raise these funds. Don’t forget your Alma Mater. GO LIONS! Tax ID 30-0066848

YES, I want to donate $ __________ towards:

Observatory (Telescope) Restoration Seniors (events/graduation)

Science Dept. Dragon Boat Sports Pendulum *Other

*Please specify “Other _________________________________________________________________________

Is it OK to mention your name as a donor? Yes ____No ____

Name: ____________________________________________ Email __________________________________

Address: __________________________________________City_______________State____Zip_________

Mail to: Galileo Alumni Association

1150 Francisco Street

San Francisco CA 94109

YOU CAN ALSO DONATE ON LINE AT: http://galileoweb.org/alumni/

RENT THIS SPACE 1 YEAR (4 ISSUES) $75.00

Send your business card with your check to: Galileo Alumni Association

Advertising Dept. 1150 Francisco Street, S.F., CA 94109

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA The Mission of this Association shall be to organize Alumni into a cohesive unit to benefit all members of the high school Community - Alumni, Students, Faculty, Staff and Friends.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP * Alumni activities and events * Membership Card * Assistance to all reunion committees

* Quarterly newsletter “The Observer” * Notice of Association Updates * Helping the current students of

Galileo achieve their goals

GALILEO ACADEMY

GALILEO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING! WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. JOIN THE G.A.A. AND SUPPORT YOUR ALMA MATER! Please visit the Galileo Alumni Association website for further information - http://galileoweb.org/alumni

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sisvan Der Harootunian ‘51 Cordy Surdyka ‘53 Bill Lew ‘66 Tracy Brown ‘79 Sandi Fong ‘74 Dominic Tsang ‘09 Sherman Wong ‘65 Alice Baker Nyhan ‘69

OFFICERS PRESIDENT: Charlene Fachner Mori ‘65 VICE PRESIDENT: Jim Young ‘65 SECRETARY: Janine Laiwa ‘79 TREASURER: Joe Scafidi ‘50

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

NEWSLETTER-OBSERVER: Marvin Lee ‘93

MEMBERSHIPS: Mindy Ng ’93 / Wendy Yeung ‘93

PUBLIC RELATIONS: Position Open

WEBMASTER: Position Open

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY DONATED THIS YEAR, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS NOTICE. THANK YOU!

WE NOW ACCEPT PAYMENT ONLINE WITH PAYPAL PLEASE DETACH AND MAIL OR DONATE ONLINE AT:

http://galileoweb.org/alumni/

Questions? Email us at GalileoAlumniMembership@gmail.com.

DATE: NEW MEMBER_ RENEWAL

NAME: MAIDEN NAME:

ADDRESS CITY/COUNTRY STATE ZIP

GRADUATION YEAR______ EMAIL_______________________________________________ PHONE_______________________

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE GALILEO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. DONATION ENCLOSED $_____________ ALL DONATIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY THE LAW. TAX ID 30-0066848

INTERESTED IN HELPING OR BEING ON A COMMITTEE? YES___ NO___

Mail application to:

Galileo Alumni Association 1150 Francisco Street San Francisco, CA 94109

Donations of any amount are appreciated!

All donations are tax deductible and will be used solely to benefit Galileo Academy.

Your information is strictly confidential and will ONLY be used for assisting Galileo’s events.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have any news from your class for the GAA newsletter, please email GalileoObserver@yahoo.com. TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP GALILEO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STAY STRONG!

GO LIONS!!!

HALL OF MERIT

NOMINATION FORM

CRITERIA

1. Nominee must have attended Galileo High School/Galileo Academy of Science and Technology in good standing prior to being nominated.

2. Nominee may be an individual (student, staff or faculty member).

3. Nominee must have made a significant contribution, after graduation or attendance, to his/her community, city, state, country, or globally. (Examples: science, technology, government, business, education, the arts, philanthropy).

4. Anyone, including Galileo alumni, faculty, staff, family or friends of a nominee may nominate a candidate. All

nominations will be reviewed and facts about qualified nominees will be verified by the Galileo Alumni Association Hall of Merit Committee.

5. Posthumous awards may be given, so nominee may be deceased. If selected, he/she must be represented by a family member or recognized close friend.

I would like to nominate the following person for the Galileo Academy Hall of Merit:

Name of Nominee: Field of Accomplishment: _________________________________________________ Class of: Phone: Email: ___________________ Spring/Fall/Year

Address: Street City State/Zip Code Nominator's Name: Address Street City State/Zip Code Class of: Phone: Email: ____________________ Spring/Fall/Year

Signature: Date:

Mail to: Galileo Alumni Association Hall of Merit Committee

1150 Francisco Street San Francisco, CA 94109 Email: galileohallofmerit@aol.com

GALILEO SPORTS HALL OF FAME

NOMINATION FORM

CRITERIA

1. Nominee must have attended Galileo High School/Galileo Academy of Science and Technology in good standing at least 5 years prior to being nominated.

2. Nominee must have been an outstanding athlete. Examples: Member of a championship team,

selected All City, hold a high school record, recipient of a specific individual or team award, considered by peers as worthy of being a member of the Galileo Sports Hall of Fame.

(Consideration will be given for recognized athletic activities and/or accomplishments after graduation.)

3. Nominee may be an individual (faculty, coach, student) whose valued contributions to a specific

sport or athletics in general at Galileo are worthy of consideration for this award.

4. Galileo alumni, faculty members, coaches, or family members of a nominee, may nominate a candidate. All nominations will be reviewed and facts about qualified nominees will be verified

by the Galileo Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame Committee.

5. Posthumous awards are given, so nominee may be deceased. If selected, he/she must be represented by a family member or recognized close friend.

I would like to nominate the following person for the Galileo Academy Sports Hall of Fame: Name of Nominee: ________________________________________________________________ Class of: ___________ Phone: ________________ Email: ___________________________ Spring/Fall/Year

Address:_________________________________________________________________________ Street City State/Zip Code

Nominator's Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________ Street City State/Zip Code Class of: ___________ Phone: ________________ Email:____________________________ Spring/Fall/Year

Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________________

Mail to: Galileo Alumni Association

Sports Hall of Fame Committee 1150 Francisco Street San Francisco, CA 94109

Email: galileosportshalloffame@gmail.com Click here for more info on our WEBSITE