SoCal reunion update
Yes, the Santa Monica reunion of the East Anchorage high school class of 1965 is still very much on!
To recap: It will be based at the Ocean View Hotel in Santa Monica and the dates are May 8th thru May 11th, 2016.
Here are a couple of update items:
Update Item No. 1: I did call the Ocean View to see about getting a discount or special rate for the reunion. The answer was, "Sure, if you want to book a bunch of rooms in advance and guarantee payment." Needless to say, I declined, so I must report with great sorrow that no discount or special rate will be available at the Ocean View for the reunion.
I will also note that May is probably in the high season at the Ocean View, and the rates are a bit sticker-shocky. But be advised there are a lot of other hotels in or near Santa Monica that don't cost as much--try Kayak.com, Hotels.com, or one of the other online booking sites. There's actually one called the Hotel California (about which I know nothing except that it has an awesome name!).
At any rate, feel free to shop around. While the reunion is based out of the Ocean View, that doesn't mean you have to stay there to participate. "Based" just means that the Ocean View will be the rendezvous point and hangout spot for the reunion. Given the power smartphones and digital communications these days--like Facebook and email--it will be easy to keep each other abreast of what's going on.
Update Item No. 2: I have compiled a rough list of people who have indicated they are coming or at least considering it:
Stan Jones
Bill Cummings
Carolyn Ugiss (Altieri)
Bill Edwards
Sam Penney
Wayne Butch
Bill Conyers
Bill Robbins
As I say, this list is rough. It's compiled from Facebook posts and emails. There may well be others planning to come who've not weighed in yet, while some on the list may change their plans between now and May.
So If there's someone on or off this list that you are really interested in seeing and their presence might motivate you to join the reunion, I suggest contacting them personally to determine if they are coming.
If you want to communicate about the reunion, you can leave a comment to this post, or contact me at sj.alaska@gmail.com or 907-350-7711. Also, this same information is being posted on the class Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/234680880163/permalink/10156602618360164/ . Please check back from time to time for further updates.
I look forward to seeing lots of you old Easties at the Ocean View Hotel in Santa Monica in May, not to mention on the beach, on the pier, on the ferris wheel and who knows where else!
And, for you fans of Americana nostalgia: The Santa Monica pier has a monument to Route 66, which ends in downtown Santa Monica!
Stan Jones
Co-coordinator and factotum
Ad Hoc Organizing Committee for the May 2016 Southern California Reunion of the East Anchorage High School Class of 1965
