Stephen French Stephen French

Hated to learn of Steve's passing--numerous fond memories of our times together in elementary school and, of course, our great four years together at ECHS. He was always the fun guy with a great smile and optimistic outlook on life. I remember attending a concert at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium---it was either pianist Roger Williams or comedian Shelly Berman--Steve was there with Lance Thompson--and I had interviewed the artists prior to the concert so I introduced them to each other--and took a picture. It may have run in the El Caminian. Would love to find all those old papers--and relive some of those great memories...if any of you have saved your copies, or knew someone who did--let me know as I've looked mine and can't find them. And I'm a pack rat:) RIP, Steve...fond memories live forever.

Happy Birthday Steve and many more

Wow, Steve...what a story. I hate to admit it but I never realized you didn't graduate on Abbott Field with the rest of us. Had no idea of the military academy but sounds like someone made the correct choice for you. I had a similar experience when we moved from San Francisco to Long Beach but it was years before ECHS. Since we were leaving before the end of the school year, my Mom made the decision for me to repeat 1st grade as opposed to moving forward to 2nd grade:) Had that happened I'd be in the "Class of '61, as opposed to the BEST CLASS EVER, the Class of '62:) I now realize you were not at EC for my May 1962 concert in the "Boy's Gym." It became somewhat of a legend, as part of my campaign promises for Commissioner of Entertainment was that if I were elected I'd bring 'big name' recording artists to the school for assemblies and dances. On May 24 I brought in Johnny Crawford (remember the kid on "The Rifleman?"), Bobby Freeman, Jan & Dean and Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. We were supposed to be at the school about 2:30 and I was let out of school to meet the cast at the Sacramento Inn. Unfortunately, Jan's plane from LA was late--he was taking a test at UCLA on his way to a medical career--and we had to wait. By the time we made it to EC, school was out, kids from all over the San Juan District had heard about the 'free' concert and the Fire Marshall had closed down the gym! Bode was livid!! It was not my fault but that didn't stop him from reading me the riot act:) That concert changed my life--from a possible career in radio to a lifelong career in the music biz. Still at it after 57 years and absolutely no retirement on the horizon. Having far too much 'fun, fun, fun.' Oh, one of my memories of you is meeting you and Lance Thompson (RIP) at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium for concert with comedian Shelly Berman. Remember that? I took a pix of you two and I believe they ran it with my story in the El Caminian. Wish I had a copy. Any chance you have one? Thanks for your service to our great country. Oh, before I forget, when you were at Thomas Starr King (I designed the school logo in a contest..it was a King's crown, a star in the middle and large block letters SK). was Vera Gooslink still there--the music teacher? She was a 'hottie' in the 7th and 8th grade, the first 'babe' teacher I ever had!:)