Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

GRINGO IN THE ROOM

At the end of the last school year they sent me to a training that was going to get me ready to train a certain group of students. This category of students is named SEI. That translates to Structured English Immersion. That means,in theory,that the students don't speak English very well. They aren't beginners,but they know enough to be taught in English. This wasn't how the counselors grouped the students though. The counselors got rid of the beginning group(Bi Lingual) and put all kids struggling with English together.Beginners and strugglers.

My first class of the day is one of those SEI classes. During the training sesssions they said class sizes would be between 20 to 25 kids. That way they could get more individualized instruction. My enrollment was at 45. Today it is down to 40.

Two of the kids are Philipinno. The rest are Mexican kids. Some of the Mexican kids have been in the U.S. for most of their 14 years. Others are new to the U.S. Some have lived in Tijuana. Some still do,but have an address here. I'm starting to see some TJ kids going to school here because their parents are wary of the problems in Mexico. Mostly kidnapping concerns.

Getting back to this SEI class. I have the U.S. History end of it. There are SEI classes in all the other subject areas as well. The teachers who teach the other classes are either Chicanos or naturalized American citizens that were born in Mexico. I'm the only gringo.

At the beginning of the year things were pretty hectic with these SEI kids. All the teachers in the program were complaining about over class sizes and ,especially,behaviorial issues. I was voicing my concerns.

Right off the bat I wanted to show those kids that I knew a little something about them. My wife is from Michoacan.We have a home in Jiquilpan. I lived in TJ. I worked at schools in Mexico. I speak Spanish(mas o menos). And I'm Italian. It got worse. Now that I could relate, the noise got louder.

The kids felt that they had an outsider who was like them. That is a very powerfull ally when working with kids of this nature. But all the SEI teachers were losing their minds. Me included.

Then something began to happen inside me. I thought of my wife. She's a lot like those kids. They all live in the moment. What they feel like doing,they'll do. School rules are secondary. You see,the kids always liked me. I would get upset with them,but they couldn't understand why. They were just having fun. The kids ,for the most part,are very innocent. They act immature. Maybe they are to a degree. An old Mexican, who used to be our custodian, told me that Mexico is a nation of children. On the surface that sounded bad,but he said it with a smile. Children need to be taught,but that's when they'll grow up to be adults. Adult children?A nation of the "man child?"

A third of the year has passed. The other SEI teachers are writing their kids up and throwing them out of class to the office. But there has been a "calm" in my room. Don't get me wrong. The noise level is still high volume. Maybe the calm is within me. Maybe I see them as children. My wife is childlike. They are not mean kids. They don't hurt anyone like some of the kids in my regular classes do. They just live in the moment.

Two weeks ago the school district made us administor standard exams .The whole district was involved. My area was U.S. History.Knowing that my SEI kids had to compete with all the other kids in the district(SEI through Honors kids)I thought I was up against it.

We reviewed for the test for three straight days. I didn't have much faith,but I didn't worry about it. When the results of my class were put in my mailbox,I didn't want to look at then until I got back to my room. When I opened the envelope,I was glad I was sitting down. Out of 40 kids,38 scored advanced. There were 30 perfect scores. I found out later it was the highest score in the district.When I told the kids of the results,they were very happy. They kept on talking and living in the moment.

Today,this SEI group is my favorite class. They like me. Maybe I should have picked up on that in the beginning. Yeah,they still talk a lot,but I don't hear it that much anymore.

[kikibalt]

Frank- According to the U.S. Census Records database on Ancestry.com, one Francisco Baltazar, a farm laborer, and his wife, Guadalupe, were living with their four children and a cousin in Montebello, California during 1930. Their oldest child, Aurelio, was seventeen at the time. The family came to the U.S. in 1918.

According to the World War I Draft Registration Records database on Ancestry.com, one Francisco Baltazar, a married man, was working as a railroad section hand while living in Churchill County, Nevada.

- Chuck Johnston


Chuck..Francisco and Guadalupe Baltazar were my grandparents, their son Aurelio was my dad, as far as I know my grandparents and my dad came to the U.S. in 1914, my dad was one year old, they, with other relatives went to Chicago, then up to Wisconsin, after four years, in 1918, my grandparents and my dad came to Montebello, California, (Simons Brickyard) the rest of the relatives stay in Wisconsin, their off-springs are still living there, my dad's 2 brothers and one sister were born in L.A., of the family, two are still living, my uncle Mel is 89 years old and my aunt Lala is 90.

Churchill County, Nevada? don't know nothing about that.

[kikibalt]

Photos and caption courtesy of Dan Hanley



William Guthrie, Tony "The Tiger" Lopez and Loreto Garza



Rafael Herrera, Carlos Ortiz and Bobby Chacon



Some dude trying to look way too California with Manuel Medina

[kikibalt]

Today, October 31th, is Bobby Chacon's birthday, he turned 58 years old today.

"Happy Birthday dear Bobby"...

[dagosd2000]

Today, October 31th, is Bobby Chacon's birthday, he turned 58 years old today.

"Happy Birthday dear Bobby"...

And may he live a long and happy life

[Randyman]

The video for the 2009 World Boxing Hall of Fame is up an running on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvl9ZAG8SbQ I am a little disappointed though. I placed two great soundtracks on that video-Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen and The Old Man Down the Road by John Fogerty. Both songs captured the mood I wanted. Youtube immediately removed both songs. I had a limited selection to choose from on their list. It was a lousy choice of music and I picked one that was acceptable at best.

To see the video the way I intended it to be, go here

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6319400/16395891
Randy

It might take a while before the new music can be heard

[Randyman]

Today, October 31th, is Bobby Chacon's birthday, he turned 58 years old today.

"Happy Birthday dear Bobby"...

Happy Birthday Bobby! All the best!

Randy

[Randyman]

Guys, thanks for the kind response on my story about the fight with Barba. I appreciate it. It is a great memory.

Randy

[dagosd2000]

The video for the 2009 World Boxing Hall of Fame is up an running on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvl9ZAG8SbQ I am a little disappointed though. I placed two great soundtracks on that video-Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen and The Old Man Down the Road by John Fogerty. Both songs captured the mood I wanted. Youtube immediately removed both songs. I had a limited selection to choose from on their list. It was a lousy choice of music and I picked one that was acceptable at best.

To see the video the way I intended it to be, go here

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6319400/16395891
Randy

It might take a while before the new music can be heard

Randy
That was real class,and real nice of you to put that together. You're a pal

[dagosd2000]

Sam Langford

[Randyman]

For those of you that weren't able to make it to the WBHF and see the program cover by our very own Roger Esty, here it is. Again Rog, congratulations.

[Randyman]

The video for the 2009 World Boxing Hall of Fame is up an running on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvl9ZAG8SbQ I am a little disappointed though. I placed two great soundtracks on that video-Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen and The Old Man Down the Road by John Fogerty. Both songs captured the mood I wanted. Youtube immediately removed both songs. I had a limited selection to choose from on their list. It was a lousy choice of music and I picked one that was acceptable at best.

To see the video the way I intended it to be, go here

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6319400/16395891
Randy

It might take a while before the new music can be heard

Randy
That was real class,and real nice of you to put that together. You're a pal

Thanks Rog

Randy

[Randyman]

I'm on my way to my daughter Lori's house for Halloween. You guys have a great evening.
Randy

[Chuck1052]

1930 U.S. Census
Montebello, California

Francisco Baltazar, Head of household, age 39, birthplace- Mexico,
Guadalupe Baltazar, Wife, age- 36, birthplace- Mexico
Aurelio Baltazar, Son, age- 17, birthplace- Mexico
Eulalia Baltazar, Daughter, age-11, birthplace- California
Magdalino Baltazar, Son, age- 9, birthplace- California
Florentino Baltazar, Son, age- 7, birthplace- California
Jesus Baltazar, Cousin, age- 28, birthplace- Mexico
("ab" is what is listed for Jesus Baltazar's occupation. Does it mean that he was absent? I don't have any idea. He arrived in the U.S. during 1926.)

Monthly Rent of Home- $4.00
Address of Home- 58 El Carmel Street or 58 El Camino Street?

Notes- There are numerous inaccuracies in U.S. Census records, so anyone should take such sources of information with a grain of salt. In regards to the Baltazar household, they had some neighbors who worked as laborers in brick yards or on farms. Francisco Baltazar worked as a farm laborer when the 1930 U.S. Census was enumerated.

- Chuck Johnston

[kikibalt]

1930 U.S. Census
Montebello, California

Francisco Baltazar, Head of household, age 39, birthplace- Mexico,
Guadalupe Baltazar, Wife, age- 36, birthplace- Mexico
Aurelio Baltazar, Son, age- 17, birthplace- Mexico
Eulalia Baltazar, Daughter, age-11, birthplace- California
Magdalino Baltazar, Son, age- 9, birthplace- California
Florentino Baltazar, Son, age- 7, birthplace- California
Jesus Baltazar, Cousin, age- 28, birthplace- Mexico
("ab" is what is listed for Jesus Baltazar's occupation. Does it mean that he was absent? I don't have any idea. He arrived in the U.S. during 1926.)

Monthly Rent of Home- $4.00
Address of Home- 58 El Carmel Street or 58 El Camino Street?

Notes- There are numerous inaccuracies in U.S. Census records, so anyone should take such sources of information with a grain of salt. In regards to the Baltazar household, they had some neighbors who worked as laborers in brick yards or on farms. Francisco Baltazar worked as a farm laborer when the 1930 U.S. Census was enumerated.

- Chuck Johnston

Chuck, thats my dad's family alright, they lived on 58 Carmel St., "Simons Brickyard" Montebello, Ca.. The rent was $ 4.00 a month if you worked at the brickyard, if you live in the brickyard and worked outside, your rent was $17.00 a month, I don't know of any "Jesus Baltazar", there was a Jose Baltazar living in Simons at that time, he was my grandfather's brother, he later moved to East Los Angeles, his kids, my dad's cousins would come and visit us in Simons.

Thanks, Chuck, for bringing my grandparents family back to life, even if just for the moment.

[BoxBuzz]

It's always interesting to drop in and catch up with the reading on this thread.

[Rick Farris]

Sonny Liston - A Man . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jZ6e4H8f7g

One of my favorite heavyweight champs. People don't know what to make of Sonny Liston.
The righteous group condemn him as a monster. Why can't they just see him as a fighter?
Is Evander Holyfield of highter quality? Holyfield would make millions for a title bout, and then stiff his cut man (Chuck Bodak) for a few thousand.
Sonny Liston would break legs to collect a debt for the St. Louis mob in his younger days.
I'll never forget the man. I saw him up close one day, at the gym. I watched him score a KO the following thursday at the Olympic.
I must be demented, I like the Liston's and the Tyson's. You can have the Ali's and Holyfield's, too much talk of God and religeon. I don't need that from a pug.
People find religeon in a church, not a boxing arena. A time and place for everything. I've yet to meet a perfect human being, least of all in boxing.
I like Liston, Tyson, Marciano, Louis, Walcott, Charles, DEMPSEY, Patterson. I don't like any fighter today.
I enjoy watching Manny Pac, he might have done well in earlier eras, but not as well as he does today. There was a time when he'd have been just another good boxer.
It seems today boxers are trying to be sold as "gangstas" or "Choir boys". Just drop the f__king bullshit and fight. All that counts is what happens IN THE RING.
Outside the ring, a boxer's input is not required. We don't need to see them singing on stage, or leading a bible study class. Just FIGHT!


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

It's always interesting to drop in and catch up with the reading on this thread.

Thanks, Buzz, something always interesting going on here for sure.

[kikibalt]

I posted last week that while we would be at the WBHOF banquet, my son James, daughters and grilfriend would be up in the Eastern Sierras fishing, well, I got some great pictures from James's girlfriend, Ronny, that I'm going to post as soon as I get them ready, scan, re-side, etc,etc., hope you guys like'em.

[dagosd2000]

Billie Holiday

[dagosd2000]

Rodolfo Gonzalez

[kikibalt]

My granddaughter Sierra and Chata on their way to the High Sierras



Granddaughters, Keana and Sierra with Chata on the way to the High Sierras

[Chuck1052]

Frank, I found the following on one Jose Baltazar in the 1930 U.S. Census:

Montebello, California

Jose Baltazar, Head of Household, age- 35, born in Mexico
Andora A. Baltazar, wife, age- 32, born in Mexico
Ingnacia Baltazar, daughter, age- 9, born in Mexico
Juana Baltazar, daughter, age- 8, born in Mexico
Enriqueta Baltazar, daughter, age- 5, born in California
Josefina Baltazar, daughter, age- 2, born in California

Monthly Rent- $4.00 Address- 167 Guanaquate (?) Street

Note- Jose Baltazar was working as a laborer in a brickyard during 1930. His family arrived in the U.S. during 1921.

As noted before, there are many inaccuracies in U.S. Census Records.

- Chuck Johnston

[kikibalt]

Frank, I found the following on one Jose Baltazar in the 1930 U.S. Census:

Montebello, California

Jose Baltazar, Head of Household, age- 35, born in Mexico
Andora A. Baltazar, wife, age- 32, born in Mexico
Ingnacia Baltazar, daughter, age- 9, born in Mexico
Juana Baltazar, daughter, age- 8, born in Mexico
Enriqueta Baltazar, daughter, age- 5, born in California
Josefina Baltazar, daughter, age- 2, born in California

Monthly Rent- $4.00 Address- 167 Guanaquate (?) Street

Note- Jose Baltazar was working as a laborer in a brickyard during 1930. His family arrived in the U.S. during 1921.

As noted before, there are many inaccuracies in U.S. Census Records.

- Chuck Johnston

Thanks, Chuck, I remembef Enriqueta and Josefina well, I belive they both are still alive.

[Expug]

Sonny Liston - A Man . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jZ6e4H8f7g

One of my favorite heavyweight champs. People don't know what to make of Sonny Liston.
The righteous group condemn him as a monster. Why can't they just see him as a fighter?
Is Evander Holyfield of highter quality? Holyfield would make millions for a title bout, and then stiff his cut man (Chuck Bodak) for a few thousand.
Sonny Liston would break legs to collect a debt for the St. Louis mob in his younger days.
I'll never forget the man. I saw him up close one day, at the gym. I watched him score a KO the following thursday at the Olympic.
I must be demented, I like the Liston's and the Tyson's. You can have the Ali's and Holyfield's, too much talk of God and religeon. I don't need that from a pug.
People find religeon in a church, not a boxing arena. A time and place for everything. I've yet to meet a perfect human being, least of all in boxing.
I like Liston, Tyson, Marciano, Louis, Walcott, Charles, DEMPSEY, Patterson. I don't like any fighter today.
I enjoy watching Manny Pac, he might have done well in earlier eras, but not as well as he does today. There was a time when he'd have been just another good boxer.
It seems today boxers are trying to be sold as "gangstas" or "Choir boys". Just drop the f__king bullshit and fight. All that counts is what happens IN THE RING.
Outside the ring, a boxer's input is not required. We don't need to see them singing on stage, or leading a bible study class. Just FIGHT!


-Rick Farris

Rick, I liked Liston also.And, I never thought he was as bad a guy as the press made him out to be.
He had a beef with a cop in St Louis where the cop wound up with a busted leg. Who knows what the whole story is, but from that point on he was a marked man. When he moved tp Philly, the police had his picture pinned to their dashboards.
Im not saying Sonny was little Lord Faunteroy either. Im sure he did some bad things,including busting the leg of a police officer, but, people need to realize that when it comes to boxing, this aint a fu..in maypole dance and its participants arent coming from country clubs and tennis courts. Most fighters I know have had their share of...altercations of one kind or another. Very few of them have gone through life undamaged either before or after they started boxing.
As far as religion and boxing goes, as a practicing catholic, I respect people of faith ,but its much better when it is practiced not as a form of attention grabbing or used as an ornament. Two catholic fighters who come to mind who were good examples of strong men of faith were Tony Zale and Carmen Basilio.They werent song and dance men.