James, Add to Committee, Lynda Fenton-Foster, Manjit Birdi-Plahey, and Sobra Jones. Thanks, Connie
Connie Lim · Oakland, CA · Monday, June 10, 2002 at 7:56am · email hidden
Guestbook
428 posts from classmates going back to 1997, kept exactly as they were written. Newest first. The ‘Likes’ feature is new, which is why there are so few likes :-)
Highlights: 14 favorite posts
The very first note: looking forward to the 20 year reunion · Anonymous, 1997
Looking forward to the 20 year reunion
Anonymous · Saratoga, CA · Friday, May 9, 1997 at 8:02am
A BHS science teacher (class of '78) offers a tour: the new G and H buildings · Lee Trampleasure, 1997
well, actually I'm an imposter. I'm from the great class of '78. But I'm now teaching science at BHS, and would like to offer a tour of campus to any folks returning for the renuion. We opened the completely remodeled G building last year, and are opening the new H building this summer. Lots has changed since we were students. I'm also working on the BHS web page, and we are trying to create an online alumni database. If any of you have CGI experience and would like to help with this project, please drop me an email. Good luck with your reunion. Let me know if a group wants a tour (we'll only hit you up lightly for contributions!!) Lee Trampleasure
Lee Trampleasure · Berkeley, CA · Saturday, June 7, 1997 at 11:50pm
Will Bernard: twenty years of jazz, and an album on Verve · Will Bernard, 1997
Hey! cool to see all the familiar names!Short 20 year synopsis stayed in Berkeley played music, recorded lots of albums (mostly jazz)..I'm getting my own out finally on Verve/Antilles records. Look forward to seeing everybody tomorrow! I'll bring my green suede platform shoes....not!
Will Bernard · Berkeley · Friday, October 17, 1997 at 9:30pm · email hidden
Brian Hardy, “exiled” to East Campus and graduating early · Brian Hardy, 2001
I was having a melancholy flashback and decided to put my search engine to work. 1977 seems so long ago. Actually, I graduated in 1976 by virtue of my exile to East Campus and an accelerated graduation (I still chuckle at my 10 credits to stop smoking), but I was originally a 1977 student before my favorate counselor Irene Obera dropped the boom on me for excessive truancy. Life's had its ups and downs but nowadays I'm fat and happy in Marin, growing old like the rest of you, but trying to stay young at heart. After BHS I worked as a disc jockey for a couple years in Monterey, then went back East for a spell and dug graves for a living, before finally coming home and falling into technology like everyone else. Today I'm a Systems Engineer and for whatever reason tonight decided to take my foray into the past and pay you a visit. I often think to myself that Berkeley in the 70's was so totally unique that we were all lucky to live the times. At any rate, thought I'd surface and say hello.
Brian Hardy · Marin County, CA · Wednesday, March 7, 2001 at 10:28pm · email hidden
Zerda Paige-Dargan remembers the wall, the track and the gym · Zerda Paige-Dargan, 2002
oops, I forgot! Yes, Kim [Burgess-Duckett]. I do remember the wall, the track, and the gym (gymnastics). We had good times. Renita, Annette, and I talk about them all the time. Big shout outs to people that I haven't heard from in years: Manjit, Storrie, Aleso, Yvonne Hester (has anyone seen her?), Mary Conyers, Rhonda Aubrey, Lynda Fenton-Foster, and James Foster
Zerda Paige-Dargan · Jacksonville, AR · Thursday, June 13, 2002 at 11:58pm · email hidden
Jim McKinney on the 30th - and why Lafayette? · Jim McKinney, 2007
I've been looking forward to the 30th Reunion for some time, especially since I missed No. 25. I very much appreciate the work of the Committee to put this event together for the rest of us. Thank You! That said, am I the only one who thinks it's WIERD for a BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL class reunion to be held in the suburban town of LAFEYETTE? How did this happen? Is there no Berkeley restaurant able to host a party for several hundred? I mean, why stop in Lafayette? Come up to Davis and have it here! Clearly some very thoughtful people have worked hard to find a good venue. And I'll show up in Lafeyette if that's where it's at. But I think BERKELEY is where the BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL REUNION otta be. Now - For entertainment. Can we get Tower of Power to play? Earth Wind and Fire? Donna Summer? I heard she sang at a Governor's gig earlier this year. Oh - And please be sure to make the name tags with BIG print so that those of us with failing eyesight don't have to embarrass ourselves by squinting at someone's lapel trying to remember who in the heck they are - because they sure LOOK familar - even after 30 years of wear and tear and good livin'. Looking forward to this event. Cheers - Jim McKinney
Jim McKinney · Davis, CA · Monday, August 6, 2007 at 6:04pm · email hidden
A play about Berkeley High: “Yellowjackets” at UC Berkeley · Mark L. Williams, 2007
A play about Berkeley High!? Apparently so. I'm having quite the Berkeley afternoon, here in sweltering L.A. - watching Cal ahead (so far) of Tennessee in football, and as I go through mail, I open some U.C. stuff, to find out that a Berkeley High-reared playwright named Itamar Moses is getting a play called 'Yellowjackets' workshopped on the U.C. campus. This 'young man' was *born* in '77, and went to BHS, and then points east, became a playwright of some growing renown, and now has written a play about Berkeley High. And it's free! Sept. 15 at 8, or Sept. 16 at 2, in the Durham Studio Theatre at Cal. Did I say free? Q&A afterwards! There's more info online on the Cal Drama Dept's website (tho' I can't link from here...) You folks still on the auld sod, let us know how it is! Or what it is!
Mark L. Williams · Pueblo of Angels, CA · Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 7:14pm · email hidden
Willa Barber Johnson: a first kiss at Longfellow · Willa Barber Johnson, 2007
It's been wonderful reading these messages! Kent McQue...my first kiss...Longfellow School! Was experiencing a bit of trepidation around coming to the reunion and I'm showing up! Been working on situps for the past several weeks hoping to flatten and firm up the stomach, oh well..... know I'll firm it up through my work on the dance floor! Showing up single so looking for dance partners! Thanks again to the committee for all of your work. Looking forward to enjoying the fruits of the labor with you all! p.s. Tony (BB) Summers thinks I should get the 'most changed award' this year! Am completing my first year in ministerial school....gonna be a 'new thought/metaphysical' minister. What a trip!!! Love and blessings, Willa Barber Johnson
Willa Barber Johnson · albany, ca · Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 10:56am · email hidden
Kevin Vance, the day of the 30th reunion picnic at Lake Anza · Kevin Vance, 2007
Hi Everyone! I'm glad I saw all of you at Lake Anza today. I suppose the shy & awkward me didn't walk up and say Hello to each of you, but it was a delight to see how we're all doing. I'm for a 35th. I don't care how big or small it is. My 11 year old broke out his little game computer and was a good sport being dragged to his dad's 30th year high school reunion. Keep the Cheetos and the Pepsis. best, Kevin Vance, the guy in the green, black & red frog shirt, recovering Willard stoner and BHS class-cutter (to work at KPFA)
Kevin Vance · Berkeley, CA · Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 10:12pm · email hidden
A Facebook page for Berkeley High alums, 1974-1978 · Andrea Pappas, 2009
Hey all, there's a FaceBook page for Berkeley High alums, 1974-1978. Check it out!
Andrea Pappas · San Jose, CA · Friday, February 20, 2009 at 3:50pm · email hidden
Mei Kobayashi writes from IBM Research in Tokyo · Mei Kobayashi, 2009
I found this site while looking for the e-mail address of Colleen White (Staggers) who logged on to Classmates.com. I am at IBM Research in Tokyo (over 21 years!). Luckily Japanese labor laws make it difficult to lay off regular employees and we have great national health insurance. I go home to Berkeley now 5 times or so a year since my parents are getting old. It'd be a blast to go to one of the reunions if it coinicdes with one of my trips.
Mei Kobayashi · Tokyo, Japan · Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 5:57pm · email hidden
Peggy Judge: the library's Berkeley desegregation stories · Peggy Judge, 2010
Hello Yellow Jackets! Thought some of you might be interested in this project recently done through the Berkeley Public Library: Digital Stories - Berkeley Desegregation Personal stories told by students and teachers about the BUSD in late '60s. this site won't allow me to include link - go the the library's site or youtube.
Peggy Judge · kensington, ca · Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 2:41pm · email hidden
The all-years Berkeley High alumni picnic · Sheryl Rachal, 2011
Berkeleyhighalumni.com posted its scheduled 3d ANNUAL picnic! for AUGUST 20, 2011 sounds like a LOT of FUN!!!!!! Go to the website for more info! All are welcome including our '77!
Sheryl Rachal · Merced, CA · Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 9:01pm · email hidden
Lynda Foster: planning for the 50th begins · Lynda Foster, 2026
We’ve officially kicked off planning for our 50th YEAR REUNION — yay! Let’s show that Yellowjacket pride by showing up and showing out for this once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration. More details are coming soon… stay tuned!
Lynda Foster · Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:43pm · email hidden
Great site James, thanks so much for the hard work! I am sure that many of my classmates have grown children, but I am proud to announce that I just had a son three weeks ago!! With my daughter who is turning three in July, that makes me one very tired but HAPPY lady. I am moving to Palo Alto in August 2002 for my husband's one-year sabbatical. So I will DEFINITELY make the 25th reunion! I was a molecular biologist until 8 years ago, then got hired by a patent law firm and they sent me to evening law school while I worked by day. NOW I'm a biotech patent attorney. Funny where the road leads. My husband is also a molecular biologist who teaches and does research. Can't wait to see my dear friends from BHS!
Barbara Ruskin · New York, NY · Thursday, June 6, 2002 at 8:54am · email hidden
God has truly been good to me. I have been so blessed, and I owe it all to His awesome Grace. I look forward to attending the 25th class reunion. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, and a daughter I never could have dreamed of. We live in San Diego, but our plans are to return to Berkeley soon, if it's God's will. My life has taken many turns, but now that I know it's not about me, but about spreading the word of God and how he can bring you from any situation. Thank you so much for having this web site, and I pray that we can all get together, laugh, cry and share what amazing things we have been through, and how through it all God is the only reason that we have made it this far. When I reviewed the list of people that are no longer with us, I can say, that could have been me, so I must tell of His wonderful Love, Power, and Grace that has watched over my life. God Bless you all, until we meet again.
Loreau Ebron (Walker) · San Diego, CA · Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 12:35pm · email hidden
I actually graduated class of '77, but I grew up with class of '76 and would like to relocate some of you. Please email.
Feliz Perocier Hill · Castro Valley, CA · Friday, May 17, 2002 at 9:34am · email hidden
I would have graduated from Berkeley High School if we hadn't moved away just before 5th grade! I am wondering if any of you knew Abby Bellah. She was my best friend in Elementary School. I know she died in a car accident, but I would like to know more about this and what she was like. My maiden name is Karen Len. I have a twin by the name of Kathy. We also had a good friend who's name is Phoebe. Anyone know of her? Thanks for any replies.
Karen · Soddy Daisy, tn · Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 7:07pm · email hidden
One more thing.....We lived across from the Strawberry Canyon pool on university property. I heard this area was made into a toxic waste dump. Is this true? It was such a beautiful place to grow up. It was the poultry department when we were there. Anyone know what this looks like now? Is the building at the bottom of the hill still there? I know our house was torn down....a beautiful old house.
Karen · Soddy Daisy, Tn · Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 7:11pm · email hidden
Hey-Hey!
Charles Bucher · Seattle, WA · Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 10:30pm
Looking forward to seeing old friends and classmates, even if it's only been 5 years since the last reunion. Willie is 6 years old. I'm still doing radio early Thursday mornings on KPFA and Saturday afternoons on KALW. Still working at Cody's Books. I'm at the "new" store on trendy Fourth Street, so I suppose I'm moving up the world...talk you-all later, Kevin
Kevin Vance · Berkeley, CCA · Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 6:40pm · email hidden
This is great stuff! Keep it up.
Caitlin Survelle · Nashville, TN · Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at 10:39am
I look forward to seeing familar faces and getting to know you better
Annette Shurn (Allen) · Berkeley, CA · Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at 5:02pm · email hidden
I can't believe I finally found this site. It has been great scrolling through the comments, recognizing familiar names, and sharing in the events since June 1977. I've been living in DC for 19 of the past 25 years, and don't get back to Berkeley all that often. I'm making plans right now to be there for the 25th. I look forward to the fun & fellowship...Hope to see you there!
Michael Poe · Washington, DC · Wednesday, May 1, 2002 at 11:27am · email hidden
It's nice to see the familiar names. I'm 3 months into a study of rice farming systems in West Africa, and would like to make it back for the reunion. Keep the faith.
Larry Becker · Bouake, Ivory Coast · Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 7:42am · email hidden
I'm looking on behalf of my husband, Mark Brazil, we will be in Berkeley next week and would be interested to find a yearbook of the class of 78. I'm Barbara Nudelholc Brazil
Mark Brazil · Zurich, Zurich Switzerland · Monday, April 15, 2002 at 2:58am · email hidden
I wandered in here after getting the card in the mail. What a fantastic site, and it sure is nostalgic to read all the postings from people. Great site James, old boy scout homeboy. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at Hs Lordships for the 25th. I'm living in Berkeley, married, and working in high-tech for 20 years. My best to all of you, we came up together. Anthony
Anthony Hill · Berkeley, CA · Sunday, March 24, 2002 at 9:46am · email hidden
25 years later - what will all my stoner friends look like a quarter of a century after Disco? Did we ever think we'd see the day when we talked about interest rates instead of the weed we bought at Kips? Yep, I've got to be there - 1977 here I come...
Brian Hardy · Fairfax, CA · Saturday, March 23, 2002 at 1:09pm · email hidden
I miss everbody in California!
Ger Demarest · Tijeras, NM · Thursday, March 21, 2002 at 11:33am · email hidden
I may actually try to attend for a change!
Marilyn Jacob · Berkeley, CA · Monday, March 18, 2002 at 3:17pm · email hidden
Can't wait thanks for the card.
Paul Fielder · USA · Friday, March 15, 2002 at 8:06am · email hidden
I was just thinking last week that this would be the year for our 25th, and low and behold I get a postcard in the mail!! Yea. I can't wait. See you there!!!
James (Jim) McMillan · Pinole, CA · Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at 6:46pm · email hidden
I THANK GOD FOR THE MEMORIES AT BHS, THOSE WERE THE DAYS THAT SHAPED ME TO WHO I AM TODAY,I LIKE MYSELF A LOT.
Rhonda Aubrey-Otis · OAKLAND, CA · Sunday, March 10, 2002 at 7:11pm · email hidden
HOW CAN I HELP?
Anonymous · EL SOBRANTE, CA · Thursday, March 7, 2002 at 9:22am
I have not been to the website since the 20th reunion but now have a smile on my face after reading through the guest book. Eddie Farris told me about the upcoming 25th. I have a "what a small world" story for those of you who went to Willard Jr High. My wife, Marie Parket Watson, works as a counselor at the High School where we live. This year one of the new teachers who joined the staff at the High School was Jim MacLemore(sp?) who taught at Willard when we went there. Of course Marie took in the old yearbooks to kid Jim about the length of his hair back in '72 but she tells me he looks like he has not aged in the 30 years since. Looking forward to the 25th.
Matt Watson · Morgan Hill, CA · Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 12:33pm · email hidden
it's amazing what you find just surfing around.
Anonymous · none, none · Friday, February 22, 2002 at 4:15pm
nice web site --- g/l with ur reunion ----- tom
Tom Cosgrove · USA · Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at 6:02am · email hidden
Good graphics. Wish I did your work?
Anonymous · Los Angeles, CA · Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at 6:44pm
Email addresses are never shown in the guestbook, unless you include one in your message.