If This Oak Tree Could Talk

The long-standing Oak Tree by Senior Corner on the Fullerton High School Campus has been declared dead by the City Arborist.  The High School administration is working on replacing the Oak Tree (a gift from the FUHS Class of 1954) with a mature Oak Tree. Photo By Allen Bacon

The Last of The Mohicans

Even though the long time Fullerton High School Mascot was changed from the Indians to the Red Hawks, the Iconic Indian Chief Head Center Court will remain in the same place it has been for the past 75 years.  The School Gymnasium.

By Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

Photo By Allen Bacon

Over the summer, the Fullerton High School campus, was quietly transformed from being "The Home of the Indians" to the "Home of the Red Hawks".

After a long debate, which dated back to the late 1960's, whether a Native American Indian Chief is an appropriate mascot for a school, a California state bill initiated by Governor Gavin Newsome, tipped the decision to the Anti-Indian tribe.

After over one hundred years of being known as the Indians, Fullerton High School is now known as the Red Hawks.

In a poll conducted by BOSCO Fullerton , close to 98% of the Fullerton High School alumni surveyed say they will never adopt the new mascot name.  

The majority of the murals and signage depicting Indian Chiefs, some of which were class gifts painted by former students,  were covered up by large format display signage this past summer.  These new signs feature either an "F"  Logo or the new Red Hawk Logo.  

It's significant to note that the Indian murals were not painted over....they were covered up.  

This is because the school administration learned a valuable lesson from a previous summer a few decades back when a paint crew painted over an iconic and historical mural on the outside of the building formerly known as Plummer Auditorium.  The mural was eventually meticulously restored to it's original state.

The Indian Chief murals could be brought back later for special events or in the event there is a change of heart on the mascot name.  For instance, the FUHS Class of 1976 asked to uncover their class gift, a mural depicting an Indian Chief, painted by a student, in time for their 50th reunion.  The request was denied.

There is also a provision of the State bill that says if Fullerton High School gets approval from a local Indian Tribe the Indian Chief could be re-instituted as the mascot.

There was one exception on the removal or hiding of the Indian imagery on campus.  

It is the original center court Indian Chief Logo that was in the old gymnasium on Pomona Street since the 1940's.  The center court has been in prominent display in the new gymnasium lobby.  The lobby doubles as a museum of Fullerton High School Sports History.

There was discussion over the Summer that the center court would be part of a permanent installation in the Fullerton High School Library highlighting the history of the school.  

The decision was made for the center court to stay exactly where it has been for the past 75 years.  In the FUHS Gymnasium.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Live Music: Still Workin' On The Blues

Eric Allen Live 

Night Owl Coffee, Fullerton

Five scoops of Bosco (Out of five)

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

Eric Allen, the quintessential blues traveler, has returned to American soil. 

The good news is that he never stopped telling stories, and delivering his gritty, authentic style of blues.  He has just been doing it in a different part of the world for the past few years. 

To the delight of his fans, the Indiana-born and raised Allen performed at the Night Owl in Fullerton recently as he has been playing in small venues in Southern California.

In the latest live shows, Allen goes it alone without his band.  The sets are a wonderful mix of songs from his first two albums, (2021's debut Eric Allen, and 2023's Prowlin' Lobo Blues) and a briefcase full of new stories accumulated from his recent travels.

In one of the new songs, Somewhere Beyond, Allen looks out the window of a high-speed rail in Shanghai and relates the stories of the people in the region.

In Really Blue, the story centers around the devastating Malibu fires in Southern California.

The latest shows also deliver a collection of tales from Allen's upbringing in Indiana and Kentucky, and living all over America during his over 60 years

Moonshining, Back Water Blues, and a new song Cranes Creek Road are observations of life, family and friends growing up in Kentucky while 14th Floor and In Me are from his time spent in New York City.  There are songs and tales relating to his stay in Louisiana Bayou country. A couple are quite humorous.

One starts like this:

Let me tell you a story....This is a tale of a guy, a woman...and another guy.....and an alligator.

So, to sum it up .....there are two guys, a woman...and an alligator...

All delivered with the grittiest, graveliest, honest voice. Along with his musical chops, this makes him one of the best living bluesmen and songwriters in America right now.

Allen told me he is honing, curating and releasing new single songs out on the platforms working toward his next album.  He has no time frame and doesn't seem to be in a rush.  But from what has been put out there so far and from the live performance I caught, it is going to be well worth the wait.  

In the words of the title of one of my favorite Eric Allen songs, He's still Working on the Blues.  

Thank God for that.

Film: The Cat Comes Back

The Cat In The Hat

Currently playing at AMC Fullerton 20

Warner Brother Pictures

Produced by Daniela Mazzucato and Jared Stern

Directed By Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja

Based on a Children's Book by Theodor Geisel, AKA Dr. Seuss

With Bill Hader, Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, Xochiti Gomez,  Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera

Three Scoops of Bosco

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

It's fascinating how an innovative Children's reading primer from 1957 that taught multiple generations to read and enjoy reading has turned into a major contributor of screen time.

The second animated and third overall treatment of Ted "Dr. Seuss" Geisel's The Cat In The Hat takes one giant leap away from the original intent of the book.

On the other hand, Dr. Seuss created a fantastical, alternate, frenetic universe that had to wait for technology to re-create his world.  

That's why there is only one non-animated version of the Cat In The Hat. 

Much like J.R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy, there was no way you could even come close to imagining it the way the creator intended without advanced technology.  

The difference of course, is that Dr. Seuss created a blueprint with his amazing illustration skills whereas Tolkien was a writer only and most people had a different opinion on how things were supposed to look in their imagination as they read the books.

It's interesting the choices of the leads who play the Cat in each of the three versions. They are all the most recognizable comedic personalities of their generation.

In the 1971 Network Television version it was Allan Sherman. 

In the 2003 live action film it was Mike Meiers. 

In the latest adaptation, Bill Hader takes a turn. Out of the three, Hader is the best. His comedic chops and timing are impeccable.  He is everything you would imagine the Cat would act. With attitude.

Actually, it is not the first time Hader has portrayed the Cat.  He also did it in a Saturday Night Live skit.

Also, Hader's fellow SNL alum Bowen Yang does a formable job in his role on this film as well.

A disappointment is the writing of the script on this new adaptation.  The first half of the film is a jumbled mess leaving the viewer confused and without sense of direction.  Where are we going with this?  

The second half is much better.  There is actually a moral to the story and heartwarming moments that will tug at your heart strings.  If one didn't know any better, it would seem one writer took the first half and the other writer took the second half.

Not sure about the premise of the main villain of the film being a mutation of one of the main characters of the original.  It's been done before. Many times before.

Not lost on a generation that witnessed the first animated version on network television in 1971 is the fact that it was animated by the legendary Chuck Jones of Warner Brothers Cartoon fame (Looney Tunes, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, etc.). This comes full circle in this movie.  

This production is under the now vast Warner Brothers umbrella.  The lead into the main event is a new Looney Tunes cartoon with all the usual suspects (Daffy, Bugs, Yosemite Sam, Elmer...) about World Cup Soccer and a take on the old "Duck Season...Rabbit Season" shtick. 

The only problem is that Chuck Jones and his group are long gone.  It is not pretty. The new generation apparently doesn't know how to do a cartoon properly anymore.  It tries to be an homage to the Chuck Jones era but it doesn't even do that right.

 Books: David Jerome's America

David Jerome

iheartAmerica

An iPhone photographic tour of

the USA on her 250th birthday

Smack Books

Five Scoops of Bosco (out of five)

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

One of the marks of a great photo centric "coffee table" book is when you can look through it multiple times and see something new, exciting,  and interesting every trip through.

Life-long Fullerton Resident Humorist, Author, Columnist, Photographer David Jerome has created that book. 

Jerome's second photographic (and seventh overall) book iheartAmerica An iPhone photographic tour of the USA on her 250th birthday was released the week of America's 250th Birthday. 

It's an absolute gem.

Jerome, who among other things, has written the popular newspaper column "Mr. Bucket List" where he experiences America first hand and writes about it has also documented with photos his many stops.  His wonderful photographic instincts are on par with his writing talent.  I declare a tie. 

To quote the prophet Rod Stewart, "Every picture tells a story, don't it?"

It's very hard to pick a favorite but Jerome's view from the stage at the Ryman Theater at the Grand Ole Opery (Nashville),  "Breaking Bad Santas" (Albuquerque),  "On Deck, Miller Park" (Milwaukee), "The Church of Fumigation" (Key West), "International UFO Museum" (Roswell),  "Night Cactus" (Scottsdale) is a snap shot of the wonderful blend of the humorous, quirky, and beautiful contained in the close to 150 photographs in this book.

The best thing you can do is experience America on your own. The next best thing is to flip through this book.

I dare you to look at this book just once.

Jerome's book is available in Fullerton at the Fullerton Museum Center gift store.  If purchased at the Fullerton Museum, all proceeds go to the Museum.

Food: Kalaveras Fullerton Is Muy Bueno

Kalaveras

122 E. Commonwealth, Fullerton

Five Scoops of Bosco

Reviewed By Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

I have to admit, when I first passed the Mexican restaurant Kalaveras, I was a little intimidated by the El Dia De Muerto imagery.  

As a wanna be Graphic Artist, I was intrigued, but a little scared at the same time.  I think it is because when I was growing up, when you saw an image of a skull on anything, that was usually not a good thing.

That slight fear quickly went away the minute I stepped into Kalaveras.  This is because you are suddenly immersed in the festive vibrant colors, music, sights and sounds of celebration of the traditional El Dia De Muerto. 

That is all well and good, but would it pass the taste test?  

My wife and I have a very simple test when we eat at a Mexican Restaurant for the first time. We order a Molcajete and for dessert we order a flan with a coffee.

Don't let the fact that the folks at Kalaveras call their Molcajete a Parrillada and serve it on a flat cast iron skillet as opposed to a cast iron bowl throw you off.

Their take on the Parrillada (Molcajete) is a wonderful mix of marinated steak, chicken breast, shrimp, chorizo, quesso fresco, and Toreado Pepper seasoned to near perfection.

The flan we had for dessert was also very well done.  Great texture with caramel and strawberries, garnished with mint.  The coffee? Folgers Classic.

We can't wait to go back and try the rest of the food on the Kalaveras menu.

FULLERTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

MAVERICK THEATER'S SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS Opens Nov. 21 

ART:  Celebration of Young Sun Kim opens at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Sun. Nov. 15. Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern, Fullerton  Open daily at 10 AM. Info: www.themuck.org 714.738.6595

 

BOOKS: Fullerton Public Library Main Library Conference Center 353 W. Commonwealth in Fullerton. Open 7 Days a week 

LIVE MUSIC/CONCERTS: 

ACOUSTIC ROCK/FOLK/JAZZ: The Night Owl Saturday Acoustic Showcase features one hour-long sets from four different artists every Saturday night. First performance starts at 5 PM.  Next show is Sat. Nov. 7 Night Owl , 200 N. Harbor Blvd. Admission is free.  Buy a coffee. Tip your Barista.

LIVE THEATER: 

Cal State Fullerton Theater performs MacBeth at the Hallberg Theatre on the Campus of Cal State Fullerton. 800 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton. Opening night is Thurs. Oct. 5 running through Sat. Nov. 14. Seven shows begin at 8 PM with 2 PM matinees on Sat. Nov. 7 and Sat. Nov. 14. Tickets: www.fullerton.edu/arts/657.278.3371

The Electric Company performs The Servant of Two Masters at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center 1201 W. Malvern, Fullerton. Through Tues. Nov. 17. 7 PM shows with the exception of 9 PM Closing Night. Tickets: www.our.show/ectservant or www.themuck.org 714.6595

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians opens on Sat. Nov. 21 and runs until Dec. 23. Maverick Theater 110 E. Walnut Ave, Unit B Fullerton. Show times are at 8 PM. Info: www.mavericktheater.com 714.526.7070

MOVIES/FILM:

CLASSIC: The Sting (1973) screens at the Fullerton Public Library Conference Center 353 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton. Wed. Nov. 18. 4 PM.  Admission is Free.

Send upcoming Arts and Entertainment Events in Fullerton for inclusion in this section to allenbacon1@gmail.com

OP-ED: Transportation Study was Unnecessary

Op-Ed by Allen Bacon, Editor

BOSCO Fullerton

As a frequent user of the Southern California as well as the National Transportation Systems, I was more than a little concerned about an approval of spending over a Quarter Million Dollars by the Orange County Transit Authority to conduct a study relating to the feasibility of a transportation system from the campus of Cal State Fullerton to Downtown Fullerton.

Our City Council in my hometown of Fullerton, California generously agreed to chip in $30,000 for this study. $30,000 that we really shouldn't be spending when we have other things to worry about like dilapidated water/sewage pipes, bad roads and out of control pensions.

No one asked me, but if they did, I could have saved the Taxpayers over a Quarter Million Dollars.

Here's The Secret.  Are you ready for this?

That transportation system already exists.

It's called OCTA Routes 26 and 24.  And if the Metrolink Placentia Station (The beautiful vacant building in Old Town Placentia) ever opens you will be able to take the Metrolink from Downtown Fullerton to Downtown Placentia and jump on the 26 or 24 there...and go on to nearby CSUF. Or, for the more adventurous or health conscious...Walk or bicycle a mile from the Placentia Metrolink Station to the campus.

OCTA Route 26 runs every 35 minutes or so during peak hours from Cal State Fullerton to the Fullerton Downtown Transportation Center.

So maybe you spend a fraction of the quarter million dollars to promote that route, then as ridership increases and pays for itself, then you add more frequency on that line.

Maybe you have a Route 26A at that time which just goes from the University to Downtown. (Route 26 currently continues on to Yorba Linda to the East and Buena Park to the West).  And maybe you do a nice advertising bus wrap in Cal State Fullerton Titan Orange and Blue that calls Route 26, are you ready for this, the Campus-Downtown Connection.

The point is, that spending over a quarter million dollars of our hard-earned taxpayers money on a study that we already know the answer to, is pointless and a waste of money.

BUSINESS: Keto And Business-Friendly

The Keto Alternative

Fullerton, California

5 Scoops of Bosco

Editors Note:  The Alt Cafe Sit Down Restaurant has closed since this was written.  However, Cody Round's Food Prep Service Club Keto and The Keto Alternative, is alive and well.  Ordering online is available.

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

One of the challenges of adopting the Low Carb/low sugar/Keto lifestyle is finding good places to eat that support the lifestyle.  

I personally have adopted the mind-set that I can go in to any restaurant or diner and modify a menu to fit my low carb, low sugar lifestyle.  Over the years, I have gotten pretty darn good at it.  I am kind of proud of myself.

Except bakeries.  It's extremely hard to do Low Carb, low sugar or Keto in a bakery.  And I have always loved bakeries.

When I go to a bakery. I usually end up getting coffee. Black.  All the while taking in the wonderful bakery aroma.

All this menu modification can be mentally exhausting.  I really don't want to work that hard at it.  I have other important things to do.  Like eating.

So, I was thrilled to discover a few weeks back as I was on my walk of a section of the historic and iconic El Camino Real (AKA Harbor Blvd.)  through my hometown of Fullerton a quaint new diner, The Alt Kafe, The Keto Alternative. 

The Alt Kafe is actually a half block west from the El Camino Real (Harbor Blvd) on Chapman Avenue in Fullerton but totally worth the diversion from the walk.  I was already walking anyway.  So an extra half a block wasn't going to kill me.  But I digress.

The first time I went to the Alt Kafe, I was fortunate enough to run into Cody Rounds, the owner and chef.  Cody is originally from South Carolina so he has this infectious Southern Hospitality vibe which spreads to his entire staff.  So I fell instantly in like with Cody and his team.

The food is absolutely delicious.  All the items I have eaten so far are winners.  Cody has been involved with the keto lifestyle for a while and has been doing food prep and catering (and continues to have a thriving food prep service called the Keto Alternative) his Keto-Friendly fare before he opened up the Kafe as a brick and mortar.  He has crafted a wonderful menu to choose from.  He has been tweaking the menu at the Kafe ever since he opened in February so the original menu is evolving weekly.  Check online to see the latest offerings. The website is www.theketoalternative.com/alt-cafe but they are also on all the social media platforms as well.

So far I have tried and enjoyed the following: 

The Ollie Burger. A beef burger with pimento cheese, bacon and pickles usually on a low carb bun although I had this as a lettuce wrap. 

The Western Burger,  which is a beef burger with pepper jack pimento cheese, grilled jalapenos, bacon, spicy comeback sauce on a keto bun. 

Alt Kafe's take on the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich is my favorite so far.  It is a  chicken breast  breaded in pork rinds and parmesan cheese with Nashville hot sauce topped with slaw and pickles.  Spoiler alert on the Nashville hot sauce.  It is very hot.  I wisely took it on the side.

Other items on the current menu include the Sammy (A crispy seared 6 ounce filet of salmon served over a veggie risotto made from mushrooms, cauliflower and spinach). My server on the return trip told me this along with the Thai Chicken Salad, Nashville Nuggies and Nashville-Cali Mac are the most popular items right now.

I mentioned earlier my love of bakeries and the challenge of eating low carb, low sugar bakery and dessert items in a diner or restaurant.   Alt Kafe comes to the rescue with a wide array of delicious Keto-friendly, low carb dessert and bakery options. My favorite so far are all of the scones, a Red Velvet Cheese cake as well as a German Chocolate cake.

Breakfast is served every Saturday morning and the breakfast menu includes a Western Omelette,  Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, and Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich.

Enjoy.

STORIES: The Forgotten Fullerton Rock Band

 

By Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

When I was eight years old, my second grade teacher, Mrs. Cahill, (shoutout to Richman Elementary in Fullerton, CA) gave us the assignment to write a story and then draw an illustration to go with the story.

My story was of a fictitious band called the Removers in which I was the frontman. My brother was the drummer and two of our relatives were the bass and lead guitarist.

I had a hard time drawing a guitar so I went to just putting tambourines in my hands. But you can tell it’s me because I drew myself with my signature crew cut.

I ran out of space so I ditched the fourth member of the group. I found out later, from my artist/art teacher wife that I actually made the right call artistically. It’s called “the rule of thirds”.

Plus my cousin wasn’t a great guitarist anyway.

So we became a power trio.

Check out our outfits. So Mod.

To make an already long story shorter... This crayon drawing ended up on the walls of the Muckenthaler Center. Each year they would highlight the "best" art from the grade schoolers in Fullerton.

To this day...I wonder how I got in that exhibit. Was Mrs. Cahill on the board that chose the winners? Look at this drawing...It's horrible! Now my neighbor friend Larry Dodson could draw and paint! He was an artist! Me....not so much....but I digress.

So, I ended up as the answer to a trivia question. If you want to win a bet and the question is. “Whose art was displayed at the Muckenthaler Center first? Is it Fine Artist Marta Bacon (whose had more than one of her pieces displayed over the years at the Muck) or her husband Allen Bacon? .... the answer would be me, Allen Bacon .

The Removers were a cover band. We played a lot of Monkees, Beatles, Buffalo Springfield and whatever else I was listening to on KEZY 1190 AM on my AM Transistor radio in 1967.

Now if I can just find my story. It’s somewhere in my garage.