Mike Ness Social Distortion

This could fill up not only this page but also the entire newspaper. Mike Ness grew up here in Fullerton and attended Troy High School with some of you, including my wife Karen, and that is where Social Distortion kicked off a musical journey that is still in full swing today. The first live concert our kids attended with us was, of course, Social Distortion. Many of us are still driving around with ‘Skelly’ on our rear windshields. His autobiographical song “Story Of My Life” includes a reference to his life growing up in Fullerton and mentions downtown.

The seminal punk song “Kids Of The Black Hole” by The Adolescents, another Fullerton band, refers to his legendary apartment, a short walk from where I sit. Sample lyrics from Story of My Life:

“And I went downtown to look for a job. I had no training, no experience to speak of. And I looked at the holes in my jeans. And I turned and headed back.”

Mike will return (as a much-missed friend to many, not a prodigal son) on Wednesday, April 3, and will be given the key to the City. The event is Mike Ness Day; a VIP package is available, and all can attend the live concert by Greg Antista & The Lonely Streets plus Kid Ramos beginning at 4 p.m. on the plaza stage. There will also be vendors, food, and all the good stuff you expect.

photos courtesy of Fullerton Public Library History Room

Spring Training in Fullerton

Our baseball heritage is real, and in the last issue we mentioned “Spring Training in Fullerton” by local resident and author David Jerome. Our historic downtown baseball field at Amerige Park has hosted an incredible 42 Baseball Hall of Famers over the many years that games have been played there. The players include locals Tommy Lasorda, Arky Vaughn, and Gary Carter, as well as baseball legends Satchel Paige, Joe DiMaggio, Honus Wagner, Bob Feller, Ted Williams, Pee Wee Reese, and Vin Scully.

BASEBALL

Fullerton once again turns its eyes to the Cal State Fullerton Titans, and Tom Elliott fills us in as he does every season: “The Cal State Fullerton Titan baseball season was entering the Big West Conference portion of its schedule with an 8-12 record when we hit a rough stretch. While they are a young team, they will look to regain their footing at the season’s midpoint. They appear ready to make a statement with wins over Stanford and a three-game sweep of Jacksonville.” Mark your calendar for May 3, when the Titans take on the UCLA Bruins at 6 p.m. at Angel Stadium. With Dodger and Angel baseball underway, you can enjoy a great brand of baseball locally for a lot less at Goodwin Field. To follow the Titans and to view the remainder of their 2024 schedule, go to Fullertontitans.com baseball and to purchase tickets for upcoming games, go to FullertonTitansTickets.com. See you at the ballpark – Go Titans!

Performing Arts Center

Here is exciting news for those of us who attended Fullerton College and took courses in the 1300 building, either for acting or radio. This rendering shows the new building that will replace the Sculpture Garden that is there now. The floor plan shows you the layout and you can understand why everyone is really looking forward to this great addition. We are not sure what will become of the sculptures in the garden it will replace but surely they will be handled with care.

New in Town

Sweet Scoops at 135 E Commonwealth had a soft opening in mid-March, which is an interesting way to open a homemade ice cream shop, if you catch the drift. Wow, all flavors are made in-house and flavors include Sticky Rice with Mango and Banana Cream Pie. There are 9 flavors in all so far and they are adding more as they go.

Nurses

You may have heard about the shortage of nurses, who are a vital part of the healthcare system. The shortage began in 2012 and is expected to last until 2030. Driving by Fullerton Union High School on Friday, March 22, revealed that many new nurses are about to help prevent that from happening. This was the WCH-OC pin ceremony, and we congratulate everyone who is moving into this extremely important profession.

Photo Quiz

Send answer to Mike at AllMedia@sbcglobal.net

Last time: Yes, our trails do look much the same in places, and a few responded with certainty about the location. Still, the first correct answers were from Sandra, then Amanda, who identified the start of the Fullerton Loop near the Courthouse, which leads to the Hiltscher Trail.

This time: Where is this sculpture located?