There were more than 100 graduates taking part in the festivities which included a grand feast, some wonderful activities, a lot of dancing, some great entertainment from the group Ronny and the Classics, and a treasure trove of memories shared.

We would like to thank each and every one of you for making our 30 year reunion the best ever. It all began mid-year of 1999 when a few of us met up via email through the web site at El Camino Real. It was unanimous that we wanted to do this different this time. It was our 30 year reunion and it

Steve, Kathy, Jim and Penny

seemed like this one should be special. No one knew what this decision meant at that time or where it would take us. The only thing that was clear was that we didn't want to hand it over this time to a reunion company and end up with the usual "rubber chicken at the Marriott" kind of reunion. We wanted a reunion that not only reflected the good taste we've acquired in the last 30 years, but also one that touched the magic of what it was like to grow up in Southern California in the 60's. Forget the suits and ties, too. This time it was going to be

Linda Schwartz Merriweather

about re acquainting with old friends in an atmosphere that was both casual and relaxed. Last, but not least, it had to fun.

Those were tall orders. It took a full year of considering every detail that we could control and trying to second guess those we could not. What day would be best for everyone? What would the weather be like? Where should it be? How do we find everyone? How many would come? What's the best way to fold the invitations? You don't want to know how much time we spent on the centerpieces. Fortunately, we had one powerful ally this time around that we didn't have ten years ago - the Internet. We were able to set up a web site to organize our data and communicate easily and efficiently as each issue arose. It linked us together again, gave us all a voice, and ultimately made us feel comfortable with each other well before July 8th rolled around.

Ronny and the Classics

We looked at a number of locations but the Jonathan Beach Club, that grand dame of LA's private beach clubs, had to be it. Nowhere else came close. With one of the best chefs in So Cal heading up the kitchen "rubber chicken" was nowhere on the menu either. Of course, one of the key elements in this reunion was the music. We agreed it had to be live this time, and we listened when you demanded classic rock'n'roll. We also listened to a number of bands but Ronny and the Classics were the clear choice. These veterans of good time rock'n'roll had a play list that spanned the time of our lives and they knew how to deliver it. So now we had the basic mix but, as they say, "the devil's in the details." It was the decisions about all the little things that was perhaps the most challenging aspect of planning this.

Well, the decisions got made, the ice was broken, the reservations poured in, and July 8th came quickly. The committee met early at the hotel, the JBC set tables, the band assembled its equipment, the photographer found his place

ECR70 Village People

out of the late afternoon breeze, and the cars arrived. Right from the start it was clear to us that there was no stopping this thing. It literally took off with a life of its own. We, the committee, gladly tossed out all our plans for people mixers to get us all re-acquainted. There was no need for them at all. As the summer sun sank slowly into the Pacific, El Camino's Class of 1970 rose magnificently to the occasion.

ECR70 graduates at the picnic

Ronny and the Classics carefully orchestrated the mood as the evening crescendo-ed from introductions, through the sumptuous dinner, to full-on party time. We danced to the tunes that defined us as a generation while we kept the beach balls bouncing towards the starry sky above us. Yes, we were glowing and it wasn't just from the neon necklaces we wore. Real connections were made that night and on into the picnic at beautiful Oak Canyon Park the next day, not just with people we knew but with many we had only just shared the halls with 30 long years ago.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and when that sad moment came our only complaint was that it all ended much too soon. As Ronny said, though, "Always leave them wanting more." We certainly hope this reunion gave you that feeling.

There are always the memories though. If you want to see a great collection of 30th reunion photos in the photo gallery (and you're already logged in) click here. If you're not logged in to the photo gallery the link will take you to the main photo gallery page. After this you can sign in or register.