Kerry Whitford:  

"Im just a poor boy from Pacoima" Did Ritchie Valens really say that? His life was a lot like mine in some ways. He also went to San Fernando High, as I did, and the movie has some real footage of the school, really brought back some old memories for sure. You know the movie La Bamba tells it like it was, I remember the plane crash at Pacoima jr High. I was going to Beachy ave Elementary school at the time. I love that movie La Bamba! Love the music! But I must say, It makes me very sad every time I watch it! "The day the music died", Ritchie was only 17 when he left us. I must have been about 14 at the time. Seems like just the other day... I always visit his gravesite whenever I go back to visit, I will post a photo of it if I can find it... It is always a very moving experience! The San Fernando Mission is a very beautiful place. Since my Mom and Sister moved to Texas, I dont get to go back there much anymore, but when I used to go back, I always made it a point to drive by all the old schools, hangouts, the old houses in the old neighborhoods,etc. They tell me I am still living in the past? Maybe so, but those were some of the best times of my life. I treasure the memories.... My first car was a 2 tone blue 56 Chevy, cruised down Van Nuys Blvd many times in that one! I crashed it into a power pole, totaled it out! Did some crazy, stupid things for sure! But didnt we all at that age? Looking back now, It is amazing that I survived! After that, I got a 58 Chevy Impala, 3 speed 283 engine, Man, what a beautiful car! Very fast too! Some good times in that one for sure...Expand for more