Return to the Mountain: Nez Pierce and His Alter Ego Percy Kahn

By Carl Quinn

Nez’ life shapes itself into two personas, Nez Pierce, the politician, and Percy Kahn, the entertainer. Both Egos feed upon being recognized, appreciated, and loved, especially by those of the opposite sex.

Follow Nez Pierce and Percy Kahn on their adventures, successes, and failures. Feel their ambitions, laugh at their encounters, dream their dreams, as they reach for the stars.

Born in the Mountains of Western Montana as a Native American, musical talents began singing chants with his father, followed by singing in garage bands of San Francisco.
In College he embraces the Sixties youth culture, singing in a local bar next to the University of California in Berkeley.

From his early years, his family reaches out to integrate into the modern American culture. His Chinese “tiger-mom” with the assistance of his father, accelerates the family’s education with diverse experiences from the home to overseas, from the libraries to the museums, and from outdoor adventures to a diversity of education. In addition to English the family retained their ancestry through the languages of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Ojibwe.


This book is entertaining, light hearted reading with an array of intertwined Romance Novellas for the Baby Boomer generation and others, reminiscing the frivolity of the Sixties and Seventies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781728377308

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© 2023 Carl Quinn. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/17/2023

ISBN: 978-1-7283-7729-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7465-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-7730-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023900634

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Character Reference Guide

PART I       Nez - the Early Years

PART II      Incarnation of Percy Kahn

PART III     Regenerating Alter Egos

PART IV     Stepping onto the World Stage

PART V       Reaching Out - Global Relationships

PART VI      A White House

Epilogue

CHARACTER

REFERENCE GUIDE

Nez (Percy)

Main ongoing Characters are in Bold. They are listed chronological by location when first appearing.

Reappearing secondary Characters are in Regular Print.

Lesser recurring characters are not listed.

Nez’ FAMILY: Pierce and Zhang

Minnie Pierce (Mom) aka Zhang Min (Maiden Name): Born in the Yunnan Province of China. She Immigrated to San Francisco at age 17, became a librarian, where she met Native American husband Noka.

Noka Pierce (Father) from the ‘Little Shell Tribe’ of Chippewa Indians. Curator of the San Francisco Museum of History and Anthropology. He enjoyed camping in the mountains, being with nature, and living in spirituality.

Siblings: Elan Brother in Health Care Administration, and Abey, Sister Accounting data bases and Computer Technology. Later married Dr. Anton Adams.

Maternal Grandmother Zhang Ngo Ven: born and raised in Go Dau Ho, Vietnam.

Cousins: Zhang Wei and Zhang Chae in China, Childhood friends. As adults they become active in the Republic of China’s Government.

SAN FRANCISCO and U.C. BERKELEY

Sally Jeffreys: Kip’s girlfriend, UC Berkeley, Notre Dame Law-Youth advocacy

Jeri Koams: Artist, faculty UC Berkeley, Famous, sculptured Intrepid.

Melinda Ventura: Sorority President, PK Foundation, Friends with Glenda.

Kip Kahn: childhood friend, roommate at UC Berkeley, lost before graduation.

VIETNAM

Tuyen (Angel moon) Saved Nez’ life, Singer/performer, Vietnamese activist.

Chief Bao: Viet Popular Force, Tuyen’s Father, brothers Chein, Tinh

PARIS

Brigitte: Singer, song co-writer w/Percy Kahn, married Philippe Gallois

Francoise Rodin: Paris love interest, Librarian, campaign organizer, Mayor

Captain Gallois: Head of family and Gallois Law firms in Europe

Marie Gallois: daughter, PK Foundation Europe, Married Alain

LONDON

Holly, Jolly, Mary, and Cary: the Four Queens (Kids: Chris and Eve)

MONACO

Christina (Tina) Bassett: unrequited Love of Nez’ life Born Lithuania, worked in

Geneva, Red Cross/Red Crescent, U.N. Administration Geneva

AMERICA, Las Vegas / New York

Kelly Green: Director Caesar’s Shows in Las Vegas

Robin Sparrow: Kelly’s friend, mentors Tuyen, Congressional Rep., son Adam

Frances Little Creek: Native American Bureau Administrator, Director

Maggie Gutenberg: Editor and Publisher of N.Y. Times Magazine

BOSTON, Harvard / Foundation

Marion Dewey: M.I.T. Computer Tech, founder Dewey Enterprises

Diane Wroble: Entertainment Lawyer, Princess Margaret Foundation (L.A.)

Lili Padd: Singer/actor, apartment neighbor on Harvard’s Porter Square

WASHINGTON D.C., Government

Alisha Kumar: Deputy Sec of State, Chief of Staff, Middle East authority

Jon Real: best friend, Harvard Law classmate, Sec. of State, Attorney General

Ken Flesher: US President and mentor, 1977-1985

SOVIET UNION

General Brandt: Soviet Union Foreign Affairs, Secretary General

Isabelle Brandt: Fashion Ltd., living in Paris. Married Igor Federov, Importer

Nadia Brandt: wild daughter, matured to Soviet Secretary of Trade

PART I

NEZ - THE EARLY YEARS

In the Kitchen

From the kitchen he heard his mom yell, Eat your eggs, there are people starving in the world.

Nez responded with disingenuous sass, Well wrap it up and send it to them.

He always got a smirk from his mother; he felt validated as a five-year old. Somehow, with time, that exchange would take root.

Growing Up

Mom shouted, Get your backpacks. It’s time for school.

Today was his first day at school. Mom stood him in the doorway and snapped a, first day in a Kindergarten photo. His two older siblings teased him, setting to rhyme A kinder, a candor, a kid with lots of dander! They laughed. He gave them the finger. He didn’t know what it meant, imagining something like, Up your nose with a rubber hose.

Off, went the three sibs and Mom walking the five blocks to the small tribal school down the road. Mom often volunteered a half-day in school helping with paperwork, lunch, and occasional substitute teaching. She didn’t have a teaching license but she voraciously read, having worked as a librarian in San Francisco.

She met her sweetheart, Noka, the bear, at the library quickly becoming the love of her life. They soon became husband and wife. They spent a blissful nine months in San Francisco, but when they were expecting their first child they moved to the Father’s Native American homeland in the outskirts of Great Falls, in Western Montana.

Their Father would take the family up into the foothills at least once a week to see the wildlife, listen to the sounds, and see the vistas. Father had worked in the Museum in San Francisco and knew a lot about a lot of things. He pointed out all sorts of interesting things about nature and usually told a story about what they were seeing. These were often Tribal folk tales, but sometimes they were told from things he learned at the museum, and sometimes he just made them up to tell stories.

Both parents agreed that they would expose their children to the traditional ways of their native people but to focus on teaching them to succeed in the mainstream of the modern, changing world of today.

They decided they would teach the little children, the ways of their tribe, the Little Shell Tribe of the Chippewa Nation. As they prepared for public school, they would focus on merging them into American Culture that would define their education and place in life.

For this reason, their plan was to move back to San Francisco after a few years.

*       *       *

China Town, San Francisco

China Town was where they settled, it being affordable, and culturally connected to Minnie Mom, as the kids started calling her. That nickname didn’t last long, Mama had put her foot down!

Nez was five at the time his family moved to San Francisco. His father had been offered a job as curator at the San Francisco Museum of Natural History and Culture. His specialty, of course, was Native American Cultures.

His mother worked at home schooling, guiding, and tutoring her children. The family sessions would often be given together, spanning from his age of five to the oldest of eight.

Mother had worked in the San Francisco Public Library. This time, with kids, she got a part time job the local community Library. Mom loved books and knew how to find the right subjects in which all three kids would be interested.

Nez was a quick learner and voracious reader. With a little prior preparation, he was able to keep up with his siblings and often interacted with subject discussions. Of course, he was still home schooled in the Three R’s, reading, writing and arithmetic.

Father was a five-day-a-week employee with every Sunday and Monday off. After work he would hop a Trolly and be home by six o’clock every night. He loved telling of his adventures at supper. He home taught the history and values of his Native American people when he had time.

He continued expressing his observations of nature, spirituality, and a regard for the Earth. Often on Sunday or after school on Monday they would all board the Trolly and take a family trip into ‘his’ Museum to spend the day exploring and talking about a certain section of exhibits. And boy, did he know the stories here!

They would routinely have lunch in the Museum Commissary and talk about all their favorite, and really cool things they saw.

*       *       *

As the children grew, Mom spent her time raising their three kids, tutoring them, and loving them. She excelled as a tutor. Her knowledge and ability to access information was extraordinary. Before they were old enough for school and, less so, while in school, she spent time with each teaching a short lesson followed by making short, age appropriate, independent assignments. Often, they would get together and discuss a shared subject that she selected. She required courtesy, dialogue, and social interaction, as important as the subject matter. Mom was so organized that she would create charts with a column for each child, and a time-line for each lesson. Although proactive, she was very careful not to ‘push’ but ‘entice’ them into exploring new subjects.

As often as possible they would all go together on adventures. Making snow forts in Montana; flying kites in the Bay Area.

The family kept it real with nature by hiking, and camping. They loved the weekends they could hike and camp in the trees and sometimes retreat to the mountains.

*       *       *

Of course, there was a disparity in age as Nez tried to ‘keep up’ with his slightly older siblings. If he didn’t know the answers, he would play the game, Fake it ‘til you make it.

His siblings would laugh, his mother would call his bluff, but later in life, it would become his mantra for his entertainment and negotiation.

*       *       *

Nez learned early to keep up. His greatest pleasure was to be able to do things, and know things that his brother and sister knew and could do.

They would speak English as their spoken language.

Mom, however wanted them to be able to communicate in others. She put together a language Calendar in the kitchen.

Every Monday evening was for speaking Chinese, her native tongue.

Tuesday evenings were for speaking Vietnamese which was similar.

Thursdays were for speaking their Native American language in Ojibwe.

Both parents wanted to make learning fun, they sang songs and told stories in these languages. They focused on their kid’s social development and relationship building.

The hiking and camping together on weekends, remained their family passion, especially if it could be on a mountain.

Long weekends back at Grandpa’s in Montana were the best!

*       *       *

Grade School

Formal Schooling transitioned to knowledge, understanding, and analytical thinking. These life skills worked toward inclusion into the modern American culture.

His parents emphasized the idea of their family living in the modern world with integration and knowledge of the nuances of social life today. For this reason, the family enrolled each of the children into San Francisco Public Schools. The family lived in China Town but tried to place their kids in schools that would expose their children to other cultures. They did remain near San Francisco’s China Town where Mother had friends and connections. These connections enabled intense home, group study, gatherings and outings furthering basic concepts of social interaction, Chinese language, Science, higher math, mechanics of modern appliances, finances, geography and cultural diversity.

Nez, enjoyed learning new things and meeting new people. He would not join one group but find his way into one group and later into another. He tended to be drawn to older groups of kids. He was tall for his age and could hold his own in about any situation. He became a fan of public libraries. His mother would also find lists of books that would interest and challenge him. His mother taught him the Dewey Decimal System and he acquired confidences in finding his own reading material. Nez grew up to be independent and spent a lot of time exploring his neighborhood and talking to people of San Francisco.

For his 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade he joined a neighborhood school of children in Chinatown. The mothers were a group of highly motivated parents that would offer auxiliary group discussion and special assistance when a student needed. Nez skipped a grade and was placed directly into 4th grade. He skipped a grade since he fit better given his early childhood learning experiences, and drive to compete.

In his neighborhood, he joined a group of friends, mostly Chinese. They were close. His Mom forbade any connections to gangs.

Here Nez met a classmate a year older who ended up being his best friend. His name was Kip Kahn. They spent a lot of time together, especially popular music.

They and a few other capable musicians formed a Garage Band. The music was horrendous, but they loved the noise, it made them feel cool.

Their friendship lasted through High School and College. Both their passions were music and singing. Their Garage Band got better with two other members.

Kip Kahn and Nez ‘Percy’ Pierce shared a dream of being Golden Bears at the University of California, Berkeley, across the Bay. Someday.

*       *       *

Family Vacations Montana

Each year the family took a week or two to spend time in their Native American lands, visiting relatives and friends. This could be a spring break, a summer getaway, or the end-of-year Holidays. They loved being reconnected with their Native American roots.

From the start of their motor trip, they would have fun as they attempted to communicate using their native language tongue. It was a game, it was being an ancient, it was being in another world, and they all loved it!

Arriving in the Mountains near Grand Falls, Montana, they would spend time in the mountains hiking, camping, learning about nature.

In the evenings, Papa Noka would invite tribal friends to share in a dinner. They too, some attempting, spoke the dialect during the meal.

Nez would precede the meal with one of the thankfulness chants his father had taught him. With time, his parents would invite him to give the chant outdoors, him being so loud. Outdoors was much better. Those inside could hear quite clearly.

On many nights, after dinner, the Pierce family would take a walk with silence and reverence, a quarter mile to a nearby Yurt, a gathering place built of wood frames with skinned hides, and canvas covering its cylindrical sides and arched roof.

The Yurt was on Reservation land, built by the Pierce family, and open to Native Americans in the area. Tonight, they would have a Huddle, somewhat of an informal Pow wow.

Grandfather would lead the ceremony. As family gathered, his dad along with Nez would sing the chants and follow grandpa in dance, eventually working his way into the shelter with others following.

They sat in a circle with the older and respected in front, nearest the log fire. Papa Noka would begin with a blessing, and tell a story of ancient ways, usually with an ethical message proper actions and reactions.

Going around the circle from elder to younger they would share an individual or personal blessing by passing a Peace Pipe, only the adults could inhale.

On Sunday nights, more neighbors would gather, for a more formal Pow wow, with ritual. Papa Noka subtly gave the children the opportunity to dance and chant when the occasions presented themselves.

It was the children’s job to gather and replenish the wood used as fuel to the ritualistic fires. Actually, this too was an adventure for children growing up in the city.

*       *       *

The highlight of every visit was at least one of Papa Noka’s, Retreats into the Mountains to compliment his children’s expanse of natural knowledge. His family prepared themselves by hiking silently up the slopes. What talking was done, was done by Papa Noka. Upon arrival at an easily identifiable site, he would teach the concepts and basic approaches of the discipline of Meditation followed by Regenerative Contemplation.

The young ones, likely being reactive and flighty, needed a way to calm their minds and redirect their attention, each in their own way.

For Nez, this process of Meditation and Regenerative Contemplation would evolve into his healing process of reflection and rejuvenation, both in best of times and the worst of times.

*       *       *

Yunnan Province of China

Each year in the Summer the whole family would spend six to eight weeks with Mother’s family in the mountain area of the Yunnan Province of China. The cousins connected instantly and got to know each other quickly. Having learned a basic Chinese Mandarin, from their mother really helped.

Grandmother, Zhang Ngo Ven was a happy person, proud of her grandchildren, both in China and in her homeland, Vietnam. She liked to tell stories of her life growing up. She would speak slowly with simple words in Vietnamese, but paused often for questions or clarification about the Vietnamese words.

Far Eastern languages carried over for weeks after the China visit. They were drawn to listening to Mom’s favorite radio channel - the China Town Radio Station.

*       *       *

In China the kids loved exploration with their cousins. The Summer, China visits began in 1952, but ended in 1958 as travel gradually became more politically contested. Nez’ Grandmother, having growing up in Vietnam, worried about things that were not going well with China’s occupation in Vietnam.

Even so, with Grandma’s Family still in Vietnam she would take annual trips before the end of each year to brood over her family, nieces, nephews and related children around Go Dau Ho in South Vietnam.

*       *       *

Their Chinese cousins were also into hiking trips into the foothills and mountains. Nez was still young but most of his cousins were older and more familiar with these foothills and mountains, great areas to have fun together and play. One of their favorite games was called, Capture the Flag. Everyone could be a part of that contest.

Nez spent most of his time with his older cousin Zhang Wei. He most enjoyed their long discussions of philosophy and politics. They would talk for hours, both quoting Confucius and Sun Tzu to make a point about being yourself, keeping threatening people in check, seizing opportunities as they present, and about prior knowledge of your potential adversaries.

Their ideas went from quite logical to wild dreaming of the ‘what ifs’.

Their discussions were juvenile, but had a good dialogue of a basic, inquisitive nature. Their thought process of such things was beyond their years. Their conclusions wavered from quite logical to wild dreaming.

To follow favorite quotes, Nez explained his Christian Bible quote which he lived by. It was called The Serenity Prayer. He recited;

"Lord, grant me the strength to change what I can change,

The patience to accept what I cannot change,

And the Wisdom to know the difference."

Wei was impressed and wrote it down for his future use.

When Wei looked up, he noted his favorite quote, called The Golden Rule by Christians. It originated from Confucius three hundred years before Christ said it.

After much discussion, with a strong consensus of agreement, they declared that this could be one of the earliest basic laws of social political cooperation.

*       *       *

As a distraction his cousin Chae, Wei’s sister, seemed to constantly catch his eye. She was his age and moved like an angel, gliding and skipping from flower to flower. His attention would be diverted to her rather it be during an active game, a hike, or a discussion with his older cousin. At eight years old he began to develop feelings of attraction toward Chae.

*       *       *

Minnie Mom would cry at the end of each Native American or Chinese vacation, especially leaving her dearly loved parents.

On the long way back home, the family would reminisce about their Yunnan Mountain adventures, concealing their occasional diversions of mischief.

As they traveled, they reviewed their use of language and reinitiated themselves to city ways and the English language.

Both immersions in family would lead to deep cultural affiliations. It was important to stay connected with both their Eastern and Western culture, it was defining the essence of whom they were and would become.

*       *       *

In 1959 the family did not go to China. The tensions with both France, as would be colonists, and China as communists, both occupying Vietnam soil became unstable and polarized.

The Pierce family remained safe and stable in San Francisco, with the kids excelling in advanced studies, museum excursions, community projects, and sports. This was the summer they started their garage band. They made more noise than music.

Grandmother’s family in South Vietnam, had moved from Go Dau Ha to a remote area ten miles up River, to avoid confrontation with the marauding soldiers.

*       *       *

As Nez was growing and maturing at a faster pace, his social networking with other students didn’t seem challenging, nor did it seem concerned with global issues.

Nez persisted with his habit of always leaving something on his plate after a meal, wanting to send it to the hungry of the world. His mom understood and accepted this repetitive behavior as an emotional way to make a complex world understandable.

*       *       *

Tiger Mom

Because of Minnie’s outstanding success, the school administration was concerned about grade skipping her children, especially Nez.

She took inventory of her efforts, how she used home supplements to slightly upper-level courses. She considered their focus on social development and learning fun days, like in Museums. She considered her care, not to teach curriculum taught in school, because it would cause kids to lose their interest.

*       *       *

One night on a local television show, a Child Psychologist labeled a Tiger Mom as high pressure, demanding, pushy, test oriented, pushing achievement upon her children. A mother like this, he suggested, was ruining her children. She was usurping their fun, freedom, and friendships with guilt, pressure, demands, and harsh punishments to get that kind of achievement.

The next day, Minnie ran into a neighbor at the local grocery. She stopped a lady friend and asked if she had watched the report about Tiger Moms on her television.

We don’t watch much television. She responded, Our kids like to play outside.

The local school board was processing the Tiger Mom concept as kind of child abuse. It was difficult for the grade school to believe the likelihood of producing these high achieving youngsters without ruining them.

*       *       *

A week later, there was a knock on the door. Mom and Abey were in the kitchen cleaning up and Papa Noka was fun wrestling in the living room with Nez and Elan.

Abey opened the door revealing the wrestling match on the floor.

Good evening gentlemen. Welcome to our home. Would you like to come in?

Just for a few minutes. they replied. Abey went back in the kitchen.

Papa pulled himself up off the floor, shook the visitor’s hands and offered them a seat on the sofa.

We’ve come at the request of our school board to see if everything is alright with the children. We’ve had some inquiries about their health and wellness.

They’re all healthy. Papa answered proudly.

Abey came into the living room and acknowledged the men with a slight curtesy, and sat down next to her Papa.

What’s happening in the kitchen? One of them asked as Mom came out of the kitchen.

Abey answered, Mom and I were cleaning up, we were playing a game with it, pretending we were in a factory and had to find out the most efficient way to get the job done. Would you like to come into the kitchen for a demonstration?

The gentlemen declined. He turned to Nez. What did you do after school today, young man?

I and my friends have a garage band. We practice every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Lots of neighbor kids stop by to listen and talk, some bring cookies. You can stop by any of those days and listen to us if you want.

Mom sat next to Papa.

I see you have a television, a Stromberg Carlson.

We get the San Francisco News. Are you here about the article in the news about Tiger Moms?

There was a pause, Well yes. Said one, The school board wants us to investigate.

Would you like to walk around the house? Mom offered. Don’t freak out if you see a pair of socks or underwear on the bedroom floor."

That would be lovely. The men said as they rose following Mom through the house. They noticed a chalk board of things-to-do with a column for each child and some interesting kid’s art hanging on the walls and the refrigerator."

After ten minutes they sat themselves back on the sofa. Everything looks normal here. Can you tell us why your children are so far ahead in school?

Brother Elan offered, That’s because we have smart parents.

Papa and Mama smiled proudly.

They asked Elan, How do you kids learn things?

Our family likes to learn new things. There are so many wonderful ways to discover the world out there. We have a small group of kids in the neighborhood that like to go on short adventure trips like Papa’s Museum downtown, or to the waterfront to learn about boats, or to go hiking in the nearby Mountains to learn about nature and how animals live.

Mom commented, We like to keep our kids out of the gangs around here. We would rather they mix with kids at their own grade level that appreciate new things in the same way.

The taller man stood. I think we’re done here. I don’t see any signs of unhappiness or social seclusion here. I guess you’re not like a Tiger Mom.

Mom replied, "If your child psychologist wants to know, we don’t push our kids, we pull them with interest in learning. We free them to investigate what interests them. We don’t keep our children shut up in a house, we expose them to the outdoors, fresh air, and the mysteries of nature.

And, by the way, I don’t have stripes, but I’m like a Tiger when it comes to protecting my babies at all costs." Mom purred like a cat.

The men walked out the door.

*       *       *

Late into the night Nez was hearing strange sounds down the hall. He woke his sister to see what was going on.

Creeping down the hall they stopped at their parent’s room. There was a strange purring going on inside followed by laughter.

Abey grabbed his wrist and pulled him back down the hall. "It’s okay, Mom and Dad are just playing a game.

*       *       *

Minnie Mama, after being accused of being a Tiger Mom, went back to keeping records on her children’s progress, mostly using a columned data base of each child’s ability level and interest to schedule a course plan for each on the chart.

She had apparently acquired a new habit, when she planned and charted, she would purrrrrrrrr.

Not on the chart was the motivation and fun she used for incentive. She gave the opportunity and engagement. Another data chart included reading fiction, history, science, electronics, languages, etc. And thirdly, she kept track of special learning events, like visits and lectures at a museum or walking around in another interesting Community, and spending an evening a week learning social and language skills of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Ojibwe.

For some reason, being the youngest she supposed, Nez had a hunger and drive for this knowledge and excelled rapidly. Mom kept each of their progressions to herself and Papa. Exercise, outdoors and sports filled the free time.

The purring stopped as Minnie Mom eventually put the charts away, hidden.

In elementary school, Nez was interested in running, sports, playing ‘Capture the Flag,’ and going to the Museum with his dad, and of course, his garage band.

*       *       *

High School Sept. 1958

In 1958 Nez was only twelve, but going into High School with his best friend Kip Kahn who was almost two years older than Nez but about the same height. Their shared interest, which bonded them, was playing in the garage band.

They both had credits from Summer School, and placement tests that their moms insisted upon crediting with the High School Administration. This would make them both able to graduate, with little extra effort, in three years. They did a lot of studying together which paid off as well.

They thought they would go out for some sports, because it was cool to be on a sports team in high school. Percy was pretty good at Cross County so he signed up for that. Kip was better at Wrestling so he signed up for that.

Together they signed up for Football. They had played a lot of sandlot football growing up and both were pretty good. They both got on the Junior Varsity team, as it turned out, everyone that tried out got onto the team. Kip got the job as quarterback and Nez got the job of half back, but he would occasionally play a tight end position as a pass receiver. He could run and catch, as they often did a in the sand lot.

As it turned out they were both pretty good at their respective Cross Country and Wrestling, but could only play as substitutes for the starting Junior Varsity team in football.

*       *       *

Two years later, by the time they were Seniors they both had starting roles on the football team. Their school identity was as the Mongols. Leading the marching band out onto the field before the game was a student Mongol mounted on a horse. It was really cool and got both fans and players pumped up.

Kip and Nez did really well that year. They both made an occasional great run or long touchdown pass, Kip to Nez. They ended up with a winning season. Nez and Kip became cool in the eyes of their fellow students.

Their four-piece Garage Band was jamming most nights. An adult neighbor liked to come over and sit with them with his guitar. The adult had a lot of musical experience and coached the band in many aspects of performance, and musicianship.

They were good enough that they would perform during their Junior and Senior years, at weekly dances in the gymnasium. They would perform once a month. They loved the music they played and the attention they got.

When they weren’t performing the girls liked to dance with them to records on a turntable connected to speakers. Most girls were too shy to ask boys to dance, so Nez and Kip asked a variety of girls.

They asked by trying to eventually dance with any girl who wanted to dance. Nez and Kip became good dancers in the process of experimenting with different moves. Sometimes they were laughed at, but they didn’t care. There wasn’t a shortage of girls in high school.

Nez, Kip and a group of boys and girls, went to movies together, with a stop at the Malt Shop afterward. They would go to basketball games together and occasionally have parties given by parents who would host.

As a Senior they started dating, usually double dates with girls they liked. The girls seemed to like them back.

Nez was a little young for romance, but he matured between his Junior and Senior year, enough to know what sex was all about. He was still shy about talking about the subject. Sometimes the girls would take initiative, dallying with his new found libido.

*       *       *

University of California at Berkeley Summer 1961

Nez and Kip chose the University of California at Berkeley, not only because it was a great school, but also affordable, being a State supported University. It was also close to home being right across the Bay from San Francisco. And the best part was that they could call themselves ‘Golden Bears.’

Both having graduated from High School with honors, looked forward to getting a head start at U.C Berkeley. They each took summer enrollment in two basic freshmen courses. Nez had placed out with full credits for both language courses, Chinese and Vietnamese. This enabled both of them to easily get their degrees in three years.

They got a room in one of the dormitories used for summer students.

Nez had arrived and unloaded before Kip. Having made his move from home to a university dormitory, he started to unpack and get settled. He had said goodbye to his parents who brought him. Unpacking and organizing was pretty easy. He stood at the window thinking, This is the first time I’ve lived away from parents, such freedom, such promise. Who will I become?

The door cracked open; a long haired ‘hippy’ type guy leaned through the doorway. He knew it was Kip right away, he had grown his hair to be cool at school, he looked more like a beatnik music star. He stood out for a few weeks, but got too hot in the Summer, so trimmed it. Nez and Kip’s parents helped carry his stuff although there wasn’t much to carry.

Well, it’s about time you got here, Nez teased his best friend, Kip Kahn.

Well, Hello to you too, Kip replied. We’re going to shake this place up.

They really wanted to hang out on campus for the summer to get to know the university layout. They had visited the campus several times before but wanted to know as much as they could before classes. They entered as sophomores, even though their use of ‘sophomore’ was a stretch.

After unpacking, Nez hit the trails, exploring all of the options in the foothills east of campus. Kip did his exploring around campus.

The most popular and convenient hang out was at the Student Union. They could spend the time outside of class studying there, having coffee, or lunch, meeting fellow students or just watching other students walk by.

*       *       *

One of the first things they thought to do at the Student Union was to post an ad for a singer who could play an instrument with their band. They needed to find someone to replace the one they lost.

Then they got word that another band member had decided not to go to UC Berkeley but to enter a small college in San Francisco. He was getting married and his wife fiancé was expecting.

So, it was only Nez and Kip.

Within a week they had three people respond. Nez and Kip interviewed each on the phone, then scheduled them to meet at the Music Department for a try-out.

*       *       *

Candy Cain was the first to arrive. She came down the hall holding her head high with a walk of confidence. She extended her hand and introduced herself.

Nez introduced himself and Kip. Is that an electric guitar? He asked.

Yes, but I can play an acoustic guitar as well as a few other string instruments.

Well let’s plug it in and give it a try. Kip suggested.

They agreed on a few songs they both knew and cranked up the music. The sound was different, but quite good. They liked it.

The next applicant came down the Hall early. Nez introduced himself and the two others.

"My name is Charlie Chin. I’m an African American, Chinese. I play saxophone and drums."

Nez asked Candy if she wanted to stick around a bit and jam with Charlie and the two of them. She was up for it and went over picking up her guitar.

They all agreed on another song and gave it a whirl. It turned out that Charlie had a good base voice that was a complement to the other three.

This was too easy they thought. Of course, they knew it was a bit rough during the try-outs but they had great potential and they were all students on campus. The other applicant didn’t have anything special, nor were they particularly great at anything.

The die was cast. All four were going to form a band. They set up a regular rehearsal schedule at the music building. In a few months they decided to try out for a local gig in a Bar near campus called Froggy Bottoms.

After a few more practices, they were starting to jive. They were getting better at timing and working with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

After some discussion they chose to name their band Strawberry Creek after the university creek running through campus.

*       *       *

The meadow, split by Strawberry Creek became one of Nez’ favorite spots. He would sit down to the babbling water as it flowed down stream. He liked to do his homework reading here. It brought back a feeling of home in nature.

A couple other students were sitting near Nez and invited him to join them. He was happy to do so.

They introduced themselves.

Are you a freshman? One of them asked.

I’m just finishing up on my freshman studies by being here this summer. How about you guys?

We’re just visiting, to see the campus. We’re enrolling as sophomores this fall. We just finished as freshmen at a downtown college in Oakland.

Nez told them about his diverse interests, as well as his cross-country runs in the hills. He pointed to the trail heads.

They wanted to hike on them with Nez. He agreed and off they went. After a half an hour they were back to Strawberry Creek. They had to go, so they said their goodbyes and departed.

Nez sat back down to continue his reading.

Kip came over, Who were those people.

They’re checking us out, enrolling this fall as sophomores. I’ll introduce you, next time we see them.

*       *       *

They headed over the university Student Union to get sandwiches.

While looking for a table, Kip spotted two girls. He asked, Would you mind if we join you? We’re new here.

Sure, come on over. We’re new here too.

Nez and Kip carried their plate and cup over and sat down. So where are you ladies from?

We’re from Tim-buck two!

Don’t be silly Glenda. Melinda Ventura said.

Okay, We’re from Malibu. Glenda said. We know The Beach Boys.

Nez asked Are they surfers?

Glenda said, Yes, but really an awesome new band who plays surfer music. We go to their concerts.

They’re playing over in an Oakland Park tomorrow night. Melinda explained, Would you like to go with us to see them? We’ve got a car.

Groovy, said Kip, Count us in.

*       *       *

Beach Boys Concert

The next evening the four of them loaded up and headed to the park in Oakland. It had a bandshell and the band was setting up its equipment. They got there early and claimed a spot where they put the two chairs that were in the trunk and a couple of blankets for the ground. Nez brought four sandwiches and a small ice chest with six soda pops to keep cold.

Glenda and Melinda had an ice chest with six beers.

Before The Beach Boys started most of the hillside was taken up with blankets and chairs, and ice chests. A good-sized crowd gathered around the stage when the band performed their first song. The crowd immediately lit up with excitement, swaying, dancing.

Nez, Kip, Melinda, and Glenda all joined the crowd, dancing in place with no one in particular. They too were energized by the songs. They hadn’t really heard that kind of singing before, but loved it.

The evening went on. The ice chests were empty. The cheering didn’t subside until well after they finished.

Glenda said, Why don’t we all go to our hotel?

Melinda added. We have two queen sized beds. You two could have one, us girls will take the other.

This was an adventure and they agreed. Sounds reasonable. Nez said, Then we can take you for a tour of our Campus tomorrow morning when we get back."

Back at the hotel, Glenda pulled out a package of funny rolled cigarettes. They knew what that was, having been introduced to marijuana or hash during high school. They also knew they had to pace themselves.

They joked, and talked, and smoked. They went late into the night.

They woke up the next day, the boys and girls weren’t separated. Kip woke up with Glenda, Nez woke up with Melinda. None of the four were wearing what they had on last night.

*       *       *

The next morning, they headed toward the U.C. Berkeley Campus stopping at a breakfast stop that looked like it was made of chrome with long lines as a speeding train might look. Inside the seats were all red vinyl with the same chrome trim.

They had the breakfast special, and turned to the realities of university life.

There was a long pause, the silence of not knowing what to say to each other after their experiences last night at the hotel.

Glenda broke the ice, We’re going to be teachers.

Did you say you went to a Junior College in Malibu? Nez encouraged her.

Yes, we were commuting from home. Our parents thought we should leave Malibu and go to University of California in Berkeley. They thought we should get out of the house and broaden our horizons, and meet new people. I don’t think they liked our friends. Most of our friends never cared about school, all they did was to surf in the Ocean.

Nez responded, "We’re from San Francisco. I’m majoring in Political Science. Kip is majoring in Music and Literature. I’m running Cross Country this fall; Kip is in Wrestling. We are both starting up a new band ourselves called, Strawberry Creek.

Melinda took the cue, As Glenda said we’re both going into teaching, but I’m going for a minor in Political Science as well. We’re both into Beach volleyball, but think I might like Cross Country. We were thinking about getting involved with the Woman’s Liberation movement.

After Nez and Kip gave them the campus tour, Melinda asked about what dormitory they would be in this Fall. They didn’t know.

Glenda said that they were thinking about pledging to join a Sorority in the Fall.

Around Noon Glenda and Melinda took off for their long drive back to Malibu, looking forward to reuniting in the Fall as sophomores.

*       *       *

Nez ran the trails in the foothills, partly for the aliveness it brought, but also to help prepare for Cross Country.

His studies were going well. They were basic and easy for Nez. He still had some reading to do. He picked up a textbook from his room and headed to the open lawn next to Strawberry Creek.

He spotted an older student Nez sitting on the grass near the creek. Nez walked over to introduce himself. The student invited him to sit down and talk. He introduced himself as Anton Adams.

Anton was a grad student working on his Ph.D. in Statistical Analysis. They talked about his area of interest as to implications of cause-and-effect relationships, the meaning of standard deviations, and relevance to the relationship to the variables.

Nez was getting a free lesson by hearing Anton’s explanations and viewpoints of analysis, which his mother had taught him earlier.

Anton was in his second year of doctoral work, having received his Bachelor’s degree at Stanford, south of San Francisco. They had a lot to talk about. Anton was living off campus in a large house with other graduate students, four women and three men.

You are a lucky man, Nez said, Are you dating?

Well, replied Anton, I guess I am, but not to get married, that is, just yet.

"Just by coincidence, my older sister Abey is getting an accounting degree, and she is working with the United States Weather Bureau in San Francisco. They have one of the top processing computers in the Country. She’s learning as much as she can about it, hoping to use it some day for her data base evaluations. Perhaps your statistical analysis work has a connection with her computer data bases.

I’d like to meet your sister, Abey.

*       *       *

The local Bars were gearing up for the return of the student hordes at the end of August. They too wanted to get some entertainment to draw in the students.

After a month of practice and three preview shows, The Strawberry Creek band got a performance contract at Froggy Bottoms near campus for Friday nights. It was large enough to seat a lot of customers.

They moved their practices to Froggy Bottoms on Thursdays, since the Bar encouraged it, but would not pay for it.

The Thursday practices were enjoyable. Even though they were trying new songs, people hung out anyway, and even drew a few extras for a drink or two.

Charlie’s saxophone solos were so sexy. Rock and Roll songs usually included Kip at a small drum set, Charlie banging at an old piano, Candy on an awesome electric guitar, and Nez singing the lead.

Many other variations emerged with other songs. Even though Nez had the voice, they could all sing well with spirit, and passion.

Every once in a while, someone would come up with a new song idea. They would all work together to write the score and refine it as they went forward. If successful they would record it with release to a local radio station. This would get them on the charts, just in case they went into competition with The Beach Boys - fat chance of that happening.

Their first real show hadn’t started since it was still summer. But they did start to draw a crowd to come down and listen. And then of course, the hangers-on would stick around and flirt with the Strawberry Creek performers. Nez noticed that they were, all four, enjoying the attention.

Nez smiled at Kip. Kip gave him a ‘two-thumbs-up’.

*       *       *

Strawberry Creek Band Fall 1961

The University had a historic reputation of large, political demonstrations, mostly on human rights issues. Fortunately, it had been fairly quiet on the demonstration front for the last twenty years, with a few, but peaceful gatherings. The ‘Baby Boomer’ generation now poured onto Campus.

What changes might come?

As the Fall Session began Nez and Kip were able to stay in their own room, not having to move. As the incoming students moved into their rooms, Nez and Kip hung out in the student lounges to meet and greet new arrivals.

Their Dormitory had five floors built in a square quadrangle, with an open garden in the middle. Each floor had two student lounges on opposing corners. The first floor was the atrium, mail boxes, dining facilities, study lounges and janitorial and storage.

Floors two and four were for females. Floors three and five were for males. Most rooms were doubles, but a few were for singles paying a bit more. Sexes could go on any floor to visit others during the day, but after seven PM they had a curfew to be on their own, gender appropriate floor.

*       *       *

The Strawberry Creek band opened on the first Thursday of school with a good performance and fairly good attendance. They figured students were more focused on getting settled and prepared for their classes.

During the first set no one was dancing on the dance floor in front of the stage until just before break, two young ladies came up and danced together. They had good flow and rhythm.

Kip elbowed Nez, Look who’s here. Nodding at the girls.

It was Glenda and Melinda!

Kip and Nez waived. Glenda and Melinda waved back.

At the bar, Kip bought the girls a drink. Nez whispered to the bar tender, I’ll have a ginger ale in a small glass.

So, what’s happening with you young ladies?

We’re in a Sorority on the south side of campus. It’s called Zeta Eta Theta. Actually, we just popped in, we have to be back at the House, to check in for orientation, we’re Pledges and can’t miss it. Melinda said.

One request, would you dance with me Nez?

Glenda repeated the same request to Kip.

Nez went to the other two, can you two play a slow dance song? The ladies want us to dance. Candy and Charlie looked at each other. Sure, said Charlie and he started with a slow, sexy song.

The four danced elegantly, holding each other close.

After a few minutes, Charlie faded out the Sax, and Candy echoed the same song with her electric guitar. The slow, sliding tone changes made it even more sexy, Nez didn’t know she could sound like that but he loved it. He loved dancing like this with Melinda.

As the song ended, Nez cradled Melinda’s back with his forearm, bending her backward, her arm gently flowed up and back. He kissed her, full on the lips. When he pulled back, she wrapped both of her arms, and a leg around Nez and kissed him back.

Charlie and Candy applauded. Apparently,

the owners and the rest of the customers at the bar were watching, a few stood up and applauded.

After the Band finished and were packing up, the owner came to Nez, Who was that girl you were dancing with?

A girl I met a couple months ago. She’s from Malibu. Don’t worry, I expect she’ll be back.

Nez and Kip, told Candy and Charlie how impressed they were with the melody of love, and the incredible versatility with the steel guitar. I think we should work with you on that kind of song. Charlie agreed, then looked at Candy and winked.

A week later, the customers at Froggy Bottoms doubled. The word must have gotten out.

*       *       *

Strawberry Creek’s rehearsal sessions became more creative, being inspired by the Froggy Bottoms crowds and the Human Right issues that seemed to be on people minds around Campus.

Candy, the steel guitarist was encouraged to experiment by creating, and writing new songs that inspired her unearthly sounds coming on the cusp of this new electronic age. Nez worked with her by experimenting to match his voice with her electric tones.

Charlie too, was encouraged to experiment with some saxophone sounds and songs, but to definitely not abandon those smoky, exotic, sensual sounds of the days gone by.

Nez and Kip were good at adapting to their creativity, while being able to write the music on the staffs. Often, they would abandon the writing and tweak their notes during the performances.

When the band got their contract, they had not thought of filling the bar area and the adjoining dining area. It didn’t take the owner long to knock out a few walls to replace them with support beams to open both rooms. They also build a thirty-inch-high stage so all could see the show.

Strawberry Creek’s contract had a clause to increase its pay as the sales increased. Within six weeks their attendance had tripled, putting a squeeze on the many diners coming for the experience of hearing this new, up and coming band. On nights the band played the place rocked. The bands income doubled.

*       *       *

Friday night Froggy Bottoms was the busiest. Students were being drawn from Stanford as well as the San Francisco colleges to see this great Strawberry Creek Band. They started with the many diners’ traditional hits and made the place rock as the night gathered momentum. The dance floor began to fill on the first song. Waitresses were wrangling through the crowds to deliver the drinks and short orders.

Candy and Charlie did some of their new songs, they got a lot of attention.

During the first break Band members circulated to keep the party hopping while greeting the audience.

Woman’s Rights Interlude

As their band got back onto stage, picking up and plugging in, a young lady in a short suede jacket with fringe stepped onto the stage and grabbed the microphone from Nez.

She addressed the crowd in a well-spoken voice, "My name is Gloria Spokane. Today is a new day in Women’s Rights! We are not sitters, we are movers and shakers; we are listeners, we are speakers. It’s time women had the right to have sex without worry, anguish, and fear. Today is the day of the Birth Control Pill."

The audience cheered; at least the females did.

My assistants all have posters telling how to access a doctor off campus to evaluate you and write you a prescription. That is, if your parents won’t.

Another cheer went up and the fliers started to circulate.

Live, on stage, Gloria turned to Charlie, Do you have a girl friend? Replying ‘yes’, Gloria gave Charlie a flier. Charlie turned and handed it to Candy.

Gloria turned to Candy with a flier, Oh my, I see you have one. By the way Charlie’s a hunk.

Gloria turned to Kip, Do you have a girlfriend?

Yes. He said just to get a flier. She handed him one.

Gloria turned to Nez, Do you have a girlfriend?

No. he said.

Gloria took a bell from her pocket and rang it into the microphone. It got the audience’s attention. Announcement to all the ladies, there’s an eligible bachelor in the room. She said holding Nez’ hand in the air. Who wants to dance with this guy?

Random shouts and cheers went through the audience.

Ten cent’s a dance! Someone shouted.

Ten cents’, Gloria yelled, Make it ten dollars a dance to go for our ‘Women’s Rights Fund. Gloria’s plants in the audience started the cheer, We want Nez, we want Nez,,,,,,,, The crowd joined into the chant.

He was young, but he wasn’t intimidated. He strutted, smiled, and waved. This is Show Business, he thought to himself.

Nez turned to his band saying, You may have to do without me this next set. I’ll give you a ‘thumbs up’ if we want a slow song, and we index ‘finger up’ if we want a fast song.

We got this Nez; I think tonight’s turning into a party.

Gloria collected the money and turned the dance partner over to Nez. Nez asked if she wanted a fast dance or a slow dance, A slow dance she requested. Nez gave the band a ‘thumbs up.’

They moved with the music. Nez didn’t talk. People were straining to see over the crowd. A few girls traded their bar stool for a seat on the bar top. The bartenders laughed and a few more followed suits.

The next dancer approached Nez with an index finger pumping upward. Nez turned to the band and repeated the sign.

She let out a Hee-Haw and began flinging her body with rhythm and enthusiasm. Nez was a good dancer and complimented her moves with his. On the last note she hopped up on him with her legs wrapped around his waist, and arms around his neck. It was a good thing she was small and thin.

By this time the dance floor was back in the flow with activity, but they gave Nez and his partners plenty of space. Spectators gathered on each side of the dance floor to spectate, and jockey for a ten-dollar dance.

Dancing continued the whole second set. Nez loved every dance, and so did his partners.

Nez turned to Gloria and said, Break time, one more dance. He turned and thanked his partner.

He turned back to Gloria, Where’s my last dance partner?

You’re looking at her. She said with her sensual dominatrix voice, Show me what you’ve got, big boy. She gave the band a ‘thumbs up’ and they started to play.

*       *       *

Nez told Kip Charlie and Candy, Take a break, I’ve got to get outside and resettle myself. I’ll rejoin the band for our last set.

Strawberry Creek took the stage for their last set.

Gloria came on stage a whispered to Nez, then took the microphone. Ladies and Gentlemen, the full band is back for their last set. Nez has agreed to stay around after the performance to dance for a five-dollar contribution to the Women’s Rights Fund, but with the jukebox.

The band took off and played a variety of song types. They did a few new things, as well as some classical rock, Kip’s time to shine. Nez sang a number of slow romantic duets with Candy, as Charlie played the interludes.

The after party involved Nez, who put in another forty-five minutes of dancing for five dollars each with some of his favorite jukebox tunes. Most were slow, his energy was beginning to drain.

The band, packed up and said their goodbyes.

*       *       *

As the bartenders started to clean up, Gloria grabbed Nez and said, I’m going to drive you home, you look like a sleep deprived zombie.

Nez got in her car; it was one of those expensive imported red convertibles. As Gloria accelerated down the street the fresh air blew in Nez’ face. That feels good. He said, I don’t think this is the right way.

I’m taking you to my condominium. You need a boost and a good night’s sleep.

The condo was moderate with an extra bedroom that was being used as an office with fliers, newspapers, and a typewriter. A stack of her birth control pill flyers was on the desk. He found the bathroom and freshened up.

When he came back out, she invited Nez to join her on the couch. I would like to toast our success tonight. I really went into this expecting somewhat of a fight. But no! You not only supported our cause; you lit the passions of a hundred young ladies.

I propose we toast to each other. She handed him a shot glass of Black Sambuca with three coffee beans at the bottom. It’s an Italian Coffee Liquor.

They both looked into each other’s eyes and sipped.

Hey, that’s good, like a liquorish stick with a kick.

After they finished their refreshment, Gloria took Nez by the hand and led him into her bedroom. She unbuttoned his shirt, continuing with his pants. Nez was getting his energy back.

Gloria looked up at him, It’s time for you to light my fire.

*       *       *

Nez woke up in the morning with some strange face to face, arms and leg entanglement.

Do you want to do that again? She asked.

Nez thought, there was silence.

What are you thinking? She asked again.

I’m thinking about missing my cross country practice this morning.

They looked at each other and laughed. Nez grabbed the sheet and pulled it over their heads as they re-tangled their appendages.

*       *