Foothills Sentry - December 2023

Foothills Sentry Page 6 December 2023 Family. Friends. Community. We’re all in this together. State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1801073 Ron Esparza, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0C79663 827 S. Tustin Ave Orange, CA 92866 Bus: 714-505-3400 ron@ronesparza.com For Lease For Lease Jeremy Wayland- DRE#01388205 714-745-7318 Sabrina Wayland- DRE#02156909 949-689-7713 714-363-3188 1107 East Chapman Suite #208 Office Suite $2295 per month MLS# PW23208139 FOR LEASE By Larry Pfaffly This is a story about a little 1950 Ford F1 pickup truck that became part of our family, the torchbearer of the memory of a son, Tony. We hope it can become a welcome symbol for Silverado Canyon. The Pfafflys and many of their neighbors think that the work. We installed power steer- ing and power brakes. The truck was already very powerful, so Tony was only allowed to drive it under strict supervision. The truck became an integral part of the Pfaffly’s lives. It was always ready to do what was asked of it. On January 4, 1987, Tony asked me to help him and his friend Jody tow a VW to Jody’s mother’s property. They took Tony’s truck because it could tow anything safely. Heavy rain con- tinued as it had for several days. After completing the tow, Tony and Jody asked if they could go to town to buy a pizza. I said no, the weather was too bad. They went anyway. Both Tony and Jody were 16. Jody drove. As they passed the community church on Silverado Canyon Road, Jody dropped the right two wheels off the side of the pavement. When she got the wheels back on the road, they were perpendicular to the flow of traffic. A large 4x4 truck T-boned the passenger door. Tony died in the early hours of the following morning. The funeral was held at La Purisima Catholic Church. At Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, about 40 people held hands in a circle around the grave. Jody’s brother- in-law played a guitar and sang “Stairway to Heaven.” A few days later, the Pfaffly's held another celebration of life, embodying the virtues of the canyon. It was strong, powerful, resilient, trustworthy and scruffy, but with a lot of character. We were emotionally unable to let the truck be scrapped, but had no place to put it. If the truck lived on, so did a part of Tony. With two days left to find a home for the doomed truck, at least 10 people from Silverado worked to find it a temporary location. One was found, and we were given 30 days to find it a permanent home. And then another 30. It occurred to me that Tony’s Truck represented family love in Silverado. What if we could find a place to showcase the truck on the way into the canyon -- turn it into a flower bed to welcome people into Silverado? It would make a wonderful Silverado Wel- come Banner. One concept is to place the truck body on a concrete platform and put planters around and in the vehicle. This would put a warm, colorful spot on the place we make Tony’s Truck’s home. A small plaque on the truck could help tell the story of a Fa- ther’s and Son’s love for each other -- a good story for the world we live in. Let Tony’s Truck say “Welcome to Silverado.” If you have any ideas that can help us make this happen, please contact Larry Pfaffly (714) 397- 1018. Orange establishes Police Foundation The Orange Police Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicat- ed to supporting and enhancing community safety through initia- tives and partnerships, got off to a celebratory start Sept. 21, with a kickoff event at the Grand Gi- meno in Orange. “The majority of the Police Department budget is allocated to salaries and benefits,” Orange Police Chief Dan Adams ex- plains, “leaving a small amount for equipment, training, outreach and support. The work of a Po- lice Foundation will greatly assist with funding to support a safer Orange.” The Foundation will purchase specialized equipment, provide advanced training and commu- nity and youth engagement op- portunities. Board President Sean O’Toole (OPD Sgt. Ret) notes that the Foundation has already surpassed its startup goal of $100,000 in contributions. Board members include Rick Martinez, Vicki Murphy, Kim Nichols, Geoff Fearns, Gaddi Vasquez, Bruce Praet, Police Chief Adams and Executive Director Wendi Forrest. “As we gain momentum,” O’Toole says, “I ask that you consider donating today to be a part of the Orange Police Founda- tion and support a safer Orange.” Contributions may be made via the website, orangepolicefounda- tion.org. Orange Elks Lodge 1475, long- K-9 handler Officer Michael Os- born and police service dog Wyatt were guests at the Police Founda- tion kickoff. Board members, from left, Rick Martinez, Vikki Murphy, Chief Dan Adams, Sean O’Toole, Kimberlee Nichols and Geoff Fearns. Board members Gaddi Vasquez and Bruce Praet are not pictured. time supporters of the Orange Police have, to date, purchased several police dogs for the de- partment. Shortly after the kick- off event, a significant contribu- tion from the Elks allowed the foundation to purchase Chase, a two-year old German Shepard. The dog, now in training with his handler, was the Foundation’s first gift to the Police Department. Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Ja- nine Storm reports that the Elks were happy to contribute funding for the newest police dog through the new police foundation. “The Lodge will continue to support our police department and offi- cers however we can,” she said. little Ford F1 pickup belongs in Silverado. I built our house in Silverado between 1978 and 1980. When son Tony wanted to get a Volk- swagen bug, we found him a much sturdier 1950 Ford F1 pickup truck. It appeared to be hard as nails, but needed a lot of at what is now “Calvary Chapel of the Canyons. It was heav- ily attended. Out of nowhere, a white wooden cross appeared near the front parking lot wall of the church, at the site of the ac- cident. I planted flowers around the cross and maintained them for several years, adding a Christmas tree each year, from Christmas through the 5th of January. The family has tried to keep Tony’s memory alive. We have established a $1,000 scholar- ship that has, for 36 years, been awarded annually to a deserving Exceptional Education student at El Modena High School. Ravaged by fire On Dec. 2, 2020, we lost our house in a devastating fire. This fire also burned Tony’s 1950 Ford F1 pickup truck. After 2 1/2 years, we gained approval by Orange County Fire Authority to rebuild. But the cost made it obvious con- struction was beyond reach. We moved on, bought a nice house in Santa Ana, and sold the property on Bond Way. The new owner was going to clear the property, but gave the family the option of removing anything they wished. Tony’s pickup represented a unique prob- lem. Tony loved Silverado and that love was reciprocated. He loved his truck. The little truck lived in Silverado for 37 years, Tony’s Truck wants to welcome you to Silverado Hit songwriter featured at Celebrity Series Recording artist and songwriter Allan Rich is the featured speaker at the January Celebrity Series, sponsored by the Crescendo Chapter of the Guilds of Seger- strom Center. Rich is a two-time Oscar, Gram- my, Golden Globe and Emmy nominated songwriter whose re- cordings have sold over 65 mil- lion copies. His clients include Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Whitney Houston in The Body- guard. He is executive producer of the documentary “Viva Verdi” about the Verdi House, left for re- tired opera singers by the classical composer. The program takes place Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street. Tickets are $40; Bower’s members may buy one for $35. Parking at the muse- um is $6. For information contact Maggie Hart, (714) 356-6770.