Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys and one of the most influential songwriters and producers in American music history, has died at age 82. Widely regarded as the genius behind hits like “Good Vibrations” and the groundbreaking album Pet Sounds, Wilson leaves behind a complicated but profound legacy that reshaped pop music forever. Early…
Hello readers! A quick website note: we have been compiling lots of stories and memories over time, and we have updated our Notable Figures page this week. We updated biography info, added musical acts who performed or were have known to perform at the Cockatoo Inn; as well as added former Cockatoo Inn owners and…
Throughout its time, the Cockatoo Inn was home to many events: anniversaries, banquets, retirement dinners, and more. We’ve uncovered awards ceremonies for local colleges, family reunions, and even political events with celebrities like Muhammad Ali. One July evening in 1961 saw the Lawndale Business and Professional Women’s Club come together for an International Relations event….
Imagine being a 6 year-old in the 1960s, walking into the grandeur that was the Cockatoo Inn. In its prime, the Cockatoo drew patrons from all corners. Recently, one lucky lad sent us his memory, feasting like royalty in the dining room decorated in ‘ye olde English’ style. This is the brief tale of Eric…
Over the years, the Cockatoo has had many employees, managers, proprietors – all the people who contributed to make it the memorable landmark it was. Recently, we learned about someone who statedly worked at the Cockatoo, bartender Allan Rivelli. Early Days Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, Allan Rivelli was listed in the 1940 US Census…
Love it or hate it, Facebook has made it easy to locate old classmates, no matter what town you’re from or what town you currently live. Many of those old friends are just a search away, accessible from your own home. Well, back in 1968, a group of graduates and students didn’t have the luxury…
We’re thankful for our users’ many stories over the years. They help make connections to people and places, especially right here in Southern California! This recent contribution came to us via Becky Cortez, who recalled some great lunch memories at the Cockatoo with her grandfather. She writes: My grandfather owned a furniture store in Inglewood…
What was the Cockatoo Inn and Hotel like in its midcentury heyday? Here are some interior shots of the bar/restaurant area as well as the room furnishings. Thanks to our pal Dick from Tennessee for letting us all take a look inside the Cockatoo Inn. Images are from the mid 1960s. The guest rooms were…
Throughout his life, Cockatoo owner Andy Lococo faced much scrutiny from authorities. Recently, we uncovered information showing that the FBI kept tabs on his activities for at least 10 years. After watching Andy’s trips to Mexico, agents caught wind of why he was interested in a hotel called Borrego de Oro. Why Andy? First, why…
In the late 1960s, Andy Lococo took several fishing trips to Mexico. In 1972, Andy had commissioned what was at the time, the largest tuna boat in the world. The Largest Tuna Boat in the World Around July 1968, Andy Lococo sought funding for the boat, explaining to officials that he wanted to start a…