FEB 15, 1988 – 33 years ago today, the late Los Angeles County Supervisor, Kenneth Hahn, held a campaign brunch to run for an unprecedented 10th term. Rumors of a famous and staunch supporter arriving circulated the room. Soon, people felt the presence of Muhammad Ali at the Cockatoo Inn. Beginnings Up until that point…
The year was 1984. Cold War tensions were still high. Hawthorne, California had a large defense presence. On December 10, 1984, an aerospace engineer from Northrop Aviation decided to risk it all. Here’s what a spy tried to do at the Cockatoo. Background Thomas P. Cavanagh (b.1945) was a mid-level engineer at the Advanced Systems…
We recently connected with former Cockatoo Inn employee, Val Crotty. When Val worked at the Cockatoo, the joint was in different hands. By 1978, Andrew Lococo had already passed. Despite this, the Cockatoo still had an air of intrigue that commanded a certain level of esteem. Guy walks into a bar Let’s step back a…
We bring to light the story of a regular man who contributed much to his community. He is largely unknown to the general public, but spent his life as an educator, serving his community in various ways. Back in February 16, 1988, Congressman Glenn Anderson spoke about the retirement dinner for Stan Bosler, that would…
We came across a very special story today. The Quiros family were devoted in remembering their mother at the Cockatoo Inn. Every year on the anniversary of their mother’s death, Julia Quiros de Perez, the family would unite in Hawthorne. According to the Calexico Chronicle from December 17, 1981: “Mrs. Pety Urrea Quiros was present…
We recently discovered the passing of Richard A. Young, who was general manager at the Cockatoo Inn during the 1980s. Rich moved to Phoenix in 1964 from Spokane staying in the hotel business, and landed a job with the Del Webb townhouse as a bellman. He worked for well known companies Hyatt Hotel Corporation and…