Thomas Capicotto
After graduation from Cleveland, I went to what was then called San Fernando Valley State College. I was first a business major and then because math and I didn't get along, I switched to Geography/Urban Studies. My thought was to become a great city planner. Well as we shall see, life sometimes has other plans. I spent the next seven and a half years at SFVSC attending school and working part-time and full-time at the college. I was fortunate not to be too bothered by Uncle Sam and the draft (draft number 187) as I received a 3A deferment (hardship deferment). I finally graduated in 1972, the same year that the college's name changed to California State University at Northridge. It was at this point that I learned about one of life's little Catch-22s. In order to work in city planning, one first had to have experience working in city planning. Therefore I could not get a job in city planning because I had never had a job in city planning. So I did what any rejected individual would do, I enrolled in a third rate law school. Sadly, after 1 and 1/2 years, I got burned out and went back to looking for work.
It was now 1973-74; we had the oil embargo, a raging recession and high unemployment. But the City of Los Angeles was giving a civil service exam for something called a Junior Administrative Assistant. So with nothing to lose, I went down to City Hall and took the test. I ended up passing the test by one point and so a city career was born.
I first worked in the Dept. of Recreation and Parks performing time and motion studies (establishing standard times for performing repetitive tasks and developing techniques for improving work methods). Around this time, I married a college sweetheart, but we divorced a few years later. From Recreation and Parks, I became a Personnel Analyst with the City's Library Department, then I spent 20 years with the Harbor Department as a Senior Personnel Analyst and Asst. Personnel Director.
It was now 1973-74; we had the oil embargo, a raging recession and high unemployment. But the City of Los Angeles was giving a civil service exam for something called a Junior Administrative Assistant. So with nothing to lose, I went down to City Hall and took the test. I ended up passing the test by one point and so a city career was born.
I first worked in the Dept. of Recreation and Parks performing time and motion studies (establishing standard times for performing repetitive tasks and developing techniques for improving work methods). Around this time, I married a college sweetheart, but we divorced a few years later. From Recreation and Parks, I became a Personnel Analyst with the City's Library Department, then I spent 20 years with the Harbor Department as a Senior Personnel Analyst and Asst. Personnel Director.
Meeting my special lady, Linda, happened while I was a Personnel Analyst at the City's Library Dept. She was a Children's Librarian whom I met while conducting supervisory training. One thing led to the other and the rest is marital history. There is one "funny" story associated with our relationship. I am probably one of only a few people who ever had to layoff their own wife. This happened due to major City budget cutbacks caused by Proposition 13. Good thing she didn't hold a grudge. We have been married for 26 years now and have one daughter, Kim, who is now graduated from college and works in New York as a Personnel Analyst. No, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree..
I haven't moved around very much. Except for a 20 year period living in Agoura Hills, I've spent most all of my youth and adult life in the Valley. For the past 14 years, Linda and I have lived in Northridge, almost within walking distance of the Northridge Mall.
In 2005 I retired and have been happily enjoying life with Linda. Retirement is GREAT. As to what occupies my time, well I have a hobby or two, enjoy learning new things (internet is great for that) and try to keep a step ahead of all the "honey dos." Photography is my main hobby. I dabbled at it in junior and senior high school, put it away to concentrate on college and work and only returned to it when my daughter entered the world of high school sports. I took to photographing her in basketball and volleyball. Unlike her Dad, she was an athlete, enough of one that she went to college on a four year athletic scholarship.
I've not had any great accomplishments and live a quiet life. I am blessed with good health and a wonderful family, so life is good.
I've yet to attend a reunion, but the 50th should be a special one so who knows what may be in store. I would love to see some of my old friends and catch up on what's been happening with them.
I haven't moved around very much. Except for a 20 year period living in Agoura Hills, I've spent most all of my youth and adult life in the Valley. For the past 14 years, Linda and I have lived in Northridge, almost within walking distance of the Northridge Mall.
In 2005 I retired and have been happily enjoying life with Linda. Retirement is GREAT. As to what occupies my time, well I have a hobby or two, enjoy learning new things (internet is great for that) and try to keep a step ahead of all the "honey dos." Photography is my main hobby. I dabbled at it in junior and senior high school, put it away to concentrate on college and work and only returned to it when my daughter entered the world of high school sports. I took to photographing her in basketball and volleyball. Unlike her Dad, she was an athlete, enough of one that she went to college on a four year athletic scholarship.
I've not had any great accomplishments and live a quiet life. I am blessed with good health and a wonderful family, so life is good.
I've yet to attend a reunion, but the 50th should be a special one so who knows what may be in store. I would love to see some of my old friends and catch up on what's been happening with them.
With my 1958 Ford Fairlane in 1964
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With my wife Linda
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In Bishop, 2010
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The last day before retirement
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With my daughter Kim and my wife Linda
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With my wife Linda on an Alaskan Cruise (2013)
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Comments
Great story, Thomas! Should have included that you and Chris Vardas were on the CSUN fencing team that took 3rd place in the state championships. You are a witty and humorous writer. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Jeff Davis
Jeff Davis
Wow!!! What a wonderful journey you have had & continue to have Thomas! Your flexibility has served you well! I am not sure how you survived the wife lay off however! Your daughter is so pretty & the 3 of you look so happy! Looking forward to seeing you after all these years! Can you share some of your pro photos on our site? I would love to see some! Thanks.
Gloria Dorcy
Gloria Dorcy