I'm From Newark. Are You?

Did you work at Cattlemen’s during high school? Or believe in the “white witch” of Niles? Or know about the Newark Knights? Then you must be from Newark. 

More than 2,700 people have joined the “You Know You’re from Newark, Ca if …” group on Facebook and the posts are endless.

The group was formed about a year ago as a Facebook page, and John Barton, one of three administrators of the site, said the group has grown by more than 1,500 members since May.

Like many in the group, Barton has strong roots within the community.  

As the best friend of a man whose father was on city council, he has seen Newark’s General Plan, which is where he found a neat history fact.

“It proposed that the streets be laid out in long sweeping curves so as not to create 'wind' tunnels due to our breezy area,” Barton wrote in message to Patch.

Well, that explains the concepts behind Cedar and Newark boulevards.

So, what are your “Ah! You’re-from-Newark” sayings?

Mine? If Officer Boga came to your elementary school to teach you D.A.R.E. ... if you climbed that colorful caterpillar at ... or if you remember when NewPark Mall had brown tiling and big circle seats. (See a photo here)

For others? It’s if you remember…

• The old road that is now Ardenwood Boulevard.
• That it snowed in Newark in 1976.
• The Foxy Lady.
• Lido Lanes.
• Grants’ chocolate milkshakes.

Yours? Tell us. Or click here to join the group and tell all your Newark neighbors.