About Me

This is a autobiography short essay about a 12 year old boy, who acquires a 1960 Vespa 400 mini micro car. It has no motor-doors-glass-fenders and is basically a rolling coaster. Its 1966 in the San Francisco Bay Area and he and his friends, proceed to push the mini ride all around the East Bay City of Oakland and Piedmont. In their travels they happen upon many different types of people and their reaction to the red tiny tot on wheels. The story is also a "coming of age" tale, that has ties to the SF Rock & Roll music scenes of the Fillmore West and Avalon Ballroom. It's told in a upbeat manner and is suited for everyone from 8 to 80. There are also several detours in the story that takes us on the day to day relationships with Family, Friends and Strangers.
 Much of the ride occurs in and around the Piedmont Avenue area of Oakland, a popular
one mile main street neighborhood, just outside the City limits of well to-do Piedmont. As a veteran
paperboy, the Fatherless driver gives us his first hand commentary of those he has daily contact with. The role models he does have are his Grandfather and two Uncles, who are all on their own bumpy journey of life. Without much choice the author is in the back seat, viewing out the cloudy window with no seatbelt. Growing up in a five generational household tribe of a matriarchal rule, there is always a voice to be heard. The hard work ethic was ever present and expected from all household members, regardless of age. Young ten year old paperboys in those days made very good money. The easy money pried opened all the shut doors and closed a lot of loud mouths. Businesses along the Avenue knew clearly who the cash and paper carrying players were. I was a credit worthy regular at Kwik Way Burger’s, Fenton’s Ice Cream, Larder Deli and Ted’s Candy Store. Years later I had standing reservations front row seats at my British Dentist office.
 Football plays a center position in this tale. I was never large enough to play the game, but
both my Uncles played at Piedmont High and lived for it. They travelled regularly to Cal and Kezar Stadiums to vent their youthful support. After graduating from High School I would attend and enjoy a number of popular NFL related venues with friends. The 60’s was a exciting time in the San Francisco Bay Area with the daily Vietnam War/Draft Protests, Summer of Love in Haight Ashbury, Music Scene and so many fewer people to ruin it. The little car book is just a drive-by
brief look into the rearview mirror of daily life in a East Bay neighborhood. With a little luck and a trunk load of hard work, and a few flat tires, roads will open up for you, is my blind faith tale.

The Summer of 66 in a Vespa 400 book is available at Amazon in Kindle eBook and Paperback versions.

Neil Teixeira
mrvespa400@gmail.com