DeWain Valentine exhibit 1970 Pasadena Art Museum
The January 1969 issue of Playboy introduces Connie Kreski as the Playmate of the Year (PMOY), succeeding Paige Young, a Playmate of the Month (PMOM). The PMOY title, akin to a prestigious beauty contest award, offers enhanced public exposure and career opportunities. Kreski had been an actress and dated several prominent figures, including Roman Polanski and James Caan. Her life ended prematurely in 1995 due to cirrhosis of the liver, raising questions about her struggles despite initial success. Connie’s story intertwines with notable 1960s pop culture events, including the Manson family murders.
In November 1968, Paige Young was featured as Playboy Magazine’s Playmate of the Month amidst growing anti-Vietnam War sentiment on college campuses. Playboy donated issues to troops in Vietnam, where centerfolds like Young’s became popular. 1968 also witnessed the tragic assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, events that spurred nationwide unrest. Despite her temporary fame, Young aspired to be a painter, struggling financially but relishing her creative independence, often appearing in media as a promotional ambassador for Playboy throughout 1969.
The San Fernando Valley (SFV) saw significant migration after World War II, with families like the LaRoccas moving to the area for various reasons. The 1950 census reveals details about the LaRocca family, including Joseph’s role as a Radio Orchestra Manager and Virginia’s work as a Christian Science Practitioner. They lived in Gardena before relocating to a duplex on Moorpark Street in Studio City. Family connections also included the Marinello family, who owned a nearby grocery store. The LaRoccas were part of a rapidly growing suburb that transformed from agricultural land to a bustling urban area, replete with shopping and housing developments.