Week 12

Part A

“Surfacing” by Matt Warshaw

“Surfacing” gives insight to the amazing sport of surfing. It gives detailed information regarding the sport’s history and current status, as well as a story about a young man who wipes out pretty hard while trying to surf the Mavericks in Half Moon Bay. The entire story I was thinking about Santa Cruz because I lived there for a couple years while in dental hygiene school. I pictured the surfing locations, shops, and restaurants that were talked about because I knew them! It was fun reading this story. Before this story I had no clue about the history of surfing in the United States or why the Half Moon bay surfing spot was called Mavericks.

http://maverickssurf.com/wave/index.php
This website offers information about the location, history, and geography of the Mavericks. It also offers information about the current conditions and the annual surfing contest held here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mavericks_(location)
General and specific information regarding the area including many really great pictures!

Part B
“Cow Mountain” by Brooke Bianchini

Named for the longhorn cattle cattle that once roamed the 52,000 acres rests Cow Mountain Recreational Area just outside of Ukiah. Many weekends I would take the one and a half hour drive north on 101 in someone’s lifted truck. It was our escape from parents, school, and reality into a world with endless possibilities.

About an hour into the drive we would hit a bump where the paved road turned into dirt and we began the incline up the moutain. To the right was a gorgeous dam that pooled crystal green swimming holes that were there to entice and refresh. Often on a hot day we would jump in with our clothes on and then continue the trek up to the top.

At the top was a camp ground that had a few open camping areas which included running water, picnic tables, and a fire pit. Once we reached this area we claimed our home for the next couple days.
Immediately the ice chests would open, the country music would blaze, and everyone starting relaxing, but getting amped up. The first night was always filled with too much drinking, a little drama, and lots of steam being blown off after a hard week of high school.

The next day usually brought on a headache and too much sun, but quickly it was overcome by the excitement to go out on some trails. Some people would take their ATVs while others rode dirt bikes, but most people rode in trucks. The excitement really began once the vehicles were switched into four-wheel drive and everyone was mobbing up the trails and through the trees.

One day I was in my friend’s truck and we came across another truck that had been ran off the trail. The three of us in the truck jumped out to check out the scene when we realized that the truck still had two guys in it. The truck was off the trail, balancing on a tree, that prevented it from falling down a thirty foot drop. This image thrilled and frightened us all in those few seconds that it took us to realize what was happening. Immediately we struggled to carefully remove our friends from the other truck and thankfully managed to do so. The next task was to try and save the truck and the boys worked quickly to hook the wench up to try and pull the truck up. Eventually the truck was safely pulled back onto the trail and the only damage was a nice sized dent on the passenger side where the tree had protected the truck from a hefty fall. The boys then both climbed into the truck via the drivers door because the passenger door would no longer open. Then as if nothing dangerous had just happened, all the trucks continued up to the rock quarry for some target shooting.
Everyone had a gone to themselves as beer cans and garbage were shot up. Rounds and rounds of bullets were expelled as everyone continued to carelessy enjoy themselves. Taking another trail back to the campground we came across a huge mud pit that held just enough rain water to make the trucks really muddy… so everyone started racing through it. After a an hour or so here and stomachs starting to rumble, we mobbed back to camp up on a ridge that overlooked Clearlake far below. From here the lake looked pristine and beautiful; we even almost forgot that it had a major algae problem that caused fish to die and float to the surface as well as a horrible odor.

Back at camp we repeated the crazyness of the night before and acted as if we were never going to feel that way again. The dread of knowing the next day meant going home and then having responsibilities and school and parents again was enough to keep us going well into the night.

At dawn, some people left early to get home at a decent time, but some stayed well into the afternoon to get the most out of there weekend. Although most people knew they would be back up there on Friday, it still seemed like years away. My last weekend there was unknowingly my last. Maybe that is why everyone always savored the moment of being there because who’s to know when it will end.

Part C

Classmates:

1. Angelina couldn't believe that the fair used to be 35 cents.

2. Catherine appreciates the stability she had growing up.

3. Diana didn’t know Berkeley boomed because of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

4. Gabriella has lived in the same house her entire life.

5. Jacob thought that Berkeley was a real hippy town.

6. John has moved many times in his life.

7. Karl didn’t know that Alcatraz could be seen from Berkeley.

8. Maria learned that it is important to do research and ask questions before doing something.

9. Nikole did not know that LA has honkey-tonk bars.

10. Robert didn’t realize that Berkeley was so diverse.

Week 11: Dumas, Major, Chabon, Kamen Goldmark

“Bienvenidos a Newport Beach” by Firoozeh Dumas

“Bienvenidos a Newport Beach” is about a young boy from Iran who moved around a lot in his childhood. His family eventually settled in Newport Beach where everything was prim and proper. His family did not look or acts like anyone else in the neighborhood, but they mostly resembled the gardeners who took care of the landscaping in the neighborhood. It is made aware that many people took their luxuries for granted in the neighborhood because they had never been without in their life.

“My dad didn’t know what the words meant exactly, but sometimes you don’t need to know the meaning of words to understand the message.” (pg. 90)

Reading this story made me think of my old roommate from San Luis Obispo. Her family lived in Irvine and I would go visit with her occasionally to her Home Owners Association monitored housing development. The houses were cute, but definitely small and they all looked the same. Her family of four owned a two bedroom house, but they didn’t care because it “looked” like a nice neighborhood and they had access to the pool and tennis courts.

Prior to reading this story I did not know how Iranians celebrate. I learned that they are very formal with women wearing lots of jewelry and makeup while men where suits and talk to other men.

“Cotton Candy Mirrors” by Devorah Major

“Cotton Candy Mirrors” is about going to Playland at the Beach during the summertime and riding the rides and playing the arcade games. The story depicts the fascinating Fun House with its halls of mirrors, the cylinders you had to squeeze through, and then the gauntlet and the wooden tavern. The excitement of spinning equipment, barrel rides, and super slides got everyone amped up before they looked at themselves in the distorting Fun House mirrors. The mirrors are symbolic of the way people and situations can be distorted in life and that one should not take their image too seriously for it may not be real.

“It wasn’t a lot of money, not a lot of money to have, not a lot of money to get.” (pg. 96)

The story made me think about the last two years of my life where I lived in Santa Cruz and there was the Boardwalk along the oceanfront where I could go to play and feel like a kid again. The rides weren’t all that great, but you would still ride them anyways and the food and excitement that you had while there was priceless.

Prior to reading this story I did not know how cheap admission and food used to be to such amusement parks. I figured it was a lot cheaper than nowadays, but I didn’t know it only cost 35 cents.

“Berkeley” by Michael Chabon

“Berkeley” is about the eclectic mix of the city Berkeley in the bay area. There is an abundance of really intelligent people, transients, and artists. The town is known for it’s politically spoken citizens and its charm.

“Where passion is married to intelligence, you may find genius, neurosis, madness, or rapture.” (pg. 105)

Reading about Berkeley made me think of two weeks that I spent down there a few years ago when I was taking a phlebotomy training course. Everyday I would walk during my lunch hour to find a restaurant to eat at. There were so many choices and so much diversity on the streets that I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.

I didn’t know that Berkeley was a refugee location for people who left San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake.

“California honkey-tonk” by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

“California honkey-tonk” is about four people who landed a gig to perform their singing set at a place, but soon found out it was a biker bar. There night was eventful with the makeover from a regular, the dancing of people who would have rather heard hard rock, and the memories that have lasted a lifetime.

“Thanks to my trusty glue gun, rhinestone-studded satin shirts were imminent; thanks to my bran-new credit card, so were bona fide cowboy hats that had most certainly never been anywhere near a cow.” (pg. 115)

In the story she spoke of the Hopland Brewery and I was reminded of when I went there with my parents a few years ago and had a couple of their beers. It is such a cute little bar with plenty of memorabilia from local people and places.

Prior to reading this story I did not know that performers may sometimes scope out the venue that their playing in prior to their performance. It is a good idea to get a feel for the crowd, environment, and music.

Classmates
1. Hector did not realize that the signs with the Caltrans helmets represented a worker who had lost their life.

2. Diana has traveled to El Salvador to visit her family before.

3. Gabriella did not know that in the early 1500's the Dutch were publishing 75% of all books in Europe.

4. Garin did not like the story “Ode to CalTrans” by Hector Tobar.

5. Jennifer was reminded of her favorite beach in Mendocino when reading “The Last Little Beach Town” by Edward Humes.

6. John learned that Portuguese whalers threw blubber in Half Moon Bay.

7. Karl wants to learn to surf.

8. Nicholas was reminded of Bodega Bay when reading “Surfacing” by Matt Warshaw.

9. Robert loves learning about myths in various geographies.

10. Wendy did not know that Iraq's Superhighways were similar to aspects of Santa Monica freeways and Sacramento freeways.

Week 9: Tobar, Steinbeck, Humes, Warshaw

“Ode to Caltrans” by Hector Tobar

“Ode to Caltrans” is an interesting recollection of California highways and the human experience with them. It compares the systems used in California to those used in other countries such as Iraq and Uruguay. The hustle and bustle of the freeways where Californians drive too fast, deaths occur regularly, and pollution and traffic are side effects.

Favorite quote:
“In Los Angeles, we don’t suffer traffic fools well, because we drive almost as much as we breathe; we understand that the hours we spend outside the shell of our vehicles are mere episodes between the daily freeway slog.” (pg 53)

The story made me think of a trip I took down to San Diego a few years ago when I hit Los Angeles traffic at about 4:00 pm. I was in stop and go traffic for HOURS and I was miserable. I was driving my old car that had a manual transmission and by the time I actually reached San Diego my calf was so sore from pumping the clutch.

Prior to reading this story I did not know that putting Vaseline on cardboard would pick up the smog emissions. That’s a great little experiment!


“Montalvo, myths and dreams of home” by Thomas Steinbeck

“Montalvo, myths and dreams of home” is about the stories told about California and all it has to offer. California is known for its territorial diversity and lushness and has attracted people from all over the world. From the amazing mountain peaks to the powerful ocean neighbor, California is astounding.

Favorite quote:
“Indeed, the very notion that California was, and is, a veritable paradise on Earth, has had many proponents throughout our national history.” (pg. 64)

The story made me think of how lucky I am to live in this beautiful state. When I have met people while traveling abroad and I say that I’m from the United States, and then say California, everyone always has an impressed reaction. California is known for its beauty and paradise-like surroundings.

Prior to reading this story I had never heard any myths regarding California so it was nice to read the narrative.

“The last little beach town” by Edward Humes

“The last little beach town” is about Seal Beach in Orange County. It is near so many fast paced beach towns with multitudes of corporate business, huge malls and parking structures, as well as high rises of apartments. It tells of the immaculate scenery while on the beach and the quaintness and quirkiness of the downtown. Seal Beach however, is threatened by financial ruin due to not enough city money being made because they have kept out big businesses. Many citizens are fearful of the measures that may eventually be taken because then Seal Beach becomes just like every other beach town.

Favorite quote:
“People actually walk here. We leave out cares at home and stroll to the not-Starbucks coffee shop, amble to the Gap-less and Banana Republic-free Main Street, walk our kids to school. Or simply put one foot in front of the other until we reach the beach or market or the playground.” (pg.70)

Reading the story made me think about being down in Huntington Beach in January. I was staying with a friend who lived on PCH and we crossed the highway to go sit in the sand and watch the water. We were having a nice chat and then we see dolphins surfing the waves less than 20 feet from shore. There were probably 5 of them just playing and entertaining us. It was amazing!

I had heard of Seal Beach before, but prior to this story I did not know it was so close Huntington Beach. Humes stated that many people don’t know it is there because of the attention that other beach towns get so I didn’t feel so dim-witted.

“Surfacing” by Matt Warshaw

“Surfacing” gives insight to the amazing sport of surfing. It gives detailed information regarding the sport’s history and current status, as well as a story about a young man who wipes out pretty hard while trying to surf the Mavericks in Half Moon Bay.

Favorite quote:
“In the late eighties, a surf magazine writer theorized that the essential requirement for big-wave riding is not courage, or daring, or fitness, but a placid imagination.” (pg. 87)

The entire story I was thinking about Santa Cruz because I lived there for a couple years while in dental hygiene school. I pictured the surfing locations, shops, and restaurants that were talked about because I knew them! It was fun reading this story.

Before this story I had no clue about the history of surfing in the United States or why the Half Moon bay surfing spot was called Mavericks.

Classmates

1. Amanda was shocked to learn that a tractor can cost up to $300,000.

2. Benjamin hates big cities and fake people.

3. Eric liked the quote by Arax, “the roots beneath the clay die hard”.

4. Garin did not know that Tulare is the diary capital of the world.

5. John learned from Mackey that Sacramento has a large population of Russian immigrants.

6. Justin was reminded of fishing with his grandpa at Lake Sonoma and Clearlake when reading “Showing off the Owens”.

7. Nikole was reminded of an area next to her house when reading the story by Mackey.

8. Rachelle learned that the American River Parkway is over 30 miles long.

9. Roxanne was reminded that many people take advantage of life by reading Liu’s story.

10. Wesley was reminded of “Ice Pond” in Hawaii when reading “The Distant Cataract”.

Week 8: Arax, Liu, Jefferson Parker, Mackey

“The Big Valley” by Mark Arax

“The Big Valley” is written about the changes that occurred over the years in the central valley of California. Farming has had to evolve with the times and if a grower can’t keep up then they lose their business. Constant advancements in technology and techniques are changing the face of the agricultural business and family farms are being bought out by corporations daily. At the end of the story the author reveals that his father, who taught him so much, was murdered and it left him with so many questions. He tries to live his life making his own little vegetable garden on his land where he plants a tree while others’ lands are being bought out.

Favorite lines:
” Like my grandfather and father, I am a backyard farmer with too little land for my dreams.” (Pg. 19)
“As another orchard gets plowed under out there, I plant another pomegranate or apricot tree back here.” (pg.26)

The reading made me think of the drive to Fresno on I-5 and HWY 99. When the author talked about how semi-trucks cross the separation line between the two sides of the freeway it made me visualize the many large trucks that drive those roads at all hours. Also when you’re driving in the valley there is so much brown and flatness that the land looks desolate and depressing.

I didn’t realize how much agriculture was done in the Fresno area. I was surprised to learn that the future is big producers of milk, grapes, tomatoes, peaches, nectarines, plums, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and olives.


“Transients in Paradise” by Aimee Liu

“Transients in Paradise” is a detailing of the superficial world we live in and how we ignore the dark reality of mankind. The author shows how a homeless person is no more transient than a rich Hollywood executive because we have all been placed here for a short time. The distinction that needs to be made is do you go with the rest of society and buy lavish toys, get plastic surgery, and eat out all the time or do you pay attention to the homeless man on the corner and the fact that the city is covering up all it’s filth with expensive boutiques and fancy clothes.

Favorite lines:
“If not hunger for beauty, what lies beneath the tucked, lifted, plumped and painted flesh of this town’s trademark denizens?” (pg. 29)
“We are all transient of one kind or another. On our way into or out of wealth, into or out of sanity, beauty, love, health, or death.” (pg. 32)

The reading made me think of the many reality television shows on the air that are following around socialites and people that aren’t worth much more than a pretty face. It seems that Beverly Hills and cities like it portray a certain image and it attracts more people to it for that reason. Then people get caught up in the social pressures and conform to be exactly like everyone else. These people are blind to the reality of many Americans who don’t even have a bed to sleep in.

I didn’t know that Beverly Hills has no hospitals, high-rises, garbage dumps, junkyards, or cemeteries.

“Showing off the Owens” by T. Jefferson Parker

“Showing off the Owens” is about the author taking another novelist from New York, into the back country for some trout fishing. The author is proud of the land and its plentiful offering of fish and he enjoys getting to show it off to someone from a different part of the country.

Favorite line:
“The sky was gunmetal gray and the parched red flanks of the canyon angled down to the blue jewel of river flowing hard to the south.” (pg. 40)

The reading made me think of my many trips to various camping sites where I did a lot of fishing. There is something about the clean air around rivers and just hanging out on the banks and catching some fish. Then to bring them back to camp and clean and cook them right then… the fish taste so fresh and delicious when their eaten that quickly. Mmm…

I had never heard anything about the Owens River prior to this reading.

“The Distant Cataract about Which We Do Not Speak” by Mary Mackey

“The Distant Cataract about Which We Do Not Speak” is written about the peaceful and spiritual experiences the author has encountered while visiting the American River in Sacramento. The “distant cataract” refers to the sound of the freeway, the hustle and bustle of a crazy city life that one hopes to leave behind for awhile when coming to the riverbanks. The river sees know race, color, or religion as it accepts people from different countries and many different animals.

Favorite lines:
“Quacking in panic, the ducks scatter like swimmers who have just realized that the log floating toward them is actually a crocodile.” (pg. 46)
“Above the lanterns, a full moon rose into the sky, bright and large as the second sun. The flames swirled in the current, the night primroses blossomed, the beavers were silent, and for a few moments the American was a river of light.” (pg. 49)

The story reminded me of swimming at Lake Berryessa where it is within a half an hour from many major cities, but when you’re there you feel so secluded and far from it all. One time I was in a boat and we drove passed a rattlesnake that was swimming from one bank to another. I did not know that rattlesnakes swam so it scared me to death that I could potentially come across one when swimming.

I did not know that beavers are crepuscular animals and I didn’t know that crepuscular meant that they are mammals who are active at dawn and at dusk, when the light level is low.

Compare & Contrast
Each author has their expression of the beauty of the land and it’s creatures as well as the ugly parts of our state. In “The Big Valley”, Arax describes the country as being “right outside my window” (pg. 26) but then he also describes “ten minutes outside Fresno, the strip malls and gated communities” (pg. 21) that are ran by corporations taking over the farm lands. In “Transients in Paradise”, Liu is a bit more cynical in her writing, but I cannot say I disagree. She describes the filth of materialism and wastefulness by the rich or aspiring, while the handicapped homeless man is doing whatever he can to make a buck. In “Showing off the Owens”, Jefferson Parker points out the encroachment on country by chains such as In-N-Out Burger and blockbuster movies, but does a really great job at pointing out the beauty of the land with and our fascination with it. In “The Distant Cataract about which we Do not Speak”, Mackey describes the beauty of the river and how it unifies all creatures through its purity. She points out that the buzz of the city is near, but here it is blocked out and ignored.

Classmates

1. Angelina learned that San Francisco is known for being the forefront of the new "green wave" that is sweeping our nation.

2. Diana found out that the Pomo Indians practiced the religion of Shamanism.

3. Gabriella said that the building of the Golden Gate Bridge started on January 5th 1933 and was completed on May 28, 1937.

4. Garin learned that the California Gold Rush began when James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California in January 24, 1848.

5. Jennifer said that the discovery of gold in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada began one of the darkest times of sexual assault and mass murder against the native people of California.

6. Karen found out that the Yurok Tribe is a Native Americans tribe who live at the Klamath River in the northwestern part of California.

7. Mary learned that Gone with the Wind was the most expensive film of the decade costing $4.25 million.

8. Nicholas learned that adobe is primarily found in the southwest and California.

9. Rachelle found out that Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla setup many secret meetings where the topic was directed against the Spanish colonial government and foreign rulers of New Spain.

10. Tuo learned that Father Junipero Serra collected about $137 during the American Revolutionary War which he sent to George Washington.