“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”.
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