Field Notes: Dancers on Buildings, Cowboys in Oakland, and Fun at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk

"Its rides spill onto sand that has carried surfers since Hawaiian princes first paddled out in 1885. Around the edges, Pacific Avenue's music, murals, and surf shops keep the whole town humming. It's a boardwalk that feels both timeless and restless, stitched into California's coast with salt and color. On summer nights the lights throw a carnival glow across the shoreline, and even in winter the waves and carousel music keep it alive."

"Big Sur's iconic redwood hike rebuilt Big Sur's Pfeiffer Falls Trail has reopened after a winter storm toppled a redwood and smashed its 70-foot bridge two years ago. Repairs, including new decking, rails, and a custom fiberglass base piece, were completed with help from the California Conservation Corps and Save the Redwoods League. The 1.5-mile hike through redwoods to a 60-foot waterfall is now fully accessible again for families and campers."

"Planting trees in West Oakland Oakland biology educator Mr. Kelkar explains the importance of native plants, highlighting how they provide habitat for birds and insects, shade streets, and improve air quality. Through September 30, West Oakland residents and workers can sign up for a free California native tree for their yard or sidewalk. No property ownership is required, but interested participants must submit an interest form by the end of the month."

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk won the nation's top pick, anchored by the Giant Dipper wooden coaster and rides that spill onto sand used by surfers since 1885. Pacific Avenue's music, murals, and surf shops keep the town lively year-round, with summer lights creating a carnival glow and winter waves and carousel music maintaining atmosphere. Big Sur's Pfeiffer Falls Trail reopened after a winter storm toppled a redwood and destroyed its 70-foot bridge; repairs included new decking, rails, and a custom fiberglass base piece completed with help from the California Conservation Corps and Save the Redwoods League, restoring the 1.5-mile hike to a 60-foot waterfall. West Oakland is offering free California native trees through September 30 to residents and workers without property ownership, requiring an interest form. Down on the Corner at Turk and Taylor stages nightly talks and two 35-minute shows honoring the 1966 Compton's Cafeteria Riot, featuring queer, transgender, and cisgender female performers; shows run October 3–4 and 9–11 and are free.

Read at sfist.com