California Mishegoss #28: The Zephyr, Books, and Pizza

Where all over the place this week

Jun 24, 2023

Hi Friends!

Another Saturday in the books and another month, almost over.

With that thought in mind, I’ve been thinking that changes need to be made with the newsletter. What kind of changes is unknown yet, but I’m thinking and working on some ideas so hang in there.

Be Well! Stay Safe!

Mark & Patti

Now it’s time for the show…

A Bookstore Within the Plants

Not to be confused with its sister store The Last Bookstore, Lost Books is a literary oasis in the city. You’ll enter through a stunning, plant-filled tunnel that leads to this magnificent haven of tales. It’s like stepping into the pages of Treasure Island or The Secret Garden and getting lost in a thrilling adventure where your imagination is free to run wild.

The First Beach I Visited in California was Pacifica State Beach

Years ago on a business trip to San Francisco, I was housed in an apartment over- looking this beach for about a week. It was my first time in California as an adult and conducting business. The beach, town, and everything around me was beautiful.

The history of Pacifica State Beach is as fascinating as its natural beauty. Inhabited by the Ohlone people for thousands of years, the area was eventually visited by Spanish explorers in the 18th century, who established missions and ranches. The beach and its surrounding area were utilized for various activities over the years, including farming, fishing, and even dynamite manufacturing. Since the mid-20th century, the beach has been popular with local residents and tourists alike, becoming a favorite spot for beachgoers, surfers, and nature lovers.

When In Los Angeles Make Sure To Watch for Parrots

If you’ve ever been on a peaceful afternoon walk through Santa Monica or Northeast Los Angeles, you may have seen them fly overhead or heard them squawking in their communal roosts.

Thousands of non-native parrots call Los Angeles home, much to the enjoyment of the local community of bird enthusiasts.

While no extant species of parrot are native to the continental U.S., experts say there are as many as nine species of parrot found in the Los Angeles area, introduced decades ago and continuing to grow in population.

New York Style Pizza in San Francisco at a Concert Venue. Who Would Have Thought?

At most concert venues, food is an afterthought. If you’re lucky, maybe there’ll be some limp tater tots to soak up your $15 beer while you keep your eyes and ears trained on the main event. But at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall, food just became a co-headliner. Read more from Madeline Wells in SF Gate here

The Booziest Dive Bar in San Francisco

If you’re like me, it means you’ve got favorite bars you rarely visit scattered around San Francisco. I’ve lived on the Mission/SoMa border for 11 years, so there are places I love around town that I don’t get to pop into enough. And in the Inner Richmond, that bar is 540 Rogues. Whenever I’m in the area, whether it’s grubbing on dim sum, book-shopping at Green Apple or ogling the tropical fish at 6th Avenue Aquarium, I always stop in for a tipple or triple.

Quiz Time: Can You Name All the National Parks in California?

When it comes to the natural splendor of the United States, California shines with an exceptional wealth of unique national parks. Bursting with ancient forests, stunning coastlines, towering mountains, and a smorgasbord of wildlife, the Golden State is nothing short of a nature lover's paradise.

But exactly how many national parks are there in California? As of 2023, California proudly hosts nine National Parks, more than any other state in the country. This impressive tally contributes to the state's rich legacy of environmental preservation.

A Few More Links to Click

Amazing Affordable California Towns

Best Seller List from SoCal Indie for a Summer Read

10 New Michelin Restaurants in LA to Dine At

Traveling on the California Zephyr

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Thanks for reading and coming back week after week.

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Thanks

Mark & Patti