Phil

I was born here. I lived here for 2 weeks. I want to go back some day just to see the city I was born in; and see the little rock.

We were in Albany (CA) when I was younger, but moved down to Watsonville when I was about 9. I was there until I moved out at 21. I think of it as my home town. Visit: Taylor’s Hot Dogs, the hole in the wall burrito place, the Mansion House, the gazebo in the town square… Go to Sunset Beach, drive up to Mt. Madonna Inn, visit the cemetery where my grand parents are buried. Ride a bike down Rampart Rd (bring a change of pants). Visit the High School where my garage band rocked the M.A.T.A. Talent Show many years over; where there is no high school band anymore (budget cuts) :-( Where the main building collapsed in 2 different earthquakes. Where I got head in the upstairs choir costume room (who didn’t?)...

And if none of that interests you, at least see the place where they bottle Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider.

If you go to the Boardwalk, and you’re taking kids. call ahead and find out the height requirements. Best to take teens instead of younger kids. The rides are older – they’re safe, but have taller height requirements. Trust me – I was a ride operator :-)

Also check out Pacific Ave., the only place I know to kick out Borders! Visit Book Shop Santa Cruz (the victor in that battle), Logos, Discount Records (if it’s still there… mighta been driven out by the Virgin store), Kuubua (sp?) (played there), Coconut Grove and the Boardwalk Ballrooms etc. (played there too).

Visit my mom. Tell her I said it was OK to stop in.

Old stamping ground. Lot of love, life, loss, memories, good times. Played some cool gigs with great people. Had fun. Tromped the woods. Made out with gals a bunch in various public and not so public places.

Drive West Cliff… See the mountains… Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek, etc. It’s all flooding back… Whoa.

It’s the Hub of the Universe!

I went here on a short (weekend long) mission trip with a group of people from my church who go at least once a month. Yes, the beach is beautiful, the water is calm, the sand is lovely, the price of real estate on the water is going up up up! All of the previous comments are true.

Go about a mile inland and everything is different…

It’s worth going to see a different side of life (“roof optional” architecture for starters) and to see if you’re really cut out for this kind of ministry. Me personally? I don’t really feel called to do it – right now. I had a lot of mixed feelings about the whole experience. Maybe in another year or two? I have to get back to Florida to be with my girls first. All other ministry follows that.

Tip: Get a gorgeous tour guide then stay in all weekend ;-)

Two of the most beautiful, memorable, and happy days of my life were spent here. What can I say? I was in love.

And the scenery. That’s awesome too. I don’t think I’ll ever return, because of the memories, but you should go. It’s not just a hole in the ground. Anyone who says otherwise needs to be thrown in.

Big City things, gorgeous wilderness in all directions. Variety of AZ state is phenomenal. Bring lots of water and prepare for adventure.

Photo is taken from the trail on Squaw Peak, in the heart of town, looking East. Hike up and you’re here – hike back down and it’s a city again.

Every Thursday when the weather is good they shut down the street for a faire with arts, crafts, music, water, and fun! Right by the Inner Coastal. Great stores.

View above is from the 7th Floor of the Comeau Building, where I used to work.

Visit Union Square, Ghiradelli Square, all the squares basically. See a show at the Curran. Ride a trolly – A REAL ONE. Go to Macy’s and the FAO if it’s still there. Check out the park and the Science and Art Museums.