Re: “Weednesday, 4/20”

that intro poem did not rhyme.

Re: “Welcome to Pot City!”

Good luck with that. Did you know that hydro stores are all over Southern California now? No one will drive or "fly" in to smoke your strains when we can grow them at home right here in Southern California. The adjustment will be real. Many of you will have to do the things you have been saying you do for years: farmer, artist, musician, and make money that way. The $$ in herb will be much less. Once it is legal, we will be growing trees in our back yards. It's a dream come true. Remember when and why you started doing what you are doing...because you wanted it to be legal.

Re: “Where To Surf”

Patience. Each will expose themselves as what they are. No need to answer Anon.

Re: “Where To Surf”

Monte - That is not to mention what you have to deal with as a small business owner. I think you have made your point well. You do bust your ass, as you have done for years for your shop. You are out there creating a great place for kids (and adults!) to go and hang out and aspire to something! Watch surf and skate movies. Your shop sponsors events. Don't worry about defending yourself too much. Actions speak for themselves. My dad taught me to surf. I always let him know on Fathers Day how thankful I am that he took me surfing. There are so many life lessons in surfing. One of them is patience.

Re: “Where To Surf”

I just was reading my post and wanted to add to the second to last paragraph: "Then you can get a sense of respect for the watermen and women that have more experience, more knowledge." Thank you

Re: “Where To Surf”

You know, I read the article and all of the comments. I think the most disturbing thing to me is the safety issue. I agree with all of the other surfers concerns. The North Coast is no place to learn how to surf in the winter. I have surfed all of my life, all over California and in places like Hawaii and Fiji. The North Coast provided some of the most dangerous conditions of anywhere I have surfed. I personally almost drowned at Agate Beach 2 times in one day (I am a strong swimmer) and have been in situations at a few spots where I could not get in because of strong currents. Ultimately I was able to, but I was extremely tired and almost ready to give up. When you match a low skill/knowledge level with the challenge of strong currents, big swells and rocks (not to mention whitey) you create a dangerous combination. Unfortunately, the people that are endangering others and who are in danger themselves are never fully aware of the extent of damage they can do to themselves or others. If you surf on the North Coast long enough, you've seen these situations. They are not fun. There is not much anyone, other than the Coast Guard can do to help you. I have seen Coast Guard rescues at the back side of camel rock, two guys got sucked over there and could not paddle back. Big swell was coming in and all they could do was float because they were too tired. Helicopter had to rescue them.
So, in conclusion, there is a reason that you "discover" a place. Many times it has to do with your skill level or your friends who know your skill level. Advising people of locations in your article and describing them as "The swell here can be large and dangerous. On the plus side, it doesn't seem to be as crowded as other spots" you are creating a dangerous situation. Every year someone dies in the ocean on the North Coast. Usually it is a child that is swept in and the family member that goes in to save them. You watch, it happens like clockwork. The North Coast ocean itself needs to be respected. Then you can get a sense of respect for the watermen that have more experience, more knowledge. Gain that knowledge yourself and you will be respected as well. It's a process. Maybe your article should have been about ocean safety for the biggest winter in 10 years. Stay off the Jeddy and well away from shore break. Also, take it easy on your locals man. Jennifer Savage is great, alive and involved! I't so easy for some of you to throw out insults. Monty - the real deal making it work on the North Coast.

Re: “New Year's Eve”

Two things I agree with:

1. The writing is not good, at all.
2. The photos are not good, average at best.

I think the misguided young woman is preaching to the choir with the writing. As far as the photos, I would suggest that the photographer has the intentions of creating a look (elements are present like purposeful lighting and composition) but the execution is lacking. I would suggest continuing education. Calumet has a great catalog that highlights a professional photographer (with great and different styles) that is free. You just have to go to the website and sign up. Although I do give the young lady kudos for putting her work in front of the public, I would caution that the work may need more depth and is half-baked, pun intended. Thank you