Editor’s note: The Six Fifty will take a break next week for the Thanksgiving holiday and return Dec. 5.
Nature often yields the best inspiration. Lately, I’ve found it in the towering coastal redwoods.
When the CZU Fire hit in 2020, it tore through nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park and also impacted Año Nuevo and Butano state parks in Pescadero. Work is still ongoing at Butano and Big Basin to restore full access to campgrounds and trails, and California State Parks is partnering with other agencies on forest restoration work to make these redwood forests more resilient. (Read all about it in the feature below.)
Luckily, redwoods are survivors, with thick bark that protects and insulates them. And with shallow root systems, they’re able to stand tall by intertwining their roots with the roots of nearby redwood trees.
“They are literally supporting each other and holding each other up through storms,” California State Parks interpreter Elexis Padron said. “If that isn’t a beautiful example of community I don’t know what is.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, there’s no better way to foster community than doing what the redwoods do: supporting those we’re close to and keeping each other going.
Happy Thanksgiving 650,
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
The CZU Fire burned more than 24K acres across Big Basin and nearby state parks. Here’s how they’re recovering – and building resilience for the future
As restoration work continues, officials are adopting a new strategy for managing beloved redwood forests in light of the CZU Fire and a changing climate.
Seeing stars: From astronomy lessons to laser shows, De Anza College’s planetarium has been dazzling locals for decades
The laser shows at Fujitsu Planetarium celebrate the work of pop and rock stars, but the planetarium’s main purpose is, of course, to get folks immersed in stars of a more literal type.
From dine-in feasts to take-home turkey dinners and treats, here are some Thanksgiving options on the Peninsula
We’re always thankful for good food, in all its many varieties. In case you’re still trying to decide on your holiday dining plans, here are some of the local eateries offering Thanksgiving specials, including baked goods and feasts to bring home, spots open for dining in and even a class to help you make your own festive goodies.
The first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s Plucky’s Cafe in Burlingame!) has not provided their name.
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Mystic Poetry and Music Salon: Nov. 22 The work of Persian lyric poet Shamsuddin Hafiz will be celebrated at an event featuring music from Fiume di Musica chamber ensemble and a poetry reading by Palo Alto pastor Burke Owens.
Dude, Where’s My Flying Car?: Nov. 22 Automotive industry veteran, aviation enthusiast and author Tim Jackson presents his book on the future of electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
Skate Against Hate: Nov. 23 The Armory in Redwood City hosts the first annual Skate Against Hate with free roller skating, a live DJ, a snack shack, raffles and giveaways.
Urban Holiday Night Market: Nov. 23 South Bay Makers and Cityline Sunnyvale present a market featuring vendors, live music, refreshments, family fun, live art-making activities and more.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: Nov. 23-Dec. 22 See Scrooge, dance at Fezziwig’s and find all sorts of fun treats when the ever-festive and immersive Dickens Fair returns.
Downtown Mountain View Walking Tour: Nov. 24 Learn about historic sites and buildings in Mountain View on a guided walking tour.
Jurassic Quest: Nov. 29-Dec. 1 A herd of life-size, animatronic dinosaurs visits the San Mateo County Event Center for an interactive event aimed at kids ages 2-10.
Zoppe Italian Family Circus: Through Dec. 1 Downtown Redwood City once again hosts Nino the Clown and his dazzling troupe of circus performers as they return to amaze local families on their annual visit.
Pet Photos With Santa: Dec. 1 and 8 Furry friends can get their photos taken with Santa Claus on select dates at Stanford Shopping Center.
Plan Ahead
Winter Festival: Dec. 5-7 Gamble Garden’s Winter Festival kicks off Dec. 5 with a grand opening event featuring a tree lighting and refreshments. The following days include events like a visit from Santa and holiday tea times.
Anastasia: Dec. 5-29 Hillbarn Theatre presents the sweeping musical (based on the animated film) about a young woman who may be long-lost Russian royalty.
Shoreside Shark Discovery Day: Dec. 7 Learn all about sharks, including getting up close with some gentle local leopard sharks, at a special event dedicated to these marine creatures.
Redwood City Tamalada: Dec. 7 Learn to make authentic tamales at this festive annual event.
Guided Walk at Bean Hollow: Dec. 8 Join a state park educator on a guided 2-mile hike along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach.
Fungus Fair: Dec. 8 Calling all fungus fans! The Mycological Society of San Francisco Fungus Fair offers workshops, lectures, displays and vendors and even some tasty mushroom soup.
Terrapin Family Band with Molly Tuttle: Dec. 20 The second annual “Grateful Holiday” show features the Terrapin Family Band with a special guest: the bluegrass superstar with Palo Alto roots, Molly Tuttle.
It’s A Wonderful Life: Dec. 24 Stanford Theatre’s annual Christmas Eve tradition returns with two screenings of the beloved film.
IlluminOdyssey: Through Jan. 26 CuriOdyssey hosts an immersive winter display inspired by the science of light.
Just for the Record: Through March 2 The Museum of American Heritage’s current exhibition showcases vintage record players and phonographs.
The overlooked women who saved the Big Basin redwoods
Driven by tales from her family history, Traci Bliss quit academia to document the overlooked female activists behind the founding of one of America’s most iconic parks.
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