‘Jacques Talks’

GRAND GREETINGS to you, dear Triplicate readers! November is upon us, wearing coats, caps and gloves. Everything is in a flutter now that the midterm elections are behind us! This column is expressly non-political and non-contentious. That said, in a perfect world, everyone works together to make our floating ball the best planet of all! Amen! Awomen!

Del Norte and Curry counties sit on the western coastal edge of the map. This shared topography of California and Oregon has been called the “Redwood Riviera,” and its beauty is beyond compare. Combine such an idyllic landscape with the seasonal colors of fall, and you have a glimpse of heaven. For me, autumn days wax nostalgic. Woodsmoke in the air, mist in the redwoods, and the distant barking of sea lions stir my memory. San Francisco, that dear old dazzler, remains a fond postcard in my pocket, but Crescent City and Brookings hold my heart. As for writing a social column amid all this natural splendor—I am acutely grateful and honored to write these weekly reports from paradise! Thank the Triplicate Gods! Now, let’s get down to the fun business of social talk and commentary.

Dane Robinson, the renowned local geologist, appeared on the “Doc and Jacques Show” last week and held our audience captive. Did you know that a six-million-year-old “ghost forest” occasionally emerges along Pebble Beach Drive in CC? Dane needs local “citizen scientists” to alert us when the tide retreats far enough to carry the sand away—as that is when the ancient forest reveals itself! If you spot something, text me and I will reach Dane directly on my red Batman phone!

Informants tell me that the 100-year-old Patrick’s Creek Lodge has been bustling since reopening earlier this year. Talk about nostalgia: a forested setting, a massive fireplace, wonderful people and great food and drinks. Rochelle Odom says that Good Harvest Restaurant is one of her favorites in CC. It overlooks the harbor alongside other excellent dining options, including the Fisherman’s Diner. Last Friday, I observed people standing in a long line at the grand opening of Rising Tides Bakery & Restaurant. It is so exciting to see downtown CC exploding with growth and good vibes—thanks, in part, to Jim ‘Doc’ Belardi!

I dare you to disrobe while attending the Crescent Harbor Art Gallery’s (CHAG) free drawing class every Mon. at 10 a.m. It is a great way to start the week creating art with groovy local artists. Free oil painting classes are offered every Wed. at noon. If you spot Stephen and Naoma Washburn, put on a robe and give them a hug! Lastly, mark your calendar for CHAG’s upcoming annual chamber mixer on the 19th! It is always a bash!

A big shout-out to the fabulous cooperative chamber mixer held last Thursday at Chetco Medical Clinic and Bellezza Aesthetics in Brookings. Cindy Vosburg and Michele Ramos teamed up to promote the Del Norte and Curry County chambers. The event drew a great crowd! A big thanks to Dr. Jay and Palak Patel, as well as Roochita and Bharti! Dr. Gigi Reed, Frank J. Colli, Dr. Joe Vogl, Rob Clift, Diana Garibay and many other luminaries were spotted in the crowd! What FUN!

Time to close the curtain on this week’s edition of ‘Jacques Talks.’ If you know of a character, gig, event or wild tale that needs some ink—share it with me and I will help spread the good vibes! [email protected] Text 510-881-3679 Cheers!