The red tree in St. James Park--photo courtesy of Sal Pizarro and his blog Around Town So I realize that I've somewhat fallen off the edge of the blogging world, here, but this is my chance to jump back on. On that note, the latest in Bay Area events, venues, and random oddities:
- The red tree in St. James Park. Maybe some of you have noticed it--it's the one with the shorn branches and shiny red-pained exterior. When I knelt down to read the plaque below, the artist had written that the tree had been adorned with red to represent the perseverance of those without voices in society, and how the intersecting branches represented the way all of our lives are interconnected. Fair enough, and beautiful sentiments to be sure, but did we need to desecrate (deflower?) a tree to accomplish this? Wouldn't a painting or mural have sufficed? Other writers have since hinted that the Brooke Hart kidnapping and subsequent lynching of the kidnappers in St. James Park lent something to this art, but that doesn't seem to be the intention in the plaque's text. What do you all think?
- A taqueria in North Beach. I certainly wasn't expecting this. I was thinking I'd see loads of intimate little Italian cafes, coffee places, the like. And while they were there, in abundance, Taqueria Zorro proved me wrong. They have affordable tacos, burritos, and all around Mexican fare at their Columbus Ave location, where they're roughly across from the Stinking Rose. I tried a grilled vegetarian burrito. It was delicious yet very filling--I couldn't even finish it. Burritos will set you back between $5 and $6.20, or so--nothing too crazy. I loved the yellow decor, the whole in the wall feel, and thankfully--the quiet. The tourists don't flock here, so you'll have your pick of seats.
- San Jose Chalk Festival. Artists from near and far will be gathering at the National Hispanic University at 14271 Story Road on Aug. 30th to catch the final event of this year's festival. You can also enjoy the festivities: food, music, spoken word poetry, and face painting for the kids. You may even get inspired to grab some chalk and do it yourself! The event starts at 10 a.m.
