Water, no water, water

Living up here in the mountains, I've learned that maintaining a well and pump system for domestic water is an expensive and time-consuming effort. My pumps have a way of failing when it is least convenient, like during a party when I'm too intoxicated to assess or repair the problem.

So yesterday was no surprise when water was no longer available in the house. I was extremely busy getting ready for Harry's memorial service. I was to provide music for ~300 people at Red White and Blue Beach, and was scrambling to prepare for that when the water quit. I couldn't do much, so I called Capitola Pump and arranged an appointment for this morning. The memorial was beautiful, as the weather was balmy and there was very little wind. Beaver gave us permission to have a fire, so some of us stayed until after dark.

This morning I met Tom. He looked at my well, took some measurements and then declared, "Oh, the pump's deadheading." What this means is that the well is dry, there's no water to pump. The drought has caught up with me and my family. Tom told me that there's about 300 people on the summit that have the same problem, and they are buying water from a water trucking company. I called the the water truckers and learned it will cost about $250 for 3800 gallons of water. I can only use about 2500 gallons with my current setup, but it will cost the same.

I'll have to wait until the rains return to raise the aquifer, although I may be able to survive with strict conservation. No more irrigation or car-washing, and low-flow toilets where we haven't placed them yet, ignoring our reverse-osmosis water filter and buying filtered water in town. Accupop predicts we may get .89" of precipitation during this weekend's rain. That might not help with my aquifer, but it may mean that we can still have fire at the Fall Frolic without having to water down the entire campsite like we did in September.

My prayer to Nature: Oh, let it rain! Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain...

Funk 'n Disco Tonight!

Tonight I'm guest DJing at the Blue Lagoon in Santa Cruz for their weekly Funk and Disco Dance. Come on down and have some fun with us.

Harry Cournoyer

My dear friend Harry was killed while riding his motorcycle near his home last Friday. Harry and I have been buddies for over 15 years. He used to visit Red White and Blue beach, and this picture was taken at a recent New Year's Party at my house. He was a custom motorcycle builder and had some of his creations were featured on American Chopper.

I love you, Harry. I'll miss you.

Beats 'n Boats Tonight

Watch the sailboats, shake the playa dust off yourselves to some groovy tunes, and share your Burning Man stories this Wed. the 3rd @ 5:30
@ the end of 3rd Ave in Seabright - Santa Cruz

DJ's
Big Mike - RWB
The Captain - Ambient Mafia

Bring your own beverages & cups (be discrete with booze), we'll have a cooler w/ ice.

OmGardens Fundraiser Aug 1-3

Our good friend Rhadiante is raising funds to start a non-profit retreat. To that end, I've volunteered to help out with a weekend campout from Aug 1 to 3 in Boulder Creek, so I'm bring my sound gear. I'm so excited about the lineup. My sound system must feel like Dorothy and friends before meeting the Wizard of Oz.

There's limited space, so you want to buy a $30 presale ticket at omgardens.org

Rkidz - Lawgiverz
Little John - Raindance
Majitope - LowPro
Seventh Swami - Ambient Mafia
Influence - Strategik
Mozaic - Nexus/Raindance
Mimosa - Cyphertown
Actual Rafiq - Ambient Mafia
Dirt - Omniscient Records
Fkir - Bad Unkla Sista
SatsiSonik - AMMO/Raindance
Evinrude - Stimulus
Mycho Cocoa - Fringe
Nissus - Nexus
Mr. Rogers - Ooze System
Dabis - Word of Mouth
Spektrum
Aaron Jae - Evil Breaks
MiHKAL - Cyphertown
Big Mike - RWB Beach
Bertzerker
Lokesh Rai - Traansatma
and More TBA

Free daytime dance in Santa Cruz

Just a few days to go. We are so excited about this Saturday. We've got a great lineup of DJs, a beautiful spot with sunshine and redwoods, and the weather is looking very favorable for dancing and picnicking. Come join us and bring your comforts, food, beer, and dancing shoes.

Here's a map from which you can get directions: tinyurl.com/3rtjdp

RWB Renegade CANCELLED

The tide is too high, the beach is under water.

We went to the beach on Thursday morning and noticed some very high tide activity had occurred. So, we went home and looked up the tide tables and decided to return for last night's 10:54 high tide. The beach in all directions was under water. We weren't able to walk on the beach until 2am.

Tonight's high tide is scheduled for 11:45 at +6.2. The beach will be under water until 3am.

I'm all packed up and revved to do this, but unfortunately, this beach ain't gonna be our spot tonight. I'm sorry, but tonight's party can't happen on my favorite beach.

I am willing to host a smaller party here at my place near Scotts Valley. Does that interest anybody?