When you think of the words “Half Moon Bay” and “harvest” together, pumpkins may be the first thing that comes to mind. But head all the way out to the seashore and there’s a bounty of a different sort to be found on the Coastside – a vast variety of nutritious and delicious wild seaweed, as I learned in my conversation with Tanya Stiller, director of the nonprofit Healing Tide. Read the story to learn about some of her favorite types of seaweed, plus tips for foraging safely and sustainably and even a how-to guide for preparing wild-harvested nori at home.
Not feeling up for an oceanic adventure this week? For all you textile artists out there (or aspiring ones!), Angela Swartz has crafted a handy guide to some locally owned sources for fabrics, knitting and sewing supplies so you can put together your next masterpiece while supporting the local business scene.
Keeping an eye on the tides,
Karla Kane
Six Fifty Assistant Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
For Silicon Valley crafters, locally owned alternatives to Joann Fabrics are plentiful. Here’s where to find fabrics and supplies for sewing and knitting
With the recent demise of Joann Fabrics, Peninsula residents may be looking for alternatives to buy fabrics along with sewing and knitting supplies. Thankfully, there isn’t a shortage of locally owned, independent stores with similar offerings.
Seaweed season: Tanya Stiller leads foraging classes on the San Mateo County coast
Most of us probably get our seaweed by ordering rolls at a sushi restaurant or in packaged-snack form from the grocery store. But if you head out to the Coastside, you can find it straight from the source.
Figuratively speaking: Palo Alto gallery highlights major artists in home-grown art movement
Pamela Walsh Gallery celebrates the Bay Area figurative school with a show of works by some of its most famous names.
Congrats to Melissa Wang of Los Altos Hills, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s State Street Market in Los Altos!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win swag from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Music and Migration Remixed: May 16 Stanford University’s Institute for Advancing Just Societies and the Institute for Diversity in the Arts present an evening of conversations with artists and scholars whose work has centered immigrant communities, followed by a concert by Ethiopian American singer and composer Meklit Hadero and The Movement Immigrant Orchestra.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival 2025: May 17 This annual free event features screening of environmental films, plus food, community booths, live music and live raptors. The films are also available virtually.
El Camino Real Ride: May 17 Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition’s fifth annual ride from Santa Clara to Menlo Park includes four stops along the way with free refreshments from local businesses. Ride the whole 17-mile route or join along the way.
Little Free Library Week Meetup: May 17 Learn about starting a book-sharing box and connect with other Little Free Library fans at Leigh’s Favorite Books in Sunnyvale. The morning will also include a surprise book swap, bookmark exchange, raffle prizes, coffee and snacks.
Silicon Valley Open Studios: May 17-18 South Bay artists open their studio and gallery doors to the public for the third weekend of the annual Silicon Valley Open Studios event.
Pint of Science: May 19-21: The festival that brings scientists to bars and cafes arrives in Palo Alto, featuring talks on space oddities, psychedelics, AI and more.
Trevor Noah: May 23-24 Comedian and author Trevor Noah (“The Daily Show,” “Born a Crime”) comes to Mountain Winery for a pair of shows.
The Wailers Natural Mystic 30th Anniversary: May 26 The Wailers celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album “Natural Mystic: The Legend Lives On,” a collection of Bob Marley’s more politicized and religious-themed songs, by performing the entire album live.
The Clarafication Tour: May 29 Comedian Clara Bijl comes to San Carlos to tell jokes and raise funds to make an indie comedy movie.
Plan Ahead:
San Mateo County Fair: May 30-June 8 Get your yearly fix of funnel cake, carnival games, rides, live concerts and all sorts of county fair fun.
Sunnyvale Restaurant Week: May 31-June 7 Get a taste of special menus and offers from participating downtown Sunnyvale restaurants.
Lighthouse History Walk: June 1 Learn all about the history of Pigeon Point Light Station over the course of a 45-minute walking tour.
Emperor of the Moon: June 6 Music, dance, pantomime and puppetry come together in this musical theater collaboration between Nash Baroque Ensemble and Dance Through Time, featuring a cast of commedia dell’arte characters who embark on a journey to the moon.
Cirque Montage: June 7 Catch acrobatics, comedy, juggling and more circus wonders, led by a wise-cracking ringmaster.
Portola Redwoods State Park 80th Anniversary Party: June 14 Portola Redwoods State Park is turning 80 and marking the occasion with a day of guided walks, guest speakers, live music, games, food and arts and crafts.
Collective Roots Community Garden Ribbon Cutting: June 14 Celebrate the grand opening of the new location of East Palo Alto’s Collective Roots Community Garden.
Summer Scamper: June 21 This annual 5K, kids’ fun run and family festival raises funds for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and takes place on the Stanford campus.
Costumed canines, clucking chickens and … a roly-poly? Looking back on 75 years of the Los Altos Pet Parade
The beloved tradition returns in its milestone year May 14, with a photo exhibit running into July.
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