Currents

Snakes and Lizards Invade San Francisco
Have you noticed the ads for the California Academy of Science’s “Snakes & Lizards: Summer of Slither”? Running through September 5, attractions include Lemondrop, a 15-foot albino python, who will share the spotlight with up to 60 snakes and lizards. Aquarium director Chris Andrews, of San Rafael, has wanted to be a curator of reptiles since the age of 10. As a kid growing up, he says he had “many, many” unusual pets. “My mom and dad were very understanding,” he says. “I had frogs, lizards, turtles, snakes, bats and hedgehogs, and I worked in a local pet store taking care of parrots, monkeys, mongooses and bears among other exotic animals.” Andrews’ favorite parts of the exhibit are the water monitor and rhino iguana. “The animals are so impressive and so reactive,” he notes. “They are watching you as much as you watch them.” calacademy.org

Windsurfing Superstars
The San Francisco Bay is alive with competitive sailing this summer, especially among the junior set. Those who like it fast and colorful should check out the Techno 293 Junior Windsurfing World Championships off Crissy Field, July 19–24, hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club. The juniors event will bring together over 200 of the top 14- to 17-year-olds from all over the world. Several Bay Area kids will be competing including Marion Lepart from San Jose, Jack and Charlie Lundquist from Berkeley, and 14-year-old Culley Deisinger (shown above) of Corte Madera. When Deisinger started windsurfing at the age of 11, did he think he’d be competing in a world championship within three years? “No, not at all,” he says, but he’s up for the challenge and happy to be sailing in his home waters — with winds up to 25 knots and strong tides — near friends and family. Olympic fans take note: Many of the top competitors in the Techno 293 class have Olympic aspirations and are looking to represent their respective countries at the 2016 summer Olympics in Brazil. techno293.org

Treasure Island Market
The former military base now hosts an outdoor flea market open to Bay Area treasure hunters the last weekend of the month. Come for the unique items and stay for the views. treasureislandflea.com

Friday Food Truck Feast
The food truck craze comes to Marin. Check out the Food Truck Crush every Friday through September from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Larkspur Ferry terminal for tasty treats including Indian fare from Curry Up Now, Cajun creations from Suzie Q’s Lunch Box, wood-fired pizza from Pizza Politana and ice cream from Three Twins.

Jake Robert Velloza
An Official Salute Remember the Schoolhouse Rock “Bill” character leaning against the stairs, waiting there on Capitol Hill? Well, bill H.R. 793 — which was an effort to name the U.S. Post Office in Inverness the “Specialist Jake Robert Velloza Post Office” after a local soldier killed in Iraq — has become a law. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) along with a host of others from the Bay Area worked hard to get it passed. “I salute the House and Senate for passing, and the President for signing, this legislation to honor the memory of a true American hero,” she says. “Army Specialist Jake Robert Velloza bravely and selflessly gave his life for his country. By naming the post office in his hometown after him, we can ensure that his service is never forgotten.” 

Everyone Loves a Parade
While there are celebratory Fourth of July parades all over the county, here are a few not to miss.

Bolinas The annual parade kicks off at 40 Wharf Road downtown at 11 a.m. and ends at Brighton Avenue. pointreyesweekend.com

Corte Madera/Larkspur The parade “Freedom Rocks” starts at 10:30 a.m. at Redwood High School and will head down Magnolia Avneue and into Corte Madera to the Town Center. cortemadera.org

Novato The parade “Into the Future” starts at 10 a.m. on Grant and Reichart avenues and heads toward Seventh Street. novatoparade.com

Ross The parade begins at 11 a.m. at the College of Marin parking lot, heads down Poplar Avenue, and ends at Ross Common. townofross.org

San Anselmo The Sleepy Hollow parade begins at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Deer Hollow and Butterfield roads and ends at the Sleepy Hollow Clubhouse. sshha.org

San Geronimo Valley The Fourth of July parade starts at Woodacre Improvement Club at 1 Garden Way at noon and follows Railroad Avenue to Dickson Ranch at 182 San Geronimo Valley Drive. 415.456.0147

Sausalito The Fourth of July Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Caledonia Street and heads to Dunphy Park on Bridgeway. ci.sausalito.ca.us