Today I went for my first run since moving to California. I ran to Capitola Beach and back, which is mostly not oceanside running since the shore around Opal Cliffs is for members-only. This surprised me, because of the Coastal Act, under which the sand “below the mean tide line” in the entire state is “held for the public.” Essentially, people have the right to be on sand that’s wet or damp.

This is one of the charming features that inspired the moniker in my title. As we bump up against these communal features, my husband and I have started to say, That’s California.

This morning I had to “tread track” for a short distance on encountering a phalanx of 30-or-so strollers. One of the volunteers explained that there are exercise opportunities specifically for stroller-bound parents offered 9 times a week in 3 neighborhoods, and participants drive in from all over the region. As I ran back, they were singing kiddie songs on the wharf.

The handbook to study for the driving test (yes, we both passed) is revelatory, filled with exhortations to think about your environment and those around you and to drive accordingly. I can’t quite say there are no rules, but a lot of them are contextual–including speed limits. Pedestrians always have right of way. One should never drive between a bike or pedestrian and a moving car, and people don’t.

After checking out at the local New Leaf grocery, I was offered a 10¢ voucher for each of my reusable bags. These I redeemed at the exit, where I found receptacles for six local non-profits, along with a tally of how much each had garnered the previous day.

We both joined the website Nextdoor, which is nationwide but seems more popular here than on the East coast. The current discussion is what to do about Slug Invasion. It happens overnight apparently, although sometimes a laggard slug may greet you for breakfast. In case you ever encounter this problem, it’s readily solved by tracking the slug trails back to their entry points and blocking those with copper tape or epoxy.

Back to the wet sand rule. As it turns out, anyone can get Opal Cliffs shoreline access for an annual fee, $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents. The money is used for maintenance, and I can attest that the entrance is very attractive, with plantings and benches. During a conversation with a couple of fellows at the gate, I perceived some angst associated with the existence of the gate and having to pay.  One of them proposed a sliding scale based on the weather. There is no weather here!