The COVID restrictions of 2020 killed Marin’s most beloved events. Every parade in Marin … gone. Dipsea … devastated. Live plays … dark. Concerts and music venues (think Terrapin and Sweetwater) … in limbo. Hell, just trundling down to the local coffee shop for a morning meet with the gang seems so 2019.
But nothing says “COVID-19 sucks” more than this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival.
While the good folks at MVFF43 did all they could to put on the festival, without crowds and stars, it wasn’t the same.
Founder Mark Fishkin put on a brave face in the festival’s wrap-up press release.
“One could make the case that the 43rd MVFF was smaller — fewer films, no receptions — yet in fact, it felt grander, in a multitude of surprising ways,” said Fishkin.
I guess there is something to be said for the “show must go on.” But that’s all the enthusiasm I can muster as our year concludes.
The truth is the COVID-19 shutdown crippled Marin cultural events in 2020. I’m mad about it. I can’t do anything about it. And, I’m worried about 2121 and 2022.
In the immortal words of Forrest Gump: That’s all I have to say about that.
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT
The organizer of the protest above said that there was no intent to vandalize the Junipero Serra statue on church grounds in San Rafael. People just got worked up and things got out of hand.
That’s a bold contention.
That would mean that in the middle of the protest someone said: “Hey, I’m really worked up now. Let’s go to Home Depot and get some red paint and straps and pull this statue down. Who’s with me?”
Of course, that’s not what happened. Protesters came to the “protest” with cans of red paint and straps. I’m no lawyer, but I’d say that goes to intent.
SOME GOOD TELEVISION
I caught the Netflix dramatization of Chicago 7 trial. Thought it was worth the time. I highly recommend it. Perfect for the times.
While the actors who played Tom Hayden and Abbie Hoffman turned in nice performances, I thought Joseph Gordon-Leavitt nailed it as the good-soldier prosecutor. Also, Frank Langella shines as the senile-ish judge Julius Hoffman.
OUT OF THEIR LANE
The Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission is drawing heavy fire for calling for a law to force businesses to require workers work from home at least three days a week. It’s aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Why the half-measure. Why not just shut down San Francisco all together and call it a victory for the environment?
Some of my friends say this is a worthy idea. I say the transportation folks are way out of their lane. Stick to providing transportation to fit the traffic. Not the other way around.
STORY OF THE WEEK
Well known CNN legal commentator Jeffrey Toobin masterbated during a Zoom call thinking his video was off and no one in the group could see. Hoo-boy.
If you had that story on your 2020 news bingo card, you win. Hands down.
A LITTLE BIT OF GOOD NEWS
— Congrats to Melissa Auchard, student editor of HS 1327, for winning the “Excellence in Writing” award for reporting on the Woodward fire. It came from the national Student Newspapers Online program. Nicely done, Melissa.
— The Novato City Council adjourns meeting by remembering remarkable things citizens who have passed away. It’s nice.
ONE MORE THING
— I’m trying to work out more during the COVID shutdown. How am I doing?
And with that, I’ll pick up my knitting and let myself out. Stay safe. Mask up.
Sherman R. Frederick is the founder of Battle Born Media, a journalist-based, family-owned company dedicated to the preservation of intensely local community newspapers, such as this one. You can follow him for his daily musings on Facebook at facebook.com/sherm.frederick/. He may be reached at shermfrederick@gmail.com.)
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