East Bay Yesterday Deep in Canyon, part 2: “It wasn’t utopia... it was real.”
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Apr 9, 2019 Deva Rajan, a builder who shaped the Canyon community with salvaged materials, and Karen Pickett, a community pillar for nearly 50 years, share their vivid memories of the 1960s. They discuss the eclectic blend of creativity and resilience in Canyon, where residents built psychedelic cabins and redefined sustainable living. The duo recalls the struggles against local government crackdowns and a devastating explosion that threatened their vibrant enclave. Through engaging anecdotes, they reflect on the spirit that made Canyon a treasured home.
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Veteran Finds A Forever Home
- George Menge answered a newspaper ad and found a cabin in Canyon that became his lifelong home.
- He married Virginia and raised seven daughters while becoming a central community member.
Cultural Shift Rewrote Neighborhood Bonds
- The 1960s brought a cultural shift that transformed Canyon from rustic to countercultural.
- Longtime residents like George warmed to many newcomers and formed close friendships.
Loquat Thefts On Acid
- Ed Johnson recalled wild nights where people on LSD stole loquats and ran from porch lights.
- Those hijinks underscored the cultural clash with conservative neighbors.
