Author: Alfredo Casuso

1968 Redux

Written on June 10, 2025.

1968 Redux

by David Eugene Perry

We live in two different countries. Here is the truth of it: this is a moral and philosophical Civil War. Trump supporters see a country of lawlessness. Anti-Trumpers (including yours truly) see an administration of authoritarianism. Both sides agree that a crisis of historic political proportions is upon us.

I ache for the peaceful protesters opposing Trump’s haphazard and draconian immigration raids and policies.

I ache for the members of the Los Angeles Police Department, California National Guard, California Highway Patrol and United States Marines — and their families and loved ones — who have been forced into an emotional and confusing situation made worse by the actions of a president who never had the honor of wearing a uniform.

I ache for the small businesses, homes and families being cruelly attacked by vandals, thugs and anarchists. Everyone listed above should agree on that. Setting Waymos on fire, spewing hateful rhetoric and attacking our first responders is a crime and should in no way be defended or rationalized.

1968 has time-travelled to us.

Immigrant Rights Resources

Written on June 9, 2025.

Immigrant Rights Resources:

Important numbers to save:

San Francisco Immigrant Forum:
Call the community-run Rapid Response Hotline at (415) 200-1548 to connect people with immigration enforcement issues to legal assistance and support.

In the Coachella Valley. TODEC Legal Services for immigrants: (760) 698-8787.

In Los Angeles: The Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights. (213) 353-1333

A Brief Overview of the American Export Line

Written on June 5, 2025.

A Brief Overview of the American Export Line

The American Export Line (later American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines) was one of the most prominent U.S. passenger and cargo lines of the 20th century. It was especially active in transatlantic and Mediterranean service. Below is a list of its notable passenger ships, including the NS Savannah, which was briefly under its management:

⸻

American Export Line Passenger Ships

“Four Aces” (1931–1942 / rebuilt post-WWII)

These were the line’s famous pre-WWII ships, all of which were later rebuilt after the war:

• SS Excalibur

• SS Exochorda

• SS Exeter

• SS Excambion

After World War II, these ships were repurchased and refurbished for passenger/cargo service and retained their names.

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Post-War Flagships (1950s)

The line modernized with two sleek, fully air-conditioned luxury liners:

• SS Independence (1951)

• SS Constitution (1951)

These elegant ships offered luxury service primarily on the New York–Genoa–Naples–Barcelona route and became symbols of American ocean liner prestige.

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NS Savannah (1962)

Though not purpose-built for American Export, NS Savannah — the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship — was briefly operated by American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines under a Maritime Administration contract.

• Built: 1959–1962

• Service with American Export: early 1960s

• Role: Demonstrator vessel (cargo/passenger hybrid, very limited commercial use)

• American Export merged with Isbrandtsen Company in the early 1960s, becoming American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines.

• The line declined in the 1970s and ceased passenger operations as jet travel took over.

• The SS Constitution appeared in several films and TV shows, including an iconic episode of I Love Lucy.

Beautiful, Bucolic Benicia

Written on June 4, 2025.

Beautiful, Bucolic Benicia

— by Mary Hand, Benicia Magazine

Over the past month, news regarding the Valero refinery in Benicia has garnered significant attention across various media platforms, including television, radio, print and online outlets. The widespread coverage suggests that millions of individuals have been exposed to the developments, which means millions of people have gotten an inaccurate view of Benicia.

To paraphrase Mark Twain: the story of our demise is inaccurate.

The “non click bait” truth is just the opposite. Benicia remains a vibrant, beautiful town, full of creativity and community spirit. While it’s true that the refinery’s potential closure would have economic impacts, it does not define us.

Benicia is home to top rated schools, a gorgeous waterfront, great restaurants, local artisan shops, a unique artist community and calendar packed events year-round. We offer everything from an abundance of parks, walking and biking trails to water activities, all framed by small town charm and Bay Area accessibility.

This summer alone, Benicia’s event lineup includes music festivals, starting with Porchfest Nights (June 25, July 30 and August 27) and Waterfront Rocks (the weekend of July 26-27) followed by the biggest music festival of all, Porchfest Benicia, on September 13, which last year attracted thousands of visitors. On September 21, the annual Oktoberfest Celebration rounds out the summer.

The heritage of Benicia runs deep. As our Museum of History, Benicia likes to say: The history of California is written in the story of Benicia, once the State Capitol and a major transportation and military hub. We are also well known for our rich visual and performing arts community, home to Judy Chicago, Manuel Neri,Lisa Reinerston, Robert Arneson and many other well-known artists. The visual arts galleries and studios in the historic Benicia Arsenal house hundreds of artists. Musicians? Yes, we’ve got quite a few like David Sykes from Boston, Jeff Campitelli, from Joe Satriani.

Perfectly located less than 30 miles from both San Francisco and Napa, Benicia is not only a destination but a bridge to all of Northern California’s tourism riches. Our new water taxi has opened up new opportunities and water vistas, while SolTrans buses provide direct access to the Vallejo Ferry, BART and Amtrak. And, for cars: we’ve got parking.

Benicia is a small town with big ideas, big beauty and even bigger pride. When headlines get it wrong, we’ll be here to set the record straight and continue to tell our story of our exceptional community.

Scenic,+fun benicia+sunset+on+bench bryan+maxwell+(1)

Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival Celebrates Full Weekend of Events

Written on June 3, 2025.

Media Contact:

David Perry & Associates, Inc.
David Perry / (415) 676-7007/ news@davidperry.com

Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival Celebrates Full Weekend of Events

Kayla McCarty, writer of SEVEN, wins Lucie Arnaz Awards and advances to NYC’s Jimmy Awards

3 June 2025 — Palm Springs, CA: Curtain up! Light the lights! The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF) hits the heights with an exciting weekend of activities celebrating its talented student playwrights, including a rehearsal, reception, and final staged readings of the winning plays. Highlighting the weekend is Kayla McCarty, author of SEVEN, who was just named a winner of the prestigious Lucie Arnaz Awards and will now represent the region at the national Jimmy Awards in New York City.

The weekend begins on Saturday, June 7, with a rehearsal for all participants at the Kimpton Rowan Hotel (100 W. Tahquitz Way in downtown Palm Springs). Following the rehearsal, a Reception will be held from 5pm – 7pm. This casual event will bring together the festival’s playwrights, cast, and sponsors for conversation and camaraderie with passed hors d’oeuvres, a full bar, and soft drinks.

On Sunday, June 8, the Festival’s signature event takes place: a live performance of the winning plays beginning promptly at 12pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (2300 E. Baristo Street). The event is open to the public. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the following link: https://m.bpt.me/event/6581051

“We are immensely proud of our student playwrights,” said David Youse, PSYPF Founder and Producer. “Kayla McCarty’s advancement to the Jimmy Awards is a testament to the caliber of talent our festival is privileged to foster. This weekend’s events celebrate not only the artistic achievements of these young voices but also the supportive community that champions them.”

Youse is a veteran actor and producer whose extensive TV credits include Chicago Hope, The Young and the Restless, Criminal Minds, and Torchwood. Through his company Four Things Productions, Youse has raised significant funds for nonprofit organizations with high-profile staged readings such as The Normal Heart (directed by Joel Grey) and Steel Magnolias (directed by Judith Ivey).

The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival exists to encourage and support the development of young playwrights in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Through mentorship, staged readings, and engagement with professional actors and directors, the Festival gives students a unique opportunity to have their voices heard and their work developed in a professional artistic setting. Gregory Jbara (Blue Bloods, Billy Elliot the Musical-Tony winner), Laura Marano (Austin & Ally), David Lambert (The Fosters) and Daniel DiMaggio (American Housewife) are just a few of the actors participating in this year’s festival.

This year’s two winning plays are SEVEN by Kayla McCarty and THE KELLOGG MURDERS by Peyton Taylor. SEVEN explores the haunting stillness of purgatory, where seven souls must confront the weight of their sins. Only one can rise toward grace, while the others descend into darkness. THE KELLOGG MURDERS by Taylor is a dark comedy in which jealous cereal mascots Corn Flakes and Wheaties embark on a revenge-fueled spree against their sugary competitors — until a determined investigator begins connecting the crumbs.

Both plays are under the mentorship of seasoned television producer, director, Jack Kenny (WandaVision, The Book of Daniel), whose expert guidance has helped shape the student works into fully realized theatrical productions. As the Festival’s longtime artistic mentor, Kenny continues to play a key role in elevating the work of these emerging playwrights and empowering them to find their creative voice on stage.

For more information about the Festival, visit www.psypf.org