1964 – The Golden Years Begin

• Ken Kesey published Sometimes a Great Nation, formed the Merry Pranksters. The bus Further took them to New York for a Kesey book event. Neal, Ron Bevirt, Lee Quarnstrom, Stewart Brand, Ed McClanahan and others were on the trip.

• Peter and Ron Bevirt opened the Hip Pocket Bookstore on September 13 in the St. George Hotel. The Ron Boise sign and two nude sculptures (covered by a sheet) were on hand. Norman Lezin, the mayor of Santa Cruz, had agreed to unveil the sculptures at the opening, which was busted by the police.

• Later, Neal and Leon used to hang out and help out at the bookstore. Neal suggested the bookstore have free speech night every Friday. Leon started them o, speaking about marijuana.

• Leon hears Eric “Big Daddy” Nord was opening the Loft, a cafe at a barn in Scotts Valley. Leon went there, met Cathy, they married.