Press Contacts
Sherry Flumerfelt
Western Flyer Foundation
sherry@westernflyer.org
(831) 220-8047
Latest Press Release
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Award-Winning Film to Screen at Big Blue Film Fest as Western Flyer Plans Return to the Pacific Northwest
We Simply Liked It has been named Best Film at the Big Blue Film Festival in Newport, Oregon. Created with SoulCraft Allstars, the short documentary chronicles the Western Flyer’s return to the Gulf of California, honoring the vessel’s historic journey with John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts.
In the Press
Award-winning film to screen at Big Blue Film Fest
Lincoln County Leader, January 21, 2026We Simply Liked It: Steinbeck, Ricketts, & the Return of the Western Flyer, a short film by Aaron Straight of Soulcraft Allstars, has been named Best Film at the upcoming Big Blue Film Festival, January 23-24, in Newport.
View Full ArticleAward-Winning Film to Screen at Big Blue Film Fest as Western Flyer Plans Return to the Pacific Northwest
January 15, 2026We Simply Liked It has been named Best Film at the Big Blue Film Festival in Newport, Oregon. Created with SoulCraft Allstars, the short documentary chronicles the Western Flyer’s return to the Gulf of California, honoring the vessel’s historic journey with John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts.
View Full ArticleHelp Bring the Western Flyer Back to the Pacific Northwest
January 06, 2026The Western Flyer is planning a spring 2026 voyage to Oregon and Washington, returning to Pacific Northwest waters as part of a new pilot program of education, research, and community engagement. We are now fundraising to help make this journey possible.
View Full ArticleThe Time X Academy Students Got to Go on the Western Flyer!
November 05, 2025The vans rolled out of the X Academy Maker Space just as the sky began to lighten, a soft blue glow stretching over Watsonville. It was early—6:45 a.m.—but the energy was unmistakable.
View Full ArticleRecreation trail gets new mural
By Chris Counts, The Carmel PIne Cone, October 31, 2025PAYING TRIBUTE to three of Can D mural that depicts John Steinbeck, Doc Ricketts and Kalisa Moore now adorns the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail behind Austino's Patisserie.
View Full ArticleNew mural honors iconic Cannery Row figures
By Kyarra Harris, Monterey Herald, October 31, 2025The 28-foot mural was commissioned by local businessman Chris Shake and painted by San Jose artist Renae McCollum of the back on Shake’s Austino’s Restaurant, 851 Cannery Row. It was completed this week, and faces the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail.
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