Where'd you live in the North Bay? My mom and I were in unincorporated Corte Madera from 1973-83. She's in Petaluma now.

The car antenna is an old beatnik trick adopted by the early punks. It was handy (compact enough to slip up a sleeve) and quicky extendable when necessary. Not to mention, it can do a lot of damage. Like a whip, or a rapier.