"Speculation about who cut the wires was running rampant. Terrorists? Extreme hackers? A union spokeswoman vehemently denied it, but some wondered if it was disgruntled members of the Communications Workers of America, as the Chronicle reported:
"The vandalism comes as AT&T is in talks with the [union] for a contract covering more than 80,000 employees, who have been working under their old deal since it expired at 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Union members voted in late March to authorize a strike but have not scheduled one.
"The blackout had a huge ripple affect. "Keep Santa Cruz Weird," is a popular slogan in this beach and college town, and there was much weirdness today. Here are some scenes from the Great Communications Blackout of 09.
* Frustrated ATM button punchers, staring blankly at the non-responsive screen. A long line to get into the bank behind them.
* Gasoline seekers counting their change, because the credit card machines didn't work (that was me, actually.)
* People overheard talking to each other at Internet cafes, rather than ignoring each other/staring at their screens."
