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Like hundreds of other Santa Cruzans across generations and from many walks of life, I love Matt Scott.

Our beloved artist, bike enthusiast, caterer, friend and Santa Cruz icon lies in critical condition after suffering grave injuries in a motorcycle accident on July 1. He was airlifted to Natividad Trauma Center in Monterey County with head injuries.

His sisters and best friend take turns keeping a vigil at his side. They sing to him, whisper and read from the outpouring of messages of support, love and hope and the hundreds of stories, songs, photos, playlists, prayers and memories almost 900 people have left for him on the Facebook page “Love for Matt Scott” devoted to following his recovery.

His friends have also created a GoFundMe site to defray mounting hospital bills. The fund has raised more than $50,000 in the three weeks since the accident.

I am not one of Matt’s closest friends. I have known him for 40 years, but I am 20 years older. I rarely see him, but every “Matt sighting” for me is like a little bit of magic. He is a little bit of magic.

It happens like this … I’ll be walking somewhere and suddenly there’s Matt, on his bicycle, and he stops, we chat, catch up a bit and he smiles and it’s like suddenly the sun is shining on just me, warming me and that feeling lasts all day.

Anyone who knows Matt knows that feeling.

As one friend wrote, “I have rarely felt so heard and seen in a conversation with anyone before.”

But it’s not just about the deep connection Matt is open to, Matt is also always the “funnest” guy in the room. He can make anyone smile and feel welcome and at ease.

He is an aficionado of DJ parties, festivals, music, talent shows, art of all kinds, photography, bicycling, professional disc golf, Burning Man, food, drinks, dancing, rapping, writing, skating, biking, creating, searching, exploring, discovering, conversing and relaxing. His easygoing demeanor, his ready laugh and natural curiosity made him the perfect person to interview people for the “Local Talk” at Good Times for many years.

Matt is also a talented and accomplished artist who works mainly in found-object assemblage. In his first series in 1994, he incorporated deer antlers and doll parts. Today, he uses wrenches, wings, piano keys and other objects he finds at the Santa…