Writer Ray Bradbury once said that evil only has the power we give it.
But admit it, no matter how skeptical you are, there are times you get chills and awe looking at things some people see as haunted and ghostly.
GT sent our writers out to find Santa Cruz’s most haunting places and we’ve come up with a fun list for you to check out this Halloween week. Some are mysterious and scary (not as scary as the upcoming election). Others are fun. We’d love to hear your reactions to the ones you venture to.
A few things of note in the story: Don’t underestimate the power of the Boardwalk’s Fright Walk. In other words, don’t be tempted, as I was, to bring a kid who was too young to handle it. I didn’t think anything at an amusement park could be that scary for him. It was.
And definitely check out the houses locals have decorated for the holiday. Our yearly tradition is to venture up to Chris Zephro’s place, which has inspired a whole neighborhood to up their game. We’ve written about Zephro before. He owns Trick or Treat Studios, which makes masks and props and has a big warehouse in Live Oak.
He is famous internationally but keeps a relatively low profile here. Except on Halloween!
With mysteries and suspense as our theme this week, you will want to check out the story about author Jen Ghastin, a UCSC grad who sets her new novel on the campus and explores secrets of the city on the hill.
Kudos to her for doing a reading Friday at the Homeless Garden Project, where she’ll also sign copies of her book, The Sun-Greeters.
Who knew Firefish Grill has roots in China? You’ll know when you read this week’s Foodie File, where chef and GM Lance Haggard talks about his dozen years in Asia and his experience starting restaurants there. Now’s a great time to check it out, as the seasonal tide of tourists recedes on the Wharf.
Have a great week, and let’s hope our biggest fears don’t come to be.
Thanks for reading.
Brad Kava | Editor
PHOTO CONTEST
HEAVENLY SKIES Included is a photo I took Oct. 14 at the Walton Lighthouse with Comet A3 in the night sky. Photograph by Dalas McCown
GOOD IDEA
Three finalist candidates for the executive director position at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) will give community presentations via Zoom from 11am to noon on Nov. 12, 13 and 14. Each candidate will have one hour to share their vision for the museum and engage with community members. Join these sessions, and afterward provide your feedback on the candidates to the MAH’s Board of Trustees. Details on the MAH’s website: santacruzmah.org/events/2024/11.
GOOD WORK
Did you know that you can submit a complaint at any time asking the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury to explore your concerns?
Residents can ask the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury to investigate their questions about county or city departments, special districts (fire, water, road maintenance), or the officers and personnel within them. You may submit a Complaint Form describing incidents of governmental misconduct, inefficiency or perceived mistreatment. Search Santa Cruz Grand Jury complaint form.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“A politician thinks of the next election.
A statesman, of the next generation.”
—James Freeman Clarke
