Plus Letters to Good Times…
More Jobs, Please
Abortion and Health Care
Knowing the Gulch
Surfing is such a big part of Santa Cruz culture, but how many of us really know its origins here? This week’s cover story, penned by Geoffrey Dunn and Kim Stoner sheds light on Santa Cruz’s surfing history in such a unique way, that you can actually envision what life may have been like back in the late-1800s, when all things surf here seemed to have begun. But the heart of the tale, really, revolves around three Hawaiian princes—David Kawananakoa, Edward Keliiahonui and Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole—who captured the attentions of locals at the time with their long surfboards. As Dunn and Stoner report, what followed was “the first report of surfing anywhere in America.” (So, why is Huntington Beach dubbed the official “Surf City?”) There’s more to this fascinating tale about these three princes—and all on the eve of a special series of events honoring Santa Cruz history, surfing and the princes. That event takes place next week (see page 22), but first, dive into the unforgettable tale on page 12.
In other news, the long-debated desalination plant in Santa Cruz has been given a green light. Writer Amy Coombs reports on what happens next and how the plant would remove five million gallons of seawater from the Monterey Bay every day. Read more here. Also in News, be sure to note politico Sam Farr’s take on Health Care in this week’s “Town Hall.” And send us your thoughts on the new Health Care bill to le*****@gt******.com.
More next time. Enjoy the issue.
Greg Archer | Editor
Letters to Good Times Editor
Knowing the Gulch
Thanks to the California Coastal Commission and local commissioner Mark Stone for upholding the law of the land by postponing Arana Gulch development (GT 3/25) And shame on Tom Honig for degenerating the debate to name calling. The leading Friends of Arana Gulch and the Coastal Commission are NIMBYS, like John Muir and Edward Abbey were NIMBYS. None of the above live(d) near the gulch, but all would defend it from development. I’m unable to navigate the existing gulch paths, but I am just fine with not being able to go everywhere, and nobody wants to keep anybody out of the gulch … only the planned eight-foot wide paved road and two bridges disingenuously called a “bike path.” There are two sides to this issue, but Honig’s disrespect of those who differ only hurts the case of the cyclists. Pave It to Save It? I don’t think so.
Sue Reynoldson
Live Oak
Abortion and Health Care
Regarding the recent articles on health care, why all the fuss about federal funding for abortions? By funding wars in third world countries, our government, already, has killed and continues to kill children with missiles, white phosphorus, and napalm. In my opinion, these children have more right to life than any unborn children. Any talk of the sanctity of life means nothing, as long as a government continues to sanction war.
Joan Quilter
Santa Cruz
More Jobs, Please
In response to Supervisor Neal Coonerty’s column (GT 3/25), and, specifically, the 15 percent jobless rate here, it’s beyond alarming. Coonerty says that actions are being taken to make things better. He says, “Locally, we applied for all of the stimulus funds that were available to us and aggressively allocated them to county projects, both stimulating the economy and saving jobs. We need to aggressively seek additional stimulus funding …” He may be right, but, really, we need to create more frickin’ jobs. I have so many neighbors and friends who are really struggling right now; really hitting a point of no return. Our elected officials need to do something more about this; something more than they’ve ever done before.
Janet Cummingham
Santa Cruz
