Close your eyes for a second. Picture the ultimate California guy. Go ahead, we’ll wait.
You’re seeing him, aren’t you? Tall, sun-bleached, tragically handsome, lazily hanging ten on a longboard while sipping a kombucha and calling everyone “brah.” He probably has a man-bun. He definitely has opinions about avocado toast. He says things like “the ocean, dude — she speaks to me.”
Now throw all of that directly into the trash.
Meet Joe Sib, the subject of our cover story written by the writer named DNA.
Stocky. Italian. Rocking a greased-back 1950s hairdo that makes him look like Fonzie got really serious about leg day. The man is about as “stereotypical California” as a New Jersey diner — and yet, somehow, he might be the most authentically California human being alive. If California were a person, it wouldn’t be a surfer bro. It would be this fast-talking, story-spinning, keg-procuring, punk-rocking, record-label-launching, comedian-turned-international-storyteller from San Jose and Santa Cruz.
In a life that would take three Netflix docuseries and a podcast just to scratch the surface, Sib has managed to skate alongside legends like Steve Caballero, front punk bands like 22 Jacks and Wax, co-found the beloved SideOneDummy Records (home to Flogging Molly, Gaslight Anthem, and others), open for Metallica, tour the country with SNL’s Jim Breuer, and — just for fun — perform 30 shows at the legendary Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2025.
Oh, and he nearly played Pinhead at the Ramones’ final show. Because of course he did.
If you tried to write a screenplay about Joe Sib’s life, your agent would call back and say it’s too unbelievable. Nobody has that many good stories. Nobody moves through punk rock, skateboarding, comedy, and the music industry like a cheerful, unstoppable tornado — leaving behind a trail of sold-out shows, discovered talent, and people doubled over laughing.
And yet, here we are.
Whether you’ve been following Sib for decades or you’re just now discovering the man, one thing is certain: you are wildly unprepared for how much ground this guy has covered — and how much further he’s still going.
Buckle up, brah.
Drop us a line at ed****@*******es.sc, if you know Sib or are meeting him for the first time and let us know what you think.
Other news you can use: great pizza deal in our dining column, along with the scary news that Dharma’s restaurant is in trouble. That’s been a centerpiece for vegetarians here back to when it got sued by McDonalds because it was originally called McDharma’s. So many of us love that place and have a long history there. I really hope we can save it.
(When I bought my first car, that’s where I celebrated and my son has been playing with the dinosaurs for a decade.)
Thanks for reading and there’s so much inside to check out and enjoy.
Brad Kava | Editor
PHOTO CONTEST
LOVE THE FOG Here’s a film photo I took from the Santa Cruz wharf on a 35mm camera during the fog! Photograph by Sean Mohoot
GOOD IDEA
On April 11, a Santa Cruz-based business, True Source Waters, will be featured in a four-minute segment on Bloomberg TV with World’s Greatest! a long running series dedicated t highlighting successful businesses across the US. The Story: Beyond Just Filtered Water, True Source Waters isn’t just a water refill or retail store; it’s a community hub. Specializing in high-end, electrolysis water systems that transform standard tap water into mineral-rich, hydrogen-rich alkalized water—systems known to last upwards of 20 years.. We have found massive success by offering free water to the Santa Cruz community, provided participants attend monthly educational classes. These sessions empower our local customers with knowledge about water quality and the science of molecular hydrogen for improved health, fostering an educated and health-conscious following. s You can learn more at truesourcewaters.co.
GOOD WORK
On April 22, the Santa Cruz Art League ushers in the 68th annual showing of its youth art exhibition, providing a professional gallery space for emerging student artists. Each year, students from public, private, charter, home, and at-risk schools showcase their creativity. This reflects the Art League’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. It’s a judged show with awards provided for first, second, and third place, and three honorable mentions.
It will be at the Santa Cruz Art League gallery at 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, from April 22 to May 15 noon to 5pm Wednesday through Saturday. A public reception will take place at the same location on April 25 2pm-4pm. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This reception will feature a free Artist Trading Card demo with local artist Hajra Meeks. There will also be a First Friday Reception May 1 5:30 pm – 7pm.
