Santa Cruz Police arrested a man Tuesday on suspicion of vandalizing the Black Lives Matter public mural on Center Street in downtown Santa Cruz last summer.
Deputy Chief Jon Bush said investigators arrested Taj Blum for felony vandalism done to the mural on the evening of July 29, 2023. After receiving reports of the vandalism, officers found the mural splattered with blue paint.
After more than six months of investigation, authorities were able to obtain enough evidence to stack up a case against Blum.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video in which a suspect is seen committing the vandalism. A possible vehicle and person of interest were subsequently identified. After the case was brought to the District Attorney’s Office to determine the motive in the case, Bush said that “at this time, no evidence supports this being a hate crime.”
It’s not the first time the mural has been vandalized. In 2021 Hagan Warner and Brandon Bochat burned truck tire marks across the mural in what prosecutors described as a hate crime for felony vandalism. They were sentenced to 90 days in jail and ordered to pay $19,000 in restitution, two years of probation and 144 hours of community service.
The mural was painted in 2020 and was part of nationwide protests for racial justice and police accountability after George Floyd, a Black man, was killed by Minneapolis Police in May 2020.
In my astrological estimation, the coming weeks will be an ideal time for you to declare amnesty, negotiate truces, and shed long-simmering resentments. Other recommended activities: Find ways to joke about embarrassing memories, break a bad habit just because it’s fun to do so, and throw away outdated stuff you no longer need. Just do the best you can as you carry out these challenging assignments; you don’t have to be perfect. For inspiration, read these wise words from poet David Whyte: “When you forgive others, they may not notice, but you will heal. Forgiveness is not something we do for others; it is a gift to ourselves.”
TAURUSApril 20-May 20
Many of you Tauruses have a robust capacity for doing diligent, effective work. Many of you also have a robust capacity for pursuing sensual delights and cultivating healing beauty. When your mental health is functioning at peak levels, these two drives to enjoy life are complementary; they don’t get in each other’s way. If you ever fall out of your healthy rhythm, these two drives may conflict. My wish for you in the coming months is that they will be in synergistic harmony, humming along with grace. That’s also my prediction: I foresee you will do just that.
GEMINIMay 21-June 20
Many people choose wealthy entertainers and celebrity athletes for their heroes. It doesn’t bother me if they do. Why should it? But the superstars who provoke my adoration are more likely to be artists and activists. Author Rebecca Solnit is one. Potawatomi biologist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer. The four musicians in the Ukrainian band DahkaBrakha. Poet Rita Dove and novelist Haruki Murakami. My capacity to be inspired by these maestros seems inexhaustible. What about you, Gemini? Who are the heroes who move you and shake you in all the best ways? Now is a time to be extra proactive in learning from your heroes—and rounding up new heroes to be influenced by.
CANCERJune 21-July 22
Your homework assignment is to work on coordinating two issues that are key to your life’s purpose. The first of these issues is your fervent longing to make your distinctive mark on this crazy, chaotic world. The second issue is your need to cultivate sweet privacy and protective self-care. These themes may sometimes seem to be opposed. But with even just a little ingenious effort, you can get them to weave together beautifully. Now is a good time to cultivate this healing magic.
LEOJuly 23-Aug. 22
If you don’t recognize the face in the mirror right now, that’s a good thing. If you feel unfamiliar feelings rising up in you or find yourself entertaining unusual longings, those are also good things. The voice of reason may say you should be worried about such phenomena. But as the voice of mischievous sagacity, I urge you to be curious and receptive. You are being invited to explore fertile possibilities that have previously been unavailable or off-limits. Fate is offering you the chance to discover more about your future potentials. At least for now, power can come from being unpredictable and investigating taboos.
VIRGOAug. 23-Sept. 22
I invite you to study the fine art of sacred intimacy in the coming weeks. Life’s rhythms will redound in your favor as you enjoy playing tenderly and freely with the special people you care for. To aid you in your efforts, here are three questions to ponder. 1. What aspects of togetherness might flourish if you approach them with less solemnity and more fun? 2. Could you give more of yourself to your relationships in ways that are purely enjoyable, not done mostly out of duty? 3. Would you be willing to explore the possibility that the two of you could educate and ripen each other’s dark sides?
LIBRASept. 23-Oct. 22
Creativity teacher Roger von Oech tells how bandleader Count Basie asked a club owner to fix his piano. It was always out of tune. A few weeks later, the owner called Basie to say everything was good. But when Basie arrived to play, the piano still had sour notes. “I thought you said you fixed it!” Basie complained. The owner said, “I did. I painted it.” The moral of the story for the rest of us, concludes von Oech, is that we’ve got to solve the right problems. I want you Libras to do that in the coming weeks. Make sure you identify what really needs changing, not some distracting minor glitch.
SCORPIOOct. 23-Nov. 21
Most of us have received an inadequate or downright poor education about love and intimate togetherness. Given how much misinformation and trivializing propaganda we have absorbed, it’s amazing any of us have figured out how to create healthy, vigorous relationships. That’s the bad news, Scorpio. The good news is that you are cruising through a sustained phase of your astrological cycle when you’re far more likely than usual to acquire vibrant teachings about this essential part of your life. I urge you to draw up a plan for how to take maximum advantage of the cosmic opportunity. For inspiration, here’s poet Rainer Maria Rilke: “For one human being to love another human being: that is perhaps the most difficult task entrusted to us, the ultimate task, the final test and proof, the work for which all other work is merely preparation.” (Translation by Stephen Mitchell.)
SAGITTARIUSNov. 22-Dec. 21
The myths and legends of many cultures postulate the existence of spirits who are mischievous but not malevolent. They play harmless pranks. Their main purpose may be to remind us that another world, a less material realm, overlaps with ours. And sometimes, the intention of these ethereal tricksters seems to be downright benevolent. They nudge us out of our staid rhythms, mystifying us with freaky phenomena that suggest reality is not as solid and predictable as we might imagine. I suspect you may soon have encounters with some of these characters: friendly poltergeists, fairies, ghosts, sprites, or elves. My sense is that they will bring you odd but genuine blessings.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Some studies suggest that less than half of us have best friends. Men are even less likely to have beloved buddies than the other genders do. If you are one of these people, the coming weeks and months will be an excellent time to remedy the deficiency. Your ability to attract and bond with interesting allies will be higher than usual. If you do have best friends, I suggest you intensify your appreciation for and devotion to them. You need and deserve companions who respect you deeply, know you intimately, and listen well. But you’ve got to remember that relationships like these require deep thought, hard work, and honest expressions of feelings!
AQUARIUSJan. 20-Feb. 18
Among all the zodiac signs, you Aquarians are among the best at enjoying a bird’s-eye perspective on the world. Soaring high above the mad chatter and clatter is your birthright and specialty. I love that about you, which is why I hardly ever shout up in your direction, “Get your ass back down to earth!” However, I now suspect you are overdue to spend some quality time here on the ground level. At least temporarily, I advise you to trade the bird’s-eye view for a worm’s-eye view. Don’t fret. It’s only for a short time. You’ll be aloft again soon.
PISCESFeb. 19-March 20
In old Hawaii, the people loved their deities but also demanded productive results. If a god stopped providing worshipers with what they wanted, they might dismiss him and adopt a replacement. I love that! And I invite you to experiment with a similar approach in the coming weeks. Are your divine helpers doing a good job? Are they supplying you with steady streams of inspiration, love, and fulfillment? If not, fire them and scout around for substitutes. If they are performing well, pour out your soul in gratitude.
TRU BLU Blu Egyptian brings their good time electro-grass-funk to Felton Music Hall PHOTO: Chloe Edington
BLU EGYPTIAN
Here’s a fun one: electronica + bluegrass + funk = what? If you ask a member of the self-described Blu Cru, they will answer Blu Egyptian. Over the past three years, this quartet from Chico has been hustling hard, playing hundreds of shows to establish its reputation as one of the most charismatic upcoming groups on the West Coast jam band scene. They’ve supported national touring acts like the String Cheese Incident and the Motherhips and, as of January 2024, have a zany, lovely new album called Chantress of Amun. There’s no better way to celebrate the mind-blowing nature of leap day. ADDIE MAHMASSANI
Local performance space Indexical has a night of heady art in store for those who love to bask in sonic vibrations. First on the bill is Eric Frye, a Minneapolis-based composer and artist who creates experiential sound installations that explore the human mind. He has participated in residencies and performed worldwide, recently collaborating with experimental musician Lucy Liyou for the album Grace. Joining Frye is Mitchell Keaney, a Berlin-based musician who blends analog field recordings with electronic drones with fascinating results. There is no right way to experience these works; the best plan is to listen with an open mind. AM
INFO: 8:30pm, Indexical, 1050 River St. #119, Santa Cruz. $16. 627-9491.
FILM
BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL
Currently touring internationally, the Banff Mountain Film Festival will be in Santa Cruz for three nights at the Rio Theatre, Friday through Sunday. This year’s festival includes 37 short films on a wide range of outdoor adventure topics, from exploring remote locales to high-intensity action sports. Different films will be screened each night. The event is a benefit supporting Adventure Rec student programs at UCSC. Last year, more than 1,300 attendees enjoyed the festival, raising more than $20,000 to defray students’ participation costs. DAN EMERSON
INFO: 7pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $23. 423-8209.
SATURDAY
FOLK
SINGER-SONGWRITERS IN-THE-ROUND
This show will present Elisabeth Carlisle, Shane Alexander and Cindy Alexander, three friends who met while playing clubs in the LA area. Carlisle enjoyed her first widespread success in the late ’90s with her debut album, No Worries. Later, Carlisle moved to Sweden, where she wrote and recorded several well-received albums. LA-based Shane Alexander has extensively toured the US, Europe and Canada as a headliner and supporting act. Cindy Alexander has enjoyed a prolific career, writing and recording a dozen albums since her debut in 1999. DE
INFO: 7:30pm, Community Theater Guild, 251-B Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley. $25. 252-3501.
EDUCATION
UCSC GRAD SLAM
Pursuing higher education can be an isolating experience. Friends and family won’t always have the background necessary to truly understand what goes on at the graduate student’s desk. Enter the UCSC Grad Slam, where students from every discipline of the UCSC graduate programs have no more than three minutes to describe their studies and/or contributions to their fields. There will be representatives from fields across the disciplines, all of whom will share what their big brains have been up to in the hopes of winning some cash . . . and sharing their worlds with the public. JESSICA IRISH
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. Free. 427-2227.
DEATHCORE
LOST TO THE VOID
Is Deathcore having a bit of a resurgence, or has it never gone away? For Lost to the Void members, it’s always been alive and well. This unrelenting band from San Jose just dropped their sophomore album, Embrace in Disgust, last August, their first since 2019’s Necrotic Ideology. The result is 14 songs culminating in 64 minutes of grisly screaming, heavy breakdowns and sludgy riffs topped with plenty of double bass mixed between an experimental noise track or two. Unbelievers and the faithful alike will see how lost to the void they are this Saturday at the Downtown Santa Cruz Vets Hall as PinUp Presents brings the crew back with Sin Miedo, Usurper, Mercy Mine and Cruel Idols packing the bill. MAT WEIR
INFO: 6pm, Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St., Santa Cruz. $10/adv, $15/door. 454-0478.
SUNDAY
SOUL
KENDRA MORRIS
While Kendra Morris might not be a household name (and in this reporter’s opinion, that’s a shame), many likely have heard her voice without knowing it, especially if they’re hip-hop heads. Along with releasing two albums on Wax Poetics, she’s collaborated with heavy hitters like 9th Wonder, Czarface, MF Doom, DJ Premier, Ghostface Killah and more. Her solo music paints personal—and maybe not-so-personal—stories of life and the road by blending soul, R&B and some elements of hip-hop, carried by a smoky-rich voice with a dollop of honey, making it smooth, sweet and seductive. Valentine’s Day might be over, but that won’t stop the romance emanating from the stage when Kendra Morris hits the mic. MW
Bookshop Santa Cruz favorite Guy Kawasaki returns with his new title, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference. Kawasaki’s bio will make the average person wonder how one person can be so productive. He’s written 16 books, runs a podcast, has worked at the top of several major tech companies and has degrees or appointments with impressive schools like Harvard, Berkeley and Stanford. If anyone knows what remarkable looks like, it’s this Guy. He finds it in others, too, including icons like Jane Goodall and Stacey Abrams, who lend advice in his latest book. JI
INFO: 7pm, Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Free. 423-0900.
WEDNESDAY
ALT
MIA X ALLY
Mia Asano and Piper.Ally joined forces to create an exciting, fashionable, jaw-dropping experience. With Mia on the electric violin and Piper.Ally on the bagpipes, they put on an electrifying show that gives a modern twist to traditional instruments as they cover songs like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “Free Bird,” and “Through the Fire and Flames.” They mix original songs and these reimagined covers to create a mesmerizing performance. People in the audience will surely find themselves headbanging and dancing as they shred on stage. Their passion for the music and instruments is embedded into every performance, making every show a high-energy and fun experience. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
You can always tell a natural leader by the first introduction. After braving the downtown mid-week mayhem, I speed-walked my way into Roxa lounge just in time to meet Christopher Montenegro. I was excited to chat about his new eight-week program, “Forging the Path to Sacred Masculinity”.
Five minutes later, after guiding me through several grounding breaths, Christopher explained that for him the role of leader started early. Growing up as the oldest son in a family of 10 with no dad onsite, he embraced the role of father figure early on. He carried them into adulthood through his work as an electrician, where he quickly rose the ranks to a management role.
A few years were all it took to recognize that many of his employees, all men, were lacking the resources to uphold healthy boundaries or manage negative emotions. Angry outbursts and poor communication were the norm as workers seemed to fall into roles from aggressor to avoider. Committed as he was to mentoring his workers, at some point it didn’t feel like enough.
Eventually in search of greater alignment with his values, this former foreman relocated from San Mateo to Santa Cruz, where a friend steered him toward a five-day Sacred Sons leadership immersion program Christopher says changed his life.
Sacred Sons is a worldwide organization dedicated to teaching men to lead with healthy, honest and embodied strength. Participants learn a variety of healthy tools and resources for confronting challenges and deepening connection in all areas of their lives.
For Montenegro the experience unleashed a slew of emotions held so far out of consciousness he had failed to see the way his choices were impacting his life and the lives of his two teenage daughters. He saw how the lack of alignment in his own relationships was creating an obstacle to living fully and authentically. This stark realization was enough to prompt him to leave a secure job with steady pay and embark on a journey to share these teachings with others.
Far from a new concept, men’s groups typically serve as supportive spaces where men gather to explore various aspects of masculinity, personal growth, and connection. These groups often provide a safe and confidential environment for men to share their experiences, challenges, and wins without judgment. Discussions in men’s groups may cover a wide range of topics, including relationships, work, family dynamics, emotional well-being, and societal expectations.
While typical formats include group discussions and sharing circles, the overarching goal of men’s groups is to promote self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authentic expression while offering mutual support and camaraderie among members.
Sacred Sons evolves this concept into embodied action. Unlike traditional gatherings where conversation dominates, this leadership training incorporates diverse practices that delve into the realms of spirituality, brotherhood, and embodied experiences.
The eight-week workshop Christopher leads in Capitola uses this framework to foster a deep sense of brotherhood among participants. Forging the Path to Sacred Masculinity draws inspiration from multiple traditions and wisdom teachings. Through ceremonies, rituals, and explorations of masculine archetypes, participants engage in profound reflections on purpose, identity, and connection to something greater than themselves.
The observation that men often fall into two categories, nice guys or tyrants rings true. We all know guys like this, one always finishes last and the other shoves his way to the front of the line. One ends up feeling like a doormat, afraid to stand up for himself, while the other plows through life, leaving anyone in his wake behind. Both paths stem from a place of imbalance, ultimately ending in shame, guilt or disconnection.
Forging the Path uses practices like breathwork, movement and meditation to shine a light on the hidden defense mechanisms holding unhealthy patterns in place. Using methods drawn from trauma release therapies, this work empowers individuals to process subconscious memories in a safe, supportive environment. From there they’re able to recognize and begin to let go of the pain they may not even know they were carrying.
By learning to build authentic connections and camaraderie, maybe for the first time in their adult lives, the program encourages men to support each other on their journeys of growth and self-discovery. Weekly 90-sessions are held in the evenings, and participants range in age from twenty to fifty-something, spanning all backgrounds and levels of fitness.
Christopher sees this work as his life’s calling. He says the role of the masculine needs some serious rework, especially today. With the art of respectful dialogue all but lost, learning healthy ways to express anger and to be vulnerable are a good place to begin. And this holistic modality may be the right path to get you there. Learn more at www.breathandoneness.com
Perhaps eating a bunch of clam chowder pre-ride wasn’t the smartest way to celebrate 100 years of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper, but hey, the delirium of the whole scene got to us.
Hundreds and hundreds of chowder lovers and/or people with pent-up demand to enjoy some sunny weather flocked to the water’s edge last weekend to bask in amateur and professional takes on Manhattan and Boston chowders.
On the amateur side, they came with names like Clamtastic, Clam Halen and The Silence of the Clams, with the costumes to match. They scooped chowder from big pots, upwards of 1,500 samples a station (with 50+ serving), clanging cowbells and vibing kindly on a postcard-quality day.
Fear not, however, the antidote to any intestinal upset after the fifth oldest ride of its kind in the country—built for $50,000 and originally charging 15 cents a go—is The Little Dipper, where your soft serve can be coated in choices that include chocolate, peanut butter and butterscotch.
Now for a sampling of the winners. People’s Choice, Amateur Competition: 4 Men & a Clam, with Rocky Horror Clam Show and Big C’s winning on judge’s scorecards. On the pro side, Best Manhattan went 1) Coasties, 2) Redwood Sluggers (UCSC Dining) and 3) Dominican Oaks; and Best Boston podiumed 1) Seascape Golf Course, 2) Latin Asian Fusion Kitchen and 3) Jack O’Neill Restaurant, with Ideal Bar & Grill taking the People’s Choice for Boston.
Good intel on where to soup up, followed by the best part: Based on last year’s receipts, I estimate—conservatively—upwards of $100,000 was raised to benefit the city’s parks-and-rec programs.
TOAST TIME
Watsonville Public House is now open in all its dog-friendly, bike-welcoming, indoor-outdoor craft beer glory. Four house beers (to start) come complemented by eight guest taps, served at a glowing copper bar. Simply a massive upgrade for downtown WatsON. watsonville.pub
OYUKI YUMMY
The case can be made that Lima ranks as one of the best food cities on the planet, and this concept takes me back. Oyuki Sushi Nikkei (1010 Pacific Ave., Suite F, Santa Cruz) does Peruvian-Japanese fusion by way of memorable dishes like causas and papas a la huacaina, buttressed by a bunch of creative vegan rolls, traditional rolls and special rolls. The menu, in a word, is mouthwatering. Oyukisushi.com
PORTHOLE PEEK
Oblò Kitchen + Cocktails (740 Front St., Santa Cruz) has opened in the former Café Mare. Marco Paoletti and Andrea Loporcaro of Sugo Italian Pasta Bar fame are behind the project, with steaks, mussels, burgers, salads, paella and scallops appearing on the menu. PS In Italian, Oblò means porthole. oblosc.com/
NEWS BUFFET
Sweet situation: A handful of Girl Scout cookies are quietly vegan, including Thin Mints, Lemonades, Caramel Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Patties (aka Tagalongs), Adventurefuls and Toast Yays…Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) just honored Mireya Gomez-Contreras of Esperanza Community Farms in Watsonville as its Farm Advocate of the Year, largely due to her hustle expanding healthy food access to underserved residents and students…Chocolate Restaurant in Santa Cruz (1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz) now does a coffee shop side dish every day from noon to 4:30pm with a dozen hot chocolate drinks, signature desserts and house-made truffles…You heard it here early: Mission St. BBQ (1618 Mission St., Santa Cruz) has excellent breakfast tacos. Buen provecho.
While volunteering at the Homeless Garden Project, a colleague told Mikaela Anderson that Fonda Felix’s head chef/owner, Diego, was looking for someone to help grow his business and she started the job in April. Fonda Felix as Pan-Latin cuisine focused on Argentine-style empanadas with diverse South American influences.
Open Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-6pm, guests order at the “empanada speak-easy” vibed front door. The menu is headlined by empanadas, like Anderson’s favorite with spinach and Monterey Jack cheese. The vegan Mesóamerica is a best-seller, and other options include shredded chicken married with Peruvian spices, traditional Argentinian beef, and fish and fennel.
The Chipacitos are pleasantly chewy tapioca, cheese and egg puff balls that Anderson says are “fluffy little cheesy bites of deliciousness.” Yerba Mate is cold-brewed in-house with orange and herbs.
Tell me about Diego’s background?
MIKAELA ANDERSON: He was born and raised near Buenos Aires, and although meat is a big part of the culture there, he was brought up vegetarian in a very health-conscious family. He initially wanted to be an actor, sensibility for entertainment is a big part of who he is, so he traveled throughout Latin America in his 20’s looking for work. He ended up becoming inspired and fascinated by local indigenous food from Bolivia, Ecuador and Mexico. He then worked at and owned several restaurants throughout the Americas before he moved to Santa Cruz with his wife and kids in 2015.
Talk to me about the catering side of the business?
MA: With our small, but passionate team, we cater occasions ranging from small private events to large corporate gatherings with hundreds of people. The menus that Diego creates are seasonal and customized to guest’s likings and dietary preferences; everything from meat-focused traditional Argentinian to fully vegan plant-based selections that feature the bounty of our local produce. What we all enjoy the most is seeing people love the food and indulge their curiosity for the cuisine and culture behind it.
402 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz, 831-889-0653; fondafelix.com
One of my husband’s favorite wines is Zinfandel. If you also are a lover of Zin, then try this bright 2019 Central Coast by Storrs ($29), one of our best local wineries.
Flavorful and bursting with notes of cherry and soft vanilla, this Zin has a “perfect balance” of spice, fruit and oak – handily winning a double gold medal in the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle wine competition of 2023. Owners Steve and Pamela Storrs have been on the forefront of winemaking for many years, resulting in a plethora of awards.
Storrs Winery & Vineyards, 1560 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, 831-724-5030 & 831-458-5030. Storrs Tasting Room at the Old Sash Mill is 303 Potrero St., Santa Cruz. Storrswine.com
Vintage Wine & Port
Last year on a trip to my native England, I was fortunate to be given a tour of VintageWine & Port by two wonderful ladies who work there – Dia Grigoriou and Antonia Sheldon.
Grigoriou, senior wine consultant, and Sheldon, in wine sales, showed me rare and extremely old bottles of wine, port, sherry, Madeira, whisky and more from their inventory – some dating back to the 1800s. Let’s say you want a bottle of 1967 Chateau Mouton Rothschild to celebrate a special occasion: it’s in stock! Or a fine French Cognac, or a superb bottle of Port – for sure VW&P has something exceptional and affordable. It’s especially unique to gift a bottle of wine from the year of one’s birth. The company is piled high with the most impressive selection of wines and spirits you could ever imagine. There are also lovely gift boxes to choose from – and they ship all over the world.
We’ve got another week of too much going on to fit in one issue. We’ve had to stack some of the things to do onto our website, which…well, what do you think of that? As one of the last outposts of print journalism, we are a hybrid sharing the printed page with online info you can read on your phone or computer.
You’d think by now publications would have it figured out, but we write for a mixed audience. Some hang on to the printed word and only want to read the paper on paper. Others just want to read online. It’s a stretch to do both, but we are doing our best.
So, the good news is that you can catch a great cultural event every day this week, from a too-unknown-but-about-to-take-off Brooklyn-based singer to a post hardcore band with a name pacifists might hate, Militarie Gun. Writer Mat Weir knows underground music and we love him for it.
We have an important profile of Donald Williams, who started UCSC’s Black theater troupe, after he was originally inspired by playing Michael Jackson in a junior high talent show. Speaking of killer guitars, as we were above, there’s a new exhibit of guitar art that will keep you fretting. We know how obsessed guitarists are with their instruments.
And, yes, we have literature in one of the best outposts for the printed word, Santa Cruz. There’s an article on a big poetry event and another on a Native American author’s important second novel.
This issue is no quick read for those who love the arts.
On the bad side: we are worried about major layoffs in the Live Oak School District. It brings to life the fears we are all facing about housing. If families can’t afford to live here, how can schools survive?
And then there are the property owners who have been fined by the Coastal Commission for keeping pedestrians off a short beach path that has been proclaimed public property by that commission. So, instead of paying millions in fines and obeying the Commission’s decision, the owners upped their game and put up a bigger, uglier fence and sued the Commission.
There are serious arguments on both sides and we’d love to hear yours. Send them to ed****@we*****.com and we’ll print as many as we can.
Thanks for reading.
Brad Kava
Photo Contest
SURFIN’ ALWAYS Surfer sunset on West Cliff. Photograph by Jo Hensel
Good Idea
Community radio station KSQD, known as K-Squid, suffered
damage from flooding last month. While recovering, the station is preparing to celebrate its fifth birthday with a benefit concert and silent auction Saturday, March 2, between 1 and 5pm at the Resource Center for Non-Violence in Santa Cruz.
Featured music will include Tammi Brown, Keith Greeninger, Poi
Rogers with Carolyn Sills and Gerard Egan, Coffee Zombie Collective, Ripatti &
Rose Trio, Coast Ridge Ramblers, Andy Fuhrman, Ben James, and Lucas Lawson
and Anthony Arya.
Good Work
Last Saturday, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley (CHT) celebrated the grand opening of its new community garden in Watsonville. The garden is located in Muzzio Park, which is an area with high rates of poverty and food insecurity. CHT is bringing fresh produce to Watsonville through the expansion of its Community Gardens program.
“We provide resources to empower Pajaro Valley residents to make simple lifestyle changes that help them live longer and fuller lives,” DeAndre’ James, Executive Director of the Community Health Trust.
Quote of the week
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” Steve Jobs
The article by Elizabeth Borelli, explaining gyrotonics And its restorative practices was very welcome. This system of maintenance and restoration has been little understood. However the article failed to mention that Gyrokinesis has been taught at Cabrillo college for many years, and is readily available.
Pat Mc Veigh
VOTE FOR COMMON SENSE
I appreciate every government representative who genuinely understands what they are choosing to implement and are not at the mercy of having to “payback” those who got them elected, which may not be in the best interest of future generations.
I’m not in his district so I cannot vote for Manu Koenig, but I trust his common sense. I urge all those who appreciate commonsense government to vote for Manu who has proven his common sense leadership in his first term. Staying focused upon what we can improve rather than getting off-track on tangents that we can do nothing about helps meeting his circulated statement:
“I will bring us together in a collaborative government to build sustainable Transportation, proactive homeless services, and affordable housing. I will leverage technology, learn from other regions, and listen to you. Together we’ll build a better Santa Cruz County for all.”
Bob Fifield
LIVE OAK SCHOOLS CUTS
From the Good Times website comments section
I would like to clarify a few things in the article:
1. I am in no way blaming this crisis on special education and it is not Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that can cost $100k. It is the placement in specialized schools needed for some children to thrive that can cost that much. All kids are entitled by law to a free and appropriate public education, and if I had a child in Special Ed, I too would push for whatever they needed regardless of cost. The problem is just that state and federal governments have shifted more and more of those costs to local districts.
2. While I did miss two meetings, the reason I said I feel personally responsible for this is because I let my own values, and my belief that public school teachers and support staff deserve to be paid more overshadow the financial realities of the district. As the senior member of the board, newer members looked to me for guidance during labor negotiations and I failed them. If I had insisted that we maintain our reserves at 6% (double the state mandated 3%) we would have been better prepared for this. We cannot control the huge cuts in state revenue or some of the increased costs we face, but we should have been more prepared and transparent.
With vulnerability in her writing, humor and creative vocal textures, Kendra Morris deserves a listen. The rock ‘n’ roll persona she emanates – tattooed sleeves, vintage 1970s style glasses, and her modern take on soul and indie-rock– stays true to her rebellious vibes in “I Am What I’m Waiting For”, her latest LP release.
“Don’t ever draw boundaries on your life; it’s your life, it’s a gift,” says Morris about being in music and rolling with her creativity amidst all the challenges in making one’s path and trusting your gut.
The busy rock star and mom showed me around her Brooklyn apartment by Zoom and tried calming Roger, the French/Irish bulldog who wouldn’t stop pestering her for attention. Two weeks out from her West Coast tour, she has a lot on her plate; readying special record orders with personalized autographs and requests, tour technicalities, interviews, picking up her 9-year-old daughter, Opal, from school, and all the while connecting on social media to promote her release and connect with fans.
Her latest release comes more than a decade after her critically acclaimed debut album, Banshee (2012, Wax Poetics/Naive). In 10 tracks, Morris captures the nuances of adulthood with producer Torbitt Schwartz, who has worked with Killer Mike and Run the Jewels.
Morris blends powerful and moody neo-soul vocals with late ‘60s and early ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll into a medley of soul, pop, garage rock, doo-wop and exotica.
During the pandemic she started a karaoke happy hour night on her insta page.
“I like everything big and bold,” says Morris, often wearing her signature oversized 1970s-style glasses. When she found out she really needed them for her eyesight, she took it as an opportunity to create another visual element for her fans to recognize her. With her big hair, big glasses, and tattooed sleeves, she invites us on a journey into her New York world and lifestyle. Her soulful timbre and vocal power brings to mind Janis Joplin or Amy Winehouse, with hints of Liz Phair.
KICKIN IT This Florida native has come into her own in Brooklyn. PHOTO: Rosie Cohe
“I was always listening to so much different stuff,” she says,”I started with my parents’ record collection, which was a lot of old Motown, Jackson 5 stuff, and lots of old reggae records that they’d bring back when they would go to Jamaica.
it’s so funny, something popped up on my feed the other day; and Sheryl Crow played “Strong Enough”… I remember that that used to be one of my favorites…and listening to that song on repeat in my bedroom. The song would end, and I think I had it on cassette even. I would just play it over and over, the song would end, and I’d have to get out of bed to rewind it. Even that first Lisa Loeb record, I loved that too.”
Originally from Florida, she was looking to step out of her comfort zone with this new album and challenge herself to explore different themes besides love. After over a decade of collaboration with producer and musician Jeremy Page, she was ready to shake things up.
She teamed up with producer Torbitt Schwartz to co-write her latest album. He brings psychedelic-laced keys and spacey sounds, and a collagist approach.
In this fifth release, Morris aimed to showcase her grit and evoke emotion rather than perfection. She delivers soul-drenched melodies over a medley of rock and roll ingredients.
As light, fluffy layers of harmonies caress your ears on the introductory track, “When I Go To Space,” you are drawn into “Anywhere” by its bass line and classic 60s drumbeat, while Kendra soars majestically into energetic vocal highs on the chorus of the following track, “Still Spinning.” Believing in the magic of the artistic process and wanting to maintain that “realness” in her albums, Morris welcomes imperfections and one-takes.
“As you grow up, hopefully you’re really digging your feet into the Earth and experiencing different things and the more you learn and remain open-minded, the more your influences will change, so your records should always feel a little different.”
Her creativity isn’t limited to music.
“I do animation, I do collage work, I mean I do anything, I just love tapping into different things, the more I have noticed that they all blend together. And there’s not really a rule to it, that’s the way I look at my fashion too, it’s another way to express yourself.”
Her visual style caught the eye of fellow New-Yorkers Czarface and MF Doom, with whom Morris had done vocal features. They inquired about who did her music videos, which led to her creating the video for their track, “Bomb Thrown”.
“I think my style has just evolved with me. No one’s going to come up to someone making art and tell them, ‘you’re doing art wrong.’ There’s no such thing as expressing yourself wrong, so the same goes for your fashion and your style. You know I’m no millionaire, not even close, but I do what I love.”
Living in New York City has been a game changer. “I wanted everything at my fingertips, to be able to go to the studio or run into someone on the corner. Lou Reed walked into the dive bar I was working at one day. For the whole world, it’s a hub.”
Kendra Morris with guests the SIlvertone and DJ Archive 65 8pm Sunday at Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $15 in advance, and $20 day of.
ARIES March 21-April 19
In my astrological estimation, the coming weeks will be an ideal time for you to declare amnesty, negotiate truces, and shed long-simmering resentments. Other recommended activities: Find ways to joke about embarrassing memories, break a bad habit just because it's fun to do so, and throw away outdated stuff you no longer need. Just do the...
Mia Asano and Piper.Ally joined forces to create an exciting, fashionable, jaw-dropping experience. With Mia on the electric violin and Piper.Ally on the bagpipes...
Sacred Sons is a worldwide organization dedicated to teaching men to lead with healthy, honest and embodied strength. Participants learn a variety of healthy tools and resources...
We’ve got another week of too much going on to fit in one issue. We’ve had to stack some of the things to do onto our website, which…well, what do you think of that?
The article by Elizabeth Borelli, explaining gyrotonics And its restorative practices was very welcome. This system of maintenance and restoration has been little understood. However...
