Why we care about Miranda July’s quirks Miranda July thinks about the peculiar nature of ordinary life—a lot. Whether it’s in her award-winning film, Me, You and Everyone we Know, which lays out the magic and misunderstandings that lead to love; her book of short stories, “No One Belongs Here More than You,” written in shades...

Local jazz’s prodigal son Smith Dobson V returns with a new sound Smith Dobson V grew up playing the clubs and streets of Santa Cruz, and the Oakland jazz musician carries that legacy with him wherever he goes. The scion of a jazz dynasty, he’s the son of the late, beloved Santa Cruz pianist Smith Dobson...

Benten closing, plus Award-winning gin, a massive burrito and chocolate review After 30 years, through thick, thin, and even an earthquake, Mieko Hawkes and her business partner/sushi chef Isao Sugawara made sushi specialties for the downtown Santa Cruz audience. And now, after 30 years of maguro nigiri, endless tobiko with quail egg, and more than a...

‘American Sniper’ a bold but grueling experience Whatever your opinion is of America’s endless and ongoing misadventures in the Middle East, it’s likely to be confirmed by the harrowing war drama American Sniper. Based on the memoir by Navy SEAL sharpshooter Chris Kyle, recounting his four tours of duty in Iraq, with vigorous and muscular direction...

What’s old is cutting-edge again in Felton The oldest building in Felton is now home to one of the city’s most cutting-edge restaurants and alehouses. The Cremer House, which was opened by Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery owner Emily Thomas and Felton/Boulder Creek New Leaf owner Bob Locatelli in December, combines all the latest trends in beer...

Getting tin foil in my mouth, like biting tin foil. It’s the worst thing ever. Bill Gibson, Felton, Sales             Eating without manners actually makes me cringe. The hair on the back of my neck stands up. Kyle Leach, Santa Cruz, Outside Sales           When people floss...

Alixandra Macmillan-Fiedel’s evocative songwriting fuels Ghost Tiger The daugher of film music composer Brad Fiedel, who scored dozens of films including The Terminator and True Lies, Alixandra Macmillan-Fiedel grew up surrounded by music. There were always instruments around the house and in Fiedel’s studio. She would also go with him to hear orchestras perform his scores—an...

The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation of Monterey County is a prime grape-growing region. Its proximity to the cool maritime influences of the Monterey Bay allows fruit to ripen slowly, and, for Lucia Highlands’ 2012 Chardonnay from Kelly’s Vineyard, a luscious wine with intense tropical fruit flavors is the result. This rich Chardonnay ($25) has concentrated layers...

Films This WeekCheck out the movies playing around town.With: Reviews, Movie Times click here.Santa Cruz area movie theaters > ....... New This Week AMERICAN SNIPER Bradley Cooper stars as real-life Navy SEAL sharpshooter Chris Kyle, whose harrowing four tours of duty in Iraq are chronicled in this military action drama based on Kyle’s memoir. Directed by...

Spread more kindness and compassion. Kelly Anderson, Watsonville, Office Manager               I’d like to thank people more. I think everybody is just waiting for recognition. And if you say thank you, people love that. Adam Becerra, Santa Cruz, Chef             Donate everything I can. I’m...