Any resolution is a good resolution, it doesn’t have to be on New Year’s. You want to change yourself or your life, go ahead. I don’t make them.
Steven Fannell
Santa Cruz | Carpenter Specialist
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What are your thoughts on New Year’s resolutions? Do you make them?
The Coffis Brothers and the Mountain Men
The Coffis Brothers and the Mountain Men is the latest example of Kickstarter making dreams come true. After completing a successful fundraising campaign during the fall, the local band is preparing to unveil a new record, called Wrong Side of the Road. “We didn’t know what to ask for and were kind of scared,” guitarist/vocalist Kellen Coffis says of their Kickstarter experience.
Assemblymember Mark Stone
Looking back on your first year in office, what were the highlights, and, looking ahead, what are your plans for next year?
I worked hard during my first year in office to serve my constituents, and I look forward to another year of helping vulnerable Californians and leading the fight to protect our environment.
I’m pleased that the legislature passed an on-time, balanced budget last year, and for the first time in many years, the state did not have to make drastic cuts to programs that help foster youth, the elderly, and the disabled. While this is good news, these Californians continue to suffer as billions of dollars in budget cuts from previous years decimated essential services they need. As a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, this year I will continue to advocate for critical programs on which so many Californians rely.
Sones Cellars Torrontés 2011
Looking for an interesting wine to kick off the New Year? Then try Sones Cellars’ Torrontés.
I came across this wine after a fun Friday night of eating out with friends at West End Tap & Kitchen in the Swift Street Courtyard complex. When most other tasting rooms were closed, my husband and I were surprised to find Michael Sones still around. Although he was getting ready to head home to his wife Lois and daughter Michaela, he waved us in to try a few wines.
Short and Sweet
Drama unfolds in just 10 minutes at annual 8 Tens @ Eight Festival
It started as a local contest, challenging Santa Cruz and Bay Area playwrights to create complete plays that run exactly 10 minutes for possible inclusion in a miniature theater festival. Nineteen years later, The 8 Tens @ Eight Festival draws submissions from around the world, and is considered both a time-honored and well-loved tradition in the local theater scene.
Produced by Santa Cruz County Actors’ Theatre, 8 Tens @ Eight runs Jan. 3-26 at Center Stage Theater, and features all local actors and directors. This year’s contest winners include “Nevermore” by Kat Meads, “Speed Dating” by James Chadbourn, “Santa Story” by Mark Cornell, “Last and Always” by Allan Baker, “Motherhood” by Elyce Melmon, “Waiting for 7” by Phillip Hall, “The Return” by Ross Tandowsky, and “Strawberry Fields” by Ian McRae.
Coming Soon
Last big movies of 2013 heading our way this month
Most of the big, end-of-the-year “event” movies of 2013 are already playing in Santa Cruz. But there are always a few entries whose parent studios decide to avoid the crush at the end of December and “platform” their films more gradually into release during the month of January—hopefully drumming up business along the way for movies aiming for Academy Award recognition come February.
Which is not to say that all the films heading our way in the next couple of months are bona fide Oscar bait. But the traditional moviehouse doldrums of January look to be livened up by these few random, plucky holdovers from last year coming soon to a local screen near you.
A New Moon on New Year’s Day!
Often after the holidays (Christmas) there’s a feeling of let-down and ennui. Complex feelings of endings and beginnings arise. It’s important to realize we can continue celebrating and staying festive for 12 days after Christmas. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 6 we celebrate the 12 Days After Christmas ending at Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, Epiphany, when the Three Magi Astrologer Kings discover the Holy Child. During these 12 days, the twelve zodiacal hierarchies (Angelic Presences, Aries to Pisces) stream the Sun’s vitality into the Earth and all life forms. Each day is under the influence of one of the zodiacal signs, which corresponds to a body part (to be tended to carefully). Beginning Dec. 26 to Jan. 1——Aries/head; Taurus/throat; Gemini/hands; Cancer/chest and breast; Leo/heart; Virgo/stomach and digestion. The following six signs continue next week. The 12 Days prepare for the New Year.
Survivor: Hollywood
Big and small films to remember from 2013
What is it about these angsty times that’s causing the movies to go all Gloria Gaynor on us? The biggest trend in the films of 2013 was the simple fight for survival—on land (Dallas Buyers Club; 12 Years a Slave), sea (All Is Lost; Captain Phillips), outer space (Gravity), even in the music biz (Inside Llewyn Davis; 20 Feet From Stardom). Some of these were great, but I was mostly drawn to small human stories this movie year. Here are a few of my favorites (including some you might have missed):
Taking in Takara
Capitola’s Takara Japanese Restaurant adds more zest to its overall creative flavor
Take some sushi, sashimi, tempura, add some hot wasabi and ginger, sip on a little sake, and you will feel like you’re dining in Tokyo. And this is what Takara Japanese Restaurant likes to convey—an authentic experience in a beautiful restaurant decorated in typical Japanese style. Everything hits the spot in Takara. It’s right on target with quality food, exquisite flavors, courteous service and elegant ambiance.
Hey Stranger
Local favorite The Devil Makes Three returns with new album, two Catalyst shows
It’s hard to miss the freewheeling spirit which permeates nearly every nook and cranny of The Devil Makes Three’s latest album, I’m a Stranger Here. It feels and sounds loose and fresh, almost as if the making of the album was more recreational than it was work.
“[This] ended up probably being one of the funnest records we’ve ever made,” says guitarist/singer Pete Bernhard, who admits that, at first, the band wasn’t sure what direction the album was headed. After all, they had never worked with a producer before.
What are your thoughts on New Year’s resolutions? Do you make them?
Any resolution is a good resolution, it doesn’t have to be on New Year’s. You want to change yourself or your life, go ahead. I don’t make them. Steven Fannell Santa Cruz | Carpenter Specialist New Year’s resolutions are for losers. You should be making them every day. Lisa Machado Santa...
The Coffis Brothers and the Mountain Men
The Coffis Brothers and the Mountain Men is the latest example of Kickstarter making dreams come true. After completing a successful fundraising campaign during the fall, the local band is preparing to unveil a new record, called Wrong Side of the Road. “We didn’t know what to ask for and were kind of scared,” guitarist/vocalist Kellen Coffis says of...
Assemblymember Mark Stone
Looking back on your first year in office, what were the highlights, and, looking ahead, what are your plans for next year? I worked hard during my first year in office to serve my constituents, and I look forward to another year of helping vulnerable Californians and leading the fight to protect our environment. I’m pleased that the legislature...
Sones Cellars Torrontés 2011
Looking for an interesting wine to kick off the New Year? Then try Sones Cellars’ Torrontés. I came across this wine after a fun Friday night of eating out with friends at West End Tap & Kitchen in the Swift Street Courtyard complex. When most other tasting rooms were closed, my husband and I were surprised to find Michael...
Short and Sweet
Drama unfolds in just 10 minutes at annual 8 Tens @ Eight Festival It started as a local contest, challenging Santa Cruz and Bay Area playwrights to create complete plays that run exactly 10 minutes for possible inclusion in a miniature theater festival. Nineteen years later, The 8 Tens @ Eight Festival draws submissions from around the world, and...
Coming Soon
Last big movies of 2013 heading our way this month Most of the big, end-of-the-year "event" movies of 2013 are already playing in Santa Cruz. But there are always a few entries whose parent studios decide to avoid the crush at the end of December and "platform" their films more gradually into release during the month of January—hopefully drumming...
A New Moon on New Year’s Day!
Often after the holidays (Christmas) there’s a feeling of let-down and ennui. Complex feelings of endings and beginnings arise. It’s important to realize we can continue celebrating and staying festive for 12 days after Christmas. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 6 we celebrate the 12 Days After Christmas ending at Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, Epiphany, when the Three Magi...
Survivor: Hollywood
Big and small films to remember from 2013 What is it about these angsty times that’s causing the movies to go all Gloria Gaynor on us? The biggest trend in the films of 2013 was the simple fight for survival—on land (Dallas Buyers Club; 12 Years a Slave), sea (All Is Lost; Captain Phillips), outer space (Gravity), even...
Taking in Takara
Capitola’s Takara Japanese Restaurant adds more zest to its overall creative flavor Take some sushi, sashimi, tempura, add some hot wasabi and ginger, sip on a little sake, and you will feel like you’re dining in Tokyo. And this is what Takara Japanese Restaurant likes to convey—an authentic experience in a beautiful restaurant decorated in typical Japanese style. Everything...
Hey Stranger
Local favorite The Devil Makes Three returns with new album, two Catalyst shows It’s hard to miss the freewheeling spirit which permeates nearly every nook and cranny of The Devil Makes Three’s latest album, I’m a Stranger Here. It feels and sounds loose and fresh, almost as if the making of the album was more recreational than it was...