Page 118 | Good Times

Slow Fashion

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November 13, 2024

Since the dawn of the recycling era, Santa Cruz has embraced the mantra to reduce, reuse and recycle. And in a big way that has included apparel. Now a new generation is embracing the vintage aesthetic. Whether inspiration comes from old photos of Dad’s ’80s Magnum, P.I. phase or a favorite 2000s scandal-prone pop star, clothes from the past are the key to a fashionable future.

“There is almost an unlimited amount of secondhand clothing and it’s just going to circulate as time goes on,” says Isabel Alt, a co-founder of Artifact Goods, a relatively new vintage store in the downtown secondhand scene.

More than a dozen vintage stores selling curated, pre-loved items are thriving in Santa Cruz. But how? Selling secondhand clothes with a markup might not seem profitable at first glance, especially when thrift stores and yard sales offer lower prices.

**ZOOOMING** A vibrant and wide-ranging shoe collection fills the shelves of Moon Zooom. Owner Nicolas Canavarro takes pride in restoring them like new. PHOTO: Tarmo Hannula

Moon Zooom has been around since 1992, one of the longest-standing vintage reselling shops in Santa Cruz. Nicolas Canavarro, owner of the Pacific Avenue store since 2020, sticks to what he knows after growing up with his mother and sister in vintage selling.

“Good stuff is always going to be good stuff; trends go up and down,” Canavarro, 45, says. “But for us, good quality old vintage is always going to be good.”

Moon Zooom has seen the recycling of trends through time, and throughout it all the shop thrives on its global sourcing process. Sticking to genuine vintage fur coats and old bowling shirts with the embroidered names of bowlers past, Canavarro can safely say that there will always be a market for the items he chooses to carry.

“I have about five different people across the country who search. We try to source stuff from other places than just Goodwill. It’s what makes it so we have different stuff.”

Canavarro says, “If you look at our store, you’ll see we have a vast array of items throughout the last 100 years. We buy things from the 1890s to the 1990s.”

The fact that so many vintage stores have moved in has not helped Canavarro, a Native American whose mother and sister are also in the vintage clothes business.

“We’ve just had the worst two years we’ve ever had,” he says.”Ten other vintage stores have opened on Pacific Avenue in the past year and a half. It’s driven the prices up for me to buy merchandise.”

**FINDERS KEEPERS** David Constanza (left) and John Alcantar of Artifact Goods in downtown Santa Cruz show a sample of their inventory of vintage clothes. PHOTO: Tarmo Hannula

New stores often start with significant cash from loans and can pay more for items. The heavy construction downtown and the move of the Metro station has hurt foot traffic and parking, what he says amounts to a loss of $100,000 a year for him.

Even Halloween was bad this year, he says. He sold 10 percent of what he normally would for the holiday, partly because people buy things on Amazon. However, he adds, the day before Halloween and on the holiday, business picked up enough to make them his two best days.

“People saw the stuff they got on Amazon was garbage and it didn’t look like the picture so they came in here at the last minute.”

Sadly, though, sales around Halloween usually fueled the store during the slow winter months. Not so this year.

“My only option is to keep finding better and cheaper stuff,” he says, as he is about to go to Los Angeles to the gigantic Rose Bowl Flea Market looking for the kind of variety Santa Cruzans love.

Canavarro bought the store during Covid, a real challenge, he says as he is polishing and restoring a pair of 30-year-old Dr. Martens, which though they are as good and well-made as new, he’ll sell for half the price.

“I will sleep in the back room and live here,” he says, reflecting on the downturn. “I’m not closing it down. I’ll just get better stuff and sell it cheaper.”

Looking around Santa Cruz, there isn’t one style that stands out more than another. This beach town is home to a diverse collection of vastly different fashions. Vintage stores that don’t cater to one niche are a surefire place for fashionable residents to find whatever they’re on the prowl for.

Globally or not, sourcing is no easy feat. Resellers spend hours sifting through yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales to stock their racks of clothes for customers eager to find that perfect piece—from bell bottoms and peasant blouses for the Woodstock wannabes to beaded mesh tanks and jeans that barely clear the pubic bone for those still mourning Wet Seal.

Stepping into stores like Angel Aura, Oasis on Pacific, Virgo Santa Cruz and Motherlode, a distinct theme in the type of “vintage” they offer becomes immediately apparent. Baby tees, low-rise jeans and lots of staples from the ’90s and early 2000s dominate the racks. That’s what the “cool kids” want these days: to dress like their parents did decades ago.

“Nineties streetwear is really popular because it plays into the skate culture here in Santa Cruz,” Artifact’s Alt says.

Accompanying Virgo Santa Cruz’s manager, Bella Aguilar, on a sourcing trip through hours of thrifting offers a firsthand glimpse into the mindset that proves successful in selling vintage to those chasing today’s trends.

“A lot of the time, I find myself finding things I personally like selling well in the store,” Aguilar says.

It’s no coincidence the cart was full of leather jackets, satin slip dresses and vintage denim, mirroring what’s seen on the local college campus.

“I was confident we were going to do well in this location because we had so much exposure to UCSC students just by selling at the markets. That was mostly our clientele,” Alt says.

Connecting with an audience is the recipe for success when deciding what to resell while sifting through thrift stores like the Goodwill bins and Salvation Army. Aguilar, a college student herself, has a keen eye for what her peers would drop their part-time paychecks for.

This is how some reseller shops find their success, by directly focusing on an ideal shopper—the UCSC and Cabrillo student population. Walking around a college campus, the students are spotted in the designs of yesterday. A long way from chevron peplum tops and high-waisted white jeans, an outfit straight out of grandparents’ photo albums is what sourcing trips are for nowadays.

“We do have a lot of college students from UCSC and I think people have a really cool sense of fashion here, but they also want to get it at an affordable rate,” says Jake Jensen, owner of Oasis on Pacific. “So it’s finding cool stuff, but keeping it in that middle ground of not too expensive. It’s just cool things at a cool price to look good.”

Retail shop owners observe the resurgence of old trends, but instead of opting for remade versions, they go into the “wild” to find the original inspirations.

Another downtown vintage spot, Angel Aura, is a hidden gem next to Walnut Avenue Cafe. This lesser-known vintage store not only offers pieces aligned with the latest trends but also maintains a consistent and reasonable price range anywhere from $10 to $50 depending on the piece.

Owner Sandra Renteria understands as a local, she needs to keep her inventory within the price range of the famously frugal student population interested in vintage fashion.

“We’re a working culture; we don’t have time to sift through clothes to participate in this environmental movement,” Renteria says. “I try to find a reasonable price so vintage isn’t unattainable.”

At times, however, the pricing of items in these stores can lead to confusion for shoppers. While a price tag can be absurd to a regular shopper who is not well-versed in the vintage market, the cost of certain “rare” goods is not entirely unreasonable.

The pursuit of a Holy Grail item, known as a “Grail” in the reseller community, comes with a cost—both in terms of time and effort, aspects that are reflected in the resale price.

“Let’s use band tees as an example. If you want an ’80s Metallica T-shirt you can go down to Urban Outfitters and get a reprint, but for the original, you had to go to that concert in the ’80s to get one. There aren’t that many out there, and they are harder to find. The price reflects the rarity of an item,” Jensen explains.

While the appeal of convenience and the revival of trends fuel the success of these places, too much of a good thing in fashion can have consequences. Early 2000s staple boutiques closed shop as the trends they relied on faded. The question looms: is this the potential fate of small vintage businesses?

The movement to battle over-consumption may be the key to the permanence of vintage stores. These “old” clothes can fill the desire for trendy fashion and offer a solution to the problem of churning out excessive garments whenever a style gains popularity.

“I feel like trends always recycle, and everyone is always different,” Renteria says. “I think that’s what’s so cool about vintage clothing is that you have this unique piece and that person will style it their own unique way.”

Oasis on Pacific places a strong emphasis on the sustainability aspect of vintage. The Oasis on Pacific website prominently showcases five factors highlighting the drawbacks of fast fashion, underscoring the imperative for secondhand clothing in the world. The prevalent social activism and environmental consciousness in Santa Cruz may well be the driving force ensuring the longevity of secondhand vintage businesses for years to come.

“There’s so many cool clothes out there in the world right now that we’re able to recycle and rehome these pieces. Otherwise, someone would just go out and buy a mass-produced item with a high environmental cost. I mean it takes 1,800 gallons of water to make a pair of jeans. It’s a lot of resources being used for all these new items, so if we can be more sustainable we should,” Jensen says.

The pieces made before fast fashion was the new biggest supplier were not only more sustainable but better for the wearer. There’s a reason the clothes have lasted this long, and a brand-new Shein shirt rips on the second wear.

“Back in the day, there was a lot more thoughtfulness in the creation of clothing, whether it be design, the materials used or the functionality,” says Isabella Cisneros , aka Bell, co-owner of Little Red Door.

Filled with quality pieces in a little store off Portola Drive, Little Red Door’s owners—two sisters—are thoughtful about what they stock and to whom they’re selling.

“We want to be selling a product to people that we can stand by, that we are passionate about, and that we know will last them a lifetime,” Bell says.

Treasure Hunt

The search for quirky keepers

By Bianca Sieraski

Anyone with a desire to dig through unique artifacts that range from retro to ancient need look no further than Santa Cruz County, where quirky treasures can be found in local antique stores.

The informal hub of antiquities has to be along Soquel Drive, which connects 12 different antique stores across a 2.5-mile drive. Although most of these shops highlight their furniture selections, there is much to be found that can be transported home with ease.

Located on the corner of Center and Soquel, Center Street Antiques shimmers with glistening glass, mirrors and beautifully decorated rooms. The layout of the store seems simple, but as one moves through each room it seems as if another is unlocked. Vintage items line the walls, floors and all open surfaces, including vintage purses, pictures, frames, mirrors, tea sets, bracelets, books and Mad magazines. This place is a trinket paradise, and another plus is that there are a couple other antique stores on the same corner that can be visited on foot.

Up the street about a mile is a hidden gem, Attilia’s Antiques. What makes this place special is its size and impressive amount of items. Shelves are stocked with nostalgia from all eras that can be found in curated sections. With each visit, something new is bound to catch the eye. Through the entrance and out back, there is a garden with knickknacks for outdoor areas. (You may even find a cat wandering around if you’re lucky.) A piece of advice: Make time in your schedule if you’re coming to Attilia’s, because every room is a must-see.

In Santa Cruz, Miss Jessie May’s is located on Pacific Avenue, downtown’s main promenade for foot traffic. The store stands out amid an abundance of retailers for its accessory selection and the aroma of jasmine that waft through it. Crosses, Calave, Victorian cameo pendants, Frida Kahlo, the Virgin Mary and the sacred heart are some examples of the visual iconography seen in the wide selection of jewelry. The shop itself is very well organized, with each glass case holding pieces with similar aesthetics. Besides the accessory options, this store also sells soaps, candles and beachy decorations like sea glass windchimes and abalone shells.

Further afield, antique stores in Watsonville and Felton may contain a soon-to-be-prized possession.

In Felton, visitors on their way to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park will drive past Abbot’s Thrift, a big red barn that has new deals posted daily on a board by the entrance. The technology section can be interesting to look through, with antique rotaries, stereo systems and tape recorders found there. The whole back right of the store is dedicated to porcelain, ceramic and glass items; this is where to find mugs, china plates and a random variety of kitchen appliances. The majority of the barn is filled with clothing, books, CDs and DVDs. In other words, this place has it all.

On the opposite side of Santa Cruz County, Watsonville’s Carriage House Collectibles is a quaint shop off of East Lake Avenue that even locals may not know about. As shoppers draw near to the house, they are likely to be greeted by two loud but sweet dogs and/or the very friendly owners, Kelli and Dawn, who showcase their personalities through stories of procured items and their Two Chicks and a Truck video series on YouTube.

They encourage everyone to “dig deep” through the shop, which is much bigger than it looks. Each room has a loose theme—such as the laundry room, which is filled with patterned sheets, baby clothes, pillows and cloth-wrapped hangers. Across the hall, the teacup-ceilinged kitchen has a plethora of things to use for cooking, eating and drinking.

In addition to the wide selection and lovely atmosphere, Carriage House has another plus: to-die-for taco trucks in the Watsonville area, such as Tacos Los Jacona, for something a little greasy and more filling, or Tacos El Jerry, which is a little on the lighter side. Both are personal favorites.

GET YOUR VINTAGE ON

Angel Aura Vintage
108 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 621-2605

Artifact Goods
805 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 588-1671

The Closet Shopper
1203 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 476-1565

Cognito Clothing
821 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-5414

Crossroads Trading
811 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 458-2555

Flipside Thrift Center
1305 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-6975

Forever Thrift
1622 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 316-7865

Ivy Company
930 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-9051

Love Me Two Times
121 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 246-6048

Moon Zooom
813 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-8500

Motherlode
1101 Pacific Ave # C, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

The Multi Shoppe
2940 S Main St, Soquel, CA 95073
(760) 481-8353

Oasis On Pacific
1339 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Seconds (Capitola Mall)
1855 41st Ave H02, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 515-7308

TBH. | Restyled Vintage Clothing
1044 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076
(323) 384-4420

Tomboy
1207 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 425-1405

Virgo Santa Cruz
1517 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 888-6003

Wallflower Santa Cruz
107 Locust St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 334-3801

Street Talk

Street Talk

John Koenig

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November 13, 2024

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What is a good time on a rainy day for you?

I enjoy working at Verve when it’s raining, and I like to go to the library on campus; it’s nice and quiet on rainy days. I have a beautiful window at my house, and I love looking at the rain outside through the window.

Miranda Palladino, 23, Barista, UCSC Student

Going to a favorite coffee shop, hanging out with friends and having stimulating conversation. In a micro-rain, more than a mist but lighter than drizzle, I love walking down by the beach—everything is more alive.

Jeff Rogge, 61, “Plant Person” at Alladin Nursery, Watsonville

I like to drink coffee and watch movies in bed on a rainy day. Horror movies are my favorite.

Lila Franco, 21, Barista, Education Major at UCSC

When the rain is light, and with the right guitar, I love to busk in the rain. You have a totally different audience—they love walking in the rain, and seeing a street performer, they’re excited.

Joyful Heart, 60, Musician, Street Talk Regular

When I’m walking my dog Rocky, I like that so few people are out, I love the quiet. And it’s nice knowing that the rain ameliorates the drought.

Greg Coben, 75, Retired Attorney, Voice of Rocky

Loves playing in water of any kind. Especially loves duck hunting in the rain.

“Rocky,” 20 months, Golden Retriever

Things to do in Santa Cruz

Things To Do This Week

GT Staff

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November 12, 2024

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THURSDAY 11/14

FOLK

CRYS MATTHEWS

Social justice warrior—it sounded like a good thing to aspire to. A Dungeons & Dragons–type warrior, perhaps? Instead, picture Crys Matthew holding a guitar, wielding it as Woody Guthrie once did as his own “machine that kills fascists.” Her mission statement would be hard to fit on a guitar, but it’s perfect: “To amplify the voices of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice.” Seems like a whole lot of what we need right now. KEITH LOWELL JENSEN

INFO: 7pm, Ugly Mug, 4640 Soquel Dr., Soquel. $20/adv, $23/door. 477-1341.

WILL WOOD

Known as a pianist and singer whose instrumental arsenal includes ukulele and kazoo, reclusive artist Will Wood makes music described as “dark cabaret” and indie folk. His onstage presentation belies his allegedly retiring reputation; it’s a high-energy set incorporating monologues and stand-up comedy. Wood has released eight albums, including live collections, a soundtrack album and a remix. The latter of those, The New Normal! (The Normal Album 2024 Edit) further blurs genre identification with doo-wop, disco, ska and jazz. Shayfer James opens. BILL KOPP

INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $65. 704-7113.

AMERICANA

TYLER HILTON

Hearing an actor is touring on a singing career comes with the caveat that people are showing up for the celebrity, not the music. With Tyler Hilton, no asterisks are needed as the award-winning actor first started out as a musician. Hailing from a musical family, Hilton got his first big break at 15 when he called into a radio station for a ticket contest. His character, wit and talent impressed the hosts so much that they invited him back. Those appearances tugged at the ears of Warner Records, which signed him. Since then, he’s portrayed Elvis in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, got two of his songs on the film’s Grammy-winning soundtrack, and landed a role on One Tree Hill. MAT WEIR

INFO: 8pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $30/adv, $35/door. 479-1854.

SKA

MAD CADDIES

Anyone who says nothing good ever came from Solvang has never heard of the Mad Caddies. The group was a pillar in the ’90s third-wave ska revival movement. Twenty-nine years later, the guys are still seven musicians deep, playing the upbeat dance punk they know and we love. Earlier this year, they released Arrows Room 117, their first full album in 10 years. Pickin’ it up with the Mad Caddies are Canadian punks Belvedere and fellow reggae punk fiends Authority Zero. Do some stretches, bust out the fancy dancing clogs and get ready for a night of ska. Reliving the glory days! MW

INFO: 8pm, Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $36. 713-5492.

FRIDAY 11/15

STORYTELLING

JOHN BEAR

Malaysian reggae and ska musician John Bear, founder of the charismatic indie 10-piece Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang, is bringing some of the group’s buoyant sounds to Santa Cruz, and what a rare treat it is. Bear, a storyteller at heart, sings and pens together stories for the acclaimed reggae and ska fusion band and writes for mainstream artists across the musical spectrum. Often writing introspective lyrics relaying his views on culture and reflecting on “oneness and society as a whole,” the artist continues to keep the craft of storytelling alive through his dynamic, joyful collaborative works and solo projects. MELISA YURIAR

INFO: 8pm, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $12. 429-6994.

SATURDAY 11/16

JAZZ

NATHAN CLEVENGER GROUP

Oakland composer and multi-instrumentalist Nathan Clevenger and his group of artists are gearing up for an evening of interesting experimental sounds and thoughtful vibrations. From sparse syncopations created with a single snare drum and cymbal to abrasive, textural friction created with found objects, these improvisational artists are experts within a unique genre of music. San Francisco-based percussionist Kevin Corcoran will join Clevenger alongside openers Rodrigo Barriga (a Santa Cruz-based Mexican sound artist) and Leshy. MY

INFO: 5pm, SubRosa, 703 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $10. 426-5242.

SUNDAY 11/17

FOLK

MALENA CADIZ

On her third and most recent release, Hellbent and Moonbound, Malena Cadiz creates songs that lyrically and musically possess a cinematic quality. Her musical stories introduce us to characters brimming with depth and vulnerability. She soundtracks these vignettes beautifully with an emotive, wide-ranged voice and sparkly guitar; think Mazzy Star but more down to earth, hands feeling the dirt. Unsurprisingly, The CW, Netflix and ABC have used her music in soundtracks for Nancy Drew, Lucifer and Rebel. She’s joined by Leann Skoda, whose harmonies and guitar have made her a favorite of Miley Cyrus and other A-listers. KLJ

INFO: 8pm, Lille Aeske Arthouse, 13160 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, $25/adv, $30/door. 703-4183.

MONDAY 11/18

GOSPEL

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK

Last year, Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrated their 50th anniversary. The group isn’t bound by genres, pulling from folk, jazz and hip hop to create their energizing performance. The women in this unique group also use American Sign Language to expand the reach of their message. The members are activists who use music to sing about various issues faced today, mixed with an optimistic view of the future. The incredible vocal ranges of the members mesmerize audiences with a dynamic experience and envelop them in the meaning of the songs. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE

INFO: 7:30pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $58. 423-8209.

WEDNESDAY 11/20

EXPERIMENTAL

MARY LATTIMORE

The harp (not the blues harp, aka harmonica) is a relatively uncommon instrument in performance. Outside of classical music, the harp is often relegated to studio work, where its crystalline and subtle tones enhance recording sessions. Mary Lattimore defies such restraints. While the Asheville-born musician is indeed the product of classical training, she has applied her artistry in the edgier regions of the indie rock world. Lattimore has five solo albums to her credit; 2023’s Goodbye, Hotel Arkada is her latest, and it features an eclectic roster of guests, including members of the Cure and Slowdive. Walt McClements opens. BK

INFO: 7:30pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $34/adv, $37/door. 427-2227.

Funny Paper

Art

DNA

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November 12, 2024

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On April Fools Day, 1984, not-yet-a-denizen Thom Zajac was driving over Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz, when he had an epiphany.

“I was a fan of editorial cartoons,” says Zajac from his home in Bonny Doon. Zajac had just looked at an entire book of editorial cartoons, and his mind began racing as he navigated the serpentine mountains. “I knew if I could put the editorial cartoons in a chronological order, that they would tell a story,” Zajac said. And thus, the inception of the idea for The Comic News was born.

Zajac found out that Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists were available to print, cheaply.

“I could print a monthly newspaper of just political cartoons,” Zajac says. Not only would the budding entrepreneur be able to pull this off solo, with no writers (Zajac writes all the blurbs) and no photographers, he would also be able to sell the ads himself. With that idea locked and loaded, Zajac moved to Santa Cruz and started The Comic News, 40 years ago.

Good old, Benjamin Franklin, back in 1754, drew the first American newspaper editorial cartoon. Franklin’s “Join, or Die” cartoon was carried into battles. A century later, Thomas Nast, “Father of the American cartoon,” created the Republican elephant and even more culturally important, the image of the definitive Santa Claus. And 100 years later, Gary Trudeau’s comic strip, Doonesbury, which skewered college life and American politics with genius/stoner humor, won a Pulitzer Prize. Not to put too fine a point on it, but The Comic News is carrying the torch of an American tradition.

And while political cartooning is still as prolific as ever, Zajac wasn’t prepared for the 21st-century consumer culture attention span, when handheld devices would replace tactile, gritty newsprint. Luckily, co-editor John Govsky showed up at the right time and ushered The Comic News into the digital world. Without Govsky dragging Zajac into the future, The Comic News would have been a footnote in Santa Cruz’ publication history.

Editorial cartoons are important. The literacy rate of most Americans hovers between fourth- and seventh-grade levels, so cartoons can reach across a much wider aisle. If you make it through the 100 cartoons that Zajac and Govsky print each month, you will have a pretty good idea of what is happening in American politics, and that’s no small feat.

Selling subscriptions to newspapers has always been a hustlers game. And sometimes, something happens that the smart businessman seizes on. And in this case it happened to be an absurdist cartoonist named Gary Larson who changed everything for The Comic News.

“Distribution was down,” Zajac says. “Turns out there are a lot of people that are not that interested in editorial cartoons.” By printing a month’s worth of The Far Side, Calvin and Hobbes and Bloom County, readers were able to binge-read their favorite characters, and it was a boom time for The Comic News.

The paper also helped launch the career of regional cartoonist Nina Paley.

“Print media was everything when I was a young cartoonist,” she says. “Getting published in The Comic News was genuinely a dream true for my 20-year-old-self. Back in 1987, there was no internet, or at least no internet that could support high-resolution graphics. Print was the shizz. My, how times have changed. Not only has the internet replaced most print media, but AI is now replacing most artists! I’m glad I’ve lived long enough to witness so many changes, even if they make my head spin.”

Since COVID, 2,200 American local print newspapers have closed. It is estimated that two newspapers in the United States go out of print every day. So take a moment to check out Comic News and subscribe. It’s an American tradition.

Find The Comic News in coffee shops around Santa Cruz County, or online at thecomicnews.com. Hard-copy subscriptions are $38 and yearly online subscriptions are $10.

Above Ground

Music

Mat Weir

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November 12, 2024

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I told him, ‘If you’re too busy, then this is the band for you,’” laughs Clifford Dinsmore. “Because we don’t do shit!”

The singer is talking about when he asked guitar player Ed Gregor (ex-No Use for a Name/Hedgehog) to join doom-laden sludge metal act Dusted Angel. It’s a half-joke, half-truth. Locals in the heavy music scene should know the name Dusted Angel since they’ve been a band since 2008. However, in those 16 years the group has only put out one full-length and has a tendency to play sporadically—often only a couple times a year, if that.

Yet, all that has changed in the last two years.

Not only have they been playing more shows—like the matinee on Nov. 17 at Moe’s Alley with local post-hardcore rockers Hotlung and Oakland’s stoner metal quintet, Blackwülf—but the band also has their second full-length,This Side of the Dirt, recorded and ready to be heard.

The band attributes this sudden push in creativity partially due to Dinsmore’s diagnosis of multiple myeloma—a form of bone marrow cancer—in 2021.

“I was getting a front-row seat of what he was going through,” Gregor says. “When he reached the other side—like the superhuman he is—and started building back his health I felt really inspired. So when he asked me to join the band [in 2022] I felt the urgency like ‘What am I doing with my life? I’m not playing, and look what he’s going through.’”

When we last left Dusted Angel in 2017 the band was hoping to record a new album as soon as ex-guitar player and co-founding member Scott Stevens recovered from hand surgery. However, as are all of the best laid plans of mice and men, life had a different path.

“Dusted Angel fans put up with a lot,” Dinsmore says. “Now we have shirts but you used to not be able to buy a shirt or record at a show. Which worked for us in a weird way because people knew ‘Dusted Angel is playing, go see it now!’”

Stevens continued to have problems playing and eventually had to step down, opening up the position for Gregor to fill. Along with Dinsmore and Gregor, today’s Dusted Angel features Steve Ilse on drums, and co-founders Eric “Dog” Fieber and Eliot Young on guitar and bass, respectively.

It’s a lineup that has all of the stars aligned, just as the prophecy foretold—if there was one.

For starters, they’ve already played six shows this year alone, a huge feat for a band who is normally too busy with their actual lives. And then there’s This Side of the Dirt, which they recorded with Tim Green at Louder Studios in Grass Valley.

“For me it was a sense of urgency like, ‘What if I die and Dusted Angel doesn’t have representation of where we are at?’” Dinsmore remembers. “That created the motivation that this has to happen with the best representation of what Dusted Angel is.”

Gregor agrees, adding that the influence Green had on the album cannot be denied.

“What Tim did for the recording allowed Dog and I to open up and go back and forth bringing some of the guitar out,” he says. “Tim also dialed in our tones. He has a great ear and would say, ‘Can I tweak your amps?’ and we’d say ‘Go for it!’ So there’s a lot of clarity to every instrument that was drowned out in the previous recording.”

The band is currently shopping the album around to different labels in the hopes of getting the most distribution possible. It’s the first step in Dusted Angel holding more of a presence with underground metal heads throughout the country and world.

“When I was [in Europe] it surprised me but people know Dusted Angel and asked when we were coming over,” Dinsmore says. “But without having something out, it just felt limited like, do we even want to play outside of the area without this record released?”

So for now, fans have a lot to look forward to as the band sheds their “too busy” ways with a new sense of urgency and purpose.

“I always thought, ‘Man, if this could happen in the right way, it would be really great,’” Dinsmore says. “And now I feel like we’re able to have that opportunity to do it for real.”

Dusted Angel plays at 3pm on Nov. 17 at Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831-479-1854. TIckets: $15/adv, $20/door.

Free Will Astrology

Astrology

Rob Brezsny

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November 12, 2024

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ARIES March 21-April 19

You may be on the verge of the breakthrough I prophesied a while back. Remember? I said you would be searching for the solution to a boring problem, and on the way you would discover a more interesting and useful problem. That exact scenario is about to happen. I also predict that the coming weeks will be a time when you tame an out-of-control aspect of your life and infuse more wildness into an overly tame part of you. I will speculate on one further stroke of good fortune: You will attract an influence that motivates you to be more passionately pragmatic about one of your key dreams.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

It’s time for some friendly warnings that will, if heeded, enable you to avoid problematic developments. 1. An overhaul in your self-image is looming; your persona requires tinkering. 2. Old boundaries are shifting and in some places disappearing. Be brave and draw up new boundaries. 3. Familiar allies may be in a state of flux. Help them find their new centers of gravity. 4. Potential future allies will become actual allies if you are bold in engaging them. 5. Be allergic to easy answers and simplistic solutions. Insist on the wisdom of uncertainty.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

To honor and celebrate your melancholy, I’m turning this horoscope over to Gemini author T.H. White and his superb formulation of the redemptive power of sadness. He wrote: “The best thing for being sad is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then—to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting.”

CANCER June 21-July 22

A Massachusetts woman named Andrea Martin loves chickens so much she treats them as family. A few years ago, she took pity on one of her favorites, a young bird named Cecily, who had been born with a damaged tendon in one of her legs. Martin arranged to have the limb amputated. Then she made a prosthetic device on a 3-D printer and had it surgically grafted onto Cecily’s body. Success! The $2,500 cost was well worth it, she testified. I propose we make Andrea Martin one of your role models for the coming weeks. May she inspire you to take extra good care of and shower bonus blessings on everyone and everything you love. (PS: This will be really good for your own health.)

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

Once a year, the city of Seoul in South Korea stages a Space-Out Festival. Participants compete to do absolutely nothing for 90 minutes. They are not allowed to fall asleep, talk or check their phones. To test how well they are banishing stress, burnout and worries, their heart rates are monitored. The winner is the person who has the slowest and most stable pulse. If there were an event like this in your part of the world sometime soon, Leo, I’d urge you to join in. I expect the winner would be a member of your astrological tribe, as you Leos now have a high potential for revitalizing relaxation. Even if you don’t compete in a Space-Out Festival, I hope you will fully cash in on this excellent chance to recharge your spiritual batteries.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

My favorite Virgos love to learn. They are eager to add to their knowledge. They have a highly honed curiosity that is always percolating, continually drawing them toward new comprehension. On the other hand, some of my favorite Virgos are inefficient at shedding long-held ideas and information that no longer serve them. As a result, their psyches may get plugged up, interfering with their absorption of fun new input. That’s why I recommend that you Virgos engage in regular purges of your mental debris. Now would be an excellent time for one of these sessions. PS: The futurist Alvin Toffler said that a key to intelligence is the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn. I invite you to act on that counsel.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

I endorse Libran tennis star Serena Williams’ approach to self-evaluation—especially for you right now. She testified, “I’m really exciting. I smile a lot, I win a lot, and I’m really sexy.” I’m convinced you have the right to talk like that in the coming weeks—so convinced that I suggest you use it as a mantra and prayer. When you wake up each morning, say what Williams said. When you’re asking life for a sweet breakthrough or big favor, remind life why it should give you what you want. Feel free to add other brags, too, like, “I’m a brilliant thinker, a persuasive negotiator and a crafty communicator.”

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

You are entering a phase when you can acquire more mastery in the arts of self-care and self-sufficiency. I hope you will become more skillful in giving yourself everything that nurtures your emotional and physical health. Have you gathered all you need to know about that subject? Probably not. Most of us haven’t. But the coming weeks will be a favorable time to make this your main research project. By the way, now is also an excellent time to kick your own ass and unbreak your own heart.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

My father was a big fan of the military. As a young man, he served as a lieutenant in the army and for a time considered making that job his career. I’m the opposite of him. I keenly avoided becoming a soldier and have always been passionately anti-war. I bring this subject to your attention because I think now is an excellent time for you to get clearer than ever about how you don’t resemble your parents and don’t want to be like them. Meditate on why your life is better and can get even better by not following their paths and ways. There’s no need to do this with anger and blame. In fact, the healthiest approach is to be lucid, calm and dispassionate.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

At age 49, James Patterson retired from his job as an advertising writer. Until then, he had produced a few novels in his spare time. But once free of his 9 to 5 gig, he began churning out books at a rapid pace. Now, at age 77, he has published over 305 million copies of 200+ novels, including 67 that have been #1 New York Times bestsellers. Would you like to make an almost equally memorable transition, Capricorn? The coming weeks and months will be an excellent time to plan it and launch it.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

The Breakfast Club was an iconic 1985 film about teenagers coming of age. Critics liked it. At the box office, it earned 100 times more than it cost to make. Aquarian director John Hughes wrote the screenplay for the 97-minute movie in two days, on July 4 and 5 of 1982. I predict that many of you Aquarians will have a similar level of productivity in the coming weeks. You could create lasting improvements and useful goodies in short bursts of intense effort.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

Ben & Jerry’s is a wildly successful ice cream maker that sells its products all over the world. Its founders are two Pisceans who met in seventh grade. Over 45 years since they launched their business, they have become renowned for their wide variety of innovative flavors and their political activism. When they first decided to work together, though, their plans were to start a bagel business. They only abandoned that idea when they discovered how expensive the bagel-making equipment was. I suspect that you are near a comparable pivot in your life, Pisces: a time to switch from one decent project to an even better one.

Homework: Can you feel less anger about a person who wronged you? It would be good for your health to do so. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Weed Killers

Cannabis

John Koenig

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November 12, 2024

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Everybody should know that the cannabis business includes a fair number of fascists among its ranks, maybe even more than the average consumer-facing industry.

And of course tons of people who just voted for Donald Trump are avid weed-consumers. Just look at how many people have pot-themed pages among their Facebook likes right next to pictures of Marjorie Taylor Greene brandishing an assault rifle, or Trump’s mugshot.

But as with many of the people who voted for Trump because “he’s a businessman” or “he tells it like it is,” many of those people are likely to soon find out that they got way more than they bargained for.

Some of the execs at the big cannabis companies are probably high-fiving each other right now, since federal regulations of all kinds, including the weak-sauce restrictions on industry concentration, seem likely to be gutted. That spells trouble for smaller operations that are already struggling under the yoke of Big Weed.

But even Big Weed is subject to an “I never thought leopards would eat MY face” moment when the bros realize that hopes for federal legalization have been all but dashed, especially if the GOP takes both houses of Congress. They have the Senate, and, at this writing, it looks more likely than not that they’ll take the House, too. There’s nothing Big Weed desires more than federal legalization: you can’t truly be a domineering behemoth unless you can sell your wares across state lines.

That doesn’t necessarily mean legalization won’t happen, but even if it somehow does, the resulting legislation is likely to be completely fucked: again, especially for smaller players. Interestingly Project 2025, the “blueprint” for a second Trump administration written by his close allies and former (and future) staffers, and published by the ghoulish Heritage Foundation, contains no references to cannabis at all. But there’s tons of stuff in there about “dismantling the administrative state,” by eliminating whole swaths of regulatory agencies, including offices that investigate antitrust violations.

We probably don’t have to worry about that, though, since nationwide legalization seems more remote than it has since states started legalizing weed a decade or so ago. Up until last week it seemed like legalization was all but certain to happen in the coming few years. But this country’s “everyday Americans” have put the kibosh on that.

Though there are a fair number of GOP legislators, like the buffoonish and rapey Matt Gaetz of Florida, who favor legalization, the politics just don’t add up for it. In Marijuana Moment, William Garriott, a professor at Drake University in Des Moines and an expert on drug policy and pot legalization in particular, took note of what he calls the “red wall” that stands in the way of legalization. He noted that, on Election Day, voter initiatives to legalize failed in both Dakotas, as well as in Florida (even though Trump, who overwhelmingly won the state, announced he’d vote for it).

Twenty-six states still outlaw adult-use weed, and the congressional representatives in the vast majority of those states are unlikely to snub their constituents. While more than 70% of Americans now favor legalization, only slightly over half of Republicans do. And the Republicans who oppose it are often particularly exercised in their opposition.

Trump himself seems friendly toward legalization, as NPR News reported on Nov. 11. But the report, which extensively quoted optimistic statements from a flack from the U.S. Cannabis Council lobbying group, didn’t even mention legislation except in quoting Trump pledging to “work with Congress” on the issue. Congress of course would have to pass a measure for Trump to sign it. Or at least that’s how it worked in pre-2025 America.

In the meantime, the DEA’s re-scheduling that we all expected to happen (making pot a Schedule 3 drug rather than keeping it in Schedule 1 along with heroin: i.e., illegal in all situations) won’t come, if it does, until next year because the hearings were delayed until at least January or February. It seems like it might well still happen, but we can’t even bank on that anymore. We can’t really bank on anything.

Mad Drip

Dining Reviews

John Koenig

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November 12, 2024

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Simple ideas are often the best.

That finds tasty expression with the debut of Nico’s Ice Cream in Santa Cruz (111 Locust St.) doing New Zealand–style ice cream that’s also called real fruit ice cream.

The straightforward formula involves a choice of fresh fruit (Nico’s prioritizes blueberries, strawberries and raspberries) plowed directly into soft ice cream (Tillamook vanilla is the house fave here) through a special Little Jem machine manufactured in New Zealand.

Drawing from two taste tests—I went for raspberry and blueberry on my visits—I can testify the Jem produces a swirl satisfying on the palate and the Gram, boosted by optional add-ons like Tajin spice and graham cracker dust. (Nico’s also does a vegan take with a Coconut Bliss base.)

As creator-owner-operator Nico Vergara told me when his Cannery Row spot was announced, “Part of the show is to see it all blended together.” nicosicecream.com

PEEL DEAL

The grand opening of Tanuki Dry Farmhouse Cider’s new shared home in the now-Sones Cellars/Tanuki Cider Tasting Room (334-B Ingalls St, Santa Cruz) happens 1-9pm Saturday, Nov. 16.

That’s where cidermaster Robby Honda will pour from his locally grown-and-sown catalog of single-varietal and six-strain ciders, wine grape-cider co-ferments, canned and corked ciders, and ciders from apple trees ranging from a dozen years to a dozen decades old.

The occasion will include oysters shucked by H&H Fish, live music from local performers, and art by FJ Anderson on the walls, tanukicider.com

BALLER APPETITE

The Santa Cruz Warriors leapt into a new season last weekend, splitting games with the Valley Suns at Kaiser Permanente Arena. Another home game, against the South Bay Lakers, tips 7pm Friday, Nov. 15. That has me hyped as a hoops head, but also as a fan of good food because of a) synergies with outfits like Penny Ice Cream (free scoop with 100 points scored) and Woodstock’s Pizza (10 percent off with code SeaDubs10), and b) The SeaDubs’ Swishes for Dishes program, which partners with Second Harvest Food Bank to donate 10 meals for each point the team scores, santacruz.gleague.nba.com

SPORE IN STORE

It is impossible to overstate Paul Stamets’ impact on mycology—he’s discovered new species, developed game-changing patents to remediate eco-disaster and pest invasions, authored books like Mycelium Running, and tutored millions on the healing power of psilocybin. That’s fitting, because the same can be said about the fungi kingdom he’s obsessed with, which he calls, “the neurological network of nature.” A few GA tix remain for his talk Nov. 14 at Golden State Theatre in Monterey, goldenstatetheatre.com

NUTRITIONAL NUGS

A special viewing of Food, Inc. 2, deepened by a discussion with co-writer/producer/investigative journalist Eric Schlosser, happens Nov. 23 at 418 Project (155 River St., Santa Cruz, $13-17), homelessgardenproject.org…Santa Cruz-based New Leaf Community Markets’ freshest branch is officially open in the former Lucky’s supermarket location at King’s Plaza Shopping Center (1475 41st Ave., Capitola), newleaf.com…Pete’s Fish House (231 Esplanade, Suite 102, Capitola) has started up lunch service noon-3pm Saturday-Sunday (4-5pm Pearl Hour and 5-8:30pm dinner are ongoing Thursday-Monday), petesfishhouse.com…Centrally located Cruz Kitchen and Taps (145 Laurel St., Santa Cruz) has closed after almost three years. Co-creator Mia Thorn’s emotional IG message is worth checking out for its raw appeal for community support, which includes, “I want to close…with dignity.”

Island Vibe

Foodie File

Andrew Steingrube

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November 12, 2024

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Continuing to evolve their passion for combining Spanish culture and cuisine with a farm-to-table concept, Elan Emerson and her husband, Brett, opened Ibiza two months ago. Five years ago, they founded the popular Barceloneta; before that, they owned a successful Spanish restaurant in San Francisco. With more than 40 years of industry experience collectively, Elan says their move to Santa Cruz was inspired by great local farms and becoming part of downtown’s vibrant culture.

Now the Barceloneta space on Pacific Avenue is housing Ibiza, which Elan describes as bright and open, invoking a Mediterranean beach vacation. The affordable and approachable menu offers salads or housemade flatbread as a base, with added proteins like slow-cooked pork, panko-fried chicken and “transformative” herby falafel. Other favorites include shakshuka, a spicy tomato pepper stew with poached eggs and feta cheese, and pita chip “nachos” topped with baharat-spiced beef. The shawarma-spiced fries are a big hit, distinctly aromatic and deeply flavorful. “You won’t want to share them,” Elan says.

What does Ibiza mean to you and Brett?

ELAN EMERSON: It is the most fun we’ve ever had in the industry; the food and service is exactly what we’ve always wanted. It’s not fancy or fussy, it’s just a really good, delicious time. Our dog’s middle name is Ibiza and we also love the hippie party culture on the island and the Bohemian vibe—it has a lot of crossover with Santa Cruz and a similar feel. And we absolutely love our downtown location. Our restaurant is a perfect complement to the business culture here and we are thrilled and humbled to be a part of it.

Tell me about paella nights.

We have monthly pop-up dinners featuring a different paella paired with Spanish wine and housemade sangria. They are a really fun and special experience; it’s an event where we really take care of people. And the paella is always the star. We make huge 30-40 person portions and it is a great way to honor our fans and their love for our paella at Barceloneta. There are a lot of paella fans out there, and we are happy to showcase it and continue to make it accessible.

1541 Pacific Ave., Suite B, Santa Cruz, 831-900-5222; ibizasantacruz.com

EVOO Essentials

Wellness

John Koenig

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November 12, 2024

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Santa Cruz is a long way from Greece and Italy, but our ideal growing climate brings that essence closer than you might think. Between the coastal vibe, ocean breezes and food scene, it’s our own slice of the Mediterranean. And thanks to local makers, you don’t have to cross continents to score some top-quality olive oil, rich in flavor and loaded with health benefits.

A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) packs serious health perks: it’s been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even some cancers. Its healthy fats—essential for brain function—help protect against cognitive decline. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, those who add a generous pour of EVOO to their weekly diets could see a dramatic drop in risks for dementia and breast cancer.

When I hear people say the most delicious foods aren’t good for you, I have to wonder where they’re shopping. For me, EVOO is a culinary default, so I keep a range of price points handy. I save the fresh-pressed, high-end local bottles for drizzling and dressing, while my everyday olive oil is great for sautéing and marinating without the high price tag.

How to Shop for Olive Oil

Brad Asmus, olive oil expert and former owner of Pleasant Valley Olive Oil in Aptos, says most Americans haven’t tasted authentic olive oil. For decades, low-quality, mislabeled oils have flooded U.S. shelves.

A study by UC Davis found that 69% of imported oils labeled “extra virgin” in stores didn’t meet the standard, which leaves many consumers with a skewed sense of what olive oil should taste like.

When shopping, go for “extra virgin”—the only grade that preserves olive oil’s natural antioxidants and health-boosting compounds. True EVOO is cold-pressed; the heat and chemicals used in other grades strip away beneficial nutrients.

Fortunately, the Santa Cruz climate is an ideal spot for cultivating quality olives, and Asmus is happy to recommend some top-notch local producers.

Founders Steve and Marguerite Remde of Belle Farms, based in Watsonville since 1997, say that, like fine wine, olive oil’s taste is influenced by soil, climate, and careful farming. According to Belle Farms, fresh olive oil can range from “robust” and “fruity” to “grassy,” “buttery” or “peppery.” Their olives are hand-picked and cold-pressed within 24 hours of harvest.

Even the finest extra virgin olive oil doesn’t age like wine. Think of olive oil as you would fresh fruit juice—it’s best enjoyed soon after it’s made. Olive oil’s flavor and nutrition peak within six months of harvest, but supermarket oils often spend months on cargo ships, in warehouses and on store shelves.

If you like your oil with a twist, the True Olive Connection in Aptos carries a wide selection of infused and award-winning small-batch olive oils. Founded by Susan Pappas, and owned by Alisa Hart and Alasdair Dents since summer 2022, this spot offers EVOOs from Spain, Italy, Greece and Chile, as well as local mills. Each oil is carefully sourced and priority shipped for freshness.

This list is by no means inclusive, and if you have a recommendation I missed, post a comment on this article online. Most of our local specialty stores—like Shopper’s Corner, New Leaf and Staff of Life—carry regionally produced olive oils. I also recently discovered an EVOO (and balsamic vinegar) tasting station in the back of Toque Blanche, the cooking store on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, and left with two bottles tapped from the can, sealed and labeled right on the spot.

As you explore Santa Cruz’s local olive oil scene, remember that quality olive oil is as vibrant and complex as wine. Whether you’re drizzling it on a bed of greens, in a sauté pan or as a dip for fresh focaccia bread, skip the supermarket knock-offs and treat yourself to the real deal. Your taste buds—and your health—will thank you for it.

Belle Farms LLC, Watsonville. bellefarms.com

True Olive Connection, 7556 Soquel Dr., Aptos. trueoliveconnection.com

Toque Blanche, 1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. mytoque.com

Elizabeth Borelli is a certified plant-based nutrition expert, professional life coach, yoga teacher and author of the upcoming book Tastes Like La Dolce Vita. Learn more at ElizabethBorelli.com.

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How to Shop for Olive Oil

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