Measure Z, Santa Cruz’s sugar-sweetened beverage tax, is set to pass according to the latest elections results.
With 21,510 votes ballots cast, the Yes on Z campaign has 51.62% of the vote, while No on Z trails with 48.38%.
The measure will implement a 2 cents per ounce tax on sweetened beverages and raise $1.3 million a year for improving parks, providing safe routes to schools, expanding recreational programs and health initiatives.
Measure Z was drafted by the Santa Cruz City Council, following the example of cities like San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland, which implemented their own similar taxes.
“(I’m) feeling proud of our accomplishments in elevating the conversation about this important issue and (am) optimistic!” said District 3 City Council member Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson in a text message.
The Yes On Z campaign was significantly outspent by the opposition, which was bankrolled by beverage companies.
No on Z ran an ubiquitous ad campaign on TV, in print and online through various media outlets that bombarded SC voters. The ads targeted young and low-income residents, warning them of increased prices, and the campaign drew support from dozens of restaurants and small businesses.
Soda corporations like Coca-Cola and Pepsico poured over $1 million into the No campaign, showing the power of corporate lobbying. But these special interests found unlikely allies among labor unions and activists that railed against what they called a regressive tax on working-class residents.
Monica Martinez will be the next Santa Cruz County District 5 Supervisor according to the lates election results. Martinez is leading in a runoff race against Christopher Bradford.
Out of 23,015 ballots cast, Martinez has garnered 56.28% of the vote to Bradford’s 43.47% as of Wednesday afternoon.
The two candidates made it to the November election as frontrunners after the March primary failed to determine a clear winner holding more than 50% of the vote. In that race, Martinez led with 46.43% of the vote to Bradford’s 21.41% for the seat currently held by longtime local poltician Bruce McPherson, who didn’t run.
“I’m feeling really positive, I’m so grateful for everybody who came out to vote, and it feels good to be the early front runner, but it’s also very important to make sure that every vote is counted. So we’re just anxiously awaiting the next drop of ballots,” Martinez said in a phone call Tuesday night.
The 2020 CZU fire and its aftermath were a crucial platform point for a community still recovering from the disaster. Both candidates ran on platforms focused on speeding up the rebuilding and recovery process after the fire and bolstering fire protection services and training for the area.
Martinez’s platform also emphasized the equitable distribution of road repair funds for the rural district and addressing the infrastructure needs like water, landline phone service and internet. In the last year, area residents dealt with a water service and sewage crisis, forcing local provider Big Basin Water Company into a public receivership.
Martinez was endorsed by dozens of the county’s political tastemakers, including District 2 Supervisor Zach Friend, former supervisor and political operative Ryan Coonerty and McPherson himself.
What is that sound? Gravel-voiced poetry over haunted old-timey music? Egads, it’s hobos! No, wait, it’s goblins! Holy screeching unicorn skeletons—it’s the Hobo Gobbelins, and THEY’VE GOT AN ACCORDION!!! Run, run, if you can—but no! Your feet won’t cooperate; they insist on dancing! You’re caught now, and it’s railyard hoedown time! Halloween is over—or is it? With Christmas creeping on the Spooky holiday more every year, it’s time the orange and black fought back, and this show is pure Halloween territory. Come for the tricks, and stay for the treats as this band of live-action Muppets makes a delightful racket. KEITH LOWELL JENSEN
INFO: 7pm, SubRosa, 703 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $10. 426-5242.
FRIDAY 11/8
FESTIVAL
WARREN MILLER’S “75”
With over 750 films to his credit, Warren Miller was the foremost skiing and snowboarding filmmaker. Founder of Warren Miller Entertainment, he directed, narrated and produced films celebrating the biggest, baddest athletes working on snow. After changing the face of sports films and amassing a staggering body of work, he retired in 2004 and passed away in 2018, but his organization continues. Warren Miller’s “75” celebrates three-quarters of a century’s worth of action-packed films; this year’s screening features ten segments showcasing today’s top snowsports legends, rising stars and emerging talents from around the globe. BILL KOPP
INFO: 7:30pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $22. 423-8209.
FOLK
ASHLEY LLOYD
ASHLEY LLOYD
What’s more Santa Cruz County than surfing? How about a surfer who also makes and shapes her boards? Add a folky singing-songwriting career, and we get local sensation Ashley Lloyd. Like her surfing passion, her music transcends boundaries, flowing from heartfelt, somber numbers to uplifting tunes that catch a joyful wave and ride it to the end. Along with her two solo albums (2004’s True To Myself and 2008’s The Serenata Road Recordings), Lloyd has a band with her husband and songwriter, Alex Thompson, called the Shapes. She’ll be going solo and hanging at Discretion Brewery for an early evening of tapas and beer as delightful as her music. MAT WEIR
Looking for a fun night of catchy, singalong tunes in an intimate setting without spending a lot of money? Look no further than this Saturday when Sorry It’s Over, an indie pop group from Encinitas, hit Midtown. Led by founding member Louis Petrella, Sorry It’s Over might have a heartbreaking name, but the music is as light and boppy as can be. Petrella recently played solo at Streetlight Records, summoning passersby to stop and check him out during their daily routines. Local experimental alt-rockers Field Hockey and indie singer/songwriter Kito Rayburn also play. MW
Experience the latest art installation by the talented Zekarias Musele Thompson in Spatial Facilitation #10, a special collaboration between the Santa Cruz MAH and Indexical. Per art physiology, spatial facilitation is the various stimuli that aid in processing visual information. In other words, they are the things “that help us see more precisely.” Spatial Facilitation #10 will visit the Young, Gifted and Black exhibition to explore better vision through movement. Includes a musical performance by Zekarias. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: 7:30pm, Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. $20. 429-1964.
SUNDAY 11/10
RAP
ACTION BRONSON
Action Bronson wears many hats, like hosting the foodie series F—, That’s Delicious, writing a cookbook and rapping. Will he be saying his catchphrase while hanging out in Santa Cruz? Probably, but he’s keeping it on a healthier tip these days. Perhaps he’ll say, “F—, that’s delicious and also low in sodium and trans fat.” Slimming down a bit doesn’t mean settling down, and it’s sure to be a raucous good time when Action Bronson presents Dr. Bachlava and the Human Growth Hormone. He’s probably touring by air-conditioned bus, but I prefer to imagine him rolling into town on a Harley surrounded by an unwashed gang of revelers ready to make a chaos party happen. KLJ
INFO: 9pm, Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, $65. 713-5492.
MONDAY 11/11
JAZZ
KANDACE SPRINGS
Nashville-born Kandace Springs emerged on the jazz scene in 2014 and quickly rocketed to fame; her self-titled debut EP was released with the prestigious Blue Note Records. But Springs is no genre snob. Her musical vision displays a widescreen sensibility, like collaborating with renowned rapper Ghostface Killah on his 2014 single, “Love Don’t Live Here No More.” A gifted vocalist and pianist, Springs has continued to push musical boundaries while celebrating the work of her jazz forebearers. Her fourth and most recent album release is 2022’s My Name Is Sheba. BK
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $53. 427-2227.
TUESDAY 11/12
AUTHOR EVENT
GARY YOUNG & ELIZABETH ROBINSON
The Hive Poetry Collective has dreamed up yet another intense evening of seriously thoughtful, piquant, over-the-top and just plain wordy poetry readings. Upcoming is an evening with Gary Young, a man who needs no introduction to anyone above ground in this town, and Elizabeth Robinson, an award-winning author. Poet, artist, translator and wine connoisseur, Young is the author of nine collections of poetry. He’s been awarded beaucoup grants, and even though he’s old enough to know better, still teaches creative writing at UC Santa Cruz. These two prolific writers will engage in an aerobic reading from their latest works as well as their greatest hits—big fun for those of us who can’t get enough of the good stuff. CHRISTINA WATERS
INFO: 7pm, Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Free. 423-0900.
WEDNESDAY 11/13
ELECTRONIC
SHALLOU
Ambient-pop bedroom producer Shallou began producing electronic music literally in a college dorm in New Orleans, gaining recognition for his soothing vocals and light, floating production. Now, Shallou has evolved his sound, incorporating live saxophone, violin and energetically experimental edits of his softest tracks. The producer has debuted at major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza and collaborated with electronic music talents like Daya and Bob Moses. Known for his works’ distinctly soft fusions of house and ambient elements, Shallou’s projects have charted on Billboard Dance, gained traction on Sirius XM, and catapulted him to the top of the “chill” electronic genre. MELISA YURIAR
I rarely recommend acquisitive behavior. But my analysis of the astrological omens tells me you now have cosmic authorization to indulge in a sublime version of voracity. We might also refer to it as a license to practice a spiritually correct variety of greed. Here’s the fine print: You should NOT interpret this as permission to amass materialistic treasures and status symbols. Instead, the things you gather will be rich feelings, encounters with inspiring beauty, epiphanies about your divine purpose, and exquisite states of consciousness. You can also ask for and receive colossal supplies of love and affection.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
The last time I ate a hamburger was in 1994. I doubt I will ever eat another. Why? The taste is not enjoyable to me, and no matter how well I chew it, my stomach always rebels. There’s an additional problem: For several reasons, cattle farming is a significant factor causing the climate crisis. I would rather not contribute to that decimation. Does my attitude toward hamburgers mean I am a judgmental, close-minded zealot? No, it doesn’t. I don’t proselytize to those who relish burgers, especially if they take other measures to reduce their carbon footprint. In this horoscope, dear Taurus, I am illustrating an approach I hope you will cultivate in the coming weeks. Be extra zealously devoted to your ideals and proclivities without condemning and dismissing those who don’t share them.
GEMINI May 21-June 20
There are numerous approaches to getting good results from meditation. One is to sit silently and still in a tranquil sanctuary. Another is to lie on the ground under a dark sky and beseech the stars to bestow inspiration. One of my personal favorites is to sing rowdy hymns to birds, insects and trees while hiking vigorously in nature. How many other varieties can you imagine, Gemini? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to develop and expand your meditation skills. Here’s a key consideration: How can you achieve maximum fun while meditating? I recommend you free your mind to experiment with a host of interesting approaches.
CANCER June 21-July 22
If there was ever an appropriate time for you to indulge in creatively rowdy thoughts and inspirationally unruly behavior, it would be now. Life is giving you license to de-emphasize decorum and formalities—and to emphasize boisterous enthusiasm and plucky adventures. For the sake of your mental health, I believe you need to engage in experimental improvisations that include maverick expressions. What areas of your life need liberation? What feelings need to be released from their constraints? What worn-out old theories and opinions should be abandoned?
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Are your talents even slightly underrated and overlooked by others, Leo? Have your gifts received less than the full appreciation they deserve? Could you be of greater service and inspiration to your fellow humans if only your offerings were better known? If you answered yes to any of those questions, I’m pleased to tell you that the coming months should bring remedies. Life will be conspiring with you to help spread your influence and boost your clout.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
I wish it were true that the forces of darkness are lined up in opposition to the forces of light. Life would be so much easier for you. But I’m afraid it’s not that simple and clear. In my view, a more accurate metaphor might be that the energies of smokey gray are squaring off with the energies of dusky beige. Each side has a touch of both wrongness and rightness, a bit of ugliness and beauty. So what is the most honorable role you can play in this showdown? My suggestion is to develop a third side, an alternate way.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
In the early part of his career, Libran author Mario Puzo wrote short stories and novels, but never a screenplay. At age 49, he was asked by director Francis Ford Coppola to co-write the script for the film The Godfather. It turned out to be a sensational rookie effort. He was ultimately awarded an Academy Award for it, and later garnered another Oscar for his screenplay for The Godfather Part II. It was only then that Puzo realized he had found his calling and decided he should study the art of screenwriting. In the first chapter of the first book he bought about the subject, he read with great amusement that the ideal screenplay was the one by Mario Puzo for The Godfather. I bring this story to your attention, Libra, because you are approaching a time with resemblances to Puzo’s situation before Coppola solicited his work. Trust your rookie instincts!
SCORPIO Oct.23-Nov. 21
In the life cycle of a butterfly, the earliest stages are larva and pupa. As a larva, the future beauty crawls around as a caterpillar, cramming itself with nutritive substance. After it transitions into the pupa state, it’s inert for a while, working on the inside of its cocoon to transform itself into its ultimate form. I don’t want to be too literal about the comparison, but my sense is that your time as a larva will last another two months, whereupon you will begin your pupa phase. When will you emerge as a winged creature? It depends on how earnestly you work as a pupa, but I expect no later than March 2025.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, is one of the most innovative and imaginative songwriters ever. Many of his compositions have become bestselling hit tunes. But he had a rough start in his craft. The first song he ever wrote was “Surfin’.” He submitted it to fulfill an assignment in his high school music class, but his teacher gave it an F, the lowest possible grade. Fifty-eight years later, Wilson returned to the school for a visit, and the new principal changed his original grade to an A. I foresee a comparable event occurring in your life sometime soon: a vindication, restitution or reparation.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Earlier this year, 79-year-old rock singer Rod Stewart performed his greatest hits during a multi-city tour in many countries. “I shall never retire!” he proclaimed. Can you guess what astrological sign he is? Capricorn, of course. Many members of your tribe age very well, displaying stamina and vitality into later life. I bring this to your attention because I think you are close to discovering new secrets and tricks that will serve you well as you ripen. Here are some meditations that might be helpful: 1. What haven’t you been ready to do before, but might be soon? 2. What fun things would you love to be doing years from now, and how could you seed their future growth?
AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb. 18
Scientists have discovered the fossil remains of over 700 dinosaur species buried underground. But the experts agree there are many more down there. Previously unknown species are still being unearthed every year. Let’s use these facts as a metaphor for your life in the coming months. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you could learn a host of fresh truths about your history. You may have imagined that your past is finished and finalized, but it’s not. I encourage you to have fun hunting for revelations and investigations that will transform the story of your life.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
You haven’t fully tapped into all of your vast potentials, Pisces. Latent talents and aptitudes within you may still be at least partially dormant. It’s even possible that some of your future powers are so foreign to your self-concept that they will feel like magic when they finally come into full expression. Now here’s the very good news: The coming months will be an excellent time to figure out what you need to do to express a more complete version of yourself.
Homework: Maybe it would be beneficial to narrow your range of choices in one area of your life. Testify! Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.
We don’t have to remember to set our clocks, cause mostly, they do it themselves.
People all over have set up their own free libraries, sharing books with whomever walks by.
And we are so concerned with helping wildlife that we are willing to spend money building bridges for endangered cougars.
Our cover story by Richard Stockton is a tribute to the good things in the world at a time when confusion and transactionalism seem to be the major traits of a late capitalist economy.
But, yes, there is good.
Our Santa Cruz Gives issue, which we are working on and some have been working on all year, will raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for those in need. It comes out later this month.
And our cover story shows how compassionate we can still be in a world with too much violence, greed and fear.
Here’s Ahíga Snyder of Pathways for Wildlife talking about why we need to protect deer, bobcats, foxes and mountain lions from one of the most dangerous and well-traveled roads in the state:
“If you don’t move, you don’t survive,” he says of animals whose habitat is split by the road to Santa Cruz. “It’s true for people and it’s true for animals. They are driven to mate, to find food and water, and to find territory.”
Basically, animals must cross the highway to survive and it has cost $12 million for a tunnel that will save their lives. The movement to do so is so popular here that a conference about it at the Rio Theatre on Nov. 9 has sold out. That says a lot about the open hearts of our county and should provide some hope for all of us.
On other fronts, Bigfoot might use the tunnel too, if there really is a Bigfoot. Regardless, for two decades there has been a Bigfoot Museum outside Felton that is so wonderfully tacky, it’s a great symbol of our county, along with the Mystery Spot and the Grateful Dead museum.
Sadly, it’s shutting down, as you will read in Kristen McLaughlin’s article.
Speaking of wildlife, SpongeBob now sings in performances at Cabrillo Stage’s winter offering, SpongeBob: the Musical.Mathew Chipman tells us this is a can’t-miss family performance.
Dealing with stress doesn’t have to be all bad, says columnist Elizabeth Borelli, who offers important tips on one of the biggest challenges in modern life, dealing with post-election haze.
Music is a great way to relieve stress and new music challenges the brain, as well as offering comfort. Christina Waters highlights this week’s upcoming new music festival “Three’s Company,” which sounds like an antidote to what may be troubling times.
Thanks for reading.
Brad Kava | Editor
PHOTO CONTEST
EGRET BALLET Taken from the cliff that runs along Pleasure Point a few days ago. The egret had just taken flight a moment before this shot. Photograph by Paul Titangos
GOOD IDEA
Join Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) for its annual State of the Region on Friday, Nov. 8 to explore key issues, trends, and innovations shaping our local economy. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s State of the Region will be at CSU Monterey Bay University Center, 4312 6th Ave., Seaside from 8am. to 5pm.
A team including several UC Santa Cruz scientists has measured the behavioral responses of some of the most common marine mammals to military sonar. The most surprising finding was that these animals were sensitive to the sounds at much lower levels than previously predicted.
In a new study published on October 23 in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the international team sampled 34 dolphin groups, amounting to thousands of individuals, in experiments where simulated as well as operational military sonars were activated in carefully controlled conditions.
“These animals are clearly much more sensitive to noise exposure than we thought,” says UCSC researcher Brandon Southall.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“It’s strange how time can make a place shrink, make its strangeness ordinary.” –Veronica Roth.
Voting results notwithstanding, there are several things happening around Monterey Bay that deserve an endorsement—and can keep our community stronger and more resilient no matter what’s happening in front of a national audience.
1. Community-centric food and wine: A motherlode of epicurean news accompanies every Big Sur Food & Wine, which I’ve covered since its inception, consider the region’s most memorable foodie festival, and help out these days by volunteering on logistics.
That held true this year. Santa Cruz—by way of chefs like Jessica Yarr (The Grove Cafe + Bakery, 6249 Hwy. 9, Felton) and wineries like Birichino (204 Church St., Santa Cruz)—contributed flavor and life force. The lack of cell reception renewed hope in humanity figuring out fun with face-to-face collaboration. And chef Anthony Kresge, last seen launching Pete’s Fish House (231 Esplanade #102, Capitola) with Desmond Schneider, who also cooked for the event, sounded a mindful note at the scrappy logistics lot where our unseen and unshowered team coalesced: “I want to say a million thanks for the support you provide to produce an event like this: the selflessness should never go unnoticed and should be celebrated. Nobody and nothing—the chefs, winemakers, the donors, the cause—would be feasible without it.“ Which to me registered as something we can all do for all the oft-unthanked hustlers out there, whether they’re harvesting in the field, staffing kitchens or counting votes.
2. Community-centric nature aiding and abetting: Keeping with the volunteer theme, my favorite Santa Cruz e-newsletter is called Environteers. It hits every Tuesday with a mini-avalanche of opportunities to engage directly with climate solutions, outdoor work days and social situations that ultimately connect to the health of the parks, bees, fauna and foliage that make this place special and keep the foodscape flourishing.
Two meetings are coming up. A Hike & Help effort rallies 9–11am Thursday, Nov. 7, with Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship helping lead what’s billed as “a unique combination of a social hike and trail maintenance event.” And River Health Day follows 10am-noon Saturday, Nov. 9, to maintain native seedlings along the banks of the San Lorenzo River. environteers.org.
3. Community-centric good eating: San Benito County can feel like the forgotten sister of the tri-county area, but a visit to San Juan Bautista’s tiny old-school downtown, stocked with the historic mission, ice cream shops, saloons and free-range chickens strolling the streets, rarely involves regrets.
Now a new take on an old-fashioned concept is happening in breakfast-lunch form. Watsonville’s Maria Gonzales—of Cali Dawg Vegan hot dog fame—does the cheffing while her partner in love and life Rudy Jimenez does the farming. The menu is all organic and plant-based, all satisfying, and all of three miles from the land where all the produce sprouts. instagram.com/cultiva831/
MINI MUNCHIES
Paul Stamets appears at Monterey’s Golden State Theatre on Nov. 14, riffing on the power of mushrooms: goldenstatetheatre.com/shows/paul-stamets…The annual Chili Cook-Off at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk results: San Jose-based Ric’s Righteous BBQ won first prize in both the “con carne” and vegetarian categories, with Seascape Golf Course earning second in the meaty slot and Pretty Good Advice ranking #2 for veggie. Jack O’Neill’s Restaurant and Lounge won the people’s choice award, nice to see good kitchens earn love, more at beachboardwalk.com…The prestigious national live-fire culinary experience Heritage Fire is adding a stop on the Monterey Bay: Heritage Fire x Whiskies of the World will debut Nov. 22 in and around The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, instagram.com/heritagefiretour.
Pete’s Fish House, redolent of all things Capitola, opened its doors two months ago. Located in the heart of the iconic Village with sweeping views of the ocean, the Venetians and the recently reopened wharf, Pete’s offers a decidedly upscale and seafood-centric menu. Manager Nico Airoldi, himself a Capitola native, has a decade of industry experience with Pete’s owner, Sarah, making him the perfect candidate to help get the place up and running. He says the space, although small, is modern and open with both indoor and outdoor seating on the penthouse-feel patio.
Send-worthy starters include raw oysters on the half shell, cold-smoked Hawaiian kanpachi crudo and caviar service paired with crème fraîche, chives, shallots and housemade Kennebec potato crisps. Airoldi says his personal favorite is the soft-shell crab sandwich, a delicacy not often seen on the West Coast, served between a brioche bun complemented by celery root slaw and gochujang aioli. Another best-seller is the scratch-made pasta with clams finished with grated parmesan and smoked clam sabayon, and the Pacific halibut featuring a belly ballotine and lobster cream sauce. The to-die-for dessert is classic tiramisu with double-layered espresso-soaked cake. On the beverage side, they offer beer and an eclectic wine list—champagne to cabernet sauvignon and everything in between.
How has business been?
NICO AIROLDI: We have been busier than we all expected. Our executive chef, Desmond Schneider, really has brought a high-quality menu to our guests and elevated cuisine to the Village. Guests have been excited to have not only an upscale ambiance but also excellent service and delicious food to match. I think it all really sets us apart, not only in the Village, but in Santa Cruz generally. We have many unique ingredients and choices on our menu that aren’t seen in many other places, and our one-of-a-kind ocean view brings it all together.
What draws you to restaurant work?
I love working with people and seeing their faces light up when they take their first bite of our food. And it’s one of the few jobs where you mostly just talk and interact with people all day. It’s always the same, but it’s different too in that the faces change and the situations vary. I’m also using my computer science degree working at a start-up, but I’ve always loved the industry for the excitement, pace and action of it all.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciated for your piece trying a plant-based diet. As someone who cares about sustainable food sources and ethical consumption, I have been truly impressed by how enjoyable and easy it has been to follow a PBD but I know other people are worried and have questions and concerns about it. So to read your article on just how it really isn’t scary is great as many people who are hesitant at first will see this and be willing to give it a try.
Sara
MUSICIAN AL FRISBY GRAVELY ILL
I wanted to pass on some information regarding a legendary Santa Cruz performer, Al Frisby. The Good Times has done many stories about Al over the years. It is not time for an obituary yet, but if there are people from the Good Times who would like to say goodbye to Al, I have provided information regarding his current status.
Al’s passing will be a big loss for the Santa Cruz Community. Al is in the late stages of liver cancer, and this is in addition to several strokes he’s endured over the last few years.
For such an incredibly talented person who provided endless hours of entertainment for all of us, this is a tragic end in a long and dramatic story. I don’t know how long Al has left, but I saw him yesterday, which left me in tears. It doesn’t seem like Al will be with us for much longer. He lived his life to the fullest, on his terms, and loved nothing more than being in nature’s beauty, entertaining people, and creating art.
Ken Schwinn
RUNDOWN THEATER
So sad to see our local art deco classic DelMar Theatre being in the rundown condition It is today. The City of Santa Cruz owns this local treasure and is leased to Landmark Theatres Coen Media. They are up for auction and bankrupt. No one seems to take care of the cinema.
The neon marquee is barely working they don’t bother to close the waterfall curtains and now the side deco wall lights are not working. The city won’t trim the trees outside the front. Seems the movie public in Santa Cruz nor the many students in the area don’t attend. I don’t understand why they run the same movies as the SC 9 does just up the street. When Landmark leaves like they did the Nickelodeon It may be time for the city to lease the place out to someone who will bring some other types of entertainment like the Rio into the downtown district. Take out the small balcony cinemas and make It one large event space. Still show art movies that don’t play in the area and bring in some traveling shows. The Catalyst Club is filthy outside SC needs a nice place downtown with all the new housing going in.
Feeling like you’re stumbling through a thick fog the day after? That classic “lost in the woods” feeling where the path forward is blurry, and shadows loom larger than life? If so, you’re far from alone. In fact, nearly 70% of Americans report that the 2024 presidential election has become a major source of stress, according to the American Psychological Association. The tension is palpable—traffic seems gnarlier, people are testier, lines stretch longer, and happy hour can’t come soon enough.
The thing is, we’re wired to feel this collective strain during times of uncertainty. Our brains tend to amplify everyday frustrations when we’re anxious about the big picture. So even if you’ve managed to keep yourself relatively calm, chances are someone close to you—a partner, a friend, or that colleague with the edgy comments—hasn’t. And that energy, as we all know, is contagious.
Psychologist Steven Stosny, founder of CompassionPower in Washington, D.C., coined the term “election stress disorder” to describe the level of anxiety and obsession that many of us feel surrounded by in the tense and polarizing political climate.
According to Stosny, this level of stress drives the “toddler brain” (unregulated, all-or-nothing, “stop or I’ll scream” mindset) to hijack our rational “adult brain.” This hopefully temporary switch impairs our ability to take other perspectives, weigh evidence, see nuance, plan for the future, and create value and meaning. Seriously, this is based on brain science.
The hijacked brain, now in “fight or flight mode,” is highly susceptible to emotional contagion; in a heightened state we’ll take on whatever negative emotions are around us. It’s normal to get caught up in the flow of high emotion, regardless of which side of the fence you’re on. But it doesn’t help your sense of safety or security. And it may lead to sleepless nights, compounding the stress state even further.
Yes, these are critical times. No, this isn’t denying the gravity of the situation. So what’s the antidote? The answer might be simpler than we think: reconnecting with a sense of normalcy, grounding ourselves in the things that don’t feel unpredictable. For some, that might mean taking a social media detox or going for a long walk by the ocean. For others, it’s doubling down on small routines, the little anchors that keep us feeling stable.
Here are five simple interventions for calming post-election stress:
Limit media consumption: Social media and news cycles can keep us in a loop of “doom-scrolling.” Stay updated without letting the news dictate your mood by limiting your news time to end of day. Yes, it’s a challenge, but if you try it and find it’s not effective, feel free to leave a complaint in the box below.
Seek supportive connections: Spend time with people who uplift you, and if needed, ask them to keep the conversation to topics other than politics—the time for influencing votes is over.
Practice calming techniques: From mindfulness to breathing exercises in a studio or online, in Santa Cruz resources abound. Sign up for a sound bath at one of the many local studios offering a session. Take a walk outside, whether it’s around the block or at your favorite beach—walking and nature are a surefire calming combo.
Stay hopeful and realistic: We’re more resilient than we think, and we’ve overcome plenty of challenges before. Avoid end-of-the-world thinking and trust your ability to adapt.
Practice gratitude: No matter what’s going on in the world, we’re lucky enough to live in a magical place filled with spaces and places for healing.
With these simple but powerful practices, we can keep our perspective intact—even as we navigate the uncertainty around us.
At the end of the day, none of us can control the outcome of a national election, but we can choose how we navigate the haze it leaves behind. We can be kinder to ourselves and to each other, remember that the fog always lifts eventually, and maybe even find ways to laugh at the absurdity of it all over a drink with friends. Because if there’s one thing Santa Cruz knows, it’s how to find a glimmer of light, no matter how thick the fog.
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.
A fusion of flavors emerges from this 2023 Pinot Noir, with bright red cherries,raspberries and hibiscus blending seamlessly. Juiciness is the heart of this wine, complemented by a framework of vibrant acidity—with soft tannins contributing to its graceful structure. A genuine representation of coastal pinot ($24), it showcases purity and refinement—and also comes with “a joyful character.”
Chamisal Vineyards, 7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-9463; chamisalvineyards.com
Sweet Anniversary
The adorable Chocolate eatery in downtown Santa Cruz is celebrating 25 years in business. is Don’t miss owner David Jackman’s hot chocolate drinks, including the Tres Chiles—made with dark chocolate, milk chocolate and cacao with some not-too-hot chiles. It’s sure to add some spice to your life.
Chocolate, 1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9900; chocolatesantacruz.com
Sips & Shops
Around 20 shops in Capitola Village are hosting area wineries for a Sip & Stroll event. Purchase a ticket and receive a logo glass and 12 two-ounce pour tickets along with a map of participating shops. Organized by the Capitola Village Business and Wharf Improvement Association, the event takes place noon–5pm on Nov. 9. Visit capitolavillage.com for more info.
Cruise Cruz Cabs
Get tickets now for an exclusive tasting of cabernet sauvignon and bordeaux varietals in a side-by-side tasting. More than 15 Santa Cruz Mountains producers will be pouring—with around 50 wines to choose from. Savory food pairings are by Chef Ross Hanson of Oak & Rye, along with a silent auction of hard-to-find library wines. The event is 2–5pm Nov. 10 at Vidovich Vineyards in Cupertino. Tickets are $135. Visit winesofscm.com/PC2024 for more info.
Measure Z, Santa Cruz’s sugar-sweetened beverage tax, is set to pass according to the latest elections results.
With 21,510 votes ballots cast, the Yes on Z campaign has 51.62% of the vote, while No on Z trails with 48.38%.
The measure will implement a 2 cents per ounce tax on sweetened beverages and raise $1.3 million a year for improving parks,...
Monica Martinez will be the next Santa Cruz County District 5 Supervisor according to the lates election results. Martinez is leading in a runoff race against Christopher Bradford.
Out of 23,015 ballots cast, Martinez has garnered 56.28% of the vote to Bradford's 43.47% as of Wednesday afternoon.
The two candidates made it to the November election as frontrunners after the...
ARIES March 21-April 19
I rarely recommend acquisitive behavior. But my analysis of the astrological omens tells me you now have cosmic authorization to indulge in a sublime version of voracity. We might also refer to it as a license to practice a spiritually correct variety of greed. Here’s the fine print: You should NOT interpret this as permission to...
...a visit to San Juan Bautista... stocked with the historic mission, ice cream shops, saloons and free-range chickens strolling the streets, rarely involves regrets.
Pete’s Fish House, redolent of all things Capitola, opened its doors two months ago. Located in the heart of the iconic Village with sweeping views of the ocean
Feeling like you’re stumbling through a thick fog the day after? That classic “lost in the woods” feeling where the path forward is blurry, and shadows loom larger than life? If so, you’re far from alone. In fact, nearly 70% of Americans report that the 2024 presidential election has become a major source of stress, according to the American...
