Supervisors Appoint Chris Clark as Sheriff, Effective Dec. 6

Local News

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September 4, 2024

Supervisors Appoint Chris Clark as Sheriff, Effective Dec. 6

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously appointed Undersheriff Chris Clark to take the agency’s lead role, a decision that was backed by several members of the public and the leaders of numerous agencies that addressed the board.

This included both Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell and Chief Public Defender Heather Rogers.

Under Clark, Rogers said that her department has made several advances in helping incarcerated people receive services and representation.

“I can say without hesitation that he is open-minded, he is collaborative, and he is absolutely committed to this community,” Rogers said.

Rosell described Clark as “compassionate, cooperative and deeply committed to public safety.”

“I cannot say enough about Chris Clark, and I can tell you without reservation that this is the right choice for everyone,” he said.

County Supervisor Zach Friend said that said the tension that exists in many other law enforcement agencies—and the high turnover—does not exist in the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office thanks to the leadership of Clark.

“I actually cannot think of anybody in this community, or anybody throughout this state, that would be more qualified to serve as Santa Cruz County Sheriff than Chris Clark,” Friend said. “He has the compassion, the worldview, the dignity, the ethics, the approach that will make you absolutely represent our community at the highest level.”

Clark will officially start on Dec. 6, when current Sheriff Jim Hart retires. He will be up for reelection in 2028.

He said he plans to bring back in-person visits to the jail system, which were stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic, a problem made worse by low staffing issues.

“It’s important for incarcerated parents and the children of incarcerated parents to be able to get together and have an opportunity to bond,” he said.

He also plans to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis and go after “high-level dealers.”

Clark says he will staff and certify the county’s DNA lab, and improve the systems charged with medical and mental healthcare for inmates.

“Given the rise in substance use and mental health disorder, it’s no secret that our office is running one of the largest mental health facilities in the county,” he said.

Clark said he plans to run again when his term ends.

“This is my life’s work,” he said. “I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.”

Live Oak School District’s New Chapter

Local News

William S. Woodhams

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September 4, 2024

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With a recent shakeup in leadership and efforts to put a bond measure on the November ballot that would provide housing for teachers, Live Oak School District is starting off the 2024 school year intent on restoring trust in light of recent controversies.

New district superintendent Patrick Sánchez has now taken the reins, seeking to turn things around and avoid more cuts amid enrollment declines at the district’s six schools.

The working 2025-26 budget calls for an additional $1.3 million in “salary reductions” if the district’s financial picture does not improve by next year.

“We are striving to have our district grow and successfully get the district into a positive financial situation,” Sánchez said in a recent email.

He is aiming to increase enrollment by developing “signature programming” at each school site and continue to work on initiatives like farm-to-table cooking to bolster interest from parents.

Hired after the acrimonious departure of previous superintendent Daisy Morales, Sánchez has over 25 years of administrative experience. Most recently, he was the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Morgan Hill Unified School District before starting at LOSD in July of this year.

However, Sánchez himself has been the subject of controversy. In 2016, he resigned from Adams County School District 14 in Colorado amidst calls for his resignation by a community group. In 2019, he resigned from the Newark Unified School District at the same time a wrongful termination lawsuit was filed against him and the district. There is no clear connection between the two matters. Sánchez has characterized the efforts to oust him as led by “disgruntled former employees.”

Now, he is tasked with keeping LOSD afloat as it recovers from financial woes while also stopping declining enrollment.

Bouncing Back

Earlier this year, Live Oak School District plunged into chaos when it was revealed that it was facing a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. Teachers and parents were blindsided by the announcement, which was made as the Live Oak School Board approved a 5% pay increase for superintendent Daisy Morales.

Morales was blamed for the mismanagement, and parents accused her of lack of transparency. In response, 1,700 people signed a petition calling for her removal. In March, Morales resigned and was given one year’s salary of $228,900 per her contract as severance pay.

Morales was hired as superintendent of the Santa Rosa City Schools in June at a salary of $261,537. LOSD parents asked at the June 26 board meeting if she would return her severance. “A second Live Oak parent agreed and also voiced their concerns on the school sites having limited recess coach and yard duties, due to limited funds,” according to the meeting’s minutes.

The Negative Certification

At the center of the crisis was a “negative certification” from the County Office of Education (COE) in January. This was caused by a “holistic” evaluation of the district’s finances by the COE.

In May, Morales accused the COE in a letter to the Live Oak community of rushing to decertify the district.

“The district was behind in cash reconciliation but the cash was in the bank,” Morales wrote.

LOSD projected only having $200,000 on hand at the end of 2025, below the 3% cash reserve mandated by the state, according to the COE’s rebuttal to Morales. The district ended up spending 73% of its general fund last year, according to the 2024-25 interim budget.

Nick Ibarra, director of communications at the COE, said that “low projected cash balances as well as projected deficit spending” were the cause of the negative certification as outlined in state law.

Currently, LOSD has a positive rating from the COE. However, the chief budget officer position is vacant. Since the COE decertified the district, there have been three budget chiefs. The most recent one, Angela Rodriguez, lasted for less than a month.

What Will Sánchez Do?

A Green Acres parent, Tammy Summers, who was involved in campaigning against Morales and was appointed to the board, supports Sánchez. She is running unopposed for the seat in November.

“He [Sánchez] is really digging deep into our financials and trying to see where we can cut money,” Summers said. “It’s a really warm welcome that he provides. He has an open door policy.”

Summers offered as an example the life lab manager position the district is looking to hire. Summers pulled the new hire from the consent agenda because she felt that there should be more public discussion before the district begins hiring people so soon after budget cuts.

Sánchez agreed with the move, she said. Then he addressed her concerns. Summers said the life lab position is now moving forward.

The position is “entirely funded” and accounted for out of restricted funds, according to Sánchez.

This is not always the case. When Sánchez looked through the books he found a $60,000 communications contract coming out of the general fund that he swiftly terminated.

“We must live within our means and always be ethical stewards of all public funds,” Sánchez said.

Bond Measures

In March, voters approved a $44 million infrastructure bond to update school facilities and fix instructure even as the district was engulfed in controversy and cutting staff.

LOSD is once again asking voters to approve a $45 million bond, $1 million more, for workforce housing in November.

Intertwined with the potential workforce housing has been the question of where non-profit Community Bridges would go if the housing was developed on the LOSD owned-site.

Last week Community Bridges signed a two-year lease with LOSD to stay at the Capitola Road location. However, any construction would most likely begin after, considering development timelines.

The quest to build workforce housing continues in one of the most expensive rental markets in the country.

“If we can’t raise salaries, we have to try and figure out a way to decrease staff’s expenses, and by having workforce housing, that’s one way to do it,” Summers said. “We can’t really put a measure out to increase salaries. I’d love to be able to do that.”

Summers notes that there are competitive concerns too with Santa Cruz City Schools moving ahead with a 100-unit housing complex on Swift Street.

Sánchez said he is still reviewing the budget and is planning a status report in the first board meeting in October.

“I think we have rounded a corner,” Summers said. “I think we are moving in the right direction. Does that mean we can go back and hire everyone? No.”

Talking Points: Charles Duhigg’s Tips for Better Communication

Literature

Elizabeth Borelli

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September 4, 2024

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It’s tempting to call communication a lost art. But it wouldn’t be accurate. We’ve always been bad at it. These days it’s just more obvious.

The reality is, the science behind good communication is clear, proving it is indeed possible. But the trick is getting people to actually listen. This problem is fast becoming too critical to ignore.

According to an ongoing study tracking several thousand people over the past four years, political polarization tops the list of life’s most stressful experiences. It ranks even higher than the COVID pandemic, mass shootings, police brutality and climate change. This finding comes from Roxane Cohen Silver, a professor of psychological science, medicine and public health at the University of California, Irvine.

What does political polarization have to do with communication? A lot, according to one writer.

Charles Duhigg—author of The Power of Habit, a book that transformed our understanding of how to change behavioral patterns—says his latest subject is just as groundbreaking.

Describing that new book, Supercommunicators, Duhigg says, “People have been good and bad communicators throughout history. One thing is the channels have increased dramatically—there are so many more ways to do it now.

“This makes it really challenging,” he explains. “The nature of communication changes among the different channels. As new ways of communicating emerge, different versions have their own set of rules.”

Good Communication Can Be Learned

And if you don’t know the rules, you’re more likely to miscommunicate. Yet, Duhigg says, the basic principles are the same no matter the channel, and they’re rooted in emotion. No wonder a mere word or tone can generate a sleight and send a charged conversation into a tailspin.

That said, communication is a skill that can be learned. And the Santa Cruz–based Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist offers a series of formulas for upskilling even the most easily tongue-tied.

And upskill we must, as we move into another contentious election season. Tensions are rising, and discussions about politics can easily devolve into shouting matches and putdowns. Or more common in polite society, people self-select into like-minded groups, forming biased generalizations about those on the other side.

But that approach is dangerous to democracy. If we can’t talk through our differences, we can’t make decisions that benefit the whole. As intimidating as this sounds to non-confrontationists, it’s the pathway to unified progress that our country sorely needs.

Duhigg believes each of us has the capacity to be a great communicator.

In his book he cites Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw’s famous line: “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” But according to Duhigg, we have evolved to be supercommunicators—and he offers a set of skills anyone can learn.

The Three Types of Conversation

Let’s start with some basics. First off, conversations generally fall into one of three categories. Skilled communicators, Duhigg explains, have learned how to recognize, and align with, the type of conversation in play.

There is the practical conversation—What’s This Really About?—best approached by understanding what participants are looking to gain. Then there’s the emotional conversation—How Do We Feel?—where addressing inner states is essential. And finally there’s the Who Are We? conversation, when understanding group or social identity is a must.

Skilled communicators know the importance of recognizing, then matching, each kind of conversation and listening for the subtle emotions, complex needs and hidden beliefs that color so much of not only what we say but also what we hear in any discussion.

In short, there is always more to the story than the words being said, and when we understand the other person’s motivation behind the conversation, we’re much more likely to hear and be heard.

The book breaks down each of the three conversations into actionable steps for understanding. But space is limited here, so we’ll skip to the Who Are We? conversation—which is the most relevant in light of rising tensions around political polarization.

First, a question: How do you think about people with political beliefs that don’t align with yours? A Pew Research Center poll in 2022 showed that both Republicans and Democrats are increasingly critical of people in the opposing party.

Both Sides Now

And it’s not just the die-hards. Even those who lean to the Republican and Democratic parties are more likely to describe those in the opposing party as more immoral, closed-minded, unintelligent, dishonest and lazy than they were in 2016.

Duhigg writes “The Who Are We conversation is critical because our social identities exert such a powerful influence on what we say, how we hear and what we think, even when we don’t want them to. Our identities can help us find values we share or can push us into stereotypes. Sometimes, simply reminding ourselves that we all belong to multiple in-groups can shift how we speak and listen.

“The Who Are We? conversation can help us understand how the identities we choose and those imposed on us by society make us who we are,” he explains.

In a footnote, the author explains that in a heated discussion involving identities, finding common ground isn’t enough.

According to another Pew Research poll, both political parties agree that the top problems facing the country are inflation, health costs and—get this—a lack of partisan cooperation.

And on some issues, like gun control, Democrats and Republicans share more in common than most people think. Members of both parties believe in keeping the Second Amendment intact with some caveats around things like assault rifles and background checks.

Yet the sweeping rhetoric used to incite voters leads most of us to believe that there is no common ground. We get entrenched in beliefs that create assumptions, including that our own side will do what’s best for our country, and that the opposition is fundamentally flawed in their morals or reasoning.

Steps Toward Understanding

So how does one overcome the fear of approaching a hot topic with someone with an opposing opinion?

Duhigg lays it all out in a highly engaging fashion in Supercommunicators, which I’ll do my best to summarize.

First, prepare in advance. Know what you want to accomplish as a result of the discussion. Take time to recognize the likely obstacles to a calm conversation, and have a plan to manage them. Then decide if the benefits are worth the risk. If your Uncle Bob starts shouting every time he hears the name Kamala, he’s not ready for constructive dialogue and you’re unlikely to change his mind.

When you’re ready, start the conversation by acknowledging the difficulty of the issue. Knowing that someone wants to connect in a positive way can be more important than the substance. If both parties are interested in a productive conversation, establish guidelines so everyone feels heard, validated and respected. Be prepared to truly listen—a lost art Duhigg discusses in detail.

I ended my enlightening conversation with Charles Duhigg with a question of my own. Since relocating from Brooklyn to California several years ago, I wondered how the communications cultures differed.

Duhigg says things are faster in New York; people are busier and move faster. One thing he loves about Santa Cruz: It’s a welcoming and easy place to make friends. Community is important. And by learning to improve our communications skills, we’re on track to keep it that way.

Free Will Astrology

Astrology

Rob Brezsny

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September 4, 2024

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ARIES March 21-April 19

In 2015, a large earthquake struck Nepal, registering 7.8 on the Richter scale. It was so powerful, it shrunk Mt. Everest. I mention this, Aries, because I suspect you will generate good fortune in the coming months whenever you try to shrink metaphorical mountains. Luckily, you won’t need to resort to anything as forceful and ferocious as a massive earthquake. In fact, I think your best efforts will be persistent, incremental and gradual. If you haven’t gotten started yet, do so now.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

We don’t know the astrological sign of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, who ruled from 51 to 30 BCE. But might she have been a Taurus? What other tribe of the zodiac would indulge in the extravagance of bathing in donkey milk? Her staff kept a herd of 700 donkeys for this regimen. Before you dismiss the habit as weird, please understand that it wasn’t uncommon in ancient times. Why? Modern science has shown that donkey milk has anti-aging, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. And as astrologers know, many of you Tauruses are drawn to luxurious and healing influences that also enhance beauty. I recommend you cultivate such influences with extra verve in the coming days.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

In two trillion galaxies stretched out across 93 billion light years, new stars are constantly being born. Their birth process happens in stellar nurseries, where dense clouds of gas coalesce into giant spheres of light and heat powered by the process of nuclear fusion. If you don’t mind me engaging in a bit of hyperbole, I believe that you Geminis are now immersed in a small-scale, metaphorical version of a stellar nursery. I have high hopes for the magnificence you will beget in the coming months.

CANCER June 21-July 22

The planet Mars usually stays in your sign for less than two months every two years. But the pattern will be different in the coming months. Mars will abide in Cancer from Sept. 5 to Nov. 4 and then again from Jan. 27 till April 19 in 2025. The last time the red planet made such an extended visit was in 2007 and 2008, and before that in 1992 and 1993. So what does it mean? In the least desirable scenario, you will wander aimlessly, distracted by trivial battles and unable to decide which dreams to pursue. In the best scenario, you will be blessed with a sustained, fiery devotion to your best and most beautiful ambitions.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

Famous rock musicians have on occasion spiced up their live shows by destroying their instruments on stage. Kurt Cobain of the band Nirvana smashed many guitars. So did Jimi Hendrix, who even set his guitars on fire. I can admire the symbolic statement of not being overly attached to objects one loves. But I don’t recommend that approach to you in the coming weeks. On the contrary, I believe this is a time for you to express extra care for the tools, machines and apparatus that give you so much. Polish them up, get repairs done, show them you love them. And if you need new gizmos and gear to enhance your self-expression, get them in the near future.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

In all of world history, which author has sold the most books? The answer is Agatha Christie, born under the sign of Virgo. Readers have bought over 2 billion copies of her 70-plus books. I present her as a worthy role model for you during the next nine months. In my astrological opinion, this will be your time to shine, to excel, to reach new heights of accomplishment. Along with Christie, I invite you to draw encouragement and inspiration from four other Virgo writers who have flourished: 1. Stephen King, $400 million in sales from 77 books. 2. Kyotaro Nishimura, $200 million in sales from over 400 books. 3. Leo Tolstoy, $413 million from 48 books. 4. Paul Coelho, $350 million from 28 books.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Centuries before the story of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, there was a Greek myth with similar themes. It featured Persephone, a divine person who descended into the realm of the dead but ultimately returned in a transfigured form. The ancient Festival of Eleusis, observed every September, honored Persephone’s down-going and redemption—as well as the cyclical flow of decay and renewal in every human life. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to observe your own version of a Festival of Eleusis by taking an inventory: What is disintegrating and decomposing in your own world? What is ripe for regeneration and rejuvenation? What fun action can you do that resembles a resurrection?

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

The coming weeks will be an excellent time to take inventory of your community and your network of connections. Here are questions to ask yourself as you evaluate whether you already have exactly what you need or else may need to make adjustments. 1. Are you linked with an array of people who stimulate and support you? 2. Can you draw freely on influences that further your goals and help you feel at home in the world? 3. Do you bestow favors on those you would like to receive favors from? 4. Do you belong to groups or institutions that share your ideals and give you power you can’t access alone?

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

“Progress was all right. Only it went on too long.” Sagittarian humorist James Thurber said that, and now I’m conveying it to you. Why? Well, I am very happy about the progress you’ve been making recently—the blooming and expanding and learning you have been enjoying. But I’m guessing you would now benefit from a period of refining what you have gained. Rather than even more progress, I feel you need to consolidate and integrate the progress you have so robustly earned.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

The people of Northern Ireland have over 70 colorful slang terms for being drunk. These include splootered, stonkied, squiffy, cabbaged, stinkered, ballbagged, wingdinged, bluttered and wanked. I am begging you, Capricorn, to refrain from those states for at least two weeks. According to my reading of the omens, it’s important for you to avoid the thrills and ills of alcohol. I am completely in favor of you pursuing natural highs, however. I would love you to get your mind blown and your heart opened through epiphanies and raptures that take you to the frontiers of consciousness.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Beginning 11,000 years ago, humans began to breed the fig. It’s the world’s oldest cultivated food, preceding even wheat, barley and legumes. Many scholars think that the fig, not the apple, was the forbidden fruit that God warned Adam and Eve not to munch in the famous Biblical passage. These days, though, figs rarely make the list of the fruits people love most. Their taste is regarded by some as weird, even cloying. But for our purposes, I will favorably quote the serpent in the Garden of Eden: “When you eat the fig, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God.” This is my elaborate way of telling you that now may be an excellent time to sample a forbidden fruit. Also: A serpent may have wise counsel for you.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

The coming weeks would be an excellent time to file lawsuits against everyone who has ever wronged you, hurt you, ignored you, misunderstood you, tried to change you into something you’re not, and failed to give you what you deserve. I recommend you sue each of them for $10 million. The astrological omens suggest you now have the power to finally get compensated for the stupidity and malice you have had to endure. JUST KIDDING! I lied. The truth is, now is a great time to feel intense gratitude for everyone who has supported you, encouraged you and appreciated you for who you really are. I also suggest you communicate your thanks to as many of your personal helpers and heroes as you can.

Homework: What are you afraid or too timid to ask for? I dare you to ask for it. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Perchance to Dream

Wellness

Elizabeth Borelli

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September 4, 2024

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Imagine stepping into a world where your wildest dreams come to life, and you can control every moment. Where you could solve problems, create art or improve your tennis serve—all while you sleep. If scientists working in the field of lucid dreams succeed, that world could become a reality sooner than we realize.

Beyond the mere fantasy appeal, the lucid dream state has the potential to heal deep-seated phobias, traumas and anxiety.

Lucid dreaming is a state of consciousness where sleepers are aware they are dreaming and can recognize their thoughts and emotions while doing so—and transfer the content of these dreams into their waking lives.

One researcher, driven by decades of single-minded focus, has catapulted this concept to the next level. Michael Raduga, CEO of REMspace in Redwood City, describes REM sleep as the next AI, and his new laboratory is primed to prove it.

Listening to Raduga’s story leaves little doubt about the lengths he’s traveled to pursue his passion. The Siberian lucid dreaming researcher, who was recently granted permanent residency in the US, conducted a series of famous experiments in 2011–2013, demonstrating that lucid dreams could be responsible for many alien abduction stories, religious visions and near-death experiences.

Raduga’s commitment to the psychological benefits of lucid dreaming knows no bounds. “I have nothing else in my life,” he admits, because he’s so driven to develop new technologies.

In response to inquiries about the therapeutic potential for this work, he says, “It’s not about exploring trauma, but reliving it in a new light, facing those fears head-on.” He shares a personal story, revealing that as a child he was so afraid of aliens that frequently he couldn’t sleep. So, he says, “I decided to see them for myself. At first, it was terrifying, but once I faced them in my dream, the fear vanished.”

Research supports this. Lucid dreams offer an alternate reality that can be a space for mental rehearsals. Imagine practicing a big presentation in front of a full audience, feeling the heat of the spotlight, hearing the murmurs in the crowd. It’s more than a mental exercise; it’s a full sensory experience.

Although not everyone can do it, roughly half of the population have experienced at least one lucid dream in their lifetimes. Around one-fifth experience them once a month or more.

And while this researcher’s work focuses on creating technology to bridge dream realities, he says other scientists are investigating the connection between lucid dreaming and reducing anxiety. “We’re working on the tech,” Raduga says, “but others are exploring its psychological potential.”

Raduga’s lab has already created a device that connects with lucid dreamers remotely, gathering data in real time and allowing for more advanced studies. The goal is to democratize lucid dreaming, making it accessible to everyone.

As for the future? Raduga and his team are on the edge of a breakthrough that could revolutionize our understanding of sleep and dreams, predicting that within a few years, a simple button could allow anyone to enter a lucid dream state at will.

But until that time, here are a few techniques to help you gain control over your dreams:

Dream Journaling: The moment you wake up, jot down everything you remember. This practice makes you more attuned to your dream world, increasing your chances of becoming lucid while dreaming.
Reality Testing: Throughout the day, take a moment to question your reality. Notice your surroundings and check for anything unusual. This habit trains your brain to recognize when you’re dreaming.
Intention Setting: Boost the likelihood of a lucid dream by repeating a phrase before bed—like, “I’ll remember I’m dreaming”—to help prime your mind for lucidity.
Wake Back to Bed: Set an alarm to wake you up about an hour before you usually rise. After staying awake briefly, go back to sleep. This method can lead to vivid dreams.
External Stimulation: Researchers are experimenting with gentle stimuli, like vibrations or flashing lights during REM sleep, to trigger lucidity. These cues help dreamers realize they are dreaming and gain control.

These techniques are just the beginning. With practice, lucid dreaming can become a regular part of your nightly routine. Happy dreaming!

Letters to Good Times

Letters to the Editor

John Koenig

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September 4, 2024

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MONARCH MANIA

Hi GT!

We love coming to SC…for The Good Times!

Thanks for the attention and publicity…2 letters about us!

Come to Lighthouse Field this Fall to experience the Monarch Magic

The Monarchs🦋| Via Fiona Fairchild

GET A HANDLE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

As the country and the rest of the world experience another year of scorching heat waves, private, for-profit utility companies—whom we rely upon for our basic necessities like heating, cooling and electricity—are keeping us reliant on climate-wrecking fossil fuels while reporting record profits.

When they work well, utilities exist in the background of our lives: they power our homes, cool us down when it’s hot, and give us heat when it’s cold. But too often, they are sources of aggravation: The power goes off when it’s dangerously hot or cold out, our bills skyrocket, and these for-profit companies threaten to shut off services when we’re unable to pay.

We know that climate change raises those stakes even higher, and utility companies themselves play a massive role in exacerbating the climate crisis: 80% of electric utilities in the U.S. run on fossil fuels.

Shifting utilities to clean energy is integral to working toward a safer climate, but these private, for-profit companies would rather maintain the status quo and keep the public in the dark. Utility companies are charging us more while they get paid off by the fossil fuel industry to block the transition to renewable energy.

Utility companies have gotten away with profiting at the expense of people and our planet for too long. It’s time we hold them accountable and demand they stop using our money to burn our future while individuals and families struggle. We deserve an energy system that allows everyone to have access to clean and affordable energy.

Ben Ramsden-Stein

FAMILY BUSINESS CLOSING

Our family business Santa Cruz Radio TV is closing after 36 years in the same building. We have served and loved this community for so many years and want everyone to know just because we will no longer be in the same building that Mark and Greg Windt will be taking their business mobile and rebranding as WAVE: Windt Audio Video Electronics installation and repair.

Cheryl Windt

Cali Crooner

Music

Josué Monroy

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September 4, 2024

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When Aaron Frazer first began singing as a teenager, he was embarrassed of people hearing him practicing.

“I learned to sing while listening to Black Keys albums in my ’98 Honda Civic in high school because I was too embarrassed to sing in public. I thought maybe I had good pitch, but when you’re a kid, it’s embarrassing to sing,” Frazer says in a Zoom interview.

Frazer eventually got over his stage fright, and in the last decade the 33-year-old Baltimore native has spearheaded the retro soul revival alongside collaborator and bandmate Durand Jones. In a full-circle moment, Frazer’s first album, 2021’s Introducing…, was produced by Dan Auerbach, one-half of the Black Keys.

Now, the falsetto crooner is about to embark on his first solo tour to promote his second album, Into the Blue. The work is a time capsule of R&B/Soul, exploring the peaks of love and the lows of heartbreak. Produced by Alex Goose, the album has songs you’ll want to dance with your friends to; go for a drive in the car with; and others that you’ll want to float alone in your room with. “Time Will Tell” sounds Fleetwood Mac-ish, while “Fly Away” is reminiscent of ’90s R&B. “I Don’t Wanna Stay” evokes boulevard night rides in your car shedding a tear over a lover.

GT caught up with Frazer to talk about writing sad songs, finding your home away from home and discovering authentic Mexican food.

Good Times: How are you feeling for the upcoming tour? Is this your biggest solo tour to date?

Aaron Frazer : It’s my only solo tour to date. This is my first, so I’m so excited! I’ve been working really, really hard getting the show together, not just the music, but the performance of it itself. I’ve spent my whole musical life behind the drum kit, and so on this tour, I’ll be up front for probably most of the show, going back and forth.

We’ve come to Santa Cruz with Durand Jones and the Indications a bunch of times over the years—I think we’ve done The Catalyst twice. I feel like California audiences are truly some of the best in the entire world, and that includes Santa Cruz. The engagement from the fans just makes it feel electric.

GT: Into the Blue is very personal and explores the highs of love and lows of heartbreak. What was the writing process like for you and what state of mind are you in now compared to when you wrote the album?

Better now for sure. When I started (writing) I was definitely in kind of a very low place, just feeling very sad. The intention, originally, was to move to California with my partner at the time. So I arrived in a new city alone, and the Indications weren’t touring, we were taking a year break because we had just toured like crazy. Even that stability wasn’t there.

Originally, I was trying to avoid writing sad songs, honestly, just because I feel like a lot of people know me for these kinds of very tender, loving happy songs. But as soon as I allowed myself to start writing sad songs, the songs started flowing, yeah? And I also was able to go back and write some of the happy ones and appreciate the good times and the “highs of love.”

How has the album been received?

Great. I think this is an album that’s a little different for me. I still think it feels very much like me, but I just wanted to show growth, maturation. As a producer, as a songwriter, I wanted to bring all of my influences together, and I feel like I’ve really done that on this record. I think people are getting to see more dimensions of who I am as an artist, which makes me happy.

Musically, this album feels like a time machine taking you through various decades of R&B and soul. Was this on purpose?

It did come naturally. I’m a really eclectic music fan and music student, and I think that some people might look at these different genres and be like, ‘Oh, they’re too far apart, they’re too different.’ I think you can reach a point in your musical journey… it’s like you see The Matrix. That’s how it feels. It’s like you can see The Matrix, and when you get to that point, you realize that the distance between these genres is so small and a lot of times arbitrary.

You can very easily draw lines. It’s like, “Rapp Snitch Knishes” by MF Doom is a sample of a soul/jazz cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” I think all records are in conversation with other records, and so that’s what this album is. You can hear a musical conversation, and you can see what my record collection is through this.

Your lead single is “Dime,” featuring Chilean/Mexican artist Cancamusa. How did this collaboration come about?

I am a big Mon Laferte fan, and I found Natty (Cancamusa) through Mon’s Instagram page. At a certain point, Natty was featured on her Instagram and I was like ‘This is a super dope drummer, and she sings too,’ which is a very uncommon pairing. We connected the internet; I had written demos with a couple friends here in LA, and I knew I wanted to feature a Spanish-speaking artist on the track, and I love Natty’s voice. And I also just think it is really special to have two singing drums on one track. I honestly can’t think of another song that has that. It’s probably happened, I’m sure, but I can’t think of one.

It was nice to be able to do that together and we really dig into each other’s company. The love that you see in the “Dime” music video is really real. We really care about each other a lot. So, yeah, she’s great.

What’s a track you’re looking forward to playing live?

I’m really excited for people to hear “Fly Away” live because we have a special horn arrangement that’s not on the recording. That’ll be cool, to bring that to life. I think “Play On” has emerged as a fan favorite. It’s the one you never expect, the one people respond to. “Easy to Love,” also, because there’s just so much energy. It feels really good.

On this tour, I’m doing covers that people have wanted me to do for a long time. I’m playing some covers—some most-requested and some obscurities. It’s going to be a little bit of everything.

How do you like California and how is it inspiring you musically? Are you a fan of lowrider culture?

I’ve been so embraced as a solo artist and with the Indications by the lowrider communities all up the West Coast. All over the country, really, but especially on the West Coast and especially in California. Even though I’m not from here, it does feel weirdly like this is a musical hometown for me. It’s really one of the greatest honors of my life to be welcomed into the culture here in California and the lowrider scene. When that crowd rocks with you, they rock with you.

I’ve spent this year mostly in the studio, so I still feel like I’m laying down roots, in a way. But being here has skewed my point of reference for Mexican food! California just allows you to access a lot of different kinds of dimensions of life, and I think you can hear that on this record. There are so many different dimensions being represented. So, this is definitely a California record.

Might this record open you up to a new audience?

Yeah, that’s the hope. I feel like for my core listeners, it’s there for them. It knocks; it’s smooth; it’s sweet. But I do think that this record could also work in the context of other people’s musical universes that don’t know me yet. On digital streaming platforms, like Spotify, it’s been cool to see where these songs have ended up in terms of playlists. It’s in these interesting playlists with the Black Keys or a bunch of pop artists. I’m a music person who can kind of fit into any room. And I like to make music that can kick it with everyone.

The live show is really something that you can share with people. Of course, bring a lover, but also bring a homie; bring your mom; bring your dad; bring your kid. I’m making something that we can share together. And in these times when we are divided in a lot of ways, and we don’t always see eye to eye, it’s really rare when we can come together and share.

Headliner Aaron Frazer and opening act the Tailspins play at 9pm on Friday, Sept. 6 at the Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 831-713-5492. Tickets: $27/advance, $32/door. catalystclub.com

Refreshed Flavor

Dining Reviews

Mark C. Anderson

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September 4, 2024

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Ibiza is ready to party. In a wholesome, nutritious and energizing way.

The brand-new fast casual joint at the west end of downtown Santa Cruz’s Pacific Avenue (1541 Pacific) soft-opened last week.

The simple breakfast and lunch menu and counter service hinge on fresh local produce and grab-and-go convenience. The stylish and airy space and eager service invite a longer linger, with help from smart details like blue glass water carafes sculpted like fish and imported gins for house specialty G&Ts

Items to earmark on the breakfast front include cardamom granola puffs with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit; smoked salmon toast with pickled onions and crispy chives; and shakshuka stew with tasty house flatbread.

Come lunch, salads and flatbread wraps star, with a choice of smoky pork shoulder, thin-and-crispy chicken schnitzel or falafel on top, and a range of accessories like hummus, gazpacho and fries.

The two signature salads, BTW, scream Santa Cruz: The Hippie pulls together thinly sliced kale, spiced yams, “herby” tabbouleh, preserved lemons, crisp chickpeas and sunflower seeds with a carrot ginger vinaigrette; the Summer Salad features romaine, feta, sweet corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, mint, za’atar pita croutons and toasted pumpkin seeds with a lemon sumac dressing.

Um, yum.

Ibiza takes over the space where Barceloneta created an enthusiastic following with its Spanish tapas and lively vibe, with the same husband-wife duo, Brett and Elan Emerson, doing the chef floor general duties, respectively.

I swung by opening day after an all-nighter spent writing against deadline, feeling about an iced tea short of an Arnold Palmer.

After a substantial falafel wrap with freshly fried garbanzo balls, crispy outside and alive with herbal elements within—given an uncanny spark by the house slaw, pickled mango and harissa chili crisp—I was back, just like this key location in the downtown foodscape.

Ibiza is now open 9:30am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday; more at ibizasantacruz.com.

ALL OF THE LIGHTS

CT Lights Lounge has been glowing for about a month in the former Firefly Tavern and 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall (110 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz). Views of San Francisco’s skyline now cover the restaurant’s longest walls, though a great selection of craft beers remain on the wall behind the bar too.

As of last week, the rotating taps proffered their own City Lights Blonde Ale by Native Fermentations, Socks & Sandals by Humble Sea, Big Love DIPA and One Love West Coast IPA by Almanac to go with a handful of other draft beers and a few local ciders, complemented by 15 other curated cans and bottles. The food menu, meanwhile, spools through an eclectic mix of chicken chile verde bowls, double cheeseburgers, buttermilk fried chicken and Korean fried rice with brisket smoked in house.

I dropped by on Taco Tuesday, where the straightforward options were two: al pastor or carne asada tacos for a couple bucks each, and the atmosphere was super-friendly, stoked by welcoming owner-operator Noel Cardona. “I’m working like crazy,” he says. “But I love it.” Reliable sources report the brunch action—and particularly the biscuits and gravy—are worth a visit. @ct_lights_lounge on Instagram for more.

TASTY TAKEAWAYS

Local pop-up baker and crowd fave Danielle Orlando opened her homespun, health-minded, brick-and-mortar Dani O Bakeshop last weekend in the Capitola Mall (1855 41st Ave.), daniobakeshop.com…On the corner of Rodriguez and West Beach, Buena Vista Brewing has a place called Cerveceros Union on the way (30 West Beach St.). PS: Cerveceros means “brewers” in Spanish and the license is specifically for a small beer manufacturer license, vamos, buenavistabrewingco.com…Ocean Film Festival World Tour arrives Sept. 7 at at Rio Theatre and benefits Save our Shores!, riotheatre.com…“The sea, once it casts its spell,” Jacques Cousteau once said, “holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

Magic Touch

Foodie File

Andrew Steingrube

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September 4, 2024

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From a young age, Yadira Maldonado found purpose in helping out her hardworking mom, Esperanza, at Taqueria Tepeque in Capitola. Esperanza founded the popular local spot 23 years ago, but her journey started much earlier when she began cooking as a child in Mexico. She immigrated to the U.S. at 14 without her parents, seeking a better future.

Yadira, who has now been working at Tepeque for over a decade and is also on the medical assisting career path has a menu that features a large variety of classic Mexican dishes, a combination of passed down family recipes and Esperanza’s own creations.

The best-selling birria is available in a soup, plate, burrito or taco. Other favorites include carne asada, red sauce enchiladas finished with cotija cheese and mole, a family recipe featuring chicken smothered in a sauce with many notes and a kiss of semi-sweet chocolate. For dessert, Esperanza’s flan is a can’t-miss. Yadira says if they run out, “people get mad.”

Tell me more about your mom’s incredible story.

YADIRA MALDONADO: She was born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico, where as a child her mom would help her cook small portions of food in hominy cans and she would sell them right outside her house. People really loved her food, and from there, she moved to the plaza in the middle of town and sold her food alongside other vendors. She woke up at 5am every day, and would always sell out. She always loved cooking, so when she moved to the US and wanted to be her own boss, she started this business with only $50 in her pocket, and has been able to grow it over 23 years.

What sets Tepeque apart?

My mom handmakes all the sauces and doesn’t measure anything; she just goes with her eyes’ and hand’s instincts. Sometimes we ask her for a recipe, and she says, “I don’t know, I just go by hand. Just do whatever feels right.” And she also makes our corn tortillas from scratch, which a lot of other places don’t do, and is very comforting for our guests.

3555 Clares St., Suite LL, Capitola, 831-462-2758; taqueriatepequeca.com.

The Editor’s Desk

Letters to the Editor

Brad Kava

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September 4, 2024

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Santa Cruz California editor of good times news media print and web — Brad Kava | Good Times Editor

How does a politician who brands himself as a Midwest hillbilly end up in business with top-flight Silicon Valley technology executives, who have helped him build a national political career?

Journalist, radio host and former Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors candidate Ami Chen Mills takes a peek behind the curtain where money, moguls and politicians meet.

It’s a fascinating look at the surprising roots of former President Donald Trump’s pick for vice president, J.D. Vance. Who knew how connected to the tech bros is this supposedly down-home junior senator from Ohio?

Chen Mills’ story traces the growing wave of the tech bro oligarchy and how it’s taken over San Francisco politics and crept down the coast to our hometown. She’s written a story of national and local interest you won’t be able to put down and you will need to keep a score card of the players.

Remember when Silicon Valley was home to liberal idealists? Not so much anymore, according to Chen Mills. And how does Lord of the Rings fit in? Read it and see.

Five local school districts are asking voters for half a billion dollars to fix decrepit buildings and build new affordable housing for teachers. It’s going to be one of the biggest issues on November’s ballot and will show whether county residents are truly committed to education. Reporter William S. Woodhams talks to Patrick Sánchez, the new superintendent of the Live Oak School District, about that district’s future and its request for needed funds. Scarily, he fears layoffs are in the future if funding isn’t.

There’s a new sheriff in town, literally, and reporter Todd Guild brings us the scoop in an online story on goodtimes.sc.

On the cultural front, writer Josué Monroy catches up with soul singer Aaron Frazer before he arrives in town Sept. 6.

“I learned to sing while listening to Black Keys albums in my ’98 Honda Civic in high school because I was too embarrassed to sing in public,” says Frazer. “I thought maybe I had good pitch, but when you’re a kid, it’s embarrassing to sing.”

How’s this for a concert you want to catch? Just weeks after opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, to a crowd of 90,000 at a sold-out Wembley Stadium in London, Sofia Isella is hitting the road on her first-ever headline tour with her first stop at the Catalyst in downtown Santa Cruz. Read Mathew Chipman’s story about this hot new talent. It doesn’t get bigger than that.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to write, br**@*****ys.com

Brad Kava

PHOTO CONTEST

HEADER A hunting pelican takes a dive by West Cliff Drive. Photograph by Max Ferrero

GOOD IDEA

On Sept. 22, the Downtown Felton Association and Ethel & Sabel are excited to host the first Youth Artisan Faire—an event designed for local students (grades 7-12) to showcase and sell their handmade goods, including crafting jewelry, painting, baking or any other creative pursuits. The event will take place 10am-2pmin the back parking lot shared by Ethel & Sabel and Redwood Pizza.

Participation costs $20, and all proceeds from booth sales go directly to the young artisans. Sign up at downtownfelton.com.

GOOD WORK

The City of Santa Cruz is pleased to announce the approval of a new stipend program for members of the city’s advisory bodies. The City Council voted on Aug. 27 to implement this initiative, which aims to foster greater diversity and representation.

Starting in January advisory body members will be eligible to receive a stipend of $75 per public meeting. This program is designed to support participation from historically underrepresented groups, including Latinx community members and renters, as part of the city’s commitment to equity and inclusivity.

“We recognize that financial barriers can prevent some residents from fully participating in these important roles, and this initiative is designed to help address that,” said Mayor Fred Keeley.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I don’t do drugs, I am a drug.”

—Pablo Picasso

Good TimesGood Times

Good TimesGood Times

Bouncing Back

The Negative Certification

What Will Sánchez Do?

Bond Measures

Good Communication Can Be Learned

The Three Types of Conversation

Both Sides Now

Steps Toward Understanding

PHOTO CONTEST

GOOD IDEA

GOOD WORK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK