“A hidden gem boutique winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains” is how owners Joshua and Sarah Stewman describe their winery in Ben Lomond – and they’re right.
Driving there one bright sunny day to meet up with my Wild Wine Women group for lunch, I was thrilled to explore this neck of the woods. Roberts Ranch lies in a pastoral setting surrounded by vines and grazing sheep. The Stewmans’ efforts to farm with permaculture practices are paying off. They keep bees, cultivate vegetable gardens, olive trees, fruit trees, and their French hybrid lavender grows in abundance. The Stewmans’ Red Tail Gardens provide fruits and veg for the meals they prepare for various events, including a seasonal French Worker’s Lunch and their popular Crushpad Concerts.
The 2018 Roberts Ranch Estate Pinot Noir ($85) is a force to be reckoned with – an ambrosial velvet wine that would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. It is barrel aged for 11 months in Francois Freres oak barrels with 50% new French oak – resulting in luscious hints of olallieberry and cranberry.
True Primal makes an exceptionally good Grainless Granola featuring almond, coconut, and seeds – with a hint of honey. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and soy-free. It has a natural crunch, and it’s all good stuff. It’s also paleo-friendly and baked in the USA. True Primal also makes a line of soup pouches that come ready to eat. Just heat and serve. Choose from six varieties, including Hearty Beef, Roasted Chicken, and a Savory Wedding soup with grass-fed beef, spinach, onion, and cauliflower. Trueprimal.com
PEGGY DOWNES BASKIN Food is more than just the fuel for the body. There are a lot of external influences on the choices made when it comes to how food is produced, manufactured, and consumed. Looking at the intersection of economic, social, and scientific factors that go into how people decide what to eat, Marion Nestle sheds light on what is on the menu under the Trump administration. With the food pyramid being flipped upside down, it is especially important to understand how politics affects the food people eat. Food marketing, production, and intake shape more than just the individual’s health. It shapes the health of populations, communities, environments, and the planet. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: 6pm, Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, Ranch View Road, Santa Cruz. Free. 423-0900.
FRIDAY 11/13
FOLK
JONNY FRITZ Jonny Fritz, the eccentric architect of “Dad Country,” brings a refreshing blend of humor and poignant realism to the stage. Known for his honky-tonk delivery and sharp songwriting, Fritz transforms moments like forgetting the trash or the quirks of social climbers into Americana anthems. His performances are intimate storytelling sessions, peppered with dry wit. This concert marks a vibrant return for the veteran traveler following a lengthy hiatus. Expect a setlist featuring classics alongside tracks from his ambitious multi-album project, Debbie Downers. Whether backed by a Nashville band or experimenting with woodwind arrangements, his presence ensures an evening of genuine artistry and unconventional charm. SHELLY NOVO
40TH ANNUAL MIGRATION FESTIVAL This annual gathering emphasizes the ecological significance of the park’s famous monarch butterfly grove, as well as the seasonal movements of whales, birds, and elephant seals. Dozens of local organizations participate, offering educational booths and hands-on activities that foster conservation awareness. This community-focused day features live music, nature-themed skits, and special crafts. Attendees explore the natural world through guided talks and interactive “passports” that encourage visits to various exhibits. This tradition highlights the park’s role as a sanctuary, concluding with cake to celebrate the interconnectedness of these traveling creatures. SN
INFO: 11am, Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 West Cliff Drive. Santa Cruz. Free. 429-1964.
EXPERIMENTAL
MATT SARGENT This night is starring Matt Sargant, but he’s just one of a trio of composers with eclectic roots. Matt Sargent is an assistant professor of music at Bard College and a composer, guitarist, recording engineer, and music technology specialist. Italian-born guitarist and musicologist Giacomo Fiore commissioned a new work for his just intonation National steel guitar and live electronics from Sargent. This work will be preceded by Chris Pierandozzi Everingham who was a graduate student at UCSC. The dance floor is the commons, a place to meet, move and make a difference. DNA
INFO: 8:30pm, Indexical, 1050 River St #119, Santa Cruz, $16. (509) 627-9491.
SATURDAY 11/14
BLUES
Grammy-winning blues artist Cedric Burnside, grandson of R.L. Burnside, brings Hill Country blues to Santa Cruz. Photo: Jim Arbogast
CEDRIC BURNSIDE As the grandson of famed bluesman R.L. Burnside (and son of drummer Calvin Jackson), multi-instrumentalist Cedric Burnside has quite a legacy to live up to. But as a three-time winner of Drummer of the Year at the Memphis Blues Awards, he’s his own man. His 2015 album Descendants of Hill Country earned him a Grammy nomination, and 2022’s I Be Trying scored a Grammy (Best Traditional Blues Album). Burnside’s 2024 release, Hill Country Love, received another nomination in that same category. Burnside’s body of work showcases both his signature tradition-minded style and select readings of work from greats like Mississippi Fred McDowell. BILL KOPP
LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS Formed out of the ashes of ’90s punk reggae legends Sublime after the death of singer Bradley Nowell, the Long Beach Dub Allstars continue to carry his legacy into the 21st Century. By blending reggae, ska, punk and hip hop, the Allstars represent their SoCal origins while still keeping the sound fresh and Irie. In 2023, the band put out their fourth full-length studio album, Echo Mountain High, written during the height of the 2020 pandemic and practiced in singer Opie Ortiz’s backyard before recording. Last year, they dropped a new single, “Pepper,” featuring fellow reggae rockers—yup, that’s right—Pepper. This weekend at Moe’s Alley, they are joined by Canadian indie-ska-rockers, Bedouin Soundclash. MAT WEIR
WARREN HAYNES Every genre of music has a hierarchy, and in the so-called “jam band” world, at the top of the heap is Gov’t Mule. And the captain of that enterprise is Warren Haynes, one of the hardest-working humans in show biz. Hayne’s stage time with the Allman Brothers and Phil Lesh and Friends was always exemplary. Technically magnificent, but more so, inspired and full of soul. This solo show will highlight the extraordinary breadth and depth of one of America’s greatest singer/songwriter/musicians. This is just the fifth show of his most extensive solo tour, called “Winter of Warren.” Expect to be charmed. DNA
INFO: 8pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. $50. 423-8209.
MONDAY 11/16
HIP HOP
BBNO$ The Canadian artist first came about the scene on Soundcloud in 2016 and surprisingly made it big in China before anywhere else, thanks to a viral video of Chinese artist Jackson Yee dancing to one of bbno$’s songs. The next year, bbno$ released his debut EP, Baby Gravy, with Minnesotan rapper, Yung Gravy. Similar to Yung Gravy, bbno$ combines house music with dubstep and pop beats under a fast flow of words that range from party lyrics to the irreverent in what he calls “oxymoronic rap” that is “ignorant but melodic.” It’s the type of music that some people might really hate, and to them it should be said: relax. It’s party music. Enjoy accordingly. MW
INFO: 9pm, Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $52-$178. 713-5492.
VOCAL JAZZ
EKEP NKWELLE Born in Washington DC and trained as a jazz vocalist in New York City, Ekep Nkwelle is a singer with Cameroonian roots. Still in her mid-twenties, Nkwelle has emerged as one of jazz’s rising artists. Winner of high-profile recognition (Juilliard Career Advancement Grant, a spot on NPR’s tastemaking Tiny Desk Concert), the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (and Howard University) alumna has performed at Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and other prestigious venues. Nkwelle is also the subject of a compelling new documentary from Randy Cole, Why Do I Sing. BK
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $41. 427-2227.
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them,” wrote Ernest Hemingway. This Valentine season, I propose you experiment with his approach. Take a smart risk with people who have shown glimmers of reliability but whom you haven’t fully welcomed. Don’t indulge in reckless credulity, just courageous and discerning openness. Be vulnerable enough to discover what further connection might bloom if you lead with faith rather than suspicion. Your willingness to believe in someone’s better nature may help bring it forth.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
Taurus singer Barbra Streisand addressed her legendary perfectionism. She said that truly interesting intimacy became available for her only after she showed her dear allies her full array of selves, not just her shiny, polished side. In alignment with astrological omens, I encourage you to experiment with the daring art of unfinished revelation. Let the people you care for witness you in the midst of becoming. Share your uncertainties, your half-formed thoughts, and your works in progress. Surprise! Your flaws may prove as endearing as your achievements.
GEMINI May 21-June 20
Author Anaïs Nin wrote, “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” I believe this understanding of camaraderie should be at the heart of most Geminis’ destinies. It’s your birthright and your potential superpower to seek connections with people who inspire you to think thoughts and feel feelings you would never summon by yourself. You have an uncanny knack for finding allies and colleagues who help you unveil and express more of your total self. Now is a good time to tap further into these blessings.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Poet David Whyte said that “heartbreak is unpreventable.” It’s “the natural outcome of caring for people and things over which we have no control.” But here’s the redemptive twist: Your capacity to feel heartbreak proves you have loved well. Your shaky aches are emblems of your courageous readiness to risk closeness and be deeply affected. So let’s celebrate your tender heart not despite its vulnerability but because of it. You should brandish your sensitivity as a superpower.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Choreographer Twyla Tharp said she fell in love with her husband partly because “he was the only person who didn’t seem impressed by me.” I will extrapolate from that to draw this conclusion: Our most valuable allies might show their most rigorous respect by seeing us clearly. This Valentine season, Leo, I invite you to test the hypothesis that being thoroughly known and understood is more crucial than being regularly praised and flattered. Enrich your connections with the perceptive souls who love you not for your highlight reel but for your raw, genuine self.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
The famously kind and caring author Anne Lamott confessed, “I thought such awful thoughts that I cannot even say them out loud because they would make Jesus want to drink gin straight out of the cat dish.” That’s a liberating insight. She revealed that even kind, caring people like her harbor messy internal chaos. This Valentine season, Virgo, I dare you to share a few of your less-than-noble thoughts with soulful characters whom you trust will love you no matter what. Let them see that your goodness coexists with your salty imperfections. Maybe you could even playfully highlight the rough and rugged parts of you for their entertainment value. What’s the goal? To deepen spirited togetherness.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
How do we eagerly and daringly merge our fortunes with another person while maintaining our sovereign selfhood? How do we cultivate interesting togetherness without suppressing or diluting our idiosyncratic beauty? In some respects, this is a heroic experiment that seems almost impossible. In other respects, it’s the best work on the planet for anyone who’s brave enough to attempt it. Luckily for you Libras, this is potentially one of your superpowers. And now is an excellent time to take your efforts to the next level of heartful grittiness.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Here’s a quote by the character Carrie Bradshaw from the TV show Sex and the City: “The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you that you love, that’s fabulous.” I invite you to make this a prime meditation, Scorpio. To begin, get extra inspired by your own mysterious beauty: captivated by your own depths, fascinated by your mysterious contradictions, and delighted by your urge for continual transformation. The next step is to identify allies and potential allies who appreciate the strange magnificence you treasure in yourself. Who devoutly wants you to fulfill your genuine, idiosyncratic soul’s code? Spend the coming weeks enriching your connections with these people.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
This Valentine season, I propose that you infuse your intimate life with a fun dose of playful curiosity. Visualize your beloved allies, both current and potential, as unfolding mysteries rather than solved puzzles. Ask them provocative questions you’ve never thought to ask before. Wonder aloud about their simmering dreams and evolving philosophies. (Brezsny’s Togetherness Rule #1: Iwhen you think you’ve figured someone out completely, the relationship withers.) In fact, let’s make this one of your assignments for the next five months: Heighten and nurture your nosiness about the beautiful people you love. Treat each conversation as an expedition into unexplored territory. (Brezsny’s Togetherness Rule #2: A great way to stoke their passion for you and your passion for them is to believe there’s always more to discover about each other.)
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Ecologists studying symbiosis know that successful partnerships aren’t always between similar organisms. Some bonds link the fortunes of radically different creatures, like clownfish and sea anemones or oxpeckers and buffalo. Each supplies resources or protection the other lacks, often assuring they live more successfully together than they would on their own. This is useful information for you right now. At least one of the allies you need looks nothing like you. Their genius is orthogonal to yours, or they have skills you don’t. The blend may not be comfortable, but I bet it’s the precise intelligence you need to achieve what you can’t accomplish alone.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Poet Mary Oliver asked her readers, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This Valentine season, I propose a collaborative version of this prod: Ask those you care for to help you answer Oliver’s question, and offer to help them answer it for themselves. Now is an excellent time to act on the truth that vibrant intimacy involves the two of you inspiring each other to fulfill your highest callings. Do whatever it takes to make both of you braver and bolder as you learn more about who you are meant to be.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
Can you care for stressed people without making it your duty to rescue them? Can you offer support without being taken advantage of? I hope so, Pisces. Life is inviting you to be more skilled about expressing your love without compromising your own interests. How? First, offer affection without signing up for endless service. Second, don’t let your empathy blur into entanglement. Third, monitor your urge to care so it doesn’t weaken your sovereignty. Your gift for soothing others’ struggles evokes my deep respect, but it’s most effective when it’s subtle and relaxed. Give people room to carry out their own necessary work.
Hanging out with my dad, having family time, visiting Miss Jessie’s antique store. I am going to watch the musical performance at halftime. I’m excited about that, but we’re not a football family.
Frankie O’Neill, 26, UCSC Comparative Literature / Anthropology Major
MASON
Actually, my friends are picking me up to go watch the Super Bowl, but we’re not watching the Super Bowl to watch the Super Bowl—it’s like a mock-Thanksgiving is how I’m experiencing it. I’m going begrudgingly, but I think I’ll have a fun time.
Mason Seaberg, 19, UCSC Psychology Major
SUNNY
We just got some poke at Poke House, so I would say go for a walk and get something to eat. I do not like sports! I would rather be doing anything else!
Sunny Zangeneh, 22, UCSC Art Major
DYLAN
I’m doing exactly what I would like to do today, hanging out with my uncle Downtown and being open to whatever happens.
Dylan Smith, 36, Retail Manager
JOCELYN
Just be outside, being in the sun, walking around Downtown. We just checked out the upstairs art gallery next to Lulu’s.
Jocelyn Fisher, 21, UCSC Cognitive Science Major
JEFF
You know what I’ve been doing all month? Working on the Superbowl! This is my first day off since January 5th. I’ve been a stagehand for 40 years. Scenery is my thing, and this is my second Superbowl. What would I rather do than watch the Superbowl? Just what I’m doing right now—nothin.’
Published in cooperation between bet105 and Good Times
Sports betting has shifted from a quiet underground activity into one of the most influential forces in modern entertainment. What once lived on the margins of sports culture is now a central driver of how millions of fans watch, discuss and engage with live events. This transformation has delivered strong social benefits, expanded access to data-driven fandom and reshaped how major leagues and media interact with their audiences. Even with this progress, states like California continue to block legalization, leaving millions of fans without access to regulated and safer options.
One of the biggest changes is the way sports betting has reenergized fan engagement. Today’s fans want immersive experiences. They want to follow player stats, understand team tendencies and track live data as games unfold. Sports betting has accelerated this shift. Fans now study analytics, compare probability models and engage with performance metrics that were rarely discussed a decade ago. This elevates the average viewer into a more informed, more connected participant. They do not just watch games. They interpret them.
Sports leagues embraced this evolution. The NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and major soccer leagues around the world have integrated betting intel directly into broadcasts. Player props, live win probabilities, predictive analytics and betting-related graphics are now standard features. This adds a layer of strategy and context that enhances the viewing experience even for fans who do not place wagers. It has made sports more interactive, more analytical and more engaging for younger audiences who grew up with real-time information.
Media has evolved alongside this trend. Entire networks now revolve around betting content. Thousands of analysts, data teams, writers and hosts have built careers around explaining matchups through the lens of probabilities and statistics. The explosion of podcasts, YouTube breakdowns and betting-focused social media commentary reflects a deeper cultural shift. Betting is no longer viewed as a fringe activity. It is a mainstream part of how people talk about sports.
Technology is another pillar that helped normalize the industry. The convenience of mobile betting platforms contributed significantly to the cultural rise. Modern apps offer instant deposits, fast payouts, clean interfaces and educational tools for new bettors. The better the user experience, the more accessible sports betting becomes. Arbitrage sports betting websites like bet105 play a role in pushing these standards forward by emphasizing smooth performance, transparent lines and modern digital features that make the process simple for users. When platforms are easy to understand, more fans feel comfortable exploring the industry responsibly.
Sports betting also has expanded social communities. Friends build weekly pick sheets, office groups run prop contests and online communities compare insights across thousands of games. This shared experience strengthens social ties around sports. It creates new rituals, new discussions and new ways to enjoy competition. The social element of betting has proven to be one of its most powerful cultural drivers.
Despite nationwide growth, California remains one of the largest holdouts. With millions of sports fans, a massive entertainment economy and some of the most recognizable teams in the world, the state is well-positioned to benefit from legalization. However, disputes between tribal groups and commercial operators continue to stall progress. Until an agreement is reached, Californians are left without access to regulated options and the protections that come with them.
As the industry continues to grow, arbitrage gambling is shaping modern entertainment in ways that go far beyond wagering. It has changed how fans learn about sports, how leagues present games, how media covers matchups and how communities engage with one another. Its cultural influence is clear, and its momentum is only increasing.
His mentality is deteriorating and he’s trying to live out his last few years and go out with a bang. His ego has taken over most of his humanity and he just wants to be remembered. He’s taking more extreme measures and his support is dwindling. If we can keep this pressure going, something will change
Jules, 17, Kirby School
The entirety of our government is completely screwed, corrupt, and he is committing heinous crimes akin to what Hitler did.
Lucy, 17, Scotts Valley High
What the Epstein files say about him, but immigration even more because both sides of my family are immigrants. My Mom’s grandparents came from Asia in the 1970s and they basically had nothing, so I can sympathize with the experience of many other immigrants. Their lives are being threatened.
Sam, 17, Santa Cruz student
The administration is deporting so many good people and ruining families and breaking them apart. My mom was an immigrant before, and I have relatives who are immigrants. It’s just so difficult and it needs to be changed. I’m excited that I just turned 18 so I can vote in the next election.
Olivia, 18, San Lorenzo Valley High
This isn’t the world that we agreed to grow up in. I don’t think the future should be defined by people trapped in the past, especially not the future for the kids who are struggling every day. The mental health crisis is skyrocketing because people are too afraid to admit who we are and let us be who we want to be.
Rowan, 18, Kirby School
I would say that he’s ruining families and America wouldn’t be the same without immigrants. It’s so scary, because my boyfriend’s parents and my best friend’s parents are all immigrants. It’s the worst. And I wish that Trump was not such a messed-up person
Lucy, 17, San Lorenzo Valley High
Street Talk, Extra!
FREYA
“He’s not doing any good for any people.”
Freya, 18, Scotts Valley High
JULIAN
“Be a decent person. Have some humanity.”
Julian, 18, Santa Cruz High School
PATRICKBENICIO
“He’s a fascist and a lot of what he’s doing is like the nazi regime discriminating against the Jews. He should abolish ICE and a lot of his policies. He’s a horrible president and he should step down.”
Melania documents Melania Trump’s last 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration. I feel deep anguish that this groundbreaking film is not being shown in Santa Cruz. I had to go to the Cinemax in the All-American city of Roseville, California, to witness this game-changer of a documentary.
Thank God, Amazon spent $35 million promoting the film, because that let me sit in the Roseville Cinemax with 40 of Melania’s ardent followers, all moaning with envy as the former skin model floated airlessly through gold-plated, empty halls. They chuckled along with Donald Trump every time he reminded us again and again that he was making America great again. The tiny gray heads in front of me would nod along with every sentence. I spoke with them after the film; it was like they had just fulfilled their pilgrimage to the Messiah.
“We just had to come.”
“We do love her. She is so classy.”
“It helped take the taste of those Bidens out of my mouth. Ugh.”
They were all glad they came, though none would come see it again. The movie did feel like a loyalty test, at the halfway point of this one-hour and 48-minute film, the only engaging character I could see was the exit sign.
I felt like I was trapped in Saks Fifth Avenue after closing time, everything polished, nothing alive, no feelings except for a pounding dread that I wasn’t supposed to be there. The film is dull, a cinematic sedative wrapped in silk. Melania Trump narrates the film and it feels like being trapped in an elevator with someone who refuses to let anyone press a button.
The tailoring of Melania
Melania Trump said at the film’s premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. that Melania is not a documentary, but “a creative experience that offers perspectives, insights and moments.” If the vagueness bothers you, get used to it if you want to make it through. For nearly one-third of the film, she is repeatedly praised by her handlers (tailors) for her deep knowledge of how her clothes must fit, noting with awe, “She was a model!”
Clothes are fitted. Clothes are disciplined, “More tension, tighter!” Ultimately, clothes are the only things that feel alive. A coat must skim closer to the hips. A hat brim is scolded for being “a little bit wiggly-woggly.” The First Lady does reveal that she is steadfast in making fabric obey her authority. At its highest level, the movie is a study of control replacing curiosity.
Trump expresses her gratitude for the opportunity she was given as an immigrant. The First Lady immigrated the correct way, by sleeping with a privileged, married, white man and then marrying this well-known philanderer. As they say, “Immigrants do the jobs no American would do.”
Laundering in Public
The film was produced and distributed for a reported $75 million, underwritten by Amazon, in perhaps the most public bribe to the president yet. The $75 million is as metaphorically perfect as the First Lady’s pants, because two days before its theatrical release, Amazon fired 16,000 workers.
My hopes rose that something of substance might occur when Melania is called upon to attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. We do get to see the flag-draped casket, but Melania says absolutely nothing about the former peanut farmer.
She speaks of her own mother’s death in a voice devoid of grief. One scene in the movie rings true; it shows her taking a phone call from Donald where he asks her if she watched his great political victory.
She said, “I did not. Yeah.” He brags about the unprecedented size of his “historic” victory, and she responds with a polite, distracted, “Great, well done.” She speaks in the tone you would use to end a cold call without being rude.
Please don’t ask if the golden egg is edible
We are repeatedly told that Melania is in charge of everything related to inauguration festivities, even the food. Her management of anything is never shown, except at one ball where she introduces the appetizer, a golden egg in an eggcup. We don’t know if the egg is to be eaten, or even if it is food; it’s the goldness of the egg that’s important.
The camera lingers on the golden egg and feels like the ominous moment of reveal in a horror movie. It’s the perfect Trump appetizer, something to look at while people starve. “Let them eat cake” just got a golden reboot. Donald said at the premiere, “Glamorous, very glamorous. We need some glamour.”
The film also performs a valuable public service by clearing the air around the President. We see him pledge his loyalty to upholding the U.S. Constitution as he takes the oath of office, which is reassuring after that unfortunate 2022 momentwhen he suggested terminating parts of it.
Melania reportedly received $28 million for Melania from Amazon, which is widely regulated by the federal government in terms of privacy by the FTC (Ring, Alexa, consumer protection, antitrust), unionization (NLRB/OSHA), and in our post-curiosity world, we’re no longer even outraged by this bribe. But Melania does offer a lesson in fascist-capitalist aesthetics: if you polish the surface long enough, maybe no one will ask what’s underneath.
In the end, Melania is not only not the greatest documentary of our century; it is proof that emptiness, when well-framed and well-financed, can feel like destiny. And if Santa Cruz can’t see that, well, perhaps we just aren’t ready to be made great again.
Making an entrance, building momentum, and wrapping things up with a twist—these key elements of stagecraft are difficult to master.
Now imagine having to achieve all that, with style and skill, in only ten minutes. Even Shakespeare might have been challenged. Yet that’s exactly what the current 8Tens@ Eight aims for. And judging by what I’ve seen, its aim is true. This season, more than ever, with a few caveats.
The acting is remarkable this year. Many well-known figures in local theater have matured and honed their skills to a razor’s edge, and some new faces this season are dazzling the fans at the full-house performances. Even with so much to enjoy, I want to select a few standouts to praise.
But first, the biggest shout-out goes to prescient Festival matriarch and founder Wilma Marcus Chandler, who, inspired by a similar series in Louisville, Kentucky, created our own 8Tens in the mid-1990s. The rest is history. Popularity requires that 8Tens now run for five weeks in two installments, plus staged readings of the runner-up plays for another two weeks (Feb. 27-March 8).
Part 1 plays were dominated by humor. Such Dreams as Stuff is MadeOn, by Dan McGeehan showed off great timing by principals Eva Schewe and Ben Canant as a social climbing couple foiled by their own aspirations. Notable direction by Karin Babbitt and Janet Norton.
Locker Room Talk, directed by Brad Roades gave perennial 8Tens favorite Avondina Wills a chance to ransack his toolkit of comic body language as a high school coach with assertive life lessons to dispense. Manirose Bobisuthi was the electrifying center of the almost-successful Ad Hominem crisply directed by Davis Banta. This Side of Michigan, directed by Denise Keplinger, was a strange, essentially one-woman scenario spotlighting Stephany Buswell’s knockout performance. Buswell was brilliant. And Brad Roades had the audience in stitches as the can-do rental agent turning himself inside out to entice Ewa Schewe and Noah Syren into signing a lease in Small Cat Negotiable by Nino Greene.
Someone has to say it: the first offering in Part 1, Pronouns, was the stupidest thing ever seen on this stage. Utterly misconceived, this lame attempt to be current and clever was a major waste of Helene Simkin Jara’s valiant directing and earnest acting by Susy Parker, Avondina Wills and Gino Danna. Another questionable choice by the selection committee was the maudlin Henry’s Epitaph. An embarrassing and dated attempt at social commentary.
Part 2, however, showed off some of the best acting on any Santa Cruz stage, led by veterans Ward Willats, Tara McMilin, Marcus Cato, and newcomer Tom Boyle. In the very cleverly written Stephen Hawking’s Train, by Mike Byham, Willats and Chad Davies worked their way up to a disarming plot twist using quasar timing and a galaxy of facial expressions.
In Pelusa, t a SNL-ish episode by Eric Alan Bower, Willats plays an obnoxious suburban homeowner who gives his neighbor, Tom Boyle, a lot to complain about. Willats has an endless arsenal of acting chops and, delightfully, he has an equal in Boyle who knows his way around vocal dexterity and solid stage presence.
The Part 2 opener, The Last Continent by Ken Henry was smoothly directed by Andrew Davids and showcased veteran Marcus Cato in an ingenious role. This vehicle, set both in the present day and back a hundred years in the Antarctic, was top-to-bottom engaging and loaded with letter-perfect acting. Bright and confident stagecraft by Emerson Kapture and terrific work from Scott Kravitz almost elevated Code A, which, alas, nose-dived into a predictable conclusion.
Director Peter Gelblum created a little gem of believable dialogue and emotional chemistry from actors Marcus Cato and Bernadette Glenn, in Line Cooks Like Baby Birds, by Maggie Cregan, an uncategorizable yet mesmerizing slice of real-life discussion between two marrieds who embed innocuous diner chat with serious issues. Sacred Trust by Andy Waddell, whose ending failed the terrific pleasures of the first eight minutes, still offered tasty, oft-hilarious performances from Tara McMilin and Chad Davies as a married couple who’ve been there and done that.
Kudos for effective use of the video projection backdrops on all these never dull (with two, okay three exceptions) plays.
Run out and catch 8Tens@8, running through Feb. 15 at Actors Theatre, 1001 Center St., SC; santacruzactorstheatre.org
The debate over our plates continues. At a recent talk I gave on the Mediterranean diet, the inverted food pyramid was the hot topic of interest. But soon researching the pyramid controversy (if you caught the recent Good Times cover story), I realized there was an essential element missing from the conversation. Lost in the protein-versus-everything-else debate is one of the most important nutrition discoveries of the past 20 years: the living ecosystem of microbes in our digestive system. Known as the microbiome, or simply, the gut, this internal community plays a starring role in digestion, immunity, and inflammation. It even influences mood, tasked with producing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Here’s the part that rarely makes headlines: your microbiome doesn’t dance to the tune of macro nutrients. It doesn’t thrive on protein alone, or fat, or carbs for that matter. What your gut craves is fiber, plant diversity, and real, minimally processed food. On this point, nutrition science is refreshingly united. In a world obsessed with dietary extremes, the quiet truth is this: feeding the gut may be the most Mediterranean, and most sensible, approach of all. A Better Way Forward Improving gut health isn’t about introducing another pyramid. It’s about eating in a way that feeds the ecosystem within us: more plants, more variety, fewer ultra-processed foods, and less reliance on external food rules. When we stop obsessing over diagrams and start eating for our guts, we lower inflammation so that clarity, energy and better digestion begin to return. It’s about taking back your health, in part by bucking the industrial food system.
Eat the Rainbow, and maximize variety This is the number one recommendation of gut health experts. Eating a wide diversity of plants, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, is one of the strongest drivers of a healthy gut microbiome. Different plants feed different bacteria, helping microbial diversity flourish. How to do it: Aim for 30+ different plant foods per week. Include colorful produce, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds. I call this the Flirty 30, and if it sounds like a lot, remember, fresh and dried herbs, individual varieties of greens, as well as nuts, grains and seeds all count!
Opt for Plenty of Fiber Fiber serves as prebiotics, food for beneficial gut bacteria, but most Americans don’t get enough. Fiber helps produce short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate) that nourish gut cells and support immune function. Good sources: ● Beans, lentils ● Oats, barley, whole grains ● Broccoli, carrots, spinach ● Apples, berries, bananas
Favor Prebiotic Foods That Feed Good Bacteria Prebiotics are specific types of fiber and resistant starch that beneficial bacteria thrive on. Top food sources: ● Garlic, onions, leeks ● Asparagus, artichokes ● Bananas (especially slightly green) ● Whole grains (oats, barley) These foods help grow short-chain fatty-acid producing bacteria that benefit digestion and immune health.
Minimize Ultra-Processed Foods Scientific evidence shows that ultra-processed foods, high in refined carbs, additives, emulsifiers, and low in fiber are associated with lower microbial diversity and gut imbalance. What to avoid or limit: ● Chips, sweets, packaged snacks ● Fast food, highly processed frozen meals ● Sugary beverages This isn’t about seeking perfection, but fewer ultra-processed items leaves more space on your plate for the foods that energize you by supporting gut health.
Include Fermented Foods (Probiotics) Fermented foods with live cultures can introduce helpful microorganisms and support microbial balance. Try adding: ● Plain (non-pasturized) yogurt or kefir with live and active cultures ● Kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh. Our local farmer’s markets offer lots of great varieties. ● Kombucha (fermented tea beverage, but read the label for low-sugar options) Research links regular yogurt consumption with a healthier microbiome and even lower risk of some colon cancers when consumed a couple times per week.
Hydrate and Support Movement Plenty of H2O helps to move fiber through the digestive tract and supports a healthy gut lining. Regular physical activity is also linked to higher diversity of beneficial bacteria. Simple habits: ● Keep your refillable water bottle close by during the day for easy sipping. Add a squeeze of citrus for a simple flavor boost. ● Walk, bike, or move daily. With so many scenic trail options, it’s easy to turn “exercise” into an opportunity for fresh air and forest bathing. The extra endorphins you’ll gain make movement a twofer!
Listen to Your Body Like each and every one of us, our microbiomes are also unique, and foods that support your gut may vary. Start by focusing on patterns rather than perfection, making one small change at a time and paying attention to how your body responds. Changing your gut flora takes time, and those cravings for the foods you’re accustomed to are real, so give yourself grace and if possible, a support system to help gradually make the shifts that will change your life, your energy levels and your mood for the better! Why This Matters A healthy microbial ecosystem isn’t just about digestion, research ties gut microbes to immunity, inflammation control, metabolic health, and even mood regulation. Eating for gut health isn’t a fad; it’s eating in a way that nourishes both you and the microbial community that lives within you.
Simple Gut Health Principles ● Eat the rainbow (plant diversity matters more than perfection) ● Feed the microbes first (fiber before supplements) ● Include fermented foods regularly ● Keep protein gentle and balanced ● Let meals be satisfying, not stressful Interested in learning more about the Mediterranean lifestyle and plant-based eating? Visit www.ElizabethBorelli.com.
Behold the wonder of the human psyche as Dr. Dacher Keltner presents his findings on the science behind awe. The renowned psychologist whose research focuses on the biological and evolutionary origins of compassion, beauty, and power will present an engaging lecture followed by an application of the teachings on an oceanside, “Awe Walk.” Dr. Keltner will discuss the power of cultivating everyday wonder and the use of awe as a tool to combat negativity and strengthen interpersonal connections. This presentation marks the first session of a series in “Awe at the MAH,” which will engage with the transformative potential of profound experiences. SHELLY NOVO
INFO: 6pm, The MAH, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, $12, 429-1964.
AMERICANA
TOBACCO CITY
Tobacco City presents their unique blend of cosmic country, psychedelic rock, and honky-tonk Soul, cooked low and slow and served with a side of small-town nostalgia. Vocal harmonies and
weeping pedal guitar evoke hazy memories of heartbreak and bittersweet longing. Incorporating folk sensibilities, Tobacco City balances classic Americana timelessness with gritty guitar solos that give goosebumps. Their latest release, Horses, channels ’70s country textures and recalls stories of gas station flirtation and smoke breaks behind the grocery store. With uplifting energy and thoughtful blues storytelling, Tobacco City invites audiences to sit back and enjoy the ride. SN
Emerging from the holy cocoon of The Mother Hips is Greg Loiacono. Not the first time Loiacono has had tremendous solo efforts and bands. But this is different. Stingray is the band you want to put into the center of any party. Drummer Michael Urbano is on the edge of his seat and beaming. On percussion is Vicki Randle, fiery, feisty and ready to rock. The band slightly rotates on the crew, but every combination is onboard for the mission. Loiacono is a world creator; the Hips certainly have their legacy and vibe. Stingray is a journey to someplace else. Someplace that’s exquisite and fun. DNA
Starring the man who has the largest vocabulary in hip-hop, GZA is indisputably the king solely from his work with the co-founded Wu-Tang Clan. Featuring Phunky Nomads coming all the way from NYC with a lot of soul and funk. All celebrating the 30th anniversary of Liquid Swords, GZA’s second solo album, released way back in ’95. Last performed in its entirety in 2007, this is one of those grab tickets quick shows. Also featuring DJ Hanif Wonder and Sebastopol rapper and lyricist, J. Lately. GZA is bringing the goods to this party. DNA
INFO: 8pm, Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. $46. 713-5492.
SATURDAY 2/7
BLUEGRASS
SONIA SHELL & FRIENDS
Known as one of the Bay Area’s hidden gems in the bluegrass scene, Sonia Shell is a woman of many talents. She began playing the banjo in 1973 and has been pickin’ her way around the Bay ever since. Over the years, she’s played with a plethora of bands like Sidesaddle, The Goat Hill Girls and Harmony Grits. Along with bluegrass, she is also skilled in jazz and bossa nova and can sing in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese. What’s more, she shares her gift and has taught banjo and guitar to eager students throughout the Central Coast. Last year, Shell released her solo album, the 12-song hootenanny, We’re Going Home. MAT WEIR
Founded at the end of last year, Jetty Radio is a new, locally based, DIY internet radio station and this weekend they are hosting a club night featuring electronic, experimental and techno music. Each set is curated by local underground DJs Hani Gata, Mimixomi, Reverb Canopy, and dd. Starting at 8pm and going until midnight, this is the best way to get your dance on without breaking the bank as the entry fee is only $10 but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Just another great example of why Santa Cruz’s music scene can’t be beat. MW
INFO: 8pm, Indexical, 1050 River St. #119, Santa Cruz. $10. (509) 627-9491.
SINGER-SONGWRITER
STEVE POLTZ
First coming to prominence as a founding member of Canadian alt-rock band the Rugburns, Nova Scotia native Steve Poltz has earned praise for his deft synthesis of folk, punk and roots music. Co-composer of Jewel’s 1995 breakthrough hit single “You Were Meant for Me,” Poltz embarked on a solo career with his 1997 debut One Left Shoe. A true indie artist, in addition to four major-label solo releases, Poltz has recorded no less than ten independently-released albums. A witty, engaging and compelling solo performer, Poltz is also an enthusiastic and busy collaborative artist. Raised in SoCal, he’s currently based in Nashville. BILL KOPP
Two very different artists, Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez, are nonetheless united by their Cuban roots. Discovered by Quincy Jones, Rodriguez is a pianist and band leader noted for his arranging skills and his blending of jazz, classical and Afro-Cuban musical traditions. Fellow Havana native Martinez is a master of the batá drums, and—as a Santería priest—an authority on Afro-Cuban customs and folklore. An acclaimed improviser, Martinez has worked with Sting, Eric Clapton, Wynton Marsalis and other big names. Working as a duo, Rodriguez and Martinez blend their backgrounds, skills and deep wells of musical sensibility. BK
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $47. 427-2227.
WEDNESDAY 2/11
LITERARY
SCOTT EDEN
SCOTT EDEN
Surfing isn’t the only thing Santa Cruz is known for. Marijuana has been cultivated, consumed, and trafficked in the area. It is also at the center of the brutal murder of Silicon Valley entrepreneur Tushar Atre. Investigative journalist Scott Eden dives into the murder and Tushar’s connections to both the legal and the black-market weed world. Eden will be discussing the book with Steve Palopoli, former editor-in-chief at Good Times Santa Cruz. Dive into the colorful world Tushar found himself, filled with hippies, visionaries, stakeholders, and murderers, and see how the legal and the black market weed industry continue to be intertwined. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: 7pm, Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz. Free. 423-0900.
“A hidden gem boutique winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains” is how owners Joshua and Sarah Stewman describe their winery in Ben Lomond – and they’re right.
Driving there one bright sunny day to meet up with my Wild Wine Women group for lunch, I was thrilled to explore this neck of the woods. Roberts Ranch lies in a pastoral...
Published in cooperation between bet105 and Good Times
Sports betting has shifted from a quiet underground activity into one of the most influential forces in modern entertainment. What once lived on the margins of sports culture is now a central driver of how millions of fans watch, discuss and engage with live events. This transformation has delivered strong social benefits,...
Melania documents Melania Trump’s last 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration. I feel deep anguish that this groundbreaking film is not being shown in Santa Cruz. I had to go to the Cinemax in the All-American city of Roseville, California, to witness this game-changer of a documentary.
Thank God, Amazon spent $35 million promoting the film, because that...
Making an entrance, building momentum, and wrapping things up with a twist—these key elements of stagecraft are difficult to master.
Now imagine having to achieve all that, with style and skill, in only ten minutes. Even Shakespeare might have been challenged. Yet that's exactly what the current 8Tens@ Eight aims for. And judging by what I've seen, its aim is...
The debate over our plates continues. At a recent talk I gave on the Mediterranean diet, the inverted food pyramid was the hot topic of interest. But soon researching the pyramid controversy (if you caught the recent Good Times cover story), I realized there was an essential element missing from the conversation.Lost in the protein-versus-everything-else debate is one of...
Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and batá drummer Pedrito Martinez unite to blend blend jazz, classical and Afro-Cuban musical traditions. 7pm Monday at Kuumbwa Jazz Center.
