Page 332 – Good Times

Supervisors Mull Post-Employment Lobbying Rule

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February 17, 2022

Supervisors Mull Post-Employment Lobbying Rule

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new ordinance which, if given final approval on March 8, will impose a one-year “cooling off” period during which former County employees would be prohibited from engaging in lobbying activities for other agencies or companies.

Supervisor Zach Friend, who proposed the ordinance, says it is a way to engender trust in local government.

“The overall trust in institutions, especially in the national level of government being at the forefront if this, has been eroding over the couple of decades, and even more so over the last few years,” he said. “My sense is that the one place where people still feel they have access is at the local government level.”

This was evidenced, he said, by a vocal group who came to protest countywide mask rules during the Tuesday meeting, forcing the meeting to recess to online only.

Friend says the rule would provide “another guardrail” to ensure that the people who work for the public are not able to exercise undue influence when they leave.

Many other institutions have similar rules, including the City of San Diego, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, the states of Hawaii and California and the City and the County of Los Angeles. U.S. Senators have a two-year ban.

These rules are an acknowledgment that former employees have unique knowledge and relationships unavailable to the public, which they could use to “exert improper influence over decisions affecting the public’s interest,” County officials say.

The ordinance does not restrict the type of employment employees may seek.

Housing Identified as Key For New Vision of Watsonville’s Downtown

Tony Nuñez

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February 17, 2022

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Housing Identified as Key For New Vision of Watsonville’s Downtown

As the three dozen or so people attending a Feb. 10 virtual meeting about the future of Watsonville’s downtown gave their final comments, one speaker’s remarks invoked some smiles and produced nodding heads from the rows of attendees displayed in their windows.

“We’re talking to a number of large companies in the area who have expressed the possibility of wanting to move their headquarters downtown, and that would be tremendous if we could make that happen,” said Benjamin Ow, the president of Ow Commercial, a major developer in Santa Cruz County. “But, of all the different product types for what would go into downtown, residential is the highest and best use in terms of what developers can actually afford to build.”

Ow’s comments succinctly encapsulated much of the discussion during the marathon two-and-a-half-hour meeting about the city’s vision for its downtown. While the ultimate goal is to convince shops, restaurants and large employers to move into the struggling corridor, the city must first make things easier for developers to build more housing so that those businesses have a built-in clientele.

“We should be encouraging new housing because the need for housing is so dire,” Ow said.

The Feb. 10 meeting, the sixth such gathering of business owners, developers, city representatives and community leaders on the advisory committee, centered around the types of housing that the Downtown Specific Plan would encourage and how it would try to account for possible displacement of residents who might be priced out if the corridor does indeed boom after the plan is completed and adopted.

While all in attendance agreed that creating new housing should be the focus of the specific plan—a document that, when adopted later this year, will provide a blueprint for developers and business owners to follow while operating in downtown, there was some disagreement on how many new units should be deed-restricted for low-income residents.

Neva Hansen, whose family company Pacific Coast Development has constructed several local projects, including The Terrace on Main Street, said that the conversations during the meeting were too tilted toward low-income housing and worried that there was little to no mention of market-rate housing production.

“I have a grave concern here,” she said. “For a thriving downtown, we need all kinds of levels of housing. We need a multi-housing plan and not just a low-income [plan]. That’s what this focus has been.”

The consultant team from Berkeley-based Raimi + Associates leading the creation of the plan said the document will encourage housing for residents at all income levels. But the consultants added that combating the displacement of low-income residents has been a consistent topic in previous discussions, so they chose to focus their presentation at the latest meeting on what the city can do to help them.

As such, the consultants recommended the plan should promote the development of affordable housing by encouraging the city to work with nonprofits to build 100% affordable projects on underutilized public land—such as parking lots and single-story buildings owned by the city—and preserve and renovate existing affordable housing options.

But Hansen maintained that the committee’s conversation was incomplete because the presentation did not acknowledge that the majority of the housing options downtown at the moment are geared toward low-income residents.

“It’s not that low-income housing hasn’t been represented in the downtown, it is well-represented in the downtown currently,” she said. “We’ve actually asked for the numbers of the percentages of what it is market rate compared to low-income, and the city has yet to provide those actual numbers. I think that would be helpful especially in a conversation just like tonight.”

Watsonville Community Development Department Director Suzi Merriam in an interview on Monday said the consultants’ market analysis done for the Feb. 10 meeting did not identify deed-restricted affordable housing. But she explained that simply looking at a map of deed-restricted affordable housing in downtown or the percentage of units that are being rented below market rate would not paint a full picture of the conditions in the corridor.

According to the analysis, 80% of the 740 homes and apartments are rental units, and the average household income of downtown residents is just below $50,000—well below the city’s average household income of $72,591. In addition, the vast majority of the buildings downtown are aging structures built before 1939 that are in need of repairs.

“All of these metrics indicate that we have a lot of affordable housing downtown, which is not necessarily deed-restricted but is being rented to lower-income individuals,” Merriam said.

A handful of participants said the recommendations did not go far enough to account for gentrification and displacement. Some, including El Pájaro Community Development Corporation Executive Director Carmen Herrera-Mansir, said that low-income residents in Watsonville would not be able to afford to live downtown unless the city changed its inclusionary housing ordinanceand adjusted the qualifications for its income limits around affordable housing. Currently, the city determines the median household income it uses for the affordable housing program by taking 70% of the county’s area median household income of about $96,000, or $67,000.

“But the reality in Watsonville is that the median income is about $55,000,” said Watsonville Housing Manager Carlos Landaverry. “We’re going to get better numbers once the census data comes in, but about 73% of our residents are low income, which means they make below 80% of the county’s median income.”

Others said that the specific plan should force new large developments to set aside 25% of their units for the city’s affordable housing program. Watsonville already requires 20% of most new developments to be deed-restricted for low-income residents.

But several developers and the consultant team said that in the current climate of construction a 5% increase would likely kill several projects before they ever began.

“Would an extra 5% for affordable housing be great? Absolutely. But an extra 5% of nothing, is not as good as 5% less of something that actually gets built,” Ow said.

The city will hold at least two more meetings on the specific plan so the consultant team can prepare a rough draft for the advisory committee to look over this summer. The plan will likely be adopted this fall.

The next meeting will be centered around mobility and parking. At the following meeting, economic development will take center stage.

‘Road Diet’ Lives

The proposed reduction of lanes on downtown Main Street has gained momentum. Merriam says Caltrans has offered to add the so-called ‘road diet’ to its upcoming long-range work plan and pay for the alterations—because Main Street is a thoroughfare for Highway 152, Caltrans has a say on how the city can use the road.

The plan, however, still has several hurdles to clear. For one, the city and Caltrans must conduct separate environmental impact reports to see if the lane reduction—which was first introduced in 2019—will have a significant impact on traffic, the city and the surrounding streets, among other things.

Even if everything checks out, the reduction of lanes would not happen for another 10 years, Merriam says.

The city has said a road diet would slow traffic, and allow businesses to flourish by producing a more walkable downtown corridor.

PV Quilt Show Returns to Fairgrounds Feb. 26-27

Johanna Miller

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February 17, 2022

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PV Quilt Show Returns to Fairgrounds Feb. 26-27

Twice a month, a group of local quilt makers gather inside the Codiga Center & Museum at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds to create quilts for the community.

The Apple Piecers, as they call themselves, are a nonprofit that makes up to 200 quilts per year to donate to charity. The Salvation Army, Watsonville Community Hospital, Second Harvest, CASA Santa Cruz, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services and many other groups have received quilts from them over the years.

“Any place that is helping the community, we reach out to,” said member Heidi Sandkuhle. “We give them to people who need them.”

The Apple Piecers is also one of many quilt groups that help organize the annual Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA) Quilt Show, which will return to the fairgrounds on Feb. 26 and 27. The event was canceled last year due to Covid-19.

This year’s show, “Good Vibrations,” will feature more than 300 quilts on display—more than ever before, Sandkuhle said. It will also include a live auction, wearable artworks, bed turning demonstrations, a large merchant mall, special presentations and more.

“It’s always so fun,” said member Cathie Colson. “A lot of grandparents bring their kids and grandkids. We see a lot of younger people get involved at this show.”

Pajaro Valley quilt association — *Heidi Sandkuhle shows off one of her quilt creations. —Johanna Miller/The Pajaronian*

Organizers, including members of the Apple Piecers, are hard at work preparing for the event. Material costs are expensive this year, said Colson, especially fabrics. This is why they set aside some quilts every year to sell.

“For a small blanket, it could cost between $30 and $50 in materials,” she said. “That’s about $10 per yard, plus $50 for shipping. We give a lot away … but we do need to afford the materials.”

Acclaimed quilt artist Rachel Clark will be the featured speaker at this year’s show. Clark, who is most notably known for her wearable quilted pieces, has toured all over the U.S. and has been featured in magazines such as Threads and HGTV’s quilting quarterly.

Clark continues to teach her craft as well, which she says has been easier since the pandemic forced classes to work remotely.

“For me, Covid has been a mixed blessing,” she said. “I had been considering retiring. But when Covid came and we were all inside, I was introduced to Zoom. I’ve been able to do things on the platform. I still want to travel, but it has helped open a whole other world, to teach that way. ”

Clark said she is looking forward to seeing people at the show she has not seen in years.

“Before last year, we’d always had this show,” she said. “So it’s just really good to be back. I’m excited—I will have more garments in one place than ever before.”

Sandkuhle said the Apple Piecers have noticed a similar “silver lining” about virtual experiences.

“We are now able to take classes from instructors all over the U.S.,” she said. “It’s been a great opportunity.”

PVQA’s Quilt show will be held Feb. 26 from 10am-5pm and Feb. 27 from 10am-4pm at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Tickets are $10 for both days.

The event requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination for all attendees over 18 years of age, and face masks will be required in all indoor areas.

“There are a lot of hands involved in this event … and in making these quilts,” Sandkuhle said. “You’d be surprised. Some people take quilts home to finish the edges … [others] will take them and sew on the labels. Everyone pitches in their time to make it happen.”

For information including a schedule for each day visit pvqa.org. Learn more about Rachel Clark on her Facebook page, “Rachel DK Clark.”

June Ballot to Include Single-Use Cup Fee, Hotel Tax Increase

Todd Guild

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February 16, 2022

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June Ballot to Include Single-Use Cup Fee, Hotel Tax Increase

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved two items for the June ballot which, if approved by voters, will increase taxes on hotels and vacation rentals, and change the way fees on single-use disposable cups are used.

The supervisors also signaled their support for an increase in property tax assessment for property owners in the unincorporated county that funds solid waste infrastructure.

County Budget Manager Marc Pimentel says the increases are necessary as the County looks at years of expected expenses outpacing revenues for the next five years.

Transient Occupancy tax

The County last approved an increase to the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) in 2012, when more than 72% of voters approved increasing it from 9.5 to 11%.

Pimentel said that the proposed increase to 12% for hotels and 14% for vacation rentals are needed to fill a $301 million budget gap for unfunded projects, as well as $29 million from recent storm response and roughly $44 million for homeless services programs.

The revenue gathered also funds wildfire prevention and response, street repair and public health services.

Pimentel says that the larger number proposed for vacation rentals gives the County greater regulatory oversight, and makes up for the lower impact fees paid by the owners.

If approved, the increase would raise an estimated $2.3 million annually.

Pimentel said that tourists are not likely to be deterred by the higher tax rate when traveling to Santa Cruz County.

“We’re a very attractive area,” he said.

Cup fee changes

The supervisors also approved for the June ballot a change to the 25-cent fee collected on single-use disposable cups in businesses in the unincorporated parts of the county.

Approved in 2019, the quarter surcharge was meant to reduce the amount of trash going into the rapidly filling landfills. Originally set to take effect in 2020, the supervisors delayed the fee to July 1 of this year as a way to ease the burden on businesses struggling under the Covid-19 slowdown.

The fee was originally intended to go entirely to the businesses. But if the County’s initiative is approved by voters, the fee would be evenly split between the County and businesses, with an estimated $700,000 annually for the County.

That revenue would fund areas such as water quality, public health, marine life, in addition to public education and other general services.

County Assistant Director of Public Works Kent Edler said that efforts to reduce waste are critical, with Buena Vista Landfill expected to be full within eight years.

“We’re working to do everything we can to reduce waste and extend the life of the landfill,” Adler said.

Property tax assessment

In other action, the supervisors approved an increase to the assessment on property taxes in the unincorporated county that help fund waste management services at Buena Vista Landfill.

The last assessment of $56.94 was approved in 1982 and has remained unchanged since then. If approved by the supervisors when they consider it for the final time on April 6, the assessment would rise to $110 annually.

Edler says that a survey of two focus groups—a total of 30 people—indicated that the increase would be reasonable.

The increase would be decided by a Proposition 218 “protest vote,” meaning that if the property owners object the item would be rejected.

Salesforce Partners with 1440 Multiversity to Create 100 Jobs

Drew Penner

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February 16, 2022

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Salesforce Partners with 1440 Multiversity to Create 100 Jobs

The latest business move by Salesforce, the San Francisco software company that nets around $4 billion a year, will result in 100 new jobs being created in Scotts Valley, officials said.

In describing their deal to create “Trailblazer Ranch” in partnership with local wellness center 1440 Multiversity, Joe Poch, Salesforce’s senior vice president for the initiative, told the Press Banner it’s all about creating a dynamic work environment that takes into account post-pandemic realities.

“Salesforce is joining your community with humility, respect and a desire to contribute productively,” he said. “We’re also benefiting by learning from 1440’s expertise in the areas where we hope to develop programs.”

While the cloud-based applications provider didn’t buy the campus, and they’re not leasing it, either (or disclosing financials for that matter), there will reportedly be around 10,000 employees making the employment pilgrimage to the Santa Cruz County property—that once boasted an Assemblies of God USAcollege with the motto “Wisdom Word Spirit”—this year alone.

Salesforce envisions a hybrid-workplace future where its employees will enter a physical office, on average, somewhere between one and three days a week. But the company has also discovered its worker bees would actually like to connect in person—something that mostly hasn’t been possible recently due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“We’ve hired tens of thousands of employees over the past two years who have never met in person or been to one of our offices,” Poch said. “This partnership with 1440 Multiversity will allow our employees to forge trusted relationships with their colleagues, learn from one another, get inspired, grow in their career, get trained on the company, and give back to the community in a fun and safe environment—in the same way other guests have utilized the campus in the past.”

The company is also planning to pioneer research about workplace culture in Scotts Valley that it believes could guide the decisions of leaders further afield.

“In the end, the case study will be used to provide information and best practices for other organizations to strengthen corporate culture, right action, community involvement, corporate social responsibility and employee wellness,” he said. “The outcomes of the joint research and learnings will be used to benefit the public.”

Scotts Valley City Manager Mali LaGoe says not only will the additional guests set to visit 1440 Multiversity will benefit the local economy, but the social sector will also get a boost as well, since there is a volunteering component to the project being dreamed up.

“The relationship between Salesforce and 1440 represents a new chapter for Scotts Valley and Salesforce as facilitated by 1440,” she said. “Salesforce is committed to bringing benefit to Scotts Valley through this partnership, and the City looks forward to working with Salesforce and 1440 as to what this might look like.”

LaGoe says it’s exciting that Scotts Valley gets to play an integral role in helping quantify what the post-pandemic workplace will look like.

“Trailblazer Ranch is an exciting program with global implications of the future of work and Scotts Valley is fortunate to be the home of 1440 Multiversity where this research study will take place,” she said. “The idea of Scotts Valley serving as a place for wellness and growth to Salesforce employees builds upon what 1440 has already established through its programs for the last five years.”

The company is planning to use the 1440 site in the short term while it makes plans to construct an actual ranch.

Things To Do in Santa Cruz: Feb. 16-22

GT Staff

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February 16, 2022

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A weekly guide to what’s happening.

ARTS AND MUSIC

WATCHHOUSE (FORMERLY MANDOLIN ORANGE) The name, like the duo’s new record, represents reinvention as a band at the regenerative edges of subtly experimental folk-rock. An inspired search for personal and political goodness, the new tunes offer lessons about what might become of humanity “when the night begins to break.” $42/$52.50. Proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid test within 72 hours. Wednesday, Feb. 16, 8pm. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. folkyeah.com.

NICKI BLUHM & THE BAND OF HEATHENS The show features songs from the Heathens, Bluhm’s catalog and collaborations, including a smoking cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Tumbling Dice.” The partnership began almost two years ago, just as the pandemic hit, when the Heathens started their weekly live stream show, “The Good Time Supper Club.” $25 plus fees. Proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid test required. Thursday, Feb. 17, 8pm. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9. feltonmusichall.com.

LEFTOVER SALMON WITH KITCHEN DWELLERS The Colorado jam band that fuses bluegrass with everything has been at it for over three decades. To celebrate their 30-year career, the band released a biographical book, Leftover Salmon: Thirty Years of Festival!, and a vinyl box-set re-release of all of their studio albums. $30/$34 plus fees. Proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid test required. Friday, Feb. 18, 8pm. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9. feltonmusichall.com.

TOM RIGNEY AND FLAMBEAU AND DIRTY CELLO Rooted in blues, bluegrass and Americana, these two bands are all about scorching entertainment. Tom Rigney and Flambeau’s eclectic and passionate music repertoire is filled with emotional intensity. Meanwhile, Dirty Cello is cello (played in ways you won’t believe) high-octane innovative musical talent. $26.25. Proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid test within 72 hours. Friday, Feb. 18, 8pm. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. riotheatre.com.

THE WEIR The arrival of a mysterious woman from Dublin disrupts the routine of a tiny pub in rural Ireland. The local barflies vie to impress her with tales of the supernatural but what starts as stories of ghosts and fairies leads to revelations about love and family. ‘The Weir’ scored playwright Conor McPherson the Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Best New Play.’ $45-50.Thursday, Feb. 17, 7:30pm. Friday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 19, 8pm. Sunday, Feb. 20, 2pm. The Colligan Theater, 1010 River St., Santa Cruz. jeweltheatre.net.

TOMMY CHONG MEET AND GREET “Mostly Maui Waui man, but it’s got some Labrador in it.” Meet Tommy Chong, the multi-talent—one half of the beloved comedy duo Cheech & Chong—behind one of the greatest lines of any stoner film ever made. The star of classics, Up in Smoke and Nice Dreams, will meet and greet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos. Chong recently launched Tommy Chong’s Cannabis, available in flower and pre-rolls. Sorry, Labrador is not included. Friday, Feb. 18. Noon-2pm. KindPeoples, 533 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. 3-5pm. KindPeoples, 3600 Soquel Ave. kindpeoples.com.

REV. BILLY C. WIRTZ. One of Reverend Billy C. Wirtz’s most treasured childhood memories was watching the gospel programs broadcasted from the Bell Auditorium in Augusta, Georgia. In 1963, his family moved to Washington, D.C., where he eventually landed a job at Glen’s Music, a record store that catered to Black music, including R&B, jazz and spirituals. “I spent all day long listening to Julius Cheeks, Clarence Fountain and the Dixie Hummingbirds. I was in heaven,” Wirtz said. $25/$40. Saturday, Feb. 19, 7:30pm. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. kuumbwajazz.org

ALEX LUCERO AND LIVE AGAIN AT EL VAQUERO WINERY Lucero grew up listening to soul music of the ’60s and ’70s. Artists like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Van Morrison and Stevie Wonder have been huge musical influences on the singer-songwriter. Lucero and his band plan to continue touring across California, promoting their new album, Opportunity. Sunday, Feb. 20, 2-5pm. El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville. elvaquerowinery.com.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ MAKERS MARKET Come on out for some fresh air and crafty goodness every third Sunday of the month! This market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods. Find your favorite Santa Cruz makers and rising stars. The variety is noteworthy. Friendly leashed pups are welcome. Masks are recommended per the current health guidelines for outdoor public spaces. Sunday, Feb. 20, 10am-5pm. Downtown Santa Cruz, Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. scmmakersmarket.com.

COMMUNITY

SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS VS. TEXAS LEGENDS Cheer on your Santa Cruz Warriors, the most advanced players in the world outside of the NBA, as they compete against the Texas Legends. $17/-$105. 7pm, Thursday, Feb. 17. Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz. santacruz.gleague.nba.com.

COMMUNITY PILATES MAT CLASS Build strength at the popular in-person community Pilates Mat Class. Bring a mat, a small Pilates ball and TheraBand (if you have one). Must be vaccinated. $10/Suggested donation. Thursday, Feb. 17, and Tuesday, Feb. 22, 10am. Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos.

VIRTUAL DEATH CAFÉ Hosted by Hospice of Santa Cruz County, grab a mug of your favorite tea for a Zoom discussion on death to affirm what’s important about life. A “Death Café” is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It’s not a grief support group or counseling session, just some folks getting together to drink tea and talk about death. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 5-6pm. deathcafe.com.

GROUPS

ENTRE NOSOTRAS GRUPO DE APOYO Spanish-speaking women diagnosed with cancer meet twice monthly. Free. Registration required. Friday, Feb. 18, 6pm. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Ste. A1, Soquel. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.

WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM WomenCARE Arm-in-Arm Cancer support group for women with advanced, recurrent or metastatic cancer meets every Monday on Zoom. Free. Registration required. Monday, Feb. 21, 12:30pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.

WOMENCARE TUESDAY SUPPORT GROUP The WomenCARE Tuesday Cancer support group currently meets on Zoom for women newly diagnosed and those undergoing treatment. Free Registration required. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 12:30-2pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.

THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS SIBLINGS GRIEF SUPPORT The mutual support group is open to individuals who have experienced the death of a brother or sister at any age, due to any cause, any length of time ago. Meetings are open to bereaved siblings aged 14 and up. Grief materials are available. TCF is non-religious. Bereaved siblings only. If you have lost a child or grandchild, please see our listing for support meetings on the second Monday of each month. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 7-8:30pm. tcfsantacruz.com

OUTDOOR

MINI FUNGUS FAIR For nearly 50 years, the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz has welcomed thousands of visitors to the annual Fungus Fair to explore the fascinating world of mushrooms. The event returns to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, launched in 1974. Join local fungiphiles to display dozens of species of local mushrooms outside the museum in Tyrrell Park, along with free family-friendly activities and community resources, including free admission to the museum all day. Fungi-centric food will be available from Areperia 831. Free. Saturday, Feb. 19, 10am-2pm. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. santacruzmuseum.org

SUNSET BEACH BOWLS & BONFIRE Watch the sunset and experience the multi-sensory vibrations of crystal bowls and the ocean waves, creating a blissful symphony of sound. Moran Lake Beach. Free. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 5-6pm. Moran Lake Park & Beach, E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 831-333-6736.

The Soul Rebels Brings a Slice of New Orleans to Felton Music Hall

Adam Joseph

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February 16, 2022

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The Soul Rebels Brings a Slice of New Orleans to Felton Music Hall

How does an eight-piece brass ensemble approach a collaboration with the most popular active metal band on the planet?

“That’s the first thing we asked each other when we got the job,” says Erion Williams, the Soul Rebels tenor saxophonist.

In November of 2011, the Soul Rebels and Metallica had been in London to appear on BBC’s Later…With Jools Holland, which led to a chance encounter between Williams and Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, who happened to be trying to catch a cab back to their hotel at the same time. Ulrich expressed that he and his bandmates were captivated by the Soul Rebels performance and wanted to work with them. More impressively, the band scored the prestigious invitation before releasing an official full-length record.

“We brushed that off, like ‘Yeah, all right,’” Williams chuckles. “We had heard that before, and at the time, it rarely led to anything.”

But Ulrich wasn’t bullshitting: A couple of months later, the Soul Rebels were in San Francisco playing brass arrangements of Metallica hits, including “One” and “Enter Sandman,” at the Fillmore. The New Orleans outfit was the opener for a four-night run, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the metal giants’ 1981 debut at the legendary venue.

Each night, the concerts culminated in a “Seek and Destroy” jam featuring both bands—with occasional surprise guests like Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong—bringing down the house.

“We all come from high school and college marching bands, so it makes it easier for us to listen to a song and [translate it into brass and horns], because that’s what marching bands do,” Williams explains. “That’s how we attacked Metallica’s music. Our background makes it somewhat easy to meld both worlds together. It was intense, and it came out really well.”

The Soul Rebels have been “melding” genres while keeping their New Orleans roots intact for nearly three decades. Their dedication extends to their live performances, which are more like parties on stage—playing an average of 150 shows per year, including every large-scale music festival in the country, has resulted in troves of new lifelong fans. The Soul Rebels’ late-night 2012 Bonnaroo jam was acknowledged by Fader, alongside Radiohead and Phish, as one of the top 10 festival moments.

“It’s all about the versatility of the musicians in the group,” Williams says. “We try to approach the music of whoever we’re performing with as much of their edge as possible. It’s easy to make the transitions when you are immersed in the music. It’s also a credit to the musicians in the group; they can adapt to pretty much everything.”

From Portugal The Man to Nas and Rakim, the Big Easy outfit is a conglomeration of talented chameleons. In 2019, Katy Perry incorporated the Soul Rebels into her New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival show.

The Soul Rebels have original music, too. The group’s 2019 ambitious Poetry in Motion is a gumbo of R&B, hip-hop, blues, jazz and more with special guest spots from Branford Marsalis, Matisyahu, Robert Glasper and Trombone Shorty, to name a few. Recorded in Sony 360 Reality Audio, every note and nuance come through crystal clear on tunes like the anthemic hip-hop fist-pumper “Greatness.”

When I spoke to Williams, he was getting ready for the Soul Rebels’ first extensive tour since pre-pandemic. Spanning from the West Coast to the East Coast, the band’s Epic Vibes Tour is set to join up with Trombone Shorty this summer for a leg of the tour. Williams says the band has missed performing live as much, if not more so, than their fans.

“We’re all about spreading positivity and spreading the New Orleans sound across the world,” he says. “We approach every show with the same level of energy and passion and drive. It’s in our horn power, our singing, our rapping and everything we do.”

The Soul Rebels Epic Vibes Tour, Sunday, Feb. 20, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. 8pm; $20 plus fees. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test (with matching ID) required. feltonmusichall.com.

Circle Jerks’ Keith Morris on Reissues, Santa Cruz Connection

Steve Palopoli

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February 16, 2022

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Circle Jerks’ Keith Morris on Reissues, Santa Cruz Connection

Since the iconic punk band Circle Jerks are re-releasing their classic 1982 album Wild in the Streets on Friday (Feb.18), I should probably be asking lead singer Keith Morris about that. Or about the band’s upcoming show at the Catalyst next Wednesday (Feb. 23).

But Morris is one of those people whose music I’ve been listening to for most of my life—I mean, he started in Black Flag, left to form Circle Jerks, then left to start Off!—and with people like that, there’s always some random, bizarre question you’ve always wanted to ask them that probably only you care about and that really has nothing to do with anything. When you get the chance, you’ve got to take your shot. This annoys the hell out of some people, but whatever, Morris is punk rock; he was okay with it.

I’ve always wanted to know what he thought of Santa Cruz band Camper Van Beethoven’s cover of “Wasted,” the song Morris co-wrote and sang on Black Flag’s 1979 EP Nervous Breakdown, and then re-did for Circle Jerks’ 1980 debut album Group Sex. Camper’s slowed-down, violin-drenched version from 1985’s Telephone Free Landslide Victory is miles away from the hardcore Black Flag original and the even faster Circle Jerks version. But Morris says he actually got into Camper in the band’s later years.

“I thought that their version of ‘Wasted’ was good. You know, they’re there playing for their crowd, which certainly isn’t a Black Flag or Circle Jerks or punk rock crowd. I applaud them. I give them props. And David Lowery,” he says of the Camper and Cracker frontman, “you’re not gonna meet a nicer, cooler guy than David Lowery.”

He may listen to Key Lime Pie, but one thing he doesn’t listen to is his old Circle Jerks records—except when he’s working on remastering re-releases like the new, 40th anniversary Wild in the Streets or the previous deluxe reissue of Group Sex. Sometimes he finds the sonic fixes are long overdue.

“For years and years, one of the records was being manufactured off of a compact disc,” he laughs. “So, we’re talking, what, like, third generation, eighth generation?”

Circle Jerks play the Catalyst in Santa Cruz on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 8pm. Adolescents and Negative Approach open. Ages 16 and up. $29.50.

Letter to the Editor: Flavor Saver

Letters to the Editor

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February 16, 2022

0

Regarding “Foraged Flavors” (GT, 1/18) by the wonderful Christina Waters:

Here in the South County oak forests, mushrooms—including boletes—have been plentiful since right after Thanksgiving. This was after a dry year, and before the rains! They are still going, with different species coming up. Perhaps they start later in the North County, or in the redwood forests?

Sandy Baron

Watsonville

This letter does not necessarily reflect the views of Good Times. To submit a letter to the editor of Good Times: Letters should be originals—not copies of letters sent to other publications. Please include your name and email address to help us verify your submission (email address will not be published). Please be brief. Letters may be edited for length, clarity and to correct factual inaccuracies known to us. Send letters to le*****@*******es.sc.

Letter to the Editor: What’s My Line

Letters to the Editor

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February 16, 2022

4

Re: “Tracks of the Trade” (GT, 2/2): Since the discussions about the Santa Cruz Branch Line are heating up, it is important to talk about some new developments in regards to the line.

In recent weeks, it was revealed that after Sierra Northern pulled out of its contract with Union Pacific in 2011, Roaring Camp wanted to purchase the branch. The county told them not to, stating that they were going to use state funds to preserve the line. That hasn’t happened. The county has very clearly neglected the line, and we should try to have a local operator run the line.

Environmental Concerns: I did a live stream about this on my YouTube channel, but while the commuter rail is not possible due to the profit margins and overall costs, freight trains are more than possible if the bridges are repaired. According to the EPA, the average freight locomotive emits 22 grams of CO2 per ton-mile, compared to truck operations which emit approximately 65 grams per ton-mile. If Roaring Camp takes over full freight operations, it will undoubtedly decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Remember, one of Greenway’s arguments is about the carbon footprint. If we have fewer trucks transporting freight and have more trains on the line, it will ease the environmental impact.

Roaring Camp’s Defenders: Along with the thousands of letters sent, California State Senator John Laird and San Lorenzo Valley Fire have both jumped in to defend the railroad. Laird stated, “It’s hard to imagine that every effort wouldn’t be made to help and preserve an iconic local business that brings thousands of visitors to Santa Cruz County each year. The Roaring Camp Railway is a strong part of our local economy and our history.” To Laird’s point, Roaring Camp is a for-profit company, meaning it pays taxes to the county, state and country. More tax dollars would come in if they became the operator. Those tax dollars would benefit everyone. A multi-use pathway will make no money; freight does.

Traffic: Greenway argues that a train creates traffic and blocks the road. However, the math says otherwise. Assuming that there are freight services north of Watsonville for 3 days a week with 1 train a day full of lumber from Felton to Watsonville, that is at least 1 train in both directions passing a level crossing between Santa Cruz and Watsonville. That is not much of a nuisance. However, if the line was turned into a trail, that would mean that 8,000 people a day would use the trail according to Greenway’s estimations. That produces more traffic than a freight train.

I would fix that Santa Cruz Branch situation like this: Come to a leasing agreement with Roaring Camp, permitting them the rights to operate the Santa Cruz Branch once the bridges are repaired and run freight services along with an expansion of tourist trains to Davenport or Capitola. As for capacity issues for a trail, I propose that more permanent bike lanes be constructed throughout the county on roads that can’t follow the tracks. That way, cyclists are protected by a barrier on the road for part of the way and can safely travel near the tracks. The future of transportation in this country is trails and rails, we can have both.

One last thing that I want to mention is that I am not affiliated with the FORT or Coast Connect.

Luke Lindroth

Santa Cruz

This letter does not necessarily reflect the views of Good Times. To submit a letter to the editor of Good Times: Letters should be originals—not copies of letters sent to other publications. Please include your name and email address to help us verify your submission (email address will not be published). Please be brief. Letters may be edited for length, clarity and to correct factual inaccuracies known to us. Send letters to le*****@*******es.sc.

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