Page 335 – Good Times

Santa Cruz County to Lift Mask Mandate Feb. 16

GT Staff

-

February 9, 2022

Santa Cruz County to Lift Mask Mandate Feb. 16

In alignment with the state, 11 Bay Area counties, including Santa Cruz and the City of Berkeley, will lift universal mask requirements for most indoor public settings on Feb. 16.

Unvaccinated individuals over the age of 2 will continue to be required to wear masks in all indoor public settings. Businesses, venue operators and hosts may continue to require patrons to wear masks.

The change aligns with the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) decision to let expire the statewide indoor mask requirement, which was instated on Dec. 15 during the latest Covid-19 surge as a result of the Omicron variant of the disease.

Indoor masking is still required by the state for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in the following settings:

Public transportation
Health care settings
Congregate settings, like correctional facilities and homeless shelters
Long term care facilities
K-12 schools
Childcare settings

In a joint statement, health officers from the 12 Bay Area jurisdictions, in alignment with CDPH, continued to strongly recommend masks be used to slow the spread of the virus, especially when case rates are high or when additional personal protection is needed.

They say that continuing to mask in indoor public settings, especially crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, remains the safest choice for an individual and helps protect those who are medically vulnerable or cannot get vaccinated, such as young children.

As evidence continues to show, vaccinations and boosters remain the best defense against the virus, the joint statement read.

According to County Health spokesperson Corinne Hyland after reaching a high on Jan. 20 of 1,263 new cases in a day, Santa Cruz County case rates have declined to a 7-day average of 117 as of Feb. 7. Meanwhile, hospitalizations, a lagging indicator of the disease, have decreased.

CDPH continues to require masking in K-12 school settings but has indicated adjustments to the state’s policies will be shared in the coming weeks.

Cabrillo Parts Ways with Embattled Vice President

GT Staff

-

February 9, 2022

0

Cabrillo Parts Ways with Embattled Vice President

By Lucia Meza

The Cabrillo College Governing Board of Trustees has decided to cut ties with the school’s vice president of instruction, who was placed on administrative leave after being charged with embezzlement in December.

The board decided in the closed session of its monthly meeting on Monday. The elected leaders approved the recommendation of Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein to issue Paul De La Cerda a “notice of non-reemployment on or before March 15, 2022.”

In a prepared statement, Wetstein said that De La Cerda will remain on a leave of absence until June 30, when he will longer be a Cabrillo employee.

De La Cerda has responded to a request for comment.

De La Cerda was put on administrative leave by the board after being charged with embezzlement by the Los Angeles County District Attorney.

Cabrillo hired him in June of 2021, a move the school’s leadership stood by while he was under investigation for fraud.

De La Cerda, 47, faces charges of misappropriation of government funds and embezzlement. He is accused of overbilling East Los Angeles College for roughly $1,575 between March 2017 and 2019. He is also accused of forging documents he submitted for reimbursement.

He pleaded not guilty on Jan. 7 and is set to return to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Feb. 17.

EXCLUSIVE: Longtime Supervisor Greg Caput Won’t Seek Reelection

Hugh McCormick

-

February 9, 2022

0

EXCLUSIVE: Longtime Supervisor Greg Caput Won’t Seek Reelection

After serving for 12 years as Santa Cruz County’s 4th District representative, Supervisor Greg Caput says that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming June primary.

With a wife, two sets of adolescent twins and a 16-year-old son, Caput, now in his early 70s, says he wants to spend more quality time at home with his tight-knit family.

“It’s just the right time,” he says.

His departure might not be entirely surprising for those who have followed Caput through his ascent in local politics. Caput made passing term limits a significant part of his initial 2010 Board of Supervisors campaign—a hard-fought and stressful battle in which he triumphed by a measly 61 votes out of over 10,000 cast.

His multiple attempts to push term limits as a supervisor—both eight years and 12—were turned down by his fellow politicians, and the issue never came to a vote.

“The shelf life of a supervisor should be 12 years,” says Caput. “I tried hard to push term limits. Throughout history, no one has really been on the Board of Supervisors for more than 12 years except for Gary Patton. I’ve loved the job of supervisor, but I’m ready to move on.”

Caput’s love for his district—one that includes Watsonville’s rural and agricultural lands, the Pajaro Valley and greater South County—is evident. A lifelong Watsonville resident, Caput attended local schools and spent his summer months in the fields cutting lettuce. His cluttered but warm office at the Watsonville Vets Hall in the heart of the city is adorned with all varieties of posters, relics and decorations representing the region’s rich and storied history.

For Caput, Watsonville is, and always will be, home.

Tall, lanky and often wearing a tie, almost always a tad askew, Caput doesn’t look or come off as the typical politician. He does, however, have a magical way of connecting with his constituents and making them feel heard and listened to. That ability was on full display when he ousted three-term incumbent Tony Campos in 2010 for the 4th District seat. He primarily appealed to Watsonville voters that sought to slow the city’s expanding population and low-income housing production, advocating for “smart growth” on the campaign trail.

The past few years have been rough for the always personable supervisor—connections with his community more challenging to maintain.

“Covid has made things tough and impersonal. My whole family tested positive for the virus. I like meeting people in person—giving the personal touch,” he says. “Covid made everything difficult.”

Two familiar candidates have already stepped forward to try to fill his seat. According to county records, Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra declared his intention to run in the June primary late last month. Former Watsonville City Councilman and current Cabrillo College Governing Board Trustee Felipe Hernandez has also declared his intent to run.

Caput bested both candidates in 2018 for the 4th District seat, scoring a victory over Dutra in a November runoff by 1,000 votes. He also beat Dutra in 2014.

In his youth, the months Caput spent processing lettuce created a long and deep-seated connection with the area’s rich and fertile soil and its farmworkers. Before being elected to the board, Caput served on the Watsonville City Council from 2006-2010. He ran on a public safety platform—strengthening an understaffed firefighting and police force—and protecting farmland from urban sprawl.

Caput’s eyes light up when he starts to describe the work that he’s done over the past dozen years. He’s continued his commitment to supporting law enforcement and the fire department—eliminating mandatory overtime to prevent fatigue and mistakes.

Through the recent fires and a crippling pandemic, he’s advocated for opening doors and establishing services to aid the area’s homeless population. For years, more than 80 people were overnight guests at the Watsonville Vets Hall—just steps from his office.

When his third term ends later this year, Caput will leave his constituents with two big parting gifts: an ambitious plan to construct a massive park near the County Fairgrounds and the purchase of the old West Marine Building that the County is turning into a resource center.

By orchestrating the latter, he gave South County residents access to human services, the planning department, mental health services and public works without traveling all the way to Santa Cruz.

During his tenure, Caput also volunteered countless hours on a long list of other boards, committees and regional agencies, including the Environmental Health Appeals Commission, the Highway 1 Construction Authority, the Santa Cruz County Mental Health Advisory Board and the Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board.

His colleagues on the Board of Supervisors unanimously elected him as the Board Chair for 2020.

Just as he pushed to establish term limits for the Board of Supervisors, Caput lobbied to cut the pay for the entire board. His efforts were summarily rejected, but he says he decided to donate most of his salary—over $200,000 over 11 years—to nonprofits and cases of need (like family tragedies).

“I could have used the money to pay off my mortgage,” he admits.

Caput says that he’s loved his time as supervisor, but not necessarily the politics. He does, however, want to thank his fellow supervisors—past and present.

“Even though we didn’t agree on a lot of issues, we always got along,” he says. “It used to be shouting matches and yelling matches 30 years ago. Lately, though, we’ve always had a good working environment. They always accept me for who I am. And I accept them for who they are.”

Things To Do in Santa Cruz: Feb. 9-15

GT Staff

-

February 9, 2022

0

A weekly guide to what’s happening.

ARTS AND MUSIC

DELVON LAMARR ORGAN TRIO WITH ANDRE CRUZ & THE BLACK DIAMOND RHYTHM BAND The best way to describe this musical cornucopia: 1960s jazz organ a la Jimmy Smith, soul strut reminiscent of Booker T. & The M.G.’s and sprinkles of the otherworldliness emitting from Hendrix’s guitar. Andre Cruz & the Black Diamond Rhythm Band deliver “fuzz heavy, groove-infused California soul.” $20/$25. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 8:30pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test (within 72 hours of the show) required. moesalley.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. 10, 7:30pm. Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12, 8pm. Sunday, Feb. 13, 2pm. The Colligan Theater, 1010 River St., Santa Cruz. jeweltheatre.net.

BUILT TO SPILL Frontman Doug Martsch returns to Santa Cruz with a new backing band and a forthcoming record on the horizon—already being dubbed one of the most anticipated records of 2022. Attendees can look forward to an array of fan faves from the group’s classic albums, including Perfect From Now On. $33.60. Thursday, Feb. 10, 8pm. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test (within 72 hours of the show) required. folkyeah.com.

LET YOUR IMAGINATION FLY: RED LETTER DAYS HANDS-ON ART EVENT Using the medium of collage, participants will create an original book cover design using authentic images from the McCarthy Era. Presenters Jo-Neal Graves and Sharon Ferguson are local artists and art educators; they will provide all needed materials, background information, collage techniques and encouragement. The number of participants is limited. Free. Registration and proof of vaccination required. Saturday, Feb. 12, 1pm. Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos. santacruzpl.libcal.com.

NICK DANGER AND THE LAVA LOUNGE Formerly The Dwellers, Nocturnal and Teaser, the five-piece Watsonville outfit’s musical style has evolved into a unique brand of Americana inspired by everyone from John Prine to Warren Zevon. Enjoy a mix of storytelling, sea shanties and early originals. Free with reservations. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2pm. El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville. elvaquerowinery.com.

SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN & THE HILL WE CLIMB Destiny Muhammad (composer/singer/harpist), Leon Joyce, Jr. (drums), Noriyuki ‘Ken’ Okada (bass), Matt Wong (piano) and the Esperanza del Valle Baile Folclórico dancers will join the orchestra for an evening featuring the music of Beethoven. $31.50-102.50. Saturday, Feb. 12, 7:30pm. Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz. cityofsantacruz.com

HAND HABITS W/ GREGORY UHLMANN Hand Habits, aka singer-songwriter Meg Duffy, recently dropped the most ambitious record of her career, Fun House (engineered by King Tuff’s Kyle Thomas). The opus is a personal diary of grief, trauma and recovery. Chicago musician Gregory Uhlmann has collaborated with Tasha, Miya Folick, Nate Mercereau and Olivia Kaplan. $18/$22. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 8pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test (within 72 hours of the show) required. moesalley.com.

ZACHARY WILLIAMS (OF THE LONE BELLOW) The Lone Bellow frontman revealed that a bulk of the tunes on his new solo record, Dirty Camaro, came during late-night writing sessions in his East Nashville home. There’s also a 13-year-old ballad he wrote about his daughter growing up. $20/$24. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 8pm. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. feltonmusichall.com.

COMMUNITY

VIRTUAL MOVIE NIGHT: ‘CAREGIVER: A LOVE STORY’ Caregiver: A Love Story documents the tale of one man struggling to care for his dying wife. The film highlights an essential yet largely unseen workforce—the family caregivers of America—and challenges viewers to acknowledge the growing strain placed on them. Registration required. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6-7pm. scottsvalleychamber.com/events/virtual-movie-night-caregiver-a-love-story.

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. 10 and Tuesday, Feb. 15, 10am. Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos.

WEST CLIFF VALENTINE’S OUTDOOR MARKET Enjoy the Valentine’s Day iteration of the outdoor market, featuring unique artisans, food trucks and a beautiful ocean view. The one-of-a-kind market is held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive, overlooking Steamer Lane. Free. Saturday, Feb. 12, 10am-5pm. Lighthouse Point Park, West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz.

VALENTINE’S DAY ONLINE WINE AND CHOCOLATE TASTING Taste six wine and chocolate pairings for up to two people while participating in a live zoom presentation featuring winemakers and chocolatiers. If you don’t have a kit, you must pick one up at the winery. Visit the online store to order. Saturday, Feb. 12, 5pm. El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville. elvaquerowinery.com.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ ANTIQUE FAIRE For an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles, LPs, furniture, home dècor and memorabilia, check out the Santa Cruz Antique Faire (8am-5pm, the second Sunday of every month). Sunday, Feb. 13, 9am-5pm. Downtown Santa Cruz, Lincoln St. between Pacific & Cedar, Santa Cruz.

GROUPS

ENTRE NOSOTRAS GRUPO DE APOYO Spanish-speaking women diagnosed with cancer meet twice monthly. Free. Registration required. Friday, Feb. 11, 6pm. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Ste. A1, Soquel. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.

WOMENCARE WRITING CIRCLE The Writing Circle is geared towards women who have been diagnosed with cancer. Meets on the second Saturday every other month. Free. Registration required. Saturday, Feb. 12, 10am-1pm. 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. 14, 12:30pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.

WOMENCARE TUESDAY SUPPORT GROUP The WomenCARE Tuesday Cancer support group, for women newly diagnosed and those undergoing treatment, currently meets on Zoom. Free Registration required. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 12:30-2pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.

OUTDOOR

COASTAL BIRDING WALK The 2.5-mile tour includes several stops to view birds, plants and scenery along the way. Bring your binoculars if you have them, and help identify birds. Clothes for variable weather and good walking shoes are recommended. Meet next to the park map in Wilder Ranch’s main parking lot. Rain cancels. $10/Lot fee. Friday, Feb. 11, 9am. Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz. santacruzstateparks.as.me.

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. 15, 5-6pm. Moran Lake Park & Beach, East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 831-333-6736.

Behind the Scenes With the Jewel Theater’s Julie James

Christina Waters

-

February 9, 2022

0

Behind the Scenes With the Jewel Theater’s Julie James

The phrase “haunting drama” might have been coined for the plays of Irish bard Conor McPherson, whose acclaimed studies in brooding tall tales are fueled by ghosts, longing and plenty of Guinness. In the Jewel Theatre’s current production, The Weir, McPherson invites us to join locals in a remote Irish pub as they respond to a mysterious woman from Dublin called Valerie. As the barflies trade ghost stories with the unexpected visitor, the evening deepens with dark fears, uneasy encounters and tender revelations. The Jewel production shows why the play won the Olivier Award for Best New Play, and why McPherson is considered a jeweler of a playwright. With its small cast, simple set and scenario exploring the human desire for supernaturally inflected reminiscences, The Weir is perfect for a theatre company like Jewel. Jewel Theater Artistic Director Julie James agreed, and spoke to me about the production.

What attracted you to ‘The Weir’?
Julie James: As a producer, I love plays that are not obvious. Conor McPherson has a way of writing that cleverly presents the dichotomies of being human—the surface layer we present to those around us, and the deep, layered underbelly of feelings and thoughts and assimilation of experiences that really make us who we are. On the surface, The Weir might seem like just a lot of casual and silly talk between people in a bar, but it’s really a celebration of community, camaraderie and connection between souls—but in a kind of casual, subtle way. As an actress, tackling characters that go through life much different than ourselves is especially appealing, and in the case of The Weir, capturing not just a dialect but a sensibility and an ease with a culture that is steeped in lore and legends.

Is there a larger subtext?
What appealed to me about The Weir was that it reflects that notion that there are no little things—people are impacted by the big things that happen, of course, but the really interesting thing to see is how people are impacted by the seemingly little things. The ghost stories they tell in the play kind of have that element, and the stranger, Valerie, who comes into the room in the play creates little ripples that affect the other characters in ways that start percolating without being visible. Toward the end of the play, the room is filled with a potential “something” that wasn’t there to start.

When did you cast the play?
As it is with many of our productions, some roles were pre-cast months ahead of time, and some were cast within weeks of starting. This production has three actors we’ve worked with previously [David Ledingham, Louis Lotorto, Shaun Carroll] and two actors who are completely new to us [Wiley Naman Strasser, Katherine Stein].

How difficult is it walking the fine line between presenting a challenging property and pleasing the crowd?
I don’t find it difficult at all. We do it often. And our patrons respond. They seem to appreciate the thought-provoking, strange, challenging work just as much as they enjoy the fluffy crowd-pleasing stuff. I’m proud that we do the gamut on our stage, and our patrons have continued to support this kind of programming. We certainly don’t pretend to please all of the people all of the time, and our patrons know if our current play doesn’t happen to be their cup of tea, the next one probably will be. Regardless, they know and trust that each show we present will have quality acting and production values.

How does a well-known play remain fresh for a new audience?
Theater is a living, breathing thing, and each production and each performance has the potential to be an amazing new experience for actors with a different audience each night, even with a show you’ve done before or have been performing for years. It’s part of why actors like acting. We’ve done a Conor McPherson adaptation of an August Strindberg play [The Dance of Death], and more recently The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh. McPherson and McDonagh are both Irish playwrights of a certain age, and of a certain casual boldness in their themes and writing, and that is attractive.

How is the fit between director Susan Myer Silton and McPherson’s piece?
Susan, being both a director and dramaturg, always does extensive research on whatever show she is working on. She looks for things that connect. The soul of The Weir, similar to The Beauty Queen of Leenane—which she also directed—offered layers of history and folklore and people struggling to survive and connect and triumph over the ironies of our world. That attracts me, and I knew it would attract Susan, as well.

What is it about Ireland, and Irish pubs and villages as settings that is so enduring?
I have to go back to the idea of quiet community and camaraderie, without sappiness. The Irish seem to have an attitude, a charm, that is both fun-loving and philosophical. To me that’s the best combination.

‘The Weir,’ by Conor McPherson, directed by Susan Myer Silton, is at the Jewel Theatre through Feb.20. Tickets at jeweltheatre.net.

Meet the Real Rev. Billy C. Wirtz

Steve Palopoli

-

February 9, 2022

1

One of my favorite live-music memories is a Rev. Billy C. Wirtz show at the Kuumbwa that I took my little sister to in the mid-’90s. Jessica was in high school at the time, and Wirtz was at the height of his “Hillbilly Love God” fever dream, riding a boogie-woogie piano from hell through albums like A Turn for the Wirtz, Pianist Envy and Songs of Faith and Inflammation. At 6-foot-5, his heavily tattooed body towered over the Kuumbwa stage—even when he was sitting at his piano, somehow. After a set of songs like “Grandma vs. the Crusher” (Wirtz spent a while in the pro wrestling world, as well), “Right Wing Roundup” and covers of vintage blues songs so raunchy you would never guess in a million years they were from the 1930s, Wirtz closed with a thunderous call-and-response segment that went completely bananas when he had audience members turn to each other and yell things like “Eat shit and die!” My sister and I were laughing so hard by this point we had slipped out of our seats and onto the floor.

“I had never seen anything like that,” Jessica says now. Truth be told, I hadn’t either.

Years later, though, Wirtz is a different guy. Though his KPIG show (Sundays, 9-10pm) is still called “Reverend Billy’s Rhythm Revival,” he’s ditched the over-the-top alter ego. He’s still a riot, but his humor is less aggressive and in your face—it’s drier and more nuanced, which I know is a crazy thing to say about a guy who sings a song called “What I Used to Do All Night Now Takes Me All Night to Do,” but it’s true. So what changed?

“I’m not taking as many drugs,” says the 67-year-old Wirtz, who was born in South Carolina, but has lived in Florida since the ’90s. It sounds like a joke, and kinda is, but it’s also true. Remembering the era of that outrageous Kuumbwa show, he says “there was a period of time that I had really bad opiate issues, but I also was taking Adderall, which is kind of the last thing a guy like me needs. I went through a lot of chemical stuff.” He tried a lot of things to beat them, but in the end it was medical marijuana that sealed the deal. In a twist that will surprise no one in Santa Cruz, it was “Sleepy” John Sandidge, the local promoter who has been bringing Wirtz here for decades, who showed him the light.

But that wasn’t the only thing that changed.

“I have grown older, I have gotten more comfortable with myself,” he says. “Also, basically what happened was there was a couple of years there that I was just too sick. I was trying to get through the drugs. I was hurting. And I just stayed out of the business for about a year, year and a half. And so when I came back, I was kind of like, ‘I don’t know about all the hallelujah shtick and the preacher bit.’ And a friend of mine said, ‘Well, you’ve done enough weird stuff. And you’ve had enough interesting life experiences. You don’t need to do a character. Just stand up there and tell people about yourself. So I began to do a lot more backstories and that kind of thing between the songs themselves, talking about how the song got written, and then I also ended up talking about the history of the music.”

Even though I’ll always have great memories of his wildest days, I’m so happy for this new Wirtz. There are few people who have as interesting a life story or such an encyclopedic knowledge of music as he does. (For instance, I’ll always be indebted to him for making me realize the Cramps’ line “Stick out your can, ’cause I’m the garbageman” is actually a reference to Milton Brown’s 1934 single “Garbage Man Blues,” which he covers.) And now he finally feels comfortable sharing that—as himself. The redneck reverend act was funny, but it was just an act. Wirtz’s true genius has always been in his sharp comedic writing and timing, a fact which used to sometimes get lost in the manic craziness.

“I’m a wordsmith,” he admits, as he talks about doing more songwriting in the pandemic. “I’m doing that. And having a clear head, I’m able to do it much better.”

The Rev. Billy C. Wirtz plays the Kuumbwa on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 general admission, $40 gold circle, go to snazzyproductions.com or call 831-479-9241.

Letter to the Editor: Options Ltd.

Letters to the Editor

-

February 9, 2022

2

OPTIONS LTD.

I am both mystified and disappointed that rail advocates have not yet joined the compromise solution for immediate use of the dormant county rail line. Certainly, they understand that modern passenger rail code requires the old, existing rails be removed and upgraded. Certainly, they understand that federal “railbanking” allows temporary use of the line for a “Greenway” until such time rail becomes more effective and affordable. Certainly, they understand that Greenway can happen from north to south with existing funds and without the need to tax yet again our already over-taxed citizens. Certainly, they understand that rather than waiting 20-30 years for a $1.5 billion passenger rail, an affordable, scenic, and highly functional Greenway can happen within just a few years.

Certainly, literally, the opponents to the Greenway trail have declared transportation options to be limited to “Our way … or just the highway!”

Julie Scurfield

Freedom

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: Bank It

Letters to the Editor

-

February 9, 2022

0

Santa Cruz does not currently have the money to study train options, let alone build one! Railbanking gives us the opportunity to pave an interim trail in two years, and build a train in the future if/when the money becomes available.

This is the compromise that everyone can agree on, and it will be coming to a countywide vote next year with the Yes-Greenway Ballot Initiative!

Friends of the Rail Trail sought to block this vote, and do nothing with the corridor for the foreseeable future, out of genuine concern that an interim trail would be so massively popular that no one would ever go for their train.

They might be right!

David Date

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.

Letter to the Editor: Train Past is Train Prologue

Letters to the Editor

-

February 9, 2022

2

Letter to the Editor: Train Past is Train Prologue

Your story “Tracks of the Trade” (GT, 2/2) was a good summary of the latest controversy to embroil Greenway and its former director and ongoing figurehead, Manu Koenig.

I was bemused by Koenig’s claim to be a supporter of rail transit because “he previously worked for Germany’s national railway Deutsche Bahn AG.” From the sound of it, you’d think he supports railroads and rail workers.

In truth, during his six-month student internship at Deutsche Bahn in 2007, one of his main projects was a PR campaign attacking striking union rail workers. Past is prologue: he’s continuing his PR work against rail and rail workers today in Santa Cruz County.

Sara Knutsson

Live Oak

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.

Opinion: Why Bad Romance Matters

GT Staff

-

February 9, 2022

0

EDITOR’S NOTE

Steve Palopoli editor good times santa cruz california

We’ve had some sweet cover stories in our Valentine’s Day issues. We’ve had some bittersweet ones, too (oh my god, the Divorce Dress, so sad), some sexy ones … and some that are simply bonkers. This year’s story from Adam Joseph falls decidedly into that last category.

Why do we like to read about the pitfalls of internet romance? Why do we like to read about bad dates? I’ll tell you something, it’s not because we want people to be miserable. It’s not just about the visceral thrill of cringing while laughing, either, though fellow fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm will agree it’s a little bit about that.

Really, though, it’s about empathy, which is something we could all use a little more of right now. Even if we’ve never downloaded a dating app, never had to swipe left or right on various possible romantic futures—or in this case, never had to reckon with the unexpected appearance of a fanny pack on a first date—we can feel how it feels. We might even be able to imagine how it feels to be both the fannypackee and the fannypacker.

It’s also about hope. If the author can get through a night like that and go on to see the humor in it—well, that bodes pretty well for the rest of us, and our own low points, romantic or otherwise.

This is all assuming, of course, that the writer is skilled enough to really pull us into this reality. I think you’ll find Adam’s story does exactly that. Enjoy, and may your Valentine’s Day be so much better than this.

STEVE PALOPOLI | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ONLINE COMMENTS

RE: STUFFED ANIMALS

This is a great article that is artfully written. I just loved this line: ”Akin to a Jackson Pollock painting, stuffed pets allow us to tap into our inner selves, and to paint with our instincts and emotions.” Bravo to the author for addressing a common experience that is mostly underground! Over the years, I too have had a number of adult clients who have been comforted and supported by their stuffed animals!

— Debra Sloss

This is an excellent article. The writer and Ms. Wentworth have given us a much better understanding of people’s need for companionship and intimacy, regardless of their life situations. In the late stage of Alzheimer’s, my late mother took great comfort in her stuffed Snoopy dog, which was always with her. Thank you for sharing!

— Barbara Rossetter

Wow. So interesting. Missing my teddy bear collection! Jennifer is a strong, confident woman. So sad she went through that trauma. Thank you for shining a light on this wonderful coping option.

— Sheryl Lee

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

Anyone who went to UCSC knows about crossing campus—and maybe Oakes Bridge—on kinda spooky, kinda magical foggy nights. Photograph by Celeste Cannon. Insta: @teratoma.gallery

Submit to ph****@*******es.sc. Include information (location, etc.) and your name. Photos may be cropped. Preferably, photos should be 4 inches by 4 inches and minimum 250dpi.

GOOD IDEA

SAY IT, THEN SPRAY IT

Santa Cruz County will be one of four pilot counties across the state to launch a pesticide notification system for residents. The county partnered with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to develop a notification system that will alert the Senior Village Community in Watsonville and surrounding homes ahead of certain pesticide sprays. Input from residents and growers will be used to help DPR create a statewide notification system. Learn more about the program, which is expected to launch in July, at www.agdept.com.

GOOD WORK

SELF CARE

On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 418 into law, approving the immediate creation of Pajaro Valley Healthcare District. The new healthcare district is a nonprofit that will purchase the Watsonville Community Hospital, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December, and would have otherwise been closed or sold by March of this year. The nonprofit was created by the County of Santa Cruz, the City of Watsonville, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley and Salud Para La Gente.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Maybe the most that you can expect from a relationship that goes bad is to come out of it with a few good songs.”
Marianne Faithfull

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

ARTS AND MUSIC

COMMUNITY

GROUPS

OUTDOOR

EDITOR’S NOTE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

GOOD IDEA

GOOD WORK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK