Plowing Ahead

Music

DNA

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December 10, 2025

In the rural pantheon where the rock ’n’ roll gods and goddesses assemble, there’s a special tract of land for San Diego’s Beat Farmers. Forty-two years after their first harvest, and the loss of fearless frontman Country Dick Montana, the Beat Farmers are still rock and rototilling and will be appearing at Moe’s Alley on Dec. 11.

Original guitarist Jerry Raney has had a jaw-dropping life, with stories upon stories to tell—beginning with his friendship with school chum Lester Bangs, perhaps the last great rebel music journalist. “When I first moved to El Cajon, which is a suburb of San Diego, I met Lester right before we started eighth grade. We went to El Cajon Junior High, and El Cajon High School together. He was quite a nut. I mean, obviously he had a higher IQ than the rest of us, but he was also just a weirdo,” the septuagenarian says from his home in San Diego.

Growing up as a “welfare kid,” originally in El Centro, California, Raney was raised by a single mom in the barren desert. Luckily, in 1958 a small radio station, KAMP, began broadcasting Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Little Richard—and a young Raney would wander into the station, hang out with the DJs and watch the cars drive by through the studio picture window. Like something out of American Graffiti. And back at home, his mom fell in love with Elvis.

But it was in 1964 that things took a turn. “I went to see A Hard Day’s Night and I just walked out of there thinking that the music was super cool. When the Beatles first came out, I don’t know if people that weren’t there could realize how different it sounded than all the other music. So they were really different, and I can’t lie about it. I thought the idea of girls chasing you down the street because you’re carrying a guitar was pretty cool,” Raney says.

At one point in ’69 Raney was hired to help Norman Greenbaum, who had huge success with his song “Spirit in the Sky,” work on more songs. Raney traveled up to Northern California to offer musical support to the nascent superstar. “Yeah, it was nuts. I was watching this, you know, song turn into a big hit, you know, And he just, people were calling him a rock ’n’ roll star and I was going, man, this guy, all he wants to do is stay out on his little ranch farm, and smoke pot and milk the goat. It was befuddling and I eventually packed up and left back to San Diego,” Raney laughs.

Lester Bangs, who would become a countercultural hero, wasn’t Raney’s main influence but he did introduce the young Beat Farmer to a seminal album. “He did influence me to a point. I would have probably never listened to the Trout Mask Replica album by Captain Beefheart. You know, if it wasn’t for him, I’d probably never heard ‘Diddy Wha Diddy.’”

You could draw a line between Beefheart and the Beat Farmers, especially when the raucous Country Dick led the band—but how did they persist over the last bunch of decades?

“It’s just kind of something that’s happening,” Raney explains. “We don’t even look for gigs or anything like that. Joey Harris has his band here in San Diego called Joey Harris and the Mentals. And they’re a great three-piece band. And then, you know, Beat Farmers Buddy Blue and Rolle Love and me had started, you know, the Flying Putos.”

The Flying Putos were essentially the Beat Farmers, and fan and friend Mojo Nixon used his sway on the Sirius Radio Outlaw Country Station to get the band booked on some Outlaw Country Cruises on the Norwegian Cruise Line. “So, you know, basically people make offers, and we take them up on it sometimes. It’s not like we do big tours or anything like that. We just zip up to Northern California for four days or something like we’re going to do in December at Moe’s Alley,” Raney explains.

The Beat Farmers perform at 8pm on Dec. 11 at Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $25 adv/$30 door. moesalley.com

Things to do in Santa Cruz

Things To Do This Week

GT Staff

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December 10, 2025

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THURSDAY 12/11

JAZZ FUSION

MIKE STERN Jazz guitarist Mike Stern got his high-profile start at age 22 when he joined Blood Sweat & Tears. He’d go on to a varied career that included work with Jaco Pastorius, the Brecker Brothers and—most significantly—Miles Davis. His style moves seamlessly between pop, blues, post-bop jazz and fusion. Often he combines them all at once. In 2019, Stern teamed up with Jeff Lorber for Eleven, a smooth, contemporary release. This West Coast tour date features Stern’s band: Dennis Chambers on drums, bassist Janek Gwizdala, Bob Franceschini on saxophone and guitarist Leni Stern. BILL KOPP

INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $52. 427-2227.

BLUES

CHRIS SMITHER AND THE MOTIVATORS It may be mild overstatement to call Chris Smither and the Motivators a supergroup, but there’s evidence to support such a claim. Sonorous baritone singer (and songwriter, and guitarist) Smither has been releasing fine folk-blues albums since 1970’s I’m a Stranger Too! His original music is informed not only by blues and folk giants but by the work of poets and philosophers. The Motivators feature Berklee-trained musician and educator David “Goody” Goodrich, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Zak Trojano on drums, and multigenre chanteuse BettySoo. Chris Smither and the Motivators’ most recent release, Smither’s 20th long player, is 2024’s All About the Bones. BK

INFO: 7pm, The Landing, 251-B Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley. $38. 479-9421.

FRIDAY 12/12

EXPERIMENTAL

LAUREN SARAH HAYES Described as “intrepid,” “tantalizing” and “voracious,” Scottish electronic artist Lauren Sarah Hayes is not for the faint of heart. Or the casual music listener, for that matter. Her improvised compositions bounce between jarring and dancy, hitting the audience in the face like a robotic laser fight in space. It’s exactly the type of music the Indexical studio was built for: an engaging jolt to the senses that rides the brainwaves. Joining her is Oakland modular synth and electronics musician Jarod S. Rivera and Claude Monet (one of many projects by Albert Peacock IV) born from the ashes of Santa Cruz’s own Volvo24DL audio/visual duo. MAT WEIR

INFO: 8:30pm, Indexical, 1050 River St. #119, Santa Cruz. $16. (509) 627-9491.

THEATRE

THE OBERUFER SHEPHERDS Making its way from the Middle Ages all the way to the 21st century, The Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre presents The Oberufer Shepherds. This timeless show gives a humorous twist to the classic Christmas story. Originating in the Austrian village of Oberufer, where villagers would perform the story for neighbors, this unique Christmas event keeps the play’s roots alive, with amateur actors and musicians bringing the story to life. With a mix of reverence and folk humor, The Oberufer Shepherds is sure to lift spirits and warm hearts. SHELLY NOVO

INFO: 7pm, Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz. $20. 431-8666.

HIP HOP

LIVING LEGENDS Living Legends are truly legendary for their DIY, indie hip hop ethics, eschewing major record labels while still managing to build and maintain a global following in the ’90s and early aughts. with releases on their own Legendary Music label, and a relentless touring schedule. After a hiatus and some changes to the lineup, in 2016 they launched their reunion tour, “How The Grouch Stole Christmas,” and nine years later they’re still at it, keeping the spirit alive. They lost collaborator and friend Aesop The Black Wolf this year and are sure to memorialize him from the stage. KEITH LOWELL JENSEN

INFO: 9pm, Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $41-$52. 713-5492.

SATURDAY 12/13

KIDS

FARMER ARANN HARRIS The music scene is generally regarded as a world for adults. Performances might not always be for the children (Wu-Tang excluded). That’s why The Crepe Place is proud to present the first show in a monthly series specifically for families to enjoy in their beautiful backyard garden. For its inaugural performance, they present Farmer Arann Harris. While working late nights in the music scene with his group, The Farm Band, Harris found it hard to align the night life with family life. So, he embarked on a new path writing songs for children that he could perform during the daytime. His songs range from silly to spiritual with themes like singing about his favorite chicken. MW

INFO: 11am, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $5-$25. 429-6994.

FUNDRAISER GALA

MAD HATTERS BALL Step through the looking glass, drink the tea, and explore a world of wonder. This is no ordinary Fundraiser Gala for The 418 Project. This event will supply a whimsical evening of celebration that includes local musicians, surreal botanicals, special drinks and food, community magic, local drag artists, games and dancing. Put on your best Mad Hatter attire, costume, or simply come as you are. All the funds raised will go to equitable birth and family care. Every dance, every dollar, and every smiling face matter regardless of which tier of ticket is purchased. This is an accessible event that wants to celebrate and strengthen community connections. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE

INFO: 7pm, 418 Project, 155 S River St., Santa Cruz. $0-$150. 466-9770.

SUNDAY 12/14

SOUL

THE HEETERS With an effortlessly clear tone, vocalist Tom Quell brings romantic poetry to life. Written by himself and Lorenzo Loera, who shines on keys, their songs play with soulful riffs, creating dreamy ballads and jazzy serenades. Miles Blackwell on bass and Beaumont Beaullieu on drums hold together a tight form, letting melodies sail wistfully. Hailing from the Bay Area, The Heeters boast sharp three-part harmonies, catchy hooks, and a delightful, classic soul sound. Twinkly notes and funk R&B will have audiences swaying, snapping and singing along to The Heeters’ sweet sounds. SN

INFO: 8pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz $20/adv. $25/door, 479-1854.

FOLK

LOU HAZEL & ALEXA ROSE Two indie folk singer songwriters from Appalachia—each with beautiful voices and a knack for penning lyrics and music that are movingly human, sometimes fun and whimsical, sometimes longing and sad, oftentimes all these things at once—Lou Hazel & Alexa Rose are natural tourmates traveling the country to present an evening of intimate, soulful acoustic music. Hazel hails from Olean, a tiny city in western New York. Rose was raised in the even tinier railroad town of Clifton Forge, Virginia. KLJ

INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. $20. 704-7113.

Mex-Mas Cheer

Music

DNA

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December 10, 2025

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El Vez is an enigma wrapped in a gold lamé mariachi suit. Known worldwide as the Mexican Elvis (since 1988), he has famously toured with such musical icons as David Bowie, Kiss and Bob Dylan. And on Dec. 17, the nonstop touring impresario returns to Santa Cruz with his holiday show, a guaranteed Christmas Espectaculo that is both irreverent and oddly spiritually moving.

But more than all that, El Vez, aka Robert Lopez, is and always has been a revolutionary in music, fashion and lifestyle.

Growing up in boring Chula Vista, a suburban city south of San Diego, Lopez was part of the original seminal punk rock movement, playing alongside X and unbelievably with The Germs at their very first show (they were, notably, the first LA hardcore band to make a full-length album). “I started playing when I was 16 in a band called The Zeroes and we had a gig at The Whisky a Go Go,” says Lopez from the road, somewhere between gigs.

“We played with X, The Screamers, The Weirdos, Germs—I was all part of that. We did a couple records on Bump Records, singles, and it was great to be 16 and be part of punk rock. The early parts of punk rock, before it became all bullshit. It was a very creative time. And at 16, being an outcast in high school in Chula Vista, but having friends of likewise interest in LA was pretty great,” Lopez recalls like it was yesterday.

Though it’s a bit of a trope to say it, 1976 was a different world. No internet, no MTV, and no easy way to find out about the burgeoning youth arts culture, the new gender-busting music that was careening off the staid complacency that had settled into suburbia after the post-’60s turmoil.

“I liked art better,” Lopez says, reflecting on those heady times.

“I knew about John Waters. I knew about Salvador Dali, at that early age, and I wasn’t into sports. So it was a different time. My band was my cousin, a friend, and another member of The Zeroes, who is now my brother-in-law, because he married my sister.

“We’d read Circus Magazine and see, oh, there’s something going on in New York City. Oh, there’s something going on in England,” Lopez recalls. “There was a TV show called The Real Don Steele Show, I remember, in 1974, it was like an American Bandstand, only it was glitter rock bands, and so the New York Dolls were on there. I got to see the New York Dolls when I was 14 at an all-ages club, so I was aware of music.”

Starting in the early 1990s, Lopez’s alter ego, his “other,” El Vez, began doing Christmas shows. It satisfied a niche in the market for those who believe in holiday spirit but eschew all the corporate marketing that has infused the last months of every year. With three Christmas albums under his wide belt buckle, Lopez has something special for this run of shows. “It’s a rerelease of Merry Maximus, which was originally on CD, but will be on vinyl for these shows. It shows that traditional Christmas doesn’t have to be a white Christmas—it can be a brown,” Lopez says, laughing, which evinces a certain knowing that change is needed.

“There is a part of the show called The Unhappy Hour, because Christmas is always a year in review. El Vez can show the sad, but the message is to fight on and continue, and he gives hope,” Lopez stresses. And how can you not have hope when you see El Vez dressed with giant feathered wings, in a white sparkling jumpsuit?

“So there’ll be politics, but mostly fun and Christmas. And I got a great new band, The Centuries, that I really enjoy working with—it’s new youth injected into the show,” Lopez asserts.

Opening act Duderella is not to be missed, with LA’s stoner/punk in-your-face duo: vocalist-bassist Dan Reyes and drummer-synth wizard Chris Magallon. Come early, stay late, get your nog on and witness the future of music, evolution and revolution with El Vez.

El Vez and the Centuries will appear at 8pm on Dec. 17 at Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $20/adv, $25/door. moesalley.com

Federal Review Puts Vallejo Casino Project Back in Doubt

Gambling

David Fox

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December 10, 2025

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Federal Review Puts Vallejo Casino Project Back in Doubt

Published in cooperation between CardPlayer.com and Good Times

The long-running plan for a new casino in Vallejo faces fresh uncertainty after a recent move by the United States Department of the Interior. A letter sent to the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians signaled that the tribe’s earlier approval may rest on a legal mistake. The tribe had counted on that approval for contracts and planning, so the message hit hard. People living in the region tracked the project over time, observing each shift in the narrative and feeling interest rise. The latest federal directive forces a second pause for all parties, and everyone is left speculating about how the subsequent round will develop.

The Scotts Valley Band hopes to build on a 160-acre site near the meeting point of Interstate 80 and Highway 37. The tribe wants to create a $700-million project that includes a 24-hour casino, tribal offices, single-family homes, a large parking structure, and a 45-acre biological preserve. Supporters claim the site may create jobs and stir fresh activity in the area. The proposal, if approved, would bring more traffic into town and boost spending, and conversations so far with local officials have already indicated this outcome.

As the Vallejo project moves through each new round of review, some people look beyond local plans for opportunities like an offshore casino. These sites follow international rules, hold reputable global gambling licenses and cater to players from across the United States. They offer thousands of games, generous bonuses and easy payment options. With access that stays steady no matter where someone lives, they show how different the online space can feel while local projects wait for clear decisions.

The tribe began the process almost 10 years ago. Back in 2016, they asked the Department of the Interior to take the Vallejo site into trust and to confirm whether the land could host gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. That act sets rules for when a tribe can open a casino on land taken into trust by the federal government.

In general, lands taken into trust after 1988 cannot be used for gaming unless they meet certain exceptions. One of those exceptions involves restored recognition. If a tribe once lost recognition and later regained it, the land connected to that renewed status may qualify for gaming.

This is where the argument began and where it continues today. Opposing tribes say the Vallejo plot does not meet the criteria for restored land. In their view, the Scotts Valley Band doesn’t have a strong enough heritage link to that location, and they point out that the first approval was based on a courtroom slip.

The Department of the Interior agreed with that perspective back in 2019. Because the agency felt the tribe’s ties to the land weren’t strong enough, unlike the Amah Mutsun Tribe and other tribes, it refused the request.

September 2022 saw a federal court undo the previous decision. The court heard that the agency broke its own guidelines when it reached the 2019 decision, the judge said. Judicial orders require the department to give the matter another look. It’s a hard-won success for the tribe, which revived the project’s momentum.

In January this year, the department granted trust status and acknowledged that the site may be eligible for gaming thanks to the restored lands exception. This was the very first clear green light the tribe had ever seen. The Scotts Valley Band put the contracts in place, funneled the required money and then started the first phase of a big plan that had been on hold for a long time.

The whole picture flipped in March 2025. The approval was suddenly rescinded by the new administration. It noted that the study lacks sufficient evidence. This created renewed doubt and led the tribe to claim that the federal agency acted without giving them a fair chance to respond.

In October 2025, a judge backed the tribe’s stance on the issue. The court said the department had not given proper notice before taking away the January approval. Though the judgment left the approval untouched, it compelled the agency to start the assessment over and stick to the complete set of rules. This created a narrow win for the tribe, since the review could still end with a denial, but had to be handled the right way.

The letter sent on or around Dec. 3 signaled the next stage. The department told the Scotts Valley Band that the original approval might contain a legal error related to questions about gaming eligibility. It also said the agency would move quickly to finish the new review. The letter explained that the agency must follow the steps set out by the court to ensure fair treatment. It confirmed that the earlier approval cannot be relied upon until the new review is complete.

For the tribe, this is another emotional turn, as leaders who have overcome many hurdles still trust that the January 2025 green light will hold and want the agency to stand by its decision, while neighboring tribes, including the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, United Auburn Indian Community and Lytton Rancheria, argue the site does not meet federal requirements, fear a Vallejo casino will siphon patrons from their venues, and say the Scotts Valley Band’s legal record does not firmly link them to the property.

Now, all eyes are on Vallejo. Some anticipate the chance of fresh activity downtown, arguing the development may lift retail sales across the whole county. On the other hand, there are concerns raised about the added cars, the way the area might be developed and the potential environmental fallout. The planned biological preserve is meant to ease some of those concerns, like reconnecting with the land, yet the full plan has not reached a point where construction can begin.

Twelve Bites of Christmas

Cover Stories

Mark C. Anderson

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December 10, 2025

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Maybe you are holding out hope your true love is going to give to you 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and one chaste partridge in a pear tree.

Partly because being given seven female dancers and eight milk maids hasn’t aged well, I’m taking a different holiday tack.

Instead of crossing fingers and wish-casting ahead, I’m glancing back at a full dozen delicious developments that already qualify as 2025 gifts.

Though I could use a few drummers drumming to furnish a drum roll for my list, appearing here in ascending order of awesomeness.

12. Insomnia Cookies

True to its name, this spot honors after-hours cravings as late as 3am with indulgent options out of a strategic downtown spot (1010 Pacific Ave., Suites C&D). The cookie options are expansive and inventive—more than 20 total—with brownies, ice cream and custom ice cream cookie sandwiches too. insomniacookies.com

11. Cliffside Coffee Bar

The year’s smallest new food-and-drink debut also commands one of the coolest locations (Pleasure Point Park). The espresso stars, complemented by matcha, cider, lattes and pastries. instagram.com/cliffsidecoffeebar/

10. The Foodlab + The Landing + Vin Vivant

This new wine bar-food truck concept lies a little beyond Santa Cruz County (7990 Hwy 1, Moss Landing) boundaries but earns inclusion for a dynamite duality of vino tasting destination curated by sommelier Ryan Cooley and soft-shell crab sandwiches and crave-level burgers from chef Todd Williamson. Meanwhile, Cooley teams with Michelin-honored wine mind John Haffey on Vin Vivant in the old Capitola Wine Bar (115 San Jose Ave. #G).

A plated stack of Food Lab’s artichoke ensalada topped with crispy shoestring potatoes and herbs. — **HEART OF THE MATTER** The artichoke ensalada russa at **The Foodlab** comes topped with red pepper almond mousse, capers, toasted hazelnuts and shoestring fries. PHOTO: Mark C. Anderson

9. Gabrielita Tamaleria

The authentic Oaxacan food that makes Gabriella Cafe a hit takes on a smaller, newer, more laidback form featuring the chicken mole, black bean, chile rojo and pork verde invoked in the name, plus burritos. The January debut doesn’t have a social media page, its own website, or even an address, but it does have an admirable spot for its kiosk (on Pacific Avenue, in front of Bookshop Santa Cruz near the Lincoln Street intersection).

8. Emilie and the Frenchies

In April, Aptos got a francophile-friendly infusion of espresso, breakfast tartness, Niçoise salad and sandwiches in the form of a bakery-cafe in the former Carried Away (7564 Soquel Drive), across the street from the updated Aptos Public LibraryCo-owner Céline Molière sums up the cute pin-striped spot succinctly. “It’s a French cafe that is affordable, generous, healthy, and not fussy,” she says. emilieandthefrenchies.com

7. Mad Yolks #2

The Pacific Avenue institution now has a Pleasure Point sibling (830 41st Ave.) with familiar DNA: egg-loaded Mad Chick fried chicken sandwiches, breakfast burgers, and the best selling B.A.E. (thick cut bacon, avocado, soft scrambled egg, plus extra sharp cheddar, caramelized onions and spicy aioli). That opened in July, and Mad Yolks went on to add a San Jose spot in November (1087 Meridian Ave #40). madyolks.com

6. Salty Otter Sports Grill

Longtime Santa Cruz resident and industry pro Rachael Carla Smith remembers when 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall was a bustling tap house in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz. In spring she introduced the Otter (110 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz) after years nurturing The Salty Seal Brewpub on Cannery Row. It’s an honest-to-Goddess sports bar with 30 taps, billiards table, dog-friendly patio and menu, with classics like calamari, Gilroy garlic fries, clam chowder, big burgers, fish ’n’ chips and your game on the telly. saltyottersportsgrill.com

Wooden booths inside The Salty Otter with a large black-and-white Santa Cruz Wharf mural covering the wall. — **FRESH PERSPECTIVE** The Salty Otter deploys a dope drone photo wallpaper of Santa Cruz Pier and a rare Late Night Menu with air-fried corndogs, dips and chowders, starting at $5. PHOTO: Mark C. Anderson

5. Fusion Fare Restaurant

Szechuan heat zings up items like crispy pepper chicken, fried eggplant and red-oil dumplings at centrally located Fusion Fare (1003 Cedar St., Santa Cruz). Other goodies worth a gander include tofu rainbow salad, peppercorn stir fry salad, braised chicken and Szechuan street burger. fusionfarerestaurant.com

4. Silver Spur #2

The Live Oak legend has thrived for decades on the strength of its breakfast-lunch lineup of big omelets, scrambles, waffles and special Spur sandwiches. Its sequel premiered in spring in Watsonville’s East Lake Village (1040 E Lake Ave.) with the same seasoned team—namely longtime SS cook Juan Valencia and his son Danny Govea—directing operations. instagram.com/silverspurranchco

3. La Bahia Hotel & Spa

Long-awaited La Bahia Hotel & Spa (215 Beach St., Santa Cruz) gives the Boardwalk-adjacent destination no fewer than four on-premise possibilities. High Tide channels elevated Pacific Rim flavors and a great view. Low Tide travels more casual but retains the island tropicality. Pearl cocktail bar invokes London sensibilities. Plunge does poolside dining with ceviches and smash burgers. At the August ribbon cutting, Mayor Fred Keeley called the overall operation, crowned by its tiled bell tower, “a new benchmark in our community.” labahiahotel.com

2. D20 Pizza

Talk about a potent combination. This summertime debut, in the former Burger (1520 Mission St., Santa Cruz), does some outstanding Detroit-style pizza, and pairs it with a wealth of board games. The pies go 8 by 10 inches and range from cup pepperoni to Almost Maui to Nana’s Pesto Pesto; the games cover even more ground, leaping from Ticket to Ride to Far East classic Go to Dungeons & Dragons, whose iconic 20-sided die inspired the pizzeria’s name. instagram.com/d20pizza

1. Mane Kitchen & Cocktails

Led by two astrological Leos in chef Desmond Schneider and mixologist Julianna Mireles, Mane roared into downtown Santa Cruz on Halloween, occupying what was Betty’s Eat In (1222 Pacific Ave.), with an overhauled look and multidimensional appeal. The decor leans contemporary chic. The bistro fare explores coastal Californian-French-Mediterranean flavors with an emphasis on Monterey Bay seafood and Santa Cruz produce. The drinks get creative and memorable. No partridges or pears needed. manekc.com

Taco Tradition

Foodie File

Andrew Steingrube

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December 10, 2025

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A mere one-minute walk to and a stone’s throw away from the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and ocean, Las Palmas Taco Bar opened in 1955 and has been in its current location since 1975. Ron Méndez and his father Rick are the owners. Ron started there over 20 years ago as a cashier and worked his way up, doing everything from cleaning to prepping and cooking the food.

The ambiance is colorful and vibrant, with indoor/outdoor seating and a big-screen TV for sports and movies. Ron says the food menu features Jalisco-born recipes, blending traditional Mexican favorites with American touches. The offerings are headlined by the heritage crispy tacos, filled with ground beef, shredded beef or chicken, plus lettuce, homemade spicy red salsa and their famous dry Monterey Jack cheese.

Proteins include carne asada, chili verde, chili Colorado, chorizo and carnitas. And the beverage side is held down by homemade horchata and local fountain drinks.

Customer receiving a plate of food at the counter from staff at Las Palmas Taco Bar in Santa Cruz. — **FAMILY RUN** Stan Welsh (left) receives his shredded beef taco with rice and beans from Las Palmas Taco Bar proprietors Ron and Rick Mendez. Photo: Tarmo Hannula

What has kept the business successful for 70 years?

Other sabroso selections include a chimichanga burrito, loaded deluxe nachos and super quesadillas, and a popular veggie burrito (recommended spicy) with rice, beans, sour cream, guac and a battered and fried cheese-stuffed chile relleno.

RON MÉNDEZ: It starts with great work ethic and then passion, love and the grace of God. The restaurant has been in the family for four generations, started by my great-grandfather, originally inspired by his cooking and especially his perfected-over-time ground beef recipe that we still use today. Both locals and people from all around the world have been to Las Palmas. I think our food, ambiance and world-class location really mean a lot to people and leave an impression that is now multigenerational. One of our customers even got a tattoo of our coordinates because she is such a superfan.

Tell me more about the crispy tacos.

It all started with the ground beef tacos that we’ve been serving for our entire 70-year history. And 50 years ago, the shredded beef and chicken options made their debut and decided to stay. These tacos really have a fan-based following and people often argue over which is best. But they are all really delicious—the way the meat is prepared combined with the cheese creates a deeply savory and memorable gotta-have-more experience.

55 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1220; laspalmastacobar.com

Path to Literacy

Kristen McLaughlin

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December 10, 2025

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We’re well into the annual Santa Cruz Gives fundraising event, which runs until Dec. 31. Below, Good Times writer Kristen McLaughlin tells the story behind the nonprofit organization Live Like Coco, one of the 72 nonprofit organizations participating in Santa Cruz Gives. Following that, other nonprofits share their “elevator pitch,” explaining what they plan to do with the money they raise. To donate to any of these local groups, visit santacruzgives.org.

A rainbow-covered bookmobile is the latest addition to Live Like Coco, a local nonprofit helping kids in the Santa Cruz County area grow up happy, healthy and with opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Formed in 2016, Live Like Coco Foundation not only gets books into the hands of students who need them, it also strengthens the idea that a book is a gift. Focused entirely on literacy, the program connects with school librarians to provide every student at participating schools with a free book on their birthday. As the cornerstone of the Foundation, the books now reach approximately 6,000 K-6 students in 12 schools across the County.

The foundation is named in memory of Colette “Coco” Lazenby, a self-described “book lover, cat petter and environmentalist” who was killed in a car accident in August 2015 at age 12. Coco’s parents, Kate Pavao and Aaron Lazenby, started the foundation to honor her love of reading and community.

Coco was born in San Francisco, where she attended Maria Montessori of the Golden Gate and Adda Clevenger schools. After moving to Aptos in 2008, Coco attended Orchard School Santa Cruz Montessori and Pacific Coast Charter School.

Coco connected with many community activities during her short time here. She played the role of Dorothy in All About Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz. She sang with the Cabrillo Youth Chorus and performed with the Watsonville Taiko drumming group. She volunteered with Save Our Shores, the Homeless Garden Project and Team in Training. She loved nature and the outdoors, fostered cats and kittens through Animal Shelter Relief, and had her own pet-sitting business. She knew that whatever she did, she wanted to have lots of rescue animals in her life.

She was also a voracious reader, particularly fond of fantasy series, such as Harry Potter, Maximum Ride and The Hunger Games.

Birthday Books from Coco currently serves 12 area schools: Del Mar Elementary, Gault Elementary, Freedom Elementary, Green Acres Elementary, Hall District Elementary, Live Oak Elementary, Mar Vista Elementary, Ohlone, Radcliff, Soquel, Starlight and Valencia elementary schools.

“I look forward each month to share the excitement Coco brings to our students and school,” says Alma Rodriguez, librarian at Soquel Elementary School for 15 years. “When students returned to the library after Thanksgiving break, the first thing they were asking for was Coco books. ‘It’s my birthday month,’ they said. ‘Will I be getting a Coco book?’”

Launched in 2024, the bookmobile is building a culture of reading, one book at a time, especially in underserved communities. In 2026, Live Like Coco hopes to expand its reach and spark even more young imaginations by bringing bookmobile to even more events year-round. Studies show that putting books in the hands of marginalized populations can help shrink the achievement gap and create lifelong learners.

Santa Cruz Gives donations will pay for a driver, operating cost of the bookmobile for four hours per event, and new books—especially books kids love, such as Dog Man and The Baby-Sitters Club. The organization expects to attend one community event each month, so that all students are gifted with a book of their own choosing.

Volunteers also place Little Free Libraries around the county, including at the Homeless Garden Project, Seacliff Village County Park and Pinto Lake County Park. In addition, they participate in beach cleanups with Save Our Shores.

Nonprofit Organizations Benefiting Local Children

Activities 4 All—“This Watsonville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2010, is dedicated to providing high-quality recreational, artistic and cultural programs at accessible prices. We serve low-income, migrant and Spanish-speaking families through affordable, culturally rooted programs such as soccer, Mexican folklórico dance, and the Ilusión Music Academy. Through these authentic arts and sports experiences, Activities4All fosters confidence, discipline and cultural pride in youth.” —Ose Camacho

Birds of a Feather Tutoring—“Run by an experienced queer teacher, Birds of a Feather offers individualized academic tutoring sessions designed to embrace the unique and precious experience of each LGBTQ+ student providing them the support they need to thrive academically and in their lives. No matter who is creating the national policies, we remain steadfast, present, and ready to support queer youth in Santa Cruz County with their academic needs.” —Kris Kifer

Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County—“For over 55 years, the Club has been a place where local kids find the things that help them thrive, regardless of what is happening at home. Caring mentors, warm free meals, daily homework help, arts, sports, and music. As Santa Cruz builds new housing to accommodate the influx of new families waiting for affordable places to live, the Club will be ready to serve and welcome the next generation of Santa Cruz youth and families, helping them to achieve their great futures as caring, productive and responsible citizens. Scholarships are key to this, and local donors help us meet the rising need!” —Andrew Cunningham, director of development

Camp Opportunity—“Eight-year-old John doesn’t know his next meal, whether he will go to school, or how to swim. For one summer week, he gets three meals a day, picks classes like archery or Legos, and is able to learn to swim at Camp Opportunity, all for free. Thirty-six years later, John is our camp director, giving at-risk youth the same healing, fun, free week of camp he loved as a young boy!” —Jasmine Glenn, Camp Opportunity

Coastal Kids Home Care—“California’s only nonprofit pediatric home health agency serving Northern California improves the lives of children facing illness, injury, developmental delays, and end-of-life care. … We help medically fragile children live their best lives at home, providing expert medical care and unwavering support to them and their families. Meet Christopher, a 12-year-old from Aptos with Morquio A Syndrome, one of many children we serve in our community facing medical challenges so complex that each day demands extraordinary strength—and every smile is a sign of resilience.” —Savanna Harris, development specialist

Free Books for Kids—“Want to see a kid’s face light up? Watch that child choose a free book that they can take home and keep forever. Free Books for Kids has done this thousands of times in the past 11 years, keeping quality used books out of the landfill and putting them in the hands of children, where they belong.” —Pamela Randall, director

Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance, Inc.—“Did you know PVPSA is the only nonprofit in Watsonville solely dedicated to serving the behavioral health needs of children, families and youth? … We created Juntos Sanando/Healing Together, a Mental Health Awareness Day that brings families together for mental health education, wellness activities, guided art activities, resources and linkages to care, and shared meals. Last year, over 300 community members joined us. With your support, we can expand these services and make an even bigger impact in 2026, helping Watsonville heal, together.” —Jasmine N. Nájera, LCSW, chief executive officer

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery—“Families are drowning in Santa Cruz’s sky-high cost of living, and the switch to universal TK created an unexpected summer care gap for 4- to 5-year-olds with few county options. The Children’s Museum of Discovery scholarship fund through Santa Cruz Gives will ensure young children access to high-quality summer education and care, solving a critical childcare need while parents work to keep up with rising costs.”

Youth Resource Bank—“Too many children in Santa Cruz County face unmet needs that limit not only their potential but also our community’s shared future. We fill those gaps with whatever the youth need to be successful: This may include fees for camps, school fees, a class ring, sports equipment, specialized shoes, and gift cards for retail or grocery stores that will address specific needs. When you donate to Youth Resource Bank, you are not just giving. You are investing in the resilience of our youth, in the health of families. … Together, we can ensure that small acts of generosity become the spark that changes a child’s life forever.” —Jo Ann Allen, vice chair

Tracks Derailed

Todd Guild

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December 10, 2025

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The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) on Thursday approved a plan to develop an interim bicycle and pedestrian trail on segments 9–11 of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line from San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz to State Park Drive in Aptos.

Thursday’s 7-5 vote—which came after a six-hour meeting—means that a temporary trail will be built on top of the existing tracks, as opposed to the “ultimate” design of a trail running parallel to the existing rail line.

Segment 8, located along Beach Street in Santa Cruz, will continue to be developed in the ultimate trail configuration.

The decision fell short of trail-only advocates’ hopes for so-called rail banking, which would have meant removal of the tracks to be ostensibly replaced when funding materializes.

The plan was a combined effort of commissioners Fred Keeley—Santa Cruz’s mayor—and Manu Koenig, who holds the First District seat on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

This significant change in direction—County residents in 2022 soundly rejected Measure D that would have required the county to focus on a trial-only model—came after the RTC’s acceptance of the Zero-Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) Project Concept Report in October, which identified significant capital and operating costs of more than $4.5 billion for future rail service, envisioned as a long-term project for our region.

Those costs have been a significant sticking point in the controversial issue that has divided the county.

Supporters of the rail-trail envision a future of a cross-county passenger rail system that could connect to the Bay Area rail lines and points beyond, as an adjacent trail would allow for walkers and bikers.

But opponents to the Coastal Rail Trail plan point to the astronomical $4.5 billion price tag, which includes replacing rails and several bridges, including the Capitola trestle.

The RTC has also been criticized for paying nearly $575,000 to Raleigh, N.C.-based engineering, planning, and design consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates from 2017-2019, and another $640,000 to architecture, engineering, and environmental and construction services to Nebraska-based consultant HDR Engineering, Inc. in 2020-21.

In addition, the RTC has shelled out more than $960,000 in labor costs from 2023-26.

The move away from a rail-trail model was necessary, RTC staff says, to reduce project costs and save grant funding for the Coastal Rail Trail, which otherwise would be eliminated or substantially reduced.

This includes a $96 million state grant that could be rescinded if the state doesn’t begin segments 8–11, from Santa Cruz to State Park Drive in Aptos, by June 2027.

RTC Staff says that estimated construction costs have increased significantly from the original estimate of $500 million, and the previously planned ultimate plan for Segments 9-11 cannot be delivered within existing funding, timelines, and grant requirements.

“Grant funds come with strict requirements and timelines, and failure to advance a buildable project within those timelines could result in the loss of significant public funds,” said RTC Executive Director Sarah Christensen. “The Interim Trail configuration ensures that construction can begin on time, opening the public corridor for near-term active transportation use, delivering grant benefits of enhancing safety, access, and mobility, while maintaining the possibility of future passenger rail service.”

At Thursday’s meeting, the Commission directed staff to continue seeking full funding for the ZEPRT project’s next step, which would be completion of preliminary engineering and environmental review.

The Commission directed staff to return within two months with a proposal to allow the construction of the Interim Trail without the need for adverse abandonment of the freight easement or railbanking.

But the decision does not mean the RTC has abandoned plans for a rail-trail.

The commission also approved a resolution of support for future passenger rail and continued partnership with the Caltrans Division of Rail on Corridor Identification and Development, which aligns with the 2024 State Rail Plan.

“The Interim Trail is designed so that the corridor remains preserved for potential future passenger rail service, consistent with the State Rail Plan and ongoing participation in the federal Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) program,” Christensen said. “This step would also preserve existing freight for the customers being served along the branch line’s southernmost three miles in Watsonville.”

In addition, staff was told to prepare the final design and actions to implement the Interim Trail on Coastal Rail Trail Projects as expeditiously as possible, and additionally requested that staff investigate a design alternative that does not require the removal of the tracks.

Staff will also look into retrofitting the Capitola Trestle for bicycle and pedestrian use either as part of the project already under development or as a separate future project.

For information, visit sccrtc.org.

For the Holidays, Give Friends a Truly Local Experience

Cover Stories

Elizabeth Borelli

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December 10, 2025

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For the Holidays, Give Friends a Truly Local Experience

If you’ve ever stared at a gift list thinking, They don’t need more stuff, you are not alone. More and more of us are ditching material gifts in favor of memories—the kind that come with laughter, fresh air, salt spray, music, candlelight, creativity, even inner peace.

Here in Santa Cruz, we’re lucky. Experience gifts are everywhere, from ocean adventures and wine-tasting afternoons to weekend retreats and candlelit concerts that feel like stepping into a dream. So this holiday season, here are some of the most delightful, local and totally unforgettable gifts you can give.

Kayaking at Elkhorn Slough

A naturalist’s dream, and one of the most peaceful adventures you can give. The slough is a 7-mile-long estuary and otter sanctuary, home to hundreds of otters, along with countless species of birds, marine animals and plants. It’s an easy, beginner-level paddle through glassy waters as the otters play nearby. This is the kind of experience that reminds you how extraordinary our own backyard is. $95 for a double kayak | kayakconnection.com/elkhorn-slough/

Chardonnay Sailing Adventure

Whether you choose a sunset cruise or join the iconic Wednesday night race sail, gifting a seat aboard the Chardonnay is gifting pure Santa Cruz fun. Think sea breeze, local wine, good company and a front-row view of the coastline we never get tired of. For the adventurous or the romantic—better yet, both. From $76.59 | chardonnay.com

A Day of Retreat at Mount Madonna

No flights required. A visit to Mount Madonna Retreat Center is the perfect reset: towering redwoods, mountaintop views, meditation spaces, hiking trails, and peaceful, unplugged time. Gift a day pass or an inclusive and potentially life-changing weekend retreat—perfect for anyone longing for stress reduction, clarity or an opportunity for guided self-reflection. Price varies | mountmadonna.org/calendar

Golf Lessons at Pasatiempo

For the golfer (or the someday golfer), a lesson at Pasatiempo Golf Club is next-level. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, it’s one of the top courses in the world, right here in Santa Cruz. Whether beginner or seasoned player, this gift feels luxe, memorable and tailored. From $80 | pasatiempo.com/golf/golf-lesson-fees

Patio with pond and plants — CLUTTER-FREE GIFTS 1440’s Lunch & Learn series blends nourishing food with wellness experiences like breathwork, meditation and sound baths. PHOTO: Elizabeth Borelli

‘Lunch & Learn’ at 1440 Multiversity

Give the gift of a midday reset. 1440’s Lunch & Learn series blends nourishing food with wellness experiences like breathwork, meditation and sound baths. The eco-designed redwood campus itself is worth the trip. It’s perfect for someone who wants to try something new, deepen their wellness practice, or simply take a few hours to breathe. $125 | Choose from a variety of programs | 1440.org/events

Westside Wine Tasting Walk

No need to drive to Napa when we have award-winning wines right here in Santa Cruz, zero planning required: Head to Fair Avenue, park once, and spend the afternoon exploring the wineries. Some favorites include Stockwell Cellars, Silver Mountain Winery and Bottle Jack Winery. Pair your tasting with walkable eats from El Sacheiro charcuterie or Fonda Felix empanadas (order at the walk-up iPad window)—then finish the day with a full meal at Bantam or Venus. Simply plan the outing and present an itinerary wrapped with a bow.

Salsa Dancing at Palomar Ballroom

For the one who’s always wanted to learn the moves, or the couple who needs more fun in their week. Salsa lessons at Palomar Ballroom are joyful, energizing and beginner-friendly. Bonus: dancing is linked to better mood, memory and heart health. This is wellness disguised as fun. $60 for three-class series | palomarballroom.com

Paint-and-Sip Night at The Painted Cork

Give the gift of creativity, no experience required. The Painted Cork offers guided painting nights where guests sip wine, laugh, and leave with a personal masterpiece. Great for friends, couples, coworkers, or anyone who needs a playful night out. paintedcork.com/calendar/classes-and-events

Candlelight Concerts: A Valentine’s Classic, Elevated

Imagine stepping into a room bathed in warm candlelight, where a string quartet plays everything from Vivaldi to Queen. Santa Cruz’s Candlelight Concerts are one of the most romantic gifts in town—immersive, intimate, and totally transportive. If your Valentine swoons over live music, loves a moody aesthetic, or simply needs an evening that feels like a deep exhale, this is the ticket. February 14 | feverup.com/en/santa-cruz/candlelight

The best part? These gifts don’t end up in the landfill. Experience gifts create stories, not clutter. They support local businesses, encourage connection, and make people feel truly seen.

Whether your person loves adventure, creativity, wine, movement or deep relaxation, Santa Cruz has something extraordinary to offer.

And who knows, maybe they’ll bring you along!

Holiday Entertaining: Keep It Cozy, Keep It Local

Cover Stories

Elizabeth Borelli

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December 10, 2025

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Holiday Entertaining: Keep It Cozy, Keep It Local

Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to mean immaculate tablescapes, elaborate menus or perfectly matched plates. In Santa Cruz, we do things a little differently. We lean into warmth, creativity and community with a hint of coastal quirk. Forget Martha Stewart—the recipe for a memorable gathering starts with setting a theme, asking guests to bring something they love, and filling in the rest with local flavors that tell a story all their own.

This year, consider a theme that captures the season without tipping into tinsel overload. Think Winter by the Sea, Homegrown Holidays or Mediterranean Solstice—a nod to bright citrus, good olive oil and the comforting warmth of spices. A theme is less about rules and more about a vibe, a playful prompt that pulls everything together from décor to dishes.

Once you’ve set the tone, let the menu become a team effort. Asking guests to bring a favorite dish isn’t just practical; it builds connection. Instead of a potluck free-for-all, invite everyone to choose something that fits the theme or reflects a holiday memory. A favorite soup. A family-recipe dessert. A salad inspired by a recent farmers’ market haul. And let them know they don’t even have to make it. If they’re willing to brave the line at Gayle’s, more power to them, and you! Choose a beautiful main dish or a signature cocktail, and let your guests bring the color, creativity and the conversation pieces.

The best part? In Santa Cruz, we’re spoiled for locally sourced shortcuts that make hosting genuinely stress-free. Need a centerpiece cheese board? Shopper’s Corner or Cheese Shop 831 in Capitola has you covered with everything from truffle brie to perfectly aged goudas. For something more homegrown, swing by Bargetto Vineyards or Birichino for a vintage to warm up a crisp winter evening.

If your theme leans Mediterranean, stop by Companion Bakeshop for a loaf of naturally leavened sourdough that instantly elevates any meal. Add in some Tuscan herb olive oil and fig balsamic vinegar from True Olive Connection and you’ve upgraded simple ingredients into a small feast. For dessert, few things beat the macarons or honey cake from Sugar Bakery in Soquel—easy to plate, impossible to resist.

For the cooks who prefer shortcuts (no shame here), Zoccoli’s Deli carries local favorites like house-made dips, colorful salads and grab-and-go entrées that blend seamlessly into a home-hosted meal. And for an extra festive touch, pick up a bouquet or table greens from Far West Nursery, where the winter foliage is as inspiring as it is fragrant.

When the evening arrives, remember that the magic isn’t in perfection, it’s in atmosphere. Dim the lights, spark a few candles, put on some mellow holiday jazz, and let the afternoon or evening unfold at its own pace. With a thoughtful theme, good local ingredients, and dishes made (and chosen) with love, what you’re really serving is presence. Connection. A moment to exhale in the middle of a season that too often asks us to rush.

This year, let entertaining be easy. Let it feel like Santa Cruz.

Good TimesGood Times

Good TimesGood Times

THURSDAY 12/11

JAZZ FUSION

INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $52. 427-2227.

BLUES

INFO: 7pm, The Landing, 251-B Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley. $38. 479-9421.

FRIDAY 12/12

EXPERIMENTAL

INFO: 8:30pm, Indexical, 1050 River St. #119, Santa Cruz. $16. (509) 627-9491.

THEATRE

INFO: 7pm, Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz. $20. 431-8666.

HIP HOP

INFO: 9pm, Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $41-$52. 713-5492.

SATURDAY 12/13

KIDS

INFO: 11am, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $5-$25. 429-6994.

FUNDRAISER GALA

INFO: 7pm, 418 Project, 155 S River St., Santa Cruz. $0-$150. 466-9770.

SUNDAY 12/14

SOUL

INFO: 8pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz $20/adv. $25/door, 479-1854.

FOLK

INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. $20. 704-7113.