Music for the Solstice

Christina Waters

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December 10, 2025

Inventive, engaging and an out-and-out performance romp, the latest collection of Opera Project arias and vocal superpowers lit up the Woodhouse Brewery last month. A clever concept. Matching the voices of performers with flights of well-made craft beers (the IPA and the chocolate stout were outstanding!), from lightest to darkest/deepest, the afternoon offered a high-energy outpouring of opera and music comedy delights.

Singers Lori Schulman and Jordan Best—the Project co-founders—were joined by tenors Jorge Torrez and Alex Cook, bass Edward Tavalian and mezzo Solmaaz Adeli taking turns seducing the full house with sprightly offerings from Hamilton, The Magic Flute, Les Miserables, Faust, et al. All were accompanied smartly by Shannon d’Antonio on violin and Daniel Goldsmith on piano. Outstanding one and all, but most memorable for me included Tavalian’s shamelessly bravura rendering of “I Am a Pirate King” by Gilbert & Sullivan. And the shimmering legato of Jordan Best with Vilja’s song from The Merry Widow. Her gorgeous voice produced chills. Torrez’s deeply expressive “Dear Theodosia” from Hamilton had me in tears. Wow, just wow. The Project, fueled by the effervescence of Schulman, continues to attract new admirers of all ages, leaning into the accessibility of light opera—the beginning steps just before Verdi, Puccini, and…Wagner. Watch for their next performance! santacruzoperaproject.org.

Orchestra musicians rehearsing — Santa Cruz Youth Symphony rehearses with conductor Nathaniel Berman. PHOTO: Michael Cinque

SC Youth Symphony Wows

Congratulations to the musicians of the Santa Cruz Youth Symphony. The professionals of tomorrow gave a polished and utterly enjoyable concert at UCSC’s Recital Hall last week. In his 15th year as music director, Nathanial Berman knows how to elicit the very best from his 40 young musicians. They worked their way confidently through an ambitious evening. Wisely programming music both challenging yet accessible to his players, Berman has developed his players’ technical skills through classical masterworks they clearly enjoy performing. For me the surprise was a suite of highlights from the hit movie Wicked. A blend of pops and classical, the intricate selections composed by Stephen Schwartz and arranged by Ted Ricketts was diverse enough in style and orchestration to show off the colors of each section—brass, percussion, strings, and woodwinds. Soaring and playful, the Wicked excerpts led to my favorite of the night, a vigorous dispatch of two movements from Dvořák’s brooding and heroic New World Symphony. Special praise for pianist Matthew Mather and Amiel Goodman, whose sensitive flute embroidered the Dvořák. Impressive. And they’ve got another big concert in the spring.

Chorale Carols the Season

The mighty Santa Cruz Chorale will present its Winter Concert under the baton of maestro Christian Grube on Dec. 20–21 at Holy Cross Church. Honoring the Yuletide season, the program offers an enchanting array of carols from around the world—Lithuania, Germany, Spain, Estonia, England, as well as some beloved works the audience might fondly recall from childhood Christmases past. Joining the worldwide celebration of the 90th birthday of legendary Estonian luminary Arvo Pärt, the Chorale will present Pärt’s Magnificat, composed for Christian Grube and his Berlin boys’ choir. Plus the stunning O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridson. To celebrate the centennial of American composer Kirke Mechem, the Chorale will present three pieces displaying Mechem’s unexpected and beautiful key progressions. In the gorgeous acoustics of Holy Cross Church, this stunning concert will open hearts to the spirit of the season. santacruzchorale.org

Smokin’ Hot Scoville Units

The rhythms of Brazil syncopated their way through sensuous music by Jon Scoville that had the packed Kuumbwa crowd hoppin’ on Nov. 14. To honor composer Scoville’s incredible career as a world music jazz creator, Tandy Beal & Company joined forces with Kuumbwa to produce an unprecedented display of powerhouse musical chops. The opening tour de force of Brazilian-inspired thunder absolutely brought down the house. Mambo and bossa nova flowed through many of these cross-cultural tapestries of progressive chords and alternative timing. In other pieces, such as Selabrise, the influence of Scoville’s studies in Java and India sifted up through the energy of one of the best bands ever put together in this town.

Musician on stage with horns surrounded by other players with the audience looking on — BRAZILIAN-INSPIRED THUNDER John Scoville and friends played Nov. 14 at Kuumbwa.

Keeping the percussion edgy and loaded with texture was Steve Robertson on a pulsating array of congas, gongs, scrapers, tambourines, maracas, woodblocks, you name it. Keeping it all driving was Dillon Vado on drums. Art Khu on piano simply dazzled, working through Scoville’s astonishing repertoire with Yale-trained classical chops as well as some awesome jazz improv. Dave McNab unleashed smokin’ hot rock ’n’ roll riffs on Outhood, among others, while Michael Wilcox on electric bass nailed down every moment.

Charlie McCarthy’s suite of woodwinds showed off his long career working with giants of pop song. Mark Pascucci-Clifford worked the vibraphone into a new dimension, practically levitating with sexy invention. Arranger and keyboard ace Jeffrey Gaeto kept the ensemble on track. After only four rehearsals of this complex music the group of Bay Area all-stars provided superb interpretation of Scoville’s finest. Let’s just say that everybody in the whole place—from audience, old friends (a who’s who of local music honchos), the musicians themselves, and the composer—was blown away. Kudos to all.

Tons of Toxics at Moss Landing

Brad Kava

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December 3, 2025

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Researchers monitoring effects on wildlife

Longterm effects from two-day fire. Photo: Tarmo Hannula

Staff report

Editor’s note: This story came in part from a report by San Jose State University Professor of Marine Geology Ivano Aiello for the website The Conversation

The Jan. 16 fire at the Vistra battery energy storage plant in Moss Landing spewed an estimated 25 metric tons—55,000 pounds—of heavy metals into the air, which were deposited across roughly half a square mile of wetlands around Elkhorn Slough.

That’s according to a report published Monday by San Jose State University Professor of Marine Geology Ivano Aiello on the website The Conversation.

Based on the amount of batteries that burned, roughly 1,000 to 1,400 metric tons of cathode material could have been carried into the smoke plume. What researchers found in local wetlands represents about 2% of what may have been released, Aiello said.

The fire burned for days, with thick black smoke spreading over farm fields and into neighborhoods. Residents reported a variety of maladies, such as headaches and respiratory problems.

The Environmental Protection Agency declared that the air quality met federal standards, but Aiello released an initial study in January that showed high levels of heavy metals in the soil.

“The smoke plume from the fire … released not just hazardous gases such as hydrogen fluoride but also soot and charred fragments of burned batteries that landed for miles around,” Aiello wrote. “The batteries’ metal fragments, often too tiny to see with the naked eye, didn’t disappear. They continue to be remobilized in the environment today.”

Aiello said that the metals can be a serious hazard for wildlife.

“These metals bioaccumulate, building up through the food chain,” he wrote. “The metals in marsh soils can be taken up by worms and small invertebrates, which are eaten by fish, crabs or shorebirds, and eventually by top predators such as sea otters or harbor seals.

Aiello’s group is now tracking the bioaccumulation in Elkhorn Slough’s shellfish, crabs and fish.

“Because uptake varies among species and seasons, the effect of the metals on ecosystems will take months or years to emerge,” he wrote.

Santa Cruz County is considering building another battery plant in Watsonville.

Letters

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

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December 3, 2025

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VETERANS NEED HELP

My name is Dave Ramos, a U.S. Army Veteran and Managing Director of the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building. I am reaching out on behalf of a coalition of local veterans and their families to bring immediate attention to a crisis severely jeopardizing the quality of service provided by the Santa Cruz County Veterans Service Office (VSO).

The VSO, which provides vital assistance for veterans navigating state and federal benefits, is suffering from crippling staff turnover, severe morale issues, and leadership challenges originating from County management above the Veteran Services Officer. These internal structural problems are directly eroding the VSO’s ability to serve our community effectively. Losing these highly trained professionals has a direct, detrimental impact on veterans’ access to earned benefits.

We are calling upon the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to take immediate and decisive action to return direct oversight of the Veterans Service Office to the Board as a standalone County department. This structural change is necessary to establish direct accountability for VSO operations and provide administrative protection for staff, allowing them to focus on service delivery free from toxic interference.

We are unified in our campaign, and we have a strong internal champion. Supervisor Justin Cummings (3rd District) is lending his full support to this mission and is ready to engage the public and the media on the necessity of this reform.

The entire veteran community and its supporters are mobilizing for a crucial demonstration of advocacy at the Board of Supervisors meeting: 9am Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 420 Capitola Ave at the Capitola City Council Chambers.

We urge the community to contact the Board of Supervisors immediately at Bo****************@***************ca.gov in support of this oversight change.

Dave Ramos | Santa Cruz

COVER BANDS VS ORIGINALS

As a commercial trumpeter, I’ve played all genres of music, which means playing other composers’ work. Classical, symphonic wind ensembles, jazz big bands, musicals, church services—it’s all about playing the ink. But I’ve also played in bands that perform a mixture of originals and cover songs, but those covers are usually obscure.

Straight cover bands just don’t do it for me, either playing with or listening to. I find great joy playing original music, supporting musicians who are searching for new sounds and new lyrics. I hope your readers step out and seek the various original bands.

Dan Young | Aptos

STOP SPRAYING

Driscoll’s, the largest berry producer in the WORLD, loves to give to nonprofits, school sports teams, and they are generous. During the Santa Cruz Gives drive, the Campaign for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture (CORA) is hoping that Miles Reiter and the entire Reiter family will consider giving the greatest gift of all for the kids in Watsonville: turning all fields near schools organic (filing for transition to organic) by the beginning of next year’s berry season.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Santa Cruz County has the second-highest pediatric cancer rate in all of California. One million pounds of pesticides are sprayed right here in this county and according to Ann Lopez, director of Farmworker Families, “98.5% of the pesticides associated with childhood leukemia and 95.2% of pesticides tied to childhood brain cancer were applied in 2019 in this zip code [95076] alone.”

Driscoll’s, this would be a lovely time to give the BEST GIFT of all to our children in the Pajaro Valley: no more pesticides in the 13 fields closest to schools starting in 2026.

Batya Kagan | Santa Cruz

TRUMP TIMES

I find it quite unappealing/distressing that Santa Cruz is going to spend the next three years hating Trump and throwing tantrums left and right, little else. While I suspect one party controlling all branches of government sure can lead to abuses of power, that is not Trump’s fault. The Dems just don’t offer much of anything and their ideas are dysfunctional. Imagine any state that was never a slave state paying reparations. Just an example of a Dem stupid idea. There are so many, like open borders, the Covid fiasco, an endless list.

People can sure protest all they want, but Trump is killing it in so many ways, and the media in Santa Cruz, and the people, just live in an empty echo chamber of TDS hate. I applaud Good Times for having somewhat uncensored online comments, unlike Sentinel, which has none, and the very judgy Nextdoor.

Garrett Philipp

CABRILLO COMPLAINT

As a parent of a freshman at Cabrillo Community College, I’m alarmed by the uneven curriculum in a required course—English C1000—and the chilling effect it’s having on free thought.

The course is supposed to teach college-level writing, research, and critical analysis. Yet in my son’s section, every paper demands a prescribed stance on race and social-justice topics, with little focus on grammar, thesis crafting, or source evaluation. Meanwhile, a friend in another section of the same course has seen zero assignments on race, gender, or LGBTQ issues—instead drilling on MLA formatting, argumentation, and expository writing.

Both groups must pass into English C1001, but they’re receiving wildly different preparation. My son now fears he’ll be behind—and that voicing concern in class could tank his grade. Students shouldn’t have to choose between honest inquiry and a passing mark.

Colleges promise consistency in core courses. When one section becomes an ideology seminar and another a writing boot camp, that promise breaks.

I urge the college to:

– Review all English C1000 syllabi against approved learning outcomes.

– Publish sample syllabi so students register knowingly.

– Guarantee no retaliation for good-faith dissent.

Parents and taxpayers deserve transparency. Students deserve equal preparation—no matter the instructor.

Katherine Rue | Aptos

KEEP THE TRAIN

Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail (FORT) today released the following statement by Board President Matt Farrell:

As reported in local media, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) Commissioners Keeley and Koenig have proposed a so-called “peace deal” to address a funding shortfall for the Coastal Rail Trail that stretches from the Wharf in Santa Cruz to State Park Drive in Aptos.

Friends of the Rail & Trail opposes the Keeley-Koenig vision for several reasons, chief among them is that this plan will result in the railroad tracks being ripped up and replaced with a trail. Once the tracks are removed, they will not come back.

Less than four years ago, Santa Cruz County voters rejected Greenway’s proposal to rip out the tracks, with a historic 74% voting no. And in 2016, voters approved funding to support the Coastal Rail Trail project. Voters did not approve what amounts to a permanent delay of rail service. The proposed “peace” violates the will and intent of the voters.

Commissioner Keeley has stated publicly there are “five major players” involved in the Keeley-Koenig deal: SCCRTC, Progressive Rail, Roaring Camp Railroads, Friends of the Rail & Trail and Greenway. It should be noted that among the five players, the only public support expressed has been by Greenway’s current and former leadership. This comes as no surprise, since this deal nearly exactly follows the Greenway trail-only and no-rail-ever vision they have promoted for many years, despite rejection by voters.

The Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line has recently been accepted into the federal Corridor ID program for passenger rail planning, sponsored by Caltrans. Participation in Corridor ID provides SCCRTC with professional rail design services, funded entirely by the state and federal governments.

FORT discovered that if the SCCRTC removes the railroad tracks to create a trail, SCCRTC participation in the Corridor ID program will be jeopardized—a fact previously unknown by SCCRTC staff and commissioners and brought to their attention by FORT.

Admission into Corridor ID was a huge step forward for passenger rail in Santa Cruz County. It is unacceptable to remove the tracks and risk the loss of rail grant federal funding in order to proceed with Greenway’s trail-only vision that local voters have rejected.

It is concerning that the Keeley-Koenig deal has not been published and made accessible to the public. The Coastal Rail Trail project has been in the making for well over a decade and has twice been the subject of local ballot measures. Its outcome should not be determined by a deal that has not been made accessible in detail to the community and without adequate time to learn more information. We ask that the SCCRTC not take action on the proposed deal until adequate public engagement has taken place.

Commissioners Keeley and Koenig should be commended for their focus on finding a solution to what is clearly a vexing situation. Their vision needs significant revision to find a way forward for the Coastal Rail and Trail project that honors the will of the voters: build the trail and keep the rail for future passenger service.

Sally Arnold | Outreach & Development | Friends of the Rail & Trail

The Editor’s Desk

Editor’s Note

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December 3, 2025

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

The thing everyone is talking about right now is the possible closing of the Catalyst nightclub and replacing the whole block—including Starving Musician—with more high-rise apartment buildings.

The question I have is: when is enough enough?

For years, Santa Cruz was protective of its downtown charm, restricting the height of construction and keeping the city more like Carmel than Mountain View or San Jose. That’s a big reason many of us chose to live here.

Now, if you visit downtown after not being here for a while, you see a giant stretch of high-rises along Front Street. I can live with it if it means more housing that could drive down prices and make for more affordable places to live. That’s something we’ve been demanding for years.

There are plans for many more of those towering giants in the south of Laurel neighborhood, which could be developed around a new arena.

OK. Again, I can accept that things change and can grow, maybe even for the better.

But, as someone else said, the Catalyst may be the catalyst for people waking up to the fact that things might be going too far.

The Catalyst has been the center for music downtown for 65 years, bringing in countless performers including Neil Young, Etta James, Peter Tosh, Emmylou Harris, Ice T, Nirvana, Alanis Morissette, The Specials, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam to name a few.

It’s dingy and funky and sometimes too crowded, but at this point, it’s a historic and important venue for our nightlife.

The proposal claims the club could be relocated to the bottom floor of a seven-story building. Can you imagine the noise complaints that will generate?

What are all these people crammed into new apartments going to do without the kind of entertainment a great music club provides? People are organizing to make their voices heard about this on a Facebook page called Santa Cruz Against Runaway Development.

The first politician I’ve seen weigh in is County Supervisor Justin Cummings, who wrote on his Facebook page.

“Unbelievably disgusting and definitely not affordable. We need to not just let the City know how horrible of an idea this is, but also let our state reps know that we’re fed up with not having control over development in our community.”

Now’s the time to let your City Council know what you think.

Thanks for reading.

Brad Kava | Editor

PHOTO CONTEST

A foggy winter morning at East Cliff shows green moss-covered rock formations exposed at low tide, with cliffs and silhouetted cypress trees rising in the background.

WOW! East Cliff during low tide. Photograph by Laurie Parenteau

GOOD IDEA

Residents in a Santa Cruz neighborhood are coming together to raise money for speed bumps because they say speeding on Dover and nearby streets creates “serious risks for children, families, pets, cyclists, and pedestrians,” especially for the 66 seniors who live in a 55+ apartment complex nearby and walk the area daily. According to a GoFundMe, after two years of working with Public Works, the neighborhood was approved for speed bumps but must raise half of the $16,272 cost.

Our goal is simple: Prevent accidents before they happen and create a safer, more livable community for everyone—especially our seniors, families, and children.”

GOOD WORK

Get a great deal on adopting a pet this month, thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation. Dogs and cats can be adopted for $50 until Dec. 15 at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter. The shelter is also having its Winter Wine Stroll Dec. 13 at Staff of Life. Tickets are at Eventbrite.com. Also, if you are having trouble affording food for your pet, Heather’s Pet Food Pantry gives free food to animal lovers every Sunday, 1–3pm. It’s at 2601 Chanticleer Ave. What a beautiful thing.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘If you’re lucky enough to have your life’s work be making music, that’s a win.’ —Bassist Tony Levin

Street Talk

Street Talk

John Koenig

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December 3, 2025

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What’s your favorite holiday gift to give or receive?

I love to give socks—I love everything about it. I love the ones with pictures that people will like—animals or holiday themes. I like whales, so I get whale socks. There are a lot of sock shops on Pacific and one on the pier.

Esha Vaggar, 18, UCSC Global Economics Major

I don’t like to ask for things, because it takes the whimsy out of it for me. It sounds cliché but I really love to give handmade things and receive handmade things, or something that someone saw when they were window-shopping or thrifting—when I know that I was thought of.

Catalina Garcia, 21, UCSC Environmental Studies

I like to buy what somebody wants, whatever’s on the wish list. And I like to receive socks.

Dave Mackey, 54, HR

I usually like the candy and all the surprises in the stocking stuffers.

Anne-Marie Joly-Patterson, 11, Student

I like to give socks—fun socks—for everybody. We go to The Sock Shop Company for socks with silly pictures—Intellectual Donkey, Golden Retriever Scientist, and Dumpster Fire. The ones in the bookstore are really funny too.

Heather Mackey, 42, “On sabbatical”

I like giving and receiving plants. It sounds silly but I like propagating plants and giving those away, because I prefer handmade gifts. A Pink Princess philodendron is my favorite now. People that I know like plants, so it works out.

Oscar Castro, 22, UCSC Latin American and Latino Studies

Things to do in Santa Cruz

Things To Do This Week

GT Staff

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December 3, 2025

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THURSDAY 12/4

DESERT BLUES

MDOU MOCTAR Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar makes socially and politically charged music. But those who don’t speak his language (a category that includes most listeners) won’t pick up on the subtleties. Still, the music gets much of his message across as music truly is a universal language. His band’s performances are superb, combining African rhythms with heavy, psychedelic rock textures. And Moctar’s back story is an inspiring and fascinating one. On the heels of several highly acclaimed North American tours with that band, this run of dates finds Moctar performing onstage in a solo guitar format. BILL KOPP

INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $27. 704-7113.

FRIDAY 12/5

SOUL

THE PHILHARMONIK This week, be prepared to be blown away when Sacramento’s own The Philharmonik takes the stage at Woodhouse Brewery. Born Christian Gates, The Philharmonik is a multi-instrumentalist who turns genre-defining brick walls into doors and even spans different time periods. He was inspired by his grandfather’s death to pursue music as a career and focused on honing his craft. And it paid off. In 2024 The Philharmonik won NPR’s Tiny Desk competition, blowing away the judges along with becoming a fan favorite when the audience was asked to judge as well. Joining him for the intimate night is Santa Cruz’s own R&B rockers, Redwood Express. MAT WEIR

INFO: 6pm, Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, 119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz. $34. 313-9461.

THEATER

THERE ARE NO KOOKS IN HEAVEN The MAH continues to celebrate the rich and deep surf history of Santa Cruz. This time it’s featuring local playwright Ian McRae’s “love letter to Santa Cruz Surf Culture,” in connection with the MAH Princes of Surf exhibition. There Are No Kooks in Heaven offers a creative lens into the history of surfing in Santa Cruz. It features Ian McRae and Zeus Fae. The play gives the MAH a new way to build community around the shared history. This special play will be shown for free and there will be three showings to attend. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE

INFO: 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, Santa Cruz MAH, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. Free. 429-1964.

SATURDAY 12/6

AMERICANA

GILL LANDRY Gill Landry’s career has been built from the ground up. He started out living in his Volkswagen, busking on the streets between New Orleans and the Pacific Coast. But it wasn’t until he joined the Nashville bluegrass group Old Crow Medicine Show that Landry’s life began moving fast. He played with them from their first albums to their Grammy-winning full-lengths, earning two Grammys for himself. However, ten years ago he decided to break from the band to focus on his solo career. Today, Landry has six solo albums under his belt, spanning the roads of folk, bluegrass and Americana. MW

INFO: 8pm, Lille Aeske, 13160 Highway 9, Boulder Creek. $35/adv, $40/door. 309-0756.

SKA

THE SLACKERS Coming from New York, The Slackers (or The Slackez to those from New York) bring their charming and witty ska to the Bay. After 30+ years of making music, they continue to put on tight performances, as demonstrated by their 2022 billboard hit album Don’t Let the Sunlight Fool Ya. They even put out a new EP this year, Money Is King. They share their experiences through their music in a fun and upbeat manner. The band’s smooth instrumentals are juxtaposed with vocalist Vic Ruggiero’s rough and thick New York Accent. Their sophisticated take on East Coast ska sets them apart from most other ska bands. New York ska at its finest. IMS

INFO: 9pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $25/adv, $30/door. 479-1854.

SUNDAY 12/7

CLASSICAL

ESPRESSIVO ORCHESTRA Composed of six professional musicians and led by composer Michel Singher, Espressivo Orchestra presents its eighth season of musical mastery. After a career conducting major international orchestras, Singher now takes on the ambitious task of bringing concert hall classical to intimate venues, which has proven to be a tremendous success, earning sold-out shows and standing ovations. The evening will feature music by Mozart, Hindemith, Handel, Haydn and Bozza. Espressivo promises beautiful, spellbinding arrangements and impressive technical prowess. Enjoy refreshments, wine and spectacular music. SHELLY NOVO

INFO: 1pm, German Cultural Center, 230 Plymouth St., Santa Cruz. $10-$40. 222-5494.

MONDAY 12/8

JAZZ

CHRISTIAN SANDS It’s not often one can say they’re watching a living legend rising to the heights of their career. But that’s exactly what audiences can claim this Monday when Christian Sands comes to town. The 36-year-old musician is hands-down one of the best living jazz composers on the scene, and his latest full-length, Embracing Dawn, is a prime example. Essentially, it’s a break-up album and takes the listener on an auditory journey of all the emotions one goes through when having to walk away from love. At times it’s sorrowful and introspective, other times hopeful and elated, but all with a curious spark that only Sands can deliver. MW

INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $21-$42. 427-2227.

WEDNESDAY 12/10

HIP HOP

HOBO JOHNSON AND THE LOVEMAKERS Loud, gritty and incomprehensibly delightful, Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers scream anthems of anger at society. With wailing electric guitar and pounding drums, frontman Frank Lopes plays the part of the weird kid with a crush, spilling his guts to the girl he likes. The band’s track list interweaves emo rap and eclectic rock ballads, calling up memories of garage band shows and backyard kickbacks. Strange yet endearing, Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers’ authenticity and edge will have crowds dancing, shouting and wishing the night would never end. SN

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

FOLK POP

JONATHAN RICHMAN Jonathan Richman’s place in rock history is assured, in large part thanks to The Modern Lovers, an album he recorded in 1972 and released four years later. That record is highly influential and set the tone for a generation of other offbeat artists. What it didn’t do, however, was preview the direction that Richman’s own career would take. He hasn’t made anything remotely like that record since. These days he’s backed onstage only by drummer Tommy Larkin. But Richman remains a beloved (if highly idiosyncratic) figure, and the guileless, childlike wonder that has long informed his music is undeniably appealing. BK

INFO: 8pm, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $35/adv, $40/door. 429-6994.

Free Will Astrology

Astrology

Rob Brezsny

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December 3, 2025

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ARIES March 21-April 19

Here are two of your birthrights as an Aries: to be the spark that ignites the fire and the trailblazer who doesn’t wait for permission. I invite you to embody both of those roles to the max in the coming weeks. But keep these caveats in mind: Your flame should provide light and warmth but not rouse scorching agitation. Your intention should be to lead the way, not stir up drama or demand attention. Be bold and innovative, my dear, but always with rigorous integrity. Be sensitive and receptive as you unleash your gorgeous courage. In my vision of your future, you’re the wise guide who inspires and includes, who innovates and reflects. You fight for interdependence, not dominance.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

Here’s a key theme: microdoses of courage. You don’t need to summon splashy acts of epic heroism. Subtle rebellions against numbness and ignorance may be all that’s required. Your understated superpowers will be tactful surges of honesty and gentle interventions in challenging transitions. So be brave in ways that feel manageable, Taurus. Don’t push yourself to be a fearless warrior. The trembling truth-teller is your best role model. As an experiment to get started, say yes to two things that make you nervous but don’t terrify you.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

Your inner ear contains three canals filled with fluid. They act like gyroscopes, telling you which way is up, how fast you’re moving and when to stop. Your ability to maintain your balance depends on their loyal service. Without them, you couldn’t orient yourself in space. Moral of the story: You stabilize yourself through constant adjustment. Let’s make this a metaphor for your current assignment. Your ability to remain poised, centered and grounded will require ongoing adaptations. It won’t work to remain still and fixed. You will have to keep calibrating and adapting.

CANCER June 21-July 22

Let’s extol the value of productive confusion: the disorienting state when your old maps no longer match the territory. Your beloved certainties shudder and dissipate, and you don’t know what you don’t know. This isn’t a failure of understanding, but the ripe precondition for a breakthrough. The caterpillar doesn’t smoothly or instantly transition into a butterfly. First it dissolves into chaotic goo and simmers there for a while. Conclusion: Stay in the not-knowing a little longer.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

Coffee from Java, orchids from Iceland and grapes from Vesuvius, Italy: What do these bounties have in common? They flourish in the extra fertile soil created by volcanic eruptions. The molten lava that initially leveled everything in its path later cooled and became a repository of rich nutrients. I expect a milder version of this theme for you, Leo. Events and energies that at first cause disruption will eventually become vitalizing and even healing. Challenges will lead to nourishment.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Gardeners in Japan spend years training bonsai trees to grow into elegant shapes. The process requires extraordinary patience, close listening and an intimate relationship with an ever-changing life form. I invite you to approach your current projects with this mindset. You may feel tempted to expedite the growth that’s unfolding. You might feel pressure to “complete” or “optimize.” But the flourishing of your work depends on subtle attunement, not brute progress. Pay tender attention to what wants to emerge slowly. Tend to it with care. Time is your collaborator, not your enemy. You’re weaving lasting beauty.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

The Swedish concept of lagom means “not too much, not too little, but just right.” It suggests that the best option may be in the middle rather than in the extremes. Yes, sometimes that means an uneasy compromise. But more often, it’s how the power and virtue come fully alive and thrive. Many people don’t like this fact of life. They are fixated on the delusion that more is always better. In the coming weeks, Libra, I invite you to be a connoisseur of lagom. To do it right, you may have to strenuously resist peer pressure and groupthink.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

In Bangkok markets, elderly women sell caged birds. Why? For the specific purpose of releasing them. Those who buy a captive sparrow or dove immediately open the cage door and let the creature fly away in a symbolic gesture of compassion and spiritual aspiration. It’s a Buddhist act believed to bring good karma to the person who sets the bird free. I invite you to imagine yourself performing this sacrament, Scorpio, or perhaps conducting an actual ritual with the equivalent purpose. Now is a fun and fertile time to liberate an outdated belief, a conversation you keep replaying, or a version of yourself that’s no longer relevant. Take your cue from the signs that appear in the Bangkok market: Letting go is a form of prayer.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

The world’s oldest known musical composition is the Hurrian Hymn No. 6. It was discovered etched on clay tablets in Syria, dating back to 1400 BCE. When finally decoded and performed, it revealed harmonies that still resonate with modern listeners. Your projects in the coming months could share this timeless quality, Sagittarius. You will have an enhanced power to bridge your past and your future. A possibility you’ve been nurturing for months or even years may finally ripen into beautiful completion. Watch for opportunities to synergize tradition with innovative novelty or deep-rooted marvels with sweet, breezy forms of expression.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

I’m taking a risk here by urging you cautious Capricorns to at least flirt with the Finnish tradition of drinking alcohol at home alone in your underwear with no intention of going out. I’m certainly not encouraging you to get so hammered that you can’t safely wander outdoors. My point is to give yourself permission to celebrate your amazing, mysterious, beautiful life with a bout of utterly uninhibited relaxation and totally indulgent contentment. I authorize you to be loose and free and even slightly irresponsible. Let your private pleasures reign supreme.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

In the Quechua language, the word ayllu refers to a kinship system not just of people, but of animals, ancestors, dreams and nature. To be aligned with one’s ayllu is to live in reciprocity, in the ongoing exchange of care and meaning among the entire web of life. “We belong to what we love,” the Quechua elders say. Aquarius, I believe you’re being asked to focus on your ayllu. Who or what comprises your circle of belonging? Which beings, places and unseen presences help weave the pattern of your treasured destiny? Whom do you create for—not as audience, but as kin who receive and answer your song? As you nourish your connections in the coming weeks, pay special attention to those who respect your idiosyncrasies. It’s not your birthright to simply fit in. Your utter uniqueness is one of your greatest gifts, and it’s your sacred duty to give it.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

In Yoruba cosmology, the divine spirit Oshun presides over rivers, love, beauty and sweet water. But her sweetness isn’t a weakness. It’s a sublime power, as evidenced by how her waters once restored life to the barren earth when every other force had failed. You Pisceans are now channeling extra strong currents of Oshun energy. Your tenderness is magnetic. Your imaginative flourishes are as valuable as gold. And your love, when rooted in your sovereign self-respect, is healing. But don’t let your nurturing be exploited. Choose wisely where you share your bounty. The right people will honor your flow, not judge it or try to change it. Your duty is to be uninhibitedly yourself and let your lyrical truths ripple freely.

Homework: Could you heal someone else by teaching what healed you? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Ocean’s Bounty

Foodie File

Andrew Steingrube

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December 3, 2025

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Owned by commercial fishermen and featuring the bounty of their catches, Sea Harvest Restaurant in Moss Landing is captained by manager Bethany Ramirez. She first worked in the industry while getting a business degree at CSUMB, then went into project management and international sales for a while. Feeling uninspired, she returned to restaurant work, learning along the way while serving, bartending and managing.

While she was doing freelance marketing and running a catering company, the Deyerle brothers—owners of Sea Harvest—asked her to come on board and run their restaurant, feeling like she would be a great fit. She agreed and took the plunge two months ago, defining the spot’s ambiance as nautical through and through. With every table offering an ocean view, the casual counter service is complemented by an aspect of fine dining.

The menu is mostly sourced locally from within the company, offering healthy portions of classic American seafood favorites with eclectic cultural influence. Ramirez says the family-recipe cioppino shines, a classic Italian seafood stew burgeoning with clams, mussels, prawns and local sablefish. The fish tacos are also a hit, as are the fish and chips and salads like grilled fish Caesar and shrimp Louie. Fried oysters, local artichoke hearts and steaky strips of calamari round out the food favorites, and local beer and wine provide libation. Dessert options rotate, other than the staple housemade inflation-proof $2 brownie.

What draws you to the industry?

BETHANY RAMIREZ: For me, and I think most industry professionals, we thrive in the structured chaos that is a restaurant. With my other professional experiences, I was too stressed out in a chronic sense, but the restaurant type of stress is more acute and ends when the doors close and the shift is over. And we help people celebrate the best moments of their lives—that is what keeps me in the industry that I love.

What’s it like sourcing from within the company?

It’s freaking awesome. I know we are absolutely serving the freshest seafood in the area, and I am more than confident in saying that. Most of the seafood on our menu was alive and in the ocean earlier that morning, so it truly is that fresh. There’s nothing better than sitting on our deck overlooking the peaceful Moss Landing Harbor and ocean, knowing you are eating seafood that was caught right there.

2420 Highway 1, Moss Landing, 831-728-7081; sea-harvest.res-menu.com

‘Here’ Is Now

Dining Reviews

Mark C. Anderson

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December 3, 2025

2

Few Santa Cruz restaurants in the last century have enjoyed as glorious a run as Ristorante Italiano. It opened its doors at the corner of Soquel and Ocean View way back in 1982 and remained a community institution until 2023. (Which inspires a fun question: What restaurants do you have on your short list of local legends?)

Ristorante’s charm emerged from many sources, including the family-run warmth and comfort-forward menu of ciopinno, lasagna, chicken saltimboca and tiramisu (among other authentic offerings).

Another crucial element: its expansive setting in the former Dominican Hospital—which became Branciforte Plaza when Dominican relocated—including an iconic patio with a hand-painted mural.

So it’s glorious news that another family-owned business is taking over the property—and adding a neighboring suite—with hopes of opening as soon as January.

Aki Fresh Mex (265 Carmel Ave., Marina) has earned a loyal and passionate following thanks to hyper fresh chile verde tamales, molcajetes, vampiro tacos, moles and stuffed squash blossoms inspired by chef-owner Isabel Escorcia’s native Hidalgo, Mexico, a state known for its food in a country famous for some of the world’s best.

The second Aki—a take on the Spanish word aqui—will drop the “Mex” as it expands to include Peruvian ceviches, aguachiles and causas crafted by new partner and chef Michael Castañeda D’Roma.

According to Escorcia, her regulars include a number of Santa Cruz residents, which inspired her and her team to start investigating locations to the north.

The new outpost will add 7am–2pm breakfast-leaning options, coffee and signature pastries, but the whole operation will continue to center around the key concept, which will remain in #2’s name and appear in all plates they serve.

“Everything we do, we make it when you order,” Escorcia says. “Fresh, fresh, fresh.”

More at @akifreshme x on Instag ram.

CDC…FTW

A special holiday synergy—part shop-local sale, part celebration, all community connectivity—explodes with the Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale on Saturday, Dec. 6, hosted by El Pájaro CDC and the Pajaro Valley Chamber, at the CDC’s incredible Commercial Kitchen Incubator site (23 E. Beach St., Suite 209, Watsonville). Dozens of vendors roll out handcrafted gifts, unique artwork, gourmet foods, custom jewelry and home goods, in person; admission is free; and every dollar = direct impact. El Pájaro CDC Executive Director Carmen Herrera-Mansir sums up its central spirit well. “Our entrepreneurs and program participants are the heart of our local food economy—diverse, talented, and deeply committed to our community,” she says. “This market is their moment to shine, giving them the direct opportunity to showcase the creativity and resilience that makes the Pajaro Valley so vibrant.” watsonvilleholidayfactorysale.com

LIL’ NIBBLES

Watsonville Wetlands Watch’s Garden Gurus weekly volunteer ritual happens 10–11am Dec. 5 (and every Friday) to weed, plant and prune the Native Plant Demonstration Garden at the Wetlands Educational Resource Center, watsonvillewetlandswatch.org/volunteer…UC Santa Cruz’s sister to the south and my alma mater, UCLA, is stoking folks on free guided meditations via the UCLA Mindful app…Brekland, a Brooklyn agtech startup, just won the $1 million grand prize at the Grow-NY Agtech business competition for its biodegradable foam, which coats crops to protect them from spring frost…I’m digging the rising trend of phone-free bars and restaurants, though I am addicted to taking food photos, and my phone is my camera, is that allowed?…La Popote, a French restaurant in England, stocks nearly 140 wines and—as of recently—seven waters, with an H2O “sommelier”…Bruce Lee, take it from here: “Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless—like water.”

Science of Spirituality

Wellness

Elizabeth Borelli

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December 3, 2025

0

Back in the day, before the cultural revolution, when the Beatles made Transcendental Meditation mainstream, religion was relatively simple. There was a short list of choices, usually made for us generations ago. We simply had to follow suit.

Today, things are different. Spirituality expresses itself in a wide range of unique and meaningful ways. But regardless of the specifics, most agree it starts with a feeling of connection—to self, others, or to something bigger.

Here in Santa Cruz, it’s just as likely to show up on West Cliff at sunset, in a circle of people drumming on the beach, or as a moment of reflection under a giant redwood. However you define it, the science is clear: Finding a spiritual connection is one of the most powerful things we can do for our mental, physical, and emotional health. And the holiday season offers a timely opportunity to connect with or even redefine our own views.

Across hundreds of studies, spirituality—whether practiced through traditional religion, personal reflection, or shared community rituals—has been linked with lower stress, stronger immunity, better emotional regulation, deeper life satisfaction, and even longer lifespan. But what does “spirituality” actually look like in 2025? And how do we cultivate more of it in our daily lives?

Listening to the Wisdom Within

One of the core elements of spirituality is learning to listen inward, to that subtle, steady inner voice we often drown out with busyness or distraction. Neuroscientists call this interoceptive awareness: the ability to tune into your felt sense, your intuition, your emotional truths.

In a world filled with noise, this inner listening is an anchor. It strengthens the prefrontal cortex (your decision-making hub), reduces stress-related amygdala activity, and helps you navigate life with more clarity and less reactivity. The more we practice connecting inward, the more grounded, confident and emotionally balanced we become.

Whether that connection comes through meditation, journaling, prayer, silence, or simply pausing long enough to notice your breath, the research is clear: your inner voice is one of the most powerful tools you have.

Community as Spiritual Medicine

Spirituality also thrives in community, something Santa Cruz does exceptionally well.

Local groups like the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Santa Cruz County create welcoming spaces for exploration, connection and shared purpose. With a focus on compassion, social justice and inclusive spiritual growth, the UU community offers everything from music to meditation to thoughtful dialogue, no one belief system required.

For those seeking a more contemporary, heart-centered approach to spiritual growth, the Center for Spiritual Living Santa Cruz (cslsantacruz.org) offers a welcoming path. Their teachings blend mindfulness, metaphysics and practical spirituality, creating a space where curiosity is encouraged and personal transformation feels both accessible and grounded. Sunday gatherings, classes and small groups invite you to find the connection to spirit and community that works for you.

Both traditions are grounded in something science applauds: belonging. Research consistently shows that people who feel part of a spiritual community experience lower rates of anxiety, depression and chronic disease. Shared meaning, shared ritual and shared humanity help us regulate our nervous systems and feel supported by something larger than ourselves.

Gratitude: A Spiritual Superpower

If spirituality had a gateway practice, gratitude would be it.

Studies show that regular gratitude practices improve mood, sleep, immune function, stress resilience and even brain structure. Gratitude literally rewires neural pathways to bias us toward optimism, connection and meaning.

A simple daily ritual—like naming five things you’re grateful for, written or spoken—can act as a spiritual reset. Gratitude reminds us that even in difficult times, beauty and goodness coexist with challenge.

Awe: The Everyday Spiritual Experience

Want a spiritual practice that takes under 10 minutes and can change your entire mood? Take an Awe Walk.

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that intentionally walking with curiosity and wonder—pausing to really see the ocean, the trees or the sky—reduces inflammation, boosts compassion and expands your sense of connection. Awe softens the ego and reminds us that we are part of something vast and magnificent.

Lucky for us, awe walks are always close at hand. From our state parks to the oceanfront paths to the quiet beauty of winter foliage, Santa Cruz gives us endless chances to pause, look up and reconnect with something greater.

When Movement Becomes Sacred

Spirituality doesn’t require stillness. Sometimes it happens on a dance floor.

Dance Church, a movement experience offered in cities nationwide, transforms dance into a joyful, communal ritual. It’s not performance, it’s embodiment, release, connection and pure presence. No choreography, no pressure, just movement as meditation. This kind of expressive movement boosts endorphins, improves emotional regulation, and helps us reconnect with ourselves and others.

Singing: A Spiritual Reset Button

If you’ve ever joined a circle of people chanting or singing, you’ve felt the magic: the vibration, the emotion, the wild aliveness of shared voice.

Singing—whether in a choir, in your car, or in the shower—is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, improve lung function, regulate the vagus nerve and boost oxytocin (the connection hormone). Whether it’s through a traditional Sunday service or a local Song Circle, it’s not about hitting the right notes; it’s about letting our voices be heard. As Santa Cruz LMFT Jacqueline “Sarah” MacEwan notes “healing happens in community, so come connect with your voice and transform how you feel.”

Spirituality, Santa Cruz Style

In the end, spirituality isn’t about rules or dogma. It’s about connection: to yourself, to others, to the world around you. And it’s one of the most evidence-backed ways to support your well-being.

Whether you find that nourishment in a UU service, a traditional church sermon, a gratitude journal, a sunrise Awe Walk, a Dance Church session, or singing your heart out, Santa Cruz is rich with opportunities to explore what spiritual health means to you.

The science is clear, but more importantly, our spirit already knows; when we slow down, tune in and connect, we find new ways to thrive.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Santa Cruz County: uufscc.org

Center for Spiritual Living Santa Cruz: cslsantacruz.org

Singing Heals Song Circles: healingishappening.com/singing-heals-song-circles

Dance Church: facebook.com/p/Dance-Church-100071929030539 [2]

Wellness columnist Elizabeth Borelli is leading a spiritual awareness weekend retreat at Mount Madonna Center. Learn more at ElizabethBorelli.com.

Alternate if this is too long: Science and Spirit

If this listy stuff looks bad, I can embed the URLs in the text.

Good TimesGood Times

Good TimesGood Times

SC Youth Symphony Wows

Chorale Carols the Season

Smokin’ Hot Scoville Units

PHOTO CONTEST

GOOD IDEA

GOOD WORK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

THURSDAY 12/4

DESERT BLUES

INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $27. 704-7113.

FRIDAY 12/5

SOUL

INFO: 6pm, Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, 119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz. $34. 313-9461.

THEATER

INFO: 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, Santa Cruz MAH, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. Free. 429-1964.

SATURDAY 12/6

AMERICANA

INFO: 8pm, Lille Aeske, 13160 Highway 9, Boulder Creek. $35/adv, $40/door. 309-0756.

SKA

INFO: 9pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $25/adv, $30/door. 479-1854.

SUNDAY 12/7

CLASSICAL

INFO: 1pm, German Cultural Center, 230 Plymouth St., Santa Cruz. $10-$40. 222-5494​.

MONDAY 12/8

JAZZ

INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $21-$42. 427-2227.

WEDNESDAY 12/10

HIP HOP

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

FOLK POP

INFO: 8pm, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $35/adv, $40/door. 429-6994.

INFO: 1pm, German Cultural Center, 230 Plymouth St., Santa Cruz. $10-$40. 222-5494.