Where’s a Slug to Eat?

sstreet

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September 25, 2025

One of the most important questions for every incoming UC Santa Cruz student is “What to eat?” Food is one of the biggest aspects of your college experience, acting as both a vessel for social interaction and a key ingredient in preparation for learning. Although tempting, the vast majority of students don’t have the financial means to sustain themselves with DoorDash or Uber Eats, and nobody wants to live off of hot ramen bowls. On-campus food sources then become your best option, and while each comes with its ups and downs, there are clear standouts amongst them. According to this current UC student, here are the top five on-campus grub spots:

(Can we get a small graphic of banana slugs to give them slugs instead of stars??))

Coming in 5th place is the College Nine/John R. Lewis Dining Hall ($14.55-$16.65, price decreased if spending UC currency). Located at the top of campus, the C9/JRL Dining Hall ranks highly in terms of architecture alone. With large glass walls providing views of the beautiful Santa Cruz woods and plenty of overflow seating, C9/JRL can accommodate large numbers of students without feeling cramped. This dining hall normally provides two distinct meal options for each time slot of the day, and is only a short uphill walk from the C9/JRL bus stop.

In 4th place is the Global Village Cafe. McHenry Library is the study spot on campus, and Global Village, located on the second floor, is a wonderful provider of study fuel. Their menu specializes in various artisanal toasts like the Club Avocado Toast ($7), which comes with fresh avocado, fire-braised chicken, bacon, and alfalfa sprouts, but I like to upgrade it into a sandwich and add pesto to the other slice of bread for a small fee. These toasts are a frequent choice of mine because they are filling but lean at the same time, so I don’t feel like I’m eating too many calories. Global Village also offers the standard cafe drink menu.

FINER DINING Considered the nicest spot to eat on campus, The Bistro is located above the College Nine/John R. Lewis Dining Hall. Photo: Ben Ford

The 3rd spot goes to the Oakes Cafe. Located in the middle of the Oakes campus, it can be a little out of the way for some students, but it is definitely worth it for anybody who happens to be nearby. Oakes Cafe has the largest menu of the on-campus cafes, including a separate breakfast menu available till 11am. Highlights include the Manresa Breakfast Scramble (scrambled egg, potato, mushroom, onion, bell pepper, cheese, sour cream and fresh pico, $7.50) from the breakfast menu for those who enjoy fresh grilled vegetables and the Chipotle Chicken Bacon Sandwich (fire-braised chicken, pepper jack cheese, bacon, chipotle mayo, on a toasted telera roll, $8.99) from the standard one, which has a nice spice but I like to add a little more. One thing to stay aware of when visiting the Oakes Cafe is the mid-day lunch rush, as the line can get very backed up, and mistakes can be made when the staff gets overwhelmed.

The Bistro takes second place in the ranking. Located above the College Nine/John R. Lewis Dining Hall, the only thing keeping The Bistro from the top spot is the price. Considered the nicest spot to eat on campus, it makes a perfect special occasion meal or a fun treat for the friends of any student swindled into purchasing the Banana Slug Points Plan. Reservations are technically required, but you can slip in if you show up on a slow day! I recommend that first-timers try the Birria Pizza (beef birria, mozzarella, cilantro, onions, $16) because it combines salty and savory in a way that really complements each other, or the Gourmet Burger (half-pound certified angus beef chuck steak burger, smoked gouda, bacon jam, sriracha aioli, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle, with fries, $22) for a heartier meal that tastes fresh and juicy.

Before discussing the top spot, I’d like to include some honorable mentions. The Stevenson Coffee House is my personal favorite to visit. Its Hot Turkey Pesto Sandwich (sliced turkey, tomatoes, nut-free vegan basil pesto, smoked provolone, served on a roll) is my go-to. I am a sucker for its pesto, and it’s one of the only boba spots on campus. Banana Jo’s is the campus favorite for late-night eats, even though some are discouraged by the climb up Cardiac Hill to Crown and Merrill Colleges. The Merrill Market is also the best on campus, offering the widest selection of overpriced but convenient groceries. The Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall ($14.55-16.65, price decreased if spending UC currency) has the most diverse salad bar, as well as an amazing view of East Field from its outdoor balcony seating, although the yellow jackets often have the same idea.

TOP PICK The Rachel Carson/Oakes Dining Hall is the newest, grandest dining hall on campus. PHOTO: Ben Ford

In first place, to no surprise of the current Santa Cruz students, is the Rachel Carson/Oakes Dining Hall ($14.55-16.65, price decreased if spending UC currency). Located only a short downhill walk from the Rachel Carson bus stop, the Rachel Carson/Oakes Dining Hall is the newest, grandest dining hall on campus. The salads can be a bit underwhelming, but this dining hall often has three distinct meal options for each time slot of the day, as well as the largest dessert bar and the highest quality of food. The hall itself is quite large, offering more than enough seating for students, as well as a choice between indoor and outdoor seating.

While I’d argue there are no incorrect choices regarding where you want to eat on campus, there are certainly better ones, and I hope this article can serve as a helpful resource for at least one lost first-year student.

Ben Ford is a UCSC sophomore in Bio-Chem who attended Aptos High School.

This article was published in the 2025 Student Guide, an insert in the Sept. 24 issue of Good Times. Click here to see the entire guide.

Open Mic Nights: Live, Loose and Local

sstreet

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September 25, 2025

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Free talent thrives in Santa Cruz, or at least free entertainment. At open mics throughout the county, Santa Cruzans are out on stage, performing for their friends and neighbors.

Some open mics focus on comedy, such as stand-up comedy night on Sundays at 7pm in the Shanty Shack, located in Santa Cruz’s Harvey West neighborhood. Seating is outside, with a few picnic tables and various stools and chairs. Peach and apple trees grow beside the stage, which is a wooden deck that juts from a white metal structure that resembles a storage container.

Nicole Lopez is hosting the event tonight. She started her comedy career at Shanty Shack a few years ago and now leads it whenever Caroline Hawkins, the founder of the open mic, can’t make it. Lopez explains the importance of Shanty Shack’s open mic: “It’s a place for comics to work on new material,” without pressure and in a community that is welcoming.

**YOU’RE ON THE LIST** Nicole Lopez keeps track of the participants at Shanty Shack’s stand-up comedy night. Photo: Lucia Thomas

Tonight 14 performers get up to the mic, which is pretty standard, according to Lopez. A majority are middle-aged men who make jokes about sex and politics. Among some of the lines: “Does anyone else have a leaky butthole?” one man asks. Another man speaks about creating a support group for other men with bent penises. A young woman makes her stand-up comedy debut, joking about creepy men on the dating scene while gesturing to men in the crowd.

MeloMelo Kava Bar offers an open mic on Monday nights from 8pm to midnight. The downtown Santa Cruz establishment is dimly lit with pink and purple lights; the stage is surrounded by bar stools, sofas and soft colorful chairs. Acts get about 10 minutes to perform, offering poetry or techno beat sets or live music. A man named Lotti performs here every time he is in Santa Cruz. He is alone on stage with a guitar and he layers melodies with a pedal looper. Jonah, another young man with floppy hair, mixes beats with the intention of inducing “hypnosis and trance.” A young woman with two braids and a keyboard sings originals. The audience is respectful and quiet.

Wednesdays at 7pm, 11th Hour Coffee hosts an open mic in the outside seating area of its Westside location. Hardwood booths, tables and heat lamps are strewn about, along with green vines that crawl up the walls that enclose the space. Performers are mostly young and either sing or read poetry. Host Bryan Callahan closes out the night with a reading of his own poem. He explains that Wednesday nights are popular with UCSC students. 11th Hour does not allow stand-up comedy as they have had problems with offensive performances in the past. Callahan explains that they try to “offer a stage to small local acts.”

Accompanied by a backdrop of conversation and buzzers alerting customers that their food is ready, a young woman sings original songs and strums a guitar, a middle-aged man raps, and several men read poetry. A woman who had not planned to sing but was encouraged by her friends performs a Dust Bowl Revival song a cappella.

The Ugly Mug offers an open mic for all acts on Monday evenings from 5 to 8pm. Staff move tables aside to make room for rows of chairs; A stage with a microphone and speakers faces the crowd at the Soquel coffeehouse. On this night, more than 20 acts perform, many of them older white men who sing while playing a guitar. A young girl sings Noah Kahan; a man with three different bird-themed hats teaches the crowd about bird mating patterns.

Ian Walton, a Scotland native who moved to Santa Cruz for grad school and never left, sings “obscure depressing Celtic ballads.” Walton has been playing at The Ugly Mug nearly every Monday since 2011.

This is not an uncommon phenomenon. According to owner Steve Volk, nearly every act is a returner, with each week producing about three newcomers. It is an equalizing space, Volk says, because every performer feels the same fear and excitement of being on stage. Volk encouraged an employee to start the open mic in 2000, and it has been thriving ever since: “Almost weekly something is so moving and it just blesses everyone.”

A moving moment comes when Manny gets up to the stage late in the show, as performers with guitars draped across them chat and sip last-call tea and hard seltzer. Manny brings out three flutes and begins to play. The coffee shop silences and every head turns to the stage as he played three short songs. Then an eruption of applause filled the room.

Open mics can be found in other parts of the county as well. Down in the Pajaro Valley, there is an open mic at the Corralitos Cultural Center on Friday nights. Up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, at Ben Lomond’s Henflings Tavern, every Monday at 7pm brings a parade of performers offering everything from guitar riffs to comedy to poetry. And in midtown Santa Cruz, the Crepe Place opens up a mic for wannabe rock stars every other Monday.

This article was published in the 2025 Student Guide, an insert in the Sept. 24 issue of Good Times. Click here to see the entire guide.

Road to Hollywood Now Runs Through Santa Cruz

sstreet

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September 24, 2025

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Road to Hollywood Now Runs Through Santa Cruz

For years, the winding stretch of Highway 17 has symbolized a creative commute for local filmmakers and producers, a necessary trek “over the hill” to the production facilities of Silicon Valley and San Francisco. But now, the road home is also the road to a world-class studio. On the industrial-chic Westside of Santa Cruz, Hwy 17 Studios has opened its doors at 831 Almar Ave., and its ambition is as big as its largest soundstage. The space, which evokes the professional studios of Burbank, is poised to become the go-to facility for the Micro-Bay’s creative community.

This project is a labor of love, as described by co-founder Ryan Allen, developed in partnership with David Mong. The duo and their team have transformed the space into a state-of-the-art facility featuring a massive main stage with professional lighting grids, a full-service edit bay, and client-friendly lounges with a distinctively Santa Cruz vibe. The founders expressed immense gratitude for their landlord, who believed in their vision and helped make the ambitious project a reality.

“We wanted to build more than a studio rental space. We wanted to build a home base for creativity and community,” Allen explains. “Santa Cruz has this incredible, raw energy and a world-class natural backdrop. For too long creators felt they had to leave the Micro-Bay to find professional gear and facilities. We’re here to change that narrative for good.”

The journey from magic to moviemaking is embodied by Allen himself. Before becoming the CEO of creative marketing firms DuMo, MONG LTD and DU4 Pros, he worked professionally as a magician. As a magician myself, I was glad to hear this part of his story—we even swapped notes on obscure sleight-of-hand moves with small packets of playing cards. It revealed how much he values precision and detail, qualities that now carry into his 15-plus years as a member of IATSE Local 728, the union for lighting professionals in the entertainment industry.

His business partner, David Mong, brings formidable industry credentials as well, having worked alongside Vance Piper, a cinematographer known for his work on the Full House opening credits and films such as Mrs. Doubtfire and Hook. Together they form a complementary duo: one rooted in the Santa Cruz community (Allen’s wife, Erin, was born and raised here), the other with deep ties to Hollywood—an alliance that defines the Hwy 17 Studios brand.

Sitting area by a staircase with a sculpture made out of junk in the corner — PLAYGROUND Hwy 17 Studios offers plenty of space for Santa Cruz creatives. PHOTO: Joshua Logan

That sentiment is echoed by the studio’s offerings. Recent announcements show that Hwy 17 is actively booking projects and is accessible to creators of all levels. Their “Studio C” is available to rent starting at just $100 per hour, including a basic package with camera, audio, lighting and grip gear, making professional tools available to emerging local talent.

The mission to nurture creators is especially timely. The community is brimming with talent, like a young friend of this writer, born in Santa Cruz, whose high school film was just accepted into the prestigious All American High School Film Festival. She will soon travel to New York City, where her work will be showcased at the AMC theater in Times Square.

“Seeing young filmmakers like this succeed is exactly why we built this,” Allen notes. “Our goal is to provide the infrastructure so that the next generation doesn’t have to look elsewhere to bring their biggest ideas to life.”

With the potential to attract major players like Netflix while simultaneously empowering independent artists, Hwy 17 Studios is set to become a vital creative crossroads. It’s a statement of intent, promising that the road to making movie magic no longer requires leaving town. It starts right here, in Santa Cruz.

Hwy 17 Studios: 831 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz. 831-239-2800. Web: hwy17studios.com; email: th*****@**********os.com

Diving into Immersive Audio at Cabrillo College

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September 24, 2025

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Diving into Immersive Audio at Cabrillo College

Pink Floyd’s 1972 hit “Money” runs through the studio speakers as I take in the first few bars of cash-related sound effects while seated in Cabrillo College’s immersive audio lab. There’s the swishing sound of tearing paper to my middle right, a single guitar riff beams out from the lower left side of the room, coins jingle in the high right corner, as Dave Gilmour’s lead vocals flow out from the center of the room, floating up over my head. It feels like I’m on stage in the middle of Pink Floyd. I’m in the band.

Boasting state-of-the-art technology, featuring a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos mixing and production space with Genelec SAM monitors, this immersive audio lab came to life in 2023, allowing students to learn cutting-edge skills being used today in music and audio for film, podcasts, video games and other audio careers. These new technologies are revolutionizing sound design by creating a more realistic feeling of the sound source. Cabrillo is one of the only community colleges in the nation to have this equipment.

According to Jean-Marc Jot, an expert in the evolution of audio technology who is on the Industry Advisory Board of Cabrillo College’s Music Technology and Recording Arts (MTRA) program, in the near future “we will expect to be able to move around in a scene, like you would in a video game. If the audio is not immersive, the experience will not be realistic or convincing.”

No longer confined to mixing audio on two speakers, artists can use these new spatial audio technologies to place individual sounds in a three-dimensional space, creating an immersive experience where sound can come from anywhere, as in real life.

Along with the new studio, the college has partnered with Universal Audio to upgrade the equipment—including microphones, audio interfaces and plug-ins. “The system has been integrated into most DAWs [digital audio workstations] like Logic, or Ableton,” says Matt Blostein, co-chair of Cabrillo’s Music Department and director of the MTRA program. Students following courses through the MTRA will be learning audio skills in a professional studio environment. What’s more, these new technologies are adaptable for any playback system, be it headphones or a soundbar.

Who are the music production classes for? Anyone from beginners curious about learning how to create a beat to more evolved students who may already have experience in home studios and working professionally. “I had been doing some stuff in home studios before studying here and I wanted to supplement my knowledge and get a deeper understanding of things. I’ve worked on some other people’s professional albums, assisting as an engineer. I spent four hours doing vocal editing last night,” says Summer Russell. At 42, Russell is working toward the AS degree as a continuing student. “It’s a really broad basis of knowledge.”

The program aims to prepare students for careers in sound design, music composition, audio engineering, live sound engineering, music production or even film scoring. Cabrillo offers three music technology certificates and an associate’s degree, with most courses lasting eight weeks. An internship is required to get the degree. “The way we designed it,” Blostein explains, “is that as students take classes, they can stack their certificates, as they work toward their degree.” And they come out armed with the proper exposure and tools to be a part of creating the sound of the future in audio.

“It opened me up to a whole new world,” says 21-year old music student Preston Skiscim, on experiencing the new immersive lab. “It was my first exposure of being in an acoustic surround sound space outside of the movie theatre. Having this experience is sort of an ace up my sleeve. You get a lot of tools in your tool belt,” he proclaims enthusiastically. Skiscim is aiming to obtain an associate’s degree in Music Technology by the end of the school year. “I feel like this program has so many different fields to explore. It’s quite impressive. To be well versed in all of that is a serious undertaking,” Skiscim says.

The sonic upgrade to Cabrillo College’s Studio B came in 2022 with the aid of a faculty grant to Blostein, who took over the Music Technology & Recording Arts program from his predecessor, James Durland, in 2019. A professional jazz musician as well as a teacher, Blostein continues to keep his head in the game professionally, composing music for the last World Cup, the Super Bowl, reality TV and Nickelodeon, or writing music for the gaming world.

Another way to explore ideas and gain knowledge through collaboration is to join the MTRAK—a music club open to any Cabrillo student. Meeting weekly, the club offers students the opportunity to connect with like-minded music heads. Getting feedback on personal projects, touring studios with the group, or even attending music technology conferences are some of the opportunities.

“Learning about people’s different processes is interesting,” says student Cedar Hopewell, who is in the music club. “Someone may have a unique way of using hardware, like a reel-to-reel, or a 404.” At the ripe age of 18, he is following the AS degree curriculum. “I’m here for the recording arts side, like sound engineering. I want to do it professionally—maybe one day open my own studio.”

This article was published in the 2025 Student Guide, an insert in the Sept. 24 issue of Good Times. Click here to see the entire guide.

The Editor’s Desk

Brad Kava

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September 24, 2025

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

The editor of an entertainment paper should know better than to buy concert tickets from a scam website. But, nope. I paid $103 for tickets to see Jai Uttal this week, when they actually cost only $34. WTF?

I googled Jai Uttal and was led to a site that looked like it was for the Rio Theatre and the tickets were costly. But, I figured he’s one of my favorite artists and hasn’t been here in a long time and that’s what they were going for. Also, I just paid $115 for Los Lobos tickets at the Rio for New Year’s Eve, so I figured it was concert inflation all around.

But then I talked to our writer, DNA, who had just interviewed Jai Uttal for this week’s issue, and I complained about the price. What? he said. They are only $34. What?

I checked Reddit and I see all kinds of complaints about these scam scalper sites, including one called Ticket-center, which presents itself looking like the venue site and has outrageous prices, and Eventsticketcenter, where I got mine, and they claimed tickets were selling fast. These are reseller sites and are primed to sell to suckers who aren’t careful.

So, my advice…be careful. Look at the URL and make sure you are at the venue site, not the camouflaged reseller site. And, if you want to see one of the best and too-unknown spiritual jam bands in the world, pick up your tickets at the Rio Theatre site for Jai Uttal. They are only $34 and you’ll thank me.

Also, the government is aware of the problem: The Federal Trade Commission and seven states are suing Ticketmaster and its parent, Live Nation Entertainment, accusing them of coordinating with ticket resellers and letting them harvest millions of dollars worth of tickets later sold at significant markups in the secondary market., forcing customers to pay far more than face value, according to the FTC.

Finally, I never trust journalists who take free tickets because they really don’t know what it’s like to buy as a regular customer or to sit in the nosebleeds.

Speaking of DNA, he also wrote our cover story about the history of the newly reopened La Bahia hotel back when it was dark and dirty. He’s got all the secrets you’ll want to read. Fun story about our history.

In the bad news department, a speech planned for Saturday by Jill Biden has been canceled because of low ticket sales. The sad thing about that is that we have never more needed rational, level-headed political presentations.

Back to the good times: our local Joby Aviation is making serious progress toward flight paths, meaning in our lifetime we might be able to fly to an airport from Santa Cruz and avoid the hill. How great would that be?

Have you heard a punk bluegrass band? Neither have I but we’ll have a chance to check one out Friday at Kuumbwa when the Portland quartet Water Tower hits the state. Check out the article by Mat Weir to find out about bangin’ twang. There’s even a Santa Cruz local in the band.

So much to hear; so much to do. Lovin’ the Cruz.

Brad Kava | Editor

PHOTO CONTEST

THE DOG IS MAUI, NOT THE BEACH She is at Seascape beach, enjoying watching the waves. Photograph by Greg Martz

GOOD IDEA

The County Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the invasive shothole borer beetle in trees located near the Tannery. Arborists identified two affected trees, prompting local agencies to ask for help. Invasive shothole borers are tiny beetles that can seriously damage or kill many types of trees. In Paradise Park one tree has been found with hundreds of entry holes.

Things to look for: small, perfectly round entry holes (about the size of a ballpoint pen tip); wet staining or gumming; frass (boring dust); or sugary buildup around holes.

Take this detection assessment (ucanr.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bIuyTZY7hkqiqod) to check if your tree shows symptoms.

Report infestations to the Agricultural Commissioner: (831) 763-8080 or bd********@***nr.edu.

GOOD WORK

Monarch Services will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new Transitional House and Backyard Healing Space Oct. 1 from noon to 1:30pm at 241 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville. The ribbon cutting will take place at 12:30pm.

This new program expands Monarch’s continuum of care by providing safe, stable transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, bridging the gap between emergency shelter and long-term housing. Families will also have access to counseling, youth support and workforce development services.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘If you don’t believe in freedom of speech for people you disagree with, you don’t believe in freedom of speech at all.’ —Noam Chomsky

Letters

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

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September 24, 2025

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5 LOLs

Richard Stockton’s deep dive into Santa Cruz’s favorite watering holes and their restrooms, “Dives Still Divin’,” was the most entertaining thing I have read in a long time.

I rate it 5 LOLs!

Blaine Neagley | Watsonville

A Misguided Fix

I am a member of the Environmental Working Group of Indivisible, Santa Cruz County, writing to highlight the “Fix Our Forests Act,” a bipartisan bill that passed in the House and was introduced in the Senate by Senator Padilla. While it is supposedly a measure against wildfires, it weakens environmental protections for our forests and will allow the clear-cutting of public lands. It conflicts with the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policies Act. The logging industry will benefit from lack of scientific environmental review. In addition, it makes it harder for legal challenges to be filed by citizens.

As a separate but related issue, the Trump administration is attempting to rescind the long-standing Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has protected public lands since 2001. The reversal would occur by administrative rule-changing via the US Forest Service. Its aim is transparently economic. Unfortunately, the public comment period was closed as of 9/19. That is why it is so important to focus on H.R. 471 /S. 1462 (“Fix Our Forests”).

If you agree that the affected land belongs to all Americans, not the timber industry, and that hauling public forests to the sawmill when our planet is undeniably in jeopardy from climate change is a bad idea, please call or write Senator Schiff. Urge him to oppose the “Fix Our Forests Act” and to work toward better solutions for wildfire hardening.

The number to the U.S. Capitol switchboard is (202) 224-3121.

Michelle Holmes, M.D. | Felton

Oversharing Issues

Todd Guild’s article on Flock-contracted ALPR (automatic license plate recognition) cameras currently in place and planned in larger numbers for both Santa Cruz and Watsonville is missing key facts.

Watsonville police statements that local data “is never shared with federal agencies” are beyond the knowledge base of our police, and fly in the face of a torrent of news reporting that California Flock data has been shared with federal agencies by police departments across the state (who our police freely share data with).

“The city owns the data and the city accesses the data,” said Watsonville City Attorney Samantha Zutler, who also said state law prevents data sharing. But the whole problem is that state law has been violated dozens if not hundreds of times already, both by the Flock company—which stores and controls the data on a national level—and by the police departments we share data with.

Because our police share data with agencies like the Sheriff in Riverside—which has shared data with ICE (as have Oakland and San Francisco police departments)—we do not actually know and cannot know if local data has been or is being shared with federal agencies. According to Santa Cruz Police Chief Bernie Escalante, all it takes for another police or sheriff’s agency to obtain access to our data is a one-time request related to one “case” (no warrant needed), and thereafter, they retain unlimited search access.

Essentially, Flock data is outside of local and state control, and stored with few protective measures by the Flock company in Georgia, which has allowed Customs and Border Protection officers backdoor access to the data, as well as out-of-state sharing in violation of clear California laws. This data is not secure, nor under local control in any meaningful way. This should be clear to residents and visitors.

Ami Chen Mills | Santa Cruz

Trading Up

Vine & Dine

Josie Cowden

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September 24, 2025

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Cameron Hughes Wine Inc. (CAM) is a “wine négociant.” In other words, it specializes in re-blending and selling fine wines under its own label at considerably less cost. It’s an absolute steal to buy a case (free shipping included). CAM offers really good prices on a variety of mostly excellent wines.

The CAM Lot 28 2023 Gewürztraminer, for example, runs at $99 for a case, which would normally cost about $330.

This Anderson Valley gewürztraminer is a “crystalline, palate-tingling beauty” that delivers a refreshing and harmonious experience of pure fruit and an abundance of acidity. The winemaker suggests this very dry wine is perfect to pair with spicy food or for the Thanksgiving table.

I really like this well-made gewürz and think it’s worth the price of a case.

CAM also produces chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, petite sirah, malbec and others. Check their website for current releases: camxwine.com.

Toast Autumn at Windy Oaks

Windy Oaks proprietors Judy and Jim Schultze are excited to host their first Fall Festival, a delightful way to welcome in autumnal weather. Join them on the vineyard ridge for an afternoon of live music, local vendors, delicious freshly shucked oysters from Parker’s Picks, and local favorite S&B Food Truck (with veggie options)—or pack your own picnic to enjoy alongside wine available by the glass.

The event is noon to 5pm, Saturday, Sept. 27. Admission is $10 for wine club members and a guest, and $15 for nonmembers. Children free. Admission includes a glass of wine. The Windy Oaks estate is at 550 Hazel Dell Road, Corralitos (windyoaksestate.com); call Judy at 831-724-9562 with any questions. Or try these excellent wines at the Windy Oaks tasting rooms in Carmel and Carmel Valley.

Why a Big 2025 Has People Talking Positively About XRP

Crypto

Rob Chalhoub

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September 24, 2025

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Why a Big 2025 Has People Talking Positively About XRP

Published in cooperation between Binance and Good Times Santa Cruz

It has been quite the year for XRP. You could have left the room when it was still bumbling along below a dollar, returned months later, and found it perched comfortably at nearly three. The change has been sharp enough to startle even the seasoned onlookers, those who’ve grown weary of wild swings and empty chatter. Yet here we are, with XRP trading just under three dollars, a market cap of $176 billion, and people talking about it as if it had never been away.

The headline figures give the story backbone. The XRP price is up 447 percent over the past year, climbing from its 52-week low of just under fifty cents to highs brushing $3.65 before pulling back a little. In today’s market, with volumes nearing six billion dollars a day, that’s not a fluke. This isn’t the odd gust of speculation. It’s something firmer. It’s a coin many thought might fade into the long shadow of bigger names, only to see it prove that comebacks do happen, even in finance.

The Climb and Its Character

The chart tells you more than numbers alone. November and December of 2024 showed XRP finally waking up, then January arrived and it was as if the coin had remembered what it used to be capable of. It wasn’t a gentle shuffle either. The price leapt above two dollars, held steady, and refused to give back its ground.

What mattered most was not the spike but the staying power. Plenty of coins can shoot up like fireworks and fizzle within weeks. XRP managed something more stubborn. Through February and March, the price wobbled yet stayed well above old lows. That persistence gave holders the confidence to stick with it. It turned what could have been another flash into something resembling momentum, and that made all the difference.

The Bones Beneath the Impressive Rise

A surge in trading volume always hints at renewed interest. XRP has been moving over $5.9 billion in 24-hour stretches, and that is not the work of hobbyists with pocket change. A circulating supply of nearly 60 billion coins means it has always dealt in scale, but in 2025 that scale feels less like baggage and more like muscle. The activity backs the price with substance. You don’t reach a $176 billion market cap on stories alone.

Of course, no coin lives in a vacuum. The backdrop here is a world still working out what to do with crypto. Some governments nod, others frown, but the chatter is constant. In that sense, XRP has managed to hold its own not by ducking attention but by surviving it. The fact that it is still climbing in a climate full of questions says something about resilience. Investors, perhaps tired of waiting for clarity, are treating XRP as a way of keeping one foot in the future while the rest of the world dithers.

Ripple Effects in Culture and Memory

Part of what keeps XRP afloat is the way it has already lived a story. People from Santa Cruz and beyond remember its earlier highs and the drama surrounding it. That means its recent rise feels less like a new discovery and more like a second act. There’s an appeal in that. We like a return, the way audiences cheer when an aging singer belts out a classic or a retired player finds one more season in the legs. XRP is playing that role this year, and the crowd seems willing to listen.

This is where cultural familiarity matters. You don’t need to be a coder or a trader to talk about XRP in 2025. Its name has been around long enough that it carries weight in conversation. As Binance co-founder Yi He said, “Crypto isn’t just the future of finance—it’s already reshaping the system, one day at a time.” That idea feels easier to grasp when you watch a coin like XRP shift from obscurity to headlines again. It proves the change isn’t all about shiny newcomers. Old names can still carry the torch.

Volatility and Proof of Strength

None of this means the journey has been smooth. April’s dip pulled XRP down closer to two dollars, and there were moments in the summer when it looked like the climb might falter. But each time, the price found its feet and carried on. By August, it was brushing up near $3.50 again, enough to turn heads, even if it settled back around $2.95 come September. Volatility is part of the package, but it didn’t break the story. If anything, the rebounds made it stronger.

This is the kind of behavior that convinces markets a coin has matured. Anyone can rise when conditions are perfect. To stumble and still hold ground is more impressive. XRP’s ability to absorb shocks without collapsing has built credibility. That credibility in turn keeps people invested, which sustains volume, which steadies the price. It becomes a loop, and 2025 has been the year when XRP finally managed to hold that loop together.

Why People Keep Talking

The fascination is partly about numbers, but it’s also about place. XRP sits neatly between worlds. It is technical enough for developers to care, but straightforward enough for casual investors to understand. That balance gives it reach. It can be explained without jargon, and that keeps it alive in conversations well beyond crypto forums. When your aunt who never touches digital assets asks about XRP, you know it has crossed a line into relevance.

Taming the Fire

Wellness

John Koenig

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September 24, 2025

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Inflammation has become the wellness buzzword of the decade. It’s blamed for everything from brain fog to belly bloat and linked to chronic conditions ranging from arthritis to anxiety. But here’s the catch: inflammation itself isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s your body’s built-in defense system, a way of repairing damage and fighting off invaders.

The real problem comes when this fiery defense never shuts off. Instead of healing and moving on, your body simmers in a constant state of slow burn, quietly fueling disease over time. And in today’s culture of stress, processed food and too little sleep, it’s no wonder so many of us are stuck in this cycle.

To better understand inflammation—and what we can actually do about it—I spoke with three local experts: Dr. Michelle Bean, Dr. John Grady and wellness practitioner Samantha Matthews.

What precisely is inflammation?

Dr. Grady invites you to “think of it as your body’s ‘repair crew.’ If you cut your finger, immune cells rush in to protect and heal. That’s short-term inflammation, and it’s essential. But when the system stays switched on long after the job is done, the same repair crew begins to cause damage.” Dr. Bean confirms that over time, chronic inflammation raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and autoimmune conditions.

Why is it such a big deal right now?

According to Dr. Bean, most people don’t realize inflammation is the silent driver of disease. Instead, it shows up disguised as diabetes, cognitive decline, or autoimmune disorders. Doctors often treat the symptoms without addressing the underlying fire. Matthews and Dr. Grady add that stress, poor sleep, processed foods and even social isolation all keep the immune system on high alert. The good news? Healthy habits can calm the flames—if we start addressing them early.

How do you know if inflammation is affecting you?

It’s not always obvious. Joint pain, back or neck stiffness, brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues and even feeling unusually tired after eating can all be signs. “If you’re dragging through the day or achy for no reason, your body may be waving the inflammation flag,” Matthews says.

What role does food play?

Here’s where things get both straightforward and surprising. The usual culprits—sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and fried or processed foods—absolutely stoke inflammation. But Dr. Bean points out another trigger: stress. Chronic stress can weaken the gut barrier, leading to what’s often called “leaky gut.” When this happens, even healthy foods can cause inflammatory responses in the body.

On the flip side, a Mediterranean-style diet is one of the best natural ways to fight inflammation. That means colorful produce, omega-3 rich fish like salmon, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, beans, and anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and garlic. As Matthews says, “If it can sit on a shelf for months, it probably fuels inflammation. If it’s fresh and colorful, it likely cools it down.”

Beyond food: movement, sleep and stress relief.

Food is powerful, but it’s only part of the puzzle. Movement—even simple walking, stretching or light strength training—signals your body to relax and repair. Sleep is equally non-negotiable: when we shortchange rest, our body can’t heal, and inflammation builds. Stress management may be the most important factor of all.

“Stress drives inflammation, and inflammation drives disease,” Dr. Bean says. Breaking the cycle means finding daily ways to calm your nervous system. Yoga, journaling, learning something new, playing with your dog or spending time with friends all help. Matthews agrees: “Move your body, protect your sleep, and find ways to quiet stress. Those three together are just as powerful as food.”

So what’s the first step?

Dr. Bean recommends getting tested. Specific blood markers can show if your body is running systemic inflammation, yet most doctors don’t routinely check for them. Matthews and Dr. Grady suggest starting with something simple, like a daily walk in the redwoods or along the coast. Fresh air, gentle movement and a calmer mind can go a long way.

For those looking for deeper support, local options abound. Harbor Health Center offers advanced therapies like Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields and red-light treatments to lower systemic inflammation. Dr. Bean recommends joining a structured program such as the October Challenge at SoulCare Studios, which combines yoga, anti-inflammatory meal planning and functional medicine support.

In the end, taming inflammation isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about steady, sustainable practices that lower stress, fuel your body with real food and help you restore balance. The fire may be part of our natural defense system, but learning how to keep it in check just might be one of the most important health moves you can make.

The October Challenge begins Oct. 1, with orientation on Sept. 28 at SoulCare Studios (soulcarestudios.com).

Learn more about Harbor Health Center’s services at harborhealthcenter.com.

Free Will Astrology

Astrology

Rob Brezsny

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September 24, 2025

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ARIES March 21-April 19

In Tonglen, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation, you visualize yourself breathing in the suffering, pain or negativity of other people, then imagine breathing out relief, healing or compassion toward them. The practice can also be done on your own behalf. The goal is to transform tension and stress into courage, vitality and healing. I recommend this practice, Aries. Can you turn your scars into interesting tattoos? Can you find mysterious opportunities lurking in the dilemmas? Can you provide grace for others as you feed your own fire?

TAURUS April 20-May 20

In a YouTube video, I watched Korean artisans make hanji paper in the same way their predecessors have for 1,300 years. It was complicated and meditative. They peeled off the inner bark of mulberry trees, then soaked it, cooked it and pounded it into pulp. After mixing the mash with the aibika plant, they spread it out on screens and let it dry. I learned that this gorgeous, luminous paper can endure for a thousand years. I hope you draw inspiration from this process, Taurus. Experiment with softening what has felt unyielding. Treat what’s tough or inflexible with steady, artful effort. Be imaginative and persistent as you shape raw materials into beautiful things you can use for a long time.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

Legendary jazz musician Sun Ra was a Gemini who claimed to be from the planet Saturn. He aspired to live in a state of “cosmic discipline”—not just in his musical training but in his devotion to self-improvement, aesthetic exploration and a connection to transcendent realities. He fused outrageous style with sacred order, chaos with clarity. I invite you to draw inspiration from him. Put your personal flair in service to noble ideas. Align your exuberant self-expression with your higher purpose. Show off if it helps wake people up.

CANCER June 21-July 22

In Inuit tradition, qarrtsiluni means “waiting in the darkness for something to burst forth.” It refers to the sacred pause before creativity erupts, before the quest begins, before the light returns. This is an apt description of your current state, Cancerian. Tend your inner stillness like a fire about to ignite. Don’t rush it. Honor the hush. The energies you store up will find their proper shape in a few weeks. Trust that the silence is not absence but incubation. Luminosity will bloom from this pregnant pause.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

You’re feeling the stirrings of a desire that’s at least half-wild. A surprising vision or opportunity has begun to roar softly within you. But here’s key advice: Don’t chase it recklessly. Practice strategic boldness. Choose where and how you shine. Your radiance is potent, but it will be most effective when offered deliberately, with conscious artistry. You’re being asked to embody the kind of leadership that inspires, not dominates. Be the sun that warms but doesn’t scorch! PS: People are observing you to learn how to shine.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

If humans ever perfect time-travel, I’m going to the Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt. It was crammed with papyrus scrolls by authors from all over the world. It was also a gathering point for smart people who loved to compare notes across disciplines. Poets argued amiably with mathematicians. Astronomers discussed inspirations with physicians. Breakthroughs flowed freely because ideas were allowed to migrate, hybridize and be challenged without rancor. Consider emulating that rich mélange, Virgo. Convene unlike minds, cross-pollinate and entertain unprecedented questions. The influences you need next will arrive via unexpected connections.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

The ancient Mesopotamians believed each person had a personal god called an ilu who acted as a protector, guide and intercessor with the greater gods. You’re in a phase when your own ilu is extra active and ready to undergo an evolutionary transformation. So assume that you will be able to call on potent help, Libra. Be alert for how your instincts and intuitions are becoming more acute and specific. If you feel an odd nudge or a dream insists on being remembered, take it seriously. You’re being steered toward deeper nourishment.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

In Venice, Italy, floods periodically damage books at libraries and bookstores. Trained volunteers restore them with meticulous, hands-on methods. They use absorbent paper and towels to separate and dry the pages, working page by page. I offer this vignette as a useful metaphor, Scorpio. Why? Because I suspect that a rich part of your story needs repair. It’s at risk of becoming irrelevant, even irretrievable. Your assignment is to nurse it back to full health and coherence. Give it your tender attention as you rehabilitate its meaning. Rediscover and revive its lessons and wisdom.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

In classical Indian music, a raga is not a fixed composition but a flexible framework. It’s defined by a specific scale, characteristic melodic phrases, and a traditional time of day for performance. Musicians improvise and express emotion within that expansive set of constraints. Unlike Western compositions, which are written out and repeated verbatim, a raga has different notes each time it’s played. I think this beautiful art form can be inspirational for you, Sagittarius. Choose the right time and tone for what you’re creating. Dedicate yourself to a high-minded intention and then play around with flair and delight. Define three non-negotiable elements and let everything else breathe.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

In medieval European monasteries, scribes left blank pages in certain texts. This was not done by accident, but to allow for future revelations. Later readers and scribes might fill these spaces with additional text, marginalia and personal notes. Books were seen as living documents. I recommend a metaphorical version of this practice to you, Capricorn. You will thrive by keeping spaces empty and allowing for the unknown to ripen. You may sometimes feel an urge to define, control and fortify, but acting on that impulse could interfere with the gifts that life wants to bring you. Honor what is as-yet unwritten.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

In West African Vodún cosmology, the deity named Lêgba guards the crossroads. He is the mediator and gatekeeper between the human world and spirit realm. He speaks all languages and serves as the first point of contact for communication with other spirits. In the weeks ahead, Aquarius, you may find yourself in Lêgba’s domain: between past and future, fact and fantasy, solitude and communion. You may also become a channel for others, intuiting or translating what they can’t articulate. I won’t be surprised if you know things your rational mind doesn’t fully understand. I bet a long-locked door will swing open and a long-denied connection will finally coalesce. You’re not just passing through the crossroads. You are the crossroads.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

In 1977, NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft into the abyss. Both carried a message in the form of a golden record to any extraterrestrial who might find it. There were greetings in 55 languages, natural sounds like whale songs and thunderstorms, music by Chuck Berry and others, plus over 100 images and diagrams explaining how to find Earth. It was science as a love letter, realism with a dash of audacity. I invite you to craft your own version of a golden record, Pisces. Distill a message that says who you are and what you are seeking: clear enough to be decoded by strangers, warm enough to be welcomed by friends you haven’t met. Put it where the desired audience can hear it: portfolio, outreach note, manifesto, demo. Send signals that will make the right replies inevitable.

Homework: You know that insult you fling at yourself? Stop flinging it! Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

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Pesticide Reality Tour

Framing the Band

High Art

Playing Live

The Editor’s Desk

Letters

Brew Chew

Baby Food

Where’s a Slug to Eat?

Open Mic Nights: Live, Loose and Local

Road to Hollywood Now Runs Through Santa Cruz

Diving into Immersive Audio at Cabrillo College

The Editor’s Desk

PHOTO CONTEST

GOOD IDEA

GOOD WORK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Letters

Trading Up

Why a Big 2025 Has People Talking Positively About XRP

The Climb and Its Character

The Bones Beneath the Impressive Rise

Ripple Effects in Culture and Memory

Volatility and Proof of Strength

Why People Keep Talking

Taming the Fire

Free Will Astrology

Where’s a Slug to Eat?

Open Mic Nights: Live, Loose and Local

Road to Hollywood Now Runs Through Santa Cruz

Diving into Immersive Audio at Cabrillo College

The Editor’s Desk

Letters

Trading Up

Why a Big 2025 Has People Talking Positively About XRP

Taming the Fire

Free Will Astrology