Page 572 – Good Times

Kathryn Kennedy Winery’s Refreshing 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

Josie Cowden

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April 8, 2020

Kathryn Kennedy Winery’s Refreshing 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

As son of the founder of the winery, the late Kathryn Kennedy, Marty Mathis grew up surrounded by all things grape. It’s not surprising that he carries on the tradition of making fine wines.

Made with organic grapes, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc from Kathryn Kennedy Winery (about $25) comes with a fruity punch of lemon and grapefruit. With its well-balanced acidity and pleasing minerality, it’s a burst of refreshing white wine that will pair well with fried foods, shellfish and green salads. Lovely aromas of freshly cut grass, honeysuckle and a whiff of lime add lots of olfactory appeal.

Kathryn Kennedy wines are available all over in supermarkets and liquor stores. With Easter coming up on April 12, you have time to get this delicious Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy over the festivities. It comes with a screw cap and is ready to drink right now.

Mathis says in his “later years” he traveled the backroads of Europe and discovered an exciting wealth of other growing techniques. He’s now working on a “new project” for 2021. Visit the website for info.

Kathryn Kennedy Winery. 408-230-0392, kathrynkennedywinery.com.

Support Our Local Wineries

Although tasting rooms are closed and many wine-related events are cancelled or postponed during the coronavirus outbreak, one can still buy wines from our wonderful local wineries. Every bottle we buy truly helps. Find your favorites online or call them to check if they deliver or are taking orders for pickup.

Local stores such as New Leaf, Staff of Life, Deluxe Foods, Shopper’s Corner, and Deer Park Wine and Spirits carry many local wines. Windy Oaks is doing free shipping and free delivery; Stockwell Cellars has well-priced case sales; Silver Mountain is offering door-front pickups every Saturday from noon to 3pm; Lester Estate Wines has stay-at-home wine survival packs available; and Beauregard Vineyards has a “significant discount” on Merlot—only $150 for a six-pack.

The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association (scmwa.com) provides a list of member wineries, and it has a map of where they’re located.

Check out our continually updating list of local takeout and delivery options.

Opinion: April 8, 2020

Steve Palopoli

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April 8, 2020

0

EDITOR’S NOTE

It can be overwhelming to think about how so many people from so many different aspects of our community need help right now during this crisis. Over the last few weeks we’ve written about many of them, from nonprofits to health care workers to musicians and artists of all types. This week, we focus on a sector of local business that is integral to our community identity: restaurants. Christina Waters writes in our cover story about why they’re so important to us, and they’re also part of Wallace Baine’s story this week on how downtown Santa Cruz businesses are struggling to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The good thing is that there’s an easy and delicious way to help out with this particular problem: support the local restaurants that are doing takeout during the shelter-in-place. We’ve got a handy guide in this issue to help you do just that.

In other news, we learned this week that Good Times has won first place in the General Excellence category of the California Journalism Awards from the California Newspaper Publishers Association. I’m so proud of all the people whose tireless work it celebrates—our amazing staff of reporters, designers, advertising reps and everyone else involved with the paper.

GT was also recognized with awards for Arts and Entertainment coverage and two for Wallace Baine in the Best Feature Story category (for his pieces on psychedelic therapy and UCSC’s Hunter S. Thompson archive).

Finding out about these awards right now is of course a bit bittersweet. Mixed with the joy is the awareness that the paper is struggling in this time, too—closed businesses means a huge drop in the advertising that keeps us alive. It’s especially ironic when I believe our news and culture coverage is more important than ever, and I am grateful beyond words to those advertisers who have stuck with us. To those individuals who have reached out to ask if there is a way they can help keep the paper going through the pandemic, donations can be made at supportyourlocalnewspaper.com/gt.

My greatest hope is that we will all get through this together.

STEVE PALOPOLI | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

UPDATE, April 14, 12:53pm: This note was corrected to reflect that it was not the first time Good Times has won first place in the General Excellence category. It also won the award in 2006.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

Equity and Fairness for UCSC Students

Re: “Learning Swerve” (GT, 4/1): I have a young friend, a senior at UCSC. She has spent time in the foster care system and has overcome big barriers to get to UCSC. And she was told that she needs a class that is not available to her because of the grad student strike. Instead, she will need to take that class in the fall only at UCSC, without the benefit of financial aid. Besides the cost, this is holding up her getting on with her life.

Surely, especially in this time of distance learning and COVID-19, there must be a better solution for this student and others in the same position. This seems to me to be a lack of imagination and a heavy-duty adherence to rules that do not make sense, especially for low-income students and students of color. This is an issue of equity and fairness.

I hope UCSC rethinks this. Perhaps she can write a paper on the topic of class. Perhaps she takes this one last class from afar, online. She and the other students deserve more consideration than has been given to them. These are my tax dollars and I want them spent with equity in mind.

Dana Bunnett| Santa Cruz

Safeguarding Elections

Congress must provide additional funding for elections in the next stimulus package—beyond the $400 million recently passed—to help voters have more options, such as expanded vote by mail, early voting, and online registration.

Susan Becker | Capitola

A Different Interpretation of Panetta’s Path

Re: Nuz (GT, 3/18): Nuz’s comments on Jimmy Panetta’s wide margin of victory in this March’s primary makes it seem as if were undeserved.

While we live in a time when celebrities have used name recognition for both public advancement and as a shield to cover incompetence, we ought not to exclude any individual wishing to serve on the sole basis that they have a familiar name. If anything, Congressman Panetta seems to have skillfully used his recognition as a tool that strengthens his effectiveness as our leader at a federal level.

Perhaps Jimmy Panetta’s convincing victory is more a statement about how extreme hard work, a passion for public service, and a core set of values that appeal to both progressives and moderates can help unite and lead us to a better future for every member of our community.

David J. Shuman, D.V.M. and David Harwitz, M.D. | Santa Cruz

ONLINE COMMENTS

Re: Lost Restaurants

Liz, what a great project and great that it ended up in a book authored by you. How exciting. If you plan on doing a part two, or you are still collecting restaurant items, let me know. Part of my growing up years was being in my parent’s restaurant, Hugo’s Armenian Restaurant and Deli. We had live Middle Eastern music and my dad and I would teach Armenian folk dancing to our customers. We also had belly dancers, and my parents were on the cover of Good Times during the ’70s. We were located where La Cabana now exists on Mission Street in the old Linda Vista shopping center. Congratulations on the book! I will definitely be grabbing a copy.

— Richelle Noroyan

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

Sign of the times at Twin Lakes Beach. Photograph by Kasia Palermo.

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

GOOD IDEA

SPOKEN WINDOW THEORY

The Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) will host a Facebook Live presentation on April 9 at 3pm about keeping stores safe from burglaries amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. With many companies closed due to COVID-19, cities are seeing an uptick in commercial burglaries. SCPD has increased patrol enforcement. Chief Andy Mills and Sgt. Carter Jones will outline ways businesses can cut liability risks, apply security tactics and thwart thieves. Mills is waiving false alarm fees during the health crisis.

GOOD WORK

WHEEL HOPE

Dave Andrade, a contestant from Santa Cruz, will be appearing on an episode of Wheel of Fortune on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30pm. Andrade is a corgi dad to his four-month-old puppy named “Sir Augustus Theodore Corgington, Esq.” and is a singer in the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. According to an ABC press release, Andrade has been a Wheel Watcher since he was little, when he would toddle around the house exclaiming, “I’d like to buy a vowel!” Andrade auditioned to be a contestant at a Wheelmobile event at Graton Casino in Rohnert Park, California.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Sometimes the simple things are more fun and meaningful than all the banquets in the world.”
-E.A. Bucchianeri

Things To Do (Virtually) in Santa Cruz: April 8-14

GT Staff

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April 7, 2020

2

Things To Do (Virtually) in Santa Cruz: April 8-14

Because in-person events across Santa Cruz County have been canceled or postponed following the shelter-in-place order, Good Times is compiling a weekly list of virtual events hosted by local artisans, artists, fitness instructors and businesses. To submit your virtual event, send an email to ca******@*******es.sc.

ARTS

VIEWABLE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA: CABRILLO GALLERY EXHIBIT ‘SIX YEARS SMITTEN: OBJECTS OF ADORNMENT.’ We miss seeing you take your time so generously with the artwork in our gallery. But this too shall pass and we will be able to gallivant around to different venues again someday and bump elbows. In the meantime, we hope you are making the most of hunkering down at home; tidying up, being creative, or continuing work remotely. Since there are over 150 pieces in the show, we are posting regularly on Facebook and Instagram, so you can get a daily inspirational dose of the artwork. You don’t even have to join Facebook to just tune in and see the images. They are available to everyone; you can sidestep the prompt that comes up to join or log in.

SANTA CRUZ MAKER’S MARKET As events in Santa Cruz face cancelation into May, the SCM Makers Market has rallied to create an online marketplace as an alternative sales outlet for local artists. On March 22, The Santa Cruz Virtual Makers Marketplace opened as the online fill-in for the monthly outdoor event, the Santa Cruz Downtown Makers Market. The website scmmakersmarket.com will serve as an online gathering place for local artists and crafters. Shoppers can expect an easy to browse the gallery of artists, each with their website, Etsy store or other online shop linked to their image.

DNA’S COMEDY LAB VIRTUAL COMEDY Who says comedy has to be in-person to be funny? We can still laugh over the internet. DNA’s Comedy Lab is hosting live standup (sit down?) in online Zoom meetings, plus their open mic and Sloth Storytelling Show, all online. Visit dnascomedylab.com for more information.

CLASSES

PARADIGM SPORT LIVESTREAM CLASSES LIVE While we are sheltering in place, one of the best things we can do for the health of our minds is to move our bodies. When we move together as a community, connected by the desire to inspire and promote wellness, we encourage, motivate and lift each other beyond what we might think is possible. Every day at noon. 426-9500. paradigmsport.com.

BEST FACEBOOK STRATEGIES FOR BEGINNERS Social media coach Karen Kefauver is teaching the online class, via Zoom conference, “Best Facebook Strategies for Beginners.” The 45-minute class is complementary and is followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. Karen has been teaching social media marketing for business for the past 10 years and is an instructor with the Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center. For questions, email or text Karen at Karen @karenkefauver.com or 588-3232. Noon-1pm. Thursday, April 9.

TOADAL FITNESS ONLINE CLASSES Toadal Fitness is streaming live classes and workouts that don’t require much if any, workout equipment. You must be a member, so visit toadalfitness.com to sign up. Members can get access to classes at toadalfitness.com/online-classes to take a class.

KIDS EXERCISE CLASS Stuck at home? Don’t let that stop your kids from getting quality exercise. Tune in for a fun, creative way to exercise at home! This class meets state curriculum guidelines for children’s physical education. Classes taught by bi-lingual trainers (English and Spanish). Our collective health is critical now more than ever! We all need to be healthy to boost our immune systems and fight this virus. We may all have to socially distance in the physical sense of the word, but we do not have to be entirely separated and isolated. All you need is a streaming device, water, wifi, and a positive attitude. Tune in to our online fitness and education sessions. Pay what you can, and together we will make a stronger, healthier, more resilient community of wellness. We hope to partner with you on your journey to optimal health to keep this going as long as possible. Please RSVP, then use this link to join our sessions: zoom.us/j/344330220. Contributions are via: Paypal: ja***@***********re.com. Venmo: @santacruzcore. Every day at 11am. 425-9500.

HEALTH

PSYCHEDELIC SCIENCE 2020 WEBINAR SERIES In this all-new online course, we’ll explore the latest advancements in psychedelic research, medicine, and policy and find out how to apply those lessons to our lives now and in the near future. In the Psychedelic Science 2020 Webinar Series, you’ll join host Bia Labate, Ph.D., and leaders of the psychedelic renaissance for insights into the latest research into the medical and therapeutic uses of MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and more. We’ll also get a sneak peek at key issues affecting the wider availability of psychedelics for healing and spirituality, and explore the role of psychedelics in healing trauma. In seven sessions from April 9 through May 21, you’ll learn directly from key players in psychedelic research, therapy, and advocacy about the hottest topics in the field. You’ll also get a chance to ask your questions and have them answered in real-time. The online sessions will include 60 minutes of presentations followed by 30 minutes of Q&A from the audience. Thursdays noon-1:30pm. maps.org/webinars2020. $35 single session, $150 full series.

GROUPS

VIRTUAL GUIDED MEDITATION Reduce stress with meditation and maintain a healthy lifestyle during social distancing. Join us for a free virtual session. It’s been a tough week. In our lifetimes we have never faced a public health crisis like this one. As a locally-owned small business, this situation is particularly overwhelming and stressful. Yet, we are also grateful. Grateful for our amazing cohort of practitioners that want to help as many people as they can. Grateful for our dependable back office and administrative support team. And, most of all, grateful to you, our community who has helped my dream of co-creating a community of wellness become a reality. Without you, there is no Santa Cruz CORE! Please RSVP, then use this link to join our sessions: zoom.us/j/344330220. Contributions are via: Paypal: ja***@***********re.com. Venmo: @santacruzcore. Every day at noon. 425-9500.

SANTA CRUZ DEMOCRATS MEETING ONLINE Wednesday, March 25 via Zoom: zoom.us/j/927519866 (Meeting ID: 927-519-866). Visit their website for future Zoom meetings at cruzdemocrats.org. 7pm.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEBINAR ON CORONAVIRUS Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce Webinar Series Coronavirus Update: What Small Businesses Need To Know Webinar. Candice Elliott is the Principal Consultant at Fortress and Flourish. She provides human resource management support for businesses and nonprofit organizations. Caleb Baskin, founder and attorney of Baskin and Fowler Caleb, is an entrepreneur at heart and in trade. He began his career as a litigator at Baskin and Grant, LLP, where he helped business owners and professionals defend and further their business interests. Since then, he has co-founded a number of companies, including Baskin and Fowler, where he represents businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs as legal counsel.Webinar Subjects: Reductions in Workforce, New FMLA/Sick Leave Laws, How to Administer FMLA Leave, CARES Act Provisions for Employees. 2-3pm. Wednesday, April 8. web.santacruzchamber.org/events/Coronavirus-Update-What-Small-Businesses-Need-to-Know-Webinar-4208/details.

FOOD & DRINK

THE TRUE OLIVE CONNECTION CURBSIDE PICK UP The True Olive Connection is offering curbside pick up two days a week. Two ways to make this happen, call in an order to 458-6457 or use web order, and select local pickup. Your items will be ready on the next available pickup day. 10am-2pm every Wednesday and Saturday.

VIRTUAL WINE TASTING WITH INTEGRITY WINES Local winemaker Mark Hoover is hosting a “More Than Virtual/In-Home Tastings Series” at 1pm each Sunday until the tasting room reopens. To participate, order an in-home wine tasting kit ($30 each/$45 couples) for pick-up or delivery, then join Hoover via Zoom as he explains the different types and answers any questions. For more information, visit integrity.wine.

OUTDOOR

MAH FILM NIGHT ‘RADICAL FUTURISMS PART I RESCREEN’ Join curator TJ Demos for a virtual introduction and (re)screening of films originally shown last month at the Del Mar Theater that seek to offer points of light in a dark world. How are visual artists imagining radical futures? How can the traditions of oppressed peoples become the foundation of the future? How can social justice and ecosystems flourish going forward? How can we escape our current climate of catastrophe and anxiety and instead transform the present into a radical future by asking what is “not-yet”? This will be screened online via Zoom, visit santacruzmah.org to RSVP for the link. 7-9pm. Wednesday, April 15.

LIVE FEED FROM THE AQUARIUM It’s not recommended to go outside a lot at this time, but that doesn’t mean the outside can’t come to you. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has its live feeds up and running, from the jellies to the aviary. Log on to montereybayaquarium.org for more information.

NOON IN THE PARK Tune in to our livestream at noon! facebook.com/countyparkfriends/. Walk a walk with us; we host virtual storytimes, special guests with yoga, music and more. Everyday at noon.

A Guide to Takeout Food in Santa Cruz During Shelter-in-Place

Christina Waters

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April 7, 2020

53

A Guide to Takeout Food in Santa Cruz During Shelter-in-Place

The following is a list of local restaurants confirmed to be open as of press time. Information is subject to change, and may not include open restaurants for which information was not available. Where additional details about a restaurant’s offerings are known, they have been included in italics at the end of the entry.

We’re doing our best to keep this guide updated. If your business is missing, please leave a comment or email us at le*****@*******es.sc with the business name, address, contact info, and a brief summary of takeout and pickup options.

Akira

105 Post Office Drive D, Aptos, 708-2154, akiraaptos.com; 1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 600-7093, akirasantacruz.com.

Alderwood

155 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. 588-3238, alderwoodsantacruz.com. Limited curbside menu.

Ambrosia India Bistro

207 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos, 685-0610; 6006 La Madrona Drive, No. D, Scotts Valley, 713-5594. ambrosiaib.com.

Aptos St. BBQ

8059 Aptos St., Aptos. 662-1721, aptosstbbq.com.

Ashby Confections

16C Victor Square, Scotts Valley. 454-8299, ashbyconfections.com.

Avanti

1917 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 427-0135. avantisantacruz.squarespace.com. Limited menu, 4-7:30pm daily.

Back Nine Grill & Bar

555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz. 226-2350. backninegrill.com. Family meals to go.

Bad Animal

1011 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. 900-5031, badanimalbooks.com. Curbside pickup.

Bangkok West
2505 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos. 479-8297, bangkokwest.com.

Barceloneta

1541 B Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 900-5222, eatbarceloneta.square.site.

Beer Mule Bottle Shop & Pour House

45 Aviation Way, Watsonville. 254-9789, kickassbeer.com.

Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House

2504 S. Main St., Soquel. 477-9967, beerthirtysantacruz.com.

Betty Burgers

505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8190; 1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7056, bettyburgers.com.

Bittersweet Bistro

787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos. 662-9799, bittersweetbistro.com. Curbside pickup, limited menu.

Bruno’s Bar & Grill

230 Mount Hermon Road, Suite G, Scotts Valley. 438-2227, brunosbarandgrill.com. Wednesday-Sunday, 2-8 p.m.

The Buttery

702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 458-3020, butterybakery.com.

Cafe Cruz
2621 41st Ave. Soquel. 831-476-3801, cafecruz.com. Takeout.

Cafe El Palomar

2222 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 477-0371, cafeelpalomar.com.

Cafe Del Sol

1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 423-8632, staffoflifemarket.com/index.php. Open 8am-2pm.

Cafe Iveta

2125 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz. 713-5946, iveta.com. Takeout and delivery, 9am to 2pm.

Café Mare

740 Front St. #100, Santa Cruz. 458-1212, cafemare.com.

Cafe Rio
131 Esplanade, Aptos. (831) 688-8917, caferioaptos.com. Taking orders noon-5pm Wednesday-Saturday for 5-7pm pickup.

Cafe Sparrow

8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos. 688-6238, cafesparrow.com.

Canton

224 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley. 438-2002, zmenu.com/scotts-valley-canton-restaurant-scotts-valley-2-online-menu.

Carmona’s BBQ Deli
1040 E Lake Ave, Watsonville. 761-9160.

Cat & Cloud

3600 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz; 719 Swift St., Suite 56, Santa Cruz. catandcloud.com. 7am to 1pm, to-go orders only.

Charlie Hong Kong

1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 426-5664, charliehongkong.com. Curbside pickup.

Chill Out Cafe

860 41st Ave., Santa Cruz. 477-0543.

Chocolate

1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 427-9900, chocolatesantacruz.com. Tuesday-Saturday 4-8pm, Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm, curbside pickup and delivery through DoorDash.

Cole’s BBQ

2590 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. 476-4424, colesbbq.com.

Companion Bakeshop
2341 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 471-8378, companionbakeshop.com. Takeout and pickup.

Costanoa

2001 Rossi Road, Pescadero. 650-879-1100, costanoa.com/eat. Meal and supply delivery and pickup.

The Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. 831-429-6994, thecrepeplace.com. Takeout.

Crow’s Nest

2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com.

The Daily Grind Coffee and Bottle Shop

115 San Jose Ave., Capitola. 854-2655, thedailygrindcapitola.com. Open 9am – 5pm every day except Tuesdays.

Davenport Road House
1 Davenport Ave., Davenport. 831-426 8801, davenportroadhouse.com. Takeout and fresh produce boxes.

Deke’s Market & In Mah Belly Deli

334 7th Ave., Santa Cruz. 476-5897, dekesmarket.com.

Dharma’s
4250 Capitola Road, Capitola. 831-462-1717, dharmasrestaurant.com. 11am-7pm, takeout.

East End Gastropub

1501 41st Ave., Capitola. 475-8010, eastendpub.com.

East Side Eatery

800 41st Ave., Santa Cruz. 431-6058. Curbside pickup.

El Chino

2525 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. 476-7175, elchinosantacruz.com.

Ella’s at the Airport

100 Aviation Way, Watsonville. 728-3282, ellasinwatsonville.com. Takeout family-style meals.

El Jardin

655 Capitola Road, Suite 102, Santa Cruz. 477-9384, eljardinrestaurant.net. Takeout and delivery.

El Pajaro CDC’s Kitchen Incubator
412 Riverside Drive, Watsonville. ki*****@*********dc.org, facebook.com/elpajarocdc.

El Palomar

1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com.

El Rosal Bakery

21513 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 462-1308.

Emily’s Bakery
1129 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 429-9866, emilysbakery.com.

Engfer Pizza Works

537 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz. 429-1856, engferpizzaworks.com.

Erik’s Deli Cafe

1664 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-1919; 102 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 688-5656; 1475A 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-4646; 222 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 438-4646; 1074 S. Green Valley Road, Watsonville, 724-7575. eriksdelicafe.com. Curbside pickup and delivery.

Ferrell’s Donuts

1761 17th Ave., Santa Cruz; 2151 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley; 7765 Soquel Drive, Aptos. 462-0444, santacruzdonuts.com.

Gabriella Cafe

910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. 457-1677, gabriellacafe.com. Curbside pickup.

Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria
504 Bay Avenue, Capitola. gaylesbakery.com. Open 11am-5pm starting May 18 for online ordering and delivery.

Guang Zho

3150 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. 465-0988, guangzhosantacruz.com.

Habaneros Bar and Grill
95 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley. 438-2567. Takeout and pickup.

Heavenly Roadside Cafe

1210 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley. 335-1210, heavenlyroadsidecafe.com.

Hindquarter Bar & Grille

303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 426-7770, thehindquarter.com. Takeout and delivery, Wednesday-Sunday.

Hollins House

20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz. 459-9177, thehollinshouse.com. Takeout.

Holy Smokes Country BBQ

21505 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 471-8787, holysmokesbbqandcatering.com. Curbside pickup.

Home
3101 N. Main St., Soquel. 431-6131, homesoquel.com. Curbside pickup 4-7pm Wednesday-Saturday.

Hula’s
221 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz. 831-426-4852, hulastiki.com. Takeout.

India Joze
418 Front St., Santa Cruz. 325-3633, indiajoze.com/order/eat. Order online for pickup.

Java Junction

519 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-5282; 580 S. River St., Santa Cruz, 426-2128; 2222 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 464-1243, javajunctioncoffee.com.

Jeffery’s

2050 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 425-1485.

Joe’s Pizza and Subs
841 N Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz. 831-426-5955.

Kaito

830 41st Ave., Santa Cruz. 464-2586, smilekaito.com. Takeout and delivery.

Kelly’s French Bakery

402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz. 423-9059, kellysfrenchbakery.com. Breads and pastries only, curbside pickup.

Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 469-4400, kiantis.com. Curbside pickup and delivery.

La Cabana Taqueria
2332 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 425-7261.

Laili Restaurant
101 B. Cooper St., Santa Cruz. 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com. Takeout and delivery, 11:30am-8pm daily.

La Posta

538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz. 457-2782, lapostarestaurant.com. Curbside breads pickup.

Lago di Como

21490 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 454-8257, lagodicomoristorante.com. Takeout and limited delivery.

Left Coast Sausage Worx
107 San Jose Ave., Capitola. 295-1194, leftcoastsausageworx.com. Friday-Sunday, 12-5pm.

Lillian’s Italian Kitchen

1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 425-2288, lilliansitaliankitchen.com. Curbside pickup, 4-8pm Tuesday-Sunday.

Lulu Carpenter’s

1545 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz; 925 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz; 930 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz; Coffee Cat, 255A Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley. 439-9200, lulucarpenters.com. Coffee, pastries, takeout and delivery.

Lupulo
233 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz. 454-8306, lupulosc.com. Curbside pickup and delivery.

Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant

261 Center Ave., Aptos. 688-4848, manuelsrestaurant.com.

Margaritaville
231 Esplanade, Capitola. 831-476-2263, margaritavillecapitola.com. Open for takeout noon-7pm daily.

Maya Mexican Restaurant
3115 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley. 831-438-7004, mayasv.com. Takeout.

May’s Sushi

1800 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 427-0201, mayssushibarandgrill.weebly.com.

Mentone

174 Aptos Village Way, Aptos. 708-1174, mentonerestaurant.com. Pizza curbside pickup, limited menu. 4-8pm Wednesday-Sunday.

Michael’s On Main
2591 S Main St, Soquel. 831-479-9777, michaelsonmain.info. Open for takeout starting May 15.

Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery

1101B Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 508-0774, missionhillcreamery.com. Curbside pickup and delivery.

Mission St. BBQ

1618 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 458-2222, missionstbbq.com. Delivery.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

3715 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. 477-7760, mountainmikespizza.com.

Mozaic

110 Church St., Santa Cruz. 454-8663, mozaicsantacruz.com.

Naka Sushi

1200 41st Ave., Capitola. 479-9620, nakasushi.org. Takeout 5:30-8:30pm Tuesday-Sunday.

Nick the Greek

1133 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 431-6313, nicksantacruz.com.

Oswald
121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 831-423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com. Open for takeout and delivery starting May 13.

Pacific Cookie Company
1203 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 429-6905, pacificcookie.com. Takeout and curbside pickup, and delivery with DoorDash.

Pacific Thai

1319 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz. 420-1700, pacificthaisantacruz.com.

Panda Inn

783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Suite 5, Aptos. pandainntogo.com.

Parish Publick House

841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-0507; 8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 708-2036. theparishpublick.com.

Paula’s

3500 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. 464-0741. 8am to noon.

Pearl of the Ocean

736 Water St., Santa Cruz. 457-2350, pearloftheocean-hub.com.

Penny Ice Creamery
913 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. 204-2523, thepennyicecreamery.com. Walk up window service 1-8pm and sundae kits for pickup.

People’s Coffee

1200 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. 464-2739.

Persephone

7945 Soquel Drive, Aptos. 612-6511, persephonerestaurant.com. Curbside pickup, limited menu.

Pizza My Heart

1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-2511; 2180 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-6000; 209 Esplanade, Capitola, 475-5714. pizzamyheart.com. Curbside pickup and free delivery.

Pizzeria Avanti
1711 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 831-425-1807, pizzeriaavanti.net. Takeout 5-9 pm daily.

Pleasure Pizza

1415 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz; 400 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. 475-4002, pleasurepizzasc.com.

Pleasure Point Juice

3520 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. 454-8331.

The Point Market and Cafe

23040 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 475-3356.

Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap
3744 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz. 831-476-7458, ponohawaiiangrill.com/site. Takeout.

Pretty Good Advice
3070 Porter St., Soquel. 831-226-2805, prettygoodadvicesoquel.com. 11am-7pm Wednesday-Sunday. Takeout.

Real Thai

1632 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz. 427-2559, realthaisantacruz.com.

Red Apple Cafe Aptos

738 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos. 685-1224, redappleaptos.com.

Red Apple Cafe Watsonville

589 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville. 761-9551.

Ristorante Italiano

555 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 458-2321, ristoranteitalianosc.com. Takeout and delivery.

Rumble Fish
4727 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley. 831-440-9240, rumblefish-sv.com. Takeout.

Sabieng Thai

1218 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 425-1020, sabiengthaicuisine.com. Pickup 3-8pm.

Salsa’s Taco Bar

1710 Brommer St., Santa Cruz. 465-1105. Takeout window open.

Samba Rock
291 Water St., Santa Cruz. 458-2224. Takeout.

Sanderling’s at Seascape

One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos. 662-7120, sanderlingsrestaurant.com.

Saturn Cafe

145 Laurel St., Santa Cruz. 429-8505, santacruz.saturncafe.com.

Sawasdee

101 Main St., Santa Cruz, 466-9009, sawasdeebythesea.com; 5050 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-5051, sawasdeesoquel.com.

Seabreeze Cafe

542 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz. 427-9713, seabreezecafe.com.

Seabright Deli

415 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz. 515-7484, seabrightdeli.com.

Sesame Korean Grill
435 Front St., Santa Cruz. 454-8355.

Shun Feng

420 River St., Santa Cruz. 423-3688, shunfengsantacruz.com.

Silver Spur

2650 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. 475-2725, scsilverspur.com.

Star Bene

2-1245 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 479-4307, star-bene.com.

Star of Siam

3005 Porter St., Soquel. 479-0366, starofsiamsoquel.net.

Steamer Lane Supply.
698 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 831-316-5240, steamerlanesc.com. Takeout 9am – 6:30pm daily.

Sunrise Cafe

4718 Soquel Drive, Soquel. 462-0466. 8am-2pm daily. Takeout or curbside pickup.

Sushi Garden

820 Bay Ave., Capitola, 464-9192; 1441 Main St., Watsonville, 728-9192; 5600 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-9260; sushi-garden.com.

Sweet Pea’s Cafe
2121 41st Ave., Santa Cruz. 476-2737, sweetpeascrepes.com. Pickup and delivery, 9am-2pm Wednesday-Sunday.

Taqueria Agave

1836 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 426-5933, taqueriaagave.com.

Taqueria Los Gordos

7488 Soquel Drive, Aptos. 831-688-0911.

Taqueria Los Pericos

139 Water St., Santa Cruz. 469-7685, taquerialospericossantacruz.com. Pickup and takeout.

Taqueria Michoacan

21401 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 465-8290.

Taqueria Santa Cruz
1002 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-5193; 2215 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-0606. taqueriasantacruz.com.

Taqueria Vallarta

608 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 457-8226; 893 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 464-7022; 1221 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 426-7240; 6272 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-4264, taqueriavallartaonline.com.

Tortilla Flats

4616 Soquel Drive, Soquel. 476-1754, tortillaflatstogo.com. Takings orders at noon Wednesday through Sunday.

Tramonti

528 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz. 426-7248, tramontisantacruz.com. Takeout and delivery.

The Ugly Mug Soquel

4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel. 477-1341, cafeugly.com. 7am-1pm Monday-Saturday. Beans, coffee, espresso drinks and chai for takeout, plus a selection of food. Order online or via phone for curbside pickup.

Urbani Cellar
140 Encinal St., Santa Cruz. 515-3213, urbanicellar.com. Open noon to 11pm daily for takeout and delivery.

Upper Crust
2415 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 423-9010; 2501 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-2333. uppercrustsc.com. Takeout and delivery.

Vasili’s
1501 Mission St., # A, Santa Cruz. 458-9808.

Village Host Pizza

4 Seascape Village, Aptos, 685-8646; 819-C Bay Ave., Capitola, 464-8455. villagehost.com.

Vim
2238 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 831-515-7033, vimsantacruz.com. Dinner takeout 4-7:30pm Wednesday-Saturday, plus brunch takeout 10am-12:30pm Sunday.

West End Tap and Kitchen

334-D Ingalls St., Santa Cruz. 471-8115, westendtap.com.

Whiting’s Foods

677-6161, santacruzfunfoods.com. Local delivery through Grubhub, DoorDash and other services.

Windmill Cafe

21231 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 464-4698, windmillcafesantacruz.com.

Woodstock’s Pizza

710 Front St., Santa Cruz. 427-4444, woodstockcruz.com. Curbside pickup and free delivery.

Zameen

7528 Soquel Drive, Aptos. 688-4465, zameencuisine.com. Thursday-Sunday, 4-7:30pm.

Zizzo’s Coffeehouse

3555 Clares Street, Suite PP, Capitola. zizzoscoffee.com. Open 8am-2pm.

Zoccoli’s Deli

1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 423-1711, zoccolis.com.

How Santa Cruz Restaurants Are Navigating Tough Times

Christina Waters

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April 7, 2020

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How Santa Cruz Restaurants Are Navigating Tough Times

Restaurants are suffering right now, the places where people rendezvous, where people go to spend time with friends, eating, drinking, hanging out. The heart of our community. Places that can no longer conduct business as usual.

Many have decided to shut their doors and ride out this storm: Bantam, Vim, Verve, the Bagelry, Oswald, Shadowbrook, Cafe Cruz, Gayle’s. Others are staying open however they can, hoping to keep employees solvent and their business alive.

A lot of people, even in a sophisticated town like Santa Cruz, might not be aware that the restaurant industry is the second largest private sector employer in the country. Or that in 2019 California’s restaurants boasted sales over $100 billion, and provided 2 million restaurant and food service jobs. That figure will plummet this year. The National Restaurant Association last week estimated that as many as 30,000 California restaurants could close permanently because of the virus-related closures and widespread layoffs.

We can grasp the impact for the waitperson in the restaurant, the barista in the coffee shop, the fry cook in the fast food shop, and the chefs we glimpse in the kitchen. But the people in danger now from restaurant shutdowns aren’t just chefs and waitstaff. They include kitchen workers, winegrowers, cleaning services, bakers, janitors, bookkeepers, recyclers, bar suppliers, and especially the huge network of food suppliers. That means growers, fieldworkers, truck drivers, and farmers. In a community like ours, surrounded and fed by organic farms, it’s not only a large network—it’s personal. They are family.

Even the earthquake of 1989 is dwarfed by the exponential fallout of this current crisis. We asked seasoned veterans of our local food business to explain the hidden costs of the current shutdowns; they asked to remain anonymous when doing so due to the fragile nature of everyone’s businesses right now.

There’s a social aspect to the toll on the dining scene. Without social interaction—the freedom to chat with the bartender, to share plates, to meet and greet friends in a cozy atmosphere—dining experiences flatten. Barceloneta, a relatively new tapas restaurant in downtown Santa Cruz suspended operation early on in this crisis. Sharing food, drink, and conversation pretty much defines tapas.

New restaurants are going to struggle, one chef/owner veteran of the restaurant trade notes. They don’t yet have a “baked-in” clientele, and they have initial debt incurred to set up in the first place. Table service restaurants are having a harder time, he believes, while more traditional to-go restaurants, with less square footage and fewer tables, may be able to adjust more easily.

A small business may have an advantage in terms of a lower overhead, but their resources for creating revenue to meet that overhead are also smaller, notes the owner of a tiny carryout cafe. There are several other factors that might increase resiliency—the type of cuisine, and its adaptability, for example. A larger business would be more vulnerable in terms of staff reductions and fresh inventory losses. She has been able to retain her small staff thus far. “That is why I am staying open, to get them a paycheck.” Otherwise, she notes, unemployment is the only option. Shuttered restaurants have been feeding their laid-off staff and giving them remaining inventory.

The impact of all this is tremendous—and not simply on the restaurants, but for those out of work who live paycheck to paycheck. The high rents in Santa Cruz bode worse for those who will try to live on unemployment. The creative solutions restaurant folks are scrambling to put in place take extra energy and induce extra stress. Those who rely on in-house dining have the hardest path. Even if things went back to something like normal in a few months, catching up might no longer be possible for businesses that run on a very small margin. Many restaurants will be closed permanently when we all wake up from this bad dream.

The owner of a landmark restaurant is considering options. “Not knowing the full impact that closure would have and how long it and its aftermath will endure, we chose to plan for but not to initiate new services for to-go pickup or delivery. It’s too early to determine if we stay out of that arena or jump in.”

Trying to help as many of his 140 employees as possible, he says he can’t continue it forever. The fine-dining segment of industry needs a big staff, he explained, to provide the expected services of food, beverage, ambiance and overall experience. That includes receptionists, website monitors, janitorial personnel indoors and outdoors, office staff, hosts, food servers, bussers, bartenders, pantry workers, cooks, dishwashers, and maintenance staff. And the supporting businesses include meat and seafood suppliers (and those that fish or butcher for them), vendors, farmers, produce companies, lounge musicians, liquor companies and wineries, and linen suppliers.

At one coffeehouse cafe, changes have come swiftly. Some product is made in-house, other foods are purchased from outside suppliers, all of whom, including landlords, will be impacted by the downturn in business. Kitchen operation has been reduced by over half, the owner says, which means eliminating positions and reducing hours amongst the people who need the money the most—the ones working two and three jobs to support families. It’s tough to know how the retail landscape will settle in over the next months and years. The hospitality industry is the lifeblood of a tourist beach town. Any degradation in the vitality of that industry will affect our quality of life.

Fine dining and on-premise alcohol retailers might be particularly vulnerable, he notes. The experience of being there—eating and having cocktails in-house—is the large part of what patrons desire.

A winemaker who also grows his own grapes has reduced his operation to immediate family plus three longtime crew. Farming does not stop, he points out, and for that he needs extra workers. He cannot shut down to conserve cash.

“We have to farm,” he says.

He has restaurant accounts, too, and “if they’re not doing any business, we’re not doing any business. And right now we are both not doing much business. We are doing about 50% normal business and still paying out 90% normal payroll.” He says he cannot continue like this.

One bright spot in the supply chain miasma is the online purchasing strategy being used by more and more restaurants, and organic growers. Popular with people who feel uncomfortable venturing out of their houses, the online buying/delivery option is on the rise. “I really think that this pandemic is moving everyone over to online shopping and we will be different at the end of this,” a top local organic grower says. He is currently experiencing “crazy demand with online ordering and farmers market pickup or home delivery that we had not been tapping into before. We should have done this years ago,” he says.

The downside is that his orders from restaurants are down by 95%, and even though online orders and deliveries are up, he’s worried about the exposure his employees have with market and field work.

Things are changing. Fast. And we’re learning to think in a whole new way about our food, how we consume it, and what it means to us. So support this town’s dining scene by patronizing the restaurants listed here that are continuing to provide takeout during the quarantine. And when this is all over, we’ll all go out to eat!

Coronavirus Coverage

For continuing in-depth coverage of the new coronavirus and its effects locally, visit goodtimes.sc/category/santa-cruz-news/coronavirus.

To learn about action you can take now, whether you’re seeking assistance or want to find ways of supporting the community, visit goodtimes.sc/santa-cruz-coronavirus-resources.

Streetlight Records Copes by Turning to Online Sales

Wallace Baine

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April 7, 2020

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Streetlight Records Copes by Turning to Online Sales

Long before COVID-19, the friendly neighborhood independent record store had already had a lot of practice in dealing with seismic shifts in the marketplace, and even in facing an existential crisis or two. Still, the pandemic has dealt a swift, potentially crippling blow to indie record retailers like Streetlight Records, which has had to close its two stores in San Jose and Santa Cruz. We had the opportunity to visit with Paige Brodsky, who manages the San Jose shop and is also Streetlight’s marketing manager.

First off, what’s the status of the stores? How are you dealing with the crisis?

Well, it’s challenging, for sure. Our business has certainly seen its share of challenges over the years. But we try to be nimble and try to be able to catch those curveballs. We’re in a situation where probably about half of the total Streetlight staff has been fully furloughed. And little less than a half is working from five to 15 hours a week to fill online orders, and get more of our products listed on various online sites, just to try to get us through and keep the bills paid until we can open again.

How big is your staff in normal times?

It hovers between 25 and 30 altogether for both stores, including the administrative staff. And half of those are on furlough and eligible for unemployment. We’ve walked them through the process of how to apply and make that as easy as possible. As far as we can tell, everybody has applied for their unemployment benefits and should be receiving them soon. And we’re also keeping an eye out to make sure everybody’s got adequate food and shelter. We’re a big family. We’re not going to let anybody go hungry or be without a place to live.

The record-store industry has faced some huge challenges dealing with the tides of music technology and commerce. Is this a catastrophe for your business, or more of a bump in the road?

It’s scary, for sure. I feel optimistic because we’ve weathered all those challenges in the last 10 or 20 years. Part of it is being a small business, having that agility to respond to market circumstances. In this case, the pandemic is much bigger and is affecting all industries and not just ours. But I feel like we’re in a better position than some larger corporate businesses to weather the storm just because we can be creative. Also, both our stores have a lot of community support, so when we reach out to our customers, they respond. I don’t see it as a death knell or a catastrophe for our business. Of course, I’m looking too at the bigger picture: What’s our society going to look like on the other side of this? How are our social norms going to change?

Have you been talking to other record stores and retailers? How are they faring?

Yes, constantly. One of the first things I did was call the owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz [Casey Coonerty Protti], and that was so helpful to talk with her. She had this game plan ready, and I asked her, ‘Can I copy your game plan? And can I share it with other record stores across the country?’

We are part of a coalition of independent record stores, which is 40 to 45 different record stores across the country. We’ve been communicating with each other, and that has been extremely helpful—even in terms of, say, one of the stores applies for an SBA loan, another applies for the federal disaster assistance loan. They are able to walk the rest of the stores through the process. Being able to network and share that knowledge is just incredibly valuable. It’s not necessarily comparing apples to apples when we talk to these other stores, because shelter-in-place orders are different for each community. On an emotional level, it’s great to know that we’re not alone and to be able to commiserate with other record stores.

Do you think your customer base looks at Streetlight as not just an outlet to get their music, but as a business that they feel obligated to support?

I think that’s absolutely true. Particularly in Santa Cruz, the importance of supporting local independent businesses, even in non-pandemic times, seems to be in the forefront on the minds of the Santa Cruz population. But beyond that, we recognize that the record store serves as a cultural community center and a place where people appreciate movies and art and music, and want to discuss and learn about all of those things with fellow music, art, movie fans. I know that our customers are really missing that right now. They are being supportive and buying gift cards from us and our products online so we can be there on the other end. It’s like a social consciousness. To our supporters, we are an essential business to them. I don’t want to detract from those who truly are what the government has deemed essential businesses for health and safety. But some of us need music, too.

Your particular business is fascinating in that the actual material product that you’re selling has rapidly changed in recent years.

Yes, it’s all about the LP right now. New LPs and used LPs. It still amazes me. We still have a lot of new and used CDs. But a lot of young people are really into vinyl. And the new vinyl, some of it is kind of expensive. That’s beyond our control. The prices are set by the record companies. Our margins are not real huge. But a 16-year-old girl comes in and is totally willing to spend $30 on a new LP, but that same person is not willing to spend $3 on a used CD.

That has been the overriding thing that has carried us over this last five, six, seven years. It’s a beautiful thing to see because I am a fan of the LP. It is so great to see it have the resurgence it so richly deserves.

How is music important for all of us right now, stuck in our homes, looking for comfort and escape?

You sit and listen to a record in your living room while sheltering in place, and you completely connect with the music. It livens up your world. It moves you in a way that nothing else can.

But beyond that, that feeling you have when you’re listening to that record, it’s only matched by discussing the feeling you have listening to that record with someone else who feels just as strongly about that record, or even another record.

To me, music is a way of connecting people to people, through this other connection that happens first, the person and the record. To me, even above and beyond the comfort you get hearing a certain chord progression or hearing the voice of one of your favorite singers or songwriters, you get that affirmation of life.

What have you been listening to? What’s your shelter-in-place soundtrack?

I’ve been using this time to catch up on some promotional CDs that I haven’t listened to yet, and records that I’ve bought and haven’t listened to yet. But looking around the living room, I see Bob Dylan’s Desire on vinyl. I just finished listening to a Cyril Neville album. That was interesting—New Orleans second-line stuff with also some rap and hip-hop. I’m a big Steve Winwood fan. Two or three years ago, he released a double-live CD that’s gotten a couple extra plays. I tend to go for classical music in the morning, jazz at night. The Coltrane release that came out last year Blue World, that’s gotten a lot of play.

You’re taking online orders these days. Do you have a sense what your customer base wants right now?

We also sell new and used DVDs and Blu-rays. They have been selling really well. Not everybody has Netflix or the online streaming services. Also in times of financial stress, sometimes your cable bill is one of the first things to go. We carry all these different used titles, TV show seasons, for low prices. A lot of people have been practicing the buy-now-shop-later mentality to support us. Gift cards are probably our number one seller right now.

To support Streetlight Records or to search their catalogue, go to streetlightrecords.com.

Coronavirus Coverage

For continuing in-depth coverage of the new coronavirus and its effects locally, visit goodtimes.sc/category/santa-cruz-news/coronavirus.

To learn about action you can take now, whether you’re seeking assistance or want to find ways of supporting the community, visit goodtimes.sc/santa-cruz-coronavirus-resources.

Rob Brezsny’s Astrology: April 8-14

Rob Brezsny

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April 7, 2020

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Free will astrology for the week of April 8, 2020

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Moses did 40 years’ worth of hard work on behalf of his people, delivering them out of slavery in Egypt. Yet God didn’t allow him to enter into the Promised Land. Why? At the end of his travails, he made a minor mistake that angered God beyond reason. Petty? Harsh? Very much so. I’m happy to say that your fate will be very different from Moses’. Some months from now, when your labors bring you to the brink of your own personal version of the Promised Land, not even a small error will prevent you from entering and enjoying it. And what you do in the coming weeks will help ensure that later success.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Built in the third century B.C., the Colossus of Rhodes was a monumental statue of the Greek sun god. It stood in the harbor of the island of Rhodes and was called one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alas: An earthquake struck the area 54 years after it was finished, knocking it over and smashing it into fragments. Three centuries later, many of the chunks still lay scattered around the harbor. I offer this as a teaching story, Taurus. If there are any old psychological ruins lying around in your psyche, I encourage you to conduct an imaginary ritual in which you visualize throwing those ruins into a big bonfire. Clear the slate for the new beginnings that will be available once the COVID-19 crisis has settled down.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Argue with anything else,” writes author Philip Pullman, “but don’t argue with your own nature.” Amen! That’s always good advice for you Geminis, and it will be especially crucial in the coming weeks. A certain amount of disputation and challenging dialogue with other people will be healthy for you, even an effective way to get clarity and advance your aims. (Don’t overdo it, of course.) But you must promise never to quarrel with or criticize your own nature. You should aim at being a radiant bastion of inner harmony and a powerhouse of self-love. Do whatever’s necessary to coax all your different aspects to work together in sweet unity.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Like many Cancerians, painter Marc Chagall cultivated an intimate relationship with his dreams and fantasies. His fellow artist Pablo Picasso remarked, “When Chagall paints, you do not know if he is asleep or awake. Somewhere or other inside his head there must be an angel.” Being a Crab myself, I know how essential it is for us to be in close connection with reverie and the imagination. Every now and then, though, there come occasions when the demands of the material world need our extra, focused attention—when our dreamy tendencies need to be rigorously harnessed in behalf of pragmatism. Now is one of those times.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Is there an influence you’re ready to outgrow, Leo? Are there teachers who have given you all they have to offer, and now you need to go in search of new founts of inspiration and education? Have you squeezed all possible value out of certain bright ideas and clever theories that no longer serve you? Are you finished with old sources of excitement that have lost their excitement? These are the kinds of questions I encourage you to ask yourself in the coming weeks. It’ll be a favorable time to celebrate the joyful art of liberation—to graduate from what might have been true once upon a time, and prepare for the wide-open future after the COVID-19 crisis has mellowed.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your words of power in the coming days are simple: deep, low, down, below, dig, dive, and descend. I invite you to meditate on all the ways you can make them work for you as metaphors and use them to activate interesting, nourishing feelings. There’ll be very little worth exploring on the surface of life in the coming weeks, Virgo. All the hottest action and most valuable lessons will be blooming in the fertile darkness.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Before the COVID-19 crisis arrived, were you ensconced in roles that were good fits for your specific temperament and set of talents? Did you occupy niches that brought out the best in you and enabled you to offer your best gifts? Were there places that you experienced as power spots—where you felt at home in the world and at peace with your destiny? Once you’ve meditated on those questions for a while, Libra, I’ll ask you to shift gears: Meditate on how you’d like to answer similar questions about your life in the future. Once this crazy time has passed, what roles will be good fits for you? What niches will bring out the best in you? What will be your power spots?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Fen” is a word that’s not used much these days. It means a marsh or a boggy lowland. Decades ago, Scorpio poet Marianne Moore used it in a short poem. She wrote, “If you will tell me why the fen appears impassable, I will tell you why I think that I can cross it if I try.” In my opinion, that’s an apt battle cry for you right now. You shouldn’t be upset if people tell you that certain things are impossible for you to do. You should be grateful! Their discouragement will rile up your deep intelligence and inspire you to figure out how you can indeed do those things.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Goodness alone is never enough,” wrote author Robert A. Heinlein. “A hard, cold wisdom is required for goodness to accomplish good. Goodness without wisdom always accomplishes evil.” I think that’s an interesting thought for you to consider during the coming weeks, Sagittarius. If you want your care and compassion to be effective, you’ll have to synergize them with tough intelligence. You may even need to be a bit ferocious as you strive to ensure that your worthy intentions succeed and the people you love get what they need.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Are there any ways in which you have been wishy-washy in standing up for what you believe in? Have you shied away from declaring your true thoughts and feelings about important issues that affect you and the people you care about? Have you compromised your commitment to authenticity and integrity for the sake of your ambition or financial gain? In asking you these questions, I am not implying that the answers are yes. But if in fact you have engaged in even a small amount of any of those behaviors, now is an excellent time to make corrections. As much as possible, Capricorn, focus on being trustworthy and transparent.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Physicist Edward Teller believed there is no such thing as “exact science.” And in his view, that’s a good thing. “Science has always been full of mistakes,” he said. But he added that they’re mostly “good mistakes,” motivating scientists to push closer toward the truth. Each new mistake is a better mistake than the last and explains the available evidence with more accuracy. I suspect that you’ve been going through a similar process in your personal life, Aquarius. And I predict that the good mistakes you’ve recently made will prove to be useful in the long run.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Few astrologers would say that you Pisceans are masters of the obvious or connoisseurs of simplicity. You’re not typically renowned for efficiency or celebrated for directness. Your strength is more likely to be rooted in your emotional riches, your ability to create and appreciate beauty, your power to generate big dreams, and your lyrical perspective on life. So my oracle for you this time may be a bit surprising. I predict that in the coming weeks, your classic attributes will be very useful when applied to well-grounded, down-to-earth activities. Your deep feelings and robust imagination can be indispensable assets in your hard work on the nuts and bolts.

Homework: Rilke said, “If the Angel comes, it will be because you have convinced her, not by tears, but by your humble resolve to always be a beginner.” Any comments? freewillastrology.com.

The Great Invocations: Risa’s Stars April 8-14

Risa D’Angeles

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April 7, 2020

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The Great Invocations: Risa’s Stars April 8-14

Esoteric astrology as news for the week of April 8 , 2020

In the past century, humanity was given three world prayers/meditations called the Three Great Invocations (following the “Our Father” given in Atlantean times), to be used in the midst of strife, struggle and isolation. They are a synthesis of prayer, meditation and affirmation. Invocation means “calling down,” “calling forth,” “calling into”—a request, demand and appeal to higher energies and intelligences to intercede, guide, help and direct humanity. These are recited by the New Group of World Servers daily. It is suggested, when reciting, to visualize each sentence, using the creative imagination.

Two of the invocations are below. I will post the third Invocation next week. Note regarding words: the word “men” is Sanskrit for the “thinking ones.” The word “Christ” is a “job description” for the Pisces/Aquarius World Teacher.

Great Invocation One: Let the Forces of Light bring illumination to mankind. Let the Spirit of Peace be spread abroad. Let men of goodwill everywhere meet in a spirit of cooperation. May forgiveness on the part of all men be the keynote of this time. Let power attend the efforts of the Great Ones. So let it be, and help us to do our part. (1936)

Great Invocation Three: From the point of light within the mind of God, let light stream forth into the minds of men. Let light descend on Earth. From the point of love within the heart of God, Let love stream forth into the hearts of men. May Christ return to Earth. From the centre where the will of God is known, let purpose guide the little wills of men—the purpose which the Masters know and serve. From the centre which we call the race of men, let the plan of love and light work out. And may it seal the door where evil dwells. Let light and love and power restore the plan on Earth. (1945)

ARIES: There will be much to ponder in the weeks and months as ideas flow into your mind quick as lightning. They are revelations, new information concerning self-identity, choices and tasks you’re to complete this lifetime. A unity of thought emerges when one understands family history, realizing we are our ancestors, here each lifetime to heal and uplift each other. It’s a resurrection each time.

TAURUS: Impressions flow through your mind like wildfire, offered by Mercury, god of silver, the messenger, alchemist. Mercury builds the Antakarana, the Rainbow Bridge, Jacob’s Ladder—which we traverse into matter and back to spirit. At times you seem lost in realms none of us perceive or even vaguely understand. It’s important you remain there, though, for information you receive saves the world. Do take time for the garden, eating correctly, resting and following the rhythms of the sun.

GEMINI: During springtime, the Aries Sun always highlights the talents and gifts you offer the world. Each spring an invitation to help create the new culture and civilization is also extended to you. This is an inner occult invitation only your heart understands. Aries provides a new self-identity, it rebuilds the mind—which in turn, as you communicate with others, helps build the new era. What are you reading these days?

CANCER: Your soul is attempting to guide and direct you to think on justice (why is she blindfolded?) and philosophy (wisdom teachings). You may be considering a new study if travel isn’t possible. You’re to create or expand a garden, one that is both in your environment and in your mind. In the Aquarian Age, humanity is to contact the devas (nature spirits, angels) for assistance in all endeavors, especially with gardens. They are all around you, awaiting your contact.

LEO: Over many lifetimes, here and there we have a lifetime of suffering. Many people are suffering these days. It’s important to know our God, Sanat Kumara (Ancient of Days in the bible), from Venus, suffers too. When we suffer, we are able to share his burdens and alleviate his sufferings, providing him a time of rest. Those who suffer understand others who suffer. Suffering creates compassion, the main virtue of all healers. Someday, some time, somewhere, this has, is, or will occur for you. Compassion.

VIRGO: Because all charts contain all twelve signs, It’s good to read all twelve signs each week. The Aries planets are hiding quietly in your eighth house of transformation, sex, intimacy, and other people’s money (or money held in common). The purpose of planets in the eighth house is to transform everything into better, greater, more inclusive and loving terms. I know you have the intentions? Yes, you say. Joy appears subtly. Joy is a quality of the soul.

LIBRA: A new identity is occurring for you, Libra, and it’s happening within relationships. You require that all things new appear in your relationships. You also require that things you’ve asked for before also appear. You ponder upon the value of your relationships. You realize you become attached, bonded, blended. Yet you also seek independence. Greater courage and strength are helping to move you forward on your own. Love comes on little cat’s feet.

SCORPIO: Your daily life is experiencing great changes. A new identity seems to be appearing at work. A desire (Mars) to do more and better with new ideas (Mercury) that outline the new architecture and atmosphere (all Uranus) of the new culture appear to you everywhere. You wonder how to make money while serving self and others. These are involved and complex questions. Pondering them, the answers appear.

SAGITTARIUS: You sense a need for restoration within your creative endeavors. Having extended yourself into a single work project, you now ask who you are, where you’ve been, and what you identify with. There’s a time in everyone’s life when they need fun and playfulness. That time is now. You cannot hold onto anything; the present is fraught with breakdowns and the future simply isn’t here. You are (and the world is) in a transitional experiment. There are no rules. Be merry no matter what.

CAPRICORN: New ways of thinking, new surroundings, new levels of intelligence, new interactions are being called forth with family. The planets and stars, reflected in your heart, seek all that’s new. Feeling this, you move beyond chaos into harmony. Here is a prayer from the Upanishads for you and the family: “Lead us oh Lord from darkness to light, from the unreal to the real, from chaos to beauty.” Recite it over and over. Om.

AQUARIUS: Notice bright new ideas flowing into your mind. A great force is spreading over the earth as we prepare for the Three Spring Festivals, especially the Aries festival when love sweeps into the Earth. Revelations are being precipitated into your mind. You realize your vulnerability and make plans to tend carefully to yourself. Record all ideas for later study and use. They form the foundation for your future endeavors. It takes silence to receive them.

PISCES: You are to think about present surroundings, resources and values in new ways. Whereas most things in form and matter have been hidden from you, new ideas are appearing in thoughts and dreams—symbols from the raincloud of knowable things. Study the transition of the Hebrew people on their journey from Egypt (Taurus) to Canaan/Israel (Aries). Then from Aries to Pisces. And now from Pisces to Aquarius. Signs of Aquarius everywhere.

Drain Grabs Hardcore World’s Attention with Debut ‘California Cursed’

Mat Weir

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April 7, 2020

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Drain Grabs Hardcore World’s Attention with Debut ‘California Cursed’

In the last nine months, Santa Cruz-spawned hardcore quartet Drain signed to one of the biggest independent labels in their genre for their debut full-length California Cursed, recreated an iconic photo shoot with Santa Cruz Skateboards, and gained international press. It’s the type of success most bands dream of. But for Drain singer Sammy Ciaramitaro, it might as well be another Waffle House they’ve passed in the tour van.

“We try not to think about stuff like that,” he says. “They might like us today, but who knows about tomorrow? We keep ourselves in check.”

While they formed in 2014, the current line-up of Ciaramitaro, drummer Tim Flegal (the only original member), guitarist Cody Chavez and bassist Justin Rhode has been together for two and a half years. In that time, they released two EPs and a live recording and toured the U.S.

Through it all, they’ve kept their music as raw as hardcore should be. While other bands in the genre are amping up their sound with death metal growls and guitar noodling, Drain went back to hardcore’s origins for California Cursed, preferring the sound of ’80s godfathers Black Flag and Santa Cruz’s Bl’ast!

“We did the whole record by going to Santa Cruz Rehearsal Studios and putting songs together,” Ciaramitaro says. “It was very stripped down and old-school. We wrote until we were happy with it.”

Like the intense DIY bands before them, Drain has used the last two years as an endless tour, constantly taking their used van out on the road to play for anyone who would book them—from half-filled house shows to packed clubs. In the last year alone, they’ve played every single major hardcore festival in the country.

It was at L.A.’s Sound and Fury festival that they were noticed by top hardcore label Revelation Records. The Revelation crew had been aware of Drain since 2016 when Spencer Biddiscombe from local band Give You Nothing passed Drain’s demo to them, but seeing the band live sparked their interest.

“After Sound and Fury last July, the label rep rushed over to our table and said, ‘I’m sold, let’s do it,’” Ciaramitaro says.

While the new album title, California Cursed, might sound extra ominous right now, it was actually chosen pre-coronavirus as a way to describe the reality of living in such a beautiful but expensive state.

“I have friends who can tour three months out of the year, but their rent is $300 a month because they live in Iowa,” says Ciaramitaro. “I’m stuck here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It’s the California Curse.”

It’s a curse that forced Ciaramitaro and Chavez to move to Ciaramitaro’s hometown of Long Beach in order to save some dough. But Santa Cruz will always be Drain’s home. It’s the city that welcomed them with open, thrashing arms since their inception, long before they developed a national buzz.

One of the most exciting moments for the group these past nine months was working with Santa Cruz Skateboards to recreate Bl’ast’s mid-80s promo photo and use it as promotion for California Cursed.

“It was unreal,” Ciaramitaro says, explaining how he and some friends had talked about recreating this photo two years ago.

To make the shoot authentic, they even got some tips from Bl’ast! lead man himself, Clifford Dinsmore.

“He was telling me stories about when they did the original shoot,” he says. “We have a lot of respect for those guys because of what they did and how they put Santa Cruz on the punk map.”

Despite the record release shows and tour being put on hiatus due to the state of the world, there’s still plenty for the band to celebrate. In February, Ciaramitaro was named one of “The Ten Greatest Hardcore Frontpeople Right Now” by British metal and rock mag Kerrang!.

“I didn’t even know I was named until days later when someone tagged me online,” he says with a laugh. “The help from our friends and family in the 408 and 831 takes us the extra mile. In that sense we are rich. We’ve got everything we need and more.”

Find Drain online at facebook.com/drain831.

Takeout Food Offers a Taste of Normalcy and Comfort

Christina Waters

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April 7, 2020

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Takeout Food Offers a Taste of Normalcy and Comfort

A sumptuous dinner of rack of lamb in chimichurri sauce with astonishing smashed potatoes—the ultimate comfort food—and sauteed market veggies ($38) formed the centerpiece of a recent curbside delivery from Gabriella Cafe.

We added an order of never-better house focaccia and a bounty of those chartreuse Castelvetrano olives ($9). Proprietor Paul Cocking handed me a shopping bag with our order in front of my car, and I handed him an envelope containing a check for the meal, plus gratuity. At home I opened one of my earlier vintages of Randall Grahm’s Le Cigare Volant and made it a festive occasion. I recommend that you order dinner for pickup from your favorite restaurants. Keep them going. They’re pared to the very minimum. Now it’s up to us.

Iveta Does Lunch

Last week we called up Iveta on Delaware and ordered a pickup version of one of our favorite lunches: a huge turkey and havarti on sourdough, a bag of sea salt chips, and a Cowboy Cookie. I waved, the cashier waved back. In I dashed and exchanged the lunch items for a $20 bill, and a big tip. We ate lunch on our deck. Thanks to Iveta for the comfort food. They have incredible little scones to go, too!

Iveta, 2125 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz. Open 9am-2pm for pickup. Order at 713-5946.

Dinner to Remember at Alderwood

How fondly I recall that last dinner I spent with my friend Kate at Alderwood, a few days before the official close of on-site dining. The colossal burger, plus super-sized baked potato pommes frites! The meal included a terrific glass of Rhône wine and a rococo deconstructed chocolate/caramel Napoleon with a side of chocolate gelato. Outstanding. Seated in a booth that left plenty of space between diners, we enjoyed what we realized would be the last such in-restaurant dinner for a while. We enjoyed every bit of it! Our thanks to the team at Alderwood, who are currently among the intrepid eateries keeping a curbside link to the community.

Alderwood, 155 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. Open 4-8pm, Tuesday-Sunday. 588-3238.

Kelly’s French Bakery is still baking bread and pastries for groceries and pick-up orders, offering scones, morning buns, baguettes, bagels and lots more.

Kelly’s French Bakery, 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz. Call 423-9059, extension 2, on Monday-Saturday for pickup on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Barceloneta announced a small menu for contactless pickup or delivery, including paella, ribs, and salad. Order online from 4-7pm Wednesday-Saturday.

Barceloneta, 1541 B Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 900-5222, eatbarceloneta.square.site.

Payroll Relief

Congress’s coronavirus-relief package currently includes $350 billion in paycheck support for businesses to continue making payroll. Any company with 500 or fewer employees can get up to $10 million in forgivable small loans. The countless restaurant workers who have found themselves out of a job will also get some relief. The package, retroactive to January 27, expands the unemployment benefit by an additional $600 a week for up to four months, plus an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance for those out of work because of the pandemic.

Soif and La Posta owner Patrice Boyle agrees that this unemployment expansion can be helpful in keeping workers afloat while restaurants wait to reopen. Soif has discontinued its pickup food service in consideration of staff safety. La Posta has ended its ready-to-eat pickup menu. They have bread available for preorder three days a week.

“Clearly the worker hours needed for a takeout model are not the same as those needed for a restaurant doing table service,” Boyle explains. “As for the employer loans, it is still a bit unclear as to what exactly will happen and whether it will be enough. Restaurants play the role of moving money around in a social network. It comes in and almost immediately it is spent on wages, food and drink, rent and utilities. Many of the restaurateurs I know have just about spent it all, and takeout is even less lucrative, though it keeps our connection alive with customers and subsidizes employment for a few.”

Check out our continually updating list of local takeout and delivery options.

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