Perla Batalla’s Ode to Leonard Cohen

Steve Palopoli

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August 6, 2019

Watch closely when Perla Batalla sings Leonard Cohen’s “Famous Blue Raincoat” and you might notice something unusual: she’s smiling.

Cohen’s iconic song about a devastating love triangle—which features lines like “And you treated my woman to a flake of your life/And when she came back, she was nobody’s wife”—is famous for its moody melancholy. But Batalla thinks it’s rather misunderstood, as is Cohen himself.

“It’s also very positive, and it’s so funny,” she says of the song. “That’s one of the major misconceptions about Cohen, that he’s gloomy. He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known in my life.”

And Batalla knew him well, beginning with her stint singing on his legendary 1988 European tour, during which he was riding high on the success of his comeback record I’m Your Man. On that tour, she was introduced to the lighter side of the man who had been defined in the public consciousness by his haunting vocals and intense lyrics.

“When he introduced ‘Chelsea Hotel,’ he was like a stand-up comic,” she remembers. “He got laugh after laugh. And it was always different—every time he told the story, it would be different.”

That’s why she wants House of Cohen—the project she’ll bring to Kuumbwa on Friday, Aug. 9—to do more than just keep the songs of her late friend alive.

“My mission is to get people to know this man, and how complex he was—including the qualities that you probably never heard about,” she says. “So I do try to share some of his stories, and some of the things that he found delight in, that just make me laugh whenever I think about them.”

The project’s name symbolizes that same intimacy. For many years, Batalla—who also performed on Cohen’s 1993 tour—lived near Cohen, and would drop by his house to sit and chat over a cup of coffee at his kitchen table.

“I started doing these concerts of Leonard Cohen songbook years before he passed, because I loved the work so much. And then after he passed away, I really felt a strong connection to being with him in his kitchen,” she says. “That’s when it all came to me. It was about being in his house. It’s almost like a church to me, the house of Leonard Cohen.”

Certain songs like “Take This Waltz” and “Anthem” are constants in her set because they relate directly to her relationship with Cohen in ways that she explains when she performs them live. Others cycle in and out depending on the tour, or even the particular night. But the most recent addition surprised even her.

“I didn’t even want to listen to his very last recordings, because I thought it would be too hard for me emotionally. I thought I couldn’t take it,” says Batalla. “But someone in Germany asked me if I would sing ‘You Want It Darker.’ So I was sort of forced to listen to it to see if it would resonate with me. And it’s incredible. The song is so amazing and deep and profound that I did it, and I have been singing it. It’s a very strong and healing experience.”

It seems especially fitting, considering that Batalla first worked with Cohen while he was releasing his mid-career songs like “I’m Your Man,” “First We Take Manhattan,” “The Future” and “Waiting for the Miracle,” all of which came from a middle-aged perspective that was in some ways very different from the sly-but-bold romanticism of his popular early songs like “Suzanne” and “Bird on a Wire.” You Want It Darker—his final album, released just three weeks before his death in 2016 at age 82—brought everything full circle.

“That last record is more like, ‘No, I’m not your man anymore,’” says Batalla. “He has a higher power. There’s a lot of God in that last one. There’s a lot of that higher whatever force that you’re about to face. It’s super intense.”

Just as she has tried to reveal a different side of Leonard Cohen to the world, so have his songs opened up a new perspective for her.

“What I’ve been experiencing with these concerts, very openly, is just the idea of what grief is and what it is to deal with and experience. That it’s not a bad thing,” says Batalla. “It’s a very complex thing. I’ve been taking grief and sort of recognizing it as a friend, as something that brings up memories that are very comforting to me. It’s seen as a negative thing so often, and I no longer see it that way.”

Perla Batalla performs at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $25/$40 gold circle. snazzyproductions.com.

‘Comedy of Errors’ Goes ’80s Camp

Steve Palopoli

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August 6, 2019

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As a producer or director, do you need a good reason to choose a particular era for your play? I’d say no.

Purists may get annoyed if the setting seems too random or wacky, but having seen a few of Danny Scheie’s Shakespeare Santa Cruz plays back in the day—some of which “wacky” doesn’t begin to describe—I can honestly say I’ve never been bothered by even the most anachronistic tweaking of Shakespeare convention. I’m there for your trailer park Two Gentlemen of Verona! Temporal displacement is fun, people!

In the program notes for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s new production of The Comedy of Errors, director Kirsten Brandt says she chose to set it in the “identity-searching ’80s” because, “The play compels us to consider ideas of family, marriage, gender, and identity.” Uh, no. This production doesn’t uncover layers of meaning in what has got to be Shakespeare’s most ridiculous farce, because there are no layers.

The plot, such as it is, requires us to believe that characters with no outward signs of brain damage would not be able to tell the difference between two sets of twins with entirely different personalities and ways of speaking, not to mention that these long-lost twins have to have the same exact names (wait, did their parents give them those names, ’cause that really makes no sense) and for some reason be dressed exactly the same for the entire day or so over which the story takes place. It’s just plain silly.

My point is that there doesn’t need to be a fancy, schmancy reason to set this absurdist craziness in the ’80s. It just works. The neon and pastels of designer Dipu Gupta’s set is the perfect cross between Miami Vice and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (both the song and the movie). The Fast Times at Ridgemont High daze that the cast maintains as they sway and bob through every scene is just right for the material, but more importantly, they understand (as does director Brandt, clearly) that the laughs for a 2019 audience are not really going to come from the story. Heck, maybe this was true in 1619, as well. After all, does anyone remember the plot to Harold Lloyd or Buster Keaton movies? Of course not. We remember the gags.

The cast here, from Jennifer Erdmann and Patty Gallagher—both doing double duty as the separated twin sisters and their twin servants, respectively—to Mike Ryan, Madeline Wall, Uche Elueze and others in very funny supporting roles, recognize this as setup for some old-school physical comedy, and they go all out. I’m talking spontaneous dance parties, wet willies, slow-motion pro-wrestling moves, Three-Stooges-type eye pokes, and extended crotch-kick routines.

If you’re thinking that sounds pretty lowbrow … well, yeah! This is Shakespeare comedy, baby! The only thing that’s really thought-provoking at all is that the decision to gender-swap the two sets of twins (all four characters are men in Shakespeare’s original) leads to an interesting queer-romance angle between Erdmann as the visiting Antiphola of Syracuse and Wall as Luciana, sister-in-law of Antiphola of Ephesus, where the action is set. The actors tease out some interesting lines in the dialogue that make this choice seem pretty natural. But again, I don’t think it even needs a rationale—it’s fun.

A decade of ’80s revival, and especially the last few years of Stranger Things fever, have set us up to enjoy this take on The Comedy of Errors. Kudos to whoever put together the soundtrack of era-appropriate songs that float through the show, from Wang Chung to Tears for Fears to Depeche Mode. If, like me, you’re not always a fan of Shakespeare’s goofier comedies, you’ll appreciate how far this cast and crew are willing to go for laughs.

‘The Comedy of Errors’ runs through Sept. 1 at the Grove in DeLaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz. $35-$60. santacruzshakespeare.org.

Love Your Local Band: Brad Sanzenbacher

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August 6, 2019

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Sadness is a running theme in local singer-songwriter Brad Sanzenbacher’s music. But the songs he’s written the past few years were on a whole new level—full of “crippling despair” and “sardonic self-awareness,” he says.

As Sanzenbacher observed the tone of his new material, he decided it was time to pick some songs that really vibed and put together a new EP.

“I probably could have not articulated these things about myself without a guitar in my hands. It’s like a therapy session,” Sanzenbacher says. “I’m a stream-of-consciousness kind of writer. I don’t sit down and say, ‘I want to write a song about this or that.’”

He recorded with former local engineer Kenny Schick, now located in Nashville. Schick played all the backing instruments on the album, aside from a fiddle. The result is a gorgeous, melancholy country record with lush vocal harmonies. The EP, Dying Old Flower, was released on July 15.

This is also the first studio recording Sanzenbacher has done in a decade. He made a homemade, bootleg-style live album a few years ago. His first record, released in 2011, was called Fear and Drought. Part of what inspired his new batch of songs was that he could envision them as fully flushed-out songs, not just on his acoustic guitar. At the same time, he’s been looking for material to highlight where he is now.

“The goal of the record is to reintroduce myself, and show people what I can do,” Sanzenbacher says. “I’m hoping this new record will help me get new shows and help me find a new audience by showing them how I sound now. I think maturity is the key word there.”

bradsanzmusic.bandcamp.com.

Discretion’s Santos Majano Elevates Brewery Food

Christina Waters

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August 6, 2019

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Discretion’s Santos Majano Elevates Brewery Food

So worth looking for, the Kitchen at Discretion. My friend Beverly called it “off the beaten track.” And it might be, unless you live or work in and around the 41st Avenue corridor.

Tucked behind an industrial labyrinth of automotive, furniture and repair shops a few clicks from Café Cruz, the Kitchen is run by talented chef Santos Majano, who creates a steady stream of irresistible dishes, plates and ideas that play cultures, culinary styles and spices off one another. All of it seems perfectly designed to go with Discretion’s fresh brews.

Seated outdoors under an arbor of honeysuckle, bordered by strawberries ripening on a hanging garden, we struggled to decide on lunch orders. “There’s nothing on this menu I wouldn’t want!” Ellen confessed before succumbing to snack platters of sweet-and-spicy chicken wings ($16) and a dish of killer tempura eggplant ($12). Betty and Bev split a knock-out salad of melon and peaches ($11) and two beer-battered local rockfish tacos ($16). I went for a serious main course of beer-braised pork shoulder with black rice and marinated cherry tomatoes ($21). A half-pint of IPA for Bev ($3), and a San Pellegrino Limonata ($3.50) for me. There was a lot of food, and in the interests of total transparency, we demolished it all (except for some of the pork and two chicken wings that I took home for the resident guy.)

Majano is a wizard at using contrasting flavors to heighten the dishes he creates. As exciting to the eye as they are to the tastebuds, each bite produced a shameless chorus of oohs and aahs from the four of us. In a deep, round bowl, a salad of thinly sliced peaches and squares of melon arrived bathed in fresh basil and olive oil, topped with ricotta salata cheese and a fistful of sunflower sprouts. Plump, piquant chicken wings came with various kinds of fresh pickles—pale yellow, green and pink—and a bowl of buttermilk dressing. Everything sprinkled with spicy togarashi. The tacos were spectacular, again inventively topped by cabbage slaw, cilantro and sriracha aioli, plus fat wedges of lime. Betty went for the slivered jalapeños (“I like it spicy!”)

My massive plate of braised pork offered tender flesh under a succulent layer of fat. Marinated cherry tomatoes were outstanding, and the sweet-and-sour plum sauce knocked us out. The menu offers an alluring array of fish and meat—including a heavyweight charcuterie and cheese board—but it was that plate of tempura eggplant, with a soy-citrus reduction and aioli, all dusted with red pepper togarashi, that had us well and truly enchanted. I would drive from the Westside, even during rush hour, for this dish.

Open daily 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. The Kitchen at Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Ave. Ste. A, Soquel. discretionbrewing.com.

Open and Shut

Nick the Greek has opened for gyros and other Mediterranean specialties at the Pacific and Lincoln slot once devoted to Sitar. Nearby, Barceloneta looks poised for lift-off downtown.

Shen’s Gallery has closed its Mission Street headquarters of so many years, only to pop up again in a sweet spot at the top of Pacific Avenue, next to the aforementioned Barceloneta.

Jaguar has closed on Soquel Avenue, and Surfrider Cafe has closed its Front Street spot after so many years, says proprietor Stephen Wyman. Local start-up Kind Brewery will open in that spot. Flynn’s is now the Felton Music Hall on Highway 9.

Film Review: ‘Sword of Trust’

Lisa Jensen

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August 6, 2019

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He’s just past the expiration date to qualify as a hipster. At 54, rumpled, technology-challenged Mel has seen his rock dreams fade away in New York City, only to wind up improbably running a low-rent pawn shop in Birmingham, Alabama. Although he’s not especially political, he has reason to be wary when he’s thrust into the dark heart of Southern redneck culture in Lynn Shelton’s very funny comedy Sword Of Trust.

Mel is played by Marc Maron, better known as a stand-up comedy performer and podcaster. Filmmaker Shelton conceived the part of Mel as a showcase for Maron’s dry wit and scruffy sarcasm beneath a facade of rational cool—all on full display here, since so much of the movie’s dialogue was improvised. And Maron is up to the task; funny on a dime, yet just as persuasive in the character’s more serious and revealing moments. He provides the grounding for the rest of the excellent cast to build on. (An accomplished guitarist, he also composed and plays the bluesy guitar riffs on the soundtrack.)

Mel is the proprietor of Delta Pawn, a business he inherited from an uncle. His only employee, Nathaniel (Jon Bass), is kind of a good-natured dimbulb, and not much use around the shop, but he knows how to use the phone and do research online. Mel has an easygoing friendship with Jimmy (a terrific Al Elliott), the African-American owner of the diner next door who pops in periodically to trade jokes.

Into the shop one day walks Mary (Michaela Watkins), a no-nonsense outlier with an urban vibe, and her more pliant girlfriend Cynthia (Jillian Bell), whose Southern roots are still slightly traceable in her accent. They’ve just come from the estate of Cynthia’s deceased granddaddy, and while she didn’t inherit the house itself, Cynthia brings in the one item that was left to her—a Civil War sword.

But not just any sword. Enclosed documentation claims it “proves” that the South won the war. Mel is ready to laugh them out of the shop—until Nathaniel discovers an entire subculture of “provers” online. Convinced that the truth about the South actually winning the war has been “buried by the Deep State,” these folks are dedicated to collecting evidence that proves otherwise—and ready to pay big bucks for it. (Watching one online video post exhorting viewers to search their attics, Mel cracks, “Is this Antiques Roadshow for racists?”)

When a potential buyer makes a sizeable offer, and Mel and Mary agree they should join forces and split the profit, their journey down the rabbit hole begins. The shop is visited by a fellow called Hog Jaws (Toby Huss) for a preliminary look at the merchandise. A couple of junior-league bigots try to menace Mel for being an “East Coaster” (i.e., Jewish)—although he’s actually from New Mexico.

Finally, it’s time for Hog Jaws to escort the four uneasy business partners—Mel, Nathaniel, Mary, and Cynthia—along with the sword, out to meet “the boss.” It’s a long journey into the woods, shut up in a van without windows or seats but with an entirely carpeted interior. “This is how people die,” they remind each other, as they realize they’re entering into “the brain” of redneck craziness. “Apparently, it’s carpeted.” Irony won’t be much of a weapon if things get dire, but it’s all they’ve got.

More than this I won’t reveal, story-wise—the little twists and turns of the plot are way more delicious to discover along the way. The conversations are sharp and funny, with a few poignant moments sprinkled in. The actors are perfectly cast, including Dan Bakkedahl as the fearsome boss of the provers, and director Shelton herself in a key scene as Deirdre, Mel’s outwardly perky but fragile ex, who just can’t get herself clean. It’s a well-crafted movie of many small pleasures that add up to big fun.

SWORD OF TRUST ***1/2 (out of four) With Marc Maron, Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, and Jon Bass. Written by Lynn Shelton and Mike O’Brien. Directed by Lynn Shelton. Rated R. 89 minutes.

Santa Cruz’s First (Legal) Weed-Friendly Music Festival

Georgia Johnson

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August 6, 2019

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Santa Cruz’s First (Legal) Weed-Friendly Music Festival

When Colin Disheroon was planning Santa Cruz County’s first ever public, cannabis-friendly event and music festival, he didn’t know the logistics would spill over into his European honeymoon, too.

“It was a nine-hour time difference, and I was dealing with the bureaucracy from California trying to get a license for the event,” says Disheroon, the CEO of Aptos-based dispensary Santa Cruz Naturals. “The Bureau of Cannabis Control is overwhelmed right now.”

The Power of Flower event is first and foremost a music festival, with Ozomatli and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band headlining, but it’s also a public marijuana consumption event (no alcohol allowed). There will be 30-plus vendors selling joints, edibles and more for attendees 21 and over to enjoy on-site.

Planning began in April after the idea surfaced during a Santa Cruz Naturals team meeting. The county fairgrounds only had one open date that would work, so Disheroon and his team hit the ground running.

“Frankly, it’s a pretty substantial undertaking to put an event like this together,” Disheroon says. “You have to get three different types of licences to do it, plus the large amount of money and the team dedicated to producing it. There are some big factors. That’s probably why there hasn’t been an event like this.”

Typically, large-scale cannabis events include a separate area for consumption, like a lounge, that restricts use to one area, he says. There hasn’t been a music event with open consumption in the state, or even in the country, as far as Disheroon knows.

“The ordinance that was developed around cannabis events happened in August 2018. That was in response to an unregulated sales event that happened at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds,” he says. “Part of the reason why there haven’t been any consumption events at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds until now is because the regulations around cannabis events have been evolving.”

This is Disheroon’s first time managing a major music event, let alone one that includes public consumption. Although he didn’t disclose a total budget, he says that between normal event expenses, fees and insurance, “It has not been cheap.”

The amount of bureaucracy involved was also surprising.

“It was above and beyond what I think is reasonable,” Disheroon says. “It’s the first legal, licensed cannabis consumption event in the whole region. With that came a lot of interesting political stuff.”

Many other local dispensaries, including West Cliff Wellness and KindPeoples, would also like to see on-site consumption allowed, but permitting has lagged demand. Public consumption at events is allowed if organizers have the time and funding to jump through hoops on the state level.

The Power of Flower event is one of only four consumption events that could be allowed annually at the County Fairgrounds under a 2018 resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors. Another cannabis event is scheduled for October, but similar events are not allowed elsewhere in the county.

“While the Fairgrounds has hosted cannabis-related events before, this is the first to allow on-site consumption,” Santa Cruz County spokesman Jason Hoppin told GT in an email. “In this case, the operator has a state license and the county granted a temporary use permit.”

Event organizers are also ramping up security after the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting on July 28, when three people were killed. “We are going to be the next local music event after the Gilroy tragedy happened,” Disheroon says. “Though the likelihood of something like that happening again in close proximity is extremely low, we want to make sure we are ensuring the safety of attendees.”

All proceeds from the festival will be donated to local charities, including one that supports those affected by the Gilroy shooting. The other is a Watsonville-based organization that focuses on job development. The names of both beneficiaries will not be released since they receive federal funding, and federal law still prohibits cannabis use.

“It’s a passion for me to be able to have music and cannabis together, legally,” Disheroon says. “When you go back to New Orleans jazz history, all of those jazz guys were smoking joints.’”

Power of Flower will take place noon-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. powerofflower.org. $30 adv/$40 door.

Music Picks: July 31-Aug. 6

Amy Bee

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July 31, 2019

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Santa Cruz County live entertainment picks for the week of July 24

WEDNESDAY 7/31

COUNTRY

NICHOLAS MERZ

Nicholas Merz is a storyteller at heart, so it makes sense that his debut solo album The Limits of Men has a literary bent. Each song is a vignette exploring different aspects of toxic masculinity. Merz uses dialogue and character to grapple with the consequences of a hyper-sexist society. He uses his small town, working-class roots and love of country music to reckon with the topic. Songs range from hazy-country daydreams to tumbleweed westerns. Merz’s deep baritone keeps the tales moving, as confident as any reliable narrator promising a hopeful end. AMY BEE

9 p.m. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 429-6994

THURSDAY 8/1

PSYCHEDELIC

JERRY JOSEPH

Jerry Joseph is no stranger to the road less traveled. As a psychedelic dub-grunge guitarist working largely outside the music industry, he’s charted a unique path from mountain reggae originator to freewheeling Stratocaster pyrotechnician. Joseph’s songwriting is a kaleidoscopic mix of grunge, jam, psych, and dub, all led along by his sizzling fretwork and distinctive voice. An influential voice in jam music, Widespread Panic has covered no less than seven of his songs. Recent years found the California native teaching music in Iraq and Afghanistan, experiences which fueled his 2018 album Full Metal Burqa. MIKE HUGUENOR

8 p.m. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy. 9, Felton. $13 adv/$15 door. 704-7113.

CUBAN-JAZZ

LOS HERMANOS ARANGO

An ensemble drawn from an illustrious Cuban musical clan, Los Hermanos Arango hail from the eastern town of Guanabacoa, a hotbed of Afro-Cuban culture. Launched in 2003 by bassist Feliciano Arango, a central figure in Cuban jazz and timba circles through his work with NG La Banda, Maraca, Chucho Valdés, and Emiliano Salvador, the group features his brothers Ignacio and Eugenio on guitar and percussion, respectively, and his sister, Cristina, as vocalist and folk dancer. Joined by pianist Julio Valdes and percussionist Victor Tapia, the sextet delivers sumptuously polyrhythmic Afro-Cuban chants and surging Cuban jazz. ANDREW GILBERT

7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $26.25 adv/$31.50 door. 427-2227.

FRIDAY 8/2

INDIE

GRIZFOLK

Just because it’s nice and smooth doesn’t mean it’s yacht rock, so put your skipper hat down. Sometimes good alt-music just sounds untroubled and effortless. Grizfolk plays such songs: light, jangly, folksy rock tinged with electronic quips and danceable beats. Its kinda like getting that glitter eyeshadow on your lids without pouring it down your chest. No, wait, it’s more like a delicious, predictable coffee with an unexpected dollop of whipped cream. I’m saying Grizfolk has the perfect amount of sparkle in its sweetly mellow alt-rock tunes. AB

9 p.m. Catalyst Club, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $13. 423-1338.

SATURDAY 8/3

COMEDY

JACKIE KASHIAN

It’s barely worth mentioning these days that a comedian has a podcast because, well, they all do. But Jackie Kashian has been doing hers, The Dork Forest, since 2006, so that seems worth a few accolades. On it, she dorks out with fellow comedians on whatever subject they’re obsessed with. It works really well because she is an actual dork. She’s so socially awkward she that the only reason she got married is because of online dating, or as she said in a 2017 appearance on Conan, “I am not good with men, but I am good with computers. So I am married.” AC

7 and 9:30 p.m. DNA’S Comedy Lab, 155 S River St., Santa Cruz. $20 adv/$25 door. 900-5123.

REGGAE

NATTALI RIZE

Raised in Australia, based in Jamaica, Nattali Rize hit the reggae scene in 2017 with her critically acclaimed solo debut Rebel Frequency. Rize and her ragtag crew have been recognized as part of ushering in the new era style of reggae, combining traditional island sounds with modern dancehall beats and a unifying message of peace, love and oneness. MAT WEIR

9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $15 adv/$20 door. 479-1854.

SUNDAY 8/4

BLUES

GARY HOEY

Some musicians get all the fun, and Gary Hoey is one of those guys. With 11 albums under his belt, it doesn’t come as a surprise that rockin’ blues guitarist Hoey has worked with greats like Brian May of Queen, Jeff Beck and the Doobie Brothers. In his spare guitar-slingin’ time, Hoey has performed the national anthem for major sports teams across the country. Everybody needs a hobby! MW

4 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $20 adv/$25 door. 479-1854.

MONDAY 8/5

ROCK

DYLAN MCDONALD

Twenty years ago, Michael McDonald was the antithesis of cool. But things have taken an interesting turn as a new generation develops a taste for yacht rock. By the time Dylan McDonald started gigging, it was a point of pride to be the singer’s son. His band the Avians steer clear of smooth soft rock, focusing instead on more of an early-’70s Neil Young style sound. And Dylan’s voice sounds a bit like the famous ’60s folk singer he was most likely named after. AC

9 p.m. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $7. 429-6994.

Lester Family Vineyards’ Event-Ready Rosé

Josie Cowden

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July 31, 2019

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Lester Family Vineyards’ Event-Ready Rosé

Looking for some celebratory bubbly that will knock your socks off? Look no further than Lester Family Vineyards Rosé of Syrah (about $30). Sparkling-pink excellence encapsulated in a bottle just about sums it up. With its enticing ruby color and bold, delicious flavors, this dry sparkling wine is delectable pleasure—perfect to crack open for any special occasion.

My husband and I met with friends at Cantine Winepub recently, and the four of us shared a bottle of Lester’s Rosé of Syrah. Refreshing and clean, with brisk acidity and subtle minerality, we all loved its bright red fruit up front, raspberry being the dominant note. Winemaker John Benedetti has produced this impressive sparkler, and recommends pairing it with Korean pork, salmon and grilled shrimp. I recommend pouring a glass and just kicking back.

Lester Family Vineyards is open for tasting from 1-5 p.m. on the first two Saturdays of the month. A tasting includes five wines for $20, and you can also reserve a gourmet picnic to go along with it. The winery is now doing a safari wine adventure in a restored 1981 Land Rover Defender. For $75 you get to tour the bucolic 210-acre property, enjoy a delicious gourmet picnic and taste “The Big 6” Lester estate wines. Check the website for more information and reservations.

Lester Family Vineyards, 1950 Pleasant Valley Rd., Aptos. 728-3793, lesterestatewines.com.

British Wine and Spirits

Although most of the wine consumed in the U.K. is imported, there is now quite a thriving market for locally made wines. I was in England (the land of my birth) recently for a couple of weeks visiting friends and family—and enjoyed quite a few glasses of British-made wines. Although the weather is very unpredictable (to put it mildly), warmer counties in the south of England, such as Sussex, are producing some excellent wine, especially sparkling. I also downed some British gin with a dash of elderflower at the Hurlingham Club in Central London, where my husband and I were invited guests.

Opinion: July 31, 2019

Dan Pulcrano

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July 31, 2019

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EDITOR’S NOTE

One of GT’s most iconic covers featured “SC’s own Doobie Brother” Pat Simmons 41 years ago, in January 1978. In the interview with his good friend and novelist Bill Craddock, Simmons casually mentioned, “We’re doin’ a new album.” Ten months later, Minute by Minute was released, and by spring it was the country’s best-selling album and would go triple-platinum.

I remember thinking how cool it was seeing one of the era’s genuine rock stars at the zenith of his commercial success walking out of a Soquel florist or behind the counter at his Classic Motorcycles shop on Mission Street. I’d see his post-Doobie Brothers-breakup band Skin Suit perform at the Crow’s Nest, and attended the Doobies’ benefit at the Catalyst after the Loma Prieta earthquake. Pat then started a family and moved to Maui.

Time flies, and now Pat’s son is a family man and working musician in his own right, making his headlining club debut at Moe’s Alley on Thursday and appearing on the cover of GT with Steve Palopoli’s cover story. Welcome home!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

Keep Up Vs. Upkeep

Having just read the article “Booking Ahead” in the Good Times (GT, 7/10) edition extolling the new Capitola library being built, I want to respond to some of the opinions being expressed in it. I totally agree that the libraries are central to maintaining the community. The downtown library is an important part of my life, both its materials and its programs.

However, the overall tone of this article was “Hey, we need to keep up with the Joneses.” Not all of us want to keep up. Some of us see this attitude as having been part of a culture that is unsustainable. We have enough information now about the rapidity of global warming and species extinction that the idea of building another parking structure downtown Santa Cruz becomes questionable.

Many people are afraid of the homeless. Seeing that the downtown library is a refuge for some individuals who are homeless might keep them away. I wonder if the thought is that having modern steel and glass structures will keep more homeless folk away? Isn’t it time to face our fears and broaden our idea of community?

We are in the 21st century and the image of moving forward to a bigger and better material world is not clear for many of us. Why can’t we nurture the community that is actually here? Do we need to project “new” as if it’s going to save us from deterioration that our own consumerism has helped bring about?

Sara Cloud
Santa Cruz

Reasons for Recall

Re: Nuz’s “Call It Like It Is” (GT, 6/19): On March 24, I attended a rally against the Krohn-Glover plan to establish a Ross-style campground at Depot Park. The protest was organized by residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, who had a microphone and speaker set up. I stood among the listeners facing the speakers. Councilman Glover stood with the organizers facing the audience. Whenever a neighborhood organizer spoke against the tent camp, Glover applauded—pretending to be against the proposal that he and Councilman Krohn had initiated only days before. I was shocked, but not surprised, by the councilman’s deceitful behavior. Clearly, Mr. Glover was not suddenly against his own proposal. So I conclude that he was trying to fool the neighbors. The majority of voters in Santa Cruz, however, are not fools, and recognize obvious dishonesty. Residents of our town have the opportunity to reject pretense and deceit by simply signing a petition to place the recall measure on the ballot. Let the voters decide whether dishonesty is a valid reason to remove someone from office.

Monika Adam
Santa Cruz

Re: Beekeeper Trouble

I’ve been fortunate enough to have Tom and Donna’s honey, and have come to their home with my young children. They have inspired me with their hospitality and generosity, and my girls never were stung during many long visits in their yard. They are a couple of good people that represent what’s good about humankind. Please let them keep up the “good times” with their beekeeping!

— Jessica Golding

I had no idea about this ordinance! I came to this article via Councilmember Glover addressing it in his newsletter. I am all for revamping this ridiculous rule. Thank you for the info.

— Michelle Davis

An unfortunate story, especially as they’ve had been there for years. Sound like great neighbors, with a cool front yard. The Google street view is very illuminating. Small beehive in 2011 turns into two impressive large hives in 2015, and in 2019 hives are mostly gone, with a building going in to the left.

— Gary

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

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

Who says that dogs can’t appreciate a good tale? The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and county parks department will host the first-ever “Doggie Date Night” on Thursday, Aug. 8, at Brommer Street Park, 1451 30th Ave., Santa Cruz. There will be tacos and beer, with festivities beginning at 7 p.m. Free movie The Secret Life of Pets will start at 8:30 p.m. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. For more information, visit scanimalshelter.org.

GOOD WORK

The Santa Cruz sock company MERGE4 founder and CEO Cindi Busenhart apologized to the Hindu community for socks featuring Lord Ganesh, quickly removed the product from its website and discontinued the design. Rajan Zed of the Nevada-based Universal Society of Hinduism had emailed news outlets about the representation of the elephant-headed god. Zed argued that putting the deity on people’s feet trivialized Ganesh, which Busenhart said was never her intention.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If you don’t have ADD right now, you’re not paying attention.”
-Natasha Leggero

5 Things To Do in Santa Cruz: July 31-August 6

GT Staff

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July 30, 2019

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5 Things To Do in Santa Cruz: July 31-August 6

A weekly guide to what’s happening

Green Fix

PATAGONIA FILM PREMIERS

Pategonia’s Film Premiers have been going off all summer—and usually they have a full house. This week, they are hosting three short surf films, followed by a discussion about ocean stewardship hosted by Patagonia ambassador Lea Brassy. The films—Los Plasticos, Saving Martha, and Estado Salmonero—highlight the importance of keeping our waves and oceans wild, and the problems caused by overfishing, industrial fish farming and plastic pollution.

INFO: 7 p.m. on Weds., July 31. Santa Cruz Patagonia Outlet, 415 River St #C, Santa Cruz. Free.

Art Seen

RODNEY CROWELL’S TEXAS TOUR

With more than 40 years of American roots music under his belt, Texas native Rodney Crowell is a two-time Grammy Award winner with five No. 1 hits of his own and a legacy of songwriting excellence that’s made him an icon among musical giants. With strong roots in country music, Crowell has written chart- topping hits for the likes of Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Keith Urban, and more. Photo: Sam Esty Rayner.

INFO: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 479-9421, snazzyproductions.com. $37/$41.

Sunday 8/4

ANDY’S AUTO SUPPLY 70th ANNIVERSARY

One of Pacific Avenue’s oldest businesses, Andy’s Auto Supply, will celebrate its 70th anniversary this week. In 1949, Andy Mekis wanted a place where car enthusiasts could go to receive quality service, so he opened an auto parts store on Pacific Avenue. The Mekis family is inviting their friends and longtime customers to a local “old school” afternoon—just like when the shop opened. Maple Street will be closed, and there will be plenty of custom cars on view, all to the sounds of vintage songs like “Little Deuce Coupe” and “Mustang Sally.”

INFO: 3-8 p.m. Andy’s Auto Supply, 901 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 423-8400, andysparts.net. Free.

Saturday 8/3

STRAWBERRY JAM FUN RUN

A new run is coming to Watsonville— the Strawberry Jam 1k/5k Fun Run/Walk. The first-annual event is plenty of running and funning, without the stress of an intense race. This is a moderately hilly, fun course that starts and ends at Ramsay Park and traverses Watsonville’s famous sloughs with an out and back section on Ohlone Parkway. No dogs, but families and strollers are welcome to join in. Register on Active.com or pick up a hard copy application at the Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department office at 231 Union St. Watsonville.

INFO: 7:45 a.m. Ramsay Park Family Center, 1301 Main St., Watsonville. 768-3270. $5-$40.

Saturday 8/3 and Sunday 8/4

CHURCH ST. FAIR

Held every August in front of the Civic Auditorium, the 28-year-old Church Street Fair is treasured as the quintessential late-summer festival. Between the local music, dance, art, food, and wine, there is something to watch or eat at all times. This year’s performance lineup includes Qi Gong, Ballet and Tango, The Great Morgani, Watsonville Taiko, and more. There are also free activities for children and their families, including a creativity tent and the Cabrillo Festival’s free family concert with a tour of the orchestra at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

INFO: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz. cabrillomusic.org/church-street-fair. Free.

Good TimesGood Times

Good TimesGood Times

bradsanzmusic.bandcamp.com.

Open and Shut

WEDNESDAY 7/31

COUNTRY

NICHOLAS MERZ

THURSDAY 8/1

PSYCHEDELIC

JERRY JOSEPH

CUBAN-JAZZ

LOS HERMANOS ARANGO

FRIDAY 8/2

INDIE

GRIZFOLK

SATURDAY 8/3

COMEDY

JACKIE KASHIAN

REGGAE

NATTALI RIZE

SUNDAY 8/4

BLUES

GARY HOEY

MONDAY 8/5

ROCK

DYLAN MCDONALD

Lester Family Vineyards, 1950 Pleasant Valley Rd., Aptos. 728-3793, lesterestatewines.com.

British Wine and Spirits

EDITOR’S NOTE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

GOOD IDEA

GOOD WORK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

PATAGONIA FILM PREMIERS

RODNEY CROWELL’S TEXAS TOUR

ANDY’S AUTO SUPPLY 70th ANNIVERSARY

STRAWBERRY JAM FUN RUN

CHURCH ST. FAIR