End of an Era

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August 7, 2025

The last chapter of the Redman-Hirahara house was written Aug. 5 when the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved a staff recommendation to delist it as a historic resource.

The decision will allow the property owner to eventually demolish the decrepit 128-year-old building, but not before offering it to the public for salvage.

The resolution will now go to the California Office of Historic Preservation, which will likely remove the house from the National Register of Historic Places.

It is unclear when demolition would happen, but what is certain is that nothing will happen immediately.

Santa Cruz County Mark Connolly said that state and federal entities still have to approve the de-listing.

Connolly added that the current zoning of mixed commercial agriculture will likely be changed to be compatible with the development around it.

That includes a gas station, hotel and coffee shop recently built nearby.

“That would be the eventual goal,” he said. “To foster development that is appropriate for the neighborhood there.”

Juggy Tut, whose company Elite Agriculture owns the property, said he has no immediate plans for either the house or the 14-acre parcel of land on which it sits.

The house’s story began in 1897 when architect William Weeks built a home for sugar beet farmer James Redman.

The Victorian was eventually sold to the Hirahara family, who lived in the house and continued to farm there until World War II, when they were imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp.

Local attorney John McCarthy protected the property so that it stayed with the Hirahara family, who moved back and housed others who had also been sent to the internment camps.

The Hirahara family lived there until the house was red-tagged after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake.

That synopsis, superficial as it is, nevertheless encapsulates the spirit of Pajaro Valley—hard work, friendship and community, with a mix of agriculture and architecture thrown into the mix.

Still, the house’s stateliness notwithstanding, the structure has been deemed uninhabitable, dangerous and unrepairable. Uninhabited and unmaintained for four decades, it has been deemed uninhabitable and, saving for a last-minute donor willing to cough up the millions of dollars it would take to fix up, beyond the reach of restoration.

There were efforts to save the house. The Redman-Hirahara Foundation purchased the property and led efforts to place it on the National Register of Historic Places. That group planned to restore the house and use it as a visitor’s welcome center.

But the economic recession hit and the foundation declared bankruptcy.

The house has now deteriorated to the point where it is considered a safety hazard, said Santa Cruz County Mark Connolly.

The Santa Cruz County Historic Resources Commission agreed, and on Feb. 10 unanimously voted to recommend delisting and rezoning the property.

County Planner Matthew Sundt, who oversees the commission, said that the house would need new plumbing, new electrical, and new redwood lumber sourced from the Santa Cruz Mountains. It would take “millions of dollars” to restore the structure, he said.

“It would be a huge effort,” he said. “Nothing is impossible, but here we are 40 years later. This house—this thing, this grand dame—has been advertised to the world with thousands of people driving by every day. All it takes is one person to say, ‘I’d like to rebuild that.’ And it just never happened, and here we are.”

Becky Steinbrunner, has been at the forefront of recent efforts to keep the house, pointed to Emma Prusch Farm Park in San Jose as an example of a successfully restored historic structure.

She said that the building inspector that deemed the house uninhabitable didn’t bother to go inside.

“This is historic preservation,” she said.

Eloise Shim, who sits on the Historic Resources Board in Salinas, said the house is “the last remnant of a large Victorian estate in a rural setting, which is itself a historic accolade.

“To delist it for the purposes of demolition is a travesty, and should not have been recommended by the historic commission,” Shim said.

Supervisor Justin Cummings, the only dissenting vote, said he has seen examples in the past of historic buildings that were allowed by owners to deteriorate over time, and use that as justification to demolish them.

Supervisor Manu Koenig said that the deterioration is the “inevitable result of years of inaction.”

But the fact that no donor has come forward is evidence it’s time to act, he said.

“If this house was going to be saved—if there was enough community support to save it—then that would have happened by now,” he said.

Supervisor Felipe Hernandez agreed, saying that the house has gone unfunded through times of prosperity and of economic troubles. Anyone who wanted to purchase it, he added, would also have to purchase the property.

“There’s going to be no magic pill, and no one is going to come give us $7 million to fix the house,” he said.

Next, the county will coordinate with a professional historian to document the site for archival preservation funded by the property owner. The supervisors agreed that the property will eventually get a plaque with historic information.

Make Food, Not War

DNA

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August 6, 2025

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Keith McHenry is one of the most recognizable humans in Santa Cruz. Burly, with an almost cherubic smile, combined with the steely reserve of a man on a mission.

If you’re looking for McHenry, he is easy to find. He’s in downtown Santa Cruz, feeding the hungry.

The nonprofit that McHenry started in 1980, Food Not Bombs, is now active in over 33% of the countries in the world. There are a thousand Food Not Bombs, every day, somewhere, feeding those who cannot feed themselves, with vegan or vegetarian meals.

This isn’t the kind of founder who starts a viral grassroots movement and retires in Fiji. McHenry has been on the street since 1980, tirelessly promoting compassionate exchanges between the haves and have-nots.

“We started on May 24, 1980, in Boston and Cambridge,” McHenry begins. “I was studying painting and sculpture at Boston University. And I had a job as a produce worker at Bread and Circus.” At the time, Bread and Circus was the biggest distributor of “natural foods” in the Northeast. But the term “bread and circuses” was a ploy that the Romans used to pacify citizens from rising up in rebellion, by giving them free grain. McHenry isn’t interested in making citizens docile, nor interested in corporate involvement.

Bread and Circus “is now run by Whole Foods,” McHenry says, laughing.

McHenry grew up in a literate household that valued ideas and philosophies. “I had dyslexia, but my dad gave me Walden by Thoreau in fifth grade. That’s how I learned to read. But I mostly read the shorter part, on ‘Civil Disobedience,’” McHenry says.

It’s no wonder that the rugged activist is also third-generation Natural Parks Service. “My grandfather was the chief naturalist of Yosemite. And, my grandfather, on my dad’s side, lived with the Hopi. He would take us to the Snake Dances before they started strip mining Black Mesa. So I saw the Hopi land before electricity and walked it when it was pristine. Then, I saw the destruction of that whole area. And that was the final thing where I said, ‘OK, I’m going to just do nothing but organize to change society,’” McHenry recalls.

The name Food Not Bombs, known to millions, came about when McHenry heard of a building in Cambridge that was being used by people designing nuclear bombs, while he was delivering food. It should be obvious, but the two-fold agenda, perhaps hidden by the delivery of food to the unsheltered or hungry, is to stop all wars.

“On May 24, 1980, I was at the Seabrook [nuclear plant site in New Hampshire] protests with my friends. And one of my friends got arrested and we found somebody with a bunch of money to bail them out,” McHenry says. This was the day that Food Not Bombs was born. You can almost hear Thoreau whispering through the decades: “Under a government which imprisons any unjustly,” he writes, “the true place for a just man is also a prison.”

**BOTTOM LINE** “The food is always free to anyone, rich or poor, drunk or sober,’ Food Not Bombs founder Keith McHenry says. PHOTO: Contributed

From that protest, the young McHenry and friends had an epiphany that straddled the land of the Diggers/Yippies and Pranksters. A bake sale that fed the hungry. Which is a noble pursuit as long as one doesn’t have rent to pay.

Luckly, McHenry’s landlord at the time, who was owed back rent, was also a socialite who had heard of the nascent Food Not Bombs. “She said everybody loved what we were doing in Cambridge. Her husband was head of the French department at Harvard,” McHenry remembers. And like that, Food Not Bombs became a cause célèbre.

By 1992, the idea of Food Not Bombs was spreading quickly, and McHenry decided it was time to come up with the three principles of what the organization stood for. “The food is always free to anyone, rich or poor, drunk or sober. That there’s no headquarters, presidents or anything like that that we are dedicated to. Also, each Food Not Bombs must be decentralized and autonomous. And then the third thing was that we were not a charity, but that we were dedicated to taking nonviolent direct action to change societies,” McHenry says.

Now, in the middle of 2025, there are more hungry people than ever. While it might seem daunting to the average person, McHenry was never merely average. “The lines keep getting bigger at the meals. For three years now, I’ve been getting between ten to twenty calls a day from seniors looking for food, for home delivery. I mean, in the middle of the night, I get calls from Michigan and Alabama. The poverty is incredible. And the stories they tell me—it’s just heartbreaking,” McHenry concludes.

Find out more about Food Not Bombs at santacruz.foodnotbombs.net.

PVUSD Board Takes Step to Lower Voting Age in District Elections

Todd Guild

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August 6, 2025

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PVUSD Board Takes Step to Lower Voting Age in District Elections

Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing body on July 30 took the first step toward allowing students to vote in district elections and help choose the trustees that represent them.

The board voted to form an ad-hoc committee that will talk to students, families and community members and research the legal implications of lowering the voting age to 16. The committee will report its findings to the board.

Trustee Gabe Medina, who created the “Student Promise Proposal,” said that he promised students during his campaign that he would give them a voice at the table.

“Students suffer direct impact from school board decisions, yet lack formal representation,” he said.

If ultimately approved—Medina estimated that could take about four years—it would lower the voting age to 16 for PVUSD trustees.

Allowing them to participate could boost attendance and activism, Medina said.

“Students who already lead walkouts, advocacy campaigns and coalition building now need the ballot to match their voices,” he said.

He pointed to Oakland Unified School District, where 67% of voters supported Measure QQ, which gave young people the right to vote in elections there. The measure added some 8,000 new voters to the roster.

‘We Need the Right to Vote’

Several people spoke about the issue, all of them in favor.

“The students should be able to hold the trustees accountable for their actions,” said Pajaro Valley High School junior Maximiliano Barraza Hernandez, who pointed out that former board members “expressed indifference and even antagonism” when students addressed them.

“As a 16-year-old, I know it would be a game-changer to be able to vote for board members, because I remember having to fight really hard just to be able to support people who represented me,” he said.

PVHS sophomore Ixel Barraza said she has been speaking at board meetings for two years.

“I feel like as students we need the right to vote, because I don’t want adults speaking for me without even asking what I think,” she said. “We are affected by the decisions of the board members who we don’t even get to elect. It’s unfair for us to not have a voice.”

Trustees Medina, Jessica Carrasco and Carol Turley volunteered to be on the committee.

Trustee Misty Navarro warned that a similar issue came before the Watsonville City Council, and that the city’s charter only allows citizens 18 and older to vote.

“Hopefully you can figure out a way around that,” she said.

Navarro also said that the district comprises two counties, and that lowering the voting age in only one could create equity issues.

No-Confidence Vote Rejected

In other action, the trustees rejected a vote of no confidence against Board President Olivia Flores, Vice President Misty Navarro and Superintendent Heather Contreras.

Medina, who brought the issue to the board, said he has seen a failure of leadership that includes unequal treatment of schools, blocking his requests to place items on the board agenda and disrespect during closed meetings that has not been addressed.

“What we’re seeing is not just dysfunction,” Medina said. “It’s leadership that abandons transparency, fairness and core values of public service.”

As one example, Medina said that the board declined to discuss the removal of critical youth programs, but held a vote on placing uniformed police officers on high school campuses that Trustee Joy Flynn requested—and during a meeting when she was absent.

“That’s not procedural oversight, that’s political opportunism,” Medina said.

He also said that the board has failed to hold Contreras accountable when she did not respond to trustees’ request for information.

In addition, Flores did not address “micro-aggression and racially charged comments” during closed-session meetings, Medina said.

“Silence in the face of this behavior is complicity,” he said.

The trustees rejected a motion by Medina to table the issue until Trustee Joy Flynn could be there.

Navarro said that the agenda-setting committee has been grappling with packed agendas, and that the decisions they made had nothing to do with Flynn’s absence.

“Had trustee Flynn asked us to table this, we would have, but she did not,” Navarro said.

‘Let’s Work on Real Stuff’

Several people addressed the board, both in favor and against the proposal.

“Of all the things we should be talking about—the budget, closing schools, declining enrollment, improving academic performance—we’re here to consider a no-confidence vote,” said Bill Beecher. “Talking about the pot calling the kettle black. Trustee Medina wants a no-confidence vote when he has been the major source of disruption for this board.”

Beecher asked that the issue be “tabled forever.”

“Let’s work on real stuff,” he said.

Eli Davies said that they have appreciated Medina’s stances on issues they feel are important to the community.

“If you look at actual items and policy, (Medina) speaks for the community, thinks about what the community needs,” Davies said. “To call him the divisive one is really coming from a place of not knowing the intricacies of what’s happening here.”

Gabriel Barazza said that Martin Luther King Jr. was criticized as being divisive during the Civil Rights movement.

“I always find it amusing that people who want to preserve the status quo and systems that are unjust and are not serving the community always tend to hide behind civility and respect,” he said.

The Editor’s Desk

Letters to the Editor

Brad Kava

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August 6, 2025

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

Imagine not only losing your home and all of your property, but also five years or more of your life. That’s what’s happened to the more than 60,000 residents whose 911 homes and 1,500 structures burned in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, which blazed from Aug. 16 to Sept. 22, 2020.

On the fifth anniversary of fires that affected 2 million acres in Northern California, including those 911 homes, we look at some of the success stories of people who, with community help, rose from the disaster.

Yes, we also need to know about the failures: 155 single-family homes have been rebuilt in the CZU fire area, with outstanding permits for another 142 dwellings. Less than a third of the total lost homes have been rebuilt five years on.

The county’s permitting process has been a major roadblock; despite years of promises to “streamline” processes, residents continue to have issues. But county officials—including a recently elected supervisor—have been pushing to fix the problems, working to get residents back in their homes and better prepare for the next disaster.

Is that the good news? Read Josué Monroy’s cover story for an in-depth look at how some of our neighbors have fared.

In other news: what’s going on at the Capitola Mall? Here’s a weird one: A “dimensional convergence” has taken over the abandoned Victoria’s Secret in the mall, transforming it into Middleof: A Journey of Mythical Proportions—an immersive experience that sets “accidental adventurers” on a perilous quest through elaborate dimensions, packed with intricately detailed puppets and interactive digital displays. The mission? To save the universe from the evil clutches of the Interdimensional Cryogenic Capture and Containment Corporation (ICCCI).

Intriguing? Love to see local creatives strutting cool stuff. You can read about it in Mathew Chipman’s fun article.

Speaking of Capitola, that’s what poet Magdalena Montagne is doing in her celebration of her history in the beloved village. It’s a fun read for locals and tourists.

Did you know there’s a second Silver Spur location backing up the one on Soquel Drive? Our Foodie FIle introduces you to the owners and the tucked-away spot well worth visiting.

Health columnist Elizabeth Borelli is out to quash all the quackery of some of the latest food trends…but this week she looks at an ice diet. Ice? Of course if that’s all you ate, it could work. But can anyone live on that? She has other helpful suggestions.

Eat well and prosper and have a great week.

Brad Kava | Editor

PHOTO CONTEST

LEARNING TO FLY A fledging scrub jay takes a perch while practicing flying. Taken at home at Pleasure Point. Photograph by Alex Bevan

GOOD IDEA

In 2023, storms fueled by strong atmospheric rivers pounded into Santa Cruz, damaging parts of West Cliff Drive. Ever since, tourists and locals alike have had to navigate around a detour on this beloved scenic stretch of road. To mark the opening of the road, the city will host a celebration with live music performed by SambaDá, activities for all ages and—most important of all—food trucks. S.C. Eatery, Rollin Snack Shack and Taquizas Gabriel will roll up to dispense their wares.

The party runs 5–8pm at Lighthouse Point, 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. Admission is free. For more details, call 831-420-5591 or visit cityofsantacruz.com.

GOOD WORK

Goodwill Central Coast is marking a milestone that speaks to nearly a century of community integration, economic empowerment, and lives changed: 97 years of service in Santa Cruz.
Since opening its doors in 1928, Goodwill Central Coast has provided job training, employment and pathways to self-sufficiency.

“Santa Cruz isn’t just where we started—it’s the heart of who we are,” said Christine Westbrook, president and CEO of Goodwill Central Coast. From families shopping secondhand and donors keeping reusable goods out of landfills, to job seekers finding their footing through on-the-job training and career services, Goodwill’s footprint touches every corner of the region.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘The last five years have been so damn hard. I’m so grateful to get the help with the rebuild.’
—Tonia Weakland in our cover story

LETTERS

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

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August 6, 2025

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NO MORE CHAOS

PVUSD needs leadership, not chaos. Pajaro Valley Unified School District cannot succeed under Trustee Gabriel Medina’s divisive leadership. Since his 2024 election, Medina has made antisemitic remarks, mocked a colleague with “Come at me, Barbie,” and threatened fellow board members with a $35,000 defamation lawsuit.

He has violated the Brown Act by leaking closed-session details and pushed personal convenience over district priorities—most recently demanding board meetings change to fit his work schedule. Medina ignored 80% community support for School Resource Officers and rejected a student teacher simply for her Christian college affiliation. His actions put ideology before students and staff. PVUSD deserves trustees who prioritize education, safety and unity—not personal agendas and disruption.

Michael Lelieur | Santa Cruz

BREASTFEEDING WALK

Community Bridges’ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will host its 18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair on Thursday, August 7, from 1 to 4pm at Laurel Park, Santa Cruz.

The event celebrates World Breastfeeding Week by raising awareness about breastfeeding and the services available to families through Community Bridges WIC Program and other key health partners. Open to all, this event offers a welcoming environment for new parents, expecting families and anyone interested in supporting breastfeeding. It’s a chance to learn, connect and celebrate together as a community.

With ongoing rhetoric causing hesitation in accessing services, it’s crucial to provide outreach and ensure that families know WIC is here for them. In times of uncertainty, WIC stands firm in its commitment to supporting local families with not just nutrition assistance, but also educational resources, health services and a welcoming community.

Said Community Bridges Senior Program Director Dana Wagner: “It’s crucial that every family who qualifies for WIC feels empowered and supported in accessing our services. Despite the challenges and uncertainties we face, being together with the community to celebrate this event reminds us all the strength we have when we support one another. It’s truly rewarding to see families come together, share resources, and connect with the support they need during these difficult times.”

Participants can look forward to a variety of activities, including these:

Rally-style Walk at 3pm: A community walk around Laurel Park to show support for breastfeeding families.

Live Music: Enjoy tunes from a live DJ, creating a festive atmosphere.

Community Resource Booths: Local organizations will provide information and services related to family health and wellness.

Healthy Snacks: Complimentary refreshments to keep attendees energized.

Free T-shirts and Raffle Prizes: Exclusive event merchandise and chances to win prizes.

Breast Milk Donation Site: An opportunity to support the community by donating breast milk.

Additionally, the City and County of Santa Cruz will honor Breastfeeding Awareness Month with official proclamations, and a local employer will be recognized for providing lactation accommodations to their breastfeeding employees.

Since its inception, the WIC program has been instrumental in supporting the health and well-being of families in Santa Cruz County, the Pajaro Valley and neighboring communities. WIC serves approximately 550 pregnant women, 800 breastfeeding women, 1,100 infants and 3,800 children under five each month.

The Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair has grown from a small gathering at Community Bridges headquarters into a major community event. Initially showcasing the WIC program’s lactation center and Peer Counseling, it started with just a few partner tables and around 35–40 attendees. As interest grew, the event moved to Watsonville City Plaza, attracting larger crowds.

With WIC Senior Program Director Dana Wagner as chair of the Santa Cruz County Breastfeeding Coalition, the event expanded through strategic partnerships, increasing awareness of breastfeeding support and available resources.

For more, visit communitybridges.org/WIC.

Tony Nuñez | Marketing and Communications Manager, Community Bridges

Free Will Astrology

Astrology

Rob Brezsny

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August 6, 2025

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ARIES March 21-April 19

The Tagalog word gigil refers to the urge to squeeze or pinch something adorable. It’s an ecstatic tension that verges on overflowing the container of decorum. In the coming weeks, you Aries could feel gigil for the whole world. Everything may seem almost too vivid, too raw, too marvelous and altogether too much. I advise you to welcome these surges and allow them to enhance your perceptions. Laugh hard. Cry freely. Invite goosebumps. Please note: But don’t actually squeeze anyone without their permission.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

In Japan’s Snow Country, artisans practice yuki-sarashi. It involves laying woven cloth on snow under sunlight to bleach, brighten, purify and soften the fibers through the effects of snow, sunlight, cold and ozone. Because this process doesn’t require harsh chemicals, it helps maintain the fabric’s strength and prevents it from yellowing over time. I propose you make yuki-sarashi a useful metaphor, Taurus. Something fragile and fine is ready to emerge, but it needs your gentle touch and natural methods. You are often grounded in the adept manipulation of raw material—what works, what holds, what can be relied on. But this burgeoning treasure needs maximum nuance and the blessings of sensitive care.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

When African American dancer Josephine Baker arrived in Paris in 1925 at age 19, she was seeking refuge from her home country’s racism. Her electrifying performances soon made her a celebrity. Author Ernest Hemingway said she was “the most sensational woman anyone ever saw.” As she grew wealthy, she donated generously to French charities, hospitals and schools. Her compassionate works evolved further, too. During World War II, she worked as a spy for the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation. Later, she became a civil rights activist in the US. Can you guess the astrological sign of this multi-faceted star? Gemini! I hope you will be inspired by her in the coming weeks. May you, too, use your natural gifts and stylish flair to serve the greater good. Look for opportunities to mentor, encourage and advocate for those lacking your advantages.

CANCER June 21-July 22

When a glacier moves, it doesn’t rush. It presses forward incrementally, reshaping mountains, carving valleys and transporting boulders. In a metaphorical sense, Cancerian, you are now in glacier time. A slow, relentless and ultimately magnificent process is afoot in your life. Others may not yet see the forward momentum. Even you may doubt it. But the shift is real and permanent. Trust the deep, inexorable push. Your soul is hauling whole landscapes into new configurations.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

In the Arctic, the sun shines for 24 hours a day during midsummer. There is no night, only the surreal glow of prolonged gold. The human body, confused by the unending day, may be confused about when to sleep. For some, this creates disorientation, and for others, a strange euphoria. In my astrological opinion, Leo, you have entered a metaphorical version of this solar dreamscape. Your creative powers are beaming like a relentless sun. There may be little darkness in sight. So how will you rest? How will you replenish under the glow of fervent possibility? Be wisely discerning with your energy. Don’t mistake illumination for invincibility. Bask in the light, yes, but protect your rhythms.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Now is an excellent time for you to swear sacred oaths. I suggest you get less comfortable with transitory arrangements and short-term promises. The near future will also be a ripe phase to make brave commitments that require you to go farther and deeper than you’ve dared to before. I recommend you forgo the cheap thrills of skipping along from one random moment to the next. Embrace a game plan. Finally, I urge you to cast magic spells on yourself that will release your unconscious mind from old fixations that subtly drain your power to fulfill your dreams. Please please please surrender trivial obsessions that distract you from your life’s key goals.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

In West African traditions, griots are key figures in their communities. They serve as storytellers, oral historians, poets, genealogists and advisors. Their presence is often central to events like weddings, funerals and ceremonies. In the coming weeks, Libra, I hope that you will embrace a role that resembles the griot. Your ability to enhance and nurture your network is at a peak. You have extra power to weave together threads that have become frayed or unraveled. Given your potential potency as a social glue, I advise you to avoid gossip and instead favor wise, kind words that foster connection.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

The phrase “elegant sufficiency” is an old English expression meaning “just enough” or “a sufficient amount in a refined or tasteful way.” I am expanding it to also mean “the simplest solution that solves a problem completely without unnecessary complexity.” It’s your power phrase, Scorpio. What you need is not intricate perfection, but elegant sufficiency: enoughness. I suggest you welcome this gift with enthusiasm—not in a resigned way, but with a quiet triumph. Maybe your plan doesn’t need more bullet points. Maybe the relationship doesn’t require further analysis. Maybe your offering is already thorough. Allow yourself the sweet satisfaction of having just the right amount. What you have created may be more organically whole than you realize.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

How do you become a maestro of desire? What must you do to honor your beautiful yearnings and cull your mediocre ones? What’s the magic that will help you fulfill your life’s purpose by trusting your deepest cravings? Here are some tips. First, jettison your inessential desires and cherish the precious yearnings that are crucial. Second, dispose of outmoded goals so you can make expansive space for robust goals that steer you away from the past and guide you toward the future. These are challenging tasks! The very good news is that the coming weeks can be a turning point in your quest to claim this birthright.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

I’m writing a fairy tale about an ancient land whose queen regards poetry as essential to the public good. She often invites poets to perform for her and her court. When they finish a stirring passage, they bow—not to the queen or other observers, but to the silence they mined to access their inspiration; to the pregnant chaos from which the poem was born. The pause is a gesture of gratitude and acknowledgment. I invite you to partake in similar acts of appreciation, Capricorn. Bow toward the mysteries from which your blessings flow. Honor the quiet sources that keep you fertile. Praise the treasures in the dark that fuel your intense activities.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

When I advise you to get naked, I’m not necessarily suggesting that you doff your clothes. What I primarily mean is the following: Shed the armor around your heart; strip off your defense mechanisms; discard knee pads you wear while kissing butt or paying excessive homage; recycle shoes, jackets, pants and opinions that don’t fit you; and discard pride-spawned obstacles that impede your communions with those you love.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

The Finnish word sisu describes a radical, unglamorous persistence. Those who possess sisu can summon extraordinary determination, tenacity and resilience in the face of confusion or difficulty. It’s not about bravado or flair, but about soulful gutsiness. I suspect it’s time for you to draw on your sisu, Pisces. It will empower you to tap into reserves of strength that have previously been unavailable. You will activate potentials that have been half-dormant.

Homework: What brave breakthrough could you make simply by being your authentic self? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Things to do in Santa Cruz

Things To Do This Week

GT Staff

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August 6, 2025

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THURSDAY 8/7

AMERICANA

RAGS ROSENBERG

From Carmel-by-the-Sea comes Rags Rosenberg. The comparisons to Leonard Cohen hold up, and in a good way. He doesn’t sound derivative, but his vibe matches, and one can imagine their roads crossing, both with notebooks in hand and a guitar on their backs. On Rosenberg’s prior albums, he sings of hitchhiking, migrant farmwork, philosophy—compelling storytelling supported by sparse, beautiful strings, both strummed and bowed, a good variety of percussion, a horn here and there, and occasionally joined by another voice. He’ll be celebrating the release of his newest album. KEITH LOWELL JENSEN

INFO: 7pm, Ugly Mug, 4640 Soquel Dr, Soquel. $20/adv, $25/door. 477-1341.

JAZZ

ZOHAR & ADAM

Brothers Zohar (piano) and Adam (drums) Cabo were raised in Beacon, NY, by musician parents. Their performing careers began as children, and by their teens, the two were cutting sessions at Memphis’ legendary Sun Studio. Their music is built on Zohar’s classically trained style and Adam’s jazz-informed drumming, drawing from Latin, hip hop, and world music in their duo format. Their recorded debut is the 2024 EP, Zohar & Adam & Friends (Live at the Howland). The Cabo brothers released their first full-length, Osmosis, in early 2025. That record emphasizes their pan-genre sensibility and features a guest spot by friend and mentor Christian McBride. BILL KOPP

INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $35-$37. 427-2227.

FRIDAY 8/8

CUMBIA

SPAGHETTI CUMBIA

Boyle Heights and East LA serve as the stewing pot for quintet Spaghetti Cumbia’s enticing mix of traditional Latin American cumbia music with punk, psychedelic rock, and a healthy dose of Ennio Morricone western movie soundtracks, hence the “spaghetti” in their name. With two guitars, additional percussion along with a classic rock kit, and electric bass, plus two lead vocalists (and everyone, including the audience, adding their voices in), it’s a busy, hectic but very danceable sound they’re conjuring. Pijama Piyama, and The Hellas are also on the bill. KLJ

INFO: 9pm, Jury Room 712 Ocean St, Santa Cruz. $10. 426-7120.

ROCK

TIGER’S TALE

Deadheads already know Jerry Garcia’s infamous guitar, Tiger, which has a tiger inlay on the neck. Not only was it one of his favorites, but it was also the last guitar he played before his death. “What sort of tales would Tiger tell if it could?” is the question local soul/rock/jam band Tiger’s Tale wishes to answer. This eclectic assortment of local musicians plays an array of Motown, soul, rock and R&B jams from the Garcia-Saunders playbook. Not your average Grateful Dead cover band, Tiger’s Tale also does tracks by Bob Dylan, J.J. Cale, Peter Rowan, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff and, of course, Garcia and Hunter. MAT WEIR

INFO: 7pm, Woodhouse Brewing, 119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz. Free. 313-9461.

SATURDAY 8/9

DANCE

SAVEJ AND HABITAAT

Savej’s swampy soundscapes merge with Habitaat’s beats to create a high-energy dance party. Delivering his signature “ancient future” sound, Savej weaves tribal grooves and ancient medicine music with modern bass to create an intense, mystical pulse. Habitaat stirs up a distinctive, underground club sound which he seasons with cinematic scores to craft unique sonic worlds. Brazilian-born, San Francisco-raised Habitaat and Honey Swamp Island native Savej find joy in connecting listeners to natural beauty while stirring the human soul to dance. Their collaborative work serves as a bridge between the natural world and modern dancefloor culture, offering listeners a transformative and very much human experience. SHELLY NOVO

INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $22. 704-7113.

SUNDAY 8/10

PUNK

SPY

Hardcore is back and better than ever. New bands like Soul Glo and Scowl have the ferocity of ’80s hardcore, but with a more musically eclectic sensibility. (Controversial take!) Fortunately, the bay is one of the hot spots for new hardcore. Even more fortunate, we have the band Spy, a brutal riff-heavy five-piece, that’s clearly educated in music theory as much as they are basement punk shows. They put on a live show that is the talk of legends. So intense, audiences swear they’ve seen God. But the music itself is so damn interesting and well-written. It’s the best of all worlds. AARON CARNES

INFO: 7pm, Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $15/adv, $20/door. 713-5492.

BLUES

MIGHTY MIKE SCHERMER

Mighty Mike Schermer is no stranger to Santa Cruz. For a quarter of a century, he called Surf City his home before relocating in 2009 to Austin, Texas. And while Austin might be cheaper, there’s something about Santa Cruz that he can’t stay away from. Which is a good thing, because Schermer is one of the unsung greats of modern blues. He’s performed and recorded with legends Charlie Musselwhite, Maria Muldaur and Bonnie Raitt, the last of whom called him “funky and authentic.” So authentic that even the great Tommy Castro has covered Schermer tunes. MW

INFO:4pm, El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville. $10. 607-8118.

MONDAY 8/11

JAZZ

JOHN PIZZARELLI

Jazz guitarist, singer and bandleader John Pizzarelli is renowned for his tasteful style and deep devotion to the Great American Songbook. The son of swing guitar ace Bucky Pizzarelli, his musical journey began at age six and included onstage work with Benny Goodman, Les Paul, Zoot Sims, Slam Stewart and Clark Terry. Launching his solo career with 1983’s I’m Hip…Please Don’t Tell My Father, Pizzarelli earned an even higher profile when his trio opened for Frank Sinatra in 1993. He’s also an in-demand sideman, having played on albums by everyone from Rosemary Clooney to Paul McCartney to Rickie Lee Jones. BK

INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $58. 427-2227.

TUESDAY 8/12

THEATER

MARY’S WEDDING

Up next in Shakespeare Santa Cruz’s 2025 Fringe Series is a staged reading of Mary’s Wedding, by Stephen Massicotte. This reading is directed by Margaret Shigeko Starbuck and will feature Will Block. Mary’s Wedding is a story of first love, the Great War, hope, and regret. The Great War calls a young man to leave his life and fight. As the war goes on, so does the life of his love, Mary. This emotional tale takes the viewer on a trip down memory lane with Mary as she grapples with the memories of this pure love that couldn’t be. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE

INFO: 7pm, Audrey Stanley Grove, 501 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz. $5-$50. 460-6399.

Clawing Back

Dining Reviews

Mark C. Anderson

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August 6, 2025

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Progress is popping.

International ocean advocacy organization Oceana reports trials of so-called pop-up fishing gear—aka “ropeless” or “on-demand”—on the West Coast this spring were the most successful to date.

Twelve commercial California Dungeness crab fishermen from Morro Bay to Crescent City hauled in $1.4 million worth of catch as central California waters were closed to conventional crab gear to prevent whale entanglements.

The report spotlights small boat crabber Khevin Mellegers of Santa Cruz, who has participated in the experiment since its inception, testifying the gear he used only failed to surface twice out of 568 deployments.

Mellegers deserves credit for risking the ire of other fishermen who believe the shortening of the traditional season and the push for costly new pop-up gear will only accelerate their demise.

“My intentions were to do this for myself, my family, and also to help provide something for a lot of the other smaller boats,” Mellegers says.

That evokes something San Francisco–based fisherman Brand Little told me as I’ve continued to track the story, which one commercial fishermen-journalist colleague calls the most controversial he’s encountered across years reporting on oceans.

Little notes the new technology slows him down “four- to five-fold” and is expensive, but is better than nothing.

“I don’t think pop-up gear can work as a career…” he told me last year, “but our opportunity for conventional [crabbing] now is a short winter fishery…that’s not enough, and this lets me at least have a part-time spring job without working at McDonald’s. I can’t live on it, but I can’t live without it.”

More at Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust’s website, montereybayfisheriestrust.org, where I’m a contributor.

EXTRA POINT

Local institution The Point Market (23040 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz)—dependable for coffee, smoothies and all-day breakfast burritos like the best-selling Barrel with eggs, potato, bacon, avocado and a blend of Mexican cheeses—has added another location to its growing family of spots. The new outpost occupies the former Flashbird in the Safeway-anchored shopping complex in Scotts Valley (245-Z Mt. Hermon Road) and is doing a similar lineup, minus the market items, but with new site-specific specials. The most popular among them has been the smashburger, available single or double-stacked. Hours are 6am–9pm, @thepointmarket on Instagram.

TIME TO RISE

The family behind the Sushi Garden trio of restaurants is pledging to bounce back after a fire ravaged their Capitola location July 28. The good news: 1) No one was hurt, and 2) The home of special rolls like Dr. Woo’s and the fire-roasted Chef Gone Wild will return to life once necessary repairs and restoration are complete. The owners do offer a heartfelt note on their website, thanking followers for their understanding and adding, “In the meantime, we appreciate your support at our Aptos [38 Rancho Del Mar] and Watsonville [1441 Main St.] locations. Your continued love means everything to us, and we’ll keep you updated as we rebuild and get ready to welcome you back to Capitola soon.” Order at sushigardencapitola.com.

NOSH NOTES

Executive Chef Gus Trejo has changed posts within the Ensemble hotel group, leaving his seasoned team in place at Dream Inn’s Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lodge and heading for Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley…Izakaya West End has closed to free up owner-operators Quinn Cormier and Geoff Hargrave to focus on January 2025 debut Tortilla Shack (1505 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz) and East End Gastropub (1501 41st Ave., Suite I, Capitola), which has added Tuesday service and a 4–5pm happy hour to complement the late night HH 8–9pm Monday, Thursday-Saturday and 7–8pm Sunday, @tortillashack1 on IG, eastendpub.com…Big ups to the Santa Cruz Warriors for their work with last month’s Helping Hands initiative, sending staff over to the Homeless Garden Project at Natural Bridges Farm to pull weeds, spread mulch and aid landscaping; inspired locals can volunteer in either kitchen or garden via homelessgardenproject.org…It’s still barbecue season, so here go three quick related facts: Pork is the most popular meat to grill in the U.S.; Fourth of July is the country’s favorite day to cook out; and mustard is the most desired hot dog condiment…Take us out, Anthony Bourdain: “Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it’s a start.”

Spurred On

Foodie File

Andrew Steingrube

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August 6, 2025

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Daniel Govea’s parents grew up in the restaurant industry as employees and then owners, so he was able to gain knowledge from them and add plenty of his own first-hand experience in front-of-house, back-of-house and management. After graduating high school, he decided to get into pest control but says he always envisioned a return to the industry.

That opportunity came two years ago, when Govea’s family was offered ownership of the locally renowned Silver Spur. Govea encouraged his parents to buy in, telling them he would run it successfully. They agreed and he has delivered on his promise, so much so that they were able to open a second Watsonville location in March.

He describes it as spacious and clean with abundant natural light, set off with a Western theme, plenty of live houseplants and locally commissioned art on the walls. Govea says the food is hearty homestyle classic American breakfast and lunch, exemplified by thick yet light buttermilk pancakes, available in regular and blueberry as well as rotating options like orange poppyseed and banana walnut. Other breakfast bests are fluffy omelets, a popular veggie scramble, and classic favorites like French toast, chicken-fried steak and housemade biscuits with sausage gravy. Afternoon delights include a French dip sandwich, soups such as French onion, broccoli cheddar and chicken tortilla, and myriad salads. Dessert options abound too with homemade fruit pies and housemade bread pudding.

How has the new location been received?

DANIEL GOVEA: It’s been great. We’ve gotten more support and positive feedback than we expected from the welcoming Watsonville community. We’ve been busy and filling up the restaurant every day and this has allowed us to hire more staff and provide support and work for the community. The Watsonville location hasn’t been open long, but it’s almost as busy as the original Soquel location and getting busier. We are blessed to take over such a long-standing business and it’s been a pleasure for our family to continue Silver Spur’s legacy.

Tell me about your daily specials.

It’s something we do that our customers really enjoy. For example, we have grits on Mondays, calamari steak and eggs on Tuesdays, and an Asian chicken stir fry on Wednesdays. These specials give our guests something different, and brings out the best from our cooks, who get to express their creativity.

1040 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, 831-713-3953; silverspurrestaurants.com

Getting Colder

Wellness

Elizabeth Borelli

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August 6, 2025

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Last week, during a sunny lunch at Abbott Square, a few of us from the Good Times team found ourselves diving into one of our favorite topics: the wild world of wellness trends—and how many of them ride the fine line between placebo and pure fiction. That’s when I brought up the now-ubiquitous ads flooding my NextDoor feed: the Ice Water Diet.

In case you haven’t seen it, the premise goes like this: you pour a packet of powder into ice water, drink it, then enjoy an all-you-can-eat Cheesecake Factory binge while somehow losing weight. Sound too good to be true? Of course it does. But the algorithm is relentless, and I was curious enough to click.

In the 20-minute video, one woman tells the story of her desperate attempt to lose 20 pounds of baby weight before a couples trip to the Hamptons. After weeks of strict dieting and brutal workouts, she couldn’t live up to the standards of her model-thin friends—until one of them whispered the secret: the Ice Water Diet, doctor-prescribed and miracle-approved.

I couldn’t watch much more. It was so over-the-top, I found myself wondering: Why are these ads suddenly everywhere? Are they working?

Peeved enough to take action, I wrote a post on NextDoor, pointing out the obvious holes in the story. If this so-called “miracle diet” was legit, wouldn’t it have made national news? The post was promptly removed—likely flagged by someone with an affiliate link.

But under a minute of actual research turned up what I was looking for: reliable information from countless credible sources.

According to VeryWell Health, a respected wellness site: “A variety of ice hacks for weight loss circulate on social media. Some influencers who promote them may have experienced weight loss by using these methods, and some may be promoting a product that they are trying to help sell.

“Scientific studies in the laboratory setting suggest that cold may cause more energy consumption, potentially burning more calories. However, there’s no evidence that ice supplement products, exposure to cold temperatures, or consuming cold food, ice, or cold drinks would lead to weight loss in a real-world setting.”

In other words, drinking more water—cold or not—and taking brisk walks can support your health. But the idea that a powdered packet mixed with ice water will melt away pounds while you eat fettuccine Alfredo? That’s marketing magic, not metabolic science.

Yet the Ice Water Diet is far from the only culprit on the market. Here are other “healthy” drinks that won’t help burn fat (despite the hype):

1. Detox or Skinny Teas
Flat Tummy Tea, SkinnyFit, Bootea
Mostly herbal laxatives, these cause temporary water loss, not fat loss.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks
Bragg shots, Goli gummies in water
Minimal impact on body fat despite bold metabolism claims.

3. Lemon Water Cleanses
Popular online but won’t detox or melt fat. Any weight loss is likely due to skipped meals.

4. “Fat-Burning” Coffee Blends
Bulletproof, FitTea Coffee
Caffeine may slightly boost metabolism, but there’s no real fat-burning magic.

5. Herbal Meal Replacement Shakes
Herbalife, Isagenix, Plexus
Weight loss is from lower calories—not special ingredients.

6. Aloe Vera Juice
Promoted for digestion and fat loss but lacks credible science. May cause GI upset.

7. Cucumber Mint Detox Water
Hydrating and pretty—but doesn’t burn fat.

8. Activated Charcoal Drinks
Claims to “absorb toxins” but don’t affect fat—and can block nutrient absorption.

Here’s the thing. It’s not that cucumber-mint water or apple cider vinegar are unhealthy—it’s the illusion being sold: that a single drink can fix a problem often rooted in self-criticism. When the promised results don’t materialize, we don’t blame the bottle—we blame ourselves.

As someone who spent years tangled in the exhausting loop of disordered eating, I can say firsthand: this cycle is no small thing.

So yes, message received. But for those of us still secretly hoping for a drinkable shortcut to fitness, here’s the good news: There are simple, affordable sips that support your well-being—no false promises or overpriced powders required.

What Does Work?

💧Water

It’s basic for a reason. Water is calorie-free and helps curb overeating—especially if you drink a glass before meals. A 2019 review from the National Institutes of Health even links increased water intake to weight loss.

🍵 Green or Black Tea
Loaded with antioxidants and a gentle caffeine boost, unsweetened green or black tea is a solid swap for sugary drinks. It supports metabolism and offers a light appetite suppressant effect—without the crash.

🥤Protein Smoothies

A balanced smoothie with real produce and quality protein can be a smart meal replacement. It keeps energy stable and helps you stay full until your next bite.

Personally? I keep a glass of cold green tea or a mug of hot black tea nearby all day. It keeps me hydrated, satisfied and grounded. No gimmicks, no detox hype—just abundant antioxidants, a hint of caffeine and plenty of good old-fashioned hydration.

For more Mediterranean diet tips and tricks, plus informative local wellness events, visit ElizabethBorelli.com.

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