Love Your Local Band: Worship

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First off, Worship wants everyone to know that, unlike Highlander, there can be more than one, and they are not to be confused with the disbanded Bavarian band.

“The first theme we could think of was the fact that we worship amplification,” says guitarist Josh Espinoza. “It seemed to fit the style and theme pretty spot on, while not conflicting with any other band name within our style, era, even country of origin.”

The four-piece sludge metal project from Salinas has been destroying the local metal scene since 2013. Espinoza, Richard Douglas and Tony Munoz originally met in the late ’90s and early 2000s while playing in the local hardcore and metal scene. The three would regularly play together, interchanging members from their bands the Wrath and Fate Thirteen, until they finally decided to form a central, cohesive unit.

“Alex was kind enough to fill in on drums a few times and naturally became a great friend that would make us all want to jam out together,” says Espinoza.

Between 2013 and 2015, Worship would combine their hardcore roots with the influences of past metal gods—Black Sabbath, Neurosis, Led Zeppelin and more—for an intense sound that grabs your nerves like a punch to the face. In 2015, they unleashed the onslaught to the world in the form of a seven song, full-length album about the trials of life called All Too Human. Last year, they delighted their fans with the announcement of a follow-up album, to be released later this year.

“Without giving too much away, lyrically it is a personal journey, a space odyssey, full of themes that can hopefully relate to anyone that has dealt with internal conflict,” Espinoza ponders. “Oh man, that might be giving too much away already.”

The band is playing at the Blue Lagoon on Jan.11, along with local acts Treeherder and Dustern, and will be blowing minds and ears at the Santa Cruz Music Festival in February.

“Santa Cruz will always be our favorite part about where we started,” says Espinoza. “The support has been so immense, yet intimate enough to be very special to us.”


INFO: 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11. Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $5. 423-7117.

Be Our Guest: Y&T

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One of the first hair metal bands, Y&T laid the groundwork for bands such as Poison, Ratt and Mötley Crüe to become pop music sensations. The Oakland-based band’s big hit came in 1985 with “Summertime Girl.” Four decades later, Y&T, which helped bring Flying V guitars, leather pants and the lovably cheesy glam aesthetic into the mainstream, is still going strong. On Jan. 28, the band brings its hard-rocking, never-say-die ethos to Santa Cruz.


INFO: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $20/adv, $25/door. 423-1338. WANT TO GO? Go to santacruz.com/giveaways before 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 20 to find out how you could win a pair of tickets to the show.

Thai on the Westside at Sabieng, Winning Pastry, and Pantry Staples

As reliable as the tides and more delicious than Instagram is the Mission Street landmark Sabieng, home of Thai cuisine at its most nurturing.  We like to head there in between turkey-intensive holidays, seeking culinary comfort and great handfuls of spice. And once again, we found what we needed. I always have my mouth set for curry, and Jack enjoyed discovering a new appetizer.

I’m always game for classic chicken satay—love those skewers of grilled chicken with peanut sauce. But Jack saw the Mieng Kome ($6.95) “Thai snack” and was intrigued when we were presented with a quintet of oak leaf lettuce leaves, each topped with little mounds of crunchy ingredients. The deal is to wrap up the dice of ginger, shallots, peanuts, tart lime cubes, and toasted coconut shreds into bundles. Then dip into a tangy/sweet palm sauce. Fabulous! Jack agreed that Thai food is a natural with beer (he chose a non-alcoholic Kaliber that evening), but I contend that it is equally delicious partnered with a citrusy glass of Sauvignon Blanc, like the one from Clos du Bois ($5.95) I chose from Sabieng’s wine list.

And, of course, I did get my green curry ($9.95) deeply tinged with a sweet bite of basil and extra firepower since I requested it “medium.” I also requested the addition of tofu to the spicy coconut milk-based sauce, which was laced with flower-shaped carrots, green beans and zucchini, plus a lavish expanse of delicious Japanese eggplant. Every ingredient soaked up the basil-perfumed curry sauce, as did Sabieng’s spectacular brown rice. No, seriously. Sabieng’s brown rice is simultaneously crunchy and chewy, loaded with layers of flavor depths and capable of transporting sauce nuances without getting in the way. Jack nodded in agreement with his mouth full of garlicky Pad King ($9.95), a delicious creation long on shredded fresh ginger, onions, more of those beautifully cut carrots, and in this case a generous addition of tender ribbons of pork. Several shimmering black mushrooms added intrigue to this beautifully balanced dish, another natural partner for Sabieng’s addictive brown rice. Service was, as always, friendly and swift. The vibes are great, although I would love it if Sabieng considered wall sconces or perhaps votive candles at the tables during dinner hours.

Sabieng, 1218 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 425-1020. Open daily for lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and dinner 5-9:30 p.m., and until 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday.


New Year’s Pastry

One bite was all it took to succumb to a seasonal gluten-free pastry (from Manresa Bread) now on the shelves at Verve. Consider a round cake of polenta and almond flour topped with slices of glazed quince—rather like a tarte tatin, but without the wheat pastry. Arguably the best $5 I spent last week, it is worth a drive-by for inquiring foodies who don’t want gluten and refuse to consume ordinary pastry. On a chilly day, join the polenta cake with a glass pot of chamomile tea and contemplate a happy new year.


Pantry Future

Stock up for 2017 with a few required pantry items. You can keep the wolf from the door (or any other appropriate metaphor) if you’ve got the following in your larder: cans of tuna and sardines; spaghetti or other favorite pasta; jars of organic marinara, ready to bump up with a bit of garlic and oregano; black beans; cannellini beans; pinto beans; chicken stock; hot mango chutney; pink Himalayan salt; Assam black tea; BASE peanut butter chocolate protein bars; organic ketchup; dijon mustard; Muir Glen organic whole tomatoes; almond milk; granola; Pamela’s gluten-free cornbread mix; capers; Worcestershire sauce; tamarind sauce. Half case of wine, gin, Jameson, Fernet Branca, and a decent single malt. There you have it!

Foodie File: Jessica Yarr of Assembly

Jessica Yarr took over executive chef duties at Assembly in late November, and has been earning praise from local foodies for her work so far. We caught up with Yarr to ask her about her plans for the popular downtown Santa Cruz spot.

What’s your vision for the Assembly menu?

I want to create a menu that’s more accessible to Santa Cruz diners, with seasonal, farm-to-table flair. For example, I want to do a chicken leg confit, instead of a duck confit that people are used to. I want to do something a little more country style. I want to focus on doing some house-cured meats and some interesting vegetarian dishes as well. We have the yoga studio next door. I’d like to lure those folks in. Do some hippie-dippy, fun sprouted seeds and Santa Cruz stuff.

How long have you been cooking?

I started working full-time in restaurants when I was 15. My first job was at La Bruschetta. It was one of the original farm-to-table restaurants in Felton, an organic Sicilian place. I went and had lunch with my mom. It changed my life. I told the owner that it was the best meal I ever had. “Oh cool, want a job?” I was like, “What?” That started it all. They have an old-school way of looking at things as far as women in the workforce. When I told them I wanted to go to culinary school, he said, “You should stay here, work for me, have babies.” I graduated high school early, and I went to culinary school at 17. I moved back home and got an internship at Theo’s. They hired me on as pastry chef. Then I was the pastry chef for Google. Then, from there, I went to Gabriella Café, and Main Street Garden, which was the old Theo’s. I just try to stay connected to all the best chefs in the area.

What’s your approach to cooking?

I’m ingredient- and technique-driven. I strongly believe that if you’re starting with the best possible ingredients, and treating them with care and executing them, and keeping them clean, it speaks for itself. I really like fermenting, anything that involves curing. I like projects. I like to teach myself new techniques. It gets boring chopping up vegetables and throwing them in the pot.

An Organic Sauvignon Blanc From Kathryn Kennedy

We often head to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands for dinner. The hotel’s Pacific’s Edge Restaurant is one of the best in the Monterey Bay and the view is unparalleled, especially from the new outdoor deck that was recently installed. We get there early in the winter months to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset.

When it comes to choosing a wine for dinner, Pacific’s Edge has an extensive list of wines from all over the world, and the restaurant’s lead sommelier Don Mallery is there to help. I selected a local Kathryn Kennedy Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc—a perfect libation to go with our entrees of sea bass and scallops.

Winemaker Marty Mathis, son of the late Kathryn Kennedy who started the winery in the 1970s, has made this tangy Sauvignon Blanc from organic grapes. It has ripe, fresh flavors of key lime and honeydew melon, and the succulent juicy finish is like a burst of spring.

“We are very proud to designate this wine as made with organic grapes,” says Mathis. “We crafted it by combining grapes from CCOF-certified organic vineyards in Napa, Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Each vineyard was selected for its exceptional viticultural care.”

This Sauvignon Blanc was awarded 89 points in Wine Spectator magazine—a well-deserved accolade—and it can be found at liquor stores and supermarkets all over for about $24 a bottle. Or you can head to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands for Happy Hour— 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday—and try this wine at the hotel’s brand-new bar, which now faces the ocean.

As we polished off the rest of the Sauvignon Blanc with a lemon pudding cake—a fabulous concoction of winter citrus, orange, honey, almond, and vanilla bean crème anglaise—we agreed that this was a very pleasurable pairing of food and wine.  Kudos go to Executive Chef Chad Minton, who searches for the perfect ingredients to complement the time of year.


Kathryn Kennedy Winery does not have a tasting room, so visit kathrynkennedywinery.com for more info and to order wine online.

Pacific’s Edge Restaurant is at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, 620-1234. highlandsinn.hyatt.com.

Rob Brezsny’s Astrology Jan 11—17

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is a huge holy tree that links all of the nine worlds to each other. Perched on its uppermost branch is an eagle with a hawk sitting on its head. Far below, living near the roots, is a dragon. The hawk and eagle stay in touch with the dragon via Ratatoskr, a talkative squirrel that runs back and forth between the heights and the depths. Alas, Ratatoskr traffics solely in insults. That’s the only kind of message the birds and the dragon ever have for each other. In accordance with the astrological omens, Aries, I suggest you act like a far more benevolent version of Ratatoskr in the coming weeks. Be a feisty communicator who roams far and wide to spread uplifting gossip and energizing news.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You have a divine mandate to love bigger and stronger and truer than ever before. It’s high time to freely give the gifts you sometimes hold back from those you care for. It’s high time to take full ownership of neglected treasures so you can share them with your worthy allies. It’s high time to madly cultivate the generosity of spirit that will enable you to more easily receive the blessings that can and should be yours. Be a brave, softhearted warrior of love!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I love and respect Tinker Bell, Kermit the Frog, Shrek, Wonder Woman, SpongeBob SquarePants, Snow White, Road Runner, and Calvin and Hobbes. They have provided me with much knowledge and inspiration. Given the current astrological omens, I suspect that you, too, can benefit from cultivating your relationships with characters like them. It’s also a favorable time for you to commune with the spirits of Harriet Tubman, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, or any other historical figures who inspire you. I suggest you have dreamlike conversations with your most interesting ancestors, as well. Are you still in touch with your imaginary friends from childhood? If not, renew acquaintances.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “I never wish to be easily defined,” wrote Cancerian author Franz Kafka. “I’d rather float over other people’s minds as something fluid and non-perceivable; more like a transparent, paradoxically iridescent creature rather than an actual person.” Do you ever have that experience? I do. I’m a Crab like you, and I think it’s common among members of our tribe. For me, it feels liberating. It’s a way to escape people’s expectations of me and enjoy the independence of living in my fantasies. But I plan to do it a lot less in 2017, and I advise you to do the same. We should work hard at coming all the way down to earth. We will thrive by floating less and being better grounded; by being less fuzzy and more solid; by not being so inscrutable, but rather more knowable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Here’s my declaration: “I hereby forgive, completely and permanently, all motorists who have ever irked me with their rude and bad driving. I also forgive, totally and forever, all tech support people who have insulted me, stonewalled me, or given me wrong information as I sought help from them on the phone. I furthermore forgive, utterly and finally, all family members and dear friends who have hurt my feelings.” Now would be a fantastic time for you to do what I just did, Leo: Drop grudges, let go of unimportant outrage, and issue a blanket amnesty. Start with the easier stuff—the complaints against strangers and acquaintances—and work your way up to the allies you cherish.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): There are some authors who both annoy me and intrigue me. Even though I feel allergic to the uncomfortable ideas they espouse, I’m also fascinated by their unique provocations. As I read their words, I’m half-irritated at their grating declarations, and yet greedy for more. I disagree with much of what they say, but feel grudgingly grateful for the novel perspectives they prod me to discover. (Nobel Prize-winner Elias Canetti is one such author.) In accordance with the current astrological rhythms, Virgo, I invite you to seek out similar influences — for your own good!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Now would be an excellent time to add new beauty to your home. Are there works of art or buoyant plants or curious symbols that would lift your mood? Would you consider hiring a feng shui consultant to rearrange the furniture and accessories so as to enhance the energetic flow? Can you entice visits from compelling souls whose wisdom and wit would light up the place? Tweak your imagination so it reveals tricks about how to boost your levels of domestic bliss.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 2017, you will have unprecedented opportunities to re-imagine, revise, and reinvent the story of your life. You’ll be able to forge new understandings about your co-stars and reinterpret the meanings of crucial plot twists that happened once upon a time. Now check out these insights from author Mark Doty: “The past is not static, or ever truly complete; as we age we see from new positions, shifting angles. A therapist friend of mine likes to use the metaphor of the kind of spiral stair that winds up inside a lighthouse. As one moves up that stair, the core at the center doesn’t change, but one continually sees it from another vantage point; if the past is a core of who we are, then our movement in time always brings us into a new relation to that core.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The  Tao Te Ching is a poetically philosophical text written by a Chinese sage more than two millennia ago. Numerous authors have translated it into modern languages. I’ve borrowed from their work to craft a horoscope that is precisely suitable for you in the coming weeks. Here’s your high-class fortune cookie oracle: Smooth your edges, untangle your knots, sweeten your openings, balance your extremes, relax your mysteries, soften your glare, forgive your doubts, love your breathing, harmonize your longings, and marvel at the sunny dust.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I recently discovered Tree of Jesse, a painting by renowned 20th-century artist Marc Chagall. I wanted to get a copy to hang on my wall. But as I scoured the Internet, I couldn’t find a single business that sells prints of it. Thankfully, I did locate an artist in Vietnam who said he could paint an exact replica. I ordered it, and was pleased with my new objet d’art. It was virtually identical to Chagall’s original. I suggest you meditate on taking a metaphorically similar approach, Capricorn. Now is a time when substitutes may work as well as what they replace.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “It is often safer to be in chains than to be free,” wrote Franz Kafka. That fact is worthy of your consideration in the coming weeks, Aquarius. You can avoid all risks by remaining trapped inside the comfort that is protecting you. Or you can take a gamble on escaping, and hope that the new opportunities you attract will compensate you for the sacrifice it entails. I’m not here to tell you what to do. I simply want you to know what the stakes are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “All pleasures are in the last analysis imaginary, and whoever has the best imagination enjoys the most pleasure.” So said 19th-century German novelist Theodor Fontane, and now I’m passing his observation on to you. Why? Because by my astrological estimates, you Pisceans will have exceptional imaginations in 2017—more fertile, fervent, and freedom-loving than ever before. Therefore, your capacity to drum up pleasure will also be at an all-time high. There is a catch, however. Your imagination, like everyone else’s, is sometimes prone to churning out superstitious fears. To take maximum advantage of its bliss-inducing potential, you will have to be firm about steering it in positive directions.


Homework: Tell a story about the time Spirit reached down and altered your course in one swoop. Go to RealAstrology.com and click on “Email Rob.”

‘I Have Seen the Promised Land’

On Thursday, Mercury re-enters Capricorn. All communication becomes practical, matter-of-fact and may sound harsh. But it’s not. Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—we know his Capricorn (the mountaintop experience) speech, “I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!”

We have a full moon festival this week. Planetary activity accelerates with the first full moon of the year, the solar fest in Capricorn (22.27 degrees). Capricorn is the Gate of Return offering rest after a long journey (from Aries to Capricorn). Reaching the top of the mountain, we become unicorns—magical mystical and spiritual.

The meditative seed thought for Capricorn (symbol is signature of God) is “Lost am I in light supernal, yet on light I turn my back.” In Capricorn, we hear the sufferings of humanity and choose to leave the mountaintop. Returning to Earth, we “serve” in Aquarius and “save” in Pisces.

During 2017, the planetary influences help us become more earnest and attentive to responsibilities, while creating realistic goals. We will learn how to “preserve wealth,”realizing true wealth comes from family, is spiritual, and must be kept local for humanity’s survival. When we understand true wealth, we understand how to create the new sharing society (now only a vision). We will more and more adapt to changes occurring everywhere. Adaptation is our spiritual task. We will learn to have kindness and mercy, patience and compassion to create the promised land.  


ARIES: You may feel your thoughts are afire with ideas and goals. “All things new” is your mantra as multiple desires, aspirations and information are impressed upon your mind. You seek outlets for enthusiasm and joy as you recognize more and more your talents and gifts. You will be recognized for your abilities. In time. Go to the mountains.

TAURUS: You, more than any other sign, understand the shifting currents of the economic system. You feel the need to prepare, know something’s coming, buy gold and silver, and safeguard resources. You ask others to join you. Many don’t understand, thinking the economy will turn around. You know better, and so you alone protect the future. Future children thank you.

GEMINI: How you see yourself reflects on how others see you. Who do you feel you belong to and with? Who are your people? What do you share with others and how close are your ties? I ask these questions so you can identify your community, who you learn from, who learns from you and where and with whom you can share your life. Often you inform others. Now you are to be informed.

CANCER: Even though you want to run away somewhere seemingly better than where you are, you turn to those in your environment and find comfort, a way of life reflecting your deepest sensibilities (even though it’s been a struggle), and you introduce change that everyone needs. Follow your heart, your impressions, your intuition. Make a record (journal) of these. Tend the garden.

LEO: Spend time with the one you love (a love affair perhaps), with children, with gamblers, co-workers, animals, plants, or with a highly creative project that bring forth a deeper self-identity. Through these a sense of self-achievement and pride emerge. You realize again you are a creative force, life begins anew each morning and you can be forgiven and forgiving.

VIRGO: Go to your family, whoever that is, and rest there. Be for others as you would like others to be with you. Be the mother. Provide security, nurturance and emotional safety. These are then provided for you. When you tend to others, when listening, recognizing and responding to their needs, you feel how and where you belong in the universe. Prepare foods for everyone. Fulfillment follows.

LIBRA: You have so many tasks and errands, from library to bookstore, from neighbors to co-workers, from artistic endeavors to finding newer and more inviting arrangements for your parties and collections. You may experience various vehicles for travel, contact relatives and siblings, always moving toward what makes you feel safe, stabilized and listened to. Remember to practice ahimsa at all times, now and forever.

SCORPIO: The full moon and the Sun/Pluto are affecting your communication with others. Something fulfilling and expanded, clearly identified, and very valuable has been or is presently being revealed. A new message of practical importance changes your values. This is the first step toward your future which you often feel is shrouded in mystery (clouds of unknowing). It takes a starry field to reveal things.

SAGITTARIUS: What was written for Scorpio applies to you, with the addition of (you’ve heard this before) a complete transformation down the road. This is good. You’re impatient. Next year, you won’t recognize yourself as you are now. A new identity is being forged, and there are no words to describe it—only astrological symbols. Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn (new structures) in Sagittarius. Contemplation reveals.

CAPRICORN: Are you exhausted from endeavors you’re pursuing, perhaps work or ideas or people or expectations of others? The stars reveal it’s time for you to have solitude, retreat and quiet, where you can understand perspectives and contemplate changes. Within all your discipline and structure, do you have a consistent spiritual or religious practice? Do you pray and ask for help? These sustain you. Your Capricorn angels, loving Silent Watchers, are always nearby.

AQUARIUS: You inspire others; you write excellently, your ideas are original and important. How do you envision your future? Do you think about it? It’s possible that it will be exciting and expansive, more than you can imagine. Think community, gardens, village, green buildings, arks and Buckminster Fuller geodesic domes. The only question is where? Rest when you can. Keep hopes high. Safeguard your money.

PISCES: Revelations have been occurring. A new identity has come about and perhaps for the first time you identify yourself as alive, capable and creative. Absorb this new information quietly and slowly lest you lose its reality. New aspirations are unfolding as you realize your exceptional gifts and abilities. Call forth, in silence and waiting, your next expanded level of expression and its appropriate time, place, resources, and setting.

Opinion January 4, 2017

EDITOR’S NOTE

I’m sure there were local entertainment celebrities in Santa Cruz before the reality TV era—there had to be, right? But the way I remember it, Lex van den Berghe’s sudden fame when Survivor: Africa hit the airwaves in 2001 was unlike anything that had come before it around here, and it paved the way for future American Idol contestants who will always elicit thrilled whispers when they’re spotted at the Bagelry. The Santa Cruz Roller Derby Girls blew up, too, a few years later; much like when the Santa Cruz Warriors debuted at Kaiser Permanente Arena, you had to be at the Civic to see the Derby Girls.

So Lex and Kelly van den Berghe (the former SCRDG who had a huge following when she skated as Roxy Scarmichael) are pretty much Santa Cruz’s perfect local-celeb power couple. But what do you do with the power that comes with that? Where do you funnel that attention? I’ve always admired the very Santa Cruz attitude Lex has had about it, and the way he’s used his name to generate buzz for things he believed were worthwhile.  

But this week’s cover story by Aaron Carnes is interesting, because it’s not about a cause that Lex and Kelly chose; it’s not a project or an endorsement. It’s an intimate part of their lives that has been both agonizing and, at times, transcendent. It’s also different because the life-changing events they’ve been through in the last few months would be remarkable no matter who they happened to. And they happen every time someone chooses to save another person’s life by donating an organ. That’s the larger truth I hope we can all remember when we read their story.

STEVE PALOPOLI | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

Play List

Mr. Pierce and Mr. Palopoli, I thoroughly enjoyed your “Best Songs” feature in this week’s Good Times (GT, 12/28). I would love to hear the playlist on the radio, and would be eager to buy the CD. Maybe KPIG could host a special night with your selections! Or maybe you’d like to play DJ on KRUZ-TV or at the Museum of Art & History. I think people would pay money to hear this. I believe you’ve stumbled upon a piece of pop culture that many of us would treasure.

After all, Santa Cruz still is the center of the universe.

Mark Hucklebridge | Santa Cruz

Song Check

I was surprised to see Larry Hosford did not make your 20 best songs about Santa Cruz list in your 12/28/16 issue! Larry’s song “Down in the Santa Cruz Bay” is not only about Santa Cruz, it is about some of the local musicians who have played here over the years. Larry, who sadly passed away a short time ago, has been entertaining the local Santa Cruz music scene and has played with many local musicians for many years, and in my opinion was a brilliant songwriter. I hope someday Larry gets the recognition he deserves!

Dan O’Bannon  | Watsonville

Gah, and only a week after I wrote a tribute to Hosford in our Year in Review issue! Thanks for pointing out this oversight. We got a lot of great feedback and song suggestions after publishing this story. Keep them coming, there may have to be a follow-up! — Editor

About Last Nite

Such a wonderful time last night at the Last Nite Parade—reminding me of the power there is in how we use our energy.

When I first arrived downtown, the energy felt so tense. There were police and police cars on every block, and many signs warning of triple fines for a whole list of things. No one was smiling. I wondered if our parade would be allowed.

Walking down Pacific toward where the parade was to start, I began seeing people in colorful costumes, blowing bubbles, playing drums, bagpipes, dancing, singing. The bagpipes led the way down Pacific. How could anyone not smile—so much joy! I felt the shift in the energy; even the police were smiling. The parade was short and ended up near Bookshop Santa Cruz with a drum and bagpipe circle. So simple, so heart-opening.

This is the way we make the shift.

Ajna Orion | Santa Cruz

Online Comments


Re: Salud y Carina


We don’t describe our girls as “at-risk”; rather, we believe we are serving middle-school girls at a critical time in their development: the pre-teen and teen years. We are honored to do this work and when it comes to our youth there is always more work to be done. Thank you!
— Theresa Cariño


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GOOD IDEA

POLICY BREAKDOWN
As of Jan. 1, all takeout containers in the unincorporated areas of the county must be compostable. The rules, approved by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, prohibit plastic straws, plastic stir sticks and Styrofoam to-go containers. The rules apply to restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets, food trucks, special events, and anywhere food is sold to go.


GOOD WORK

SAFE START
It was a relatively quiet New Year’s Eve in downtown Santa Cruz, at least compared to previous years. There were 12 arrests made, mostly for public intoxication, according to SCPD. Officers were still busy though, responding to 160 calls for service between 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 5 a.m. the following morning.


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Kidney transplants seem so routine now. But the first one was like Lindbergh’s flight across the ocean.”

-Joseph Murray

What would you attempt if you knew there was zero chance of failure?

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“Uninhibited altruism.”

Richard Cathey

Santa Cruz
Busser

“I would turn back time and choose different candidates for president.”

Ron Scott

Santa Cruz
Auto Body Technician

“I would learn how to fly with wings like a bird.”

Adela Puretz

San Francisco
Student/Dancer

“Just make sure everybody’s happy in the world.”

Mike Sequeira

Santa Cruz
Driver/Sales

“I would attempt to acquire Johnny Depp for one night.”

Dorian Kirby

Santa Cruz
Philanderer

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz This Week

 

Green Fix

Four Healthy Shorts and ‘Cowspiracy’

Things To Do In Santa Cruz
Four Healthy Shorts and ‘Cowspiracy’ at Westside New Leaf

Let’s face it, eating meat is bad for the planet. It’s not an easy reality for meat lovers to face, but since the animal agriculture industry is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than combined exhaust from all transportation, we’ve got to start paying attention. This January, the Westside New Leaf Community Market will show several acclaimed documentaries that cover critical issues in nutrition, diet, the impact of animal agriculture on global warming, and how the US. food system has led to epidemic levels of preventable diseases. Four thought-provoking short films will be screened on Tuesday, Jan. 10, the groundbreaking documentary Cowspiracy on Wednesday, Jan. 11, and Forks Over Knives on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Info: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, Wednesday, Jan. 11 and Wednesday, Jan. 18. Westside New Leaf, 1101 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz. newleaf.com/events. Free.

 

Art Seen

‘Sold’ Movie Screening

Things To Do In Santa Cruz
‘Sold’ movie screening at the Del Mar

Based on the international bestselling novel by Patricia McCormick, Sold stars Gillian Anderson, David Arquette and Priyanka Bose. The story of Lakshmi, trafficked from her rural Nepalese village to work in a brothel called Happiness House in Kolkata, India, at age 13, reflects the horrible reality of human trafficking in Southeast Asia, and offers a small window into the plight of millions of children who disappear every year. On a global scale, the average age of someone trafficked is 13 and it’s estimated that 35.8 million people are forced into labor at any given time due to human trafficking.

Info: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11. The Del Mar, 1124 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. january11-sold-film-delmar.weebly.com. $13.

 

Friday 1/6 – Sunday 2/5

8 Tens @ Eight

It’s that time of year again, when the number eight reigns supreme, with eight 10-minute plays shown at 8 p.m. from Jan. 6 to Feb. 5. This year’s lineup has 16 award-winning plays from a national playwriting contest that will be shown throughout the five-week festival. “Over the years we have received plays from writers all over the world. The 8 Tens @ Eight has become known as the premiere 10-minute play festival on the West Coast. We have proudly kept in touch with many of our winning playwrights, and have seen them go on to have plays produced in larger venues, knowing it all started for them here in Santa Cruz,” says artistic director and festival founder Wilma Marcus Chandler.

Info: 8 p.m. Center Stage Theater, 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz. brownpapertickets.com$22-$25.

 

Monday 1/9

Erik Vance at Bookshop Santa Cruz

Things To Do In Santa Cruz
Erik Vance at Bookshop Santa Cruz

If you’ve ever watched Law and Order, you know that witness testimony is unreliable because six people who see the same thing will all describe it differently. So how do placebos, hypnosis, and false memories work? Journalist Erik Vance’s Suggestible You: The Curious Science of Your Brain’s Ability to Deceive, Transform and Heal, postulates that the answers lie within our own brains. In the narrative, Vance explores the surprising ways expectations and beliefs influence our bodily responses to pain, disease and everyday events.

Info: 7 p.m. Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. bookshopsantacruz.com. Free.

 

Wednesday 1/11

‘Leadership in Times of Change’ Workshop

Things To Do In Santa Cruz
‘Leadership in Times of Change’ Workshop at Peace United Church of Christ

Renowned leadership coach and workshop facilitator Dave Ellis has gifted the Diversity Center with a full day of training on Wednesday, Jan. 11. To spark a bigger conversation about what’s next in 2017 for our community and the Center, Ellis will present several practical and useful success strategies. During the workshop participants will be encouraged to ask life-changing questions while being supported to fully engage and enhance creativity, identity deep truths, and work toward accomplishing goals. Registration on website.

Info: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Peace United Church of Christ, 900 High St., Santa Cruz. squadup.com/events/dellis. $25.

Love Your Local Band: Worship

Worship
Worship plays Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the Blue Lagoon

Be Our Guest: Y&T

Win tickets to Y&T on Saturday, Jan 28 at the Catalyst

Thai on the Westside at Sabieng, Winning Pastry, and Pantry Staples

Sabieng
Consistently spectacular Thai dishes at Sabieng, plus pantry staples for the new year

Foodie File: Jessica Yarr of Assembly

Jessica Yarr
New executive chef Jessica Yarr on changes at the downtown fixture

An Organic Sauvignon Blanc From Kathryn Kennedy

Kathryn Kennedy wines
This 2015 Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with seafood

Rob Brezsny’s Astrology Jan 11—17

Astrology, Horoscope, Stars, Zodiac Signs
Free Will astrology for the week of January 11, 2017

‘I Have Seen the Promised Land’

risa d'angeles
Esoteric Astrology as news for week of Jan. 11, 2017

Opinion January 4, 2017

Plus Letters to the Editor

What would you attempt if you knew there was zero chance of failure?

Local Talk for the week of January 4, 2017

5 Things To Do In Santa Cruz This Week

things to do in santa cruz
Event highlights for the week of January 4, 2017
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