Bruce Bratton hosts University Grapevine, linking local and campus issues, every Tuesday 7:30-8:30 p.m. on KZSC 88.1 fm.
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HALLOWEEN HANGOVER ART. Santa Cruz Indy Media came up with this great image and if it doesn't scare you enough to last through Tuesday, November 4th something's wrong. Click the image for artist info and a larger version.
WHO TO VOTE FOR. The best way to ensure that the future growth of the city of Santa Cruz is in the most thoughtful hands is to only vote for two of the four open seats. And vote for Katherine Beiers and Tim Fitzmaurice. Doing a caring vote for Simba who sure needs high praise for his commitment or nay of the clowns running would increase the chances of Tim or Katherine not getting elected.
The other candidates still believe that growth brings jobs and financial security in spite of what cities all over the United States and the world have already learned. We need responsible growth, growth that fits our environment and growth that fits the uniqueness of our city. That's why only experienced City Council members like Katherine Beiers and Tim Fitzmaurice can help get us back on track, just vote for those two.
PLANNING DIRECTOR MEETS SCRP. Juliana Rebagliati the new Santa Cruz City Planning Director did a great job when she met last week with SCRP (Santa Cruzans for Responsible Planning). She said she was glad that there are more community groups now that exist longer than just one issue and said she'd spoken with Santa Cruz Next, and Santa Cruz Neighbors already. Several SCRP members explained to Juliana that SCRP was NOT a "no growth" or "anti-development" group. We explained that the reason SCRP exists is to get developments and growth to adhere to the General Plan. That means no spot development or specific changes just to allow a developer to change the environment and character of the community. Other SCRP members said it appears the City Planning Staff exists not to determine the feasibility and desirability of a project but to carry out the will and orders of the City Council after Dick Wilson convinces the Council the project would benefit the city. The Planning staff always supports development and what can be done to change that? Still more SCRP questions were asked like who enforces the conditions that are placed on a development after approval? There are already several violations at the 2120 Delaware Craig French/Redtree development and Juliana said she'd look into all of that.
THOSE PESKY PROPOSITIONS. A few of these state propositions required more thought and research and divided thinking than any I've voted on in years. Here's what I've deduced and support and recommend. I'm well aware that we don't see eye-to eye but who does???
Prop. 1 High Speed Rail YES
Prop. 2 Humane Farms YES
Prop. 3. Children's Hospitals YES
Prop. 4. Teen Pregnancy Choice NO
Prop. 5. Rehab & Treatment YES
Prop. 6 Longer prison terms NO
Prop. 7 Clean Energy YES
Prop. 8 Same Sex Marriage Ban NO
Prop. 9 Victim Rights NO
Prop. 10 Develop Renewable energy YES
Prop. 11 Redistricting YES
Prop. 12 Veterans Home Loans YES
SANTA CRUZ PORT DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS.
Jeff Martin, Dennis Smith and Bill Lee are the three OUT OF FOUR to vote for.
CITY CAMPAIGN FINANCING. Just a quick glance at the City Council campaign finance reports didn't result in many, if any, surprises.
Ryan Coonerty's campaign got the most and spent the most money. It came from
LOBA, Scott Roseman, Charlie Canfield, Del Williams, Charlie Canfield, 3 Ows, Geoff Dunn, Caleb Baskin, Next Space Inc., Jeremy Neuner, Bob Bosso, George Couch, Scott Daly, Craig French, Terry Hancock, Cynthia Mathews, Mike Rotkin, Bill and Robin Cunningham, Kate Minott, Mark Primack, Louis Rittenhouse, Bill Brooks, and Mark Primack.
David Terrazas campaign got the biggest support from LOBA, Craig French, Charlie Canfield, Jesse Nickell, 4 Ow Family members, Caleb Baskin and 3 other Baskins, Cynthia Mathews, Zach Friend, Louis Rittenhouse, Neal Coonerty, Michael Bethke, Bill Brooks, The Garden Company, Lynn Robinson, Next Space, and Judy Warner.
Don Lane's campaign got support from Charlie Canfield, Matt Farrell, LOBA, Cynthia Mathews, Mike Rotkin, Scott Kennedy, Jesse Nickell, George Ow, Roland Rebele, Louis Rittenhouse, David Baskin, Neal Coonerty, Bill Domhoff, Todd Prindle, Alex Gaugine, Scott Daly, The Garden Company and Judy Warner.
We just need to be aware that all the above named developers and politicians don't just give their money loosely....they will demand returns on their investments. Their money was accepted by these candidates now we must deal with it.
OLD POLITICAL TRADITION. (a repeat paragraph from many BrattonOnline columns) "It wouldn't be Santa Cruz if we weren't reminded of one of the nastiest and dumbest campaign moves ever pulled around here. It dates back to October of 1999 (according to Metro Santa Cruz files). The incident happened at Louis Rittenhouse's lot at the corner of Rankin and Almar Streets over by the Mission Street Safeway Plaza. The late and much missed Jerry Kaufman saw it happen, and personally confronted both Mike Rotkin and Scott Kennedy at the site. Jerry was eating lunch at the corner restaurant and looked up just in time to see Rotkin and Kennedy tearing down Santa Cruz City Council campaign posters for Tim Fitzmaurice, Christopher Krohn, and Keith Sugar, and then flinging the posters in the street. We later learned that Louis Rittenhouse gave Rotkin and Kennedy permission to act as his agents and take down the posters. Sure. What keeps this story alive is that Neal Coonerty, Michael Watkins and Jonathan Boutelle signs now sit in that very same spot. Will they stay there, did they get permission? Will I bring this up again next election? HA.
NEXT ELECTION (2008) TRADITION. So, if you're keeping track of that Rittenhouse lot you'll see the latest "Rittenhouse approved" signs posted there. Three signs just for Ryan Coonerty, one for David Terrazas, and one for Dennis Smith port Commissioner. You can bet that Mike Rotkin wouldn't dream of tearing THESE signs down. That reminds me didn't Ryan Coonerty send an email to council candidates stating he wouldn't be using large campaign signs and nobody else should either?? Guess who's using them now??
FITZMAURICE FACTUALS. Reports just in from the Tim Fitzmaurice for Santa Cruz City Council Campaign. Tim was endorsed by the College Democrats and the University Lecturers Union last week. He's walking neighborhoods and handing out flyers everyday. The neighborhoods are blossoming over on Branciforte with signs (25 last week) because they have grown enthusiastic about Tim's campaign for neighborhood control over new four-story developments in the various corridors like the Ocean Street area and Soquel avenue corridor and against the La Bahia height. They want preservation of the old buildings and they want the historic Villa Branciforte to be respected.
1ST DISTRICT SPY REPORT. The latest 1st District joke is....What does the new Mausoleum "cheap" building at Pacific and Church street have in common with Betty Danner? (answer) They're both owned by Louis Rittenhouse!!! Slatter Construction the company that built both Louis Rittenhouse's "Jamba Juice Brie Cheese Wedge" building at Pacific and Front Streets and the new "cheap mausoleum" dark box of stucco at Pacific and Church are the heaviest contributors* to Betty Danner's 1st District campaign. And as we know Betty and Louis are "dating" (snicker).
*Besides Betty who loaned her campaign $10,000. I'm not sure how to say this but even Carolyn Busenhart is supporting John Leopold, that's got to tell you something.
CYNTHIA MATHEWS CLARIFIES 1ST DISTRICT NEWS. An email from Santa Cruz City Council member and Planned Parenthood official Cynthia Mathews says, "Planned Parenthood Advocates (the political arm of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte) publishes a Voters Guide for every statewide election. Candidates are ranked according to their questionnaire answers and on their record if one exists.
The Planned Parenthood Advocates did not endorse Betty Danner; they simply ranked her as pro-choice, based on the answers she gave on her questionnaire (including opposition to Prop. 4.) She has subsequently appeared on paid slate cards that support Prop. 4 -- a clear inconsistency. If that had been known when the Voter Guide was compiled, she would not have received the pro-choice rating.
John Leopold was also rated pro-choice, and he's actually earned that rating -- not just by answers to a questionnaire, but through his long record of progressive activism, including reproductive rights.
The Advocates did specifically endorse some candidates running in Santa
Cruz County including Sam Farr, Joe Simitian, Bill Monning, and Anna Caballero. For the complete Voters Guide go to www.votingprochoice.org; click on the Silicon Valley/Coast Pro-Choice Voter Guide for local results".
Betty Danner, the "Lifetime Democrat"?? Betty Danner has been quoted as being a "lifetime Democrat" more than once in the Sentinel. I know her former husband who passed away not too many years ago was a Democrat. He supported the Democrats in Santa Cruz County in words and deeds. But Betty? NOT! She's picked up absolutely zero endorsements from Democratic organizations in the County, zero from any labor group, and zero (or very few) from any consistently credible members of the Democratic Party. However, she's nailed down former and currently elected Republicans, members of the Rittenhouse, Canfield, Patel, Monte families, and heavyweights in the building and construction businesses.
Get ready for another Republican Governor - Abel Maldonado. Maldonado is running unopposed but is spending millions on TV ads to convince us that he should be our next Governor. It's going to take a determined Democratic party with an electable candidate to beat this guy. Am I the only person who's noticed that Abel never utters the word "Republican" in his TV ads?
WOOLPERT COMMITTEE TRYING TO BUY SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS, AGAIN.. As expected, wealthy members of the Republican Bruce Woolpert Committee for Good School Governance are raising big money in an effort to try to buy another school board election. The Committee spent over $15,000 in 2006 to win four school board seats in 2006, and now they are trying to win the remaining three seats. The Committee's candidates include Geri Simmons, Ed Tzimbal and Doug Keegan and the committee is trying to oust progressive school board candidates Karen Osmundson and Sandra Nichols. Long time educator Lupe Rivas is challenging Woolpert candidate Keegan and is giving him some tough competition.
So far, the Woolpert Committee has raised $10,350 and has made $9497.50 in expenditures thus far, according to their campaign disclosure forms. They report a cash balance of $2835 and outstanding debts of $932.26. They likely had an existing balance in their account to account for the difference. Major contributions came from Republican Bruce Woolpert himself, CEO of GraniteRock, in the amount of $7000. In addition, Doug Kaplan (a long-time supporter of the Aptos-Watsonville reorganization effort) $750, Auto Dealer Steven Franich $100, Harold Hyde $300, Republican Judy Doering Nielson $100, Granite Construction CEO William Dorey $1000, Dr. Janet Bell $500, CEO of Driscoll's Strawberries Miles Reiter $500, and former County Superintendent Diane Siri $100.
Expenditures for the Woolpert Committee include the following:
- Geri Simmons $940.41 in postage for this period, $1878.67 for direct mail: $2819.08 year to date.
- Doug Keegan $940.41 in postage for this period, $1878.67 for direct mail: $2819.08 year to date.
- Ed Tzimbal $940.41 in postage for this period, $1878.67 for direct mail: $2819.08 year to date.
- Consultant/treasurer Vona Copp of Elk Grove, CA $832.26 for professional services.
More money is likely to come and be spent. Stay tuned and keep following the money. Hopefully, we will not have an entire Pajaro Valley school board completely controlled by Woolpert. But Nichols, Osmundson and Rivas are campaigning hard and fighting back, and may be able to fend off Woolpert's big money.
WATSONVILLE YOUTH TO HOLD 15TH ANNUAL PEACE & UNITY MARCH. Local youth and families of victims of violence, along with the Watsonville Brown Berets, will be holding their 15th annual Watsonville Peace and Unity March on Saturday, November 1st starting at 10am at the Watsonville City Plaza. The annual march, started in 1994, by Watsonville youth shortly after the tragic deaths of 9-year old Jessica Cortez and her 16-year old brother Jorge Cortez in Pajaro, and 19-year old Antonio Valdivia. Watsonville youth wanted the event to bring community-wide attention to gang and domestic violence, and to get more community residents actively involved in bring peace to their neighborhoods. Local youth have continued to spearhead the efforts ever since, along with the support of other community members and organizations. Hundreds of local residents show up every year and numerous families use the event as a way to remember the memory their loved ones who lost their lives to violence. In addition, the message is taken directly through numerous neighborhoods most impacted by crime and violence in downtown Watsonville. For those wanting to support grassroots peace efforts, come participate in this event in Watsonville this Saturday morning.
WATSONVILLE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD VICTORY PARTY ON ELECTION NIGHT. The Watsonville Democrats will be hosting a victory party on Tuesday night, November 4th, starting at 8pm and will continue until 1am. at the Watsonville SEIU Union office (11-H Alexanders Street). There will be free food, refreshments and poll watching with fellow Pajaro Valley Democrats and elected leaders. The event will also feature a showing of new Michael Moore's new film, "Slacker Uprising." The Victory Celebration is sponsored by the Watsonville United Democratic & Labor Headquarters, the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club and Watsonville for Obama. It will certainly be a night to remember!
Squarely facing the dilemma is preferable to a mantra of "...jobs, housing..." which we hear from some candidates. The two "progressive" candidates, Tim Fitzmaurice and Katherine Beiers, are in fact the "conservative" candidates. They are the ones who want to replace dreaming with reality, place greater emphasis on protecting the ambiance of the City and favoring development that aids City goals and ambiance. The other major candidates seem more willing to assume that growth will solve all our problems.
"More jobs" is like "peace in our time"---certainly does sound good. Perhaps this is why candidates relying on the mantra generally receive support from business interests. Growth may or may not help the City and its residents. All depends on the kind of growth, how it is planned and controlled. That requires public discussion of what we want and results in governmental leadership in development decisions. Developers will quite reasonably want whatever kind of growth they can sell; the City needs the kind of growth that will help the City, The marketplace cannot be relied on as the arbiter of what is good for the City. It is the City that should decide what kind of growth it wants and needs.
In the last few days before she is termed out, Emily Reilly has proposed the creation of a group or committee to draw up guidelines for the Community Benefit Component of Proposed Developments. Our present Council may vote on this proposal this week. Such a committee, which Ms. Reilly wants to be composed of a small but representative group of citizens and interests could be a good start. All the candidates will support the creation of this committee, won't they? Don't forget that experience, ability and willingness to listen to the community are also important criteria in deciding for whom to vote.
PATTON'S PROGRAM. Gary reminds us that there are still more plans afoot to continue widening highway one. He also tells of the plans to build on the Aptos Par 3 Gold course vs. folks who want to see it remain green. He relates the problems facing the building of affordable housing in Felton and no sewer connections available. Read what he says about the danger of "Minor Land Divisions" and how they add up to big land use problems. Then he closes with Global Warming thoughts and greenhouse gases becoming worse.
EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Like ending those negative political attacks would maybe happen... in your dreams!!! Scroll down for Tim Eagan's dream.
LANDAU'S PROGRES. Saul writes about "Whining About Winning in Iraq" here
PAUL COCKING CHECKS IN. Paul Cocking of Gabriella's Café and frequent BrattonOnline contributor adds,"how about a contest naming the architecture (?) of the new Louie b. Grande...there's one right there!....just to get the easy ones out of the way...RITTENBIGHOUSE...EGOESQUE...CIRREALLO...WILSOONNOTTOSOON...COONERTINOAIN'TCUPERTINO...CINEMA9REDUX...POOPERHOUSE
send submissions to landlesspoor.com or sourgrapes.net how about we bust out the walls of the old and former Sentinel building and turn it into a place for farmer markets, performance, art and....PARKING!...see richmondva.com. (Editor note....forget those links they don't work except for the last one which is to Richmond, Virginia....and only Paul knows why). His "Coonertino" does have a certain ring to it.
RALPH ABRAHAM ON NOVA. Ralph Abraham was on NOVA last Tuesday Oct 28, 2008 at 8 pm on PBS-Nova on a program titled, "Hunting the Hidden Dimension" it's all about fractals. It's also online anytime http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/. You can learn more by going to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/fractals/about.html . Fascinating stuff, them fractals.
SAW V. I need to go to great pains to make it clear that I did not write this film. No matter how Santa Cruzie the plot and characters may seem I had absolutely nothing to do with this movie other than watch in shock last week. Not the shock they tried so hard to create but the results in seeing the plot unfold. The insane lead character is named John and his wife's name is Jill Tuck. The essential victims of this looney are 1. A city planner who doesn't issue permits the way she should...so she gets offed early. Next victim is a Real Estate rep and so it goes. It's a terrible movie even within the Saw franchise. It's boring, lacks imagination (except for the above) BUT if you do go, pay attention.
A GIRL CUT IN TWO. Claude Charbol has been making films for 50 years and they are all good. This one starring the lovely Ludivine Sagnier is the story of a young tv weather reporter (and you know what they're like) who has two very different type men fall in love with her. A marvelous story and go see it quick, it won't be at the Nick very long.
PRIDE AND GLORY. Colin Ferrell and Edward Norton are excellent actors and this movie is an embarrassment. I can't think of any reason to see it, unless you're having trouble sleeping.
LIFE OF A JAZZ SINGER.ANITA O'DAY. I'd never been a big fan of Anita O'Day. I haven't ever owned any of her lp's or 78's even though I'd heard her live a few times. After seeing this documentary I realize what I'd missed. She was one of a kind and an absolute swinging jazz vocalist. It isn't a great documentary but it is a great showcase for her ability to swing with the best of them. Don't miss it.
FREE SHAKESPEARE DISCUSSION GROUP. Once again Don Young and Jeff Towle are co-teaching this free four week course in Shakespeare plays. This time it's Julius Caesar. The class has been going in for years. No prior Shakespeare knowledge is required, get a Pelican edition of the play ($6) and show up at the Main Library Saturdays November 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 10am-noon. I'll meet you there.
MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENTS. This Fall season seems to mean both Wedding Bells and Halloween in Santa Cruz (no known connection). Tom Graves Deputy Santa Cruz City Clerk and Jim Grove Assistant Director for Student Residential Services at UCSC were already wed last Monday October 20 at the First Congregational Church with reverend Dave Grishaw-Jones officiating. Lynda Francis exec. director of the Grey Bears is going to marry Thomas Q. Reefe former director of Leadership Santa Cruz, and program director of Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion Program sometime in November. I still can't figure why John Laird's wedding never got any media attention...and congrats to all.
HOSTETTER'S HOT STUFF. Once again Paul H. comes up with music attractions for the next months that almost defy classification. Their only connection besides being live is authenticity, excellence, dedication, and spirit. As he says," The hits keep coming. November 15th in particular is going to be a very tough day for some folks. Click here and you'll see why:http://www.lutherie.net/live.music.html Robert Armstrong & Co., Kate and Jody, Toumani, the Hot Club of SF, more and more all the time, wow. Good luck".
SPAM NAMES. Tessa Hare, Hamish Bry, Ofelia Wray, Giff Ron, Gearalt-Pratap, Nowak Monka, Esperanza Thacker, Ingamar Elmooitaz, Alwin Adonis, Caralluma Slim, and the ever popular Mae Floy.
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Every Thursday from 4-5pm I host University Grapevine at KZSC 88.1 fm. This Thursday Author, Anti-War Activist, Tom Hayden will visit Santa Cruz, to Stump for Bill Monning who's running for State Assembly. Hayden plans to meet with UCSC students earlier and will then appear on my radio program University Grapevine KZSC from 4-4:30 with Bill Monning to talk about state politics. After Tom and Bill, Jeff Martin candidate for Santa Cruz Port District will talk about issues facing our harbor from 4:30-5pm.
QUOTES. "That's the way it is..." Walter Cronkite. "My philosophy is: Don't think", Charles Manson. "An object never serves the same function as its image-or its name", Rene Magritte. "You can't get snot off a suede jacket", Lenny Bruce.
Deep Cover
Bruce critiques films every Friday on KZSC-FM (88.1) on The Bushwhacker Breakfast Club at 8am.
It's free! Click here.
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HALLOWEEN & SANTA CRUZ. It's just about time for The Sentinel to print the annual threat from the Santa Cruz police about how terrible it's going to be in Downtown Santa Cruz on Halloween Night. We'll read about the number of arrests over the past years, windows broken, all kinds of horror stories sponsored by the police with virtually no direction from our City Council. They'll probably detail all about fencing that will be erected, how drinkers will be punished, (no mention of racial profiling but Tony Madrigal will issue something about that too...and he's probably right). Once upon a time former mayor Christopher Krohn had a great idea, why not have the city take over the Halloween Celebration and have a community celebration just like the way all the wonderful, peaceful First Nights used to be. Sponsored costume contests, face paintings, clever trick or treats, everybody having an enthusiastic neighborhood time. Of course that never happened, and so it's back to uniformed skull busting, night sticks, and "don't be downtown after dark" police statements. Elect better City Council people who will plan ahead is the key here.
YES ON 7. I have to admit a nearly lifelong distrust and lack of respect for PG & E and their stranglehold over the citizens of California. They are spending nearly $34 million dollars to defeat prop.7 the clean energy bill. They have paid experts buying out well intentioned energy groups to help in their battle. California needs cleaner energy sources and we need to start immediately. Prop 7, the Solar and Clean Energy Initiative will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create 370,000 new jobs in California, and remove 150 million tons of greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere. The polls show that it's going to be a close race, so Vote yes on 7. Click here to read the latest update on clean energy and a report on David Freeman's talk at UCSC
NO FINANCIAL GAIN FROM BIG BOX STORES. Frank Kertai is running for City Council in Scotts Valley. His main issue (that I can find) is his opposition to Target opening a big box store in Scotts Valley. The Sentinel printed his article about Big Box stores in Sunday's paper. Be sure to read it, it says what more and more people are learning... that there is no financial gain, taxes from allowing a box store to open in our community in spite of what Mike Rotkin, Scott Kennedy, Ryan Coonerty, Cynthia Mathews and other pro growth "moderates" like David Terrazas, and Don Lane, claim.
Kertai centers on the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) study that says the net fiscal benefit will be less, substantially less from box stores and that box stores and super centers actually capture city taxable sales...do read it
Betty tried to make the claim that John Leopold had made promises to unions in order to get their endorsements. John responded that he was proud to the representative of the working families in the first district who are concerned about their neighborhoods, public safety and the environment. He took Betty to task for making insinuations about what had happened in public meetings and said that these kinds of politics have no place in Santa Cruz and are better left to Karl Rove in Washington.
The following day at the Santa Cruz Business Council she was allowed to ask John two questions, which were of course her "Bill Ayers" question. What part of the SCAN manifesto will he try to enact and what promises had he made to unions. She added that she thought it was outrageous that John had said that this election is about the entire county. John pointed out his work to secure pay equity for women as SCAN Coordinator and even pointed out that after the earthquake, John joined with the Chamber of Commerce to produce a resource directory for business owners and homeowners. He also pointed out that while he will be a tireless advocate for the people of the first district, there are many issues that he will deal with that concern the whole county: Growth control, environmental stewardship and our response to climate change, transportation and health care.
She is getting ready for her hit piece. Help John push it back by going to www.friendsofjohnleopold.com
On a related note, Betty's first slate card mailer appeared and it endorses Betty, Vic Marani, Yes on Prop. 4 and Yes on Prop 8. Anyone would wonder if BAYMEC and Planned Parenthood realize that they have given their support to a candidate who appears to stake an anti-choice position and who thinks its okay to ban gay marriage.
That KPIG "Yes on 8" commercial
As all regular KPIG listeners know, that station has been running a political commercial asking us to vote "Yes on Measure 8" that would turn over the court decision that gives everybody equal rights to marry. The "Yes on 8" supporters all over the U.S. are pouring money into this one, unlimited radio, TV and neighborhood signs, paid for by people that make my skin crawl.
As much as we enjoy KPIG's music and free-wheeling programming, this ad finally got me to write an email to the station manager Frank, complaining about it. Within 15 minutes Frank responded with this: Paul, Unfortunately, it is an FCC rule that we must accept all political advertising. We have no choice in the matter. Some ads, this one in particular, are really upsetting to the staff and our listeners. Hopefully, the political advertising period will be over soon and we can return to normal. Thanks for your understanding and thanks for listening, Frank".
Thank you, Frank. KPIG is still on our play list, and we're looking forward to the demise of "Yes on 8" come November 4th.
How you can help to Get Out The Vote on November 4th.
The Progressive Coalition door hanger/voter guide is moving ahead for the November 4th election. For those who have helped assemble and distribute this document in past elections, please do it again.
For those who haven't had a chance to join in the fun, come help prepare the door hangers on Thursday, October 30th at the SEIU offices, 517 Mission St. in Santa Cruz. Work commences at 10:00 AM.
City Staff explains the push for another parking garage
It all makes sense; at least to a group of City Redevelopment Planners that recently met with a group that opposes the new parking garage. It's needed to accommodate the expected residential development downtown. For example, 1010 Pacific Avenue depends on the City for 80% of its parking, and pays the city a "deficiency fee" (whatever that is). If the City doesn't have the capacity of offer new residential developments parking, then the developer has to provide parking onsite at considerable cost to them. The new condos on N. Pacific have been incorporated into the same downtown parking district so they can offer residents parking permits.
All this makes sense if you're a downtown condo developer. It still doesn't explain the differences in perception and opinion that citizens who oppose another parking garage, and city staff that is pushing for it are seeing. One group sees empty top floors in the existing garages over the Labor Day weekend, indicating an occupancy rate of 25% to 30%. The staff uses weekdays during the Holiday season to come up with 85% occupancy. Expect to hear more about this after November 4th.
WEALTHY CORRALITOS PILOTS PROVIDE MAJORITY FUNDING IN TWO WATSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL RACES. Wealthy Corralitos pilots Kenneth A. Adelman and Gabrielle Adelman contributed huge $6000 checks to two Watsonville city council candidates Joe Ortiz (District 2) and Gabriel Gonzalez (District 1), according to the campaign disclosure forms they filed with the City Clerk's office (which covers up to September 30). Ortiz is running against attorney and community activist Luis Alejo, and Gonzalez is running against incumbent Manuel Bersamin. The Adelmans are avid pilots of planes and helicopters, and are best known for getting into a major legal dispute with Barbra Streisand several years ago regarding photos of Streisand's Malibu estate being displayed online on the Adelmans' Coastal Records Project. Local Watsonville based pilots have been campaigning hard against any future housing being put next to the airport at Buena Vista and see it as a possible threat to the future of the airport. Ortiz and Gonzalez are seen by some as "yes men" candidates for the pilots.
The Watsonville Pilots' Association Promotion also contributed checks of $600 to Gonzalez and Ortiz. Aside from the $6000 and $600 contributions, Gabriel has raised only an additional $505 on his own (for a total of $7105 of which 93 percent came from the Adelman's and the Pilots' Association alone). Incumbent and Hartnell College educator Manuel Bersamin raised $5100 and his major contributors included a $1000 check from the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club and a $400 check from the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council.
Ortiz is similar to Gonzalez in that he raised only $998 on his own outside the $6000 check from the Adelmans and $250 from the Coalition for Responsible Airport Management and Policy PAC (CRAMP) based in San Jose. That's 86 percent of the total funds raised coming only from the Adelmans and CRAMP. Ortiz received some additional contributions, but failed to report another $600 check and a $200 non-monetary contribution for a slate mailer from the Watsonville Pilot's Association Promotion on his 460 disclosure form. A complaint has already been filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) against Ortiz. Luis Alejo raised $9280 from a wide array of contributors, including numerous community leaders, several labor unions and the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club.
In the District 6 City Council race between Tony Gomez, Emilio Martinez and Edward Din races, Martinez raised $1774 from his own pocket, Din raised $3845 of which $2000 came from his own pocket and Tony Gomez reported receiving contributions less than $1000. The next campaign disclosure forms are due on October 21. Stay tuned.
FOLLOW THE MONEY IN PAJARO VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD RACES. In the Pajaro Valley Unified School Board races, big money is expected to come from the Republican Bruce Woolpert's Committee for Good School Governance. But so far, they informed the County Elections Office that they made no monetary or non-monetary contribution to its three endorsed school board candidates Doug Keegan, Gerri Simmons and Ed Tzimbal for the period ending September 30. They told the Elections Office they would be filing a campaign disclosure form for the next period ending October 18. This will be something to be sure to look out for. In 2006, the Woolpert Committee contributed over $15,000 to its three candidates in monetary and non-monetary contributions.
Meanwhile, incumbent Doug Keegan reported raising $2440 in his Trustee Area 2 race, and claims to have a debt of $885.38. He received a $400 contribution from Bruce Woolpert. His challenger and long time educator Dr. Lupe Rivas reported raising $1929. Ed Tzimbal, running for Trustee Area 6, raised $3233, but donated $2440 to himself. Incumbent Sandra Nichols raised $3600. Geri Simmons reported receiving $5460 in contributions in her Trustee Area 3 race with Bruce Woolpert contributing $400. Incumbent Karen Osmundson reported raising $2733. (End of South County Report)
where, how and when the effective (what Aristotle would call the "final" cause) of a planning decision is made? Some say that a developer approaches the City Manager and perhaps meets with a presumably influential Councilmember or two. Some say that the decision is effectively made by the Planning staff in a meeting with a developer. Some believe it may be made when the staff report is created. Some may even believe decisions, instead of only minor revisions (if that) are made by the Planning Commission. Finally, some may believe the City Council makes decisions of substance on the major applications that reach it. Perhaps it's a combination of all of these. The answers may depend on the project. What was the process for 2120 Delaware is not necessarily the process for the La Bahia project. Undoubtedly citizen input may affect the La Bahia and certainly did not affect 2120. What does seem to be clear is that major planning decisions should be made not ad hoc, but as part of the general plan process. We'll see how that plays out during the forthcoming analysis of the proposed general plan. I recall that at the beginning of the new general plan process, an issue arose as to whether a preferable plan would be general, so that it would have flexibility to be interpreted as might be desired, or be more specific, so that developers and the public knew what was permissible and what was not.
PATTON'S PROGRAM. Gary talks about some pending development in Marina, that is being touted as a "Dunes" location but is closer to the highway. He then talks about prop. 1A the high-speed rail proposition in a wishy- washy way that makes you wonder if Sacramento isn't getting to him. He closes by talking about Smart Growth and how Guv Arnie still doesn't get it.
EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Scroll down to see how Eagan summarized the world famous sit down debate.
LANDAU'S PROGRES. Saul has figured out that our rapidly approaching elections are more like a Gilbert and Sullivan comedy or operetta; read it here..
NAME THE RITTENHOUSE BUILDING...CONTEST WINNER!!!! We had such great ideas as calling that dark- haunted -empty -office building at Pacific and Church streets such names as "The Mausoleum" and "The Mansion", and some other unrepeatable but apt names. But, leave it to Christina Waters longtime Santa Cruzan, author, blogger www.christinawaters.com and teacher to win all the prizes....her title??? She stated in no uncertain terms,"A name? let's just call it 'Cheap'." Cheap it is.
W. Oliver Stone has made a fine movie with "W". It won't satisfy anybody who has political agendas to prove but he made George W. Bush's life curious and intriguing. Stone has said George W. is a "bum" and we don't need a movie to prove that but to watch Josh Brolin pull off this acting role and do such a fine job of it is amazing. Watching Richard Dreyfuss as Dick Cheney and Thandie Newton doing Condoleezza are worth the price of admission. Your expectations and hopes of seeing your exact beliefs of W. the man on screen could get in your way. Try going with an open mind, but still hating Bush of course.
RELIGULOUS. Most friends and even reviewers didn't point out just how serious Bill Maher gets in this movie. After taking a bunch of shots at the usual targets such as creationists, Joe-six-packers, and stuffed Christians for ¾ of the movie he says we got to mature, stop religion, stop killing in god's name and come out of the atheist/agnostic closet because we are a very large group who could exert much power and help stop the insanity. Be sure to at least rent it....he makes some excellent points.
MAX PAYNE. Marc Wahlberg does as best any human actor could with this worthless, plot less adaptation of a video game. It's about a new LSD that transforms soldiers into maniacs or something. Don't even think about it.
CITY OF EMBER. I like fantasy films a lot. There haven't been many good ones but I has hopes for this one...nope. Bill Murray is the fat mayor of an underground city 200 years from now. Children look for a way to the earth's surface and then they find it. End of movie, boring.
SECRET LIFE OF BEES. Queen Latifah seems to improve with every film role she appears in. She and Dakota Fanning are just wonderful in Secret Life. It's a weeper, sweet, sentimental and you'll cry a few times if that's your thing go for it.
JERUSALEM: The East Side Story. Mohammed Alatar the director of this documentary will be in Santa Cruz Thursday, October 30 at two screenings of Jerusalem 6:30 & 9 pm at the Actor's Theatre, 1001 Center Street. The film centers on the future of the City of Jerusalem. There's a reception with Alatar from 7:30-9 p.m. The event is co sponsored by the Palestine-Israel Action Committee, The Resource Center for Non-Violence, The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and The Committee for Justice in Palestine. More info on the film at www.eastsidestory.ps and call (831) 234-6522 for information.
TOM HAYDEN & BILL MONNING ON UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE.(repeat) Author, Anti-War Activist, Tom Hayden to Visit Santa Cruz, to Stump for Bill Monning. On Thursday, October 30th, Former State Senator, Tom Hayden will visit Santa Cruz for several public events in support of Democrats in the upcoming November election. Hayden plans to meet with UCSC students earlier and will then appear on my radio program University Grapevine KZSC from 4-4:30 with Bill Monning to talk about state politics. At 5:30 pm, Hayden will greet the public at a benefit reception for Bill Monning at Soif Wine Bar, 105 Walnut Avenue in Santa Cruz. The reception will be a chance for readers and supporters to hear Tom Hayden speak and meet the author, as well as support Bill Monning's run for the 27th Assembly District. At 7:30, Tom Hayden will do a book signing at Bookshop Santa Cruz in support of his latest book, Ending the War in Iraq. There is a requested donation of $100 for the reception. People wanting to make reservations should contact:831-421-0339 Or e-mail rsvp@billmonning.org
SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA REVIEW. Maya Barsacq has created a very dynamic group of players from local sources and they played what I heard was an equally exciting concert. David Bratman reviewed the concert in the San Francisco Classical Voice....read it here, its great http://www.sfcv.org/2008/10/14/northern-riches
SPAM NAMES. They never seem to lose their nuttiness...Gonzalo Maynard, Millard Pacheco, Chris Butz, Joyce Boyce, Erhart Tchen, Dimitri Sklee, Denis Bas, Chasidy Bobbie, Cull Gaston, napoleon Compton, and Ez Igor.
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Every Thursday from 4-5 p.m. I host University Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. This week aside from it being a pledge drive Ill be talking with John Leopold not just about his campaign for county supervisor but just how he was involved in getting the Grateful Dead archives for UCSC. In the second half hour my guest will be Dr. Andrew Calciano dermatologist, we'll talk about skin, and sun, and wrinkles, and Botox.
QUOTES."The vice-presidency isn't worth a pitcher of warm spit", J.N. Garner. "Politics is the art of choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable", John Kenneth Galbraith. "A year ago Gerald Ford was unknown throughout America. Now he's unknown throughout the world", Gerald Ford. Nixon impeached himself. He gave us Gerald Ford as revenge", Bella Abzug.
Deep Cover
Bruce critiques films every Friday on KZSC-FM (88.1) on The Bushwhacker Breakfast Club at 8am.
It's free! Click here.
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WHO ATTENDS POLITICAL FUNCTIONS. As Reed Searle writes in his Salvo further down Political Forums with the 10 or less Council candidates are boring. But worse than that no one attends them besides fans of politics. It's too bad the folks who should really be meeting these candidates and learning what's really going on around here don't attend. Some of the candidates like Beiers and Fitzmaurice work hard and go to thousands of front doors to meet the people and find out what's on their minds. What's even more strange is that nationally the TV debates are the most important decision maker in the entire campaign strategy.
SCRP MAKES FIRST EVER ENDORSEMENTS. Dating back to it's beginnings back in at least 2004 Santa Cruzans for Responsible Planning has never endorsed any candidates for any office. They made an exception last week and wholeheartedly endorsed Katherine Beiers and Tim Fitzmaurice for Santa Cruz City Council. Ex mayors, attorneys, political figures, and all kinds of activists attend SCRP's meetings and are SCRP members. Developers, even the chancellor, City and County Officials attend and address the SCRP meetings. Juliana Rebagliati the new Santa Cruz planning director will talk to SCRP at their October 22nd meeting.
PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC CLUB ENDORSES BEIERS AND FITZMAURICE AND OTHER NEWS. The PDC after careful consideration endorsed only Katherine Beiers and Tim Fitzmaurice for Santa Cruz City Council and John Leopold for 1st District Supervisor. The monthly meeting will be this Thursday Oct 16 at 7 p.m. at LONDON Nelson Community Center. Congressman Sam Farr will bring us up to date on Washington news. Click here to read their other endorsements...which don't always agree with the official state democrat party endorsements!!
BEIERS FOR CITY COUNCIL NEWS. Katherine Beiers at the Beach Street gathering last week said what she's hearing as she going door to door are two major issues one is that folks want Downtown Cleaned up. She added that the voters think it needs a scrubbing, and it wasn't about the people who hang out there. She said the next biggest issue is dogs on or off leash. I'll ask her more about that at her next gathering. Beiers gatherings are great ways to find out what's really going on in your neighborhood. Everybody asks questions, gets answers, and meets neighbors...here's her invitation to BrattonOnline readers. "please join me for a fun gathering to help celebrate my run for City Council. We will have music, beer, goodies, and great conversation. Sunday, October 19, 4-6 PM at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery 402 Ingalls Street Corner of Swift and Ingalls Streets (Kelly's Courtyard) Want more info? Call me at 426-6108 I'm hoping to see you there! Katherine Beiers
1ST DISTRICT (Leopold vs. Danner) SPY REPORT. At last week's Soquel Neighbors forum Danner could not answer most questions with anything but vague generalities. She offered no new ideas about updating the Soquel Village Master plan, could not name one thing she has done for Soquel in the last year and could not articulate how she would make sure that Soquel would be well represented if she was in office. She talked about her environmental record as being comprised of giving to Friends of the Earth. Had no response when asked about what she did to stop the spray. She lied (once again) and said that she didn't want any Democratic endorsements or any other special interest endorsements (except she did take the only two that were given to her). Her campaign reports show that she has received money from nearly every major developer/real estate interest in the county and that despite giving herself $10K, John Leopold is only $4k behind her in fundraising. She may be out of signs and has virtually no signs at people homes, if you see any at all they are in mostly empty lots and on her big business backers buildings.(end of spy report)
BRIDGE TO NOWHERE FOLLOW UP REPORT. Last week's BrattonOnline topic of that bike-pedestrian bridge from PetSmart on River Street to the basement of the County Building over the mighty San Lorenzo river got some reactions. Read here for Ryan Coonerty's suggestion, Bruce van Allen's overview, an anonymous tome, Dan Dickmeyer' s snarky reaction, and the dependable declaration from Scott Graham
TOM HAYDEN & BILL MONNING ON UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Author, Anti-War Activist, Tom Hayden to Visit Santa Cruz, to Stump for Bill Monning. On Thursday, October 30th, Former State Senator, Tom Hayden will visit Santa Cruz for several public events in support of Democrats in the upcoming November election. Hayden plans to meet with UCSC students and is scheduled to appear on my radio program University Grapevine KZSC from 4-4:30 At 5:30 pm, Hayden will greet the public at a benefit reception for Bill Monning at Soif Wine Bar, 105 Walnut Avenue in Santa Cruz. The reception will be a chance for readers and supporters to hear Tom Hayden speak and meet the author , as well as support Bill Monning's run for the 27th Assembly District. At 7:30, Tom Hayden will do a book signing at Bookshop Santa Cruz in support of his latest book, Ending the War in Iraq.
LIMEKILN STATE WILDERNESS (OR ARNIE GOT ONE THING RIGHT). Pat Matejcek of The Sierra Club sends in this good news. Governor Schwarzenegger has signed AB 2945 which, among other matters, created the 413 acre Limekiln State Wilderness in Limekiln State Park. This is the first State Wilderness Area created by the California Legislature in about 30 years. "The park features breathtaking views of the Big Sur Coast, the beauty of the redwoods, the rugged coast and the cultural history of limekilns. The park has 33 campsites. The park is 56 miles south of Carmel, off Highway One; two miles south of Lucia". The bill also amended the California Wilderness Act of 1974 to include "minimum tool" language consistent with the federal Wilderness Act of 1964. The bill was introduced and carried by Assembly member John Laird at the request of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance, the California Wilderness Project, and the Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club. Along its torturous path through the legislature, various park bond appropriations were also added to the bill. A full text of the chaptered bill is available at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2901-2950/ab_2945_bill_20080930_chaptered.pdf. We are all indebted to Assembly member Laird for his decision to champion this cause and for his deft hand at seeing it through to the Governor's desk. Congratulations and special thanks are in order to Gordon Johnson, Director of the California Wilderness Project and founding VWA board member, who led this successful campaign from start to finish. Gordon's commitment to the Limekiln Wilderness never faltered, even in the darkest days when we thought our efforts were doomed.
BARRY SWENSON'S CAN'T SELL HIS DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE DEVELOPMENTS. Barry Swenson the San Jose developer who's made millions from his developments in Santa Cruz can't sell his latest condos in Downtown San Jose so he's trying to rent them. Read it in the San Jose Mercury http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10602916?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com then watch how Louis Rittenhouse will be doing the same thing in his new mausoleum on Church Street. After that click here to read Swenson's pitch to get more people to move to Santa Cruz and live in his Swan Lake Gardens condos over on 14th avenue. http://www.swanlakehomes.com
DAVENPORT ROADHOUSE FOR SALE. There apparently are advertisements out about this sale but the Davenport Roadhouse (aka. The Davenport Cash Store) has been up for sale for quite a few months now. That's after the new owners pumped over a million bucks into re-decorating.
TANNERY REMINDER. Remember all you artists, no day laborers, teachers, nurses, clerks, county workers, city employees, only artists can move into this Tannery project that was built with City Of Santa Cruz money. So hurry and the Cultural Council reminds you "Applications for residency at the Artspace Tannery Lofts, 1040 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, are now available. Completed applications will be accepted one day only; Monday November 3rd, 2008. To learn about qualification and selection process, to download the application form, and for a list of locations where applications are available, go to www.tanneryartscenter.org. Applications are also available at the Cultural Council office, 2400 Chanticleer Avenue Ste G, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.Here's a shortcut to how they will judge if you're a working artist or not http://www.tanneryartscenter.org/live-work-housing/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=58
Those Monte Foundation Fireworks. Those of us who use Seacliff State Park regularly watch the Monte family take over the park for a three-day weekend in October for a fundraiser for schools. It is almost like being against motherhood and apple pie to criticize this operation. But this year they stepped over the line. A sign at the cement ship pier announced that people walking along the waterline between 6PM and 10PM on Saturday night would have to pay $15, the price of admission to the entertainment including the fireworks that started shortly after 9:00 PM. A call to the State Parks Director in charge confirmed that this was being poorly communicated by the Monte People. Indeed, the space between the waterline and the fenced in entertainment, would be closed, but for safety reasons, a condition of the permit to use the state park for fireworks. Let's see what they do next year. One thing they could start with is an update as to how much money is going to what schools, and how much has been taken in. Their website hasn't been updated with this information since 2004.
EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Tim gives graphic proof of the one thing that can save our deep financial drop. Scroll down that a way!!!!
MONTEREY COUNTY'S MEASURE Z TAX EXPLAINED. We have lots of readers in Monterey County.. this is for them.... Click here XXxxXXXxx
Questions from the Chamber dealt largely with economic development. No surprise there. Unfortunately, by the time the Chamber questions were asked, there was no time for questions from the few people who attended. Candidates were each given an allotted time for response, and it was not surprising that each candidate seemed to use his/her allotted time. (There was only one "her", Katherine Beiers.)
The major issue was the dire fiscal state of the city. Most candidates give obeisance to the mantra of economic growth as a way out of this crisis. Nobody tried to tell us how economic growth benefits the city coffers. Nobody told us how the jobs that allegedly are to be created at 2120 Delaware will be for local people instead of reverse commuters from the Valley. Nobody told us how the maximum of 248 residences to be built on that industrial site will benefit the city coffers, especially since residential units are known to cost the city more than they produce. Nobody told us why that project was approved when the City has said for eons that it wants to protect industrial land from residential development. Nobody told us why the General Plan had to be scavenged and "overriding considerations" had to be declared to exempt this project from the zoning rules that the City had declared to be binding on all applications. Nobody tried to tell us why the environmentally superior alternative was not chosen.
These considerations may be beating a dead horse, but similar questions arise regarding other projects. Perhaps it's a good thing that time for searching discussion is not available at candidate forums---or at City Council meetings too.
PATTON'S PROGRAM. Gary talks about San Luis Obispo and their land use issues. Ho continues talking about Marina and how there's talk of a municipal airport. He discusses Measure E in Santa Cruz but doesn't state his position on it for some reason. Then he manages to slip in the name of a Santa Cruz City Council candidate that only he likes in a very obvious fashion. He closes by making some observations about land use policy and The Rancho Los Robles in Monterey County.
LANDAU'S PROGRES. Saul gives us his views on Guns and Butter and how we'll have to cut short on the butter part... in this week's issue of Progreso. Read it here...
DAVID FREEMAN TO SPEAK ON CAMPUS. YES ON PROPOSITION 7. The millions of dollars that PG&E is spending to defeat the renewable energy prop 7 seems to be having exactly the effect they are trying to buy. We have a chance to pass some genuine forward thinking energy practices, take the lead in environmental accomplishments and still some people don't get it. David Freeman will be talking at UCSC this Friday night at Stevenson College. Don't be fooled by PG&E they've bought plenty of elections before and they are crooks, don't let them persuade you!! Read here to learn more about Freeman's Deep Background and go to www.yeson7.net
HOSTETTERS HABIT. Paul's Upcoming Events includes last Sunday's Rupayan concert which was only the best traditional Indian music I've ever been to. Too bad you missed it; actually far too many people did miss it. But read Paul's intrepid pushing of other nearly nearby newer events here.
HAPPY GO LUCKY. This is my kind of movie; I give it at least 10 stars. We do lose some words due to deep British accent but not as many as in director Mike Leigh's other slices of middle class England. Sally Hawkins plays the lead role of Poppy and if it weren't for a few problems I'd start stalking her...I love her that's all. She creates an absolutely amazing character with comedy that equals the depth of Greek tragedy in meaning. It's a rare cinema treat...see it on the big screen and let me know what you think.
APPALOOSA. Ed Harris co wrote, directed and is the lead in this superb western. More like The Man who Shot Liberty Valance or Butch Cassidy or a very few other laid back semi comedy westerns over the years. Add Viggo Mortenson, Renee Zellweger and Jeremy Irons as the bad guy and you have a wonderful time watching just how far our favorite American film genre can be stretched.
BODY OF LIES. For some reason Russell Crowe got all tubby for this film. Leonardo Di Caprio does his best to help and Ridley Scott who knows how to make an exciting film with great effects still can't get this boring plot off the ground. Set in Washington, Jordan, Iraq, and other sandy places it's barely worth renting.
NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST. This is supposed to be cool, edgy, hip, irreverent, like Juno, and it's hardly watchable. Some clever lines, good acting by Michael Cera and an all-nighter in New York City which is educational to see but certainly no great movie.
MORNING LIGHT. This documentary is about how Roy Disney (Walt's nephew) spent millions of his billions and bought Philippe Kahn's old 52 foot sloop. Kahn started Borland, Starfish, Fullpower, Light Surf and other Santa Cruz County businesses. Disney auditioned 538 cute cuddly kids all aged about 22 and looking like Mouseketeers to race his yacht in the 2007 Trans Pac. They came in second and who cares? Everybody was in it for the money or their college fees. By the way did you know that Candice Bergen (Edgar Bergen's daughter) tried out for the Mouseketeers and lost??
FLASH OF GENIUS. Greg Kinnear does as best he can with this dull script. How exciting can a story be about windshield wipers? It does expose Ford Motor Company as just another crooked corporation who stole an invention. Ultimately after 12 years of lawsuits Ford lost and paid 12 million bucks, and it's till a dull film.
ALEXIS MAGARO RETURNS TO SANTA CRUZ. The Santa Cruz Opera Society, Inc. (SCOSI) is pleased to announce a rare opportunity to enjoy a program of operatic arias in Santa Cruz. It's called "A TRIBUTE TO MARIA CALLAS", the recital will feature Alexis Magarò, soprano, accompanied by Simona Smitsovsky at the piano, and will take place on Sunday, October 26, at 8:00 PM, at the Calvary Episcopal Church, 22 Center St., in downtown Santa Cruz. Alexis returns from a long and successful career in Europe to her home town of Santa Cruz to present this program, which she performed in Paris last year to an audience of 4000 Callas fans. Celebrated opera composers, including Puccini, Verdi, Bellini, and Donizetti, will be represented in familiar arias from such works as LA RONDINE, LA TRAVIATA, TURANDOT, TOSCA, NORMA, and ANNA BOLENA. Santa Cruz Opera Society, Inc. (SCOSI), a non-profit group which is dedicated to the appreciation and sharing of an interest in opera, is commemorating its 32nd anniversary with this concert. Those in attendance are cordially invited to attend the reception which will follow the program. While there is no admission charge for the event, donations at the door will be greatly appreciated. For further information, please email Miriam Ellis at trellisan@yahoo.com.
NAOMI KLEIN HERE THIS FRIDAY. Naomi Klein will be at the Rio Theatre, Friday, October 17at 7pm. She's the author of The Shock Doctrine: the Rise of Disaster Capitalism and her theory of how the market system has been subverted by our government and mega-corporations into Milton Friedman style neo-liberalism. Why bail out Wall Street while home owners and small businesses bear the brunt of the recession? Could it be the "shock doctrine" again? $25-$50 preferred seating, $15 general admission, $12.50 seniors and students Tickets at the door or on-line at www.rcnv.org There's a 5:30 pm Dinner with Naomi Klein call 831 423 1626 for details. Sponsored by: Santa Cruz WILPF, Resource Center for Nonviolence, Capitola Book Cafe & Rio Theatre. WILPF contact for information: Nancy at 465 8272 or nabbey@cruzio.com
SPAM NAMES. Someday we'll find out just who is inventing these cool names that seem to come from all over the world but for me they have a very similar funny, funky sound. Filiberto Ellie, Gilles Byrd, Hoebart Wing, Dewie Rudy, Clara Butts, Concetta Dove, Imelda Oullette, April Hamm, Sandy Potts, Aaron Cantu, Gib Matilda and Liew Gopineth....when you clicked on Liew's name his subject was "Hee-sub diggory manon" and we all know what that signifies.
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Cathy Pickerrell from The Santa Cruz Chamber Players will talk about their 30th season on the first half of KZSC's University Grapevine (88.1fm) this Thursday from 4-4:30. On the second half hour Katherine Beiers Santa Cruz City Council candidate will talk about campaigning and the major issues she's hearing from the voters.
QUOTES. 'We torture bodies", Ford Motor Company. "The perpetual swish of the windshield wipers is the soundtrack of our lives", Jean Shepard. "I would like to do something worthwhile like perhaps plant a tree on the ocean, but I'm just a guitar player", Bob Dylan
Deep Cover
Bruce critiques films every Friday on KZSC-FM (88.1) on The Bushwhacker Breakfast Club at 8am.
It's free! Click here.
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OUR OWN BRIDGE TO NOWHERE. Now that the pedestrian bridge next to the Water Street Bridge over the mighty San Lorenzo is making serious progress a bunch of questions have arisen. I realize that it probably won't be a Calatrava creation that could have brought in huge amounts of tourists, but was the design ever thrown open to local designers? Were aesthetics even considered? Is this to be another ugly engineer-designed bridge? Was the public even considered or asked about how the bridge should or could look? We pay so much lip service to concepts like "weird", "visitor serving", "beautify the river" plus all the noise about local environment, yet when a completely new bridge is to be built how much art, function, and beauty was taken into consideration? Our political leaders are the ones responsible for keeping the community in the loop on important issues like this bridge...I've been asking local officials about this and have no answers yet....I'll let you know.
AMY GOODMAN REVEALS DEBATE TRUTHS. I was lucky to catch Jim Lehrer's Report on the awesome importance of the televised presidential and vice presidential debates since they began way back with Kennedy and Nixon. To watch Mondale tell how the debates actually cost him the election and watch Dan Quayle again squirm as Lehrer asked him recently about his still not being Jack Kennedy was delightful. It did prove many things, one of them being that Sarah Palin is even dumber than George W. Bush, but just as scary. But....go to Amy Goodman's report on the Commission on Presidential Debates. See how Anheuser Busch and the Republican plus Democrat parties took the debates away from the League of Women Voters and how the debates are completely managed and controlled. Shameful. See for yourself here.
FOLK MUSICIANS FOR BARACK OBAMA. Ralph Stanley of the Clinch Mountain Boys and an icon of American Folk music recorded a plug for Barack. Listen to it here. Paul Hostetter sent it in, and it's very touching.
RON CLEGG AND POST TURTLES. Ron Clegg sent this one that he says is from Alan Heit's dad who's old but politically aware as hell..!
While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75-year old Texas rancher whose hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Sarah Palin and her bid to be a heartbeat away from being President.
The old rancher said, 'Well, ya know, Palin is a post turtle.' Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a post turtle was. The old rancher said, 'When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a post turtle.'
The old rancher saw a puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued to explain. 'You know she didn't get up there by herself, she doesn't belong up there, she doesn't know what to do while she is up there, and you just wonder what kind of dumb ass put her up there to begin with". Thank Ron when you see him.
NAOMI KLEIN COMING TO TOWN. NAOMI KLEIN will be at THE RIO THEATRE FRIDAY, 7 PM, OCTOBER 17 SPEAKING ON "THE SHOCK DOCTRINE: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism." The new century's most significant work. It specifically applies to the economic crisis in the U.S. now. "This is what I have come to understand as "the shock doctrine": waiting for a major crisis, then selling off pieces of the state to private players while citizens are still reeling from the shock, then quickly making the "reforms" permanent. I call these orchestrated raids on the public sphere in the wake of catastrophic events, combined with the treatment of disasters as exciting market opportunities, "disaster capitalism." -- Naomi Klein.
DINNER: (Reservations required @ RCNV 423-1626)Dinner with Naomi Klein: for one - $75 - $100 sliding-scale (includes dinner, preferred seating at 7:00 and autographed copy of "Shock Doctrine")For two - $125 -$200 (with two tickets, two preferred tickets and one book.) "The Shock Doctrine" and tickets are available at: CAPITOLA BOOK CAFÉ: 831.462.4415, RESOURCE CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE: 831-423.1626 Tickets only available @ STREETLIGHT RECORDS 831-421-9200. The event is sponsored by: The Rio Theatre, Capitola Book Cafe, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Santa Cruz and the Resource Center for Nonviolence.
DOWNED BERKELEY TREE SITTER NEEDS HELP. Just read the following message it says it all. Jono Kinkade is a local UCSC Tree sitter, supporter and representative.
Dear all you beautiful people,
As most of you know, the Oak Grove in Berkeley was cut down on Sept 7th. What some of you don't know that Michael Schuck aka "Fresh" aka "Shem" has been in Santa Rita jail ever since. The University of Berkeley wants revenge and is pressuring the courts to throw the book at him in criminal court as well as bringing him to civil court. I have visited him twice in Santa Rita and although he is in high spirits, last time he told me about a massive bloody race riot in the jail in which his satyagraha nature led him to pull people off each other while he got hit in the head. I am not exaggerating; he told me there were pools of blood on the ground while people's faces were getting stomped into the ground. The deal the DA wants to give him is a year in jail but they may be willing to bring it down to 9 months. As of now he has given up his right to a speedy trial so unless a deal is reached before that date, he will have a pre-trial on his criminal case on December 3rd. The civil trial will be sometime in November. Although he is full of inner peace and could probably be happy in any situation and will always be guided by his enormous heart, I fear for his safety in that horrible place.
I am not asking for much. First off, I encourage everyone who knows him to visit him in Santa Rita. You would need to give up half your day for a 30 min visit so I understand if people can not do this. If you wish to visit him, I can give you the details on how to do so. More importantly, I want everyone who can to write a letter about Michael. This would be shown to the judge to persuade him to lower Michael's sentence. Anything about his character, history with anti-nuclear activism or nonviolence would really help him out. It does not need to be long at all, just something that would cause the judge to overlook his lawlessness and disrespect of the court system. His lawyers and I would need it by December 3rd, but in truth the sooner you could give it to me the sooner we could show it to a judge and hopefully the less time he could spend in that horrible place. I realize he broke the law and does need to face punishment. I believe he realizes that more than any of us. However, Santa Rita is a terrible dehumanizing place and I fear the longer he stays there the more likely he will transform and we might never see the peace loving Mike again. I know you love him too, so please do this small thing for him...or for me. Peace and Love, Jason Ahmadi
p.s.
The more famous you are the better (you all know how America works) so if there is any famous people on this list, perhaps former U.C. Berkeley professors, your letter could mean more than any of ours. Also please, please forward this email to anyone you know who knows Michael and his spirit.
LIVE CLASSICAL MUSIC AND THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. This is a long and fascinating article about the state of live classical music in America. The status is nowhere near as bad as you might think. I found this article on the plane to LA last Friday do read it, it's titled the "Unsung Success of Live Classical Music"
As reported in BrattonOnline last week, there surely will be other door hangers and voter guides flying around. You can bet there will be one or more pushing David Terrazas, Ryan Coonerty and Don Lane. Since the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee endorsed these three, as did the Santa Cruz County Democratic Women's Club, they'll probably line up with the business community who will be endorsing the same three and funding their own door hanger.
By the way, the Santa Cruz Democrats "United Democratic Headquarters" sign in the Galleria will need to be changed. They had graciously allowed the Progressive Coalition to hold meetings there until they didn't endorse the same Democrats for Santa Cruz City Council. I understand that offer has been withdrawn...so much for the "united" part of the campaign. I guess it doesn't matter that the Progressive Coalition's Door hanger and Voter Guide will feature the same Obama/Biden, Farr, Simitian, Monning and the same local races and the exact same measures that both groups do agree on!!
So where does that leave the core Progressive groups? The People's Democratic Club, Santa Cruz Action Network, People Power, GLBTA, IEBW (the only labor vote) and the Campaign for Sensible Transportation all supported both Tim Fitzmaurice and Katherine Beiers, as has the Sierra Club. While the Sierra Club chose not to join the Coalition, their Ventana magazine features their endorsement of both Tim and Katherine in last week's edition. Look for mailers to progressive voters in Santa Cruz between now and November 4.
KATHERINE BEIERS FOR CITY COUNCIL FUN TYPE RAISER. This would be a great time to ask Katherine Beiers all about the local issues. She's been there and done that and accomplished a lot while she was on the City Council and as mayor. The party is at The Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery 102 Ingalls Street Sunday October 19 from 4-6pm. call 426-6108 for details and yard signs.
I've had several reactions about last week's comments on the City planning process. There is certainly a lot to talk about. No developer wants to invest lots of money in the planning process unless he/she is reasonably confident of success. EIR and staff fees can be very high indeed. So the developer reasonably enough , as best he can, clears the proposal with the planning staff in advance of investing money. The staff probably looks, talks, evaluates and tells the developer what the staff would probably recommend. There is probably some wiggle room and negotiating, but it is likely that the ultimate decision is pretty well presaged at that point. Of course there are the Planning Commission and the City Council to contend with and possibly the Coastal Commission. But once the staff has given a qualified acceptance and the developer has invested lots of money---isn't the project most likely to be approved? It seems the room for public comment is usually after the decisions are made. There is as yet no procedure in our City that permits public knowledge or input before the developer has committed money to the planning process. How much better would it be if initial contacts of developers were made public, so that initial public reaction could feed into the initial planning staff decisions? The Coast Hotel is an example of the immense waste of time and money---much of which might have been saved had there been substantial public input before the application got off the ground. Sometimes, as in the Piedmont Court project, the developer does seek public input first. And in that case it was a very wise decision because there were problems and the project may well not have been approved. But I think that developer did have the interests of the community as well as of his own pocketbook at heart.
We may ponder whether the very substantial time expended by the planning staff tends to prejudice them towards obtaining approval of the project? Do the EIR and other consultants tend to favor the position of the company that pays them? By the time a staff report is completed, is public input worth much?
PATTON'S PROGRAM. Gary reveals the secrets behind the Land Use Reports and what he's trying to accomplish. He tells about The Scoping Plan and the Air Resources Board. Then he relates that for only $1400 you too can go to Moss Landing and sit in a training course!!! Beyond all that he says that San Benito is suffering from siliconitis and sprawl and that the proposed El Rancho or New Town is a developer's disaster.
LANDAU'S PROGRES. Saul goes to his roots to tell about "The Bail Out. Boy. Could you get mad". Read it all here...
EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Mr. Eagan gives us his view of the recent crash and what Joe Six Pack can do in the fight against gravity...scroll down.
NIGHTS IN RODANTHE. This is a Richard Gere and Diane Lane love movie. You could also call it a Sarah Palin movie, it's that white, spineless, pointless, and especially gutless. Upper class love in a Readers Digest setting. If you are still wondering anything at all about this plastic mess by all means go. You deserve nothing less and you'll love it!!
DAN DICKMAYER RIDES AGAIN. Dan's email this week states..." I'm confused by the "NextSpace" stuff and who the "We" is Ryan Coonerty refers to. Is he involved with NextSpace personally or in a direct fashion business-wise? Checking out the NextSpace mission statement below it would seem like this place (which opened last week) reflects Ryan's values. Dan http://www.nextspace.us/
NEXT EMAIL. Catherine O'Kelly is smokin' mad about the Tannery. She sez, "I just checked out the multi-page document that one has to complete in order to qualify for the Tannery apartments. Screw them!!! {I know that's crude, but its how I feel--damn elitists!!!} Sending you the e-mail I fired off in anger to the folks behind the project. I thought you'd enjoy my off-the-wall comments [even if you yourself don't like smokers].
Catherine.
Here's what she sent to the Tannery developers
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:48 AM
Subject: Tannery Project.
I can't believe that it is legal to deny smokers the right to live in an apartment house! No cigarettes, no pot, no balconies--who wants to live in that monstrosity anyway? So if a tenant has a friend who is a smoker, they have to walk over 100 feet away from the building? Well, this is one way to limit your tenants to conformist artists!!! I, for one, am proud to be a NON-conforming artist! Catherine O'Kelly, Scotts Valley California.
NEW MUSIC WORKS AND 30 BIG YEARS. This intrepid group of New Music Believers is celebrating 30 hard working, forward thinking, and great years of bringing new "serious" music to our community. For three decades they have trumpeted many local and West Coast composers and we have been fortunate over those years to experience numerous concerts that have pushed our listening to exciting new levels. This Friday night (October 10) at 7:30 in UCSC's Music Center Recital Hall mezzo-soprano Michelle Rivard will sing, Rebecca Jackson will play violin and the NMW Ensemble will perform. Artistic director Philip Collins will conduct works by Jon Scoville, Morton Feldman, Christopher Rouse, Timothy Bell, Bernard Rands and Susan Alexander. That means chamber music and some theatrical variety and the usual added humor in there somewhere. Go online at www.santacruztickets.com call UCSC tickets 459-2159, or in person at the UCSC ticket or UCSC box-office. Go to www.newmusicworks.org to get full details.
RUPAYAN. This Sunday night will be a very rare chance to hear music from the regions near Rajasthan in India. The concert is at 7:30pm in UCSC's Music recital Hall. Click here for the details and for a description of the instruments and styles of music.
SPAM NAMES. They may never leave us por ejemplo...Hube Corny, Burch Buck, Ida Mata, Taras Askew, Anibal Fontenot, Giavani Bunny, Hendrick Murgatroyd, Milagros Cornelius, Hillie Hyram, Willa Sapp, Socorro Person, Filbert Nikki, Ollie Ott, Petronila Tiffanie, Olive Funk, Napaleon Vonasek, and Alfie Ting. Just tell me that W. C Fields isn't still alive, who else could come up with a name like Taras Askew or Alfie Ting? Well Fields would call it Alfie J. Ting right?????
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Every Thursday from 4-5 pm on KZSC's University Grapevine ( 88.1 fm) I interview guests. This Thursday my first guests will be Ann Ostermann, events manager of the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County and Jim Aschbacher artist, muralist and long time Open Studio veteran. We'll talk all about this years Open Studios Art Tour. In the second half hour attorney and political watcher/commentator Bob Taren will give us his views of the local and state political scene.
QUOTES." Ginger Ale tastes like love" Canada Dry tv ad. "Plagiarism is necessary", Isidore DuCasse. "I'm just a duck man...strictly a duck man", Uncle Scrooge. "I find here the accents of a remarkable sensitivity", Andre Gide. "The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may be another profound truth", Niels Bohr.
Deep Cover
Bruce critiques films every Friday on KZSC-FM (88.1) on The Bushwhacker Breakfast Club at 8am.
It's free! Click here.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS SITES. These are some scary and confusing voting times. For any all offices that you have questions about go to http://www.smartvoter.org/2008/11/04/ca/scz/ballot.html For State Propositions which are even more baffling go to http://www.smartvoter.org/2008/11/04/ca/state/prop
THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FRAUD. Developers keep applying more and more pressure on our City Council and the County Board Of Supervisors to build housing. Somehow this is supposed to be creating more affordable housing and help lower income people find ways to stay in the county. Yet every development advertises out of County to get more people to move into Santa Cruz. Here's an ad for 2030 North Pacific in the Contra Costa Times Here's an ad in the San Jose Mercury... here's one for 1010 Pacific Avenue If none of those convince you try this ad for our new Shaffer Road apartments. Just read this statement from their website, "Salty spray kisses your skin as you shoot the curl at Steamer's Lane. Laughter dances on the wind from the Boardwalk. Sandcastles grace the coastline holding vigil under a moonlit sky. Life is casual, relaxed, and perfect". When will our Council and our Board of Supes stand up to the developers....when we throw them out the out of office seems to be the only logical answer.
IN OUR MIDST. Ever wonder if anybody in Santa Cruz IS supporting McCain? Well go to Huffington Post and you'll see that Harvey Nickelson supports both McCain and George W. Bush, Gary Reece backs McCain, Charlie Canfield of the Boardwalk - and he's also the President of Toyota of Santa Cruz County - backs McCain, so does Louis Rittenhouse , who backed McCain for $1000. Bob Munsey of Harbour Services, aka Crow's Nest, gave $500 to McCain. I know you could have guessed all that, but what the hell?? Read it here
SIERRA CLUB ENDORSEMENTS. For SANTA CRUZ CITY COUNCIL
Katherine Beiers and Tim Fitzmaurice.
SCOTTS VALLEY CITY COUNCIL. Frank Kertai, Caryn Machado, Chuck Walker.
CAPITOLA CITY COUNCIL. Dennis Norton, Mike Termini.
Measure E, in Santa Cruz It received a No Endorsement, which means: neither in favor of nor against the Measure.
THE PROGRESSIVE COALITION ENDORSES. 13 groups of local activists, unions, and involved people ended up endorsing #1. Tim Fitzmaurice, #2. Tony Madrigal and Don Lane. Those three candidates names will appear on the door hanger for the Santa Cruz City council. Yes, there'll be other door hangers, such as LOBA (Locally Owned Business Association) but the Progressive Coalition door hanger will mean more than any of the rest.
John Leopold and Betty Danner had their first debate of the County Supervisor General Election season, sponsored by two mobile home parks, for candidates from the 1st District replacing Jan Beautz. About 35-40 people attended. Betty needed her notes (she has to refer to them even for the most obvious questions that have been asked many times). When people asked her specific questions such as her views on planning or the county budget she always responded that she has someone doing research for her and she would put the answers on her website. When asked about her work on neighborhood issues she actually talked about trying to stop a project on a Rittenhouse property at Thurber and Soquel!
There were a couple of these Agenda 21 conspiracy theorists who were there wanting to know the candidates views. Leopold spoke against their tactics of comparing Supervisors to Nazis and attacking elected official's spouses. He argued that candidates should seek to elevate the discourse to find solutions and not call each other names. All this was not popular with this wing nut crowd, and they crowded around Betty at the end of the debate.
Leopold has 15 walkers out in the Live Oak and Soquel and his signs are springing up all round town. Betty is currently engaged in the empty lots for Danner campaign".
RYAN COONERTY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Last week I wrote in BrattonOnline, "how come Ryan Coonerty is pushing so hard and taking such a strong side supporting The La Bahia development when The Bookshop Santa Cruz's landlord is La Bahia developer Barry Swenson? It wasn't that long ago that Ryan was vice president of Bookshop Santa Cruz. That's a real conflict of interest by many, many definitions." Ryan responded in an email,"Bruce do your job. If you had bothered to call me and ask about any conflicts of interests before running your article I could have told you the following . . . guess you didn't want to let facts get in the way of partisan hackery.
As you know, city council members, under the City Charter, have to vote on items, unless they have an economic conflict of interest. This is why you don't see council members abstaining or voting 'present' as happens in other legislative bodies. Because I don't receive a salary or have an ownership in Bookshop, the city attorney has determined that I don't have a conflict of interest (not to mention that Bookshop has a lease with Swenson until 2020 with already defined rent terms, etc.). Therefore, it would be illegal for me not to vote. The reason I can't vote on the parking lot is because as a co-owner of NextSpace, we pay downtown parking deficiency fees, which does create a conflict of interest. The same goes for my dad's house on King St, where my sister and I have a small ownership interest.
Just so you know, NextSpace is also in a Barry Swenson building. However, I don't have a conflict of interest because we don't have a lease with them -- we are paying two subtenants for the next six years. If at any point, the city attorney determines that I have a conflict of interest, I will immediately recuse myself from any and all relevant votes.
By the way, I file investment forms that are public records every year - not to mention that my business and my investment in NextSpace was on the front page of the Sentinel. You or anyone else can ask me or John Barisone or the FPPC about what the rules are.
Bruce, I ask you to name me one journalist in the country (junior high school and above) who would write what you wrote without making even one call. It is not the substance, but the, at best, laziness and, at worst, purposeful maliciousness of your style that is the problem. In the future, please contact me and I won't have 'nagging questions' about your seriousness as a journalist. Sincerely, Ryan.
MORE ON CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Ryan's statement about not contacting him is barely interesting. One is that as most folks know after 33 + years of writing this column...it's an opinion column, and I take the column only as seriously as they do Bookshop Santa Cruz. I write opinions, not facts. One of my better statements is that "facts are for people who don't have opinions" :-). As far as asking Coonertys direct questions, I emailed Ryan back on September 10 asking for information or clarification of Swenson withdrawing the La Bahia Project he still has never answered that question. Matter of fact I asked his dad Neal at least four times in separate emails about some union involvements and endorsements... he too never answered my very direct questions. So asking Coonertys direct questions doesn't exactly guarantee any answers. Neal did go on to write," I am also the sole shareholder of Bookshop Santa Cruz". I'd never seen that in print and am happy to announce it here, in case no one else has heard about that.
RITTENHOUSE BUILDING NAME CONTEST. That contest to name Louis Rittenhouse's new "pilings of plaster" building at Church and Pacific is now underway and Joe Michalak sends in..." Perhaps Rittenhouse's new building should be christened, "DOA" for dead on arrival. This behemoth is more at home in SF's financial district than Santa Cruz, and he waited so long to build that he missed the upturn, but he does have the downturn nailed!". Dan Dickmeyer adds, "I call it "the plantation". Just who is the "massa" of the house? Or how about "mystery mansion." It's a mystery to me how you can build a building in these times and not have any tenants. Tax write-off?".
Over 500 signers of a petition to forestall plans for a 5-story garage at the site of the Downtown Farmers Market are being listened to, and Mayor Ryan Coonerty has taken the issue off the City Council agenda, at least until after the November 4 election. According to Coonerty, it will not be considered at all this year. However, petition signatures are still being collected, since there is still strong support in some quarters to construct the garage. So consider sending an email to any friends to urge them to add their signatures. Just go to http://sensibletransportation.org/vibrantdowntown/.
State Park Rangers show who's the boss at Seacliff State Park.
We were just completing a perfect afternoon at Seacliff State Park, with a walk out onto the pier leading to the cement ship. Perhaps 20 people were enjoying the afternoon walking out there, and a few were fishing. For those of us who live here, we all know that fishing on that pier is the same as enjoying the sunshine, uninterrupted by any fish.
But, we noticed two armed park rangers ID'ing a young couple who where indeed fishing. Not wanting to butt in too closely, it was apparent that this couple was about to be busted for having open beer on the pier. It went beyond the point of reasonableness when the two armed rangers marched the couple off the pier to another pair of rangers who were going to give them a breath test. Now there are two patrol vehicles, four armed park rangers and spectators gathering to observe what's going on, namely a young couple who had been enjoying an afternoon fishing on the Seacliff pier, along with having a beer or two. This could have been handled on the pier with a written citation without all the theatrics. Come on, State Parks, where does good judgment get applied?
Mission accomplished! I've just completed my second hemiarthroplasty surgery. It basically gave me two new shoulders made out of titanium, done one at a time. If this last one goes as planned, I'll be about to use my arms and shoulders again, which means throwing balls to the grandkids and swinging a golf club. I think I inherited the arthritic condition from my grandfather, who died an agonizing death mostly from this disease and things related to it, over 60 years ago.
BIG MONEY EXPECTED IN WATSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD CAMPAIGNS. Word is spreading quickly about major contributions being provided by the Watsonville Pilots Association and the Republican Bruce Woolpert group, "Committee for Good School Governance," in the Watsonville City Council and Pajaro Valley school board races The Pilots' Association are expected to donate major contributions to fight against progressive city council members and candidates, including Councilmember Manuel Bersamin. Bersamin is running against former real estate agent Gabriel Gonzalez, but Bersamin beat him by 60 percent back in 2004. Gonzalez may be hoping for a better chance with a bigger checkbook. The Bruce Woolpert group is also expected to send out thousands of high-end glossy mailers to voters next week against the progressive school board candidates Karen Osmundson, Sandra Nichols and Lupe Rivas. In 2006, the Woolpert group contributed over $15,000 to conservative school board members who have done everything, but provide "good" school governance. The school board has in fact come under much criticism under their leadership over the last 2 years. Look out for the report filings in late October to follow the money trail.
VICE-PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTIES TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEEK ALL OVER THE COUNTY. A highly anticipated debate between Vice-Presidential Candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin will take place this Thursday, October 2nd, and locals will have opportunities to view it together at various places throughout the county. Here are the locations organized so far:
Watsonville Watch Party at The Lobby Pizzeria. 300 Main Street in Watsonville (next to the Fox Theater). No host bar/pizza. Sponsored by the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club, Watsonville for Obama, Watsonville United Democrat & Labor Headquarters.
¨ United Democratic - Obama/Biden Campaign Headquarters 740 Front St, Ste 250 Santa Cruz, 831.427.2516
¨ Round Table Pizza - Scotts Valley. 245-A Mt Herman Rd Scotts Valley. No host bar, No host pizza, 15% discount for debate guests. Co-sponsored by Caryn Machado, candidate for City Council
¨ Tony & Alba's Pizza - Capitola. 1501 41st. Ave Capitola . No host bar, No host pizza. Co-sponsored by John Leopold, candidate for 1st Dist Supervisor.
In my comments last week, I talked of the public perception that the City Council was less receptive to public input than was either desirable or was previously the case. I referred to the Mayor shortening time for public comment. The underlying issue is how Council decisions are reached. Do the public comments or letters have any effect? As to 2120 Delaware, for example, when was the decision made, and by whom? It is accepted procedure that developers and the public talk with Council members in advance of meetings. Is this a good practice, or should Council members act more like judges, and not accept backdoor contacts? How about contacts with planning staff or with Planning Commissioners? Would it be appropriate for the public to be made aware of planning applications before substantial staff time is spent on the projects? Does the fact that the developer pays for staff and other planning efforts have any effect on recommendations? We have an excellent Planning Department, and it is appropriate that developers pay for staff time. But does the fiddler have any effect?
This is a very complex matter. Perhaps the standard operating procedure should be revisited. One approach which makes a lot of sense is the guidebook published by LandWatch of Monterey County, "Land Use and the General Plan". It's a pamphlet very much worth reading, especially pages 51-59 dealing with permit process reform.
As to the length of public comment at meetings, under Mayor Coonerty the time has been reduced from 3 to 2 minutes. Whether that is adequate time for public comment on even minor projects may be debatable. I had heard that on occasion time had been shortened even more. In response to that, Mayor Coonerty wrote: "I have never cut public comment to anything less than 2 minutes. It was part of an effort to not have meeting (sic) last so long that the press couldn't report on actions and more working people and citizens with families could attend. I would appreciate a correction in your next column." He also wrote "I also enacted rules and made a request to council members to talk less. Staff presentations have also been shortened." I have made the correction. I have personal experience of the 2 minute rule. I have not yet noticed the effect of the rules and requests. I hope they have been or will be effective.
EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Tim nails the first debate results...scroll down as usual.
PATTON'S PROGRAM. Gary talks about The Association of Environmental Professionals and includes some local links. He goes on to Sustainable Stewardship and LAFCO and Bonny Doon not about to establish a separate fire district. The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission deals with Inclusionary Housing. Then there's the Watsonville Dump and Adaptive ARC or new technology.
LANDAU'S PROGRES. Read Saul's piece on "Election Drizzle". Only Saul could and would tackle the wide range of voters angles on what's going to happen in November's campaigns. Click here
EAGLE EYE. This movie had some moments that were horrifying, terrifying and downright scary. It's about how the world of technology could can and does control our lives. It's a mystery, assassination thriller that steals major plot points liberally from both Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick. Wait and rent it
BATTLE IN SEATTLE. Local activist Ruth Hunter was jailed in Seattle during the battle against the World Trade Association Conference. She says the film has a few extra dramatic additions but does help wake the world about the WTO. Santa Cruzans Emily Mahoney, Cathy Israel, Valerie Lasciak, and Sharon Delgado were all part of the protest from these parts. Ruth also says that the re-created jail scenes were very real. Go see this semi-documentary it's a tribute to the power of protests.
TOWELHEAD. This is one kinky movie. A 13 year old girl faces one sick adult neighbor and his sex problems, and even more sex problems in school. It's awkward, weird, pointless, distorted and not worth seeing.
THE DUCHESS. Keira Knightly, Ralph Fiennes, and Charlotte Rampling are magnificent in this 18th century costume biography of the Duchess of Devonshire. The 17 year old Duchess is an ancestor of Princess Diana and that's believable. It's full of interest, relatively accurate and great fun to watch, go see it.
BLINDNESS. If you read the book by Saramago try to forget it, and see the movie anyways. The book is far more deep than the movie is able to cover. It's all about the world going blind all of a sudden and how each of us would react. Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo and Danny Glover do great acting jobs but items like no one has any names in the film why Julianne is the only human who can still see and how she reacts asks too many questions. Don't go unless you want to compare it to the book. I read the book and some others by Pulitzer winner Saramago, they're all excellent.
SF Opera's DIE TOTE STADT. Composer Erich Korngold's opera is beautifully sung, properly acted, properly conducted and yet lacks guts. Korngold s music is a lot like Wagner's without the cohesive driving force. The staging is expressive and creative, but not as forceful or direct as it first appears to be. Go warned.
BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER. Amy Tan re-wrote her book into an opera form. It's an American opera with Chinese overtones. Lots of flash, flying ghosts, excellent voices, but so wildly staged that it's hard to figure out the essential plot. And it's probably impossible to get tickets to the rest of the performances. Go to www.sfopera.com
TANDY BEAL'S SECRET PROJECT. I heard rumors that Tandy is working on something really big, I emailed her she replied, "It's called HereAfterHere: A Self-guided Tour of Eternity, with original music by Jon Scoville. She went on to say," It's a theatrical work based on what people think happens after we die. This evening-length work is a mix of the poignant, the comic and the chimerical, and combines our well-known investigation of dance, circus and visual narrative. It's a rich mosaic of post-mortem maps: pearly gates, infernos, old white guys with beards, a street map of heaven, Paradise Lost (or merely Misplaced), a self-guided tour of eternity. For over thirty years we've been producing concerts and, through it all... trying to make sense of this mysterious life here on Planet X by making moving images...stay tuned for this next event!" I'll let you know when I hear anything more.
HOSTETTERS HOT STUFF. Paul Hostetter murmured the following..."I ran into Dard Neuman at the grocery store yesterday and he said the plum Indian concert of the year for UCSC - Indian folk music rather than classical music - is happening very soon, but he hadn't quite gotten word out to anyone just yet about it. When he does, I'll pass it right on. Meanwhile, here are some other things you need to know about: Hardly Strictly, Martin Simpson, Kabile, Randy Newman, Toumani Diabaté, some extreme lefty Croats. Click away on this link: http://www.lutherie.net/live.music.html More soon, I hope, ph.
LEONARDO BOULANGER TURNS FOUR. Leonardo is my grandson and I get to go to LA this weekend and watch him turn four. By all observations he is already earning the rights to being named Leonardo. That's Da Vinci not DiCaprio.
SPAM NAMES. Chrissie Gus, Farr Ruey, Albertina Ilda, Cletis Shih, Bink Bellow, Emanual Pranab, Marisol Hinson, Orla Corley, Jareb Gad, Tiffany Tiffanie, Colas Dominick, Dimitry Festus, Herminia Daina, Dill Diana, Concepcion Dill, Baudoin Minerva, Amberon Songmaio, Fayne Flatt
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. PAUL FIGUEROA and SUSAN HILLHOUSE from The Museum of Art & History (MAH) will be my first guests on University Grapevine this Thursday Oct.2 on KZSC 88.1 fm 4-5 pm. My second guest will be Zeb Nevins who'll be discussing why we need to prevent turning Golf Club Drive in the Pogonip area into townhouses.
QUOTES. "Think sideways", Edward De Bono. "If you get to it, and you can't do it...well there you jolly well are-aren't you! Lord Buckley. "Things are more like they are now than they ever were before", Dwight D. Eisenhower. "The mistake you make is trying to figure it out," Tennessee Williams.
Deep Cover
Bruce critiques films every Friday on KZSC-FM (88.1) on The Bushwhacker Breakfast Club at 8am.
It's free! Click here.
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