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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SOME OF THE PEOPLE SPEAK. Santa Cruzans for Responsible Planning members were mailed this memo; The Build a Better La Bahia coalition has filed a mandamus action in Superior Court against the City of Santa Cruz to enforce the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
State law mandates that the City study a reasonable range of alternatives that could satisfy most of the La Bahia Hotel project objectives without loss of the protected historic landmark. Since there are a number of feasible alternate project configurations, the City could not legally approve the demolition. The suit asks the Court to issue a peremptory writ to cure the City's violations of CEQA and give the iconic La Bahia a chance to survive in a viable new project.
Based on that explanation here are reactions...
LA BAHIA AND STOPPAGE OR RE-THINKING!!! JEAN BROCKLEBANK sends this "The lawsuit from Build a Better La Bahia does not want to destroy the tax base or stop the creation of a Swenson project at the site. What they, and others like me, do want is for the City to encourage an excellent project that does not demonize historic preservation and does follow existing development guidelines. It is never too late to do the right thing and in a democracy it is definitely never too late to ask elected officials to follow the laws of the land. This lawsuit is not to stop development; it is to ask for responsible development and the tax base it will surely bring to the City. The comments in the Sentinel are already demonizing Build a Better La Bahia and its supporters...no surprises there! Build A Better La Bahia is simply asking the City to do the right thing and encourage Swenson to create a good & successful project that follows the guidelines of development that are found in our existing General Plan and City Zoning ordinances.
Indulging in some fantastical musing, I had to wonder what it would take to get out from under the McGregor park space and put more affordable housing there, sell a portion of the Poor Clares to Coastlands and claim the green space at Poor Clares for the desired park. Looking at the interior tree patterns and on-site power outlets, I wondered if the site had, once upon a time, been an estate, like Phelan's at Light House Field. I've not heard any mention of its history, or what was there prior to the convent. There is the church and a large 2-story building now used for classes, and what appears to be 2 on-site residences (though they may be offices with exterior decks) and, perhaps, day-care; the signs are up for summer day camp. There are also existing storage buildings, a rock grotto w/ seating, and a stage and support buildings for children's theatre at the amphitheatre. If a skatepark is really needed/wanted in that area, there's more than enough room; probably enough for a sports field, parking and park amenities. But the access for bikes, pedestrians and/or any significant additional number of cars is going to be very, very, very costly.
To say that access, at the level required for the amount of development proposed by the County is monumentally, hysterically problematic and verges on understatement. Except for the entrance, the entire property is enclosed by an 8' concrete-block wall (what would it take to build that today?!); this is needed for protection from the railroad on the Seacliff side (immediately adjacent) and the on-ramp and free-way on the shopping center side. The 2-lane entry is accessible from Seacliff and from McGregor but not easily for cars coming South over the overpass from the shopping center and turning left against uphill traffic and/or those turning left from the off-ramp alongside McGregor. That lower end with McGregor and the donut shop street and the off- and on-ramps and the overpass is already a "perfect storm" of an intersection. Pedestrian and bike access up to RDM shopping center would require reconfiguring or eliminating the on-ramp and modifications to the overpass and the off-ramp as well as to the Seacliff entrance to the shopping center. How much time and at what cost?
The entry road is constrained by a drainage swale that joins a creek below the entry road and by the wall. It is not wide enough to accommodate 2 cars and/or a bike lane and sidewalk at present and there are costly impediments to providing these, the biggest being beyond the county's legal or economic ability to resolve.
Then there's also the increased demand on Soquel Creek Water District that such a level of development on Poor Clares would pose, a district which is already pinning its hopes on the desal project to be able to continue to serve its existing customers as the sea level rises and salt water intrudes farther into its wells due to over pumping!
In My Opinion or IMO as we now say, the scale of county's mixed-use proposal constitutes a hornets' nest that is best avoided".
Public access to Nisene Marks from Cabrillo is in jeopardy
The developers that own the land that connects Cabrillo College property to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park have now filed their application for a building permit on this 142-acre property. Development of this acreage will block the connecting trails that have been used by the public over the past 50 years to travel between Cabrillo and Nisene Marks. Last year, to facilitate approval of their building project, the developers promised to give the County of Santa Cruz a ½ mile long public trail route across their property preserving the trail connection between Cabrillo and Nisene Marks. The developers agreed to provide the easement for the trail if the agreed trail route was formally surveyed before the County was ready to approve the project building permit for a hillside view home. The public and the County were surprised by the developers' sudden filing of a building permit application around May 1st and their stated goals of getting County approval of their permit by July 1st and beginning construction at that time. It is very unlikely that the developers will agree to any delays in completing the trail survey given these goals.
The public has a few weeks to raise the $5K to $7K cost of the formal survey of the trail route in order to transfer the trail easement to Santa Cruz County. Without this trail connection there will be no easy way to get to the western side of Nisene Marks State Parks for local residents and visitors alike. Without this trail, key links between Cabrillo, Aptos Village, the Union Pacific Rail Corridor, the Sanctuary Trail, New Brighton State Beach, Seacliff State Beach, and the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains will be lost.
Nisene 2 Sea is collecting the donations for the County for the survey. Please send your donations as soon as possible to Nisene 2 Sea, Attn. K. Britton, 3757 Vienna Drive, Aptos, CA 95003. For additional information call: (831) 688-7724.
Poor Clares rezoning is not just a Seacliff issue! Two weeks ago, the County Planning Commission voted 3-2 to approve zoning changes recommended by County Planning to accommodate four acres of high-density housing, a 80,000 sq. ft. medical complex and a 150-unit hotel on the property owned by Dominican Hospital known as Poor Clares.
However, they didn't get it right, or as Seacliff resident's attorney pointed out, "they got the cart before the horse". They failed to approve amendments to the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan and Seacliff Village Plan before amending the County General Plan – so they get to do it over on Wednesday, May 27th at their next meeting.
This should be of countywide concern to everybody, especially Aptos and mid-county residents. General Plan amendments are becoming the way of life for our County Planners. It's time to get back to the rules about amending General Plans. The citizens, not County Planning and developers, should be making these decisions!
What can be done? Sign the petitions opposing rezoning that are circulating in Seacliff and the rest of Aptos. Attend the continued public hearing on June 9th at the County Board of Supervisors and speak out against rezoning Poor Clares. Attend the re-run of the Planning Commission meeting on May 27th to show you are interested. Both meetings are at the Board of Supervisors meeting room in the County Governmental Center".
I may be the last person in Santa Cruz to notice the two 6' pythons that occasionally swim in the City Hall "pool". They slink around the bushes, presumably in search of prey. I haven't seen them before; they immediately moved me to thoughts of developers.
Pythons create a pervasive sense of fear or uneasiness. So do some developers who may, but only just "may", be hoping that fiscal problems in the City will result in a susceptibility of our City to increased development or growth. Pythons, with the best of intentions and motives, kill their victims, especially when the victims are weak or defenseless. We must keep our guard up. Enough said.
At a recent conference Mike Rotkin said that the tide may be changing in Santa Cruz, that development or growth may be seen as more acceptable than in the past. I hope he's wrong, but I am afraid he's not. (I do not believe our City has shown itself recently to be adverse to development, even though rhetoric to that effect pervades the media.)
Here is another factor of concern: we old folks, progressive or not, are beginning to fade away. As Bob Dylan wrote, "the times they are a'changing". I think City voters will want new blood next year. One would hope that the younger politicos would be as progressive as the older ones, but I'm pessimistic. I fear that Santa Cruz could start being like most other cities, that our concern could be with economics above all else.
I see a younger generation that places much more emphasis on money than did the 60's generation. If we can understand where younger people are coming from, what values they have and why, perhaps we can be on the same page. I think older progressives should and must try to understand, for example, that concern with economic matters may be of more importance to many younger people than it is to those of us who have our nest eggs. And our homes in Santa Cruz. Most certainly we can't criticize what we don't understand---and we can't win elections that way either.
We can try to find, and indeed we must try to find, younger candidates who can create fire for progressive ideas in City government. People who can understand what people who don't have their homes in Santa Cruz are feeling and who can communicate with them and with us. The value of money is easy to see; the value of preserving our City is not quite so simple, even if it is more important".
PAT MATECJEK EMAILS. Perhaps by using this link...." You have an opportunity to provide input to the Council in real time about the decisions it faces. Visit http://budget.santacruzcityca.gov/. There you will find clear and concise information about the budget situation, possible responses to the problems, and an opportunity to use your voice and tell the Council what solutions you favor"...would provide an additional avenue to express to the Council that:
1) The "highest and best use" of the Golf Club Drive parcels will be to help provide food and sustainable livelihood for city residents;
2) Development costs more for the services it requires than it contributes in property tax
revenue;
3) Present high-level of congestion in the area w/ the Tannery Arts Center, Costco, UPS and HW businesses;
4) Soft construction market.
WHOLE FOODS CHAIN FOR SALE?? Whole Foods sale speculation from Natural Foods Merchandiser..."Whole Foods Market's recent settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over the company's acquisition of Wild Oats Markets, along with two notable stock purchases by high-profile investors, has fueled speculation that the natural foods grocery giant is for sale. Never say never, analysts advise. But some also argue that given current factors, a sale anytime soon is unlikely. In the FTC settlement, announced in March, Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods agreed to divest itself of 31 Wild Oats stores, including 19 stores that already had closed, and one Whole Foods store. In exchange, the FTC dropped its legal challenge to the merger. Edward Aaron, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets in Denver, sees the settlement as "a positive. Those stores are the dogs of the portfolio." Here's the rest of the story...
PAJARO VALLEY TEACHERS
BEGIN TELEVISING SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS.
This week, Pajaro Valley teachers began televising their own edited version of local school board meetings on Santa Cruz County Community Television. Last year, the Pajaro Valley Board of Trustees decided to eliminate its budget of about $8000 for televising local school board meetings. Community members soon began criticizing the board for an ongoing lack of transparency of school board decisions, and felt it was no coincidence that the school board quickly cut that from its budget. The Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, the largest teachers union in Santa Cruz County, later offered to pay half the cost, but that offer was turned down by the school district. In the meantime, all the school board meetings regarding drastic budget cuts that were packed to capacity crowds of hundreds of teachers, school employees, and parents went untelevised. Several teachers felt it was important for the public to see the decisions being made and have now decided to record the meetings themselves. They also edit the meetings so the public can see the most important parts of the meetings since they can usually last for over 4 hours. The teachers also add brief commentary and got local community TV host Louie LaFortune to interview several teachers about their thoughts about the meeting. This is likely the first time teachers have utilized community television as a tool to inform the public and shed light about what is going on at school board meetings. The program is already being talked about all over town, and it also caught school board member Doug Keegan berating the audience during one his fits of anger at the last school board meeting. The program has already aired several times this past week and will also air on May 25 at 4:30pm, May 26 at 12pm and May 29 at 7pm on Comcast Channel 25 and Charter Cable Channel 71.
UC SANTA CRUZ STUDENTS
DO OUTREACH IN WATSONVILLE ABOUT STYROFOAM BAN.
Four UC Santa Cruz students Jerome Calimquim, Elizabeth Sanchez, Fernando Otero, and Angie Torres have teamed up with the Pajaro Valley Coalition for Environmental Justice in getting the word out to local restaurants in Watsonville about the recently adopted styrofoam ban. They will be providing information to local restaurants with samples and sources of alternative products. The students took this project on as part of their UCSC course, "Environmental Justice," and wanted to help local restaurants transition out of using styrofoam for their take-home containers. Styrofoam is the only type of plastic that is not accepted in Watsonville's recycling program and therefore, must be disposed in the garbage. If Styrofoam is not properly disposed, it becomes litter and can break into small pieces, which can be mistaken for food by wildlife, and if buried in the landfill, it does not decompose. The students believe that the use of recyclable containers or biodegradable products is one small step towards cutting down on waste in Watsonville. Watsonville has joined a growing list of California cities to prohibit polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) for take-out food packaging and made Santa Cruz County only the second county in the state where all the local jurisdictions have banned styrofoam. The ban officially took effect on May 14, 2009. Many Watsonville businesses have already voluntarily switched to non- foam packaging in order to help our environment. Food service providers needing assistance with the polystyrene ban can contact Nancy Lockwood, Environmental Projects Manager of the City of Watsonville, at 768-3103
1955 CAR ON FLOODED BRIDGE PHOTO. Len Klempnauer formerly of the Santa Cruz Sentinel proves even new history doesn't die. He sends in another historic photo of the same car/same bridge that we said was from an earlier flood. Thanks Len. click here to see it (link expands, click again to collapse).
PATTON'S PROGRAM. (Gary Patton is "Of Counsel" to the Santa Cruz law firm of Wittwer & Parkin, which specializes in land use and environmental law. The opinions expressed by Mr. Patton are Mr. Pattons...which figures). He talks about layoffs in Monterey County and maybe even good news out of that. He tells of a meeting this very Tuesday about alternatives to the parking garage downtown. Then Gary talks about our Terminator Governor trying again to drill for off shore oil...or to let his friends and supporters do it. There's talk about the Transportation Commission and greenhouse gases so click right here
UCSC BREAKING NEWS. Jono Kinkade sends this in... "There is a lot going on this week at UCSC... a few different groups who have been organizing against the budget cuts at UCSC are holding a few actions/rallies and other special events. Tuesday (May 26), the Student of Color Collective (SOCC) will be having a rally at noon at the base of campus, with a extra special surprise. Wednesday,(May 27) the Coalition to Save Community Studies will be having a World Cafe at Bay Tree Plaza at noon, and Thursday (May 28), there is a big rally, organized by the New UC... with a Funk Dance party and other events at the base".
EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Mr. Eagan explains a clear and present danger involving our President and Nina...scroll downwards just a page or so.
YOSEMITE'S OLD GROWTH TREES DISAPPEARING. Jodi Frediani sent this in...pretty scary and sad...
LANDAU'S PROGRES. Saul's weekly column is titled "The Afghan Jig" and tells of 95 Afghan children dying and the USA denial it's right here.. http://www.progreso-weekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=957&Itemid=1
FOREVER 21 BUYING CAPITOLA'S GOTTSCHALKS??. Forever 21 looks like a tiny step up from Ross or Urban Outfitters but who cares? Read this story from the Sacramento Bee http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1885982.html it looks like Forever 21 has John 3:16 printed in their shopping bags and carry clothes for "Rubens sized" (definitely not Modigliani sized) women and are about to start selling men's (not just weirdo) clothes too.
WATERS WEIGHS IN. At this week's christinawaters.com, Christina lays into Angels & Demons, she finds yet another incredibly cheap, drinkable wine and
she hypes a few terrific upcoming art exhibitions.
Kelly Pitzer continues to amaze us with her linkage. This time she sends a good tip for ink cartridge users...
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM II. Pure Hollywood fluff for 8 year olds. It has some redeeming cute lines in it and a few really funny take-offs on animating famous paintings so it isn't a complete loss. But Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams are superfluous in this kiddy-show. On the other hand Amy Adams as Amelia Earhart proves she is definitely our best actress working today.
TERMINATOR SALVATION. Yes our Governor is in this film, and he's naked but shaded too!!! Remember reading a while ago that he was making another film? This is that film. It's more time travel stuff with Christian Bale as lead traveler. Lots of chases, thrills and the pace is fantastic and tiring. Not all bad if you like Sci-Fi numbness.
BROTHERS BLOOM. This is about two brothers who make a weird living out of conning people. The biggest con job of all is getting you to watch this boring movie.
Mark Ruffalo, Adrien Brody and Rachel Weisz try very hard to act out their odd roles in this but ultimately it's an old idea and you won't care how it ends anyway.
HOSTETTERS HOT STUFF. Paul gets these innuendos out a bit too late to include in the current week's BrattonOnline but read his event picks anyways...he says it all. And his advice about UCSC's Marriage of Figaro tix is accurate.
Paul says," A quick heads up—if you love opera, the UCSC production of the Marriage of Figaro, scheduled for next weekend May 28-31, is nearly sold out for all four shows. I highly recommend jumping on some tickets pronto. Eric and Suzy Thompson w/Paul Geremia hold forth on Wednesday the 27th at Don Quixote's in Felton, and the musical extravaganza/benefit for Briana Waters and family Thursday the 28th also in SF.
Farther on there's the Berkeley World Music Festival on Saturday the 6th of June in Berkeley featuring, among others, the illustrious Black Olive Babes. And the New Music Works 28th Annual Avant Garden Party happens on Sunday the 7th in Soquel, and not only that, over that whole weekend there's the big annual Djangofest in Mill Valley, starting Thursday the 4th and going through Sunday the 7th. No excuses for staying home and renting a movie.
And even a little further on, if you have a mandolin and want to learn how to use it, the Mandolin Symposium at UCSC is still taking applicants. It's scheduled for the week of June 20-somethingth. All the pertinent information can be found by navigating on over to (you guessed it) http://www.lutherie.net/live.music.html then he adds "I mostly wanted to get stragglers going on the opera tickets". Have a good Memorial Day plus week and the weekend. More soon.Yrs, ph
INTERACTIVE DIGITAL ARTS STUDENTS SHOW OPENING or DANM MEETS MAH!!! This is Part 2 and runs from May 29 - June 24. Click below on the UCSC website and read all the details...part 1 was wonderful.
* Noontime Tour: Friday, June 5, 12:00-1:00pm. During this free event, DANM artists will walk through their work with the public.
* Reception: Friday, June 5, 6:30-8:30pm (free and open to the public)
* Artists: Troy Allman, Miki Yamada Foster, g. craig hobbs, Lindsay Kelley, Joshua McVeigh-Schultz, Nada Miljkovi , Laila Shereen Sakr , VJ Um Amel and others.
Location: The Museum of Art & History (MAH) is located at McPherson Center, 705 Front Street, in downtown Santa Cruz on the corner of Front and Cooper Streets.
MAH Hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesdays - Sundays: 11am - 5pm; First Friday of every month: extended hours 11am - 9pm MAH Phone: (831) 429-1964 most important...
Web info: http://danm.ucsc.edu/web/mfaExhibition2009 • http://www.santacruzmah.org
ACT LOCAL @ SHAKESPEARE SANTA CRUZ. Along with their hit season coming up Shakespeare Santa Cruz is presenting UCSC professor Jim Bierman's Moliere forgery play titled "School For Fiancées" as the Intern play this season. It'll only play twice on Tuesday's August 18 and 25th in the glen. It'll be directed by Patty Gallagher who is one fantastic actor and floored me in her Happy Days role as Winnie last weekend. Bierman also did the screenplay for the film Moonchild and is one of the leading forces behind DANM as you undoubtedly know by now.
UCSC PRINT SALE!! THIRTY FIVE YEARS! The Art Department at UC Santa Cruz will hold the 35TH Annual Student PRINT SALE on Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6, from 10am to 6pm. Hundreds of original etchings, lithographs, woodcuts, digital prints, handmade books, and more will be on display and for sale. 100% of the profit will benefit the individual student artists and the Printmaking Program at UCSC. The sale will be held at the Printmaking Studio, Room G-101, at the Baskin Visual Arts Center on the UCSC campus. Taking place at the same times, and in the same arts center, is the UCSC Student PHOTO SALE. The two art sales run in conjunction with the UCSC Art Department's spring quarter Open Studios (12-4pm on FRIDAY ONLY). Admission to all events is free and open to the public. For more information, directions, maps, and student print examples, please visit arts.ucsc.edu/printsale or call the Print Studio at (831) 459-3686.
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. I host University Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer at WWW.KZSC.ORG. This Tuesday my first guest will be former assemblyman and ex-mayor John Laird. We'll be talking about Gay legislation, where it's been, where it's going, and about the results of the California Courts decision on Tuesday. On the second half of the program
Dentist Ballan Tuck will make a return visit to bring us up to date on dental health, and saving money on dental bills during these tough times. That's Tuesday May 26th 7:30-8:30pm. The week's ahead features such guests as, Bookshop Santa Cruz Short Story Winners, Marco Barricelli from Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Neal Coonerty, Robbie Schoen of Felix Kulpa gallery and even more surprises.
QUOTES. "I never play cricket. It requires one to assume such indecent postures", Oscar Wilde. "Waiting for Godot is a play in which nothing happens, twice", Vivian Mercier. "A first-night audience consists of the unburied dead", Orson Bean.
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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PAUL LEE VS. CYNTHIA MATHEWS AND THE "CHRISTIANS". The Reverend Doctor Paul Lee long time crusader for the masses and especially the homeless thought it would be a great idea to invite Ronnee Curry to move the Monday Night Coffee House food for the homeless weekly dinner from the Elm Street Gospel Church to the Calvary Episcopal Church at Lincoln and Cedar to provide a dinner for 50-150 homeless kids (read link) http://www.coffeehouseattheredchurch.blogspot.com . Paul calls this a minor maybe even a major miracle of helping these kids at least once a week. Many have no sleeping bags, may even have deeper problems, but they all help out to make this a wonderful event every Monday night. Father Joel Miller at the Calvary Church shares Paul's enthusiasm. Then the kids feeling some kind of welcome, began staying around the church on other days.
The "elderly, skin flinted, dried-up grey haired members of Calvary hit the fan" says Paul. Exhibiting fear, xenophobia, and a terrible lack of communication they wanted to close down the Monday night operation. Many letters from neighbors such as the Boys and Girls Club,The Nickelodeon, Jack's Burgers all said it was ok with them to have the kids around there. But Mayor Cynthia Mathews who owns the Zasu Pitts house next to the Nickelodeon had private meetings with some of those church elders. There was a meeting of the Vestry last week to discuss a three month suspension of the Monday nights. The suspension was roundly defeated. About 20 people spoke in behalf of the kids. And a few spoke against them. Paul said it's amazing to see and experience such hate coming from a church group. It's become local theatre now with The Mayor fighting the homeless more openly than any other battle we've seen so far.
Reverend Lee said the Monday nights are well run, magical and that it's a Copernican argument....the earth is round and it'll all come full circle. Having attended the Penny University for the last 68 Monday nights (which happens right on the other side of the door to the Monday Night Coffee House room I can certainly attest to the politeness, the care and the true family feeling that happens there and Ronnee Curry should be a given a key to the City for organizing and running such a timely, needed miracle.
FRED KEELEY VOICES SUPPORT FOR LEGALIZING WEED. Fred Keeley our erstwhile County Treasurer said he believes it's time to legalize marijuana and that the enforcing and taxing of it wouldn't be THAT big a problem. He also went on to say that Arnold's governorship is a failed governorship. He said all that on last week's University Grapevine. He explained too how and why we must vote YES on all six of the State propositions next Tuesday the 19th ...in spite of the League of Women Voters. Even more than that Fred wrote a piece for SantaCruz.com website go to it and read his article titled "Battling Belief Systems won't be Resolved". He discusses the basic difference between Republicans and Democrats and does an excellent job of it.
CITY BUDGET CRISIS FORUM FOR CITIZENS ON WEDNESDAY. A City press release reads as follows, " The City of Santa Cruz is facing the most severe fiscal crisis in memory. Current projections indicate a deficit of approximately $8 million in the City's General Fund for the coming year alone, which will require an unprecedented combination of employee concessions and deep program cuts. It is extremely important that local residents, businesses and non-profits understand the gravity of this situation and the impact of potential cuts.
After slicing over $14 million from its General Fund budget since 2001, eliminating over 100 positions from the City workforce, trimming City services, and obtaining voluntary concessions from its workers, the City is still in an untenable fiscal situation. Faced with significant service reductions and declining revenue into the foreseeable future, the City is reaching out to the community to hold a dialogue on the current fiscal crisis. The forum will afford an opportunity for city leaders to explain the City budget, provide information on revenue options and solicit feedback on service reductions.
In addition, the City will facilitate an open question-and-answer period to address any questions on the budget, tax structure, state takeaways and expected service reductions. The City greatly values community input on the crisis and is looking for more ways to collaborate to address these issues. How should the City respond? What new approaches may emerge? What services do people value most? All of these questions are essential toward determining a course of inevitably difficult direction. The event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Spanish interpretation will be available.
Expected Attendees: Mayor Cynthia Mathews, City Manager Dick Wilson, Assistant City Manager Martin Bernal, Department Heads (all departments represented), city employees and community members. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 7:00 – 9:00 pm (doors OPEN at 6:30) Santa Cruz High School Theater 415 Walnut Avenue – Santa Cruz, CA.
Lets hope it isn't just PR for all the cuts that just haven't been announced yet. Somebody should ask Cynthia why the city has agreed to pay half the costs of the EIR for the University's proposed North Campus Development....that's $500,000 right there and we weren't allowed to vote on it!!.
FLOOD PHOTO CORRECTION. Not knowing any better I assumed that the car falling through the bridge in the historic photo two weeks ago (scroll down) was during or after the 1955 flood. Not so emails Alyce Holland-Vestal-Cadwalder, formerly of this area. She tells us,"That was not the 1955 flood that took out a section of the Riverside Bridge. That particular flood was in 1940. I remember it well! The whole neighborhood turned out to watch the excitement. We lived in Holland's Motel, about one block down from the Bridge, on East Cliff Drive, right on the river. That flood also took out the foot bridge at the end of Ocean St. and crossed the River over to the Island. Yes, there used to be an Island...Opera Island. The car shown in the picture is a late 30's Oldsmobile. Circa 1939. It was right after this flood that the Army Corps of engineers put in all the levies along the River. My dad was instrumental in getting the bond to pass that paid for it. I thought you would find this of interest". Thanks Alyce. Alyce was one of the co-creators and organizers of the very first Cabrillo Music Festival, by the way.
JEANETTES HISTORICAL PHOTO UPDATED. Stan Stevens authority on maps, historic properties and Frederick Augustus Hihn also emailed to enlighten us. Stan wrote," In the BrattonOnline column April XXX (scroll down) we saw Jeannette's Beauty Shop (owned by Mrs. Jeannette E. Castro). It was located at 201 Walnut was: She was there in 1953, 1954, and 1955. By 1956 the location was occupied by: Hotel & Restaurant Employees & Bartenders International Alliance, Local 345 Painters & Decorators union and the Teamsters union. Mrs. Jeannette E. Castro was living at 2550 Parker (West from Winkle Ave., north of Howe; Eastside) She had moved, or was deceased, by 1956, since she was not in Polk's directory for 1956-57.
GREAT MAY PARADE & FAIR ON THE FLATS. We definitely need more parades. Especially more parades like last Sunday's Kinetic Art Parade which was pure Santa Cruz and pure fun. Susan Hillhouse stated that this kind of parade brings out the Silly in everyone and we need more silly about now. The River Arts Festival was more traditional and while talking with long timers like John O. Thomson and Linda Wilshusen we agreed the crowds could have been bigger, but it was still good fun and restored a bit of the community spirit that's been vanishing over the years. Peter McGettigan noted that for a river festival it was odd to note that the river had been officially posted as "off limits".
GREETERS AT VERIZON STORES. Where do they come from? Do they breed more rapidly than regular humans? How do you feed them? Do they have feelings? Are they breaking our City Loitering laws by hanging out? Or do they not sit down...ever???
SAM FARR TO SPEAK FOR CUBA CARAVAN FUNDRAISER MAY 28.A dessert bar with a chocolate fountain, Cuban music by Flor de Caña, rap by Watsonville Brown Beret, Rob Ehrlich, and a presentation by Congressman Sam Farr – emceed by the incomparable Brett Taylor – highlight a festive fundraiser for the Santa Cruz Cuba Caravans from 7-9 pm, Thursday, May 28th at the Live Oak Grange – 1900 17th Avenue. Cost: $15 - $25 sliding scale. Congressman Farr, who traveled on Air Force One with President Obama to the Organization of American States meeting in Trinidad, will report on the meeting where the US exclusion of Cuba from the OAS was a highly charged issue. He'll also discuss the prospects for improved US/Cuba relations under the Obama administration. Awards of appreciation will be given to Congressman Farr for his continued leadership and advocacy in Congress for better US/Cuba relations, Ellen Farmer for her leadership and imagination in founding the Santa Cruz Cuba Study Group, and the Live Oak Grange for their support and generous hospitality. Sponsored for Santa Cruz Cuba Caravans by: Cuba Study Group of Santa Cruz County, Three Americas, Inc, and Watsonville Brown Berets For Information: Nancy 465 8272
GEORGE OW AND THE SENTINEL BUILDING. As somebody once said, "I hate spreading rumors but what else can you do with them?". So after extensive torture involving beer-boarding my spy found out that George Ow doesn't own the Sentinel Building after all.
Rosalie Kraft R.I.P.
We lost another of the great Santa Cruz County Democrats last week, Rosalie Kraft. Her obit in the Sentinel was well written, and when it mentioned the work Rosalie did to defeat Ryland Kelley's Wingspread rip-off back in the 1980's, it brought back fond memories. Rosalie took charge of gathering signatures to put the Wingspread Conference Center issue on the ballot. She not only coordinated the countywide tabling efforts, she was right out there every day doing it herself. Rosalie was a fixture at Orchard Supply on weekends, asking people to sign the petition, and very few people turned her down. For those who weren't around then, the signatures were gathered, the issue made the county ballot, and Wingspread's wings were permanently clipped, (the development lost by a 2 –1 margin) sending Kelley and his condo/conference center packing. The next time you drive down McGregor (the frontage road paralleling the freeway), take a long look at the beautiful open space that's now part of New Brighton Beach State Park and have nice thoughts about Rosalie Kraft.
Our Senior, Senior Friends
Teresa Kramer will be celebrating her 100th birthday in June. Teresa and her two sisters are three of the best progressive Democrats this County has ever known, and they're all going strong. Those sisters, Lucille McLaughlin and Elizabeth Moore, are lucky to be able to share Teresa's 100th birthday.
We see Paul Blue just about every day at Seacliff Beach. Paul is 90 years old, has some serious health issues, but continues to get to the beach with a great pair of caregivers and his wheelchair. He was at the demonstration recently in Santa Cruz that had a pair of boots on display for each American who died in Iraq. We both agreed that we have to end that stupid war tomorrow and not continue the other one in Afghanistan. Paul asked Sharon and me what organizations we belonged to that supported our cause, and I was embarrassed to admit they were very few, and can't hold a candle to Paul's involvement.
Edna and Lou Zukor, both in their 90's, are another two of our friends that are getting up there in years. We don't see them as much as we used to, but Edna's letters to the Sentinel are always right on target – and that target is...the Republicans.
And then we have the Sentinel's latest rant – Seacliff needs to suck it up and
REZONE Poor Clares!
Why? The Sentinel says it's a case of NIMBY residents being against the "affordable housing" that would result with the new high-density zoning being demanded by the County. Of all the poorly covered news that can be attributed to the Sentinel over the years, this one is near the top. Their editorial never mentioned what else is being planned for Poor Clares by our county. Like a 150-room hotel and a five-acre medical facility generating over 4,000 new vehicle trips per day, all this with only one entrance and one exit to all three projects. We should have expected this, after their staff reporter in an earlier article, described the Poor Clares property as "barren land".
About the only barren land in that area is the one-acre the developers gave up for a neighborhood park in exchange for all the condos already built (and more to come) as affordable housing just across from Poor Clares.
Latino Legislative Caucus to Host Mixer in Salinas on Friday.
The Latino Legislative Caucus is hosting a mixer this Friday, May 22 at 5:30pm at the Steinbeck Center in Salinas. The mixer is titled, "Latino Leaders to Tomorrow's California," are part of a series being held by the Latino Legislative Caucus throughout the state. The others have been held in Commerce, Fresno and in San Jose just a couple of weeks ago. You can still RSVP by e-mailing your name, organization, title, e-mail and phone to ca.latinocaucus@gmail.com. The event is free.
Pajaro Valley Democrats to Hear from Candidate for Judge.
Members of the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club will have an early opportunity to hear from the two officially declared candidates for judge, John Gallagher and Rebecca Connelly. Both judicial candidates, who are well respected in Santa Cruz County, will be introducing themselves to Pajaro Valley Democrats at the next general meeting on Monday, May 18th at the Watsonville SEIU office on 10 Alexander Street. There will be no endorsements and an official endorsement meeting will not take place to early 2009. However, it will allow Watsonville activists and elected leaders to get to know the two declared candidates. Both are running for the judicial seat that will be vacated due to the retirement of Judge Samuel Stevens.
Legendary Blues Artist BB King to Play at Santa Cruz Blues Festival.
You rarely get to see one of the all-time Blues great come to Santa Cruz County. But this year's Santa Cruz Blues Festival will feature legendary guitarist BB King on Saturday, May 23rd. King has played some of the greatest sounds for over 6 decades winning him at least 15 Grammy's. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Tickets may sell out so get yours soon at www.santacruzbluesfestival.com.
There are some very significant City issues. These issues have been simmering for some time, but the ongoing budget problems and environmental considerations will bring these more into focus. Water availability and the inevitable momentum to substantially increase use of desal water is one. Increasing density, possible intrusion of development into the greenbelt, adoption of the new General Plan, are others. Budget problems will continue, and we will be required to strike a balance between new taxes and further reduction of services. Nobody expects a possible rejuvenation of the economy to help City finances for some time.
Decisions on these and other issues will determine how our City will look in the future. The three seats up for election are currently occupied by people who tend to believe that financial considerations necessitate emphasis on growth. During periods of economic stress we may be inclined to approve projects that we will regret later on---after the environmental damage is done.
"Growth "lies behind all these issues. Shall we remain about where we are, raising some money by way of new taxes or fees to keep our City solvent? Shall we embrace modest growth under controlled conditions? Or shall we attempt to grow our way out of financial problems? The progressive community must field candidates who will assure that any growth is mediated by community economic and social benefits.
The forces favoring greatly expanded growth without consideration of long term effects on the City---will produce candidates who favor expediency and expansion over everything else. Our progressive element has work cut out for it".
PATTONS PROGRAM. Attorney Gary Patton is "Of Counsel" for Wittwer & Parkin. He produces the following as scripts for his KUSP "Land Use Report". Gary tells about the Redevelopment Agency meeting re Soquel in Live Oak on Thursday. He relates more Monterey County Agricultural land conversion happening. There's the Coastkeeper Alliance which I'd never heard of...and he says that Pinto Lake is the most polluted lake in California! There's Land watch news about Marina and proposed development. And he closes telling about James K. Galbraith coming to an expensive conference titled "The Great Transition". It's all here
LANDAU'S PROGRES. Author, filmmaker, lecturer, and teacher Saul Landau writes a weekly column for Progreso Weekly. This week it's called "The small island 90 miles away has the right to choose its own destiny". Read his Telephone conversation with Gerardo Hernandez (Cuban 5) from the U.S. prison (Last of 5 parts)
EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Tim asks the big question who's gonna pay for all this crash and the war and everything....and answers it!! Scroll down a little ways.
WATERS WEIGHS IN. Christina does the new Bonny Doon Vineyard Cellar Door Cafe - new chef, new concept - and she also checks new wines she claims you need to try, plus some memorable sushi. All at http://christinawaters.com.
ANGELS AND DEMONS. More religious muck and murky murders with more BS than even the Da Vinci Code. The dratted Illuminati are out to destroy the Roman Catholic Church...as if anybody cares. Tom Hanks who's from Oakland is the lead and again who cares? But them Illuminati are infiltrating into Santa Cruz and you know what that means... certain suspects so far are Ross Gibson, Maggie Ivy, John Robinson, Ed Porter, and people like that.
GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE. Steven Soderbergh makes big Hollywood films like Oceans Umpteen counts his box-office receipts then makes another art film like this one. Remember "Bubble"??? This Experience has Sasha Grey a genuine porn star as lead in a documentary style film about high priced ($2000) per call adventures. You'll stay interested, not much sex or nudity in it but absolutely perfect in execution...a well made film. I liked it but forgot all about it an hour later.
REPEAT, REPEAT..."NEW" IDEA FOR BRATTONONLINE.COM. Please keep sending those great clips of good viewable material. Ever since BrattonOnline.com started back in June of 2003 many, many of you have been kind and forwarded some really fine visual and oral web material....keep it up and every week I'll include the best in a new paragraph titled..."LINKS YOU'LL LOVE, LAUGH & LINGER OVER".
Dan Bessie lately of France sent this amazing soprano clip.
Once again Kelly Pitzer of Pitzer Construction in Lahaina sends in a rare bit of footage..."Two Cry Babies" very quaint
BECKETT'S HAPPY DAYS AT UCSC. The Theater Arts Department and the Rogue Theater Company of Tucson present a special production of this hallmark play by one of the twentieth century's greatest playwrights. Featuring Associate Professor of Theater Arts Patty Gallagher. In Happy Days, Beckett pursues the meaning of existence, probing the tenuous relationships that bind one person to another, and each to the universe. "Only in poetry have I heard speech that sounds so much like music, and Ms. Gallagher's pitch-perfect timing made it clear that was what Beckett had in mind."
—Iris Arnesen, The Opera Glass Patty Gallagher as "Winnie", J. Andrew McGrath as "Willie" and Directed by Cynthia Meier Friday & Saturday May 22 & 23 7:00 pm Second Stage (Theater Arts Center) $10 general, $8 seniors, $8 students
RESERVED SEATING.
SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA. Their next concert on Saturday night will feature the music of Piazzolla, Granados, Villa-Lobos and Furman. Joining the orchestra are Seth Asarnow (Bandoneon), Rochelle Bard (Soprano), Patricia Mitchell (Oboe) and Michel Singher (Piano). They'll be doing stuff such as
Furman - Concertino for Bandoneon and String Orchestra - Seth Asarnow
- Bandoneon
Granados - Selected Songs - Soprano Rochelle Bard
Villa-Lobos - Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 - Soprano Rochelle Bard
Piazzolla - Suite for Oboe and String Orchestra - Patricia Mitchell - Oboe
Piazzolla - Tango No.2
It'll happen Saturday May 23, 2009 @ 8pm at Holy Cross Church 126 High Street, in Santa Cruz. Tickets at the door or at Streetlight Records or By Phone: 1.800.838.3006 and http://www.scmusic.org
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30p.m. I host University Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer at WWW.KZSC.ORG. This Tuesday my first guests will be Bonny Hawley and Randy Wildera from the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, then on the second half of the program Luis Alejo the Vice Mayor of Watsonville will talk about issues and ideas from South County.
That's Tuesday May 19th 7:30-8:30pm. The week's ahead features such guests as, John Laird ex Assemblyman talking about Gay Rights legislation, Dr. Ballan Tuck on dentistry, Bookshop Santa Cruz Short Story winners, Marco Barricelli from Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Neal Coonerty, Robbie Schoen of Felix Kulpa gallery and even more surprises.
QUOTES. "Deer will be grazing in Times Square in forty years", Tim Leary 1967. "SURFACE AT ONCE. THE SHIP IS SINKING", Marshall McLuhan. "If you can take the hot lead enema, then you can cast the first stone", 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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BONNIE HAWLEY MEETS CARL ROVE. Mac "Air". So Bonny Hawley, new director of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks was minding her own business attending Leon Panetta's Institute last week at the Monterey Conference Center when in walks Karl Rove the other invited guest besides someone from Obama's camp. Bonny's sitting on a sofa in the lobby typing on her Mac "air" lap top. Rove sees her takes a quick detour and come right up to her and says "Is that a "Mac Air" stunned, mystified and flummoxed she says, "Yes". He says with no smile, no nothing... "Shame on You" and walks away...and uses his iPhone!!! No one has figured out why this happened and what was behind it. You can go to Google and find out that he actually owns a Mac Air and loves it but he added in one interview that most Mac Air users are left leaning liberals, so maybe he was joking. Bonny's still in shock and awe, sort of.
WHOLE FOODS FROM THE SOCIALIST WORKER ANGLE. Here's an excerpt from a longer story about the money side of Whole Foods. It's from www.thesocialistworker.org titled, "Something Smells at Whole Foods. Read the whole thing... "Somehow, cofounder and CEO, John Mackey has managed to achieve multimillionaire status while his employees' hourly wages have remained in the $8 to $13 range for two decades. With an annual turnover rate of 25 percent, the vast majority of workers last no more than four years, and thus rarely manage to achieve anything approaching seniority and the higher wages that would accompany it. If Whole Foods' workers are younger than the competition's, that is the intention".
It goes on to say," Whole Foods orients to a higher-income clientele willing to pay significantly more for somewhat higher quality foods. Whereas the average supermarket chain's profits traditionally hover at around 1 percent, Whole Foods was able to sustain a profit margin of 3 percent for 14 years after it went public in 1992. After hitting a low of 1 percent in the economic downturn in late 2008, "now the margins are expanding again," according to the Cabot Report's investment adviser Mike Cintolo on April 26.
As the Texas Observer argued recently, "People shop at Whole Foods not just because it offers organic produce and natural foods, but because it claims to run its business in a way that demonstrates a genuine concern for the community, the environment and the 'whole planet,' in the words of its motto. In reality, Whole Foods has gone on a corporate feeding frenzy in recent years, swallowing rival retailers across the country...The expansion is driven by a simple and lucrative business strategy: high prices and low wages." The article ends with....."Indeed, Whole Foods now stands as the second largest anti-union retailer in the U.S., beaten only by Wal-Mart. Most of Whole Foods' loyal clientele certainly would--and should--shudder at the comparison".
THE SANTA CRUZ WEEKLY WHAT??? In case you picked up last week's Metro and wondered what the hell...??? Titled Volume One Number One of The Santa Cruz Weekly???? Still owned by Dan Pulcrano run by all the same people we guess but the explanation left everything else to be desired...like why re-brand a newspaper? Great to see Nutzle back in local ink...then covering the office windows with wrapping paper....what's that about also? I asked Steve Palopoli while we were on Bush Whackers last Friday he didn't get it either. The editorial letter said "It was time to cut ties to the mother ship". Let's hope we get the full story asap.
JENNIFER BRAGER TO LEAVE WITWER PARKIN LAW FIRM. Jennifer Brager of Wittwer, Parkin & Gary Patton Land Use Law Company and her serious love Don Burke are going back to Portland. As of May 26th she'll be working for Big time land use lawyer Ed Sullivan...a living legend in land use law. Ed once wrote a paper titled "Cudgels and Collaboration: Commercial Development Regulation and Support in the Portland, Oregon–Vancouver, Washington Metropolitan Region". Jennifer and Don will be missed. They added lots of smarts and humor (a too rare combination) to our community.
MAH MUSIC EXHIBIT IGNORES FAMED LOCALS. You should go see the history of music in Santa Cruz now at our Museum of Art & History. For some odd reason they left out two major music locals. Jazz history shows that there were many types of jazz ...New Orleans, Chicago, New York, Kansas City etc. Lu Watters born and raised in Santa Cruz single handedly created the very unique and important San Francisco style of jazz. He spawned the fame of Turk Murphy, Bob Helm, Bob Scobey, Clancy Hayes, and recorded with such giants as Bunk Johnson and Kid Ory. Lu battled PG&E's Nuclear power plant at Bodega Bay and won and recorded another album featuring Barbara Dane. Not one mention of Lu in the exhibit. Go here for Wikipedia' s info
After seeing the exhibit I was told they also ignored Ray Brown. "Ray is one of the most noted Jazz educators on the west coast. He has been teaching at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California for decades. Ray played the Jazz trumpet chair for Stan Kenton for years and is a master arranger. Ray has written big band commissions for many college big bands and even arranged for Count Basie. I was lucky to get my first formal Jazz harmony training from 'Brownie' and will be forever grateful to him for what he taught me." David Valdez from Cabrilho College's website. But go to MAH anyways the exhibit is wonderful. In spite of everything.
METPOPOLITAN OPERA BROADCASTS MAYBE LOCAL. Details are still being worked out but it looks like soon we'll be hearing that we too can attend live televised Metropolitan Opera broadcasts without driving to Monterey or Santana Row.
IRS ON PACIFIC. The IRS moving into Louis Rittenhouse's Mausoleum at pacific and Church street is "Not a fact" sez a highly placed spy. That means the final negotiations aren't over, and neither the I.R.S. or Louie Rittenhouse's agent doesn't want to talk about this yet....wait and see.
Vote Yes on Measures 1A through 1E on May 19th.
Assemblyman Bill Monning says it best: These measures are not about budget or financial reform; they're about crisis management! If anybody thinks this problem is going to go away just by "cutting spending", the Republican mantra, they are just kidding themselves. It's time to do something, as distasteful as these measures are, that something is...vote YES on Measures 1A through 1E.
Perhaps these are winnable, even though polls show them failing. At least we're seeing some positive political ads supporting them. As may have been expected, two Republicans are facing serious recall elections in their home districts. That's because they voted with the Democrats on this tax increase issue. Their votes were needed to get the two-thirds majority to move forward with a budget.
Vote NO on Measure 1F
This is Republican State Senator Abel Maldonado's attempt to keep his name in lights. It was his price to the Democrats for his support for the current budget that needed three votes from the Republicans to be approved. It's a grandstand play that if passed, will prevent pay raises to state elected officials whenever there is a budget deficit – which will be always. It's easy for a multi-millionaire Senator from Santa Maria to live without a pay raise, but it makes good press for the anti-government people.
You can read about all these propositions on the County's Elections Department website. Please check them over, and take the time to vote on May 19th.(end of Elerick's Input)
CITIZEN'S CITY FINANCES TASK FORCE. George W. Bush couldn't have hand picked a select group of his billionaire cronies any more carefully than Cynthia Mathews did when she chose her personal "Citizens City Finances Task Force".
Celia Scott asked in the Ventana newsletter," Do you think that dense housing development should be encouraged on the borders of the Pogonip Greenbelt lands in the Golf Club Drive Area?" Celia's and my answer is no and I believe that Cynthia's hand picked pro development task force will push hard for developing Pogonip, and soon Reed Searle thinks so too and says so way at the bottom of his Salvo. Everyone on her T. Force except Reed has a financial interest in pushing business and development.
We hear lots about Santa Cruz City budget problems. We will be hearing more. Everything we hear is bad and it all is true. The deficits will continue to increase as long as the recession continues. We have no reserves or other resources adequate to tide us over until the economy recovers. The fact that we are not alone, that cities, counties and states all have similar problems--- is little consolation.
The Mayor recently appointed a short-term Finance Task Force to try to "do something". I am fortunate enough to be on that committee. There may very well be very little that can be done, at least in the short run. The Task Force probably will attempt to let the community know how serious our problems are and about the very unpleasant steps the City will have to take. That may not be much help. Services will continue to be cut, employees will be asked to make even further sacrifices. Everything that can be cut will be.
The Citizens Task Force has heard from City Manager Dick Wilson and other City finance people several times. The evidence is compelling. Even after the slashes last year, we are $6.5M behind. Last Friday Assemblyman Bill Monning told the WILPF and the PDC that if the special ballot measures are defeated (and the polls say they will be) the Governor can and probably will grab another $1.6M from the City.
The short term is the immediate problem, of course, and in the short term very serious cuts are will be made. New revenue sources would help, but the time is too short. The State could impose a "sales tax" on services, and that would help too, but only in the long run. There may be some City projects that have been funded but where contracts have not been signed. Moneys for those projects could be "unfrozen" and returned to the General Fund.
Emergencies often have unintended consequences. When services are cut, restoring them when (if?) things get better is not easy. Perhaps worse than that, projects that are approved during a state of emergency will be with us for generations. Beyond the public relations job of the Citizens Task Force, the group is likely to make suggestions for longer term measures that could relieve our continuing budget problems. The good part is that need for revenue may help passage of tax increases. Taxes aimed at the tourist or entertainment industries, a tax on services, may be easier to pass. The very bad part is that growth or development will be seen as a long-term strategy to restore economic health. Watch very carefully for proposals to sell or develop Greenbelt areas. Those of us who believe that our City's ambiance must not be damaged may have our work cut out for us.
There will also be pressures for increased density inside the City. If growth is indeed a necessity, we'll have to go up or out. I'm not convinced that growth is required, and I fear that growth will damage the atmosphere that is the major reason we all are here. All that is a continuing debate that I fear soon will be greatly intensified".
PATTON'S PROGRAM. Attorney Gary Patton is "Of Counsel" for Wittwer & Parkin. He produces the following as scripts for his KUSP "Land Use Report". First he talks about Poor Clare's and how the county has been ignoring the citizens concerns about developing Clare's. He discusses how Monterey County and especially Marina has some good environmental news. Elkhorn Slough needs volunteers and training starts soon. Then UCSC's Chancellor will be talking with Santa Cruz neighbors and you can go ask him about how he's planning to take away 1/2 of our city water supply for his new North Campus development.
EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Tim deals with compassion, the Supreme Court, and our future...scroll down about 2 1/2 pages.
LANDAU'S PROGRES. 'One small detail about Miami... there are many good people as well' (from Saul's notes) and he continues his telephone conversation with Gerardo Hernandez (Cuban Five) from the U.S. prison (Part IV) read it here...
WATERS WEIGHS IN. Christina offers her initial impressions of the all-new Cellar Door cafe fare, and new chef at the Bonny Doon Vineyard tasting room, plus a few choice food & wine updates. All at http://christinawaters.com
REPEAT AGAIN...GREEN PARTY PRESEDENTIAL CANDIDATE 2 B HERE. DAVID COBB a lawyer, organizer, and social activist, and 2004 presidential candidate will appear in Santa Cruz at 7pm on Friday May 15. David Cobb is well known for his work as an advocate for curbing the undue power of mega-corporations. He will address the issue of how multi-national mega-corporations have become unelected governing institutions that undermine democracy in the U.S. He will share his vision of a nonviolent, democratic revolution to make the promise of democracy a reality. David Cobb serves on Sierra Club's national Corporate Accountability Committee, is a co-founder and member of the Board of Directors for the Green Institute, and a Principal with POCLAD (Program on Corporations Law and Democracy.) The event, sponsored by WILPF Santa Cruz and Pajaro, will be at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 420 Melrose Avenue, Santa Cruz (behind Safeway on Morrissey.) $5-10 donation (no-one turned away for lack of funds). For more information call 831 465 8272 or nabbey@cruzio.com.
STAR TREK, A WINNER. I watched all the original Star Trek tv series and loved them all. That was state of the art back then and Shatner's acting was actually inventive for the time. To see the reverence and talent applied to the new Star Trek movie is amazing and I loved every minute of it. Intelligent, well acted, great script and it is held together by a respect for all the lore and data collected over four decades of sequels. It is a wonderful entertaining film go see it on the big screen.
NEXT DAY AIR. This miserable piece of junk should be banned from the screen and from tv and from allowing any copies on anything ever being made. Someplace it said, "comedy" but nobody laughed when I saw it...then again I was alone in the theatre. That should tell you something right there.
MANAGEMENT. Steve Zahn and Jenifer Aniston do more acting in this little film than you've ever seen them do before...and they're good. Woody Harleson ruins every part of the movie he's in but that's more the director's fault. If you like Kingman Arizona this is your film.
EXAMINED LIFE. Like Enlighten Up a woman director does a documentary seeking answers to big questions. This one has about 8 philosophers talking about life, death, truth and more such topics. Cornel West can't put more than five words together and communicate but he tries. So do both men and women thinkers. It'll grab you in places and you'll sit in stupor other times but go see it anyways.
RUDO Y CURSI. That means Tough and Corny, which are the nicknames given to two soccer playing brothers from Jalisco. Gael Garcia Bernal is in it and the director is Carlos Cuaron not his brother Alfonso the famous Cuaron. Excellent sports film with enough plot twists and changes to keep you very interested. Funny, sad, real and tough and corny. Go for it.
REPEAT, REPEAT..."NEW" IDEA FOR BRATTONONLINE.COM. Please keep sending those great clips of good viewable material. Ever since BrattonOnline.com started back in June of 2003 many, many of you have been kind and forwarded some really fine visual and oral web material....keep it up and every week I'll include the best in a new paragraph titled..."LINKS YOU'LL LOVE, LAUGH & LINGER OVER"..
Shadowbrook & Crow's Nest Owner Ted Burke (also a member of the Santa Cruz Business Council!!!) sent in this great British dentist joke.
Former Santa Cruzan Kelly Pitzer of Pitzer Construction in Lahaina amazes us again this week with her link to some guys who trained goldfish...no really!! Watch closely, I can't detect any special effects
KAPU 104.7 FM. Tim Seidl Hawaiian music dj at KAPU has invited me on his radio program this Thursday (May 14th ) from 4pm until we run out of things to talk about. We'll talk about our shared adventures on Kauai, the Big Island, and Oahu and what we've learned since.
SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL'S HOT HARPSICHORDIST. It isn't too often you watch a young harpsichordist really excite an audience. That's what Matthew Auerbach did when he played Saturday at The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival's last concert for the season at UCSC's Music recital hall. In both duets with Linda Burman- Hall and in his solos he added a flair that gave all new possibilities to the sound of the harpsichord. Write his name down someplace so you won't forget where you heard it first.
NEW MUSIC WORKS 28th ANNUAL AVANT GARDEN PARTY. 28 years and growing!!! It'll happen SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2009 3-7pm. As director and host Phil Collins says, "A CARNIVAL of Sounds & Flavors from Brazil to Zimbabwe It's Omni-Musical!! It's Gastronomical!!! Come join us and indulge your ears, palate and eyes Benefit your senses and New Music Works! THE MUSIC??? MANDOLIN MAVERICK, MIKE MARSHALL and his Choros Ensemble: Andy Connell, clarinet Gyan Riley, guitar Brian Rice, percussion. Singing Wood Marimba Ensemble
Joyful dance music of Zimbabwe brightens the afternoon with choruses of marimbas and shakers. The Ariose Singers, conducted by Michael McGushin Songs of the Americas with a special celebration of Elliott Carter's 100th birthday. Lori Rivera, vocalist & Stan Poplin bassist. Intimate songs and improvisations by two of Santa Cruz' favorite performers Kenny Hill, Guitarist
Modern guitar delicacies by living American composers. Discover why the Avant Garden Party has been coined "Santa Cruz' best kept secret of the summer".
CHEFS JOZSEPH SCHULTZ AND DAVID JACKMAN (CHOCOLATE) bring their celebrated culinary flare to the day; specializing in what Schultz likened as a "samba of African and Latin American flavors." COME TO "THE GARDEN" @ 2701 Monterey Avenue, Soquel (off Soquel Drive) Ticket stuff; SantaCruzTickets.com; nmw.org or UCSC Box Office: 831/459-2159; Santa Civic Box Office 831/420-5260.All tickets subject to service charge
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30p.m. I host University Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm.or on your computer at WWW.KZSC.ORG. This Tuesday my first guests will be Nada Miljkovic and Roopesh Sitharan discussing their art pieces in the Digital Arts and New Media shows at MAH. My second guest will be former County Supervisor, former State Assemblyman and our now County Treasurer Fred Keeley about those damned state propositions, and more importantly according to Fred, what'll happen IF they don't pass!!! That's Tuesday May 12th 7:30-8:30pm. The week's ahead features such guests as, Bonny Hawley, new executive director of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, Luis Alejo Watsonville Vice Mayor, John Laird ex Assemblyman talking about Gay Rights legislation, Dr. Ballan Tuck on dentistry, Bookshop Santa Cruz Short Story winners, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Neal Coonerty, Robbie Schoen of Felix Kulpa gallery and on and on...
QUOTES."I am willing to love all mankind, except an American", Samuel Johnson. "I would like to live in Manchester, England. The transition between Manchester and death would be unnoticeable", Mark Twain. "Of course America had been discovered before Columbus, but it had always been hushed up", Oscar Wilde.
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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I.R.S. TO MOVE INTO RITTENHOUSE MAUSOLEUM!!!. It was a day like any other day when from out of the blue one of the BrattonOnline spies (still working full-time) reports in with, "guess what!!! The Internal Revenue Service is moving into the top floor of Louis Rittenhouse's mausoleum at Pacific and Church Street!!" The rest of the spies just stood there with jaws agape and arms akimbo. Then the well placed and top level spy added, "And that's probably why those huge federal looking eagles were added to the front of the building...on the top floor. The entire spy battalion is looking into this matter. Any responses such as "Big Brother will be looking down on us" will be overlooked.
PAVING POGONIP PROPERTY. Here's an article I lifted from the April, May, June issue of The Ventana (magazine of the Ventana Chapter of the sierra Club).
Unique farmland within city limits may be paved by Celia Scott
Do you think that agricultural land should be protected and preserved within the City of Santa Cruz to encourage and support local food production close to home? Do you think that dense housing development should be encouraged on the borders of the Pogonip Greenbelt lands in the Golf Club Drive Area? Or should it be located instead on major transportation corridors? If you care about these choices, it is time to pay attention. These questions and many other local planning issues are up for community decisions as the draft 2030 General Plan for the City of Santa Cruz finally moves forward again. An Environmental Impact Report on the proposed General Plan revision of our existing 1990-2005 General Plan is now underway. Public hearings before the City Planning Commission and the City Council are anticipated later in 2009, with no firm dates yet... [more] read the rest of the issue for even more environmental news.
WHERE'S FRED SEIKE? Cynthia Martino, who's a Nutritional Therapist and I got to talking about Fred Seike last week. Neither of us knew where he is or who to even ask if he's still around. Fred was the greatest Santa Claus that Santa Cruz ever had. He was last seen in his electric scooter chair buzzing around elaborating the benefits of medical marijuana, but where is he now? Lemme know if you know.
ALICE ON HBO's OLE' SERIES. HBO has a Latin American "Ole Series" that you can watch by going to the "HBO series" in your selection choices. All of the series are from Mexico and places south of there and are great...I mean great programs/series. I've watched the entire 8-12 chapter series of Capodocia (an inside view of life in a women's prison), Filhos de Carnaval (the mob controlled saga behind Rio's Carnaval), Epitafios(murder mystery that's incredibly tense and weird). Now there's Alice(in it's 7th week, and you can watch all the back chapters ) Alice leaves a small town and moves to big city- Sao Paulo and opens Wonderland and has adventures that you won't forget. HBO is incredibly expensive and I don't recommend paying all that money for it BUT IF you already have it be sure to find ALICE.
Poor Clares saga continues
Rezoning of Poor Clares property in Seacliff continues to the next stage of approval. Last week, the Santa Cruz County Planning Commissioners gave the go-ahead to their own staff recommendation with their approval, not exactly a landslide majority. The vote squeaked through on a 3-2 vote in favor of rezoning the property owned by Dominican Hospital to accommodate a five-acre medical facility, a four-acre, 80-unit high-density residential development and 150-room hotel on the remainder. Not to rehash what has been reported here previously, the new news from County Public Works was that they didn't think it was necessary to consider the impact of any traffic increases the developers would bring to the neighborhood outside the morning and evening weekday commute hours. Adding one traffic light at Searidge Rd. and State Park Drive would solve the over 4,000 new vehicle trips per day. Lost in the logic of this statement: the 2 million visitor trips per year to Seacliff State Park, just a few yards from the development. Why? Our County Public Works Director testified that the park trips were "discretional" and need not be considered.
One of the two dissenting commissioners pointed out that all this new traffic would have only one entrance and exit to all three developments, but three commissioners chose to ignore that. Those supporting the zoning change were Albert Arambaru (2nd District Pirie), Steve Kennedy (1st District Leopold), and Alberto Gonzalez (4th District Campos). The two commissioners opposed were Myrna Britton (5th District Stone) and Denise Holbert (3rd District Coonerty). Overheard from one of the residents who spoke in opposition to the rezoning at the meeting as we were leaving: "Remember Wingspread, we can do it again!"
To hear the testimony that was given at the Planning Commission, check this website. At some time in the near future, an audiotape of the entire proceedings will be available to the public online. This will all come up again at the May 12th Board of Supervisors meeting. If you want to support your Seacliff friends and neighbors, plan to attend this meeting, write letters to your own supervisor and ask them to oppose the rezoning of Poor Clares in Seacliff.
Everyone knows, unless he or she lives in Tralfamadore, that the City of Santa Cruz is in very deep financial water. Perhaps "water" is not the best metaphor. Of course our city is not alone; governmental entities and most businesses around the world are in financial do-do. We can't do much about most of these, but we can have modest effect on our local budgets. Or at least we thought we could.
Recall that the City, somehow and without any public hearing, knowledge or consent by the citizens or the Council, agreed to file the LAFCO application to extend water services to the proposed University expansion into the north campus area. The City---whatever and whomever the City is--- also agreed to pay half the costs of the LAFCO application and EIR costs for this development. The north campus is for the exclusive benefit of the University. A group of potential and major cost commitments flow from this agreement. These are the out of pocket costs for the EIR, consultants etc and the expenditure of staff time and resources, including attorney fees for the hearing. We are not aware of any limit whatsoever to the City's exposure to any of these costs.
The University is our major asset and is the single most important addition to the natural attributes which make Santa Cruz such a special place.. But the University still should pay its development costs, just like any other developer. Several local groups have asked the Council to reconsider, or rather, to consider for the first time, its apparently voluntary commitment to spend what could well be hundreds of thousands of dollars to aid the University expansion. The City could rescind that gratuitous commitment, or the Council could consent after hearing what citizens have to say. Or at least they could put a limit on the amount the City is willing to spend---the total costs could further bust our budget.
Rumor has it that the Council is too busy with budget problems to spend any time deciding whether the City should save that money or at least should limit its exposure. We are in a budget crisis, and I should think that every half-million dollars or so is something to think about. The Council should respond to the groups that have asked for a hearing.
PATTON'S PROGRAM. Attorney Gary Patton is "Of Counsel" for Wittwer & Parkin. He produces the following as his script for his KUSP "Land Use Report. Live Oak on notice re Tuesday 9am meeting. Monterey County Supervisor Lou Calcagno at the Prunedale Grange. John Leopold's Constituent meetings listed here. LAFCO meets Wednesday re Atkinson Lane. Santa Cruz Planning meeting Thursday about $ and General Plan in case you are a resident or property owner. Then he talks about Monterey's secret sub committee. Get it all here!
LANDAU'S PROGRES SAUL LANDAU continues his Interview with G. Hernandez titled 'Cuba's biggest "crime": its desire to be a sovereign and independent nation' EAGAN'S DEEP COVER. Mr. Eagan gives us his version of Truth , Torture and reality and Cheney....scroll to the same old place.
WATERS WEIGHS IN. Christina suggests a few hot tickets for your upcoming food and wine trekking, unveils Au Midi's summer plans and gushes about something at Soif - all at http://christinawaters.com.
ABOUT FILM CRITIC ROGER EBERT. Here's a great piece on Roger Ebert and how he's doing with his battle against throat cancer...
X-MEN ORIGINS; WOLVERINE. Last week's biggest box office smash opening, and you know what that means. Noisy knuckle dragging audience, shouts at all the wrong times, etc etc. Hugh Jackman and his stainless steel fingernails can't cut through this towering mass of clichés, and corn and not so –special effects.
THE GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST. Last week's number 2 big box office smash opening and that means the same thing. Noisy knuckle dragging teenage girls, shouts, giggles etc etc. Michael Douglas is in it and proves that he must need the money. Mathew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner are terrible too.
IS ANYBODY THERE? Michael Caine plays an old man perfectly, with good reason.. But sentiment almost turns to sediment with all the geezers in this feel-good film. HOWEVER for Santa Cruz audiences the fact that the sound track FEATURES a beautifully played Musical Saw is almost worth going for. No one including the SawLady from New York has been able to find out who's playing the saw. Wait and rent it.
SUGAR. A sports movie. But a very good sports movie, more than that it's an honest sports movie without all the Hollywood muck. A Dominican baseball player tries to make it in the big leagues, and that's all you should know....just go.
ENLIGHTEN UP! It's a documentary about a guy who tries hard to learn what Yoga is all about. The director was trying even harder to learn about Yoga, both failed. The movie goes nowhere, teaches nothing, and you'd be better off sitting in on one yoga class, you'd learn more.
SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL. Their last concert for the season is titled Fiat Lux: In praise of Light. Featuring Sheila Willey (soprano) and Matthew Auerbach (harpsichord). With Linda Burman-Hall (harpsichord) and Amy Brodo (viol & violoncello). They'll play music of color, featuring Bach's Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, Couperin's Les Dominos (a suite of color-matched baroque emotions) and his sunny Musettes for two harpsichords, joined by vocal works inspired by light and its absence. A meet-the-artist reception follows for donors and subscribers. It's this Saturday May 9th 7:30 p.m. UCSC Music Concert Recital Hall. TICKETS Online Click here to order through Santa Cruz Tickets.
Phone
- UCSC Ticket Office: 831-459-2159 (hours: TUE-SAT 12pm-4pm)
- Civic Center Box Office: 831-420-5260 (hours: M-F 11am-6pm, S-S 10am-1:30pm)
- Santa Cruz Baroque Festival: 831-457-9693 (leave message)
In Person
- UCSC Ticket Office: Theatre Arts, UCSC Campus(hours: TUE-SAT 12pm-4pm).
- Civic Center Box Office: 307 Church Street, downtown Santa Cruz (hours: M-F 11am-6pm, S-S 10am-1:30pm)
BOOKSHOP FRIDAYS. Gene Fintz ("Golden Voiced Gene") from KZSC's Bushwhackers Breakfast Club will be playing Friday night May 8 from 6:30-8:30pm.
The Bookshop had these Friday night little treats last year. Great fun and free too!! The Bookshop said, "We're always looking for more performers. Adrienne is the contact person if anyone is interested. She can be reached Sunday - Thursday at our main phone number (831)423-0900.
NARCOTICS TRADE PIECE IN HUFFINGTON POST. Davenport resident Wallace J. Nichols wrote this for Huffington Post, a sad but true situation titled Nature vs. Narco.
EL TEATRO CAMPESINO PRESENTS. "Sam Burguesa and The Pixie Chicks" It's being done by El Teatro Lab and their press release says, "There's a crisis rumblin' in Crumblen, California. Chicano slacker Sam Burguesa has lost it all - his home, his money, and his marbles. Someone just needs to 'splain that to the Pixie Chicks. Under the auspices of the new exploratory "Teatro Lab," the next generation of El Teatro Campesino creates a new musical workshop for the age of Obama. This cosmic cabaret promises to mix music, myth, magic and politics in a way only El Teatro can. Catch it before it flies away! Performances May 8 - 31, 2009 Thursday - Saturday 8:00 PM Sundays 2:00 PM Special Discount Prices for Opening Weekend May 8 - 10 all seats $10 (PARENTAL ADVISORY: Strong language and adult situations). Tickets Buy you Tickets On-line or Visit the show homepage or Read more info about the Teatro Lab »
YARDSALE FOR CHANGE. Big yard sale this Saturday! President Obama has lifted restrictions on travel by Cuban Americans to visit family on the island – but there's still an embargo on sending humanitarian aid – which includes hammers, saws, etc. to help Cuba rebuild after the devastation of the hurricanes – these are classified as restricted items because they are considered potential weapons ! Pastors to send building material & Caravanistas to Cuba for Peace challenge this absurd restriction – help us raise funds - Donate saleable items in good condition; Volunteer to help the day before the sale; shop our sale – household items, clothing, international imports. May 9th 9am-3pm Live Oak Grange 1900 17th Avenue. Special attraction: authentic indigenous Guatemalan items including huipiles and cortes. To donate or help: Call 465 8272 or nabbey@cruzio.com Sponsored by Santa Cruz Cuba Caravans part of the Pastors for Peace Friendshipment to Cuba.www.ifconews.org
SANTA CRUZ ANARCHIST CONFERENCE. There's an anarchist conference happening right here May 7-11th go to http://santacruzanarchist.org and get all the details. Or I'll bet you can just go to the Sub Rosa Coffee House and get updates.
REPEAT...NEW IDEA FOR BRATTONONLINE.COM. Please keep sending those great clips of good viewable material. Ever since BrattonOnline.com started back in June of 2003 many, many of you have been kind and forwarded some really fine visual and oral web material....keep it up and every week I'll include the best in a new paragraph titled..."LINKS YOU'LL LOVE, LAUGH & LINGER OVER".
Dave Grumpy Wendt sent this epistle titled "Doc's put in their 2 cents worth". Apparently the American Medical Association has weighed in on the new economic stimulus package. The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves. The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve. The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception. Dentists said the concept was false and lacked teeth. Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted. Pathologists yelled; "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!' The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it. Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter." The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea. The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no. In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in Washington.
UNIVERSITY GRAPEVINE. Each Tuesday from 7:30-8:30p.m. I host University Grapevine on KZSC88.1 fm. This Tuesday my first guest will be Katherine Beiers former mayor and present City Council person we'll talk about local politics naturally. My second guest will be Rosie Deakers, manager of the Dominican Hospital Orthopedic and Sports Rehab center on Frederick Street. Rosie will tell us lots of ideas, concepts and misconceptions about our bodies. That's Tuesday May 5th .
The week's ahead features such guests as Nada Miljkovic discussing DANM, Fred Keeley about those damned state propositions, Brian Staubenfiel and UCSC Opera, Luis Alejo Watsonville Vice Mayor, John Laird ex Assemblyman, Dr. Ballan Tuck on dentistry, Bookshop Santa Cruz Short Story winners, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Robbie Schoen of Felix Kulpa gallery and on and on...
QUOTES."Love is a hole in the heart", Ben Hecht. "If you want something for nothing, go jerk off", Bob Weir (Whole Earth Catalog). "I'll be damned if I love just to love--there's got to be more to it than that", Humphrey Bogart.
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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