BEACH HILL foot of Pacific circa 1910. Note the historic graffiti "M.J.B. WHY?" ad at the foot of the hill. That's of course the Hotel McCray now called "Sunshine Villa" that Alfred Hitchcock supposedly got inspired to create Bates and his Mom's house in Psycho. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

PRESERVATION MAGAZINE DETAILS SANTA CRUZ'S LA BAHIA BATTLE
Don't miss this story about Cary Grant staying at La Bahia and the Barry Swenson plans for La Bahia. It quotes both Don Webber and Jesse Nickell See this link. There's also news on that site about progress on the upkeep on L.A's Watts Towers. Good thing Swenson doesn't want to tear that down too.

HEADS UP ON LA BAHIA. Don Webber sends this alert..." This Friday, April 23, at 1:30 in the afternoon, Judge Paul Burdick will deliver his final ruling in the matter of our Petition (Build a Better La Bahia vs. City of Santa Cruz,  CV163910)  in Department 2 of Superior Court for Santa Cruz County.

You will recall that this action was brought last May after the Santa Cruz City Council approved the demolition of the La Bahia Apartments, a protected landmark, without considering any feasible alternative that might have saved a significant portion of this cultural resource. Our coalition filed a Petition, in the public interest, asking the court to order the City to undertake a new analysis that would consider such an alternative. Earlier this year, on February 19, Judge Burdick entered a tentative ruling in our favor.

If you attended that earlier hearing, thank you very much for demonstrating your interest in seeing the La Bahia developed in concert with our community's longstanding commitment to environmental protection and preservation of cultural resources. Superior court proceedings are open to the public, and you may want to attend this Friday's hearing as well. Thanks again. Don Webber PS You can visit the website of our attorney, Susan Brandt-Hawley, at www.preservationlawyers.com

TECHNICAL APOLOGY. It's not illegal to shoot your server but that's what Webwoman Gunilla Leavitt says went wrong with getting last weeks BrattonOnline...online. Thanks to all of you who emailed wondering about it, so did I. As previously mentioned,  I get these columns to her on Monday afternoons and the internet devils are in the details of producing it asap. Remember I'll be gone to Florida...there'll be no column until after May 10^th. Thanks again for all the Florida tips and for some reason not a single word or angle yet on how I can get some/any deal on a car...how come???
 

DAVID FOSTER AND RON POMERANTZ. Rick Longinotti emailed to report, "
A committee of labor, human rights, and environmental activists arranged a written and oral interview with 6 potential candidates for City Council. Two people emerged at the top of the scoring of both oral and written interviews: David Foster and Ron Pomerantz. Three other potential candidates received mixed support, resulting in a lack of consensus around their candidacy: Ed Porter, Bonnie Morr, and David Terrazas. Another candidate, Mark Halfmoon, has withdrawn his candidacy. Our committee is unified on supporting David Foster and Ron Pomerantz. We are happy to announce that both have decided to become candidates".

LULU'S NEWEST SPOT. Manthri Srinath owner of all existing Lulu Carpenter Coffee houses and The Coffee Cat in Scotts Valley told me he's opening a drive-through coffee stop outside the Soquel Avenue Whole Foods. That would be over near the Comcast office I suppose.

HISTORIC COMMERCIAL GRAFFITI. Historian Stan Stevens sent in this piece on the growing Graffiti in Santa Cruz. (see historic photo above) It's from the June 15^th edition of The Daily Surf in 1887. The title is beautiful it's called "The Literature of the Walls".

"A reporter for the SURF encountered the Mayor [Robert Effey] yesterday morning at the lower end of Pacific Avenue, gazing in a contemplative kind of way from the sidewalk to the fence in front of the Hihn property, which, when taken in connection with the unpaved street in front of it, is to say the least, not likely to draw out any complimentary remark from the summer visitor. "Yes," said the Mayor in answer to a guarded question by the SURF representative, "this thing of painting signs on every square foot of board within the city limits is getting to be an intolerable nuisance. Men are sent here from all over the country by patent medicine firms and others who, generally, without even taking the trouble of asking any person's permission, go to work and daub their signs wherever they are likely to be seen to the best advantage, with the result that our whole city is beginning to look as if it was rented for advertising purposes, but the thing has got to be stopped," and his Honor looked as if he meant all he said. It is safe to predict that there will be a corner in this particular kind of advertising space before many moons pass by". end of Surf piece.

PATTON'S PROGRAM. Gary talks about The City Council and the Capital Budget. He details The Land trust meetings regarding The Conservation Blueprint. Then he says, "In the City of Santa Cruz, talk about raising taxes and tax equivalents is becoming a bigger part of the community discussion and debate. One proposal, backed by the tourism industry, would impose a new "assessment" on tourist visits that would raise more money, but just for tourism related expenditures. Another concept is to raise the so-called "Transit Occupancy Tax," to generate more money from tourist visitors, but with the proceeds going into the City's General Fund, so it could be spent for whatever the Council decided were the City's highest priorities".(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 are Mr. Patton's.)

EAGANS DEEP COVER. See Tim's take on Class Warfare Funnies. Crank downwards.
 

LANDAU'S PROGRES. Saul Landau's article in Progreso Weekly is titled "The Decline of the Catholic Church". He opens with..."Scandals distract the public from focusing on key issues. Sometimes, however, they also provide insights into the character of leading cultural and political figures -- and their institutions. When the story finally broke -- after perhaps centuries of cover-ups -- about priests abusing youthful members of their flock I smirked, not of shock, but from recognition". Read the rest here
Saul Landau is an Institute for Policy Studies fellow whose films are on DVD from roundworldproductions@gmail.com   
 

LISA JENSEN LINKS. This week in Lisa Jensen's Pirate Adventure, Runaways: A Novel of Jonkanoo: Chapter 16: "Unfinished Business" Tory discovers that Fate has a taste for irony when she employs a desperate ruse to save Marcus from slave peddlers, only to find herself facing the end of her own freedom in Basseterre, St. Kitts. Click here to read Chapter 16  or: Click here to begin with Chapter 1
Lisa Jensen has been writing film reviews and a column for Good Times since 1975.

WATERS WEIGHS IN. Christina talks about lunch at Carniglia's, dinner at the Roadhouse, the Davenport Gallery's current exhibit and Bill Raney's book signing next month at Bookshop Santa Cruz.  All at http://christinawaters.com
 

A TOWN CALLED PANIC. (Belgium 2009) (repeat)  This opens in two weeks, April 30. But I didn't want you to miss it.. This is a 75 minute stop motion animated film much like George Pal's Puppetoons in the 1940's ...only much more funny. Funny like Pee Wee Herman or funny like George Melies, Man Ray, existential -absurd funny...plus brilliant. The Rotten Tomato film critics (Ebert, La Salle etc.) gave it a 100%.

LA MISSION. Even the local hoopla for this film can't save it from being almost another "Perfect Game" Hallmark sweet clichéd mess. Stereotyped Latino culture, homophobic family problems re-done and over done, a mistaken gang killing...what haven't we seen here? Don't go.
 

DEATH AT A FUNERAL. Chris Rock's and Neil LaBute's attempt to re-make this once fairly funny British comedy into a Black family brainless gross out was a failure. It's grosser than you can imagine. Poor taste, crude anti-gay humor all through it. Dull, predictable, and pointless. Save your money, see The Eclipse or How to Train your Dragon in 3D.

SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL. The concert is titled "Jefferson's Jigge". i.e. Join the Thomas Jefferson family for folk and Baroque dance tunes in the parlor of Monticello. Our consort's mix of classic colonial melodies, fancy continental imports, songs after Robert Burns, and passionate hymnody will set toes tapping. It's co-presented by the UCSC Music Department & Community Music School. Bill Coulter (guitar), Deby Benton Grosjean (fiddle), Barry Philips (cello), Boyd Jarrell (baritone), Linda Burman-Hall (early keyboards) and The Shape Note Singing Society Location: UCSC Music Recital Hall Saturday, May 1, 7:30pm ~ UCSC Music Center Recital Hall.

REEL WORK 2010 MAY DAY LABOR FILM FESTIVAL. Go to their website at www.reelwork.org Starting Tuesday April 20 through May 5 they've got films in three counties and many locations. Howard Zinn, Woody Guthrie, Harvey Milk, you can't miss and ...all free. Call 477-1665 for more details.

SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL. It starts right after the Reel Work Film Festival and runs May 6-15^th in many venues. Films from everywhere and way too many details so go here to see what's up.

UCSC'S PACIFIC RIM MUSIC FESTIVAL. With mostly newer music than the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and more widespread composers than the New Music Works, The Pacific Rim Music Festival returns to UC Santa Cruz this week, welcoming distinguished artists and composers from around the globe for five days of concerts and symposia that celebrate the intersection of contemporary and traditional music. The 2010 Festival takes place Wednesday-Sunday, April 21-25 at the UC Santa Cruz Music Center. Festival artistic director Hi Kyung Kim (UCSC Professor of Music) has invited several nationally and internationally acclaimed performing ensembles and individual artists to present 30 world premieres by distinguished contemporary composers (including winners of the Pulitzer Prize and Grawemeyer Award) as well as emerging young composers. The Festival will also feature various talks and symposia with presentations by world-renowned experts. Audiences are invited to attend all five main concerts and save up to $15 with a Festival Ticket Package. See all five main presentations for $27-$48 (available for student, senior, and general). Tickets are available at the UCSC Ticket Office, the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium box office, online at santacruztickets.com, by telephone (831-459-2159), and at the door.
Festival Ticket Package: $27-$48.Single concert tickets range in price from $8-$15.

WRECKS, THE REVIEW. Neil LaBute a former Mormon (he was thrown out!!) wrote Wrecks, the play. He also wrote such films as In The Company of Men, Lakeview Terrace and is generally and obviously regarded as having a "misanthropic" view of life. Wrecks is all of that. As mentioned above he directed Death at a Funeral, but he shouldn't have. The Van Antwerp Theatre Company production now at the Broadway Playhouse just April 22, 23, and 24^th is a deep dark, thoughtful play with a surprise ending. I saw it last Friday. Its one person cast is nicely acted by Jeff Swan as Edward Carr. Clues, hints and historic references about the secret are all over the place and are genuine fun to figure out. Call 475-2854 or go to Brown Paper Tickets.
 

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 (live only) at  WWW.KZSC.ORG. Terry Taylor will discuss the new Moss Landing Shakespeare Project on April 20^th, and Lauren Gilligan with Emily Glanville from Save Our Shores will educate us about plastic bags. Then I'm going to Florida for 2 weeks while Jacob Margolis ("On What Grounds") hosts the show April 27and May 4^th . Intrepid Good Times editor Greg Archer leads the show May 11^th and Maya Barsacq talks about Cadenza's May 29^th concert. On June 8^th we have the now traditional Bookshop Santa Cruz short story winners all reading their works for the entire hour. Even more traditional County Supervisor Neal Coonerty comes back on June 15^th to celebrate Grapevine's 4^th anniversary. Secular Humanist Dennis Etler follows Neal that night. Any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in and keep listening.

QUOTES. "In Hollywood, writers are considered only the first drafts of human beings", Frank Deford. "I won't eat anything that has intelligent life, but I'll gladly eat a network executive or a politician", Marty Feldman. "A reporter is a man who has renounced everything in life except the world, the flesh and the devil", David Murray.

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Bruce critiques films every Friday on KZSC-FM (88.1) on The Bushwhacker Breakfast Club at 8am.

LOVELY CAPITOLA MAY 15, 1956. That huge building right at the shoreline is the Saba Nightclub. Next to it is of course the now nearly destroyed Capitola Theatre. Note the parking spaces and this is May!!! photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

ARANA GULCH PROGRESS. Jean Brocklebank and Michael Lewis from Friends of Arana Gulch sent this update to BrattonOnline on Monday 4/12. "Here's a way to read the details about our Restoration Alternative with Interpretive Trails and see the original letter that went to the City Council also on Monday 4/12. We reviewed the tapes of the hearing and remarked on the Coastal Commission's instructions to the City. The City was definitely told to look at alternatives, plural, not just the one from CNPS, so our submitted alternative was prescient! Their plan deals with public access, saving the Tar Plant, bicycles, and enjoying the Greenbelt and it sounds perfectly reasonable and even win-win. Click here

DAMNED P.G.& E....AGAIN and AGAIN. Now we're reading just how PG&E is pitting all their guns against the cities and counties of San Francisco and Marin for trying to start up their own power companies. Santa Cruz should have its own power company!!!. (Let's see which Council person has enough brains and guts to even suggest such a progressive idea). Once again (I'm repeating)  NO ON 16. Everything bad we hear about corporations seems to go double for P.G.& E. Their latest scamming scheme is Prop. 16. Remember that's Prop 16, because by the time we get to vote there'll be so many to remember that Prop 16 may not jump right out at you. Pat Matejcek sent this...What is Proposition 16: the PG&E Power Grab? PG&E plans to spend at least $30 million on Prop 16, named the "New Two-Thirds Requirement for Local Public Electricity Providers." Prop 16 would amend the California Constitution to require local governments to obtain 2/3 majority voter approval before issuing public financing for a Community Choice energy program or for extending a public power utility any where in the state. In other words, Prop 16 seeks to write into law an electric monopoly for investor-owned utilities like PG&E, SoCal Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric.

What's Behind the PG&E Power Grab?  Californians are not required to purchase energy from an investor-owned utility like PG&E. In 2002, the state legislature approved AB117 (Community Choice energy), which allows cities and counties to purchase electricity or develop it locally through an energy provider of their choice. San Francisco and Marin County, for example, are in the process of developing Community Choice programs.

In a Community Choice program, a local government buys electrical power while a utility (PG&E) maintains the power lines and does the billing. These programs are generally designed to provide a high percentage of clean, renewable energy (such as solar and wind) as well as to match or beat utility prices; furthermore, any ratepayer may still choose to opt-out of the program and buy power from the utility.

PG&E currently gets only about 14% of its electricity from renewable energy and will fail to reach the state mandated minimum of 20% by this year. Instead, PG&E is investing mostly in dirty fossil-fuel plants that are powered by natural gas, and which emit large amounts of greenhouse gases. The PG&E power grab is meant to lock us into PG&E's dirty power and escalating rates.

Why You Should Oppose Proposition 16:
    * Prop 16 subverts the California Constitution and initiative process.
     * Prop 16 manipulates the legal and electoral process to enshrine PG&E's electric power monopoly in the Constitution.  
    * Prop 16 distorts our democratic system.
    * A 2/3 majority approval is not a one person, one vote system. It gives opponents twice as much voting power as those who vote Yes, making it nearly impossible to achieve public approval. We've seen how the 2/3 majority has crippled the California state budget process by putting the fate of the majority in the hands of the minority.
    * Prop 16 eliminates your community's choice to opt out of PG&E's high rates.
    * Prop 16 stifles competition for electric power. PG&E has the highest rates in California. In addition, PG&E has already begun 2010 with one rate increase and plans nine others that would hurt both residential and commercial customers.
    * Prop 16 violates state law by thwarting local control of energy.
    * Prop 16 is specifically meant to undermine California's Community Choice law (AB 117), which gives cities and counties the option of buying cheaper, cleaner power than that provided by PG&E. AB 117 requires electric utilities to cooperate with Community Choice programs.
    * Prop 16 threatens the future of clean energy and green jobs.
    * Prop 16 undermines local renewable energy development and the business growth associated with it.
    * Prop 16 endangers our health.
    * Prop 16 imposes PG&E's dirty power and the pollutants that accompany fossil fuel energy on Bay Area communities.
    * Prop 16 stalls greenhouse gas reductions.
    * Prop 16 undercuts efforts to provide sustainable, clean energy options to PG&E's dependence on fossil fuels.
If you want to get involved or for more info, flyers, and actions go to the website:www.localcleanenergy.org

PATTON'S PROGRAM. Gary Patton reports on the Marina Coast and the desal plant. There's also his talking about SB375 and Land Use Planning. Will Watsonville Re-do it's General Plan?? And Earth Day is happening soon. Tune in.
(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 are Mr. Patton's.)

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Tim zeroes in on our president's latest proposals (snicker, snicker) scroll way below...and check it out.

LANDAU'S PROGRES. Saul reviews, critiques and adds his own takes on "The Most Dangerous Man In The World" the film about Daniel Ellsberg. You can see Dangerous Man at the Santa Cruz Film Festival. Click here
Saul Landau is an Institute for Policy Studies fellow whose films are on DVD from roundworldproductions@gmail.com   

LISA JENSEN LINKS. This week in Lisa Jensen's Pirate Adventure, Runaways: A Novel of Jonkanoo: Chapter 15: "The Riddle Of The Stars" Marcus finds a treasure outside the Bath Hotel, Jack disbelieves in Fate, and Fate responds by placing the means
for revenge into the hands of an old enemy. Click here to read Chapter 15
Click here to begin with Chapter 1  Lisa Jensen has been writing film reviews and a column for Good Times since 1975.

WATERS WEIGHS IN. This week Christina takes on Clash of the Titans, recommends an upcoming art show in Davenport and sips white wine at La Posta. All at
http://christinawaters.com

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING. Bill Malone emails to say that the People's Democratic Club meeting will be next Thursday, April 22 at 7 PM. Location: Democratic Party Headquarters. 740 Front Street, Suite #165 (Galleria) Santa Cruz. More info: 420-1133.He adds...The Primary Election is coming up fast -- in less than two months -- June 8. It's time to start doing some serious evaluation of what is on the ballot and what are the issues behind the ballot. Who better to help us discuss and analyze political matters than John Laird?  We all know that John is a former Assembly member from our area (and former head of the Assembly Budget Committee). Those of you that know John well know that he has remained politically tuned-in, both locally and state wide, has keen political insight and is usually aware of behind-the-scene political machinations. We are asking John to discuss the ballot Propositions and some of the important races, as well as give us some recommendations. Most of you know that John's current "life-of leisure" will soon end. John is busy making plans for a run for the State Senate, 15th District seat. He is preparing to hit the deck running the moment that seat opens up. John will tell us all about it and tell us what we can do to help. With John Laird discussing politics, it promises to be an interesting and informative evening.  Don't miss it. That's Thursday, April 22 at 7 PM. Location: Democratic Party Headquarters. 740 Front Street, Suite #165 (Galleria) Santa Cruz.

THE JONESES. Hopefully you haven't seen the trailer for this film, it gives away the funky surprise plot.  I liked it because I'm a sucker for an original story. This one is original and stars David Duchovny and a very believable Demi Moore (which surprised me). It also stars Lauren Hutton looking her age (65) just naturally..

AJAMI. Israel's entry for last years Foreign Film Oscar. It's a confusing story about hatred, race, religion, and love all happening in the outskirts of Tel Aviv. Romeo and Juliet plot involving a Jewish girl and a Palestinian guy. There's an Israeli policeman, secret deals, Christians, Muslims, serious money, family debts and it's all depressing and darker than you can imagine. Don't go if you have anything depressing on your mind to begin with.

THE PERFECT GAME. This is the most perfect piece of crap movie ever made. It is cloying, predictable, Hallmark sweet, dull, predictable and the true story of how a bunch of Little League kids from Monterrey Mexico won the world series in Louisville Kentucky in 1957. Lou Gossett and Cheech Marin are in it, but they shouldn't have been. Push your little 7-11 year olds into the theatre, don't go with them. They might like it...if they're into baseball and haven't seen many movies in real theatres yet.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON IN 3D ONLY. I mentioned this before but it's still around and in 3D see it if you enjoy good stories, creativity and 3D.

5^TH ANNUAL SECRET FILM FESTIVAL. There's something special about seeing three feature length films from 6:30 am to noon on a Sunday morning. I did that last Sunday at the Del Mar's Secret Film Festival so did about 360 other film nuts. Coffee, Cheerios, muffins, pillows, popcorn and wild ass enthusiasm were everywhere. Absolutely grand fun. The films they show are all first rate, newer than new films, and you won't see them all on big screens even later.

(6:30 am) A TOWN CALLED PANIC. (Belgium 2009) This is a 75 minute stop motion animated film much like George Pal's Puppetoons in the 1940's ...only much more funny. Funny like Pee Wee Herman or funny like George Melies, Man Ray, existential -absurd funny...plus brilliant. The Rotten Tomato film critics (Ebert, La Salle etc.) gave it a 100%. Late breaking news is that the Nick or Del Mar will open this magnificent cinematic achievement Friday April 30th. Don't miss it.

(8:35 am) TERRIBLY HAPPY. The Danish film entry for last years Oscars... this is a pushy and very good film. It's pushy in the way it pushes boundaries close to comedy yet is very noir dark and gloomy. Pushes western film boundaries like High Noon and even  Bergman type symbolism. Of course it was based on a true story but what isn't now a days?? See it on or about May 14^th at The Nick probably.

(10:20 am) DISTRICT 13 ULTIMATUM. This French film was written by Luc Besson which means it is an action film way beyond Hollywood's ability to create anything close to the timing, photography, fun, violence and even the purpose of a modern action film. It takes place in parts of Paris tourists never see, really bad parts. If you like action films you'll worship this one.

FLORIDA TOUR GUIDING. Even more thanks for all the Florida advice, tips, hints, sights, scenes and we're going anyway :-)

SOMEBODY MUST HAVE A CAR DEAL. Not a single word from anyone about a car deal...and my old tiny '98 Pontiac Grand Am is getting noisier by the mile. Maybe you know somebody who's getting too old to drive and has a gem on wheels? Maybe? Do get in touch if you think of anything at all...thanks.

HOSTETTERS HOT STUFF. Paul Hostetter advised attending the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival's Venetian Tapestries (think singing) and he was right it was wonderful. Then he recommends the very ambitious Pacific Rim Music Festival (think a lot of imaginative and stimulating pan-Pacific music) plus lots of mandolin stuff, because it's that time of year. Details here at: http://www.lutherie.net/live.music.html  Have a great weekend! pH

REEL WORK MAY DAY LABOR FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS. The Northern California Premiere of "The People Speak" As a Celebration of the Life and Work of Howard Zinn (1922-2010)  The People Speak is his last film, a theatrical outgrowth of his textbook, The People's History of the United States.  It was inspired by the transformative words of common people throughout our history. It will screen Wednesday, April 28, 7 pm at The Del Mar Theatre, Santa Cruz. We need your help to complete this program! Howard believed in us and our ability to carry on the work of social change. We will not let him down! What were the most memorable words you have heard lately?  Who spoke them? Is there someone that deserves to have their story told?  What did they do? Please send your ideas and suggestions to info@reelwork.org. Check the full program for the venues, times and data...remember it's free!!! The Reel Work Labor Film Festival 2010 schedule is available on their website www.reelwork.org. It happens April 20-May 5 look for details, call 477 1665 for info.

SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL. It starts right after the Reel Work Film Festival and runs May 6-15^th in many venues. Details are still in planning stages but go here http://www.santacruzfilmfestival.org/program.html to see what's up.

"WRECKS" BY NEIL LA BUTE. A play that asks "Can someone honestly love a person they have deceived for thirty years? Meet Edward Carr: adoring father, successful businessman, grieving widower. This is a love story, but a love story by Neil LaBute. 

The dramatist who gave us Fat Pig, The Mercy Seat, The Shape of Things,
In the Company of Men, and more. His work has collected descriptions like unsettling, black humor,  a playwright to mix sympathy and savagery, pathos and power. It stars Jeff Swan, and is directed by Joan Van Antwerp. Dates: April 16,17,22,23,24 @ 8p
Location: Broadway Playhouse- 526 Broadway Santa Cruz.

SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER PLAYERS PRESENTS...A CONCERT of CONSORTS. Music for Like-minded Wind Instruments by Modern Composers
Music by Vaughan Williams, Gordon Jacob, Barry Phillips, Imogen Holst, Gabriel Pierne and Gary Schocker . The idea of consort playing has been around for years, and still appeals to the modern composer. These pieces celebrate families of instruments playing together in a special and unique kind of blend. There is nothing like playing music with people who understand you! In addition to groups of flutes and reeds, these creative players have combined the two, and will also be playing homemade bamboo instruments – very green indeed, as they're made by hand from homegrown bamboo and used wine corks! Shelley Phillips, artistic director, oboe, cor anglais, flute, recorder, bamboo pipe Carol Panofsky, oboe, flute, recorder. Lars Johannesson, flute, recorder, bamboo pipe. Jeff Gallagher, clarinet, oboe, recorder, flute, bamboo pipe. Christa Stiner, bassoon, recorder, bamboo pipe APRIL 17, 8 PM., APRIL 18, 3 PM
Christ Lutheran Church 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos (Exit Highway 1 at Freedom Blvd.) Tickets at the door or 831.425.3149 www.scchamberplayers.org

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 (live only) at  WWW.KZSC.ORG. Historic Preservationist Judy Steen will hold forth on April 13 with UCSC's Jonathan Fox talking about ethnic differences in Mexican Migrants.  Terry Taylor will discuss the new Moss Landing Shakespeare Project on April 20^th, and Lauren Gilligan with Emily Glanville from Save Our Shores will educate us about plastic bags. Then I'm going to Florida for 2 weeks while Jacob Margolis ("On What Grounds") hosts the show April 27and May 4^th.  Any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in and keep listening.

QUOTES. "What the scientists have in their briefcases is terrifying", Nikita Khrushchev. "One of the problems we're going to have to solve is to make the armed Forces so popular, everyone wants to get in", General Lewis B. Hershey. "You know he added," it's one of the most serious things that can possible happen to one in battle—to get one's head cut off", Lewis Carroll/Through The Looking Glass

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Bruce critiques films every Friday on KZSC-FM (88.1) on The Bushwhacker Breakfast Club at 8am.

TOUCHING UP JESUS. These elderly angels are primping Jesus and his friends on April 23, 1954.(note the extra hand on the left). This is the life size wax Last Supper statuary that Harry Lisbon created and that was on display in the Santa Cruz/Broadway Stage/Art League Theatre for decades starting in the 1950's. It was moved in 1990 to the Santa Cruz Memorial Park and you can see it there, but call first. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

OIL DRILLING FORUM IN SANTA CRUZ.
The Surfrider Foundation wants to give everyone a chance to speak out on this forming plan, so "Listen up, and read the info below." We all need to sound-off loud and clear to our elected representatives...and we need to do it NOW! You're invited to join the Surfrider Foundation and Environment California to learn more about the threat of offshore oil drilling and why it's not the answer! We are hosting community meetings around the state of California to discuss the renewed push for offshore oil drilling and what can be done to safeguard local communities. Please mark your calendars and join your fellow community members on: Tuesday, APRIL 20, 7-8 p.m. First Congregational Church, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz .To learn more about Surfrider's Not The Answer campaign visit www.NotTheAnswer.org or email: Ssekich@surfrider.org

FACTS ABOUT FLORIDA. Both Patrick Mulhearn and Debbie Bulger emailed to tell me/us that The Salvador Dali museum in St. Petersburg, Florida is worth visiting.

Patrick also added, "You should also go to Ybor City (the Latin Quarter) for Cuban Coffee and a Cuban Sandwich". Ocala also has an excellent museum.  The Appleton Museum of Art is (in my opinion) home to a finer collection than our MAH.  You should definitely check it out just so that you don't despair too much on the state of affairs in rural America. Faux Canadian Dan Dickmeyer adds, "Friends just returned from Florida and confirmed.  It's flat.  In more ways than one.  Ever since Anita Bryant I have never seen much to like about it".

PESKY CAR PROBLEM. Another plea to search your garage, your friends, and your clever ideas about where I can get a good used car to replace my 98 Pontiac Grand Am which has developed a bad cough. All thoughts welcome, I need a car!!!

PATTON'S PROGRAM. Gary talks about Monterey Counties water problems and their General Plan update that's happening. He also says that Land Watch Monterey will be dealing with transportation at their meeting. Fort Ord is facing development issues. Most importantly The California Environmental Quality Act CEQA is being seriously attacked by stopping citizen enforcement of its provisions. It's on a petition titled Jobs and Housing Act coming out soon ....DON"T SIGN IT, even at Trader Joe's. Read it all here. (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 are Mr. Patton's.)

EAGANS DEEP COVER. All knowing Tim Eagan sees all in "Dead Man Running" scroll in the only possible direction..except up.

LANDAU'S PROGRES. Saul writes,:  Human Rights: Substance v. Procedure? He  starts off with, "A 2006 BBC poll showed the United States as the "biggest global peace threat." He concludes with," President Obama and Congress teamed up for health-insurance reform, one positive step. Now, stop wasting money on self-righteous human rights attacks on others while our home needs desperate repair: like food and shelter for millions". Read all of his piece here.. Saul Landau is an Institute for Policy Studies fellow whose films are on DVD from roundworldproductions@gmail.com   

WHY IS CUBA SO IMPORTANT?  And how can we end the US blockade and travel ban? An informational evening & fundraiser for Santa Cruz Cuba Caravans with : Congressman Sam Farr,* Pastors for Peace National Caravan Coordinator - John Waller* Emceed by the inimitable Brett Taylor * Cuban music from Flor de Caña* A dessert buffet and sparkling drinks* Slide show from the Caravan* Great raffle prizes - 7-9 pm, Monday April 19th, 2010 Live Oak Green Grange - 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz  For more information 831-512-6688 cucaravan@hotmail.com Cosponsors:
Three Americas, Watsonville Brown Berets, Santa Cruz Cuba Study Group

LISA JENSEN LINKS. This week in Lisa Jensen's Pirate Adventure, "Runaways: A Novel of Jonkanoo": Chapter 14: "Fools' Revels" During raucous holiday revels on the island of Nevis, painful memories threaten to pry Tory and Jack apart, while Alphonse is haunted by ghosts from his past.
 Click here to read Chapter 14   
Click here to begin with Chapter 1
Lisa Jensen has been writing film reviews and a column for Good Times since 1975.

WATERS WEIGHS IN. Christina promises... a visit to Beauregard Vineyards and  she makes rack of lamb for Easter. Plus some upcoming must-see art events, at http://christinawaters.com

CLASH OF THE TITANS IN FAKE 3D. Critics and most audiences have had a field day with Liam Neeson's pronouncement "Release the Kraken" in this gigantic special effects piece of garbage. Of course it was last weekend‘s biggest box office hit. What no one has talked about is how poor and how dark and fuzzy the 3D is. Because it was filmed in 2D and they added the 3D to make the extra bucks that Train Your Dragon, Alice in Wonderland, Avatar, and other 3D giants were sucking in. Avoid this one like the plague or more aptly like the Kraken.

VINCERE. This excellent film is all about Benito Mussolini's secret love affair, the son that resulted and the woman who fought him all her life to get recognition. It's also a visually beautiful film with marvelous aesthetic touches that add to the depth of watching it. Go quickly like this weekend , don't end up saying," Well we were going to go, but they only played it for a week". 

THE SECRET OF KELLS. It's a very two dimensional cartoon kiddy story of the legendary history behind the Book of Kells. It's so artsy and contrived that it looks like a Saturday morning kiddy cartoon show or like John Hubley's UPA Studio 1950's Mister Magoo series. Kells is too flat, too simple, not human enough to justify the subject.

HOSTETTERS HOT STUFF. Big weekend coming up: Kevin Burke and Open House, The S.C. Baroque Festival show. Don't forget the Spring Opera Workshop at UCSC is about to spring. And one more thing, by the way, André Marchand and Lisa Ornstein are on the road heading south—bringing workshops and concerts in a rather yo-yo like mini-tour. From Portland they come down, and then they go right back up. Check http://www.lutherie.net/live.music.html for details and glimpses. Be sure to scroll past the outdated events to see some great stuff happening all the way into June!!

THE NAZZ, or LORD BUCKLEY LIVES!!!. Songbird Gail Cruse is producing a salute to Lord Buckley and Don McCaslin titled The Nazz...based on the Lord's great 1959 riff on Jesus amongst Us.. So you think "hip" is new?  The April 8^th performance of THE NAZZ is a near exact re-creation of the musical arranged by Don McCaslin and cast in the mid-80s.  This tribute will be performed by: Ann Whittington, Charmaigne Scott, Ruby Rudman, Gail Cruse, Lee Durley, Jeff Caplan, Don Scott, Rebekah (Belly Dancer) Martan Mann (keyboards), Phil Smith (saxophone), Jamie Brudnick (bass), Stan Soroken (trumpet), Steve Wilson (trombone), Olaf Schippiacasse (drums). It'll be at The Kuumbwa, April 8^th      6:00PM for dinner guests, 7:00PM Curtain. Tickets: Kuumbwa Box Office or online at www.kuumbwajazz.org

SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL PRESENTS... Venetian Tapestry with the Schola Cantorum San Francisco (Paul Flight, director), Santa Cruz Brass Quartet, Brian Staufenbiel (tenor) & friends, and Linda Burman-Hall (harpsichord) Venetian brass music and motets, as well as virtuoso sacred and secular music for solo voices will bring to life this Italian city-state 400 years back. It's a broad sonic glimpse into this world, facilitated by two contrasting ensembles, and joined by a cast of solo vocalists and harpsichord. This very Saturday, April 10, at 7:30pm at the Holy Cross Church (126 High Street, Santa Cruz) Tickets at UCSC Ticket Ofc (www.santacruztickets.com, 831-459-2159), SC Tickets Civic Center Box Office, and SC Baroque Festival (www.scbaroque.org, 831-457-9693).

WRECKS BY NEIL LA BUTE. A play that asks "Can someone honestly love a person they have deceived for thirty years? Meet Edward Carr: adoring father, successful businessman, grieving widower. This is a love story, but a love story by Neil LaBute.

The dramatist who gave us Fat Pig, The Mercy Seat, The Shape of Things, In the Company of Men, and more. His work has collected descriptions like unsettling, black humor,  a playwright to mix sympathy and savagery, pathos and power. It stars Jeff Swan, and is directed by Joan Van Antwerp. Dates: April 16,17,22,23,24 @ 8p
Location: Broadway Playhouse - 526 Broadway Santa Cruz.

SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER PLAYERS PRESENTS...A CONCERT of CONSORTS. Music for Like-minded Wind Instruments by Modern Composers Music by Vaughan Williams, Gordon Jacob, Barry Phillips, Imogen Holst, Gabriel Pierne and Gary Schocker. The idea of consort playing has been around for years, and still appeals to the modern composer. These pieces celebrate families of instruments playing together in a special and unique kind of blend. There is nothing like playing music with people who understand you! In addition to groups of flutes and reeds, these creative players have combined the two, and will also be playing homemade bamboo instruments – very green indeed, as they're made by hand from homegrown bamboo and used wine corks! Shelley Phillips, artistic director, oboe, cor anglais, flute, recorder, bamboo pipe Carol Panofsky, oboe, flute, recorder. Lars Johannesson, flute, recorder, bamboo pipe. Jeff Gallagher, clarinet, oboe, recorder, flute, bamboo pipe.
Christa Stiner, bassoon, recorder, bamboo pipe APRIL 17, 8 PM., APRIL 18, 3 PM
Christ Lutheran Church 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos (Exit Highway 1 at Freedom Blvd.) Tickets at the door or 831.425.3149 www.scchamberplayers.org

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 (live only ) at  WWW.KZSC.ORG. Paul Figueroa and Susan Hillhouse from MAH will undoubtedly  talk a lot about their surfing show on April 6^th  followed by Joan Van Antwerp discussing her play Wrecks opening April 16. Historic Preservationist Judy Steen will hold forth on April 13 with UCSC's Jonathan Fox talking about ethnic differences in Mexican Migrants.  Terry Taylor will discuss the new Moss Landing Shakespeare Project on April 20^th, and Lauren Gilligan with Emily Glanville from Save Our Shores will educate us about plastic bags. Then I'm going to Florida for 2 weeks while Jacob Margolis ("On What Grounds") hosts the show April 27and May 4^th .  Any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in and keep listening.

QUOTES. "The only reason I would take up jogging is so I could hear heavy breathing again", Erma Bombeck. "They can get a man on the Moon but they cannot get a man on MarTina Navratilova", Roy Brown. "What is the play about ? I would say it's about... to make me a great deal of money", Tom Stoppard.

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Bruce critiques films every Friday on KZSC-FM (88.1) on The Bushwhacker Breakfast Club at 8am.