Highlights this week:
BRATTON about Google and our silicon beach development, Dream Inn plans slightly revised back again, Bonny Doon & Cemex property…GREENSITE on UCSC growth hype…KROHN deals with Soda tax and Exxon pressure, rent control…STEINBRUNER reports on cannabis licensing, more taxes, no local hires at Rancho del Mar, public hearings lack of notices, Aptos Village meetings…PATTON and mosquitoes, Trump and viruses…EAGAN and the NRA…DeCINZO and the rains…JENSEN and “A Fantastic Woman”…Bratton critiques Red Sparrow, Death Wish, Nostalgia, and A Fantastic Woman…UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE GUESTS…QUOTES great quotes on Daylight Savings Time (March 11th!)
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DEBBIE BULGER sent this You tube video reminding us we had warnings before the 1989 earthquake, and either ignored them or laughed!! Loma Prieta Earthquake 1989 Santa Cruz: 1987 Official Warning |
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UCSC AND THE 1989 EARTHQUAKE. Here’s another reminder of that 1989 quake and some on camera reactions at UCSC. |
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OPTICAL ILLUSION DANCERS. I know I used this one before but I just watched it again. Strange that it hasn’t been copied and added more effects. |
DATELINE March 5, 2018
WHAT IF GOOGLE OR FACEBOOK??? With all the talk and strife regarding growth, rents, students, and development in general, just think about this…what if Google, Facebook, eBay or another monster tech giant announced they want to build and create a new branch factory right here in Santa Cruz? Of course it would be a big one — employing 1000’s — and creating a gigantic spiffy new architectural marvel taking up 100 + acres? Want to bet we’d have a civil war between all the businesses like Chambers, Associations, developers, ¾ of the city council and realtors versus environmentalists? It would be huge. We defeated the 10,000 homes planned for Wilder Ranch back in the 70’s, but I wouldn’t bet on it now. The difference between the reaction to UCSC growth and a Google Expansion…tell me about it!!!
DREAM INN PLANS REVEALED…AGAIN. Speaking of development, last Friday’s Sentinel (March 2) had a sketch and some sketchy new plans for the parking lot across the street from the Dream Inn. The public’s loud and clear reaction to Long Beach-based developer Ensemble Real Estate Investments led them to replace the first architect, and make a few other changes. As the Sentinel states in its kiss-up copying of the developer’s wishes…“The project is a housing project, first and foremost. It’s an inclusionary project that offers affordable housing on site at income levels that will be attainable to local service workers,” Ensemble principal and project lead Tyson Sayles said in a sit-down interview Friday. “We’re not just meeting, we’re exceeding the city’s inclusionary housing standards, and we’re doing that to qualify for the state’s density bonus.” Apparently we are supposed to believe that. We know full well that maybe the Coastal Commission will stay firm, but we also know that after listening to developer’s pleas that it won’t pencil out and the affordable part will get lost. Watch this space, and don’t forget that once again it was — and is — the power of the people joining together that made these small changes possible.
BONNY DOON & DAVENPORT & CEMEX & BEVIRT. The latest issue of the Rural Bonny Doon Association’s newsletter has an important article that affects our county….
Will Joby Aviation’s Cement Plant Plan Fly?
As Bonny Doon startup Joby Aviation pursues the purchase of the closed Cemex Cement Plant, Davenport residents are wondering whether they like the idea.
On Dec. 5 in Davenport, at a public meeting to discuss possible uses for the shuttered plant, Joby founder JoeBen Bevirt, who grew up on Last Chance Road, stated his desire to purchase the plant to develop an electric helicopter. Recently, Joby received a $100 million investment to help it stay ahead of several other major competitors around the world, including Uber. Bevirt’s vision is to build a helicopter fleet that can zip three or four passengers at a time above traffic, at a relatively reasonable cost, about $60. The machines are now being tested at the former Cemex limestone quarry east of Bonny Doon Road, which Bevirt bought a few years ago.
At the Dec. 5 meeting the proposal by Bevirt received a generally favorable response, though people worried that if he no longer controlled Joby the new management might not be as community and environmentally friendly as Bevirt. They also wanted to know a lot more specific details before blessing the proposal, like noise levels, how many employees will work there, and proposed flight paths. Bevirt is expected to respond in the near future, and there will be another community meeting to talk about it.
On Dec. 17, the Davenport/North Coast Association (DNCA) met with Bevirt and the County to formulate its terms for endorsing the proposal. The DNCA has several major concerns, regardless of who takes over the cement plant: that the small town nature of Davenport be preserved; that the tangled rights to San Vicente Creek water be settled and Davenport’s rights to it be permanently established and that new uses of the plant not impact the supply; that the new owners provide high-quality well-paid jobs; that any toxics at the plant be cleaned up; that it also be used as a visitor center and access point for Cotoni Coast Dairies and San Vicente Redwoods and that the Rail Trail connect to it; that oceanside development be limited (one of Cemex’s parcels is west of Hwy. 1); and that various other services be improved, including internet and cell phone communications, fire, police and postal service”. Let’s see how the RBDA follows up on this one., and especially watch how their County Supervisor Ryan Coonerty handles it.
PRT SPONSOR SITE. If you glance to the right in this BrattonOnline.com you’ll see a bunch of sponsors. Also please notice the new sponsor PRT (Personal Rapid Transit). It’s a link to their website, as are each and every one of the other sponsor spaces. Almost all of them are there because of an annual donation. Considering our reading audience that annual donation is a considerable bargain considering the past and present feedback. If you or your organization would like one of those spaces email me at bratton@cruzio.com and we’ll make arrangements. Thanks for thinking about it.
DIGGING BENEATH THE UCSC GROWTH RHETORIC
Tis the season of UCSC’s Long Range Development Planning (LRDP) for the next 15 years as the current Plan expires in 2020. The reassurances and smooth talking that accompanied the last LRDP in 2005 are already underway with Sentinel op-eds from the Chancellor and other spokespeople and community meetings about to begin. Even our esteemed Bruce Bratton seems to have drunk the kool-aid if last week’s comments following his interview with alumna Donna Mekis are any indication.
Had I not gone through the LRDP process before, I too may find the reassurances compelling, the gentle chastisements plausible, the facts as presented all there is to know. There will be thousands of words spoken and even more pages of written material in this process, all designed to couch growth in reasonable, inevitable, feel-good terms. If the community accepts that “lessening the impacts of growth” is the best we can hope for, we have already accepted further UCSC growth. Having participated in the last LRDP process I now better recognize the major arguments trotted out to silence and dismiss opposition.
Much has been said about not blaming the Chancellor for UCSC growth so let’s get that out of the way first. Yes, the final decision on UC growth is in the hands of the Regents and the Legislature. However the Chancellor is in a prime position to be the messenger and the message is clear: the city of Santa Cruz cannot sustain any further growth at UCSC, whether it be mitigated or whether it be housed on or off campus.
Yes, UCSC houses a higher percentage of students on campus (53%) than other campuses. OK let’s say “well done” and get back to the main point, which is: the town cannot absorb any more students seeking non-existent housing. And even if UCSC were to build 8,000 more beds on campus there is no way to force students to live on campus; the rents of such beds will never be “affordable” but will drive up rents in town and the unique beauty and natural habitat of the lands that comprise UCSC will be forever lost to generations.
Yes, the 1963 agreements envisioned an eventual UCSC campus of 27,500 students. That was a number more plucked out of the air than based on a careful examination of environmental, economic and physical restraints. No one knew that underneath the campus lands there was a maze of limestone caves that would make on campus building costs higher than other campuses. No one predicted that housing costs and rents would skyrocket to today’s obscene levels. No one considered environmental constraints, since the environmental movement had barely begun. In order to make an informed decision about further growth, the attention should be on the impact of the current enrollment, not diverted to a long ago unrealistic number.
A favorite squelch is the need for a UC education by the “burgeoning, diverse population” as the Chancellor describes it. Or as UCSC spokesperson Scott Hernandez-Jason was quoted in the Good Times: “UCSC needs to grow to be more accessible to low income communities.” Really? How does growth achieve more accessibility? Are low-income communities unaware that rents in Santa Cruz are off the charts? Wouldn’t a wise low- income family consider every other UC except UCSC in terms of housing costs? That’s a shame but it is the current reality. Increasing the size of UCSC is not going to change that reality except to make it worse. And if the numbers of CA students seeking a UC education is rapidly increasing and parents are agitating for a bigger UC enrollment as is claimed, then the Regents and the Legislature better start planning for a new campus pronto, particularly in an area of the state that is underserved, such as the north of the state which has far cheaper housing costs.
UC Merced was built in 2005. While it is the newest campus, it is not new. Its enrollment is around 8,000, which would seem to make it the logical place to absorb student growth. Whenever that suggestion is made, all sorts of obstacles are envisioned. They don’t have any spare beds. So? Neither does UCSC. You can’t absorb a big influx of students all at once. Reasonable. They then claim that student growth at UCSC won’t happen all at once, but will be phased in. OK. Do the same at UC Merced.
The legislature is criticized for reducing its fiscal support for the UC system from 40% to 10%. While that has implications for educational costs to parents and students it is not an argument for increased growth at UCSC but is a diversion. Go blame them! Anyone who has first hand experience of the massive increase of UCSC administration at the bloated top level might better understand some of the reasons for reduced state fiscal support, which is not a formula for student growth but rather the opposite.
Even if one accepts that UC growth is a good thing in order to educate California students, which is a reasonable perspective that in itself does not imply that UCSC should be the site for such growth given the obvious constraints. Yet it is an argument used constantly to dismiss the message that Santa Cruz cannot absorb more growth. It is a fact that UCSC has grown at a faster rate than other UC campuses despite having more constraints for growth. In the 10 years from 1999-2009 UCSC grew at a rate two and a half times faster that UCLA, UCSB and UCB. The projected growth rate for the UC campuses has UCSC growing 10 times that of UCB, 3 times that of UCI and 2 times that of UCSB. We are projected to grow at a faster rate than every other campus except UCR. Such a projection suggests that concern for UCSC growth impacts on the town and assurances that we are all part of the community is just rhetoric. We should not look to UCSC for solutions. They are the problem. We need to take matters into our own hands and make this a political fight for the livable future of Santa Cruz, students and locals alike.
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
SANTA CRUZ IN THE BIG LEAGUES. MAKING CORPORATIONS ACCOUNTABLE WHILE FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT.
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As usual, this past week was jam-packed with so much Santa Cruz. It is hard to believe how much this town takes on! For example, not only is the city of Santa Cruz actually part of a multi-city law suit against Exxon, et al, because of their business practices knowingly aid and abet climate change, we’ve also received veiled, and indirect threats by two humongous trade groups. One, American Beverage Association based out of Washington, D.C., sent two consultants, one from Santa Monica and the other from San Jose to “lobby” councilmembers against us taxing sweetened beverages as San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Philadelphia, and Boulder now do. It’s interesting how many are paid to stop good ideas. The ABA(?) made it clear they would spend some money to defeat any kind of ballot initiative Santa Cruz might come up with, as they also spent oodles of cash to defeat initiatives in the above five cities. The SC council seemed to shy away from placing this tax on the June ballot after the consultant’s visit because we did not really have our ducks in a row yet…meaning Bloomberg Foundation, American Heart Association and other health groups who support beverage taxes and may very well help fund a local campaign. Turns out we may just come back in November, but please, nobody tell the ABA this, please…just between us, okay? The other group about to come down, big-time on Surf City, may very well be the California Apartment Owner’s Association. They do not much like rent freezes, just-cause eviction ordinances, or rent control initiatives. They too stand ready, cash machine on dispense, ready to bank roll an anti-rent control campaign as soon as the petition signatures are validated. Santa Cruz has played in the big league’s before and it’s where many of our voters want us to be (people, please let us know otherwise?), so get ready for flying rhetorical self-interested trade groups beasts and stuffed mail boxes aplenty this fall.
RENT CONTROL: JUST THE SEATTLE FACTS MA’AM.
Kshama Sawant and Nick Licata are current and former Seattle city councilmembers, and both supported the $15 an hour minimum wage AND rent control. Both are schooled in the rhetoric of what real estate, developer, and corporate interests throw at you during a campaign. In fact, Licata says about rent control, “Greedy landlords? No. We live in an economic environment that creates the current atmosphere.” Meaning landlords are caught up in the $market$ and help create ever-higher rents. Rent control is still illegal in Washington State, since 1981, and even after Seattle’s big push to lift the statewide ban it died in the state legislature this past Feb. 6th. While rent control is severely limited in California because of the Costa-Hawkins Act, it’s still possible in Santa Cruz. Rent control exists in Berkeley, Richmond, and Santa Monica, it has lost three times here. The “Great Santa Cruz Rent Freeze,” passed by the city council on Feb. 13th, offers cover for rent control petitioners to gather signatures without fear that rents will continue to increase, and a fighting chance to deliver an initiative safely to the November ballot. It won’t be easy. Contact Movement for Housing Justice if you’re interested in signing or carrying a petition to get it on the ballot. And if you want to see a couple of expert-advocates in action, check out Sawant and Licata in this Seattle rent control debate (video on the right).
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 ‘Cause That’s What Friends Are For…WAMM Founder, Valerie Coral and Food Not Bombs Founder, Keith McHenry outside the Santa Cruz post office on Sunday. We’re all used to having these folks around as Santa Cruz friends and neighbors, but Google them and you will find they have a national following. We are lucky! |
 Double Rainbow! It’s not very often you see a rainbow, but a double rainbow? It happened Sunday over the Town Clock. |
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
CANNABIS LICENSING ISSUE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE DECIDED BY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 14
I attended the Planning Commission hearing last week regarding the upcoming Board of Supervisor approval of Cannabis Licensing issues and ordinance changes. The room was full and over-flowing. The Commission will decide at their next meeting on March 14 what recommendations to make to the Board.
This industry is estimated to bring nearly $4 Million in revenue to the County budget, according to CAO Carlos Palacios’ report last week. Will the rural environments and the residents living in those areas get consideration? Is it a good idea for the County to grant Commercial Use permits in the rural residential and timber zone areas (such as is what is already happening with wineries and special event use)? Will the responsible Cannabis growers and distributors get what the County has promised in exchange for them coming forward and paying thousands of dollars? Will the process become so onerous that the black market will thrive even more, with gang-affiliated operations in the rural County areas with negligible enforcement of regulations?
Stay tuned…and attend the March 14 Planning Commission meeting if you can. Here is the agenda
Note that the Commission will also be considering an update to the dense development planned for the Pleasure Point Lumberyard and also the County General Plan.
VERY FEW LOCAL JOBS AT RANCHO DEL MAR AND APTOS VILLAGE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
I stopped by the Carpenters Local 505 office on Searidge Drive in Aptos recently to talk with them about how many jobs the Rancho del Mar remodel and Aptos Village Project are providing for LOCAL workers. Sadly, he said there are hardly any.
Rancho del Mar owner TRC Retail awarded the contract for jobs to Sacramento-based Deacon Construction Co., and there are no local workers on the job. Here is the website for Deacon
That company does not hire apprentices. Here is the link to TRC Retail, if you would like to let CEO Mr. Hugh Sweig or Project Manager Mr. Scott Grady know what you think:
The Aptos Village Project has a couple of local subcontractors, but largely the carpentry jobs are filled by workers from out of the area.
Both have demonstrated considerable disregard for environmental practices, especially hazardous materials handling and uncontrolled storm water runoff without sediment catchment basins and filtration mechanisms to prevent sediment from entering Aptos Creek and Valencia Creek. In the case of Aptos Village Project, the soils being allowed to run into the creeks may be laden with diesel and lead contaminants. Santa Cruz County Environmental Planner, Ms. Carolyn Burke, has been unresponsive to my repeated requests for information and/or action. Contact her: Carolyn Burke carolyn.burke@santacruzcounty.us
Cheers, Becky Steinbruner
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
Tom Engelhardt is an American writer and editor. He writes a blog called TomDispatch, which is associated with The Nation Institute. Englehardt is also one of the co-founders of the American Empire Project and is the author of the 1998 book, The End of Victory Culture: Cold War America and the Disillusioning of a Generation.
I regularly get notices about Englehardt’s latest blog postings, which he calls “Tomgrams.” For some reason, the latest notice I got was about a posting from 2016, in which Englehardt commented on then-candidate Donald J. Trump. I thought his headline was pretty good:
Donald Trump Is the Mosquito, Not the Zika Virus
As Englehardt’s 2016 posting reminds us, there was, during all the months leading up to the 2016 election, “much discussion of Donald Trump’s potential for ‘authoritarianism’ (or incipient ‘fascism,’ or worse).” Englehardt further observes that this authoritarian threat was “generally treated as if it were some tendency or property unique to the man who rode a Trump Tower escalator into the presidential race to Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
Since Mr. Trump’s election, I would say that concern about his authoritarian tendencies has not abated, but in fact increased.
Englehardt’s point, though, is that Trump is merely spreading a disease that has existed in our body politic for some time. He’s not the actual problem. He’s just spreading the problem around.
Mosquitoes are usually more of an annoyance than a danger to life itself. But if the mosquitoes are carrying around a deadly virus, that’s a different story. I agree with Tom Englehardt that the virus that is being spread around by our current president is definitely dangerous, and is democracy-threatening, and that it has been infecting our national life for a long time:
Few bother to consider the ways in which the foundations of authoritarianism have already been laid in this society — and not by disaffected working class white men either. Few bother to consider what it means to have a national security state and a massive military machine deeply embedded in our ruling city and our American world. Few think about the (count ’em!) 17 significant intelligence agencies that eat close to $70 billion annually or the trillion dollars or more a year that disappears into our national security world, or what it means for that state within a state, that shadow government, to become ever more powerful and autonomous in the name of American “safety,” especially from “terrorism” (though terrorism represents the most microscopic of dangers for most Americans).
In this long election season, amid all the charges leveled at Donald Trump, where have you seen serious discussion of what it means for the Pentagon’s spy drones to be flying missions over the “homeland” or for “intelligence” agencies to be wielding the kind of blanket surveillance of everyone’s communications — from foreign leaders to peasants in Afghanistan to American citizens — that, technologically speaking, put the totalitarian regimes of the previous century to shame? Is there nothing of the authoritarian lurking in all this? Could that urge really be the property of The Donald and his followers alone?
An engaging article in the February 26, 2018, edition of The New Yorker, which I read the same day I saw the 2016 “Tomgram,” discusses the work of German philosopher and cultural theorist Peter Sloterdijk, who comes at an analysis of President Trump from a completely different angle, but arrives at pretty much the same conclusion as Englehardt:
“Trump is a degenerate sheriff…. What makes Trump dangerous is that he exposes parts of liberal democracies that were only shadowily visible up until now. In democracies, there is always an oligarchic element, but Trump makes it extremely, comically visible.” For Sloterdijk, Trump’s true significance lies in the way that he instinctively subverts the norms of modern governance. “He’s an innovator when it comes to fear,” Sloterdijk told me. “Instead of waiting for the crisis to impose his decree, his decrees get him the emergencies he needs. The playground for madness is vast.”
I carry no brief for the extremely annoying mosquito who now serves as our president. By all means, let’s swat him away at the earliest opportunity. Let’s not be deceived, however, that our problem is Donald Trump. If we are worried about authoritarianism, as we ought to be, if we are concerned that the future of our democracy is in peril, we need to drive the disease of imperialistic militarism right out of our body politic.
Getting rid of the mosquito won’t get rid of the virus, and getting rid of the virus is the only way to effect a cure.
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. DeCinzo takes the reins over “the rains and the results”…see downwards a few scrolls.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “Media Muddle ” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog.
SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT. Their fifth concert of the season is titled, “ORNITHOLOGY”. It’s a musical aviary featuring compositions by Vaughan Williams, Lou Harrison, Pratorius-Gomez and other composer birds such as Charlie Parker, Claude Debussy and Joseph Holbrooke. The musicians performing are Roy Malan– violin , Polly Malan– viola, Lars Johannesson– flute & alto flute, Leslie Tagorda – clarinet & bass clarinet, Keisuke Nakagoshi,- piano, Chris Pratorius Gómez, piano & concert director .With special guests the Ariose Singers, conducted by Camille Couture. It happens Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday March 11 at 3 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos. (out by Freedom Blvd. and the California Highway Patrol Office). For tickets and information go to scchamberplayers.org .
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “The newly arrived Chilean film, A Fantastic Woman, just won the Foreign Language Oscar. Find out why this triumphant and stylish drama deserves the gold this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com/). Also, a friendly reminder — there are still a few days left to enter the giveaway for Beast: A Tale of Love and Revenge, over at the Republic of Goodreads!” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
A FANTASTIC WOMAN. Daniela Vega is a transgender actor portraying the transgender lover of an older married man. The film just won the Oscar for best foreign film, and it should have — it’s an amazing film. It’s in Spanish, and directed by Chilean writer director Sebastian Leilo. Daniela Vega did a presentation last night at the Oscars in the same dress he wore in the film. You’ll learn a lot from this brilliant, touching, accurately-acted movie. Don’t miss it. I’m emailing all my close movie expert friends to see it immediately.
RED SPARROW. Jennifer Lawrence is just a little bit better at ballet than I am. She’s also much better an actor in every one of her other films than in this spy action flick. She’s a ballet dancer who gets hurt, and then goes to a Russian government-run whore’s school and learns how to spy on people and use lots of sex. As you’d expect in a movie with this little imagination, she falls for an American and everybody lies a lot. Then the movie ends. Jeremy Irons, Charlotte Rampling, and Ciarán Hinds are in it too but they shouldn’t have been. Tey don’t help at all.
NOSTALGIA. What a cast…Jon Hamm, Ellen Burstyn, Catherine Keener, and Bruce Dern. Yet you still can’t stay awake while everybody cries and dies a lot. It’s about memories, planning on death, hidden stories. And it’s probably sixteen hours long, or seems that way.
The music is sad, the characters aren’t well developed, and besides that it ends Thursday, March 8.
DEATH WISH. Bruce Willis stars in this re-make of the Charles Bronson vigilante revenge film from 1974 — pushing the same dangerous message that it’s ok to go and murder people if you can’t wait for legal justice. Willis plays a surgeon, if you can believe that!!! His daughter and wife are attacked, and the wife (Elisabeth Shue) dies. This isn’t the time or the country to release a film about how it’s ok to steal a gun and shoot people, even if you are a surgeon.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. No matter where you’re at sexually this beautiful film deals with a young 17 year old boy in Italy working his way through his sexual coming of age. Armie Hammer plays the 30 year old scholarly hunk who visits the kid’s parents. You remember Armie Hammer heir to the Armand Hammer oil fortune and who played The Lone Ranger to Johnny Depp’s Tonto (2013)!!!
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its worth going just for the fun of it.
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its World War II history and it’s the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
I TONYA. A very dark, depressing movie about some very depressed people. It’s got loud rock period music as the film score which almost qualifies it as a fun comedy but you’ll be able to count your laughs. Somewhere in the movie somebody says Americans love to hate or love their current sport stars…and its sure true here. Allison Janney plays Tonya’s seriously disturbed mother and deserves some award this Award season…but not for this one. Warning IF you do got you’ll leave wondering why you cared about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding.
THE POST. This is Steven Spielberg’s answer to the Trump administration’s corruption and misuse of presidential power. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks rip up the acting as we expect them to do. It’s the story of the then little Washington Post trying to catch up to The New York Times printing Daniel Elsberg’s Vietnam exposure papers. It makes easy parallels to Nixon and Trump’s dictatorships. It also makes great pitches for freedom of the press…and what we need to do to keep that freedom alive…especially now. Go see it, bring your friends. But truthfully it’s not as interesting or revealing as the MSNBC documentary two weeks ago… “The Most Dangerous Man In America” the same story from Elsberg’s view.
ANNIHILATION. This is the Natalie Portman science fiction thriller that got an 87 on RT. If you pay close attention there is quite a moral, philosophic base to the plot. Like one line I can’t forget…”all humans self destruct either by suicide, drinking or smoking”. The same director did “ExMachina” so you can tell he’s got something to say. But it’s way too hard to follow. There’s a sort of foggy, swirly, shimmer wall and people go through the wall. The dead come back to life, time goes back on itself, and on and on. Maybe if you really concentrate and stay awake you’ll get some kind of profound meaning from Annihilation…I’m not sure.
BLACK PANTHER. Like Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman created a lot of good will and empowered women Black Panther does the same for Blacks in America and around the rest of the world. Both are Marvel Comics creations and are full of violence, killings and special effects. I’m finding it more and more difficult to see these action films with messages like revenge, torture, and blood and guts as having any semblance of cinematic art. Black Panther is science fiction, space travel and still the characters use spears and super hi tech weapons to kill each other. There are messages in this movie so I read…but I sensed nothing positive in it. Now I wonder since this has been such a blockbuster if we’ll see Mexican Panther, Chinese Panther, Croatian Panther?
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS..LIVE ACTION. Not as good as last year’s crop but “The Eleven O’Clock” is hilarious, “The Silent Child” will make you cry…and think and “Watu Wote” will give you hope for the world, in spite of everything. Go for it.
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS …ANIMATED. Not funny, not great, not far out, not profound but “Dear Basketball” produced, directed and narrated by Kobe Bryant himself is beautiful.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
EARLY MAN. This stop action animated film cartoon was made by the same folks who created all those super brilliant Wallace & Gromit films. Even with voices by Eddie Tremayne and Tom Hiddleston there s’ not much to laugh at or even admire. Tired old cave man jokes, a soccer game parody but to expect to see the charm and intelligence of the old AARDMAN productions is a mistake.
GAME NIGHT. An extra dopey, low grade, over used plot with stars like Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams (and her dimples) trying to make it into a comedy. Couples get together for one of those “who did the murder” themes only ha, ha, ha, it isn’t a fake. It’s boring, trite, unbelievable, and lacks any semblance of humor.
50 SHADES FREED. I am probably required to admit that I actually saw “50 Shades of Grey” (2015) it was the last movie I saw at the Aptos Theatre. I will not reveal the name of the person I saw it with however because we are still friends. 50 Shades Freed (2018) the third and final film of this series from the book got an 11 on Rotten Tomatoes. Fifty Shades Darker #2 (2017) got 10 on RT. The original 50 Shades Of Grey (2015) got an 25 on RT. You can see there’s sort of a trend!!! Not that you should care and it’s not really what you’d call a plot, but it’s about Seattle, sex, money, and ice cream in your crotch.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. March 6th has Kate Hawley author of the play, “Coming of Age” that opens March 14 at The Jewel Theatre. The second half hour Mark Burden and David Foster will bring us up to date on Habitat for Humanity’s news. Roddey Reid author of “Confronting Political Intimidation and Public Bullying” tells us how to live during the Trump era on March 13. OR…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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Spiders. Ugh. But this animation is really cute, I must agree. |
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
“DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME”(it begins at 2 am Sunday March 11)
“An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. We borrow an hour one night in April; we pay it back with golden interest five months later”. Winston Churchill
“Daylight time, a monstrosity in timekeeping” Harry S. Truman
“I object to being told that I am saving daylight when my reason tells me that I am doing nothing of the kind… At the back of the Daylight Saving scheme, I detect the bony, blue-fingered hand of Puritanism, eager to push people into bed earlier, and get them up earlier, to make them healthy, wealthy, and wise in spite of themselves.” Robertson Davies,
“There are very few things in the world I hate more than Daylight Savings Time. It is the grand lie of time, the scourge of science, the blight on biological understanding.” Michelle Franklin
“It seems very strange … that in the course of the world’s history so obvious an improvement should never have been adopted. … The next generation of Britishers would be the better for having had this extra hour of daylight in their childhood”. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
“I’ve lived on the equator all my life and we never had to change clocks. Now they’re telling me time goes forward an hour after midnight? What is this, Narnia?” Joyce Rachelle
“You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe “Daylight Saving Time.” Dave Barry
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
Snail Mail: Bratton Online
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BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
February 27 – March 5, 2018
Highlights this week:
BRATTON on UCSC growth, the chancellor, the state…GREENSITE on saving the Washington St. tree…KROHN about San Diego’s California Democrats convention, rent control history, UCSC’s growth issue…STEINBRUNER and water tax, Friend and Coonerty and sb623 and politics, property tax relief, the library fund…PATTON and runaway growth…EAGAN and Mueller’s Fairy Tale…DeCINZO about parking meters…JENSEN handles the Oscars…BRATTON critiques Annihilation, Happy End, GameNight UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE GUESTS…QUOTES for MARCH.
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RAQUEL WELCH AND CHER. No comments necessary except to newer generations. |
DATELINE February 26, 2018
UCSC, CHANCELLOR BLUMENTHAL, DONNA MEKIS AND THE GROWTH ISSUE.
I’ve always maintained that blaming the manager of Sears for the price of his bedsheets makes no sense whatsoever. On Sunday February 4th, the Santa Cruz Sentinel printed an excellent op-ed piece by Donna Mekis. (Here’s that letter, you should read it.)
Having known Donna for decades, I interviewed her on my Universal Grapevine radio program Tuesday, February 20 from 7-7:30. (here’s a link to the radio interview ). First of all, it isn’t the chancellor who decides the size of enrollment, or who makes most of the decisions that have been driving us all so crazy — it’s the Board of Regents: Board President Janet Napolitano and of course Bill Monning and Mark Stone.
UC Merced is planned to have 25,000 students by 2050 and it’s also figured to have 10,000 by 2020. They don’t have empty beds or buildings there either. Constructing new buildings at any campus costs big bucks and the State has cut back tremendously on funding UC. We should realize too that there are 19,500 UCSC alumni living here in Santa Cruz — and that UCSC is the largest employer in the county, and has an economic impact of $1.3 billion dollars. We definitely need new thinking — and new directions — on this.
THIS TREE NEEDS YOU IN ITS CORNER.
In the battle between trees and PG&E, round one went to the trees. Or, more accurately, one tree. At the hearing to decide the fate of the city’s public trees in the coastal zone (a tiny sample of trees that PG&E wants to cut down) the Zoning Administrator, Eric Marlatt, directed PG&E to return with an assessment of the feasibility of re-routing the gas pipeline to save the tree. I’m not accustomed to staff siding with a tree so my smile and good feeling lasted all day. The tree in question is the one pictured and it lives on Washington Street. Its lean is more of a camera angle than actual. It’s a battler since it’s surrounded by asphalt and concrete. We give it the name Corymbia or more commonly, a Red Flowering Gum. Yes, it’s non-native but the birds and the bees don’t care so neither should you. It’s a beauty and one of the last of few to survive the full scale slaughter of these trees which lined Front St. until the 1990’s when the then Parks Director ordered them all cut down. At the time I asked him why and the answer was “they are not our idea of a street tree.” The straggly bunch of sad looking tree replacements currently on Front St. underscores the loss.
An older survivor of the same species is battling for its life on Cedar St. next to the newly dug hole in the ground, which will eventually be transformed into high rent, high rise apartments. The city arborist and the consulting arborist are optimistic for its survival despite the excavation for the foundation abutting its trunk and the severe pruning required to accommodate the development. It was without doubt one of the signature downtown trees. Its uncertain future makes the effort to save the same species on Washington St. even more urgent.
PG&E were not exactly pleased at the Zoning Administrator’s decision. They demurred about putting additional bends in underground gas transmission lines (which the ZA pointed out would not be necessary) and worried about other underground infrastructure making a re-route difficult. And the old bottom line of cost was raised since they are, they say, concerned about costs to their customers. Re-routing a small section of pipeline is chump change compared to the $1.6 billion in fines to PG&E following their negligence and cover-ups associated with the San Bruno fires. They politely agreed to do the assessment and asked for an early hearing.
That hearing will be on March 7th at 10am in council chambers. I hate to do it but I am going out on a limb and am begging you to send an email to the Zoning Administrator: emarlatt@cityofsantacruz.com, prior to the hearing. Don’t feel guilt-tripped: feel confident that your 5 minutes of effort will make a difference. Few issues are as focused and simple as this one. Even more rare is to have staff in support. I suggest a simple statement that you are writing in support of saving the heritage tree on Washington Street; that you encourage PG&E to cooperate to the fullest with the city’s aim to save the tree; that you request an independent evaluation of PG&E’s assessment of the feasibility of re-routing the gas pipeline. I believe the last request is the most important. Despite their slick Public Relations, PG&E have not been honest or forthcoming in their promotion of this massive tree- cutting project. Convincing research and evidence makes the project itself questionable. We still have no idea how many big trees on private property within the city they are requiring to be cut down. Is it in the hundreds? We don’t know and they won’t reveal that figure. So independent scrutiny of their findings in this case is crucial.
I hear some whining: “all this fuss over one tree; what about world hunger?” A motorist actually yelled that at us when we held our weekly tree vigils to try to save the iconic red-horse chestnut that was felled for the Hyatt on Broadway. On some fundamental level, both are connected.
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
“THE BLUE WAVE STARTS HERE IN SAN DIEGO?”
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On the floor of the sprawling San Diego Convention Center, California Democrats were on an historic, change-making mission. They frankly seek the national leadership mantle in ousting Donald J. Trump and all he stands for, and remove him from the golden cash Brahmin bull he now sits atop. You might remember, ‘the top’ used to be called our federal government. It’s readily apparent from this San Diego gathering that CA Dems are in it for the long-term fight, and perhaps find themselves at the center of a kind of coastal exterior vs. flyover interior post-post-modern-day power struggle. Although Dems did not reach consensus on a Governor, Lt. Governor, U.S. Senate, or Attorney General endorsements, what they did seem to agree upon is that it is their election to lose. Democrats carry overwhelming voter registration numbers in California, occupy every statewide office, and have an easy foil in roundly reviled President Tweet, as they head for the June primaries. The biggest upset vote was Kevin De León besting Sen. Diane Feinstein. He won 54% of the 2,775 delegate votes cast. Former State Schools Superintendent Delaine Easton surprised many by capturing third place in the race for governor, beating a likely favorite, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. In first place was Lt. Governor Gavin Newsome with 39%, followed by State Treasurer John Chiang’s 30%. None of the gubernatorial candidates were even near the 60% threshold needed to capture the party’s endorsement.
The Show
It’s always a raucous display of candidate partisans yelling, sign-waving, and sometimes dancing, in the hallways surrounding the cavernous main hall. They support a multitude of assembly, senate, board of equalization, governor, lieutenant governor, and U.S. senate and house candidates. Sometimes you might wonder if the convention is being held in South Bend or Columbus on football homecoming weekend. It’s always hard for me to believe that delegates could be swayed by such displays of mirth and mayhem, but it happens at every state and national convention. It’s probably to show a legitimate level of support for a given candidate, and if that’s true, repealing Costa-Hawkins and the labor movement seemed to make the most noise. In fact, the roar reached a crescendo outside of rooms 30a and 30b on the convention’s second floor. That’s where the Democrats picked up their ballots, and the long snaking line of delegates became a captive audience. In fact, there were two San Diego police officers, both mentored by our own Santa Cruz Chief of Police Andy Mills, working to keep the halls clear so delegates could pick up their ballots and vote. Small world.
The Rents, the Rents Are Too Damn High!
A large contingent showed up to endorse the repeal of the “Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.” Costa-Hawkins, passed by the legislature and signed into law by then-Governor Pete Wilson, went into effect in 1996 and effectively gutted rent control in the state of California.
 Dolores Huerta. Always a pleasure to be around her. She signed the Save Beach Flats Community Garden petition and I signed her repeal Prop. 13 for business properties petition. |
 Legendary Berkeley-Oakland member of congress, Barbara Lee at rally for labor |
 With Santa Cruz organizers Erik Erikson and Jeff Stoll. |
 Billionaire Trump detractor and Democrat stalwart, Tom Steier |
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
Dateline February 26, 2018
WHY WOULD SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SUPPORT TAXING YOU FOR WATER AND ALLOWING POLLUTERS TO CONTINUE CONTAMINATING DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES?
Santa Cruz County Board Chairman Zach Friend and Supervisor Ryan Coonerty recommend supporting SB 623 to impose, beginning on July 1, 2020, a $.95 monthly water tax on each and every household, impose a tax on all fertilizer sales and distribution, and a tax on all dairy products. The bill would put the burden on local agencies to collect the anticipated $140 million annual revenue, turning it over to the State Water Board to decide how to help out disadvantaged communities with groundwater contamination. In exchange for paying this new tax to the State, the POLLUTERS WOULD BE EXEMPT FROM ANY ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATION REGARDING GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION until 2035.
Supervisors Zach Friend and Ryan Coonerty put this on the Consent Agenda as a last-minute addition, Item 43.1, for Tuesday, February 27 Board meeting. Here is the link to the agenda…..take a look at the text of the proposed Bill
SB 623 was introduced by State Senator Bill Monning last year. Now it’s back, with additional endorsement by Senate Pro Tempore and candidate for Governor Kevin DeLeon (Los Angeles) and Senator Bob Hertzberg (San Fernando).
Here is what I think is wrong about supporting this legislation:
“YOU SHOULD TRY GETTING IN A WHEELCHAIR SOMETIME BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN.”
That’s what Mr. Hagen, one of the Santa Cruz Metro Board members told me last week after I testified before that Board about concerns I have for elderly and disabled trying to use the future #71 bus stop relocated within the Aptos Village. He said he has visited the bus stop and sees no problem with the 100′ span of 5% grade sidewalk without resting platforms, lack of handrails, lack of seating or cover at the stop, or any other aspect. I suppose the fact that he has a nice eclectically-propelled wheelchair helps, but I have helped plenty of people who struggle to push themselves backwards up a sidewalk ramp to know that often those who are in self-propelled wheelchairs do not have the physical strength and endurance to get around some obstacles.
Director Mike Rotkin chastised me for just bringing “yet another complaint fueled by the fact that I just don’t like the Aptos Village development.”
I suppose the Board did not appreciate me reading to them the Ralph M. Brown Act section that clearly dictates that government officials should respond to public comment on un-agendized items by either briefly discussing the matter, referring the person to appropriate staff for information, or placing the matter on a future agenda for public discussion. I suppose a snide response qualifies as discussion…but there certainly were not any “thank you’s” by Board members to ANY of the members of the public who took time to attend last Friday’s 9am meeting in Watsonville. Not even to the school bus driver who was involved in the accident at the new taxpayer-funded Aptos Village Trout Gulch intersection near the new bus stop when a Prius driver tried to pass her bus on the right.
Maybe the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) would like to hear from you about this intersection at their Board meeting Thursday, March 1, 9am in the County Board of Supervisor Chambers (701 Ocean Street, 5th floor). The Commission will be reviewing proposals for the state grants this year…I wonder how much the Aptos Village will get awarded?
On the right is a photo of that dangerous intersection that will only get more hazardous when the new bus stop (just behind the school bus) gets activated.
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
#55 / Feed A Cold; Starve A Fever
A recent article in Scientific American tells us that my mother’s advice to “feed a cold, starve a fever” may have been an error. Maybe so! Nonetheless, I am sticking with my mother’s remedy, and I am comforted that Scientific American indicates that my mother wasn’t the first to come up with this guidance for the sick and suffering. Apparently, this saying has been “traced to a 1574 dictionary by John Withals.” In other words, this advice about colds and fevers goes way back, and I am always suspicious of “the latest.” Sometimes, the “latest” isn’t the best.
Allegiance to my mother, while a factor, is not the only reason that I am suspicious of any effort to reverse polarity on the “starve a fever” advisory.
My experience as an elected official in Santa Cruz County in the 1970s and 1980s occurred at a time when the community was being consumed by the “fever” of runaway growth. Our little community (the smallest county in the state, geographically) was being overwhelmed by growth stemming from the fastest-growing economy in the state, located just over the hill.
Santa Clara County used to be called the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” and is now known as Silicon Valley, and while there were “gains” coming from this feverish transformation of Santa Clara County, a lot was lost when the “good old days” were left behind. In the 1970s and 1980s, the people of Santa Cruz County didn’t want our county to succumb to the ravenous fever of growth that was so completely transforming our Bay Area neighbor.
Today, things are not so different, though those who argue that Santa Cruz County should accommodate the growth of the Silicon Valley, and “feed that fever,” are not so much assaulting our farmlands and mountains, but are looking, instead, to transform our historic and much-loved neighborhoods into high-rise, apartment house canyons. We can, of course, feed the fire, and if we do, much of what we treasure most will be consumed. Given that the raging fever of high-tech growth could make us sick, I’m sticking with my mother. Starve a fever! That was her advice. We did it once before, and we can do it again. I think that’s the right remedy for the place I live.
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Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read and subscribe to his daily blog at www.gapatton.net
Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com |
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. DeCinzo exposes Santa Cruz’s budget problem solution…see below.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s ” Fairytale Update” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog.
SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL. Their second concert this season is … 500th Birthday Celebration – Medici Codex. Don’t miss this performance of music from the Medici Codex, a choir-book gifted exactly 500 years ago to Pope Leo X’s nephew. The book was collected from the best composers of the Renaissance, and stands the test of time due to the stunning nature of the vocal music. These sacred compositions were written during a time of political strife and represent some of the challenges and beauty of the time. You will hear voices leaping in and out of one another, a big, moving sound, per- formed by four separate ensembles who have come together to celebrate this unique collection of music. Ariose, conducted by Camille Couture… UCSC Chamber Singers, conducted by Michael McGushin …San Francisco Renaissance Voices, conducted by Katherine McKee. It happens Saturday March 3, 2018
7:30 P.M. at Holy Cross Church. Tickets probably at the door or http://scbaroque.org/2018-season/tickets
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “The Oscars are coming! Compare your notes with mine as I try to guess who’ll go home with the gold this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com/). Of course, along with the Oscars comes this year’s edition of the (dreaded) Oscar Barbies! But if it’s all too much, and you’d rather curl up with a good book, I have a recommendation for that too!” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
ANNIHILATION. This is the Natalie Portman science fiction thriller that got 87 on RT. If you pay close attention, there is quite a moral, philosophic base to the plot, including one line I can’t forget… “all humans self-destruct either by suicide, drinking or smoking”. The same director was responsible for “ExMachina” so you can tell he’s got something to say — but it’s way too hard to follow. There’s a sort of foggy, swirly, shimmer-wall. People go through it. The dead come back to life, time goes back on itself, and on and on. Maybe if you really concentrate and stay awake you’ll get some kind of profound meaning from Annihilation…I’m not sure.
HAPPY END. A French film with white subtitles on white backgrounds. It’s almost impossible to read them. In addition, deep secret parts of the plot are revealed on computer screens with extra small fonts — so you’ll have a bad time reading them, too. Isabelle Huppert and Jean–Louis Trintignant are the leads, so you know there’s seriousness and continuity to the story. It’s about death, dying, money, raising a family, love, commitment and things like that. Because of those supertitles I missed a lot of the meaning, so let me know if you figure out what the main point was. ENDS THURSDAY, March 1st
GAME NIGHT. An extra-dopey, low grade, overused plot with stars like Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams (and her dimples) trying to make it into a comedy. Couples get together for one of those “who did the murder” theme nights, only — ha, ha, ha — it isn’t a fake. Imstead it’s boring, trite, unbelievable, and lacks any semblance of humor.
THE PHANTOM THREAD. It’s back again for a few days and at The Nick.
Paul Thomas Anderson the director first made Boogie Nights, he topped that one with Magnolia, There will be Blood, and Inherent Vice and now there’s Phantom Thread. The star is Daniel Day-Lewis and seeing him and Anderson work together in this one makes it not a film but an experience. Day-Lewis in A Room With A View, My Left Foot, The Unbearable Lightness of Being became greater and greater with each role. Now he has promised to never make another film. If that’s true Phantom Thread is a brilliant masterpiece to end a career. It’s the story of a driven, crazed artist who designs women’s clothes…that’s all you need to know. As critics are saying it’s not a film for mass audiences, just those folks who appreciate genius.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. No matter where you’re at sexually this beautiful film deals with a young 17 year old boy in Italy working his way through his sexual coming of age. Armie Hammer plays the 30 year old scholarly hunk who visits the kid’s parents. You remember Armie Hammer heir to the Armand Hammer oil fortune and who played The Lone Ranger to Johnny Depp’s Tonto (2013)!!!
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its’ worth going just for the fun of it.
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its World War II history and it’s the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL. Gloria Grahame was an Academy Award winning sultry, smart “actress” (old term) in the 40’s and 50’s. In her later years she did some stage work in Liverpool and had a very serious affair with a much younger man. He wrote a book about it and this is the movie from that book. And it is an entirely captivating movie.
THE POST. This is Steven Spielberg’s answer to the Trump administration’s corruption and misuse of presidential power. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks rip up the acting as we expect them to do. It’s the story of the then little Washington Post trying to catch up to The New York Times printing Daniel Elsberg’s Vietnam exposure papers. It makes easy parallels to Nixon and Trump’s dictatorships. It also makes great pitches for freedom of the press…and what we need to do to keep that freedom alive…especially now. Go see it, bring your friends. But truthfully it’s not as interesting or revealing as the MSNBC documentary two weeks ago… “The Most Dangerous Man In America” the same story from Elsberg’s view.
I TONYA. A very dark, depressing movie about some very depressed people. It’s got loud rock period music as the film score which almost qualifies it as a fun comedy but you’ll be able to count your laughs. Somewhere in the movie somebody says Americans love to hate or love their current sport stars…and its sure true here. Allison Janney plays Tonya’s seriously disturbed mother and deserves some award this Award season…but not for this one. Warning IF you do got you’ll leave wondering why you cared about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding.
THE INSULT. This is one of five foreign language films up for an Oscar on March 4. It’s a difficult political-religious film to understand and having white subtitles on white backgrounds doesn’t help much. It takes place in Beirut and it’s a courtroom drama dealing with Christians vs. Muslims. The actions and accusations by political and religious factions are hard to follow. Absolutely perfect acting, much tension…and unless you know the history of Palestine and Lebanon you’ll miss some important points.
BLACK PANTHER. Like Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman created a lot of good will and empowered women Black Panther does the same for Blacks in America and around the rest of the world. Both are Marvel Comics creations and are full of violence, killings and special effects. I’m finding it more and more difficult to see these action films with messages like revenge, torture, and blood and guts as having any semblance of cinematic art. Black Panther is science fiction, space travel and still the characters use spears to kill each other. There are messages in this movie so I read…but I sensed nothing positive in it. Now I wonder since this has been such a blockbuster if we’ll see Mexican Panther, Chinese Panther, Croatian Panther ?
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS..LIVE ACTION. Not as good as last year’s crop but “The Eleven O’Clock” is hilarious, “The Silent Child” will make you cry…and think and “Watu Wote” will give you hope for the world, in spite of everything. Go for it.
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS …ANIMATED. Not funny, not great, not far out, not profound but “Dear Basketball” produced, directed and narrated by Kobe Bryant himself is beautiful.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
WINCHESTER. To see Helen Mirren in a miserable movie like this flop is just embarrassing.
You know where 98% of it was filmed right? Yes, on sound lots in Australia…NOT the famous Winchester Mansion just over the hill. It’s dull, boring, darkly lit, and for a scary movie it misses at every bump in the night. Even Helen Mirren does a shameful job of acting…it’s her worst ever!!
50 SHADES FREED. I am probably required to admit that I actually saw “50 Shades of Grey” (2015) it was the last movie I saw at the Aptos Theatre. I will not reveal the name of the person I saw it with however because we are still friends. 50 Shades Freed (2018) the third and final film of this series from the book got an 11 on Rotten Tomatoes. Fifty Shades Darker #2 (2017) got 10 on RT. The original 50 Shades Of Grey (2015) got an 25 on RT. You can see there’s sort of a trend!!! Not that you should care and it’s not really what you’d call a plot, but it’s about Seattle, sex, money, and ice cream in your crotch.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. On February 27 Lesley-Reid Harrison talks about Santa Cruz’s Diversity Center and their activities and programs. Then Linnea Beckett and Christopher Lang discuss Food Justice and the DIG IN happening at the UCSC Campus Friday March 2nd. March 6th has Kate Hawley author of the play, “Coming of Age” that opens March 14 at The Jewel Theatre. The second half hour has Mark Burden and David Foster bring us up to date on Habitat for Humanity’s news. OR…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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Shazia Mirza is a female muslim standup comic. I think she’s great. |
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. “MARCH”
“In March the soft rains continued, and each storm waited courteously until its predecessor sunk beneath the ground.” John Steinbeck, East of Eden
“Joy is not in things; it is in us.” Richard Wagner
“POOR MARCH is the HOMELIEST month of the year. Most of it is MUD, Every Imaginable Form of MUD, and what isn’t MUD in March is ugly late-season SNOW falling onto the ground in filthy muddy heaps that look like PILES of DIRTY LAUNDRY.” Vivian Swift, When Wanderers Cease to Roam.
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com
BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
February 19 – 25, 2018
Highlights this week:
BRATTON…No hotel at 7th and Brommer?, Octagon and MAH opinion, loud motorcycles — an explanation, sad farewell to Santa Cruz, Presidents’ Birthdays…GREENSITE on gun violence…KROHN about City Council and the Rent Freeze, UCSC and water rights, beverage tax and sales tax…STEINBRUNER and Soquel Creek Water District decisions, Watsonville giant “Sunshine Villa” development, New Leaf not locally owned, local government fraud and waste, Coonerty and Zach’s personal gain from Davenport new cell tower, Redman-Hirahara farm loss…PATTON and government spying…EAGAN and White House Hires…DeCINZO and motorcycle maniacs…JENSEN re Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool…BRATTON critiques Black Panther, The Insult, Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool.
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WORLDS LARGEST MODEL RAILROAD. Cousin Dean Hagen found this one |
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REAL DOG MEETS ROBOT DOG. |
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GREAT MICHAEL FLATELY PARODY. |
DATELINE February 19, 2018
HOTEL AT 7TH AND BROMMER? Last week I wrote that many folks are questioning the hard drive that Ryan and Neal Coonerty continue pushing to have Barry Swenson Builders build a hotel at 7th & Brommer. Jean Brocklebank, a member of Harbor Neighbors Organization, sent this response…
“For those who hear that Ryan Coonerty and his father are pushing a hotel, remember that a hotel is possible at 7th & Brommer only because the County Redevelopment Agency (RDA) voted to include “visitor accommodations” at the site. Rather than stay with the Preferred Priority Use specified in the 1994 County General Plan (“Proposed Parks, Recreation and Open Space: Development of Community Park Facility”) in a letter to the RDA Board of Directors for an agenda item of their June 5, 2007 meeting, the Planning Department Director stated “the property is being acquired with the intent of using it for a future public park and visitor serving uses, including visitor accommodations, consistent with the designated General Plan/LCP priority uses.” In other words, Planning combined the Preferred Priority Use and the Alternate Priority Use (“Community Commercial: Development of visitor serving commercial uses with a minimum of 50% of the project devoted to Type A visitor accommodations available for rental to the general public.”) The RDA Board drank the combined Kool-Aid. Members of the RDA Board of Directors in 2007 were Jan Beautz, Tony Campos, Neal Coonerty, Ellen Pirie, and Mark Stone.
Fast forward from 2007 to August 12, 2016 when the County Economic Development Department (EDD) jumped into development plans feet first and issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) “To develop a landmark waterfront, infill site owned by the Santa Cruz County Redevelopment Successor Agency (RSA) with lodging, other destination oriented commercial uses and public open space. Development of this site aims to strengthen the local tax base and enhance economic vitality and quality of life in the County.” District 3 Supervisor in 2016 was Ryan Coonerty.
That 8/12/16 RFQ description of the property changed the emphasis of the land use from parks to visitor accommodations. The EDD RFQ also minimized the “Proposed Parks, Recreation and Open Space” part of the Preferred Priority Use as described in the General Plan. Here’s what we got from the County EDD:
• “Priority Use: The General Plan designates the site for visitor-serving commercial uses with a minimum of 50% of commercial uses dedicated to standard hotel/motel visitor accommodations.
• Height Limit: Three stories/35 feet; potential for additional five feet with design review.
• Park Facilities: The project will require one acre of land to be dedicated to passive or active recreation open to the public.” [Note: What most people do not know is that 2.3 acres of that parcel cannot be developed and will remain natural and undeveloped because of topography. So we will be insisting that another separate acre of the parcel be dedicated to passive recreation also.]
The language of the first RFQ was used in the second RFQ issued June 2017. In November 2017 Barry Swenson Builder was selected as the developer on the parcel. To date we do not know what BSB proposes to build at 7th & Brommer, but a hotel is most certainly not a done deal! Sometime this year the process will continue with Public Visioning, Project Scoping and Negotiation, CEQA Process, and the Draft Disposition & Development Agreement (DDA), which will have to be approved by the Board of Supervisors and Successor RDA Oversight Board. Harbor Neighbors will be involved in every step of the process”.
Check out Harbor Neighbors website. Read the history of the property. Read the possible uses. http://harborneighbors.weebly.com/
THE OCTAGON AND MAH. Ed Penniman, a native of Santa Cruz writes to say…The Octagon was our Santa Cruz County Recorder’s Office and is the heart of our Santa Cruz history. If the MAH doesn’t value its historical status, what value is the museum of history? Why not make the Octagon building the face of Santa Cruz? It’s a natural center of our town. Hearing of it languishing vacant and unlocked make my native Santa Cruz soul feel violated.
LOUD MOTORCYCLES. Lee Quarnstrom — long time reporter and author who now resides in Orange County — emailed to comment… “I once asked a Santa Cruz cop whose opinion I respected the same question: Why don’t police officers stop loud Harley-Davidson motorcycles and issue citations when they’re clearly breaking the noise limits? “Because,” he responded, “every cop either owns a Harley, or wants to own a Harley.”
A SAD FAREWELL TO SANTA CRUZ. BrattonOnline.com webwoman Gunilla Leavitt found this letter online. She got permission from the author, who had also sent copies to the mayor and the city council. It’s sad, expressive, and puts into words exactly what so many are feeling today…
“Dear Santa Cruz,
I moved here in 98. I was 18 and wanting to live closer to my surfer, artist, and teacher of a dad. I fell in love with the ocean air, the music scene, and all the people. I grew up into an adult here. I got in trouble here and cleaned up my act here. I struggled and scraped by. I had my two beautiful children here. I found that my happiness was in working in the community and being of service. I had a wonderful opportunity to live in pleasure point for a reasonable amount.
But now it’s come to an end after 13 years. Our apartments have been sold to a developer in Morgan Hill and we and 7 other families have 60 days to be out. Now I will be the first to tell you my credit score is awful. Not because I am unreliable or negligent but because of no credit cards and a student loan. I love this community but how is my family of 4 supposed to afford to live when your rent is over 3k a month?! How are we supposed to feed our kids, clothe them, pay for health insurance, and then childcare for the baby?! No one will give us the time of day because of a Boston terrier and a Chihuahua?! We are a good family with reliable income. I’m a medical assistant and my husband an electrician, it shouldn’t be this hard.
I love you Santa Cruz and I care about you and your future but now I may have to move my family to another area of the country and start from scratch. I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me every time I wake up because I don’t have a solution for my 11 year old daughter who is being told she has to leave her child hood home. No more junior guards, no more dance at PAC, no more softball with papa. Who is going to pour your coffee, immunize your children, and clean your houses when we all have move? And to where? A more impoverished area of California? What a sad set of options.
How did we let it get this bad? How come good families are leaving? What happened and who has the solution? Unfortunately not me.
Wish us luck Santa Cruz
We want to stay but the clock is ticking….”.
PRESIDENTS BIRTHDAYS. Peter Scott of “Campaign For Sensible Transportation” replies… Hi Bruce, At this time of year, I always feel resentful that we no longer celebrate Lincoln on February 12 and Washington on February 22. So seeing your column, I decided to look it up. Here’s the story.
I always assumed it was Nixon who changed it, but while that’s at least partly true, I never knew that there is now no official “Presidents Day“. Interesting. — Peter
THE INVISIBLE VARIABLES IN GUN VIOLENCE.
With respect to guns and gun control, most Californians regard restrictions on the availability of high-powered semi-automatic weapons for the general public as a no-brainer. Perhaps also does most of the country. The failure of politicians of all parties to enact gun control legislation speaks to the power of the NRA and the influence of big money in politics.
The data comparing the US with other similar countries and the huge gulf separating us from them in terms of gun violence is well known. A comparison between Australia and the US is often cited. After the gun massacre at Port Arthur, Tasmania, in 1996, where 35 people were killed, the Australian Prime Minister said “enough is enough” and spearheaded legislation to enact strict gun controls. In the 20 years before Port Arthur there were 13 mass shootings: in the 22 years since, there have been none. If you don’t mind lots of four letter words including some you don’t use often, the Australian comedian Jim Jefferies has a brilliant segment comparing the US and Australia on gun violence. You can find it at:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4g8777.
There are other differences between the two countries that help explain the relative ease with which gun control was achieved in Australia. Australia has never been much of a gun toting country. It lacks the mythology of the iron-jawed gunman as hero, woven into the fabric of American lore via Hollywood. Australia’s iconic hero is Ned Kelly, a bushranger, loosely compared to Robin Hood. He saw himself and his family persecuted by the squatter (read upper) class, the government and the police. Australians remember Ned Kelly, not as a big man with a big gun but as a working class icon. Mick Jagger seemed an unlikely choice but he did a good job at portraying Ned Kelly in the 1970 film of the same name.
Australians also have a different relationship with their government. While differences are shrinking in the sway of global neo-liberalism, most Australians are pretty law abiding and don’t regard their government as the enemy but rather as the site of collective decision-making. There is less of the individualistic streak. And it’s relevant to note that Australian media have far more explicit sex and far less gratuitous violence than do its American counterparts.
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As Frederick Douglass so wisely said so long ago, “It is easier to build strong children than to heal broken men.”
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
Now you don’t see ’em on the Benchlands…it’s cleaning day.
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Dateline February 19, 2018
RADICAL TIMES REVEAL A PRAGMATIC COUNCIL.
Rent Freeze Passes Unanimously
This Santa Cruz City Council fell into the history books last Tuesday night February 13. While myself and Councilmember Cynthia Mathews were sidelined as spectators having been advised by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) not to participate in this historic vote, likely one of the most consequential city council decisions in decades, did not seem to matter. The five remaining members–Terrazas, Brown, Watkins, Noroyan, and Chase–voted unanimously to freeze Santa Cruz rents. By 11pm on February 13th both a rent freeze and a just-cause eviction ordinance were enacted on an emergency basis “to make it safe for renters to discuss rent control without fear of being evicted,” was how the Movement for Housing Justice put it. They’re the community group behind the rent control petition ( movementforhousingjustice.org ) now being circulated. The rent freeze only applies to multi-unit homes and it limits increases to about 2% a year while affecting about 24% of the rental housing market in Santa Cruz. Only rental properties built before 1995 are subject to the rent freeze because of state law. Mathews and I did not vote because we faced a “conflict of interest” in that we both own rentals. Despite over 200 tenants, landlords, real estate moguls and homeowners coming out to hear arguments for and against these ordinances, only 56 spoke before the council. My final, unofficial tally was 28 in favor of a rent freeze and 27, mostly landlords and real estate people, opposed. Several real estate people bemoaned the fact that rent control allows tenants to stay longer in their homes thus making the case for many of us worried about losing a cohesive community. High school physics teacher, Stacey Falls said because of the market “renter’s lives are being destroyed.” Long-time organizer Glen Schaller supported the rent freeze because “we want a stable community,” while a UCSC student, Kate, who said she lived in one house with 15 other students, argued that “housing needs to be treated as a community right.”Perhaps resident Dave Willis said it most poignantly when he urged the city council to “come on over to the right side of history.” It was a night to remember as pro-rent freeze people lingered long after the vote hugging and laughing. This night was the culmination of months of planning, walking neighborhoods, and gathering community input by a group known as the Organizing Circle. Their input was crucial in gaining unanimity along with the 1500 signatures they presented to the council, which supported passage of both ordinances. Now, it is up to some of the same people to continue their historic democratic movement of gathering enough signatures to rent control and an elected rent board on the November ballot. While it will not be easy, perhaps the $2370 studios now advertised at the new Five55 Swenson development on lower Pacific Avenue, will have voters siding with the plight of renters who are just looking for some relief.
Updates–More News from February 13th Council Meeting
Remember I said I’d get back to you concerning the various outcomes on the last city council agenda? Well, I am and it was quite a consequential set of results. One item, “Conference with legal counsel,” had to do with how the city might respond to letter received the previous week from UCSC Chief Counsel, Lorena Penaloza. She wrote in a December 20, 2017 letter to the city, “The University is evaluating its available remedial options, and therefore requests that the City confirm its obligation to provide water service to the Santa Cruz Campus.” Really, it’s H2O for North Campus development they seek. It’s how UCSC/UC Regents is spelling g-r-o-w-t-h these days. Stay tuned, the legal wrangling is just beginning with the Town seemingly more unified than ever against any Gown growth exceeding 19,500. Our beef is really with Oakland, and the Regents…and that’s where we need to take the growth fight. De acuerdo!?
A Fiscal Emergency was discussed and then put on hold until some rather simple and necessary questions get responded to by city staff:
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Bernie Tweet, Taking Care of the Weak
“It is absolutely imperative that the Mueller investigation be allowed to go forward without obstruction from the Trump administration or Congress.” (Feb. 16)
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT AWARDED $2 MILLION GRANT FOR PROJECT THEY INSIST IS NOT A DONE-DEAL?
Last month, California State Water Board granted a hefty $2 Million in taxpayer Proposition 1 bond money to Soquel Creek Water District to propel the PureWater Soquel project into action. The District Board of Directors and staff continue to insist they will make no decisions about the future of this project, which will inject 3 million gallons treated sewage water daily into the area’s drinking water supply, until the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is out later this spring.
Do you believe that? I don’t. Not when the District is spending massive amounts of money and time to support the project and very little on any other possible solutions. The District spent $53,067.65 in January, 2018 alone on the deal, including $2,100 to Tom Burns for PureWater Soquel support services. Why would they pay Mr. Burns, the former Santa Cruz County Planning Director, that sum if not to help shove something through that requires a permit????
Take a look at other types of projects, such as stormwater capture and water storage projects, that Soquel Creek Water District could get Prop 1 funding to do, but for some reason, is not pursuing.
Prop 1 was passed by the voters in 2014 to spend $7.5 Billion funding projects that PREVENT AND CLEAN UP CONTAMINATION OF GROUND WATER THAT SERVES AS SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER. Soquel Creek Water District claims the sea water intrusion problem in the area, which is due to years of over-pumping, is a threat to public health and safety….and that qualified them for the $2 Million grant.
District General Manager, Ron Duncan, recently waved a clear glass bottle of water he told the Capitola City Council was hazardous to health because it was from a sea water-intruded well..,..it looked identical to the same bottle he has held up before, claiming the advanced treated sewage water in it is pure and safe to drink. Although District staff insists the PureWater Soquel treated sewage water would be safe to inject into the aquifer, the possibility of contamination with pharmaceuticals, carcingenic by-products of disinfections, such as NDMA, is real. Take a look at the State Water Boards website.
Soquel Creek Water District’s consulting engineer from Carollo admitted that NDMA cannot always be removed, but it can be reduced to acceptable levels according to State guidelines. Acceptable levels? Is this really PREVENTING AND CLEANING UP CONTAMINATION OF GROUND WATER THAT SERVES AS SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER, as is the mandate under Prop 1 funding????
~Cheers,
Becky Steinbruner
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
Dateline February 15, 2018
#46 / Smith, Jones, And Carpenter
What kind of “privacy” do we have, in a time in which new technologies increasingly send detailed information about everything we are doing to private companies, which then provide that information about us to the government?
In the case of Smith v. Maryland, decided on June 20, 1979, the United States Supreme Court held that the police did not need to obtain a search warrant to install a “pen register” on a telephone owned by Michael Lee Smith. Using the pen register, the police were able to collect information about calls made from Smith’s phone, including the telephone numbers called, and the date and time of all calls made. Evidence about the calls made from Smith’s telephone was provided to the police by the telephone company, and was used to convict Smith of robbery. Smith argued that the police should have gotten a search warrant, based on probable cause, before using the pen register. He wanted the evidence collected by the pen register suppressed. The Supreme Court reasoned that Smith had no “expectation of privacy,” since Smith well knew that the phone company was recording all the information associated with the calls he made from the phone. There was nothing “private” about that!
In 2013, Edward Snowden revealed that the United States government was obtaining exactly the same kind of information the police had collected in the Smith case, but was collecting this information about EVERYONE’S phone calls, and was retaining all these records in a giant database, essentially forever. A federal trial court judge, William Pauley, said that the Smith case controlled, and that there was nothing wrong with the practices that Snowden revealed. According to Pauley’s decision in American Civil Liberties Union v. James R. Clapper, no one in the country has any “expectation of privacy” about the kind of “metadata” that the government has been collecting, since anyone using a telephone understands that the information collected by the government is being recorded and retained by their telephone service provider. It’s not really, “private” if the telephone company has it!
Judge Richard Leon, another federal trial court judge, came to an exactly opposite conclusion in a case called Klayman v. Obama, decided at virtually the same time as the Clapper case. Judge Leon reasoned that United States v. Jones, a case decided in January 2012, pretty much overruled Smith. The decision in the Jones case was unanimous, and was written by Justice Antonin Scalia, pictured above. Scalia, who died in 2016, was one of the Court’s more conservative members. The Jones case was not a case about telephones; it was about the use of a GPS tracking device, which the police had placed on Jones’ automobile. Expectations about privacy, however, was at the heart of the Jones case. Using the GPS information they gathered from the device, the police were able to track Jones’ whereabouts over an extended period of time, and they used the information to convict him. Scalia’s opinion pointed out that new technologies dramatically increase the ability of the government to surveil the citizenry, so that the old rules have to be reevaluated.
You might think that since diametrically opposite conclusions were reached in the Klayman and Clapper cases, on an issue of such fundamental importance to everyone using a telephone, the Supreme Court would want to provide some definitive guidance, and to decide whether Smith or Jones was right. Absent such guidance, it is totally unclear whether it is constitutional for the United States government to undertake a mass collection of telephone metadata, mobilizing modern spy technologies against every person in the United States who makes telephone calls. Whatever we might think about what would make sense in terms of the public interest, the Supreme Court gets to pick its cases, and has dodged making a decision about whether Judge Pauley, or Judge Leon, got it right.
Maybe, however, there is going to be a resolution soon.
Consider the case of Carpenter v. United States. The Supreme Court of the United States Blog (SCOTUS Blog) describes the Carpenter case as follows: “Issue: Whether the warrantless seizure and search of historical cellphone records revealing the location and movements of a cellphone user over the course of 127 days is permitted by the Fourth Amendment.” The Carpenter case was argued on November 29, 2017, so a decision can be expected by June of this year.
Check out the arguments. I’m hoping that the Supreme Court is going to decide that our government is simply not allowed to spy on me unless the government can convince a judge that there is some reasonable, probable cause to think I’ve done something wrong.
I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you, dear reader, feel just the same!
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Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read and subscribe to his daily blog at www.gapatton.net
Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com |
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Tackles those motorcycle maniacs. Scroll below.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “White House Job Fair” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog….with thoughts about “Dead Etiquette”.
EVENTS
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The Santa Cruz Chamber Players present the fourth concert in this year’s series…
“Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms: An Arc of Romanticism” Brian Johnston is the artistic director and the players are Brian Johnston, violin. Shannon Delaney, viola. Aude Castagna, cello. And Ben Dorfan, piano. They’ll play… |
| L. v. Beethoven (1770 1827) Serenade Op. 8 for string trio (1797) |
| Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Piano Quintet in E -flat, Op.44 (1842) |
| Beethoven Serenade Op. 8 for string trio (conclusion)
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) Piano Quartet in c minor, op. 60 (1862-1864) . The concerts are Saturday and Sunday February 24 at 7:30 and the 25th at 3 p.m. At Christ Lutheran Church 10707 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA. Purchase tickets at Brown Paper Tickets or maybe at the door the day of the concert. :30 pm Sypm |
| Christ Lutheran Church
10707 Soquel Dr. A CA |
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Learn my strategies on how to steal more time out of the day to do stuff you really want to do, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com/). Also, if we’re lucky, the wistful memoir, Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool will spark renewed interest in the life and career of the exceptional, much-beloved film noir actress Gloria Grahame.” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL. Gloria Grahame was an Academy Award winning sultry, smart “actress” (old term) in the 40’s and 50’s. In her later years she did some stage work in Liverpool and had a very serious affair with a much younger man. He wrote a book about it, this is the movie from that book… and it is an entirely captivating movie.
THE INSULT. This is one of five foreign language films up for an Oscar on March 4. It’s a challenging film to understand, and having white subtitles on white backgrounds doesn’t help. A courtroom drama dealing with Christians vs. Muslims, it takes place in Beruit. The actions and accusations by political and religious factions are hard to follow. Absolutely perfect acting, and a lot of tension… but unless you know the history of Palestine and Lebanon you’ll miss some important points.
BLACK PANTHER. Just as Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman created a lot of good will and empowered women, Black Panther is doing the same for Blacks in America and around the rest of the world. Both are Marvel Comics creations, and full of violence, killings and special effects. Black Panther is science fiction, and still the characters use spears to kill each other? There are messages in this movie, so I read…but I struggled to find anything positive in it. I’m finding it more and more difficult in general to see these action films — with messages like revenge, torture, and blood and guts — as bearing any real semblance of cinematic art.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. No matter where you’re at sexually this beautiful film deals with a young 17 year old boy in Italy working his way through his sexual coming of age. Armie Hammer plays the 30 year old scholarly hunk who visits the kid’s parents. You remember Armie Hammer heir to the Armand Hammer oil fortune and who played The Lone Ranger to Johnny Depp’s Tonto (2013)!!!
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its’ worth going just for the fun of it.
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its world War II history and it’s the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
THE POST. This is Steven Spielberg’s answer to the Trump administration’s corruption and misuse of presidential power. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks rip up the acting as we expect them to do. It’s the story of the then little Washington Post trying to catch up to The New York Times printing Daniel Elsberg’s Vietnam exposure papers. It makes easy parallels to Nixon and Trump’s dictatorships. It also makes great pitches for freedom of the press…and what we need to do to keep that freedom alive…especially now. Go see it, bring your friends. But truthfully it’s not as interesting or revealing as the MSNBC documentary two weeks ago… “The Most Dangerous Man In America” the same story from Elsberg’s view.
I TONYA. A very dark, depressing movie about some very depressed people. It’s got loud rock period music as the film score which almost qualifies it as a fun comedy but you’ll be able to count your laughs. Somewhere in the movie somebody says Americans love to hate or love their current sport stars…and its sure true here. Allison Janney plays Tonya’s seriously disturbed mother and deserves some award this Award season…but not for this one. Warning IF you do got you’ll leave wondering why you cared about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding.
COCO. A genuine Pixar animated cartoon. And, the animation is amazingly three –dimensional. The plot is totally focused on the very rich and traditional Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, plenty of food, religion, music, and only a little boring after the first half hour. It’s completely original, you’ve never seen anything like this before, its way more creative and developed than what we usually think of as a Disney Cartoon. Go see it. (ends Feb.15 again!)
MOLLY’S GAME. This is an unusual “true” film about a once Olympic ski champion who becomes the owner/manager of zillion dollar poker games. Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba play the top roles and good old Kevin Costner has a bit part as Jessica’s father. It’s a fancy film with plenty of cinema tricks to keep us interested, and the acting’s ok too. But think twice before going, especially if you’re trying to give up movies for the New Year.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Yes, 93 on RT and I thought it was a complete fake of a billion dollar move machine. I’ll always remember going to our Soquel Drive in (just a little stoned) and being completely taken into outer space with Star Wars 1. It had humor, empathy, great imagination, tension and a story you could care about. The franchise now stages monotonous, uncaring, space attacks and wars so numerous that you can’t remember who is on who’s side…and you don’t care much either. There’s the Dark Side, the Resistance, Adam Driver, R2D2, a very dull Carrie Fisher, an aging Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker and those endless space battles that take up probably 33 1/3 of the movie. A great disappointment…go at your own peril, and its 2 ½ hours extra long.
THE HOSTILES. In 1892 The Comanches fight the Cheyennes, settlers battle all American Indians, while Christian Bale leads a group that includes Rosamund Pike through all sorts of ethnic and tense battles. It’s a bit more sensitive than the John Ford John Wayne westerns but nowhere near as exciting. The photography is not just scenic, it’s gorgeous.
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS..LIVE ACTION. Not as good as last year’s crop but “The Eleven O’Clock” is hilarious, “The Silent Child” will make you cry…and think and “Watu Wote” will give you hope for the world, in spite of everything. Go for it.
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS …ANIMATED. Not funny, not great, not far out, not profound but “Dear Basketball” produced, directed and narrated by Kobe Bryant himself is beautiful.
12 STRONG. This is almost a Hollywood western. Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon fight Taliban attacks in the Afghan War right after 9/11. It was actually shot in New Mexico and southern California…and you’ll believe it when/if you see it. It’s very confusing, and hard to figure who is on whose side. Apparently it’s “based on a true Story” but what isn’t nowadays? I counted three audience members actually playing computer games while the movie was grinding on for two hours and ten minutes plus the usual 20 minutes of Regal ads and previews.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
WINCHESTER. To see Helen Mirren in a miserable movie like this flop is just embarrassing. You know where 98% of it was filmed right? Yes, on sound lots in Australia…NOT the famous Winchester Mansion just over the hill. It’s dull, boring, darkly lit, and for a scary movie it misses at every bump in the night. Even Helen Mirren does a shameful job of acting…it’s her worst ever!!
50 SHADES FREED. I am probably required to admit that I actually saw “50 Shades of Grey” (2015) it was the last movie I saw at the Aptos Theatre. I will not reveal the name of the person I saw it with however because we are still friends. 50 Shades Freed (2018) the third and final film of this series from the book got an 11 on Rotten Tomatoes. Fifty Shades Darker #2 (2017) got 10 on RT. The original 50 Shades Of Grey (2015) got an 25 on RT. You can see there’s sort of a trend!!! Not that you should care and it’s not really what you’d call a plot, but it’s about Seattle, sex, money, and ice cream in your crotch.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. Feb. 20 has former UCSC Alumni President Donna Mekis talking about UCSC and the community. Then Zav Hershfield and Nina Hertel talk all about the Rent Imitative. On February 27 Lesley-Reid Harrison talks about Santa Cruz’s Diversity Center and their activities and programs. AND …if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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This is a subject near and dear to my heart! More people should knit, it’s great for the mind – and you get soft and squishy wearables out of it! Hit me up at godmoma@gmail.com if you don’t know how and want to learn 🙂 |
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. George Washington
“Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder”. GEORGE WASHINGTON
“It is with pleasure I receive reproof, when reproof is due, because no person can be readier to accuse me, than I am to acknowledge an error, when I am guilty of one; nor more desirous of atoning for a crime, when I am sensible of having committed it”. GEORGE WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 1757
“Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience”. GEORGE WASHINGTON,
“Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated”. GEORGE WASHINGTON. Oct. 20, 1792
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com
BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
February 14 – 20, 2018
Highlights this week:
BRATTON about whose birthday is it, Lulu’s and The Octagon history, Hoffman’s, New Leaf, City temp workers, new hotel at 7th and Brommer?…GREENSITE on PG&E and tree felling…KROHN and rent control, Armistice Day in February, Big Deal Council meeting…STEINBRUNER re Supe’s conflict of interest and the 82 foot Cemex tower, Aptos Village traffic lessens, Nisene Marks parking problem, Rancho Del Mar developer unfair to tenants…PATTON about good guys, bad guys and community…EAGAN displays Rotten Tooth Trump…DeCINZO relieves himself on Girl Scout Cookies…Munching with Mozart…Evening with Mahler…Jensen re Oscar Nominated Shorts…Bratton on 50 Shades freed, Oscar shorts…UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE GUESTS…QUOTES some great quotes from Abraham Lincoln.
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BARACK OBAMA’S PORTRAIT UNVEILING |
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ROBOT DOGS. Just what we need. |
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NAIL BALANCING TRICK. I know, I know but it was getting cold and rainy so… |
DATELINE February 12, 2018
LINCOLN’S AND WASHINGTON’S FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS??? Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, and George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. When I was little, we celebrated both of those days, separately, with school holidays. Then somebody combined them into President’s day — and who celebrates even that day, nowadays?
OCTAGON MYSTERY.
What happened to Lulu’s Coffeehouse at The Octagon seems to have become a mystery. Since I’ve been sitting there during the fair weather, dozens of locals and tourists peer into the unlocked and deserted Octagon and wonder exactly what’s going on. For newcomers… The Octagon was our County Hall of Records from about 1882. It became the Santa Cruz County Historical Museum in 1972. Charles Prentiss and Nikki Silva created a great and relevant City Museum display that answered many local history questions. Then it became the MAH store. Then Mark Primack designed the interior for Lulu Carpenter’s Coffee Shop. That location had an exclusive coffee-selling permit.
A few years ago, when the San Jose operation took over and erased all traces of what was Abbott Square to put in their six food operations, they wanted to have a coffee operation going on but Lulu’s had that exclusive clause — so MAH bought out Lulu’s lease. Lulu’s owner sued and lost. The San Jose group intended to open a whiskey-tasting bar in there. Obviously it fell through. Then two little restaurants were going to open last November… that too fell through.
So now the Octagon — one of our once proudest historical structures — sits with usually unlocked doors, totally destroyed inside. It’s lousy and irresponsible management of our County’s heritage on MAH’s behalf. Why the County does absolutely nothing while the Octagon rots to hell is beyond understanding.
PACIFIC AVENUE PONDERINGS. Just hanging out on the avenue during all the “summer” weather, I wonder how many folks have noticed the pair of sneakers hanging straight above the front entrance to New Leaf. Then we have to guess how they got there, and how many throws it took?? Then I got maybe a ” fractured fact” that Hoffman’s closed because they couldn’t afford the $13,000 per month rent. Remember that big deal TV Makeover show that brought in so many customers that night, and changed the atmosphere of Hoffman’s completely?
It seems ridiculous to bring it up again, but why can’t our City stop those roaring, racing motorcycles from ruining what atmosphere and sense of friendliness? Somehow the Fuzz manages to track license plates to give tickets for everything…why not for disrupting the peace? With our new policing practices in place, there should be dozens of trained citizen/authority people who would act as witness against these witless peace destroyers.
Then I just got an email stating that the City of Santa Cruz has over 35% temporary workers on the payroll. That alone is enough to make you wonder — and perhaps even accuse our city of some very criminal and hidden actions…more than before!!!
NEW HOTEL 7TH & BROMMER,WHY? (and who?) Many questions need asking about the hotel being pushed so strongly by both County Supervisor Ryan and dad Neal Coonerty. It’ll be built at the corner of 7th and Brommer. Why there? Why another hotel? And again why are the Coonertys involved? It’s far from Ryan’s District!
[oops!!! I just checked and 7th and Brommer is within Ryan’s (3rd) District which runs all the way from our north county line to where he wants the hotel. BUT why is a Supervisor pushing for a hotel? Ask him when you see him.]
TIME TO STAND UP FOR TREES
The whine of a chain saw is a fitting back-drop to my writing about PG&E and tree destruction. Fortunately the nearby chain saw is trimming not killing. I don’t use the term killing lightly. As tree expert Dr. Matt Ritter from San Luis Obispo reminds us: “trees are alive! Do not forget that.” They are very different from us but cutting down a tree is equivalent to shooting a man in the back. As John Muir cautioned: “any fool can destroy trees: they cannot run away.”
In California only 19 species of trees are natives out of 8,000 different tree species. Of course native trees should be protected and planted whenever possible. But to advocate the eradication and hatred of all non-native trees no matter how old or large is in my mind folly of the worst kind. Fuelled by all manner of myths and distortions, the assault on non-native tree species is not shared by birds or bees, which happily nest, perch, forage and thrive on a wide variety of non-native trees. Even the much maligned blue gum eucalyptus, hated by many and incorrectly blamed for the tragic Oakland Hills fire, is home to 59 species of birds that nest within its branches. In all, 90 bird species make regular use of these iconic trees, which are in decline due largely to wanton destruction and ignorance.
A mature tree stores an average of 1-2 metric tons of carbon, which increases each year the tree grows. For newly planted trees to become equivalent carbon sinks many decades of growth are needed. Given what we know about climate change due to carbon emissions, one would think that every viable big tree would be lovingly protected and revered. It is in this context that the massive tree removal project proposed by PG&E, which has just begun in the city of Santa Cruz, should stir alarm and action.
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
GOINGS – ON
Rent Control Now
The Movement for Housing Justice along with the student group, SUR, Students United with Renters (“No more students without more resources!” too.) combined to turn out over a 100 petition-gathers this past Sunday. It was the first official day for rent control signature-gathering in the city of Santa Cruz. Wow, what a crowd! The Resource Center for Non-Violence was abuzz with anxious, frenetic, and giddy groups of students, labor union members, and seniors ready to take to the streets, but first a training session took place. It was remarkable how the 100-plus-person training ensued as they strived to collectively figure out some common problems like who is eligible to sign the petition (registered city voters only), who can collect signatures (anyone), and how to list student addresses (need both dorm and UCSC campus addresses).The signature training session was presided over by Zav Herschfeld and Viveka Jagadeesan. At 3:45pm, everybody hit the streets for a first-run through of practicing the process. By 5:30pm they returned to a potluck dinner and a facilitated conversation about what went right, and what went wrong on Rent Control Day 1. They also returned with more than 700 signatures, towards the 8000 needed to place the initiative on the November ballot. Not bad for the first day.
Celebrating the Armistice
ar·mi·stice ‘ärm?st?s – a noun, an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce.
 Darrell Darling at last Sunday’s kick-off of Armistice Year. VFW Bill Motto Post’s, Steve Baer is also in picture. |
Over 60 peace-people met at the Town Clock this past Sunday (2/11) to celebrate the end of war. Yes, that war, “The Great War,” “the war to end all wars.” It was November 11th 1918 when the allies of World War I, and representatives of the German government, met on a private train in a forest near Compiegne, France to sign an agreement towards ending what many thought would be the last war–20 million deaths and 21 million wounded. Veterans for Peace activists, Steve Baer and Rico Baker carried out the first of a planned nine peace-making events leading up to a Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium celebration and commemoration this November 11th. Present at this gathering was like a who’s who in Santa Cruz peace history: Darrell and Karen Darling, Tatanka Bricca, Sherry Conable, Dick and Marion Vittitow, Jan Harwood and the Raging Grannies, Steve Pleich, and I am sure I’ve missed several…
Is That Just One Council Meeting?
There are council meetings, and then there are council meetings…The February 13th meeting was set up to be one for the ages. No fewer than five rather significant issues landed on the desks of city councilmembers. While I shall report out the results–votes–next week, as BrattonOnLine is put to bed before the meeting, I include the topics here:
- Declaring a “fiscal emergency” in the city of Santa Cruz…and this is on the heels of declaring a “homeless emergency” just two weeks ago;
- Placing two general fund tax measures on the June Primary election ballot–1/4-cent sales tax AND a 2-cent per ounce “sugar sweetened beverage” tax;
- Rent Freeze–“Interim emergency ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on certain residential rent increases…” This ordinance would provide protection for tenants against arbitrary and capricious rent increases before the rent control ordinance can be voted on in November;
- “Just cause for tenant evictions” ordinance, which would protect tenants from being put out of their homes by the whims of landlords. There would still be provisions for putting out tenants for failing to pay the rent or abusing the property and/or neighborhood
- Opening of the first city of Santa Cruz-supported and sanctioned tent encampment on River Street.
And Then There is This Cryptic (nefarious?) Use of Closed-session Political Jujitsu Dept.
This appeared rather mysteriously on the February 13th Santa Cruz City Council “Closed Litigation Session:”
| B. | Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation |
| Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(2).
(1 potential case) |
What the hell is that? Not even a subject or an organization mentioned who it is that is bringing, or threatening, or perhaps thinking about a legal action against the city. Why would it not be in favor of the city by naming names here? This to me is an abuse of closed session, and the Brown Act, and should be stopped. The public has a right to know the names, or organizations and institutions, who might be suing the city.
Bernie Sanders Tweet of the Week
“If you were wondering how Trump plans to pay for his tax cuts for billionaires and corporations, now you know: with $1.8 trillion in cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security”. (Jan. 12)
Picture of the Week
 RENT CONTROL NOW It was a packed Resource Center for Non-Violence as the rent control initiative began collecting signatures in earnest several members of the print and visual media looked on. |
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
WHAT A FLIMSY ACCUSATION!”
That’s what County Supervisor John Leopold told me last Tuesday when I asked Chairman of the Board Zach Friend and Supervisor Ryan Coonerty to recues themselves from voting on the new 82′ tall law enforcement communication tower at Davenport’s Cemex Plant. I support improved communication for emergency responders, but pointed out that the two County Supervisors both will financially benefit by the technology due to their personal investments in Pred Pol and , in the case of Supervisor Zach Friend, Yardarm Technology. I pulled the item from the Consent Agenda and had to wait all day for the issue to be heard as Regular Agenda Item 55.2 at the very end of the meeting.
That’s when Supervisor John Leopold took the floor and arrogantly stated my request was “based on a flimsy accusation not supported by facts. I am sure they would have reported any conflicts of interest in their Form 700.” I replied (not allowed further comment at the podium) that they had, and that was how I learned about it. County Sheriff Jim Hart stated that the Sheriff Dept. has no contracts with either Pred Pol or Yardarm Technologies, so everything was okay.
Did Chairman of the Board Zach Friend or Supervisor Coonerty recuse themselves? NO.
Pred Pol is short for Predictive Policing and is a company that provides recommended staffing information to law enforcement agencies based on local crime patterns and social movements. Yardarm Technology is a software company that provides technology linked to weapon deployment of law enforcement staff and sends signals to communicate real-time use of the weapons using cellphone technology. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff Department tested the technology for Yardarm when Phil Wowak was Sheriff. Zach Friend went to Sacramento on taxpayer time to lobby for the use of the technology in the state.
While the new 82′ tower in Davenport will, I have been assured, only support a microwave dish to link law enforcement communications with the tower on Mt. Toro across the Bay, it is my understanding that if cell phone providers in the future request space on the tower, the County legally cannot refuse to give them space.
Here is the link to Chairman of the Board Zach Friend’s Form 700 (look at page 4 for the Schedule A-1 and verify for yourself that his $10,000-$100,000 annual income from EACH Pred Pol and Yardarm Technology is an economic conflict of interest.
Look at page 3 of Supervisor Ryan Coonerty’s Schedule A-1 for his declaration of $2,000-$10,000 annual income from Pred Pol.
Do you think my request that they recuse themselves from approving a new tower in Davenport that will benefit their financial interests was a “flimsy accusation”?
Cheers,
Becky Steinbruner
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
#39 / The “Good Guys” Versus The “Bad Guys”
I was intrigued by an article by Catherine Nichols that appeared, recently, in the online magazine, Aeon. Entitled, “The good guy / bad guy myth,” the article notes that while “pop culture today is obsessed with the battle between good and evil, traditional folktales never were.”
The point of the article is that the locus of “morality” appears to have shifted from the individual to the mass, with the article making the point that it is precisely this shift in understanding that justifies and makes possible concentration camps:
When I talked with Andrea Pitzer, the author of One Long Night: A Global History of Concentration Camps (2017), about the rise of the idea that people on opposite sides of conflicts have different moral qualities, she told me: “Three inventions collided to make concentration camps possible: barbed wire, automatic weapons, and the belief that whole categories of people should be locked up.” When we read, watch and tell stories of good guys warring against bad guys, we are essentially persuading ourselves that our opponents would not be fighting us, indeed they would not be on the other team at all, if they had any loyalty or valued human life. In short, we are rehearsing the idea that moral qualities belong to categories of people rather than individuals. It is the Grimms’ and von Herder’s vision taken to its logical nationalist conclusion that implies that “categories of people should be locked up.”
I am fond of saying that “we are not only individuals; we are also members of a community.” We need to remind ourselves of that all the time, because we often analyze things from an “individualistic” point of view, missing the fact that it is the “we,” not the “me,” that ultimately defines our human reality. We are all in this together!
That said, it is also true that the locus of moral choice (and moral responsibility) is at the individual level. Concentration camps, and the massive bombing of cities in which “enemies” reside (from Dresden, to Hiroshima, to Raqqa), are both examples of how the “good guy / bad guy myth” wreaks havoc on our common human world.
And to take another example, in which mass destruction is more metaphorical than actual, consider the hyper-partisan nature of our current politics. It might be best for us to go back to the old folktales. They have more than one lesson to teach us.
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Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read and subscribe to his daily blog at www.gapatton.net
Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com |
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. DeCinzo has another shot at Girl Scout Cookies…see below.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “Rotten Tooth Trump” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog.
MUNCHING WITH MOZART. Thursday 2/15 @ noon.
Munching with Mozart presents “Music for Two Clarinets” featuring Tatyana Rekow and Penny Hanna on clarinets. From its origins as an Arabic and European folk instrument, and often resembling the sound of a trumpet, the single reed clarinet or chalumeau from France became more widely used beginning in the early Baroque period. By 1700, Johann Christoph Denner’s technical improvements helped turn the chalumeau into the modern clarinet. W.A. Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major K 622 is one of the earliest well known classical works, and the clarinet’s versatility and range have expanded it’s reach to military bands, Eastern European klezmer music, American jazz and big band swing.
Tatyana and Penny will be playing…Airs à Deux Chalumeaux (1706) Henry Ipermann (c. 1700), Selections arranged for 2 clarinets andante, Allegro, Menuetto Allegro, Polonaise
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(1756 – 1791) June: Barcarole “The Seasons” op.37A
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893) Stardust (1929) Hoagy Carmichael (1899 – 1961)
And Clarinet Polka (late 19th. Cent.) A. Hupfa or Karol Namyslowski Gavotte: Symphony No.1(“Classical”) Op.25 Sergei Prokofiev (1891 – 1953)and Bartok, Waldeufel, Musiker, Curtis and Jerome Kern. It happens Thursday, February 15th 12:10 – 12:50p.m. Santa Cruz Public Library, Downtown Branch – upstairs Meeting Room. Remember it’s free, get there early.
ESPRESSIVO ORCHESTRA WITH MAHLER. Thursday2/15 @ 7:30 p.m.
Michel Singher conducts the Espressivo Orchestra playing Mahler’s fourth Symphony with Sheila Willey vocalist. It’s at the Peace United Church 900 High Street. Tickets at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/3198559 or maybe at the door.
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Decisions, decisions. Animated or Live-Action? Before you choose, check out my review of the Oscar Nominated Short Films (and, yes, there are two separate programs) this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com ). Also, feast your eyes on another vintage Beauty and the Beast illustration as the countdown continues toward the pub date of my next book!” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS …ANIMATED. Not funny, not great, not far out, not profound… but “Dear Basketball” produced, directed and narrated by Kobe Bryant himself is beautiful.
50 SHADES FREED. I am probably required to admit that I actually saw 50 Shades of Grey (2015), and that it was the last movie I saw at the Aptos Theatre. I will not reveal the name of the person I saw it with, however, because we are still friends. 50 Shades Freed — the third and final film of this series from the book — got a 25 on Rotten Tomatoes. Fifty Shades Darker #2 got 10 on RT. 50 Shades Freed got an 11 on RT. Not that you should care, but it’s about Seattle, sex, money, and ice cream in your crotch.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. No matter where you’re at sexually this beautiful film deals with a young 17 year old boy in Italy working his way through his sexual coming of age. Armie Hammer plays the 30 year old scholarly hunk who visits the kid’s parents. You remember Armie Hammer heir to the Armand Hammer oil fortune and who played The Lone Ranger to Johnny Depp’s Tonto (2013)!!!
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its’ worth going just for the fun of it.
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its world War II history and it’s the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
THE POST. This is Steven Spielberg’s answer to the Trump administration’s corruption and misuse of presidential power. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks rip up the acting as we expect them to do. It’s the story of the then little Washington Post trying to catch up to The New York Times printing Daniel Elsberg’s Vietnam exposure papers. It makes easy parallels to Nixon and Trump’s dictatorships. It also makes great pitches for freedom of the press…and what we need to do to keep that freedom alive…especially now. Go see it, bring your friends. But truthfully it’s not as interesting or revealing as the MSNBC documentary two weeks ago… “The Most Dangerous Man In America” the same story from Elsberg’s view.
I TONYA. A very dark, depressing movie about some very depressed people. It’s got loud rock period music as the film score which almost qualifies it as a fun comedy but you’ll be able to count your laughs. Somewhere in the movie somebody says Americans love to hate or love their current sport stars…and its sure true here. Allison Janney plays Tonya’s seriously disturbed mother and deserves some award this Award season…but not for this one. Warning IF you do got you’ll leave wondering why you cared about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding.
COCO. A genuine Pixar animated cartoon. And, the animation is amazingly three –dimensional. The plot is totally focused on the very rich and traditional Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, plenty of food, religion, music, and only a little boring after the first half hour. It’s completely original, you’ve never seen anything like this before, its way more creative and developed than what we usually think of as a Disney Cartoon. Go see it. (ends Feb.15 again!)
MOLLY’S GAME. This is an unusual “true” film about a once Olympic ski champion who becomes the owner/manager of zillion dollar poker games. Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba play the top roles and good old Kevin Costner has a bit part as Jessica’s father. It’s a fancy film with plenty of cinema tricks to keep us interested, and the acting’s ok too. But think twice before going, especially if you’re trying to give up movies for the New Year.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Yes, 93 on RT and I thought it was a complete fake of a billion dollar move machine. I’ll always remember going to our Soquel Drive in (just a little stoned) and being completely taken into outer space with Star Wars 1. It had humor, empathy, great imagination, tension and a story you could care about. The franchise now stages monotonous, uncaring, space attacks and wars so numerous that you can’t remember who is on who’s side…and you don’t care much either. There’s the Dark Side, the Resistance, Adam Driver, R2D2, a very dull Carrie Fisher, an aging Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker and those endless space battles that take up probably 33 1/3 of the movie. A great disappointment…go at your own peril, and its 2 1/2 hours extra long.
THE HOSTILES. In 1892 The Comanches fight the Cheyennes, settlers battle all American Indians, while Christian Bale leads a group that includes Rosamund Pike through all sorts of ethnic and tense battles. It’s a bit more sensitive than the John Ford John Wayne westerns but nowhere near as exciting. The photography is not just scenic, it’s gorgeous.
12 STRONG. This is almost a Hollywood western. Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon fight Taliban attacks in the Afghan War right after 9/11. It was actually shot in New Mexico and southern California…and you’ll believe it when/if you see it. It’s very confusing, and hard to figure who is on whose side. Apparently it’s “based on a true Story” but what isn’t nowadays? I counted three audience members actually playing computer games while the movie was grinding on for two hours and ten minutes plus the usual 20 minutes of Regal ads and previews.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
WINCHESTER. To see Helen Mirren in a miserable movie like this flop is just embarrassing.
You know where 98% of it was filmed right? Yes, on sound lots in Australia…NOT the famous Winchester Mansion just over the hill. It’s dull, boring, darkly lit, and for a scary movie it misses at every bump in the night. Even Helen Mirren does a shameful job of acting…it’s her worst ever!!
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. . On Feb. 13 UCSC’s Felicia Rice discusses her new book “Doc/Undoc” an art piece centering on the immigration experience. Then Ashlyn Adams talks about her two new movie theatres opening soon in the former Circle Church. Feb. 20 has former UCSC Alumni President Donna Mekis talking about UCSC and the community. AND …if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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Shameless plug! I am so proud and excited, I can’t stand it! This is my friend Niki Leeman, who used to live around these parts, but is now living happily in Chicago with his girlfriend. This is the first time I’ve heard this song since he told me he wrote a song for me and my husband, and sang it to us in our kitchen, a decade ago. Take a listen; it’s a great song! |
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. From Abraham Lincoln.
Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties. And not to Democrats alone do I make this appeal, but to all who love these great and true principles.
–August 27, 1856 Speech
As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy.
–ca. August 1, 1858
On the question of liberty, as a principle, we are not what we have been. When we were the political slaves of King George, and wanted to be free, we called the maxim that “all men are created equal” a self evident truth; but now when we have grown fat, and have lost all dread of being slaves ourselves, we have become so greedy to be masters that we call the same maxim “a self evident lie.”
–August 15, 1855
The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing.
–April 18, 1864
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
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BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
February 6 – 12, 2018
Highlights this week:
BRATTON about Linda Vista Center “fake facts”…GREENSITE on an air taxi future…KROHN re revolutions, activism, homelessness, rent control, wealth gap…STEINBRUNER reports on AMBAG legality and confusion, Nisene Marks closed again and again…PATTON and Trump’s speech: unity — a questionable goal? …EAGAN and “IncredibleTkrrump“…DeCINZO and our bicycle problem…JENSEN reviews “Winchester”…BRATTON critiques “Winchester”…UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE GUESTS…QUOTES about “Valentines”.
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PREVIEW OF COMING EVENTS. DIANE GRUNES was/is kind and brilliant enough to send this amazing, well done, short video. Just watch CLOSELY so you don’t miss any frame of it. |
DATELINE February 5, 2018
LINDA VISTA CENTER REVISITED. Last week I wrote that I’d been told by Center employees that the Westside Video Store building in the Westside Plaza was going to be demolished. It isn’t, and I should have checked first. Turns out that “the Linda Vista Center” is the correct name for what I called the “Westside Plaza”…(remember the Linda Vista Market where Shen’s Gallery now sits? It had paintings of dancing milk cartons on the windows?) The Center’s real estate management said, “Bruce’s had some bad informants… We are still evaluating what will eventually be done to upgrade the center, but demolition is definitely not on the table. A new roof on the entire building is scheduled to go on the 21st of this month.” Other businesses in the Center also told me last week there was no demolition planned…or announced! This must qualify as a “FAKE FACT”
DREAM ON
At the recent Titans of Tech night at the Dream Inn, local inventor JoeBen Bevirt of Joby Aviation, outlined his scheme to develop electric air taxis, with the “goal to liberate humankind from the automobile” and to “save a billion people an hour a day” in their commutes. He is seeking county approval to use part of the closed Cemex cement plant property in Davenport for this purpose. For some, such a future may generate goose bumps of excitement. The city’s Economic Development director Bonnie Lipscomb lauded the assembled techies with, “You are our super heroes!” For others, including myself, such a vision is a nightmare in the sky. Even a solitary drone with its swarm of bees hum drives me inside cursing as it invades my privacy, scatters birds and harasses marine mammals. Elephants en masse stampede to the hills at the sound of a drone. I’m with the elephants on this one. They outsmart us. When the 2004 tsunami hit Thailand, elephants took to the hills while humans went down to the shoreline to check it out.
Some will say, “thank goodness your sort of thinking didn’t prevail 100 years ago ,or we would never have developed the automobile.” Hmm….
As with the automobile, air taxis may sound good in theory and roads jammed with cars inching along at 5 miles an hour during commutes is not what Henry Ford probably had in mind. I predict that air taxis, if developed will share a similar fate.
To counter daydreams, air taxis will not be your personal aircraft. They will need a pilot. They will carry only two passengers. They will require ground infrastructure, which means that you will have to get transport from home to a hub. They will land at another hub, not plop you down at your workplace. Bevirt claims that the cost will eventually fall to be competitive with Uber but that requires mass usage and mass usage means a whole lot of air taxis in the sky. Most people don’t like living near an airport. How about multiple air taxi hubs? The most compelling objection for me is the vast invasion by human technology of our skies. Yes, we have planes, and fortunately, most are high enough to not intrude when we look skyward. LAX has 1500 take offs and landings each day and is the third busiest airport in the country. Now imagine hundreds of thousands if not millions of air taxis (remember the claim is to save a billion people an hour in commute time) flying at a far lower altitude (an air traffic control nightmare, even if automated) and suddenly the skies are as crowded as the freeways. Is it starting to sound less glamorous?
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
REVOLUTIONS ARE RARELY TELEVISED
Note: be ready for multiple exclamation points. They are small expressions of joy as I see lots of positive and powerful seeds being planted in an otherwise painful political era.
Resistance Is Futile?
Is resistance futile? Sanctuary cities are holding the line. Medical marijuana ordinances have given way to the complete legalization of cannabis, which may be under attack shortly by los Federales, but for now we’ve gone down our own California path. We were also busy taking on the federal government’s off-shore oil drilling scheme with renewed confidence this past weekend when over a thousand marched along West Cliff Drive to say hell no, no drilling here! This is what it’s going to take, and people are responding! The strategy may very well be delay, delay, delay through our court system (thank god for the third branch of guv!), like how He Who Shall Not Be Named’s deportation order was also scuttled awhile back. Millions participated in Woman’s marches around the globe, perhaps likely spawned by President Harasser (PH) himself. So many came away from that activist moment dedicated to the empowerment of women at the local, state, and national levels of government. In the face of a mountain of evidence–Weinstein, Spacey, Nassar, Keillor–a welcome tide of debate, discussion, and hopefully changed attitudes is washing across America. What will 2018 yield? Activism is not futile. It’s real, dynamic, emancipating, and it’s spreading. People in large numbers are holding the line against the PH factor. They’re holding community forums, passing local impeachment ordinances, which get people to talk more to each other, and people engaging in civic participation, while necessary, can also be rewarding and liberating.
| Special Bernie REQUEST re-Tweet from Emily Holden
‘My request of you is please get involved in the political process. Start running for office. You can do it. You can run for school board, city council, state legislature, Congress or the http://Senate.Trust me. I work in the senate. I know, and you can do it.” |
Resistance 2.0
We must continue to “think globally” and keep one eye focused on the dangerous shenanigans of this tin-eared President, while “acting locally” to keep, expand, and create policies and programs that nurture our community. And what is facing our community but the twin scourges of homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. This November voters will be asked if our city council has responded well to these thorny issues. Organizer and Santa Cruz County supervisor candidate, Steve Pleich spoke truth to power this past Sunday in a letter to the Santa Cruz Sentinel. He described how Police Chief Andy Mills seemed to get the homeless issue early on by centralizing camping in the Benchlands in order to provide some breathing room for the city council to figure how to acquire a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, “the positive effects of the chief’s strategy are now being bled off by the inability of city officials to create longer term emergency shelter.” Use your vote in November to get a new city council to adequately fund homeless services, hold developer’s feet to fire by including affordable housing units in all new construction, and standing up to UC Santa Cruz as it contemplates inviting 10,000 more to Surf City. Elections are about issues. Vote for your issues this November and don’t forget past elected officials’ voting records.
Bernie Tweet of the Week
“Today, our government is controlled by the most extremist, reactionary, xenophobic, bigoted, and thankfully, in many ways the most inept and incompetent administration in modern American history.” (Jan. 30)
 Can we picture 3 or 4 “villages” (communities!) of these tiny homes discreetly placed around the city with 20-30 houses positioned around a plaza-green space…can you? |
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
Dateline February 5,2018
AMBAG’S ALPHABET SOUP WAS CONFUSING BUT SPELLS TROUBLE FOR PUBLIC PROCESS IN LOCAL FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
I attended the January 30 Open House and Public Hearing that the Associated Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) held at Simpkins Swim Center. I had tried to do my homework on the issues that I understood would be discussed in the “Moving Monterey Bay Forward Draft 2040 Plan” at the event. What I found was: The massive MTP/SCS presented by AMBAG is an EIR done as required under SB375 to address GHG. The related RTP, submitted by SCCRTC includes GHG that includes emission levels from trucks that cannot be included in the GHG reports by the MTP/SCS AMBAG analysis. The RTP was created by the SCCRTC to represent Santa Cruz RTPA’s.
This all means multiple Projects being discussed in a swirling alphabet soup of acronyms not always defined, each with different standards for some topics such as Greenhouse Gas Emissions. One AMBAG representative at an information table was incredibly rude, never allowing me to finish asking my question before blurting out his interpretation of an answer and directing me to read the two-inch-thick document on the table that I was seeing for the first time. The “Moving Monterey Bay Forward 2040” Plan was not at that table…it was at a different table. I never got there because I was examining the new document, which presented much different information regarding Regional Growth Forecasts than I had read in the “Moving Monterey Bay Forward 2040 Plan”.
NISENE MARKS STATE PARK ONCE AGAIN CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
“PARKING FULL”
Last weekend, State Parks officials once again posted a sign at the Aptos Creek Road entry to Nisene Marks State Park: “NO ENTRY”
Contact State Park Facilities Director Mr. Chris Spohrer via e-mail at chris.spohrer@parks.ca.gov Ask that State Parks negotiate a private/public purchase with the Aptos Village Project developers to secure the “North Remainder” parcel in the Phase 2 development for State Park visitor parking and to re-build the world-famous Post Office Bike Jumps. That is the highest use of the land that will best serve the greater Community for future generations. I am willing to help fundraise to support the public/private purchase….are you? Please contact me. Becky Steinbruner rebuildthebikejumps@gmail.com or 831-685-2915
Cheers, Becky Steinbruner
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
Dateline February 2, 2018 | #33 / Just What Kind Of “Event” Do You Mean?
President Trump gave his State of the Union speech on Tuesday. You can click right here for a complete transcript. While a case can be made that the speech was hyper-partisan and divisive – and that is what Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank thinks – I, personally, saw the speech as rather unexceptional, with a rather traditional conclusion:
Americans fill the world with art and music. They push the bounds of science and discovery. And they forever remind us of what we should never forget: The people dreamed this country. The people built this country. And it is the people who are making America great again.
As long as we are proud of who we are, and what we are fighting for, there is nothing we cannot achieve. As long as we have confidence in our values, faith in our citizens, and trust in our God, we will not fail. Our families will thrive. Our people will prosper. And our Nation will forever be safe and strong and proud and mighty and free.
Thank you, and God bless America”.
These sentiments (genuinely heartfelt as they may be) are quite conventional, and I believe the president’s State of the Union speech is a typical example of personal and national self-congratulation. This is an art form cultivated by all presidents. While I was not overly impressed by the president’s State of the Union address, I was riveted by some of the president’s remarks made earlier, before he gave the State of the Union speech. Here is a report from NBC:
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“E pluribus unum,” our national motto, reflects not the elimination of “difference,” but a celebration of the fact that out of all our differences we can act together as one.
I don’t think that this is the way our current president understands it. Thus, I’m quite worried about just what kind of “Major Event” he might mean”.
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Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read and subscribe to his daily blog at www.gapatton.net
Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com |
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Zeroes in on bicyclists…scroll below…
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s ” The IncredibleTrump”down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog. Read Tim’s take on Star Trek the original, and the series that follows.
RALPH ABRAHAM BOOKSIGNING & discussion.
Ralph Abraham will lead a discussion – “A Gender Tipping Point: Hip Santa Cruz in the 1960s and 70s”. UCSC Professor Emeritus Abraham is the creator of the Santa Cruz Hip History Project and editor of two books: Hip Santa Cruz Volumes 1 and 2, with Volume 3 on the way. He observes, “From the florescence of hip culture in Santa Cruz in the 1960s there emerged the longer lasting feminist revolution of the 1970s.” This presentation promises to be a fun opportunity to “speculate together on the dynamics of this important bifurcation.” When: Sat, Feb 10, 2018, 11am at MAH.
Lisa writes: “Get your art on, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com ). Celebrate the return of a beloved tradition, Hearts for the Arts, a benefit for the Santa Cruz Arts Council, now open for bidding at Artisan’s Gallery, and take a virtual tour of the annual Take Away: Art to Go show at the Pajaro Valley Arts gallery. Also, more proof that truth is stranger (or at least more interesting) than fiction in my review of Winchester in this week’s Good Times.” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
WINCHESTER. To see Helen Mirren in a miserable flop like this is just embarrassing. You know where 98% of it was filmed, right? Yes — on sound lots in Australia…NOT the famous Winchester Mansion just over the hill. It’s dull, boring, darkly-lit, and for what’s supposed to be a scary movie, it somehow misses every bump in the night. Even Helen Mirren does a shameful job…it’s her worst ever!!
THE PHANTOM THREAD. Paul Thomas Anderson the director first made Boogie Nights, he topped that one with Magnolia, There will be Blood, and Inherent Vice and now there’s Phantom Thread. The star is Daniel Day-Lewis and seeing him and Anderson work together in this one makes it not a film but an experience. Day-Lewis in A Room With A View, My Left Foot, The Unbearable Lightness of Being became greater and greater with each role. Now he has promised to never make another film. If that’s true Phantom Thread is a brilliant masterpiece to end a career. It’s the story of a driven, crazed artist who designs women’s clothes…that’s all you need to know. As critics are saying it’s not a film for mass audiences, just those folks who appreciate genius. Closes Thursday, Feb.8th.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. No matter where you’re at sexually this beautiful film deals with a young 17 year old boy in Italy working his way through his sexual coming of age. Armie Hammer plays the 30 year old scholarly hunk who visits the kid’s parents. You remember Armie Hammer heir to the Armand Hammer oil fortune and who played The Lone Ranger to Johnny Depp’s Tonto (2013)!!!
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its’ worth going just for the fun of it.
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its world War II history and it’s the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
THE POST. This is Steven Spielberg’s answer to the Trump administration’s corruption and misuse of presidential power. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks rip up the acting as we expect them to do. It’s the story of the then little Washington Post trying to catch up to The New York Times printing Daniel Elsberg’s Vietnam exposure papers. It makes easy parallels to Nixon and Trump’s dictatorships. It also makes great pitches for freedom of the press…and what we need to do to keep that freedom alive…especially now. Go see it, bring your friends. But truthfully it’s not as interesting or revealing as the MSNBC documentary two weeks ago… “The Most Dangerous Man In America” the same story from Elsberg’s view.
I TONYA. A very dark, depressing movie about some very depressed people. It’s got loud rock period music as the film score which almost qualifies it as a fun comedy but you’ll be able to count your laughs. Somewhere in the movie somebody says Americans love to hate or love their current sport stars…and its sure true here. Allison Janney plays Tonya’s seriously disturbed mother and deserves some award this Award season…but not for this one. Warning IF you do got you’ll leave wondering why you cared about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding.
COCO. A genuine Pixar animated cartoon. And, the animation is amazingly three –dimensional. The plot is totally focused on the very rich and traditional Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, plenty of food, religion, music, and only a little boring after the first half hour. It’s completely original, you’ve never seen anything like this before, its way more creative and developed than what we usually think of as a Disney Cartoon. Go see it.
MOLLY’S GAME. This is an unusual “true” film about a once Olympic ski champion who becomes the owner/manager of zillion dollar poker games. Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba play the top roles and good old Kevin Costner has a bit part as Jessica’s father. It’s a fancy film with plenty of cinema tricks to keep us interested, and the acting’s ok too. But think twice before going, especially if you’re trying to give up movies for the New Year.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Yes, 93 on RT and I thought it was a complete fake of a billion dollar move machine. I’ll always remember going to our Soquel Drive in (just a little stoned) and being completely taken into outer space with Star Wars 1. It had humor, empathy, great imagination, tension and a story you could care about. The franchise now stages monotonous, uncaring, space attacks and wars so numerous that you can’t remember who is on who’s side…and you don’t care much either. There’s the Dark Side, the Resistance, Adam Driver, R2D2, a very dull Carrie Fisher, an aging Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker and those endless space battles that take up probably 33 1/3 of the movie. A great disappointment…go at your own peril, and it’s 2 1/2 hours extra long.
THE HOSTILES. In 1892 The Comanches fight the Cheyennes, settlers battle all American Indians, while Christian Bale leads a group that includes Rosamund Pike through all sorts of ethnic and tense battles. It’s a bit more sensitive than the John Ford John Wayne westerns but nowhere near as exciting. The photography is not just scenic, it’s gorgeous.
12 STRONG. This is almost a Hollywood western. Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon fight Taliban attacks in the Afghan War right after 9/11. It was actually shot in New Mexico and southern California…and you’ll believe it when/if you see it. It’s very confusing, and hard to figure who is on whose side. Apparently it’s “based on a true Story” but what isn’t nowadays? I counted three audience members actually playing computer games while the movie was grinding on for two hours and ten minutes plus the usual 20 minutes of Regal ads and previews.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. February 6 has Espressivo Orchestra director, conductor Michel Singher talking about their Feb. 15 concert then Edward Moncrief author of Raining Blackbirds talks about his book and farm laborers. UCSC’s Felicia Rice discusses her new book “Doc/Undoc” an art piece centering on the immigration experience. Then Ashlyn Adams talks about her two new movie theatres opening next month in the former Circle Church. OR…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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This is good for a few chuckles… |
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. VALENTINES
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt”, Charles M. Schulz
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us”, Joseph Campbell
“If my Valentine you won’t be,
I’ll hang myself on your Christmas tree”. Ernest Hemingway
“Love is the only shocking act left on the planet”. Valentine’s Day Movie
“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I let him eat in bed”. Ljupka Cvetanova, The New Land
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com
BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
January 29 – February 4, 2018
Highlights this week:
TWO (2) new movie theatres opening in town!!!, Westside Plaza demolitions, John Tuck has left Santa Cruz forever…GREENSITE checks out more on the library vote… KROHN and council majority votes, UCSC housing and capacity, rent control, rent freeze…STEINBRUNER and AMBAG control issues, Soquel Creek’s Pure Water, more on Nisene Marks parking…PATTON on Wikileaks, Facebook, Google, and Julian Assange…DECINZO and Santa Cruz style Monster Homes…EAGAN with Blame issues…JENSEN and her top 10…BRATTON critiques The Final Year, The Hostiles, 12 Strong…UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE guests…QUOTES for February.
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AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE FAILURES. Couldn’t happen here!!! |
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ROPE JUMPING LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN |
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YET ANOTHER PERPETUAL MOTION INVENTION!! |
DATELINE January 29
NEW ART/FOREIGN/INDIE MOVIE THEATRE IN TOWN!!! Ashlyn Adams, the owner of Westside Video, just sent a very exciting massive hunk of cinema news!!! She says…
“We’ll be in the former Circle Church, at 111 Errett Circle on the Westside. We’re busy at work getting the rooms built and soundproofed and wired every morning and evening, and I think we can do a soft open right around the second week of February. We’ll do a grand opening at the beginning of March for everyone. We’ll be showing first-run independent, foreign language, and local productions (especially stuff that isn’t otherwise playing in town), second run, bigger budget movies, and classics. We have contracts with Criterion, Kino, Lorber, Oscilloscope, and A24. We’ll be serving up cafe items, popcorn, drinks, and bulk candy, plus there’s a commercial kitchen for popup restaurants to come serve meals on the weekends. We’re running everything on a 4K UHD projector system with 5.1 surround sound.” Should be a real fun experience!
She added later that the entire Westside Video Store is moving to the Circle Church. It’ll be called the Westside Film & Cultural Center. Opening prices will be: adult regular $9 first run, $6 second run, $3 catalog. Kids and seniors will be $8/$5/$3. There will be two 30 seat theatres, with comfy sofas and great chairs. The films will be many of the ones that Landmark doesn’t bring to town. I’ll keep you posted.
WESTSIDE PLAZA NEWS. Reports from Westside Video staffers told me that the owner of that entire block of businesses — from the once Omei Restaurant to Shen’s Gallery — has big plans. He’s going to “demolish” the present Westside Video store building. The owners of the La Cabana Restaurant next door are petitioning him to leave their part of the building standing.
JOHN TUCK HAS LEFT THE COUNTY. More than one of the probably hundred-plus gang of friends that gathered to say good bye to John Tuck last week said it marked an end of an era. John has moved to Austin, Texas to live with his daughter Jaala and her family. John’s developed a few senior citizen type ailments and he’s better off there. John was a writer, a child placement specialist for the county, an actor, bon vivant and one of the closest friends I’ve ever had.
John and I had a great ceremony — we bought the very first drinks ever served at Randal Kane’s “new” Catalyst, Chris Mathew’s Poet & Patriot, Lou Caviglia’s Clouds, and the Old Lulu Carpenters when it opened as a bar in the mid 70’s. From 1970 onwards we partied… and worked together at the Cabrillo Music Festival, Save Wilder Ranch (Operation Wilder), The Santa Cruz County Fair (as board members) and political campaigns beyond count.
It’s not enough to say all of us will miss John…it’s the end of an era.
A LESSON IN CIVICS
After 10 meetings and with a rare show of transparency, the Downtown Library Advisory Committee (DLAC) voted unanimously for the option of closing the current library and constructing a new library on Cedar St. under a 5 story parking garage…. and then they opened the floor for public comment on the issue. More than one speaker noted that a process whereby the public speaks after the committee has voted is a waste of time. That is true only if speaking before a vote is not a waste of time. Why nurture the illusion that an elected or appointed body listens to and incorporates public comments into their decision making when that rarely happens? More honest to vote, then let the public vent.
The overwhelming public sentiment, expressed at this last meeting and all previous meetings, including the one devoted to public commentary attended by over 90 people, was against a new library under a 5 story parking garage, the option chosen by the committee. To be fair, DLAC did an impressive outreach effort, a fact I omitted to acknowledge in my last column on this issue. Over two thousand people were reached via their survey. Only one problem: the survey failed to ask even one question regarding a potential main library move and its placement under a parking garage. With the most controversial and significant issue out of the picture, the rest was an easy exercise in relative trivia, rendering the survey largely meaningless. Survey questions asked about what folks wanted in a library, what they did and did not like about the current downtown library and other similar enquiries. Answers were somewhat predictable: more computers, wifi and printing resources and problems with unhoused people, safety concerns, drug users and use of bathrooms. Such social problems have been largely addressed with the relocating of the homeless out of downtown. That doesn’t solve the homeless issues but it has largely addressed the impact on the library.
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
Dateline January 29, 2018
 Pacific Collegiate School bike rack. There has been an enormous increase in getting students to ride to school. Perhaps locating some new Bike Share stations inside school grounds would be another assist in getting even more students on a bike, as bus service to PCS is sporadic at best. |
TYRANNY OF THE MAJORITY
“If it be admitted that a man, possessing absolute power, may misuse that power by wronging his adversaries, why should a majority not be liable to the same reproach? Men are not apt to change their characters by agglomeration; nor does their patience in the presence of obstacles increase with Democracy in America the consciousness of their strength.”
—Democracy In America, p. 287-88 (Harry Reeve translation, Penn State, 2002
Power Grab?
The basis for three council votes that the progressive community lost at last Tuesday’s (Jan. 23rd) Santa Cruz City council meeting is reflected within Alexis de Tocqueville’s phrase, one he coined while observing the potential downside of American democracy, “the tyranny of the majority.” It was practiced with impunity by a 4-member council majority. It happened when the mayor wanted to add the vice-mayor to the closed-door bi-weekly “agenda review” meeting. It’s a meeting I wrote about last week that is held to set the official city council meeting agenda. Fifteen department heads and the mayor sit down and discuss the essence of the coming week’s city business. While I support the vice-mayor attending this meeting I also support other councilmembers attending. So, I made a motion that a rotating councilmember be able to attend. My motion was seconded by Councilmember Richelle Noroyan. (Thank you Richelle!) The majority was having none of it. Why should they let minority members into such a meeting? I can only guess at the reason.
Rent Control, Rent Freeze, and Just-Cause Eviction
People make history, but not necessarily under conditions of their own choosing.
Will this be the year Santa Cruz finally realizes its electoral power and makes some significant community quality of life changes? If so, when historians look back they just might note that February 13th was perhaps the start of a great Surf City march forward, a regular Movement for Housing Justice campaign that woke a once sleepy electorate. I hear that three Santa Cruz city councilmembers may be placing rent freeze and just-cause eviction ordinances on the upcoming Tuesday, February 13th council agenda. If so, this will be an historic occasion you will not want to miss. What these ordinances just might do is provide cover for rent-weary tenants during the lead-up to the November rent control vote.
| EXTRA: Bernie on the plight of the working-class: |
Let me back up. There is a rent control initiative that was submitted last week to the city clerk’s office and “if all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed” an officially blessed and sanctioned initiative will hit the streets on Sunday, February 11th, I hear. So, come the 13th, folks will be asking the city council to stop landlords from raising rents until the people can decide during the November 6, 2018 election. No, my friends, rent control is not THE solution, but it is an enormously powerful tool, a community bargaining chip in getting the attention of property owners in one of the most expensive real estate markets in California. It also throws down the gauntlet and sends a unified message to those out of control capitalists who are gouging renters and exploiting a housing market that has come to place too much power in the hands of too few landlords. It doesn’t take a weatherman, or women, to predict that fed-up tenants will be trying to stick it to the man this fall by employing Bernie Sanders’, ‘enough is enough,’ and going about leveling the playing field through the ballot box.
Bernie Quote of the Week
Bernie Sanders recalled his own childhood growing up in a rent-controlled apartment in Flatbush Brooklyn, which “meant that my family, which did not have a lot of money, did not have to spend 50 or 60 percent of its limited income on housing.'”
We Have A Housing Emergency. Here’s How We Face It
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Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council.
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
AMBIGUOUS ORGANIZATIONS WHO RUN THE SHOW FROM BEHIND THE SCENES
This week, citizens will have an opportunity to attend public events of two local agencies that I have learned seem to set policy for our area, yet few may be aware exist. The first is Associated Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) based in Seaside, and the second is the Regional Water Management Foundation, housed within the Santa Cruz Community Foundation in Aptos.
| Here is a video a private citizen took at the January 10, 2018 roll-out of the Plan: |
ACTION ITEM—> GO TO AMBAG’S “Moving Monterey Bay Forward Plan 2040” Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) public hearing this Tuesday, January 30, 6pm-7pm, at the Simpkins Swim Center. This Plan will set land use, transportation and water use policy for the Counties of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito that local government will insist they must abide by.
Here is the link to the AMBAG website’s information on the 2040 Plan,
here is a link to the Board’s audio recording files and agendas/minutes of meetings, and
here is the phone number to call with your questions: 831-883-3750.
ACTION ITEM—> GO TO the “Connect the Drops” water informational event this Thursday, February 1, 6:30pm-9pm, at New Brighton Middle School Auditorium (250 Washburn Ave., Capitola). Keynote speaker is Ms Taryn Ravazzini, Deputy Director, California Dept. of Water Resources. This event is sponsored, in part, by the Regional Water Management Foundation.
Here is a link to the Foundation’s website
Cheers,
Becky Steinbruner
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
Julian Assange (pictured right) is the founder of Wikileaks. Both he and Wikileaks get mixed reviews. A profile in the August 21, 2017, issue of The New Yorker, for instance, “Julian Assange, a Man Without a Country,” has both good things and bad things to report about Assange.
I was struck by a recent blog posting by Caitlin Johnstone, “Assange Keeps Warning Of AI Censorship, And It’s Time We Started Listening.” Johnstone is a self-described “rogue journalist,” and is a radical voice on the progressive side of the blogging spectrum. She doesn’t have much use for establishment Democrats, and evidences some periodic sympathies for the Trump “base.” She is not everyone’s cup of tea, in other words.
Johnstone cites to a January 16, 2018, statement by Assange that is reproduced below. Read Johnstone’s posting if you are as intrigued as I was by two things I gathered from the Assange statement:
First, Assange thinks that Google and Facebook are “digital super states,” which he ranks right up there with the Chinese government.
Second, Assange says that “discourse” is humanity’s immune system for existential threats.
I, personally, think Assange is right on target on both those observations!
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Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read and subscribe to his daily blog at www.gapatton.net
Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com |
CLASSICAL DeCINZO
DeCinzo takes on housing options… scroll down to see.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “The Blame Game” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog with Tim’s deeper thinking about blame and the energy behind it.
NEW MUSIC WORKS presents the annual “NIGHT OF THE LIVING COMPOSERS”.
THEY’RE ALIVE!! And composing in our neighborhoods!! (all Santa Cruzans at one time or another) Susan Alexjander ,Philip Collins, Steed Cowart, Michael McGushin, Jon Meyers, Barry Phillips and Scott Stobbe (not in attendance). There’ll be a Composer Panel Discussion: 6pm. TICKETS: Night of the Living Composersat Cabrillo College Box Office: http://cabrillovapa.com/tickets 831/479-6154
CELEBRATE PIANO ENSEMBLE presents “An Afternoon of Piano Ensembles”.
Selections are from both one-piano and two-piano repertoire. An eclectic group of composers will be featured ranging from Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Inghelbrecht, Nazareth, and Fina to a medley of dances from Bernstein’s West Side Story to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. Performers include Erica Arul, Mary Jane Cope, Roger Emanuels, Rose Georgi, Irene Hermann, Nicki Kerns, Lynn Kidder, Lavinia Livingston, Michael McGushin, Vlada Volkova Moran, Carol Panofsky, Barbara Ruzicka, Kumi Uyeda, and Leah Zumberge.
Suggested donation is $10 at the door. If you are not able to attend but would like to make a donation for scholarships please write a check to SCCMTAC and mail to Barbara Jirsa, Treasurer, Santa Cruz MTAC, 221 Nevada St, Santa Cruz CA 95060.
Sunday, February 11, 2018, 2:00pm UCSC Recital Hall
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Now that the awards season is here — and most of the movies in contention have finally played in Santa Cruz— it’s time to reveal my top 10 movies of 2017, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com ). Also, some unsung, real-life female astronomers from a century ago finally get the props they deserve in Jewel Theatre Company’s lyrical new production, Silent Sky. And find out how you — yes, you! — can enter a giveaway for an advance copy of my next novel, Beast: A Tale of Love and Revenge!” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
THE FINAL YEAR. A documentary covering the last year of Barack Obama’s presidency, this is an insider’s view of the hard and sensitive work it takes to run a government…especially the United States government. It shows the surprise and reactions to the Trump victory. You’ll get a vivid impression of our place in the world, and the heavy responsibilities that Barack felt. You’ll also be more afraid than ever of the danger our country is in, with Trump at the controls. Well worth seeing. No cutesy stuff about Barack’s kids, wife and family life…it’s all politics. See it quickly, it probably won’t stay on our screens long. It ends Thursday, Feb. 1st.
THE HOSTILES. In 1892, the Comanches fight the Cheyennes, settlers battle all American Indians, and Christian Bale leads a group that includes Rosamund Pike through all sorts of ethnic and tense battles. It’s a bit more sensitive than the John Ford John Wayne westerns, but nowhere near as exciting. The photography is not just scenic, it’s gorgeous.
12 STRONG. This is almost a Hollywood western. Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon fight Taliban attacks in the Afghan War right after 9/11. It was actually shot in New Mexico and southern California…and you’ll believe it when/if you see it. It’s very confusing, and hard to figure who is on whose side. Apparently it’s “based on a true story” but what isn’t nowadays? I counted three audience members actually playing computer games while the movie was grinding on… for two hours and ten minutes plus the usual 20 minutes of Regal ads and previews.
THE PHANTOM THREAD.
Paul Thomas Anderson the director first made Boogie Nights, he topped that one with Magnolia, There will be Blood, and Inherent Vice and now there’s Phantom Thread. The star is Daniel Day-Lewis and seeing him and Anderson work together in this one makes it not a film but an experience. Day-Lewis in A Room With A View, My Left Foot, The Unbearable Lightness of Being became greater and greater with each role. Now he has promised to never make another film. If that’s true Phantom Thread is a brilliant masterpiece to end a career. It’s the story of a driven, crazed artist who designs women’s clothes…that’s all you need to know. As critics are saying it’s not a film for mass audiences, just those folks who appreciate genius.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. No matter where you’re at sexually this beautiful film deals with a young 17 year old boy in Italy working his way through his sexual coming of age. Armie Hammer plays the 30 year old scholarly hunk who visits the kid’s parents. You remember Armie Hammer heir to the Armand Hammer oil fortune and who played The Lone Ranger to Johnny Depp’s Tonto (2013)!!!
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its’ worth going just for the fun of it.
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its world War II history and it’s the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
THE POST. This is Steven Spielberg’s answer to the Trump administration’s corruption and misuse of presidential power. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks rip up the acting as we expect them to do. It’s the story of the then little Washington Post trying to catch up to The New York Times printing Daniel Elsberg’s Vietnam exposure papers. It makes easy parallels to Nixon and Trump’s dictatorships. It also makes great pitches for freedom of the press…and what we need to do to keep that freedom alive…especially now. Go see it, bring your friends. But truthfully it’s not as interesting or revealing as the MSNBC documentary two weeks ago… “The Most Dangerous Man In America” the same story from Elsberg’s view.
MOLLY’S GAME. This is an unusual “true” film about a once Olympic ski champion who becomes the owner/manager of zillion dollar poker games. Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba play the top roles and good old Kevin Costner has a bit part as Jessica’s father. It’s a fancy film with plenty of cinema tricks to keep us interested, and the acting’s ok too. But think twice before going, especially if you’re trying to give up movies for the New Year.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Yes, 93 on RT and I thought it was a complete fake of a billion dollar move machine. I’ll always remember going to our Soquel Drive in (just a little stoned) and being completely taken into outer space with Star Wars 1. It had humor, empathy, great imagination, tension and a story you could care about. The franchise now stages monotonous, uncaring, space attacks and wars so numerous that you can’t remember who is on who’s side…and you don’t care much either. There’s the Dark Side, the Resistance, Adam Driver, R2D2, a very dull Carrie Fisher, an aging Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker and those endless space battles that take up probably 33 1/3 of the movie. A great disappointment…go at your own peril, and its 2 ½ hours extra long.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. On January 30 UCSC Music prof. Linda Burman Hall talks about the 45th annual Santa Cruz Baroque Festival opening February 10. She’s followed by James Weller United Peace Church minister talking about Sanctuary Santa Cruz and the current DACA issues. February 6 has Espressivo Orchestra director, conductor Michel Singher talking about their Feb. 15 concert then Edward Moncrief author of Raining Blackbirds talks about his book and farm laborers. UCSC’s Felicia Rice discusses her new book “Doc/Undoc” an art piece centering on the immigration experience. Then Ashlyn Adams talks about her two new movie theatres opening next month in the former Circle Church. OR…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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Isn’t it amazing how obvious things become when the tables are turned…? |
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. “FEBRUARY”
“Why do all our friends and relatives destroy the summer for us? Why can’t they get married in February?” Jerry Della Femina
“Without Valentine’s Day, February would be… well, January“, Jim Gaffigan
“Good morrow, Benedick. Why, what’s the matter, That you have such a February face,
So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?” William Shakespeare, Much Ado about Nothing
“February – the month of love..?!!
No wonder the shortest one in the calendar.” Dinesh Kumar Biran
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com
BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
January 23 – 29, 2018
Genuine and unique historic photo, LONDON Nelson shamed again, the still empty Octagon, About going topless?…Greensite on library issues…Krohn on What Homeless shelter Crisis?, the Mayor and Department Head meetings, Sierra Club changes, Santa Cruz Women’s March…Steinbruner and Aptos Village secret modifications, Nisene Marks closed, Swenson Builders and illegal storm water, Aptos Fire District and the Brown Act, our County Railroad failures, AMBAG question… Patton and Putin Problems…DeCinzo and the Pope’s ongoing issues…Eagan and Trump’s inner secret…Jewel Theatre’s Silent Sky…Jensen and #timesUp movement and The Golden Globes…I critique The Phantom Thread and most of the rest…Universal Grapevine guests…Quotes on FLOODS.
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IGUANAS AND SNAKES. Another contribution from R. Davila. Like your worst dream!!! |
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PERPETUAL MOTION. As a kid I used to work on and dream up some wild perpetual motion ideas…this one works…or seems to! |
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5 OCTAVE MBIRA. I still have an 8 note African mbira that Fantasy Records gave me in lieu of the royalties they owed our Goodtime Washboard 3 trio for the album. |
DATELINE January 22, 2018
THE NEW LONDON NELSON SIGN…I’ve been campaigning, pleading and questioning why the people in charge of the “LOUDEN NELSON” Community Center stop disrespecting the honor of London Nelson, a good man, former slave, and a very honorable Santa Cruz citizen. In the last week or two again the dimwits unveiled the new sign/plaque once more misspelling London’s name. It isn’t just me that cares or knows the correct way he spelled his name: check out these sources…
Read what the Good Times story on LONDON NELSON — with much data from historian Phil Reader — says, in the article by Elizabeth Limbach from May 3, 2013, titled: ” Seven Things to Know About London Nelson”. If the dimwitted City admin needs more evidence re LONDON NELSON, the local Wikipedia says, “London’s first name was erroneously changed to “Louden” in documents after the 1930s, but almost no documents before that time show his name as anything other than “London.” London Nelson was buried in Evergreen Cemetery,where his headstone can be visited; the specific location of his grave is uncertain”.
Still more of LONDON NELSON’s story is at Mobile Ranger
Santa Cruz Waves also has a story titled… The Early Schools of Santa Cruz and London Nelson’s Legacy by Julia Gaudinski on May 4, 2015.
The Santa Cruz public Library History collection has this piece by Phil Reader… “Once these intrepid pioneers established themselves in the Monterey Bay area, they went on to leave their mark on local history. Much has been said and written about London Nelson, the Carolina born ex-slave, who, through a generous bequeath, saved the floundering Santa Cruz School District”.
Good Times also has this definitive piece …
“Nelson’s legendary act of generosity to the local school system has been a cultural touchstone in the community for more than a century. But for much of that time, the legend was more than a bit vague, if not distorted, and a significant error was made in the spelling of his name from London to Louden. Eventually, historical research caught up to the legend. Using slave records and genealogical materials originally compiled by the Mormon Church in Utah, historian Phil Reader was able to trace Nelson’s birth to a North Carolina (not Tennessee) cotton plantation owned by a slave master named William Nelson. As was the practice at the time, slaves were forced to assume the family name of their owner. William Nelson, in turn, named the slave children born onto his plantation after English place names: Canterbury, Marlborough, Cambridge—and London. William Nelson’s youngest son, Matthew, eventually inherited the Nelson slaves from his father, and moved the family plantation to Tennessee.
The discovery of gold in California in 1949, however, lured him farther westward. Promising both London and his younger brother, Marlborough, their freedom if they joined him, Matthew set up a claim on the American River, where the trio was to mine successfully for four years. With his freedom secured, London Nelson eventually found his way to Santa Cruz in 1856, where, with his earnings from the goldfields, he bought a small piece of land (near what is today the rear parking lot of the downtown post office”. In spite of all of the above our city refuses to do the decent think and give credit and devotion where its due…shame.
OCTAGON STILL EMPTY. Every time I sit at my favorite spot at the Octagon Platz corner of Front and Cooper Streets many, many folks either climb the new steps or walk around the corner of the historic Octagon building hoping to enter it and see either (1) The historic Octagon as a museum store, (2) Lulu Carpenter’s Coffee Shop, or (3) something befitting one of our most precious historic buildings. The Octagon has been vacant since October 2016, when Nina forced Manthri Shrinath and Lulu Carpenter’s great Coffee Shop to leave. And why did that happen? It has become a huge shame to Nina Simone and the Museum of Art & History, as well as the San Jose-based developer John McEnery IV — who brought in and controls/manages the out-of-town restaurants in Abbott Square. As of last Wednesday (1/17) a staff member told me there are no plans in sight for any new Octagon occupant.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS TO GO TOPLESS? What about that? A strange and very current freedom topic. Taken further, don’t we all have a right to go totally naked? Now? Somebody way back when decided that women’s breasts had to be covered…but not men’s??? The entire concept of nudity is odd, when you think about it.
SPEAK UP LOUDLY FOR OUR LIBRARIES
While I often disagree with Stephen Kessler’s analyses, especially when it comes to his Freudian take on male sexual aggression against women, I found his column in Saturday’s Sentinel (1/20/18) to be an eloquent statement against the odious plot to tear down and relocate the downtown public library under a future 5 story parking garage on the site of the current weekly Farmers’ Market. I recommend you read his column.
I don’t believe that using the term “plot” is hyperbole. What else can one conclude of a process whereby a committee (Downtown Library Advisory Committee or DLAC) charged by the city council to involve the public in discussions about options for the future of the downtown library, makes little if any effort to publicize its nine meetings so far, with the last and deciding one on Thursday January 25th; allows no public comment until the end of the meetings; ignores the 90 attendees at the last meeting who expressed their preference to keep the existing library onsite with renovations and instead chooses the option of tear down and relocate under a five story parking garage? There are other factors such as questionable estimates on the cost of renovation versus tear down and build anew but the overall message is clear: public be damned! Try to attend this last meeting in the upstairs library meeting room at 6:30 PM on Thursday January 25th.
This last DLAC meeting is where the final vote will be taken before the issue is forwarded to city council for its vote. If the discussion at the council meeting when the issue was first addressed in mid 2016 is any guide, it will be an uphill battle to have the will of the public represented by the council majority. At that meeting which I attended, I heard no murmur of concern for locating the library under a parking garage, no voice raised to preserve this long-standing familiar public resource in our downtown center, no word of respect for the institution of a library itself. And while it was laudable that the council voted to form a committee to hear from the public, that the public has largely been excluded and ignored is why committees are often so roundly lampooned.
Another indication of the city’s lack of respect for libraries and for library patrons is staff’s decision to locate one of its 25 hubs or stations for 20 rental bikes in front of Garfield Park library, which serves the west side. I wrote on this topic in the January 4th issue of BrattonOnline. An update is timely. While I support the bike-share program and wish it success, the choice of some of the locations reveals lack of care and shoddy decision-making. The choice to remove 40 feet of parking in front of a public library that has no onsite car parking space is one example. Parents who can now easily drop off and pick up children for and from library activities will no longer be able to do so. I wanted to appeal this unwise decision but was prevented from doing so by the Transportation Code, which states that one has to live within 300 feet of the site in order to appeal a decision to remove public parking. Given that the reach of the library is far wider, this should have been an occasion to allow for a wider appeal range. Since no one within that limited radius appealed, the decision is final. I plan to attend this evening’s Transportation and Public Works commission, which has already approved this site and speak to the issue at oral communications but no action can be taken at oral communications. The only small hope for wiser heads to prevail is when the permits come for approval before city council, probably on the consent agenda. We can request that the council reconsider this site and deem it inappropriate. There are many better alternatives.
In the late 1970’s Westside Neighbors, including leaders in the long-standing Black community fought hard to save Garfield Park library from closure by the city. I was part of that effort. This beautiful Carnegie library is deep in my heart. That its patrons can be so easily ignored disturbs me. When disturbed I tend to act. I hope you will join me. Email council members at citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com.
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
THE WEEK THAT WAS
Declaration of a Homeless Shelter Crisis
The WTF Dept. A homeless shelter crisis will likely have been declared, officially, by the Santa Cruz city council by the time you are reading these words. “Declaring a Homeless Shelter Crisis enables the city to suspend any state or local regulatory statute, regulation, or ordinance prescribing standards of housing, health, or safety to the extent that strict compliance ‘would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay mitigation of the effects of the shelter crisis.'” OMG. Who would’ve known there was a shelter crisis without this declaration, raise your hand? The most recent “point in time” homeless census count was 2,249 countywide last year, with 1,204 individuals residing in the city of Santa Cruz…934 were “unsheltered,” that’s 78% of the total number of homeless-houseless. Why is there a shelter crisis now because most of us who have been paying attention for the past decade know there has been a crisis for a long while? Has there also been a concomitant crisis of governing? Why haven’t our various city departments been working in concert to address the growing problem of the housing…until…until a certain police chief came along and said, ‘Hey, let’s try something new!’
The hope here is that by declaring a crisis we can a get torpid bureaucracy when it comes to the homeless, rolling into action. Where will they roll to? First stop, San Lorenzo Park Benchlands. I counted 57 tents at 1pm last Sunday (1/21). This encampment will be relocated by city staff (I hope the homeless and their advocates have been asked for their input into this move…) to 1220 River Street. When? Dec. 15th? Jan. 15th? Now, we’re hearing Feb. 15th. It is expected that there will be storage and charging stations, and the with the Homeless Services Center’s extended shower hours, the plight of the homeless will be lessened as we move toward the longer term (intractable?) issues surrounding homelessness. Yes, the addiction and mental health issues. But as you read this you may be wondering, what about the encampment along the bike path alongside Holy Cross Church, or the Highway 1 encampment, or the various 2 and 3 tent encampments along the river that are now so visible? Folks, we have a crisis and it did not just begin because the council declared an emergency on January 23rd. The good news is that we are finally getting people to the table, city and county, and will be moving forward with (a) a relocated campsite, (b) a temporary structure with camping, and (c) an expansion of the current Homeless Services site to include a 24/7 year-round shelter.
Binders Full of …
The Collective Power of Women Dept. Remember Mitt Romney’s comment during the 2012 election? No, not the “47%” one maligning the folks who would never vote for him, but the “binders full of women” that were just waiting for him to be elected so they could get jobs in his administration, he maintained. Well, women were out in full force in Santa Cruz this past weekend, reclaiming history and maybe a whole lot more. It was anti-Trump but also pro-peace and love and understanding. I asked a 13-year old who was wearing a tee-shirt that had the word “feminist” written across, what the word meant. She said, “For me, it’s the idea that women and men are equal.” Women had a lot of allies joining them too on the march down Pacific Avenue from Cooper Street to the Louden Nelson Community Center. I was struck by all the signs people displayed. Truly remarkable. (click each image for a larger version)
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Bernie Tweet of the Week
“People are more determined than ever to build a nation based on love and compassion, not hatred or division. Congratulations to the women around the world who are once again sending a powerful message of solidarity today.”#WomensMarch2018
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
Dateline: January 22, 2018
“I’LL LOOK INTO THAT…”
That is what Assistant Planning Director Wanda Williams kept saying during the meeting I was finally able to arrange with her to discuss what the “Minor Modifications” to the Aptos Village Project Phase 2 Building Designs really entail. I was glad a couple of other citizens joined me because it was amazing to hear Ms. Williams repeatedly stonewall us every time we asked for clarification on various issues. She did not have the document available that outlined the proposed building design changes. I found it later in the Records Room…and she had signed it, along with Planner Randall Adams. She refused a follow-up meeting with us next week before the Appeal deadline. She refused to recommend a Community Meeting to have staff discuss the proposed design changes with the public. She instructed us to continue to send our comments to Planner Randall Adams. “But he has already approved the changes,” I pointed out. She looked at me sternly, “Well, then you can appeal.” She did not seem to know the process, even though an appeal action would be referred to her, as the Zoning Administrator.
She wrote down our questions (I think) and told us she would “get back with answers” but said it might take a week….after the Appeal deadline.
Stay tuned for more about your local “transparent” government.
ENTRY DENIED TO NISENE MARKS STATE PARK FOR THIRD TIME IN THREE WEEKS
Last Saturday, Nisene Marks State Park was again closed to vehicle access because there was just no more parking available inside the Park. People parked alongside the narrow road, on blind corners, and any other place available…what would this picture look like during fire season? Not good. Obviously, the highest use of the Phase 2 Aptos Village Project area is to re-establish the parking for the Community who used to park in the dirt along Aptos Creek Road and run/bike into Nisene Marks and to re-build the Post Office Bike Jumps. Is State Parks paying attention? Is the County? How about you?
Contact State Parks District Services Manager Mr. Chris Spohrer 831-234-5140.
Please contact me if you are interested in working on this project. Time is running out. Becky Steinbruner, email ki6tkb@yahoo.com or phone 831-685-2915.
BARRY SWENSON BUILDER CREWS DUMP ILLEGAL STORMWATER INTO LOCAL CREEKS AGAIN
The crews working for Barry Swenson Builder once again pumped muddy storm water from the utility trenches in the Aptos Village Project into nearby Valencia Creek last Friday morning. I saw the muddy water draining directly into the storm drain at the intersection of Cathedral Drive and Trout Gulch Road at 8:30am…and again at 10:30am. The State’s Regional Water Quality Control Board frowns on such illegal activity.
Barry Swenson Builder, contractor license #342751, ought to know better. Call them up and ask why their crews and Santa Cruz Underground Paving (SCUP) crews continue to pump storm water from the construction site into local creeks, smothering any possible salmonid eggs with silt from an area with a history of diesel tank soil contamination. Remember the illegal underground storage tank these same two contractors extracted, transported and tried to cover up? Thank goodness, the District Attorney issued a Judgment and fines for all those violations, but the fact remains that the real site of the tank was never remediated because it all got covered up before County Environmental Health got tipped off and arrived on scene over a week later.
Here is the contact for Mary Gourlay, Swenson Project Manager: 415-302-4634 or mary@swenson.com
Here is the contact for Carolyn Burke, County Environmental Planner: 831-454-5721 carolyn.burke@santacruzcounty.us who oversees compliance with storm water and erosion control matters for the Project.
Try contacting Public Works inspector assigned to the Project:Geoffrey Padgett 831-454-2160 or Public Works Information Officer Ms. Christine Berge 454-2160 christine.berge@santacruzcounty.us
ATTEND THE AMBAG PUBLIC HEARING JANUARY 30 AT SIMPKINS SWIM CENTER (6PM-7PM)
I attended the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Board meeting last week to comment at the Public Hearing regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Report regarding the RTC 2040 Transportation Plan. This document is being shepherded by the Associated Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), a nebulous regional group currently holding some public hearings on the matter. I wrote about this last week. It is really worth investigation. Several members of the public requested an extended comment period for the document, but the Board refused to grant it. AMBAG is really the lead agency on this document.
Plan to attend the AMBAG public hearing January 30 at the Simpkins Swim Center (the flyer has already re-named it to “the Live Oak Community Center”) at 6pm to learn more about the ‘Moving Monterey Bay Forward’ Draft Plan. Research it in advance on the AMBAG website.
~Cheers, Becky
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
Whether or not Donald J. Trump and his campaign “colluded” with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to influence the 2016 United States presidential election in Trump’s favor, is not yet clear. Many Democrats seem to be extrapolating from smoke to fire, and have made up their minds that there was such collusion, but that isn’t, actually, how our legal system, or even “science,” works. Appearances can be deceiving. Maybe, in this case, they are.
President Trump says there was “no collusion,” and he says that repeatedly! Such repeated denials, of course, mean nothing – particularly taking into account the president’s well-known propensity for prevarication. Still, maybe there really wasn’t any collusion about the election. Maybe money laundering, not campaign assistance, was what was discussed in the various meetings that are now public knowledge. Or, maybe something else was going on! Let’s wait for what radio commentator Paul Harvey used to call “the rest of the story.”
As we do wait for some more definitive word about why Trump family members and campaign representatives were in significant contact with various persons connected to Vladimir Putin and the Russian government, it might be well to consider what kind of a guy Vladimir Putin really is.
Our current president has been known to shower Mr. Putin with fulsome praise. A 2015 book by Garry Kasparov, who was the world’s number-one-ranked chess player for twenty years, presents a contrary view. Kasparov thinks that our president’s words of praise are just one more example of how successful Putin has been in convincing governmental officials in Western democracies (including former President Obama) that Putin is just one more democrat like they are, and that the Russian President is really desirous of being a great partner in various kinds of governmental good works.
Kasparov calls that the “audacity of false hope.” He thinks that Putin is a world class dictator, right up there with Hitler and Stalin, and that we had better wise up before it’s too late. Kasparov’s book is titled, “Winter is Coming,” referencing the popular television series Game of Thrones (and the books that came before that).
Kasparov’s book appeared in my house as a Christmas present, and I’ve just read it. I don’t really know enough about the former Soviet Union, and the current situation in Russia, and in the former parts of the Soviet Union, to be able to evaluate the book in any definitive way. However, when journalists and others who oppose Mr. Putin keep turning up dead, in suspicious circumstances, that is not a good sign.
Our current president is wrong in many ways. I think he is wrong to be praising Putin.
Kasparov makes a good case that Putin is no “Mister Nice Guy!”
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Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read and subscribe to his daily blog at www.gapatton.net
Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com |
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. DeCinzo views the Pope’s latest challenge!! Just below a ways.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “A wrinkle in time” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog with his new saga “Sweat Logic”.
SILENT SKY…the play. Jewel Theatre is presenting this play about the women at Harvard from 1920 to the late 30’s who made great astronomical discoveries and had to fight their way through enormous pressures from the man’s world. It plays Jan. 24 through Feb 18 at the Colligan Theater in the Tannery . Tickets and info at their website. www.JewelTheatre.net or 831 425-7506.
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: The powerful #Time’s Up woman’s movement swept through this year’s Golden Globes like a rampaging Fury. What might it portend for this year’s Oscars? Let’s take a look, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com ). Also — stop the presses! (Gee, I’ve always wanted to say that!) Literally — my publishers (and me, too!) are so delighted with this endorsement from the great Laurie R. King, they’re re-designing the jacket for my new book, Beast: A Tale of Love and Revenge, to include it!”
~Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
THE PHANTOM THREAD.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson first made Boogie Nights, then topped it with Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, and Inherent Vice. Now there’s Phantom Thread. Daniel Day-Lewis is the star, and watching him and Anderson work together in this one makes it not just a film but an experience. Day-Lewis starred in A Room With A View, My Left Foot, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and became greater and greater with each role. Now he’s promised to never make another film. If that’s true, Phantom Thread is a brilliant masterpiece on which to end a career. It’s the story of a driven, crazed artist who designs women’s clothes…and that’s all you need to know. As critics are saying, it’s not a film for mass audiences, just for those folks who appreciate genius.
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. No matter where you’re at sexually this beautiful film deals with a young 17 year old boy in Italy working his way through his sexual coming of age. Armie Hammer plays the 30 year old scholarly hunk who visits the kid’s parents. You remember Armie Hammer heir to the Armand Hammer oil fortune and who played The Lone Ranger to Johnny Depp’s Tonto (2013)!!!
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its world War II history and it’s the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its’ worth going just for the fun of it.
THE POST. This is Steven Spielberg’s answer to the Trump administration’s corruption and misuse of presidential power. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks rip up the acting as we expect them to do. It’s the story of the then little Washington Post trying to catch up to The New York Times printing Daniel Elsberg’s Vietnam exposure papers. It makes easy parallels to Nixon and Trump’s dictatorships. It also makes great pitches for freedom of the press…and what we need to do to keep that freedom alive…especially now. Go see it, bring your friends. But truthfully it’s not as interesting or revealing as the MSNBC documentary two weeks ago… “The Most Dangerous Man In America” the same story from Elsberg’s view.
MOLLY’S GAME. This is an unusual “true” film about a once Olympic ski champion who becomes the owner/manager of zillion dollar poker games. Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba play the top roles and good old Kevin Costner has a bit part as Jessica’s father. It’s a fancy film with plenty of cinema tricks to keep us interested, and the acting’s ok too. But think twice before going, especially if you’re trying to give up movies for the New Year.
I TONYA. A very dark, depressing movie about some very depressed people. It’s got loud rock period music as the film score which almost qualifies it as a fun comedy but you’ll be able to count your laughs. Somewhere in the movie somebody says Americans love to hate or love their current sport stars…and its sure true here. Allison Janney plays Tonya’s seriously disturbed mother and deserves her many Awards this Award season…but not for this one. Warning IF you do got you’ll leave wondering why you cared about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding.
COCO. A genuine Pixar animated cartoon. And, the animation is amazingly three –dimensional. The plot is totally focused on the very rich and traditional Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, plenty of food, religion, music, and only a little boring after the first half hour. It’s completely original, you’ve never seen anything like this before, its way more creative and developed than what we usually think of as a Disney Cartoon. Go see it.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Yes, 93 on RT and I thought it was a complete fake of a billion dollar move machine. I’ll always remember going to our Soquel Drive in (just a little stoned) and being completely taken into outer space with Star Wars 1. It had humor, empathy, great imagination, tension and a story you could care about. The franchise now stages monotonous, uncaring, space attacks and wars so numerous that you can’t remember who is on who’s side…and you don’t care much either. There’s the Dark Side, the Resistance, Adam Driver, R2D2, a very dull Carrie Fisher, an aging Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker and those endless space battles that take up probably 33 1/3 of the movie. A great disappointment…go at your own peril, and its 2 1/2 hours extra long.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. . Dr. Carlos Arcangeli, noted PAMF Urologist, bring us up to date on those problems on Jan.23. He’s followed by UCSC Professor emeritus Ralph Abraham talking about his newest book, “Hip Santa Cruz Vol. 2” about the hip Santa Cruz scene in the 1960’s and 70’s with articles by local veterans. Then on January 30 UCSC Music prof. Linda Burman Hall talks about the 45th annual Santa Cruz Baroque Festival opening February 10. February 6 has Espressivo Orchestra director, conductor Michel Singher talking about their Feb. 15 concert. AND/OR…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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This is Halsey. She spoke at the women’s march in New York City, and it’s a very powerful performance. (TW: rape, sexual assault)
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UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. “FLOODS”
“What is the appropriate behavior for a man or a woman in the midst of this world, where each person is clinging to his piece of debris? What’s the proper salutation between people as they pass each other in this flood?”. Buddha
“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear”. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Nobody’s strong enough to stand up under a flood of weak material“, Alan Ladd
“I noticed that volcanoes, earthquakes and floods, though are not good events, they are better than the silence of good people when bad people take the podium. The latter are to an extent uncontrollable, but the former can be stopped”. Israelmore Ayivor,
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
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BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
January 16 – 22, 2018
Where’s the Revolution, UCSC Students as Immigrants, No on Nissan, Public Cannabis meeting…Greensite on further growth at UCSC…Krohn on MLK March and UCSC Moratorium…Steinbruner and Nisene Marks parking, Nissan EIR on Feb12, Redman-Hirahara and Merriman Houses, Aptos Fire chief news, Soquel Creek and Aptos Village water issue…Patton and 25th amendment and impeachment…DeCinzo and early immigrant problems…Eagan and a national health alert…Munching With Mozart…New Music Works…Radical Mindfulness Class…Jensen and Call Me By Your Name…I critique The Post and Call Me By Your Name…Universal Grapevine guest list….Quotes about MUD.
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TOMMY SMOTHERS IMITATING JOHNNY CARSON. Just for old timers, who remember these guys. |
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Bee Gees accompany some North Korean marching and North Korea needs some humor!!! |
DATELINE January 15, 2018
WHERE’S THE REVOLUTION? Doesn’t it seem to you, as much as it does to me, that with all the NATIONAL support, fire, eagerness and need to demonstrate, march, and protest in infinite ways… that all we really lack is a leader, to get almost all Americans to really revolt? More than just waiting for the local elections, more than knitting and picking and choosing our local candidates, but aactually revolt…as in REVOLUTION ?
UCSC STUDENTS-OUR IMMIGRANTS! What’s terribly wrong with our reaction to the news that UCSC is estimating 10,000 new students in 22 years? We should be, and mostly are overjoyed that young people are jamming our colleges. It says so much positive good for their hopes and plans and also so much bad about our colleges and our community’s lack of plans and faulty policies. More details follow further down in both Gillian Greensite’s and Chris Krohn’s articles.
NO TO AUTO ROW! Or NIX ON NISSAN!
Bob Morgan is a very community-involved guy. Bob is a former high school English teacher and K-12 principal. He’s active in Climate Action and local transportation issues. Plus he’s also active with Campaign for Sensible Transportation, and now Sustainable Soquel. He emailed to say… “A looming disaster in progress, the 29,000 square foot aesthetic nightmare of a NISSAN car dealership at the corner of 41st and Soquel Dr., is an enormous mistake. This is the proposed site for the OUT OF TOWN (from VISALIA) NISSAN DEALERSHIP OWNER DON GROPETTI’S ITALIAN CREAM-—HIS MAMMOTH NEW AUTO DEALERSHIP. Don Gropetti doesn’t care if he’s from Visalia and helped to make congestion and greenhouse gas emissions worse in the once beautiful San Joaquin Valley with his FIVE auto dealerships, because he now calls his palazzo on Carmel’s 17 Mile Drive home. Oh, that fresh Pacific Ocean air! No worries about his newest venture: it completely DISREGARDS the wishes of the community, so caringly (and dutifully) crafted during community workshops in Soquel. These “community input” sessions that brought out so many car dealership issues and were designed to put together Santa Cruz County’s Planning staff’s “SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUSTAINABLE PLAN”, now are being laughed at by that same County Planning Department. Re-zone? Change the General Plan?, Ignore the Sustainable Plan?, make a more industrially intense use of the land? No problem, says the County.
Some of the workshop’s lofty tenets were that we need to build community, create connections among residents, and guide our community development with a VISION of mixed retail and housing, walkability and bike-riding along safe roads on a scale suitable for Soquel. I guess former County Economic Developer, BARBARA MASON, and replacement ANDY CONSTABLE, a former real estate developer from San Jose, now living here (new Central Coast residents love being FROM San Jose and Visalia), landed a big county catch — helping to justify Constable’s yearly $250,000 salary and benefits package. So, Soquel Village neighbors will just have to deal with being a regional destination hub for automobile buyers who will come and go, leaving locals in the dust and exhaust, fighting more traffic, noise and glaring LEDs while they stare at the homogenized behemoth at the gateway to their village, and wonder what could have been. What about all that “community input” to create the Santa Cruz County Sustainable Plan? So much for “sustaining” the unique community zeitgeist of Soquel. Heck, soon enough we might even look like Visalia and San Jose — seen one auto dealership, seen ’em all. The project has some ways to go before final Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors’ approval, so we can still RESIST this mistake by telling our County Board of Supervisors, NO. Instead, respect the community-generated Santa Cruz County Sustainable Plan and keep our trust. Trust in community needs to be the Supervisors’ mantra. (Are you listening, John Leopold?) Email, write or call your County Supervisor if you care what happens to our community. It’s a bad idea for Soquel. It’s time to BOYCOTT NISSAN. Say NO to Auto Row!”
CANNABIS MEETING FOR EVERYONE. Jim Coffis, the deputy director of Green Trade which is “a coalition of Cannabis Businesses” sent this press release Monday Jan. 15…
THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
A public meeting on the future of cannabis in the County of Santa Cruz will be held Wednesday evening, January 24, at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean Street in Santa Cruz beginning at 7 pm. Hosted by a coalition of cannabis advocates, representing consumers, patients, caregivers, environmentalists, small growers and others involved in the local cannabis trade, the meeting is open to the public. The imminent release of the million dollar, year long, Environmental Impact Report on commercial cannabis is expected to renew the debate on the shape of local regulations. The Board of Supervisors is expected to take up the issue in early February.
Learn about your existing rights, current and proposed state and local regulations, and the economic viability and impact of cannabis in our community. Hear about the short and long-term future and how it will affect access, availability, cost, production and the environment.
Advocates supporting improved access to medical and adult use products and licenses; best farming practices; environmental improvement and social justice will share their insights.
Experts will be on hand for one on one advice on the regulatory process, consumer rights, and best practices. Leaders and luminaries from the local cannabis community will speak on the current state of affairs and the next steps that need to be taken. All interested stakeholders are invited to explore available options to ensure the preservation of our unique and rich cannabis heritage in this new era of legalization”.
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
Dateline (January 15, 2018)
TIME FOR AN ENROLLMENT CAP
As locals opened their newspapers on January 13th I imagined a collective community gasp of dismay at the headline: UCSC plans for sizeable growth.” The impacts of current UCSC growth on its host town of Santa Cruz are as obvious as a poke in the eye and no less painful: escalating rents; local families outbid by groups of students and gridlock traffic. On campus, the negative impacts from UCSC growth are also painful: escalating rents; shortage of bed space; overcrowded classrooms, buses, facilities and resources. Only those at the top isolated in their ivory tower would fail to conclude that further increases in student enrollment are unsustainable, for the town, for the students and for the unique natural environment of the Cowell Ranch, site of UCSC, itself.
In response to the impacts of the current level of student enrollment, the Chancellor retorted: “the notion that we’re going to cap enrollment and live with a capped enrollment is simply not realistic in the world we live in.” A “pipe dream.” While I have long admired the current chancellor, that is until he falsified a state audit at the request of UC president Napolitano, I found his comment dismissive at best. Or maybe we do live in distinctly different realities. Ours is one of financial uncertainty, ever -rising rents, dislocated low wage, local workers, traffic nightmares and strained resources. His is one of expanding graduate programs and a larger UCSC as a prominent research institution. This departure from the original vision for UCSC as a predominantly undergraduate campus no doubt has its cheerleaders. At some point however the rubber hits the road and the chancellor’s reality has to grapple with finite limits and real life impacts of such growth.
A familiar refrain to justify continued growth at UCSC is that demand for a UC education is growing. This is true and has been for the last two decades. It is also why a new campus was funded and built as UC Merced. The University of California is a system of ten campuses and a student is guaranteed a first class education at each and every campus. Commonsense dictates that if growth at one campus is negatively impacting the finite resources of its host community then further growth could and should be directed towards a campus whose enrollment is under 7,000 students. Arguments that students would prefer to live in Santa Cruz rather than Merced are outweighed not only by the exorbitant rents in Santa Cruz but also because we are beyond carrying capacity on every meaningful measure of quality of life. You notice that UC Merced is rarely raised in discussions about UCSC growth impacts. The reason for that omission has less to do with concerns about student preferences for the coast and more about faculty and department jostling for greater resources and power, in my opinion. In other words, concern about growth impacts on our town doesn’t enter the picture. Nor, apparently does concern for the natural environment of this former Cowell Ranch. The proposal to locate the proposed 3000 beds (2100 are new, 900 are to relieve current overcrowded dorms) on the meadow at the corner of Hagar and Coolidge Drives may not arouse concern for those who see just acreage to build on, but for those who know the invaluable and unique natural environment that encompasses UCSC and which is a treasure for study, research and preservation, it is a sad departure from the founding values and vision for UCSC. Nor will such public/private building on campus lower rents for students on or off campus, let alone non-student residents in town since ten thousand more students on campus means five thousand of them will be living off-campus. If you think things are bad now…just wait. But waiting is what we cannot afford to do.
Our elected representatives at the city, county and state level must make it clear to the Regents and the Office of the President that a cap on enrollment at UCSC is critical for our survival as a community. And for those elected who have a conflict of interest because of ties to UCSC, remember which end of the hill you were elected to represent”.
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
Dateline January 15.2018
2 TWO Photos of the week. Cooper Street closed for the large march on MLK Day! Over 2000 marched. |
 Super community activist, Ernestina Saldana holds her “Bell of Freedom” award, given to her this past Sunday by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Justly and richly deserved. Si se puede! |
January 15 2018
“The notion that we’re going to cap enrollment and live with a capped enrollment is simply not realistic in the world we live in,” (UCSC Chancellor George) Blumenthal said at a news meeting Thursday. “I think it’s a pipe dream, because the demand for the UC education is increasing by leaps and bounds.”
We call it a moratorium, you call it a cap, let’s call the whole thing off!
UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal named the elephant in the room last week and yes, it’s a 10,000-pound one! In a community of 60,000, ten thousand more students are really a lot. You heard right, Blumenthal’s opening salvo at our UCSC-city community is a Long-Range Development Plan that will add a whopping 10,000 additional bodies to Santa Cruz and grow the university to 28,000. Will Santa Cruz become a university with a city somewhere on the campus? Will campus growth effectively create a Town dressed up and encased in a towering Gown? Twenty-eight thousand is a figure not even envisioned by the most dreamy and visionary planners way back in the day.
The 28,000 number seems to have been thrown out by an ambivalent bureaucracy that is playing perhaps an unwitting part in the deterioration of a once great coastal town. UC Administrators on the hill are either afraid to tell their bosses in Oakland the hard truth that there is no more room at the inn, or are they just resigned to a different truth that California students must go somewhere so why not here? Perhaps, this figure is an early trial balloon, put out by the administration to see how much pushback there might be by townies, student activists, county supervisors, and city councilmembers? No one I know does not want all California children to experience a UC education, but this UC city is maxed out. There are nine other campuses and the state legislature ought to be planning for even more. The city of Santa Cruz, given its size, resources, and carrying capacity has reached its limit. No más after 19,500.
T-W-E-N-T-Y E-I-G-H-T T-H-O-U-S-A-N-D Students?
I’m a member of CAG, the Community Advisory Group of 22 that was set up by the university to advise on the 2020 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) process. The LRDP is the university’s “general plan” document and its already begun in earnest some two years before it is due to be submitted to the UC Regents. Chancellor Blumenthal and his assistant, Executive Vice Chancellor, Marlene Tromp who is mostly responsible for the UCSC budget, spoke to our group last Friday and dropped the bombshell: T-W-E-N-T-Y-E-I-G-H-T T-H-O-U-S-A-N-D. It was not received well by most of the CAG. Although the Chancellor offered an olive branch when he said, “This needs to be a meaningful group (CAG) that provides meaningful input,” and then proceeded to pan the 2005 UCSC administration for not asking for enough community involvement back then. Blumenthal said, “I was struck by how little input there was from the community, it showed a lack of sensitivity on the part of campus.” Strong sentiments. I’m glad he wants to know our perspective, but those present wondered in various ways if things would be any different this time around, and if our community input would actually be taken seriously. After Blumenthal and Tromp left the room the CAG members were directed to pair up “with someone you don’t know,” and discuss our “core concerns” and be ready to report back to the group what those concerns are. We were limited to three. I immediately sought out someone who I thought might be my political opposite and there across the room was the former Sentinel editor, California secretary of state, assembly member, and current member of the Santa Cruz board of supervisors, Bruce McPherson. Turns out he and I share some similar concerns about university growth. We both liked it that the “U” wanted the community engaged in the LRDP process, but we were surprised by the 10,000-growth figure and wondered if it was simply a negotiating tool. Both of us agreed we want to see what resources UC will contribute to support these students before they arrive to our community. Financial resources that would cover their growth in the areas of housing, transportation, and water McPherson said. Moving around the large set of tables that formed a horseshoe at the Museum of Art and History downtown, each CAG member stated their “core concerns,” and they didn’t sound too supportive of growing the university more. I note a few of those concerns here:
Ted Benhari of Bonny Doon and the Committee to Limit University Growth (CLUE) said his concerns were the “quality of life impacts on the community and maintaining the urban services line…” Bill Tysseling, retired and the former Exec. Dir. of Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce said, “Funding of infrastructure, and an eastern access [road] has to occur or we have to keep everyone on campus.”Cynthia Mathews, Santa Cruz city councilmember noted that “UCSC will completely dominate…basically you will have a company town. We need to avoid a monoculture.”John Aird, Healthcare Executive and CLUE member was emphatic, “Fifty-percent growth is flat-out unacceptable.”Andy Schiffrin an Aide in Supervisor Ryan Coonerty’s office and also a Santa Cruz political observer for over 40 years said, “Input is meaningless without accountability…it would take a legislative solution…it’s a political problem that we have…”Robert Orrizzi said the university must “stop growth until beds are on-line because the currently planned 3000 beds will not be going in until 2020, so don’t grow anymore until those are in place.”
“An LRDP is like a city’s general plan. It designates areas of campus for certain types of use: open space, for example, or housing. It does not mandate growth.” (my emphasis)
–Chancellor George Blumenthal, Jan. 12, 2018
Pipe Dreams Revisited: “Ain’t no power like the power of the people and the power of the people don’t stop!
The community is calling for a moratorium on student growth until city services can catch up in the areas of housing, traffic, and water infrastructure. A five-year moratorium sounds about right. Blumenthal was quoted in the Santa Cruz Sentinel last week calling a cap on enrollment “a pipe dream.” Well, since we have a lot of dreamers in this town, we get called a lot of names. Pipe dreams are something we know about. Stopping a good-ole-boy convention hotel on Lighthouse Field was once considered a pipe dream; voters dreamed of approving the purchase of greenbelt lands–a choice of taxing ourselves to buy open space was pipe dreamy; stopping developers from building 10,000 homes on Wilder Ranch was at first an activist pipe dream; preserving the Beach Flats Community Garden for the community is still in the “pipe dream” stages, a work in progress. And of course, there was everybody’s favorite little pipe dream that would just not go away, the legalization of first, medical marijuana and now complete legalization. Some pipe dreams just will not die. This community’s been known to dream big. One might also ask which is the bigger pipe dream, a moratorium on accepting more students beyond the current cap of 19,500, or allowing ten thousand additional bodies to migrate here from all parts of California and beyond, to an already crowded Surf City? Will they be told there is no more housing here? Hey Regents, game on.
Bernie Tweet of the Week;
“Republicans in Congress must now summon the courage to stand up to the racist ramblings of our “stable genius” president. Democratic and Republican senators must continue efforts to produce a bi-partisan Dream Act to be voted on by the Senate as part of the overall budget deal.” (Jan. 12)
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPROVES APTOS VILLAGE PROJECT PHASE 2…SAN JOSE AT THE ENTRANCE TO NISENE MARKS STATE PARK?
On January 10, County Planner Randall Adams quietly approved the massive building design and use changes for Phase 2 of the Aptos Village Project that will, if built, create a San Jose-like character at the very entrance to Nisene Marks State Park and further aggravate existing near-gridlock traffic. The modifications allow three-story structures throughout in Buildings 1,2,8,9,10 located behind the Aptos Station commercial area. I only learned that it had been approved when I had time to visit the Planning Department Records Room January 11 (Thursday) just before the 4pm closing to the public. Last week when I visited there, no Aptos Village Project records were available to review except the proposed Phase 2 modifications…but nothing else with which to compare them in order to determine the exact nature of the proposed modifications.
How can the public comment on modifications when it is not clear exactly how the Project is being modified? I wrote Assistant Planning Director, Wanda Williams (you may recall that Planning Director Kathy Previsich has recused herself from involvement because she and her husband have financially benefitted from the Project) and Project Planner Randall Adams to ask, but neither replied. Neither replied to my question about how the general public can review the material if unable to visit the Planning Department Records Room during the limited hours it is open to the public. I figured out on my own that if one visits the County Planning Department website, click on the left hand menu bar “Pending Projects”, click on “Level 4 Discretionary Projects” and then search for Application #171292 and click on the application number, the material is there. Here is the link to what comes up.
In order to compare those plans with what PREVIOUS Discretionary Approvals have morphed the Project, one must find the materials for Application # 151005, which massively changed the layout of the Project and may have changed some of the building designs, too. That is what Randall Adams approved in 2015 that changed the layout of the new Aptos Village Way internal street and necessitated dividing Building 6 into two buildings 6A and 6B to flank the new road at Trout Gulch, moved the Soquel Creek Water District’s new Granite Way Well site location to the corner of Trout Gulch Road /Cathedral Drive (where the clay layer is so deep that production will be minimal), reduced the size of the County Park Parcel (which allowed the County to waive the $1000/bedroom park developer fees for the 144 bedrooms), added an additional 6 residential units but did not increase the number of affordable units, reduced the number of parking spaces near the County Park Parcel (the Planner recommended just adding more to the on-street parking along Aptos Creek Road), and other massive changes that PROBABLY CONSTITUTED A NEW PROJECT.
“CONNECT THE DROPS” REGIONAL WATER WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 1 AT NEW BRIGHTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mark your calendar for this “State of the Groundwater” educational event sponsored by Santa Cruz County Local Area Formation Commission Office (LAFCO). It will be held at New Brighton Middle School in Capitola, 6pm-8pm, with a keynote speaker from the State Dept. of Water Resources featured along with representatives of all local water agencies.
It is unknown if the public will be given any time for PUBLIC question and answer, or whether people will be directed (as was the case at the last similar event) to tables of interest. I hope the people will be able to ask questions publicly because last time, when the second option occurred, the place became so chaotic you had to shout to be heard when asking a question at one of the informational tables. I expect we will hear glowing reports from Soquel Creek Water District about their “preferred project” PureWater Soquel and plans to inject treated sewage water into the area’s groundwater supply….against public protest. How can this District boast of “Transparency Awards”???
I hope to see you there…I’ll be handing out information about the “Water for Santa Cruz” group who seeks to find a solution to the area’s water distribution issues that won’t risk health and safety problems and that ratepayers can afford.
Happy Martin Luther King Day….we will continue to uphold and continue to fight for that Dream
~Becky
Dateline January 14, 2018
“Just How Stupid Is Trump?” That’s the title of an opinion piece published on January 8, 2018, by Robert Reich. Reich served as Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton, and is now employed by the University of California. He is, besides holding down his university position, a prominent political pundit. Reich doesn’t think that President Trump is necessarily stupid, but he does think that our president poses “a clear and present danger to America and the world.”
Reich concludes his article by saying:
The 25th Amendment must be invoked before it’s too late.
The 25th Amendment is pretty complicated. Click the link if you would like a briefing on how it works. My own sense is that neither the 25th Amendment nor an impeachment of the president is going to rescue the nation (and the world). This is also the conclusion of The New York Times editorial board. On January 10th, quite possibly in direct response to what Reich said, The Times ran an editorial with the following title: “Is Mr. Trump Nuts?”
Is he “nuts,” or is he “stupid,” and what should we do about it? The Times evaluates both impeachment and the use of the 25th Amendment, and comes to the following conclusion, which I believe is right on target:
The best solution is the simplest: Vote, and organize others to register and to vote. If you believe Donald Trump represents a danger to the country and the world, you can take action to rein in his power. In November, you can help elect members of Congress who will fight Mr. Trump’s most dangerous behaviors. If that fails, there’s always 2020.
The fact that we have placed a highly unsuitable person in charge of the Executive Branch of our government does not mean that we our normal governmental processes are no longer functional. In fact, they are!
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. The more than omniscient DeCinzo gives us an inside view of Immigrant issues…see below.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “National Health Alert#13” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the provocative “Roll of The Dice” in his Eaganblog.
MUNCHING WITH MOZART THURSDAY.
The MWM concert series presents The Wild Coast Brass. The Wild Coast Brass features Kevin Jordan, Trumpet-Charles Old, Trumpet- Ruth Jordan, Horn-Steve Mortensen, Trombone and James Paoletti onTuba. They’ll play Arthur Frackenpohl’s Brass Quintet, Don Sweete’s Mouse and the Elephant (Trumpet/Tuba Duet), J. S. Bach’s Fugue XI, WTC I (Low Brass Trio) from Well-Tempered Brass Quintet, Anthony Plog’s Trio for Brass (Trumpet/Horn/Trombone),Traditional pieceThe Water is Wide, then Jose Carli’s Estampas and closing with Kevin McKee’s Escape. The concert is free and happens Thursday, January 18th 12:10 – 12:50 Santa Cruz Public Library Downtown Branch – Upstairs Meeting Room.
NEW MUSIC WORKS-DEFINITELY!!!
For 39 years The New Music Works has created some of the most new music of our time. Now they say, “Nocturnal sonic emissions arising from next door-to-abroad, by living, tax-paying composers! A powerhouse line-up including four world premieres and a special line-up of guest artists.” Performing on Feb. 3rd will be Sheila Willey, soprano, UCSC Guitar Ensemble, NewMusicWorks Ensemble, Philip Collins, conductor, Barry Phillips Ostinato for Elly (2016) clarinet, bassoon trumpet, trombone, marimba, piano, violin, double bass and Michael McGushin A Queer Alphabet, (2017) text by Gertrude Stein, (world premiere)s soprano, flute, oboe, clarinet, violin, cello, double bass, harp, piano, percussion Heila Willey.
At 6 p.m. there’ll be a 45-minute Panel Discussion involving all seven of the evening’s featured composers.
Buy Your Tickets Now! Sponsored by the Cabrillo College Music Department it happens SATuRdAy, FEbRuARy 3, 7:30Pm
barbara Samper Recital Hall
cabrillo college, Aptos, cA
RADICAL MINDFULNESS CLASS.
Carla Brennan has studied and taught Mindfulness for decades. I’ve been attending her weekly sessions and her classes for a few years…and If you’ve wondered about Mindfulness or need to know more Carla says;” Radical mindfulness is the practice of being unconditionally present to life as it arises, to completely be here now. Rather than living with true wakefulness and awareness, most of us are engaged in an endless struggle to control and limit our experience. We resist feeling our basic aliveness and contract around patterns of fear and confusion. Our meditation practice may become yet another attempt to control what we feel. We discover that beyond this futile struggle is an untapped capacity for clear knowing and compassion” Her 5 week one night per week class is titled…” Radical Mindfulness: The Art of Being Alive”
5-week class, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 Wednesdays, 6:30 -8:30, 920F 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Registration required. Space is limited. Please only register if you can attend at least 4 of the 5 classes. To register, go to EVENTBRITE. More information
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “The awards season kicks off with a few front-running Oscar contenders, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com/). Also, please share your thoughts on authors rating their own books on Goodreads (useful or shameless?), and check out this week’s Good Times for my review of the sensual coming-of-age drama, Call Me By Your Name.” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. No matter where you’re at sexually, this film deals beautifully with a young 17 year old boy in Italy working his way through his sexual coming of age. Armie Hammer plays the 30 year old scholarly hunk who visits the kid’s parents. You remember Armie Hammer, heir to the Armand Hammer oil fortune, and who played The Lone Ranger to Johnny Depp’s Tonto (2013)!!!
THE POST. This is Steven Spielberg’s answer to the Trump administration’s corruption and misuse of presidential power. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks rip up the acting, as we expect them to do. It’s the story of the — then little — Washington Post trying to catch up to The New York Times, printing Daniel Elsberg’s Vietnam exposure papers. It makes easy parallels to Nixon and Trump’s dictatorships. It also makes great pitches for freedom of the press…and what we need to do to keep that freedom alive…especially now. Go see it, bring your friends. But truthfully, it’s not as interesting or revealing as the MSNBC documentary two weeks ago… “The Most Dangerous Man In America” — which is the same story from Elsberg’s view.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its world War II history and it’s the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its’ worth going just for the fun of it.
MOLLY’S GAME. This is an unusual “true” film about a once Olympic ski champion who becomes the owner/manager of zillion dollar poker games. Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba play the top roles and good old Kevin Costner has a bit part as Jessica’s father. It’s a fancy film with plenty of cinema tricks to keep us interested, and the acting’s ok too. But think twice before going, especially if you’re trying to give up movies for the New Year.
I TONYA. A very dark, depressing movie about some very depressed people. It’s got loud rock period music as the film score which almost qualifies it as a fun comedy but you’ll be able to count your laughs. Somewhere in the movie somebody says Americans love to hate or love their current sport stars…and its sure true here. Allison Janney plays Tonya’s seriously disturbed mother and deserves some award this Award season…but not for this one. Warning IF you do got you’ll leave wondering why you cared about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding.
ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. This movie will forever change your reaction to the Getty Museum in Malibu…trust me. And, you’ve probably read that this movie was completely finished with Kevin Spacey in the lead role of J. Paul Getty, then with Spacey’s sex problems looming so large they completely re-filmed the part and replaced Spacey with Christopher Plummer. Ridley Scott directed it, and of course he directed Alien, The Martian, Into The Storm and other big box office hits. Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg are the other stars. It’s a cruel, nearly true story about how J.Paul wouldn’t give Italian kidnappers any ransom money when they kidnapped his grandson. I felt far removed from the film, and never identified with anyone in the plot. It was cold, well filmed, and credibly acted but it never drew me into feeling anything for anyone involved.
COCO. A genuine Pixar animated cartoon. And, the animation is amazingly three –dimensional. The plot is totally focused on the very rich and traditional Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, plenty of food, religion, music, and only a little boring after the first half hour. It’s completely original, you’ve never seen anything like this before, its way more creative and developed than what we usually think of as a Disney Cartoon. Go see it.
THE DISASTER ARTIST. A curious movie, a very curious movie about the making of what has become known by critics and the public as the worst movie ever filmed. That movie is “The Room“. James Franco and his brother Dave Franco are the leads. Zac Efron and Seth Rogen are in it too but there are not that many laughs. If you’re not careful you’ll start pitying just about everyone in the film for being so desperate just to make a movie. I began to like or appreciate it about 20 minutes before it ended. The closing credits are a must watch to be believed item.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Yes, 93 on RT and I thought it was a complete fake of a billion dollar move machine. I’ll always remember going to our Soquel Drive in (just a little stoned) and being completely taken into outer space with Star Wars 1. It had humor, empathy, great imagination, tension and a story you could care about. The franchise now stages monotonous, uncaring, space attacks and wars so numerous that you can’t remember who is on who’s side…and you don’t care much either. There’s the Dark Side, the Resistance, Adam Driver, R2D2, a very dull Carrie Fisher, an aging Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker and those endless space battles that take up probably 33 1/3 of the movie. A great disappointment…go at your own peril, and its 2 ½ hours extra long.
DOWNSIZING.Matt Damon plays a guy who for might be considered an environmental move agrees to be reduced to about 5 inches tall and go live in a Truman’s Show type world with other shrinkees. It’s cute, pointless, and feel good. No genuine issues or meanings are dealt with ‘ Nasty ol’ Christoph Waltz plays his usual smirking, almost nazi-like character and Kristen Wiig plays Damon’s wife until she decides NOT to get shrunk. Save your money, subscribe to Netflix and watch Black Mirror instead.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. We learn about the problems of the proposed Nissan Dealership in Soquel from Bob Morgan and Lisa Sheridan and how many of the citizens are opposed to it. Then activist, conservationist, columnist Gillian Greensite talks about local politics. Dr. Carlos Arcangeli, noted Urologist, bring us up to date on those problems on Jan.23. He’s followed by UCSC Professor emeritus Ralph Abraham talking about his newest book, “Hip Santa Cruz Vol. 2” about that scene with articles by local veterans. Then on January 30 UCSC Music prof. Linda Burman Hall talks about the 45th annual Santa Cruz Baroque Festival opening February 10. OR…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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This speaks for itself, I think 🙂
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UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. “MUD”
“Every struggle is like mud – there are always some lotus seeds waiting to sprout”, Amit Ray, Nonviolence: The Transforming Power
“Maturity is when you no longer get the urge to make snow angels in mud season”, Josh Stern,
“Spend your time with the people who talk about the stars because to whichever place you put your mind in, you will move to that place! Stars pull you to the stars; mud pulls you to the mud!” Mehmet Murat ildan
“You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it“, Denzel Washington
“He who slings mud generally loses ground”. Adlai E. Stevenson
“They teach anything in universities today. You can major in mud pies”. Orson Welles
“I could have ended the war in a month. I could have made North Vietnam look like a mud puddle”. Barry Goldwater
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com
BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
January 10 – 16, 2018
B.A.P. Store news, Swenson Suites at 1547 Pacific, Oprah for President?, My cannabis store visit… “GILLIAN GREENSITE is off the grid for a week so no piece this issue. Back as usual next week…CHRIS KROHN and Federal Power locally, Immigration, rent stabilization, end corridor plan, housing, homeless issues, public library moving…BECKY STEINBRUNER on Rancho Del Mar, property tax rising, AMBAG questions, Nisene Marks parking…GARY PATTON about a digital Republic, and the loss of personal data online…DECINZO and historic rainy days…TIM EAGAN and Deep Cover…LISA JENSEN and I Tonya…Santa Cruz Chamber Players…8 tens @ 8…I critique Molly’s Game, I Tonya, The Disaster Artist, Downsizing…Quotes about January.
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EMMY AWARDS WITH TIM CONWAY & HARVEY CORMAN. |
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DEAN MARTIN with FOSTER BROOKS. Ralph Davila with his acute humor found this gem |
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BETTE MIDLER SINGS UKULELE LADY. Always been one of my favorite songs. Our Goodtime Washboard 3 performed it for years. |
DATELINE January 8, 2018
BRITISH AUTO PARTS ON UPPER PACIFIC. In a small side question last week relating to the historic photo of the Town Square from high atop the hill at Mission and Pacific, I asked if anyone knew what the visible sign stating B.A.P meant. Some great responses came in…here’s the best…Will Roblin says: “I went to a wonderful BAR in that area in 1973 – The United. [Not sure if it’s got anything to do with this photo!; United might have been further away from Tea Cup, but that’s the correct side of the street.] Sign on the wall said: “BE GOOD OR BE GONE”; some very mellow, creative types could be found there. It was good (no frills, open atmosphere) but it’s still gone.
The Holgers wrote, “Bruce — Years ago an outfit named British Auto Parts went by that acronym. It purveyed MG and Austin Healy stuff in that era. Who knows?”
Mike Hess wrote, “Could not find out what B.A.P. stands for but attached is a newspaper clipping from 1965. It was a transmission shop. Always look forward to Bratton on-line!
Historian and author Stan Stevens wrapped it all up when he emailed saying…
“It appears that B.A.P. moved to a Front St. location at the start of its Santa Cruz branch operation in 1963. They had 16 other locations. Then, after the death of its manager in March 1964, they moved to North Pacific Avenue in Sept. 1964”. He attached a photo of another ad from The Santa Cruz Sentinel from Friday, April 29, 1966…here it is….
WAFFLING ON SWENSONS SUITES ON PACIFIC. The vote’s been taken, and Santa Cruz City councilmembers Sandy Brown and Chris Krohn’s pleas to make some of Swenson’s suites at 1547 Pacific affordable got outvoted. It’s a tragedy that — over and over again — our City Council majorities vote in favor of giving developers what they ask for, or what will “pencil out” over humane and usually undeniable civil rights to fair housing. Then again, I must say it’s been 29 — that’s twenty nine — years since the 1989 earthquake took out the Bookshop Santa Cruz and The Pacific Coffee Roasting buildings, and the resultant hole has not been all that much to look at…or think about. Especially since they took out that “suspended sidewalk” that took us to the parking lot that was behind it. In addition to retail space on the street level, the new Swenson monthly rents will consist of 2 bedroom units at $3,7000, 1 bedrooms at $2,500 and studios for $2,000 yes…per month. Those figures will undoubtedly shift upward. So yes, the council’s developer-kissing will be forgotten with a big ribbon cutting ceremony, probably by Mayor Martine Watkins in 2019. And Pacific Avenue will once again look more like a town that never had an earthquake.
MY FIRST POT/CANNABIS SHOP VISIT. It’s been decades since paying $5 for a matchbox of pot or $15 for a lid in and around Berkeley in the 50s. Taking Jim Coffis from Green Trade Santa Cruz’s advice, I went to the Treehouse, which labels itself “A full service cannabis dispensary”. It’s located at 3651 Soquel Drive, the former Senate Mattress store. It’s way upscale, much closer to an elegant jewelry store than a CVS store. They display only one or two of each of their “items”, and the clerk/attendant/guide punches your selections into his/her tablet and you pick up your total items at another desk on your way out. Very polite, regimented, and as they say, “Rooted in Community”. Whether you like pot or not, go visit Treehouse and see what the talk is all about. No, I didn’t buy anything…probably next time.
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
Dateline January 8, 2018 majority report #108
All Politics are Local, Even State, Federal and International Issues
Feds vs. the City of Santa Cruz
Just when you thought it was safe to go into the liberal, do-your-own-thing, can’t-we-all-just-get-along, feel-good political waters of both the Golden State and the People’s Republic of Santa Cruz, a political hell begins to erupt. Along comes Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to tell us that he’s going to allow off-shore oil drilling off the central coast. Then it’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions, he wants to stop all cannabis production. What does Acting Commissioner of the IRS, David Kauter require? That homeowners no longer deduct their mortgage payments from their federal taxes. Next in line is another “Acting Director,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Thomas Homan, he wants to deport our immigrant community members. And then there’s the FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, he wants to slow down our internet traffic. The master of this dog house, Donald Trump, lost California by over two million votes, so to some political watchers it would seem quite logical that he would come to hinder, thwart, hobble, restrict, and generally wreak havoc on the people of this state. He’s beginning. Not long ago I can remember letters to the editor, or to city hall, inquiring and questioning the wisdom of devoting city time to debating national and international issues. War for example has been debated by past city councils: Ronald Reagan’s contras, George Bush Sr.’s Kuwaiti expedition, and later his son’s Iraq War policies. Once the council passed a resolution to send Chilean mass murder, Gen. Augusto Pinochet, who was being detained in London, back to stand trial in Santiago. More recently the council is set to discuss a resolution asking the legislature to prohibit importation of crude oil from the Amazon. Santa Cruz has a long track record of being involved in US domestic and foreign policy issues.
 Seen along Ashby Street in Berkeley, Ca. |
What Just Might be Coming to the SC City Council This Year?
- Revenue enhancement measures (taxes) to cover the increasing costs of city pension costs, mainly police and fire will be on the ballot. (Some options: Hotel, sugar beverage, real estate transfer).
- Rent stabilization, rent freeze, just-cause eviction ordinance will all likely be debated vigorously this year, in Santa Cruz and at the state capitol. Link here
- Will 2018 see a silver stake finally pierce through the Corridor Plan and exorcise the final ghosts of a plan that was never accepted by many on the city’s eastside? See here…
- Will this be the year the Jessie Street Marsh actually moves toward restoration and the 2003 plan is finally implemented? Follow here
- A housing plan is needed that designates 50% of the planned for 1000 downtown units be affordable and offered to people who live here now, not as short-term rentals or second homes.
- A plan to confront homelessness that is authored by both the city and county, which includes a designated on-going revenue stream to get people housed and into programs that offer drug, alcohol and mental health treatment.
- And lastly, there is that pesky $23-million-dollar question: will the public library bond money be used as bait to finally convince the public to support the Public Works Department’s five-story parking garage to be built on the current site of the Farmer’s Market at Lincoln and Cedar streets?
Predictions for 2018
- The city of Santa Cruz will join other municipalities in forming a state bank!
- Ranked Choice Voting will get on the ballot this November.
- Rent control will be instituted in Santa Cruz come January 1, 2019.
- Barry Swenson Builder will finally be convinced to build the damn affordable rental units.
- Homelessness-houselessness ain’t going away.
- The Giants will make it to the playoffs!
- The Trump Administration gets into a spat with Santa Cruz, which makes national news.
Bernie Tweet of the Week
“We need to get our priorities right. Not giving tax breaks to billionaires. Not throwing millions of people off of health insurance. We have got to pay attention to the working families of this country.” (Jan. 8)
~ Chris Krohn
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
RANCHO DEL MAR CENTER REMODEL IS MORE THAN A “FACE-LIFT”
Take a look at this amazing photo by Erik Chalhoub, editor of the Aptos Life and Register-Pajaronian. As you can see, the theater is gone, gone, gone…
Rancho Del Mar work underway
Still no reply to phone calls placed with the Rancho Del Mar tenants that were evicted on short notice last fall. Send them good thoughts and maybe a few bucks if I can get a Go-Fund-Me set up for them. Stay tuned.
WHAT IS AMBAG AND WHY DOES IT DICTATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES?
I am curious about the influence that the Associated Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) has over Santa Cruz County and other municipal land use and transportation policies. The County Planning Department sets the number of building permits it publicly states that MUST be issued based on a State requirement that is approved by AMBAG to make sure each County “takes its share of the burden” for the state’s population growth. These are the RHNA numbers that officials cite without any explanation to define what that means: “Regional Housing Need Allocation”. Here is a link to learn more about that.
AMBAG was formed in 1968 and comprises of 24 representatives from Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties and all cities within. AMBAG has no ability to enforce the growth policies and transportation projects, according to Ms. Heather Adamson, the AMBAG Director of Planning, yet time and time again, I hear local government officials say “We have to do this because it is mandated by AMBAG”.
I think the real truth is that it all revolves around money. AMBAG gets grant money from State and Federal programs, so the local jurisdictions do what is necessary to get the money. Here is the website for AMBAG…take a look and see what you learn. http://www.ambag.org/about-us
NISENE MARKS STATE PARK ACCESS DENIED TO VISITORS FOR LACK OF AVAILABLE PARKING
Thanks to the photo and report from a concerned Aptos citizen (who wishes to remain anonymous) who contacted me about State Parks posting the entry to Nisene Marks State Park as closed, due to lack of available parking in the park. Doesn’t it make sense to you that the Phase 2 Aptos Village Project could be used to re-instate the prescriptive use of parking for the State Park visitors and public benefit of re-building the world-famous Post Office Bike Jumps instead of adding more traffic to the nearly-gridlocked Village? Take a look at this photo: The sign was posted December 31, 2017 and AGAIN last Sunday, January 7.
CONTACT SUPERVISOR ZACH FRIEND ABOUT THIS AND OTHER ISSUES In the January 2018 issue of the “Aptos Life” Second District Supervisor Zach Friend wrote about all the wonderful things he has done in the past year. Under “Community Meetings” he reported “we’ve held 71 open office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, La Selva Beach and Watsonville and held or attended nearly 50 community and neighborhood meetings in Seacliff, La Selva Beach, Aptos, Watsonville, Capitola and Corralitos. ” Wow. Where are the Community meetings for the general public (not just the Rio del Mar Improvement Association buddies) regarding the Aptos Village Project???? Who can attend his Wednesday 9am-10am constituent meetings held occasionally?
Maybe he’ll schedule one if you ask for one regarding the significant building design modifications for the Phase 2 Aptos Village Project. He needs to do that SOON, before Planner Randall Adams makes his Level 4 Discretionary decision about adding MORE three-story buildings and San Jose-like structures at the Aptos Creek Road entrance…also the gateway to Nisene Marks State Park. That’s Zach Friend <zach.friend@santacruzcounty.us> 701 Ocean Street, 5th Floor, Santa Cruz, CA 831-454-2200
You might also ask him why he made NO MENTION OF WATER ISSUES in his 2017 Reflections of being County Supervisor (January 2018 edition not yet available on line but in local coffee shops, banks and libraries)
~Cheers, Becky Steinbruner
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Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read and subscribe to his daily blog at www.gapatton.net
Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com |
Dateline Saturday, December 30, 2017
#364 / The Digital Republic
An article by Nathan Heller, in the December 18 & 25, 2017, edition of The New Yorker, identifies Estonia as a “digital republic.”
In other words, the article is not talking about some “abstraction,” but is claiming that an actual country, a nation, is now qualitatively different from the kind of political republics that exist in what most of us still consider to be the “real” world, a world that is definitely more “analog” than “digital.”
Heller’s article is worth reading, perhaps particularly if you teach a course in “Privacy, Technology, And Freedom,” as I do. Here’s a sample of what Heller has to say:
I booked a meeting with Marten Kaevats, Estonia’s national digital adviser. We arranged to meet at a café near the water, but it was closed for a private event. Kaevats looked unperturbed. “Let’s go somewhere beautiful!” he said. He led me to an enormous terraced concrete platform blotched with graffiti and weeds.
Seagulls riding the surf breeze screeched. I asked Kaevats what he saw when he looked at the U.S. Two things, he said. First, a technical mess. Data architecture was too centralized. Citizens didn’t control their own data; it was sold, instead, by brokers. Basic security was lax. “For example, I can tell you my I.D. number—I don’t fucking care,” he said. “You have a Social Security number, which is, like, a big secret.” He laughed. “This does not work!” The U.S. had backward notions of protection, he said, and the result was a bigger problem: a systemic loss of community and trust. “Snowden things and whatnot have done a lot of damage. But they have also proved that these fears are justified.
“To regain this trust takes quite a lot of time,” he went on. “There also needs to be a vision from the political side. It needs to be there always—a policy, not politics. But the politicians need to live it, because, in today’s world, everything will be public at some point.”
~ Gary Patton
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OPRAH FOR PRESIDENT? It takes a deep breath to think about it twice…then again, just maybe possible? There are rumors that she has been thinking about it, and last night’s Emmy Award speech was amazingly powerful. Yes, Oprah has little political history, but then again what has that proved for our past leaders? Who else is out there? Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders? As much as I like and would vote for either/both of them…Where are they lately? Hopefully Webmistress Gunilla Leavitt has found a way to link the Emmy Speech, so you too can consider the possibilities. |
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. See DeCinzo’s extra classical view of our rain season problems scroll down a few pages…
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Tim and I missed connecting this week for a new one, but…. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog.
SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER PLAYERS. This courageous, dedicated, talented musicians and the organization behind it has been presenting small group concerts of live chamber music for 39 years. Next weekend (Jan. 13 @ 7:30 and Jan. 14 @ 3 p.m.) their concert is titled “Czech, Please” and will feature musics by Smetana, Dvorak, and Suk. The musicians involved in this concert are Roy Malan, concert director and violin, Susan Freier Harrison, violin; Polly Malan, viola Stephen Harrison, cello; and Robin Sutherland, piano. Czech Please of course means music from Czechoslovakia. All their concerts are at Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos just off the freeway at the Freedom Blvd. turnoff. Then take an immediate right past the CHP headquarters and up the hill. You probably can’t miss it. Tickets may be available at the door or at Brown Paper Tickets
EIGHT 10’s at EIGHT PLAYS. For 23 years the Actors Theatre has performed and presented evenings of eight original plays submitted from everywhere… and each lasting only 10 minutes.
Funny, sad, profound, moving and even boring, but wait ten minutes and there’ll be a new one. There are now two evenings “A” and “B” each presenting eight different plays. It’s great fun.
They opened Jan. 5 and will run through February 4th at the Center Stage Theatre 1001 Center Street (near where the old India Joze used to be). Go to to the website for the rest of the information
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “She was famous for all the wrong reasons, but the raucous biopic I, Tonya aims to set the record straight, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com ). Also, something old, something new in the book department, with the gorgeously Gothic dust jacket of my next book, Beast: A Tale of Love and Revenge, revealed in its entirety, while my last book, Alias Hook, racks up another boffo review! ” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
MOLLY’S GAME. This is an unusual “true” film, about a former Olympic ski champion who becomes the owner/manager of zillion dollar poker games. Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba play the top roles, and good old Kevin Costner has a bit part as Jessica’s father. It’s a fancy film with plenty of cinema tricks to keep us interested, and the acting’s ok too. But think twice before going, especially if you’re trying to give up movies for the New Year.
I TONYA. A very dark, depressing movie about some very depressed people. It’s got loud rock music as the film score, which almost qualifies it as a fun comedy — but you’ll be able to count your laughs. Somewhere in the movie somebody says Americans love to hate or love their current sport stars…and its sure true here. Allison Janney plays Tonya’s seriously disturbed mother, and deserves more awards this Award season…but not for this one. Warning…IF you do go you’ll leave wondering why you still care about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding.
THE DISASTER ARTIST. A very curious movie about the making of what has become known by critics and the public as the worst movie ever filmed. That movie is “The Room“. James Franco and his brother Dave Franco are the leads. Zac Efron and Seth Rogen are in it too, but there are not that many laughs. If you’re not careful you’ll start pitying just about everyone in the film for being so desperate just to make a movie. I began to like or appreciate it about 20 minutes before it ended. The closing credits are a must-watch-to-be-believed item.
DOWNSIZING. Matt Damon plays a guy who — for what might be considered an environmental move — agrees to be reduced to about 5 inches tall and go live in a Truman’s Show type world with other shrinkees. It’s cute, pointless, and feel-good. No genuine issues or meanings are dealt with. ‘Nasty ol’ Christoph Waltz plays his usual smirking, almost Nazi-like character, and Kristen Wiig plays Damon’s wife — until she decides NOT to get shrunk. Save your money, subscribe to Netflix and watch Black Mirror instead.
DARKEST HOUR. Gary Oldman takes the role of Winston Churchill to new heights…and depths. Its World War II history and the background story of what Churchill had to endure when he first took office as Prime Minister. He deserves the Oscar like few stars ever have. The story is absorbing, educational, and it makes you wonder why the USA doesn’t have someone like Churchill to handle Trump like Churchill handled Hitler and Mussolini.
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab who cares for, and falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and reminds us of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s vital to know that it’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro who also did Pan’s Labyrinthand Hellboy. It is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that its’ worth going just for the fun of it.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well thought out movie. A teen aged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003 , which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. This movie will forever change your reaction to the Getty Museum in Malibu…trust me. And, you’ve probably read that this movie was completely finished with Kevin Spacey in the lead role of J. Paul Getty, then with Spacey’s sex problems looming so large they completely re-filmed the part and replaced Spacey with Christopher Plummer. Ridley Scott directed it, and of course he directed Alien, The Martian, Into The Storm and other big box office hits. Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg are the other stars. It’s a cruel, nearly true story about how J.Paul wouldn’t give Italian kidnappers any ransom money when they kidnapped his grandson. I felt far removed from the film, and never identified with anyone in the plot. It was cold, well filmed, and credibly acted but it never drew me into feeling anything for anyone involved.
COCO. A genuine Pixar animated cartoon. And, the animation is amazingly three –dimensional. The plot is totally focused on the very rich and traditional Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, plenty of food, religion, music, and only a little bor ing after the first half hour. It’s completely original, you’ve never seen anything like this before, its way more creative and developed than what we usually think of as a Disney Cartoon. Go see it.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Yes, 93 on RT and I thought it was a complete fake of a billion dollar move machine. I’ll always remember going to our Soquel Drive in (just a little stoned) and being completely taken into outer space with Star Wars 1. It had humor, empathy, great imagination, tension and a story you could care about. The franchise now stages monotonous, uncaring, space attacks and wars so numerous that you can’t remember who is on who’s side…and you don’t care much either. There’s the Dark Side, the Resistance, Adam Driver, R2D2, a very dull Carrie Fisher, an aging Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker and those endless space battles that take up probably 33 1/3 of the movie. A great disappointment…go at your own peril, and its 2 ½ hours extra long.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P.T.Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should have. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz. It’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. January 9th has Otolaryngologist, Dr. Douglas Hetzler discussing surfer’s ear, ear wax and dangers of candling and many other health issues. Following the Doctor Jim Coffis and Pat Malo from Green Trade Santa Cruz talk about the latest legal cannabis scene. UC San Diego Professor Emeritus Roddey Reid comes from Berkeley to talk about his book, “Confronting Political Intimidation and Public Bullying” on Jan. 16. Then activist, conservationist, columnist Gillian Greensite talks about local politics. Dr. Carlos Arcangeli, noted Urologist, bring us up to date on those problems on Jan.23. He’s followed by UCSC Professor emeritus Ralph Abraham talking about his newest book, “Hip Santa Cruz Vol. 2” about that scene with articles by local veterans. Then on January 30 UCSC Music prof. Linda Burman Hall talks about the 45th annual Santa Cruz Baroque Festival opening February 10. AND ALSO…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com
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I grew up on Dave Allen. I have vivid memories of watching him on TV in my grandmother’s apartment. I hadn’t thought about him for a long time, and I was delighted when I found this piece about him on Youtube.
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UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. “JANUARY”
“January is the garbage can of movies in America, directly after all the Oscar contenders have been out”. Michael Caine
“It snowed and snowed, the whole world over,
Snow swept the world from end to end.
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned.”
– Boris Pasternak, Dr. Zhivago
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
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BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
January 4 – 10, 2018
SADLY SHRINKING SENTINEL, Digital First Media muck, Netflix’s Black Mirror, Sentinel’s questionable movie reviews…GREENSITE on the city’s Bike-share program…KROHN and People’s power, Housing, City Library issues…STEINBRUNER about Aptos Village Secrets, Nissan Dealer in Soquel, Pacific Avenue development, County Budget & pensions, Redman Hirahara House, Merriman House, Rancho del Mar lacking….PATTON and Netflix’s Black Mirror show re our high tech future…DeCinzo and San Lorenzo Park…Eagan re Hats…Eight 10’s at Eight…Jensen and The Shape of Water…I critique Darkest Hour, The Shape Of Water, All the Money in The World, The Greatest Showman…QUOTES about “The New Year”.
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BARBARA DANE & group! Barbara Dane has been singing for decades. We had a jug Band together back in the day. That’s me on the jug. |
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BARBARA DANES 90TH BIRTHDAY PERFORMANCE. She went on to sing with all the greats!!! |
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10 AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES. Think about our local roller coaster then take a look at these thriller-diller rides |
DATELINE JANUARY 1ST, 2018
SADLY SHRINKING SENTINEL First it was Wallace Baine, then Don Miller, then Karen Kefauver, Stacey Vreeken, and Haven Livingston…all gone. Now we have to wonder about such favorites as Donna Maurillo, Offra Gerstein, Jondi Gumz, Julie Jag — and how about the new column by Steve Kessler? As we’ve been reading, the cutbacks are all generated by Digital First Media. Go here… to see the extent of their print empire, consisting of 97 newspapers. Here’s an example (quote) of what they promise to do for advertisers… “Taking an omnichannel approach, we look at a comprehensive view of the purchase journey for your ideal customer group and model the optimal combination of digital touchpoints to increase your marketing efficiency”.
WIKIPEDIA says this about Digital First Media… “Digital First Media is a management company specializing in newspapers in the United States. It is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. It manages the MediaNews Group, Southern California News Group, Digital First Ventures, and 21st Century Media. Its website states it is “a business name of MediaNews Group”. .As of 2012, the combined newspapers and online media outlets managed by the company had 66.6 million readers. According to June[when?] comScore numbers, Digital First Media ranked No. 8 in comScore’s General News Category ranking. On March 21, 2016, a bankruptcy judge approved the sale of Freedom Communications and its two major newspapers, the Orange County Register and the Riverside Press-Enterprise to Digital First Media. The papers were integrated into Digital First Media’s Los Angeles Newspaper Group, which was renamed the Southern California News Group on the same day”. We just have to adjust to the fact that Santa Cruz has lost any semblance of a locally-owned or even locally-focused print newspaper. A similar story happened — and is still happening — at the Monterey Herald. Read this Herald story…. It tells how George Ow and Geoffrey Dunn tried to buy back the Herald to keep it local. It’s another rapid advance into the tech future that the TV program “Black Mirror” centers on.
BLACK MIRROR ON NETFLIX. Gary Patton in his column this week tips us off to the gripping, fearful, and excellently-acted British Television program Black Mirror on Netflix. It’s not a series: each segment is a complete story, and usually based on what the future will be like if our present day tech devices take over even more of our lives. It’s into its fourth season now, and a fifth has been promised. Famous American and British actors show up in each episode…and you’ll end up thinking in new ways as you use Facebook, You Tube, and iPhones.
ANOTHER SENTINEL GRIPE. When Wallace Baine was the Sentinel’s film critic we had consistency. You might agree with him a lot, or maybe never, BUT you knew what kind of films he liked, and you could judge accordingly. Now the Sentinel has any number of syndicated critics/reviewers to choose from. They can pick a positive film review or a negative review from any source. Wallace was forced to choose either a good or bad review too…but not very often.
| Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild. |
Dateline: January 1, 2018
A SPOKE IN THE CITY’S WHEEL
In contemplating what to write about at the start of another year’s journey around the sun, I decided on something small and ostensibly uncontroversial: the city’s proposed Bike-share program, due to start in March of 2018. What could possibly be at issue with such a positive gesture towards alternative transportation?
If the comments on Next Door are any measure of the community’s opinion, the program is already generating controversy — and it’s easy to see why.
The program will provide 250 bikes for rent at 25 stations around the city: so far so good. The bikes are bright red and designed to prevent theft with no removable parts, built-in U-locks and a GPS tracker: even better. These JUMP bikes, as they are called, are a joint venture between Social Bicycle of New York and the city of Santa Cruz, with the former being responsible for the provision and maintenance of the bicycles: better yet. What could possibly go wrong? Well, 15 of the 25 stations require the removal of 1-2 on-street parking places, many of which are in front of people’s homes, much to their surprise. One station is in front of the Garfield Park library, which caused me to fire off an email of protest long before I saw the comments on Next Door. I’m a regular user of the Garfield Park library, one of life’s simple pleasures, and mostly I walk or ride my bike to and from. However if I’m on my way home and driving, I’ll park outside and run in to return or pick up a book. There’s almost always a space available: that is until the spaces are turned into a bike-share station. Trying to park a car elsewhere on Woodrow is difficult since it’s a unique street and what about patrons with mobility issues? Grrr…
Then I saw the comments on Next Door. I’ll take their word for it that they weren’t asked whether they wanted a station in front of their houses. I can say without fear of contradiction that few of my Westside neighbors would welcome losing their on-street parking for a collection of ten bikes plus people. My hunch is the same sentiment exists on the eastside. A good idea was suddenly losing its appeal. How could this happen? According to the city’s blurb on the program, there was outreach, and people weighed in with comments with 80 suggested locations for stations. That sounds reasonable, although comments were mainly solicited from Santa Cruz Open Streets, a bicyclists-promoted event and Bike to Work Day: the stakeholders. That might not be a problem if the JUMP bikes were to be centrally located in a city garage or at Louden Nelson Community Center, rather than removing on-street parking in front of people’s homes and taking away access to a neighborhood library. If the goal is to encourage more visitors and residents to ride a bike then outreach should extend beyond the converted. Aggravating car drivers is not a good motivator. And if the city is taking away parking in front of my house and installing a new activity, I’d surely like to be consulted with the option of refusal.
A further look into the program raises other questions. The bikes will cost $4 an hour. In order to use one, you have to download an app, fill out a liability waiver, sign a contract and provide a credit card. That would seem to leave out a lot of young people. You have to be 18 to sign a contract unless your parent is there to sign. The bikes don’t have to be returned to a station since they can be tracked via the GPS and non-return costs a mere $1. Who will collect a bike left on the beach in Capitola?
While encouraging more people to ride a bike is worthy of support, there is no indication that a poorly thought-out program will achieve that goal. On a deeper level, the city’s practice of reaching out to self-interested “stakeholders” with a fait accompli while ignoring those who will be impacted is a recipe for failure. We have experienced that with the De-sal plant, the Wharf Master Plan and the Corridors Plan to name a few. Fortunately the Bike-share program is a relatively small program and hopefully it is not too late for a mid-course correction. Comments are being solicited until January 10th and should be addressed to Amelia Conlen, aconlen@cityofsantacruz.com.
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(Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council).
Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com |
Dateline: December 17, 2017
“People Power Continues in 2017”
PEOPLE WOKE AND THE PEOPLE SPOKE
 Leopold the cat. I love my cat…and he reads the NY Times daily. |
The SC city council meeting was packed on Dec. 5th. These are just a few of the more than 50 comments that were heard at the public podium in council chambers. Taken together they reflect the essence of the housing debate in SC.
- Bruce Van Allen said the city should be involved in offering legal services to tenants.
- Zav Hershfield pleaded with the council, “all we are asking for is a level playing field.”
- Vicky Winters asked the council to think about the impact of the housing crisis on young children.
- Ernestina Saldaña was clear: “Property management companies are the problem.”
- Deborah Marks was firm: “Treat neighborhoods as partners, not enemies.”
- Josh Brahinski asked those present to join a new group, “Landlords for Rent Control.”
- Steven echoed why so many showed up to what was supposed to be THE solution-oriented meeting during the Mayor’s year of housing, “We want a rent freeze now…we do not want to be punished for not owning property.”
- Dawn Scott-Norris spoke against “gentrification.”
- David Subock had an idea. “I’m putting together alternative standards” for building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that are “deed-restricted.”
- Mark Primack said the city has made so many mistakes in searching for housing solutions, “the corridor plan was a fiasco,” and the rental inspection ordinance was a “misstep.”
- Gail Jack came with a complete recipe for lowering housing prices: rent stabilization, repeal Costa-Hawkins, vote for an immediate freeze on rents, provide legal support for tenants, support building affordable ADUs, and preserve existing affordable housing after their sunset date.
- Walt Wadlow weighed in: “…overbuilding has the potential of destroying a gem of a town.”
- Matt Nathanson said, “It’s really about affordability.”
- Sarah was loud and clear: “Are you going to Oakland?…let’s bring it to the (UC) regents! Let’s make them accountable.”
- Rick Longinotti said the planning department should cross off the “covered parking requirement” in residential neighborhoods. He also said his family has rented out five units in San Francisco since the 1950’s and have done just fine by that city’s rent control law.
- Andy spoke for landlords, as did four others from realtor groups and the California Apartment Association, when he said there are “unintended consequences of rent control,” that we need to avoid, but he added that he’d “love to have rent control for my kids.”
- Gary Patton said “don’t give away neighborhood integrity.”
The Downtown Library Advisory Committee Sends Its Recommendation to the City Council. Is it Reflective of the Community?
On December 13th, the Downtown Library Advisory Committee (DLAC), appointed to direct the spending of $23 million for a new or improved facility, decided to go with “Option B” and voted to go ahead with the consultants’ advice of placing a new library in a 5-story parking garage on the current site of the SC Farmer’s Market at Lincoln and Cedar Streets. Doesn’t sound so good on the face of it, does it? But after attending the meeting I have to believe DLAC members did what they thought was most prudent, and some actually said the committee’s charge was not about parking cars or about addressing homelessness. I think they’re right. So now it’s up to other committees and commissions like the Downtown Commission and the Climate Change Action Plan committee to weigh in and offer the city council their best advice. DLAC members heard an earful from the public with respect to the “library-garage” project. It is likely that over 200 members of the public came forward during their various meetings to tell them to separate the library from the garage. In the end, it seems to me they were offered options that were difficult to choose other than the one they did, which places the downtown library squarely inside of a 5-story garage. But wait. Perhaps asking the consultants to come back with other alternatives could’ve been a fifth option, but only four were put on the table for the committee to vote on. Stay woke and stay tuned on this one!
On December 3rd, I heard the voices of over 100 present at the DLAC meeting. They advocated for the following:
- The library should be a cultural stand-alone place.
- Wasn’t the group (DLAC) just to look at what to do with the $23 million (bond money)? If we go beyond $23 million we need another bond measure.
- “Hell, no more parking” (structures)!
- The current options are too vague and ambiguous.
- Put a stand-alone facility at Cedar and Lincoln with a plaza for performance space.
- More resident input is needed. Can we have more community meetings?
- Why was the current downtown library not well-maintained?
- What will the current library be used for if the move is completed?
- There was nothing in the bond measure (Measure S, June 2016) about moving the library.
Bernie Tweet of the Year
“Now is the time to alter our government. Now is the time to stop the movement toward oligarchy. Now is the time to create a government which represents all Americans and not just the 1%… No more excuses. We must all become involved in the political process.”
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Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.
Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com |
SIGNFICANT APTOS VILLAGE PROJECT PHASE 2 BUILDING MODIFICATIONS….MORE CLOSED DOOR DISCRETIONARY APPROVALS IN THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
I had three hours to comment on significant modifications to building design for the Aptos Village Project Phase 2, from the time I happened to learn about the Application #171292 Level 4 Discretionary Action. Most local residents, including me, had NO IDEA there are major changes in the works. Is this transparent government? NOPE! The two signs at the construction site are hidden from public view and do not state any close of comment period.
The Planning Department needs to extend public comment before Planner Randall Adams makes a determination. Write Randall.Adams and demand at least three weeks extension for public comment. Supervisor Zach Friend needs to hold a PUBLIC MEETING before any further changes are approved. CEQA process??? Write Zach Friend or phone 454-2200. Demand to see the Environmental Review for this Discretionary action and justification if there is none.
Here is the link to the Planning Department’s Level 4 Discretionary Projects, Page 3 — under “undeveloped land in Aptos Village”
APN 041-011-39 and -40 for Application #171292.
Now, compare the designs for Buildings 1, 2, 8,9, and 10 on the original Tentative Map Project here when you click on “Aptos Village Project Plans”
What I see are a lot of three-story buildings where there were none before, with wrap-around massive structures replacing landscaped areas at the entrance to Nisene Marks State Park on Aptos Creek Road. I cannot read the fine print of the occupancy details, but it appears that the nature of the mixed-use businesses has also changed, which may alter the traffic counts, traffic circulation and parking.
The community deserves a public meeting to weigh in on these issues. Where is the Environmental Review for these Discretionary Approvals of Phase 2 Building Design Modifications? Ask Randall Adams.
SUPPORT APTOS/LA SELVA FIRE CAPTAIN RYAN PETERS ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 at 9:30am IN WATSONVILLE
Show up on Tuesday, January 9 in front of Grunsky Law Offices (240 Westgate Drive, Watsonville) to support Captain Ryan Peters as he goes into a SKELLY HEARING to defend himself against demotion by the Board. Bring signs and let him know the Community supports him in the course of this outrageous action.
The Aptos/La Selva Fire District Board is proceeding with punitive action against Captain Ryan Peters, President of Union Local 3535 who organized the unprecedented 100% Vote of No Confidence against then-Chief Jon Jones when he prepared to ask the Board for a contract extension. Now, the Board is seeking to have Captain Peters DEMOTED to Firefighter/Paramedic. They would have terminated him had he not had such an exemplary employment and service history.
Here is information about what a Skelly Hearing involves
Write the Board and let them know what you think
Direct all communication to the Board of Directors to Ms. Tracy New tracyn@aptosfire.com AND SPECIFY THAT YOUR COMMUNICATION IS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BOARD’S AGENDA PACKET. If you do not specify this, it will NOT be included.
LOWER RANCHO DEL MAR CENTER IS AN EMPTY ONE-WALL SHELL.
I hope to have photos for you next week of what this Project is looking like. No reply from the tenants who were evicted last October, but ShowTime Pizzeria has moved next door at 7960 Soquel Drive, Suite E.
NO REPLY FROM PUBLIC WORKS ABOUT IMPENDING ROAD IMPROVEMENTS ON SOQUEL DRIVE IN THAT AREA, BUT WATCH OUT FOR APTOS VILLAGE TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS!
The Santa Cruz County Public Works Dept. website for the Aptos Village Traffic Improvement Project Phase I at Trout Gulch was recently updated to warn the public of LONG delays with paving work. The new traffic light may be operational by January 9. Gee, I can hardly wait. Take a look at the website info. here
Contact Project Engineer Carisa Duran carisa.duran@santacruzcounty.us or 831-454-3955 with your thoughts. You might also contact County District Supervisor Zach Friend zach.friend@santacruzcounty.us or 831-454-2200. He claims that he loves to hear from you. If that were true, one would think he would begin having public meetings about the Aptos Village Project Phase 2 Building Design Modifications and the 2004 Project Traffic Study that needs to be updated….don’t you think?
Cheers and Happy New Year,
Becky Steinbruner
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Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read and subscribe to his daily blog at www.gapatton.net
Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com |
Dateline: Friday, December 29, 2017
#363 / Nosedive
I have a recommendation for those who have not yet tuned into the Black Mirror series on Netflix. You should! For those not familiar with Black Mirror, here is what Wikipedia has to say about it:
Black Mirror is a British science fiction anthology television series created by Charlie Brooker, with Brooker and Annabel Jones serving as the programme’s showrunners. [Black Mirror] centers on dark and satirical themes that examine modern society, particularly with regard to the unanticipated consequences of new technologies.
The image is from Episode #1 in Season #3, “Nosedive.” This episode was a pretty compelling picture of how our society would look if we took seriously all those social media “likes.” In the world portrayed in “Nosedive,” a person’s ability to participate meaningfully in society depends on the “score” that he or she has received from those persons with whom he or she has interacted. Those “likes,” or “dis-likes,” add up. Every interaction gets a score from 1-5, and if your overall score is too low, you won’t even be able to rent a car, must less move into the gated community of your dreams.
As it turns out, the “Nosedive” world may already exist … in China. Here’s a report from The Wall Street Journal
Apple CEO Tim Cook looks forward to a “common future in cyberspace” with China, he told the Chinese government’s World Internet Conference earlier this month. This was an embarrassing gesture toward a state that aggressively censors the internet and envisions a dystopian future online.
The experience of lawyer Li Xiaolin may give a taste of what that future looks like. During a 2016 work trip inside China, he tried to use his national identity card to purchase a plane ticket. To his surprise, the online system rejected it, saying he had been blacklisted by China’s top court. Mr. Li checked the court’s website: His name was on a list of “untrustworthy” people for having failed to carry out a court order in 2015. He thought he had resolved the issue, but now he was stranded more than 1,200 miles from home.
Mr. Li’s dilemma was due to the Chinese government’s ambitious “social credit system.” Launched by the government in 2012, it vows to “make trustworthy people benefit everywhere and untrustworthy people restricted everywhere” by the time it is fully implemented in 2020.
The main character in “Nosedive” had problems getting on a plane, too.
What Black Mirror tells us is that our modern technologies may, indeed, have dark consequences. One good reason to watch Black Mirror is to help inoculate oneself against the glittering promises that our new technologies advertise. That iPhone X, with its powerful facial recognition capabilities, may not be such a wonderful invention, after all!
I have a hunch we may get a look at why facial recognition isn’t such a good idea in some future Black Mirror episode!
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. An old DeCinzo cartoon makes it clear some things never change!! Scroll down just a bit.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “The Year In Hats” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog with his “Bee Wars” commentary.
EIGHT 10’s at EIGHT PLAYS. For 23 years the Actors Theatre has performed and presented evenings of eight original plays submitted from everywhere… and each lasting only 10 minutes.
Funny, sad, profound, moving and even boring, but wait ten minutes and there’ll be a new one. There are now two evenings “A” and “B” each presenting eight different plays. Its great fun.
They Open Jan. 5 and run through February 4th at the Center Stage Theatre 1001 Center Street (near where the old India Joze used to be). Go here for the rest of the information.
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Happy New year to all! Why is Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water the most poignant love story of the year? Find out this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com/). Also, some further thought on beasts, and beauties, and the lure of non-traditional love stories” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
THE SHAPE OF WATER. A 93 on RT and that means something! Sally Hawkins plays a beautiful mute working in a lab, who cares for and then falls in love with a mysterious water creature. It’s a fable, a fairy story, and a reminder of the black and white fantasy films from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s directed by Guillermo Del Toro, who did Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, and is such an enormous change from every other film we’ve seen in years that it’s worth going just for the fun of it.
ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. This movie will forever change your reaction to the Getty Museum in Malibu…trust me. You’ve probably already heard that this movie was completely finished with Kevin Spacey in the lead role of J. Paul Getty, but then with Spacey’s sex problems looming so large they re-filmed the part and replaced Spacey with Christopher Plummer. Ridley Scott directed it, and of course he directed Alien, The Martian, Into The Storm and other big box office hits. Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg are the other stars. It’s a cruel, nearly true story about how J. Paul wouldn’t give Italian kidnappers any ransom money when they kidnapped his grandson. I felt far removed from the film, and never identified with anyone in the plot. It was cold, well filmed, and credibly acted but it never drew me into feeling anything for anyone involved.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. This is Hugh Jackman trying his best to bring life to the bio of P. T. Barnum. Jackman is an excellent dancer, singer and showman, but this movie just doesn’t have the heart or solidity that a good film should. The music is just more copying of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gooey showbiz, and it’s shallow, trite, and repetitious to a fault. Don’t bother seeing it.
LADY BIRD. This film restored my faith in great films! RT gives it 100% and it’s the highest rated film in RT’s history!!! Greta Gerwig directed Saorise Ronan and others in this sincere, well-thought-out movie. A teenaged daughter and her Mom have a terrible, never-ending battle over clothes, religion, dating, sex, college and everything else. It all happens in Sacramento in about 2003, which is somehow appropriate. It’s sensitive, subtle, and surprising. Gerwig breaks many directing rules and creates new plot possibilities. Go see this film. Ps….as I’ve told many folks, it’s definitely not about Lady Bird Johnson!!!
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. First, please note the 95 RT rating. When you have Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell working in a film directed by an Oscar-winning director you almost can’t miss. It is definitely a dark comedy. The plot contains murder, rape, loyalty, cancer, and some absolutely brilliant acting. Go see it, and force all your friends to see it too.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Yes, 93 on RT and I thought it was a complete fake of a billion dollar move machine. I’ll always remember going to our Soquel Drive in (just a little stoned) and being completely taken into outer space with Star Wars 1. It had humor, empathy, great imagination, tension and a story you could care about. The franchise now stages monotonous, uncaring, space attacks and wars so numerous that you can’t remember who is on who’s side…and you don’t care much either. There’s the Dark Side, the Resistance, Adam Driver, R2D2, a very dull Carrie Fisher, an aging Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and those endless space battles that take up probably 33 1/3 of the movie. A great disappointment…go at your own peril, and its 2 1/2 hours extra long.
COCO. A genuine Pixar animated cartoon. And, the animation is amazingly three –dimensional. The plot is totally focused on the very rich and traditional Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, plenty of food, religion, music, and only a little boring after the first half hour. It’s completely original, you’ve never seen anything like this before, its way more creative and developed than what we usually think of as a Disney Cartoon. Go see it.
WONDER WHEEL. One of Woody Allen’s worst films. How he can hit so wonderfully like “Annie Hall”, “Purple Rose Of Cairo”, “Midnight In Paris”, ” and Blue Jasmine” and create a dull, unbelievable flop like Wonder Wheel? Kate Winslet has never been more unbelievable, Justin Timberlake does better than I would have predicted but he’s out of place in this muck and mire. It’s about their lives in Coney Island in the 1950’s and as I went to Coney Island a few times in the 1950’s so was really looking forward to this screening. Damn. Woody is now making a film titled, “Roda Gigante”…we can only guess! RT gives Wonder Wheel 30.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. Santa Cruz City Councilman Chris Krohn opens the new year on Jan. 2 He’s followed by Attorney/activist Bob Taren, looking ahead to the new political year. January 9th has Otolaryngologist, Dr. Douglas Hetzler discussing surfers ear, ear wax and dangers of candling and many other health issues. UC San Diego Professor Emeritus Roddey Reid comes from Berkeley to talk about his book, “Confronting Political Intimidation and Public Bullying” on Jan. 16. Dr. Carlos Arcangeli, noted Urologist, bring us up to date on those problems on Jan.23. Then on January 30 UCSC Music prof. Linda Burman Hall talks about the 45th annual Santa Cruz Baroque Festival opening February 10. AND ALSO…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at.bratton@cruzio.com
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The Ted-ed videos are often on interesting topics. |
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.
QUOTES. “THE NEW YEAR”
“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been”. Rainer Maria Rilke
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”, Charles R. Swindoll
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”, Buddha
“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you”, F. Scott Fitzgerald
COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!
Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com
BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
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