LAUREL AND PACIFIC, FEB. 2, 1949 Back then this was Bill O’Reilly’s  Dodge and Plymouth showroom and garage. Now it’s Walgreen’s. There is nothing more to say.                                                        photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

                                                                                                              DATELINE May 30, 2016

WELCOME TOURISTS. Just kidding….I know tourists don’t read local stuff. But just in case any of your visitors even think about moving here, we owe it to tell them about….our lousy bus system, our states almost highest real estate  and rental prices, the states dirtiest city beach, our greedy Boardwalk and what they’ve taken from our community, how our Art and History Museum doesn’t have much Art or History anymore, and much, much more. On the other hand Santa Cruz still has a special and unique character.  Not just the scenic attraction but the mix of locals who moved here because of blending of the influences from the University, surfing, The Boardwalk, and just the fact that our town is separated from those other places by those mountains that still shut out some of the northern noise.

OUR STATE’S DIRTIEST BEACH. Once again we have to live with the bold greed of our City Council when we are awakened to the fact that our most prominent Cowell Beach is the dirtiest beach in the state. Our City Council has continually gone forward and spent
thousands, with millions more dollars on the way, to expand, commercialize, and destroy the integrity of our Municipal Wharf instead of cleaning up and eliminating the health hazards that apparently is the result of that wharf being contaminated. Putting money and tourism ahead of health and the environment is another example of this council’s ineptitude. Here’s a news clip from KSBW from 2012 about trash found on Cowell Beach. I can’t embed it, so I’m just giving you a link.

BOARDWALK BUSINESS IN 2015. I don’t think hardly anyone realizes the vast amounts of money the  Boardwalk makes off the tourists/customers.  A survey and index report was just press released by the TEA and AECOM  Themed Entertainment Association Just check out the link below… Read all about The Boardwalk and the rest of the California Theme parks. The Seaside Corporation, i.e. Boardwalk, can’t be listed in many of these reports because they can’t sell admission tickets. The last I knew was that there are over 3,500,000 customers annually attending the Boardwalk and that was ten years ago. Go to page 35 of the 82 pages and see that Seaworld in San Diego, Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park,  Six Flags in Valencia, Busch Gardens in Virginia all have almost as high attendence figures as The Boardwalk.

According to the report, money spent per visitor ranges from $126 at Disney Parks to $50 at Cedar Fair Park. Locally of course that doesn’t include what Boardwalk visitors have to pay for parking. Read here for a summary of the report.

Just a quote from the report…

“Finally, if done right, it can be easier to get visitors to spend more than it is to get new visitors.”

BEACH FLATS GARDEN AND THE BOARDWALK. What I’m trying to get across with all those facts and figures is that The Boardwalk makes a very lot of money. Much more money than we’ll ever know about. Doesn’t it seem cruel and nearly evil that they won’t give or  donate 16, 000 square feet of a community garden to the folks who have lived and worked there for more than 20 years. The Seaside Corporation owes much more than they have ever given not just to the Beach Flats Garden folks but our entire City. They should be ashamed.

(EDITORS NOTE. BrattonOnline is now, and always has been, an opinion “column”. Rarely if ever, have I knowingly included opinions I disagree with. However, I completely disagree with Paul Elerick’s opinion, and completely support The Campaigh For Sensible Transportation goals, aims and logic.)

GREENSITE’S INSIGHT. Gillian is out documenting the 33 trees in the city of Santa Cruz that PGE proposes to remove; most of them long time heritage trees. Others are documenting the hundreds of trees to be removed along Graham Hill Road. Greensite’s Insight returns next week.

(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).

PATTON’S PROGRAM From Gary’s Two Worlds website…

My hometown newspaper, the Santa Cruz Sentinel, ran an article on Friday, May 20th, about a new innovation in land use planning, the “Agrihood.” The article was titled, “Home grown: Agrihoods take hold – residential developments firmly rooted in agriculture” 

Please color me skeptical (in fact, please color me outraged, especially about that “firmly rooted” part). The “Agrihood” featured in the Sentinel article is located near Davis, California, which is a university community located in Yolo County. Davis, the main city, is almost totally surrounded by extremely productive agricultural land. In other words, Davis is not that different from the City of Santa Cruz, which also hosts a University of California campus, with productive agricultural land located nearby. 

I tracked down the developer’s website, which you can review by clicking this link The development is called “The Cannery.” See if you think that the kind of housing depicted is “firmly rooted in agriculture.” Note, also, that the development is not actually in Davis, the city, but on the outskirts, and undoubtedly is being built on what was formerly productive agricultural land. The claim that the development is “rooted in agriculture” is apparently based on the fact that instead of converting all of the agricultural land that the developer acquired, the developer is retaining some part of it in agriculture, as an amenity for the developer’s sprawl development. This is a lot better than a “golf course,” says the article, particularly from the developer’s point of view, since golf courses aren’t nearly as attractive as an amenity, nowadays, as they used to be. 

In my opinion, having served for twenty years on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, where I learned firsthand about the relentless pressure that developers apply to get local land use approvals for developments that either convert or encroach upon agricultural land, this “agrihood” concept reeks of a developer ploy to get county governments to approve residential developments that would violate basic General Plan and zoning laws. 

In Santa Cruz County (and in Yolo County) land use laws are intended to protect agricultural land, and to reserve such land for agriculture If the developers can make Boards of Supervisors believe that their proposed housing developments are “rooted” in agriculture, then maybe they can get approval to start converting agricultural land into skip out subdivisions. In the case of “The Cannery,” a 547-unit subdivision is planned, with the units priced to appeal to upscale buyers. Again, check out the lovely pictures in the website advertising These are not homes that are intended to house persons whose lives are “rooted in agriculture.” Quite the opposite. 

In case you haven’t taken a course in Land Use 101, let me tell you why developers always want to convert agricultural land into residences, if they can get away with it. It all comes down to land cost. The cost of agricultural land is usually something like one-tenth of the cost of urban land, on a per acre basis Therefore, if the developer can get approval to convert agricultural land into housing, instead of building the housing on the lands already designated for urban development, they can make a lot of money. So, if someone proposes an “Agrihood” near you, don’t be fooled. It’s a ploy by developers, to make a lot of money, not a new way to integrate agriculture into the fabric of our urban lives.

(Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds at  www.gapatton.net

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Another view of Roaring Camp’s idea of Patriotism. See below.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Eagan’s dystopian view of Hillary’s  political future. Scroll down.

COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS. On First Friday, i.e. June 3, See 13 area artists works at the opening of A Community of Artists, 5pm to 6pm, at the Felix Kulpa Gallery, Santa Cruz. Their ninth annual show runs through  June 26. Get there early on Friday and hear their saxophone group, “Casual Sax”.

DIDO AND AENEAS. The UCSC Music Department presents an updated production of the tragedy Dido and Aeneas, a Baroque opera in three acts. Music by Henry Purcell. Libretto by Nahum Tate. Directed by Brian Staufenbiel. UC Santa Cruz Orchestra conducted by Bruce Kiesling. Thu, Jun 2, 2016 to Sun, Jun 5, 2016. Music Center Recital Hall

LISA JENSEN LINKS Lisa is very busy memoralizing her other writing…next week!!!

Check out her website this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com) Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

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 Mark Wainer and Judy Johnson talk about their Community of Artists show on May 31st followed by Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin with updates on local voting. Former Mayor Bruce Van Allen guests the first half hour, then former County Supervisor Gary Patton discusses local politics on Election Day June 7. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. June 21 has Carla Brennan talking about Meditation, Buddhism, and Mindfulness She’s followed by Lincoln Taiz and Ben Leeds Carson talking about the workshop presentation of their opera “Menagerie: The Trial of Spock” (the Star Trek Opera). 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   

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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 “JUNE”

“How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”, Dr. Seuss

“All June I bound the rose in sheaves, Now, rose by rose, I strip the leaves”,  Robert Browning

“Wine and cheese are ageless companions, like aspirin and aches, or June and moon, or good people and noble ventures”,   M. F. K. Fisher

CLASSIC INTERSECTION of Pacific, Water, Front, and Mission streets. This was taken January 27, 1967. There was a long battle in 1972 to save this McHigh & Bianchi Building. Henry Faitz who ran for State assembly that year was part of it…we lost! Next door (to the left) you can almost see the original Plaza Stationery Store, which became Tower Records. Today we have Bank Of The West taking over all of this. Probably the next development will be a 20 story Corridor building. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE May 23, 2016

WIDENING HIGHWAY ONE…ANOTHER EXPERT SAYS NO.

Bruce Van Allen, Jack Nelson and Rick Longinotti from The Campaign For Sensible Transportation sent this email last week…”In case you missed it, on Saturday (5/14) we learned the answer to the question, “Stuck in Traffic, Will More Lanes Help?” Susan Handy, Director of the National Center for Sustainable Transportation at UC Davis told us, “Numerous studies consistently show that adding capacity to roadways fails to alleviate congestion for long because it actually increases vehicle miles traveled (VMT).” Susan explained how “induced travel” works. When a highway is consistently congested, some people decide not to take a trip or to take an alternate route or mode. These potential trips constitute a pent-up demand for auto travel on the highway. When highways are expanded that pent-up demand is unleashed as more cars return to the temporarily less-congested highway. Pretty soon congestion is back.
We already know that the Draft Environmental Impact Report on Highway 1 expansion predicts “very slight improvement in traffic congestion”. Susan said that the Draft EIR is overstating the congestion relief benefits, because the Draft EIR didn’t account for induced travel. If “very slight” congestion relief is an overstatement, then what would commuters get from the $100 million highway project that the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) wants to ask voters to approve in November?

If you think that this money for highway expansion would be better spent on saving bus routes, creating safer bicycle and pedestrian routes and repairing roads, then please support our campaign. We’re mailing to as many voters as we can afford with the important message that widening highways doesn’t work and that we need sustainable transportation solutions. Would  you make a donation online? Or send a check to Campaign for Sensible Transportation, PO Box 7927, Santa Cruz, Ca. 95061? There’s not a lot of time left to persuade the RTC to shift priorities. Let your friends know about this!!!  

JUNE 4TH PARTY REMINDER. Don’t forget to get in touch, or tell only your June 4th friends to get in touch, if they’d like to be invited to our very exclusive June 4th Birthday Party. It’s a fun and intriguing party. Susan Heinz is creating a special Gemini reading just for us. Like noon to 2 p.m on 6/04.

THE REAL MICHAEL MOORE.  After Michael Horne’s Pulse Productions brought Michael Moore to Santa Cruz last week I asked him for any great backstage stories. Horne has told me some nearly horrendous tales of backstage demands, tempers, and plain nastiness from some ot the other “stars” he’s booked. Here’s some of what he wrote about Secrets of Michael Moore…

“Santa Cruz had 3/4 house sold at the Civic. A great evening. He spoke for about 90 minutes and then took another 90 min for Q & A. It was Michaels first talk in about 6 months after being essentially bedridden since his bout w pneumonia, so he had a lot on his mind! 

Nice dude backstage…as you would expect, smart, funny and down to earth. I asked Mayor Mathews to introduce him and she gave him an “Honorary citizen of Santa Cruz” plaque, which he got a kick out of. Someone shouted out “Send back the Bearcat” in the midst of the intro, so Michael ran with that to start the talk. 

click here to continue (link expands, click again to collapse)

Horne concluded…”All in all a great experience and an honor to bring this brave warrior back to Santa Cruz”. 

WHY I’M OPENLY SECULAR by ENTERTAINER JOHN DAVIDSON from the San Francisco Chronicle May 12, 2016. John Davidson made some bold and wise comments on where he’s at with religion.

Read all of his statement here (link expands, click again to collapse)

Among other statements he wrote…

If people deny the scientific facts of evolution and climate change, and they are in positions of authority, such as in government or on a school board, their superstitions and religious views affect me, my children and my country.

If people believe that the Bible is a book of facts and not myths, then they are a danger to me and my loved ones, because the Bible, if taken literally, says people should kill anyone who does not agree with their faith (Deuteronomy 13), that women must submit to men, that slavery should be accepted, that homosexuality is wrong and that the end of the world is imminent. And, if people advocate for prayer instead of modern medicine, they are a drain on our health care emergency centers, not to mention a danger to themselves and their own children”.  As I said, there’s a lot more …click and read it.

John Davidson is an American singer, actor and hosts of TV shows that included “That’s Incredible,” “Time Machine” and “Hollywood Squares.”

BRATTON NOTE. Be sure to look at this link from Gillian. http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showdocument?id=52398.  It has eight (8) pages of Santa Cruz Developments. There’ll be one near you!!! La Bahia is at the very end of those pages. Is this the reason you live in Santa Cruz?

PATTON’S PROGRAM. From Gary’s Two Worlds website…5/22/16

There is “tension” within the Democratic Party, as the Party decides which candidate it will put forward as its Presidential candidate after the Presidential Nominating Convention to be held in Philadelphia this July. 

Those who want the tension-causing Bernie Sanders to drop out of the race are advocating for a course that would reduce intra-party “tension,” but that could mean all the difference for the long-term health of the Democratic Party, and not in a good way.

I say, let’s keep that tension going! I’d like to hope that the Democratic Party is going to come out of the elections in 2016 as a “thriving,” not a “dying” organization.

Absorbing and celebrating what Bernie Sanders and his supporters are bringing to the table is one way to make sure that’s true!

(Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds at  www.gapatton.net )

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Classic DeCinzo predicts our future…car-wise. See below

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. It’s the old unicorn versus the turtle story scroll down a little bit.

For more Eagan, baseball and his Uncle Everett check out… Tim Eagan’s blog

STRINDBERGS “A DREAM PLAY” AT UCSC. Last week I wrote August Strindberg’s plays inspired playwrights like Albee, Artaud, Beckett, Pinter and Tennessee Williams. A Dream Play was Strindberg’s personal favorite. He wrote The Ghost Sonata, Miss Julie, and The Dance of Death. A Dream Play is about life being lived out as a dream, or an illusion. Kirsten Brandt is directing it. It runs May 26-29 at UCSC’s Experimental Theatre. (That’s the large black box theatre up the hill from the Mainstage Theatre). 7:30 pm & 3 p, on Sundays. Tickets available online at ucsctickets.com. Go see it IF you like Beckett, Albee, Pinter, Tennessee Williams and plays like that. The acting, the play itself, the incredible sets and the directing by Kirsten Brandt are as engrossing as they are revealing of our own lives and dreams.

HILLARY BRATTON SINGS AGAIN! In case you and/or your friends will be in New York City Tuesday, June 14 daughter Hillary will be singing some of the great songs from her new album, “Tears on My Pillow but the rest of the Bed’s OK”. She’ll be backed by songwriter Barry Reynolds on guitar. It’s happening at the Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 in the East Village at 196 Allen Street . She’ll go on about 7:30 p.m.

SANTA CRUZ WOMEN OF JAZZ. Jim Coffis sent this email from the Kuumbwa Jazz Center. Santa Cruz Women of Jazz features an impressive line-up of local, vocal talent featuring Gail Cruse, Ann Whittington, Ruby Rudman, Charmaigne Scott, Vicki Neville Coffis, and Stella D’Oro. Three of the vocalists, Cruse, Coffis and Whittington are from the popular Back in Time vocal trio, known for their tight harmonies and swing era classics. Whittington has also led her own excellent groups for many years, with a warm vocal style favoring modern jazz classics. Ruby Rudman has sung it all, jazz, pop, funk/fusion. She has been featured locally with the Robin Anderson Big Band and fusion band Barbies in Jail. Charmaigne Scott is one of the Bay Area’s most celebrated blues, funk and soul singers, and a crowd favorite at the Monterey Bay Blues Festival for many years. She is also a wonderful, dynamic jazz vocalist. Stella D’Oro is the lead singer for Santa Cruz’s Stella By Barlight, a fine jazz quintet playing the music of Anita O’Day, June Christy and other jazz legends. The Back in Time band, featuring pianist Martan Mann, reedman Phil Smith and bassist Bill Bosch, superbly accompanies the Santa Cruz Women of Jazz. Expect an evening of contemporary jazz to classics of the Swing Era. It happens this Thursday May 26 at Kuumbwa.

MIRIAM ELLIS INTERNATIONAL PLAYHOUSE….UCSC’s Department of Languages and Applied Linguistics, Cowell College, and Stevenson College, will present The Miriam Ellis International Playhouse (MEIP), an annual multilingual program of fully-staged short theater pieces, for its 16th season. Three public performances will be held on May 25, 26, and 27 (Wed. – Fri.) at 8:00 PM at the Stevenson Event Center, UCSC, and will feature works in French, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, with English super-titles projected above the stage. The program will be directed by Language lecturers and performed by Language students. It’s free and nearby parking is $4.00.

This year’s works include: (in French) Scenes from TARTUFFE, by Molière, directed by Miriam Ellis; (in Japanese) BEST FRIENDS, by Yuuki Himura & Osamu Shitara, directed by Sakae Fujita; (in Russian) UNCLE FYODOR, THE DOG AND THE CAT, by Edward Uspensky, directed by Natalya Samokhina and her students; (in Spanish) THE BAT, based on a myth by Eduardo Galeano, directed by Marta Navarro. The pieces range in style from folklore to classical and modern-day theater, with emphasis on their comic elements. The English subtitles titles make the material easily accessible to audiences, who are afforded a rare multicultural experience by the diversity of the programs. For further information, please contact lmhunter@ucsc.edu or ellisan@ucsc.edu.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “In a recent interview, I was asked how, when, and why I first got the writing bug. Read my answer, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Also, help me cheer on my next book, Beast: A Love Story, as it moves a couple of paw-prints closer to publication!” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

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. Anita Monga artistic Director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (21st Year) returns May 24, then Chris Krohn and Michelle Glowa bring us up to date on the Beach Flats Garden issue. Mark Wainer and Judy Johnson talk about the Community of Artists show on May 31st followed by Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin with updates on local voting. Former mayor Bruce Van Allen discusses local politics on Election Day June 7. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. June 21 has Carla Brennan talking about Meditation, Buddhism, and Mindfulness. 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   

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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 Simont on, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.

QUOTES. “VOTING”

“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”  Winston S. Churchill
“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” Abraham Lincoln
“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.” H.L. Mencken
“Every election is determined by the people who show up.” Larry J. Sabato

PACIFIC & SOQUEL AVENUES. 1912.   Nowadays we have Forever 21 on the left and New Leaf   Market on the right. That old building on the left is where Good Times started in 1975. Note how incredibly wide the street was back then. That was BP (before parkletts), and other architectural miracles.                                              photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE May 16, 2016

COUNCIL CAROUSEL, PART 7. Don’t ask about the first six parts, I just made that up because I have no idea how many times I’ve written about our 2016 Santa Cruz City Council race. Just trying to list the important issues so we can learn where the candidates stand isn’t easy. We’ve got three hotels going up in North County and two new ones in South County, and our greedy developers, Chamber of Commerce, Business Council, and a majority of the present City Council all drool over the thought of attracting more businesses here with the totally untrue statements that growth will provide more jobs and provide money to help pay for our Social Services (an old Mike Rotkin mantra). So ask the candidates how they’ll vote on growth.

Ask them about widening Highway One,  simply pro or con) ask them if they think adding auxiliary lanes is widening…or not. Ask them tough ones like where do they stand on The Beach Flats Garden and do they think the City has already given The Boardwalk enough land and tax breaks. Ask them their definition of “affordable” as in “affordable housing” (maybe even a dollar set of figures) the current City Council and the Board of Supervisors have long ago copped out/sold out on that one.

WHO’S RUNNING.

The final or even the first declaration dates for city council candidates to declare their commitment are July 18 – August 12. Here’s a list of names that you’ll be seeing and hearing as candidates. Some have already made their candidacy known, others are strong and oft-repeated rumors. Por ejemplo… Sandy Brown, Martine Watkins,  J.M. Brown, Micah Posner, Dru Glover, Steve Pleich,  Mark Primack  and of course Cynthia Mathews.

HAPPY COLLEGE NEWS. KZSC 88.1 fm our local radio station just finished another pledge drive, it was good fun. More than that it worked!!! I asked Keith Rozendal our station broadcast advisor how it went from his point of view, he said …

“We are very pleased with the fundraising. We’re going to top our fall 2015 drive by roughly 25% (pledges are still coming in!), and our number of donors is up by a similar margin from the fall. The UCSC one-day Giving Day game was a nice boost near the end, with 115 donors together giving $5,700 in just 24 hours. We’re going to put that money to good use, hiring a professional instructor (Nada Milkjovic) to teach our radio training class. KZSC doesn’t sound like other college radio stations because of this deep training and mentorship behind the mic. More than 70% of our programmers are UCSC students with less than 2 years experience on the air, but it doesn’t sound like that at all! If you haven’t listened to KZSC in a while, I think you’d be pleasantly surprised. And KZSC-trained programmers go on to successful careers in the media as a high rate (NPR, This American Life, podcasting, including Serial and Maximum Fun!, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, Oregon Public Broadcasting, and more). With continued strong listener support, we plan to bring some of that same strong education to teaching local news reporting. We’d hire local journalists, and other people who know the community well, to give a crash course in local issues and history. Then the students would be sent out to meetings, events, and happenings to report on Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. We get the sense that Santa Cruz is starving for local news and we think this is a very inexpensive way to start providing that essential service to the community and our democracy”.

Editors note…you can always send/donate/give to support KZSC by going to KZSC.org and click on “donate”

SAD COLLEGE NEWS. An article in the San Francisco Chronicle (Sat. May 14, ’16) talked about a Stanford student who struggled with depression, and was a lacrosse star. The article states…”The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) cites research that suggests that suicide “is the second leading cause of death among college students. Approximately three suicides occur daily among college students, and 7 to 10 percent of college students either attempt or contemplate suicide in a given year”. I’d never heard this. More about athletes and suicide..

UCSC MEETING WITH CHANCELLOR BLUMENTHAL AND EXEC. VICE CHANCELLOR AND STUDENTS MAY 2ND, 2016. This is a group of notes taken at the meeting. There were between 90 and 100 students present. Quotes are labeled  GB= George Blumenthal and AG= Alison Galloway. Assuming you’d like to hear some straight and otherwise answers to many students about their college,  go here to read two pages of notes from that meeting….you’ll be surprised.

READ MORE (link expands, click again to collapse)

GENERATING OPINIONS. My notes last week about labeling generations brought in many opinions.  I hasten to add, and should have emphasized that hardly any two of my sources agreed on which years bracketed those groups. More than that many generations had titles that I didn’t and couldn’t include. Lisa Jensen wrote to say…” As to your generational categories last week, it seems to me that the Beat Generation ought to be in there somewhere between the Silent Generation and the Boomers (overlapping both: people who came of age in the mid-50s). And I remember that the Me Generation is what  Boomers used to call people coming of age in the ’70s. The Gen X-ers came after. What you call Generation Z (the current crop), I call “Gen-Texters” — but that’s just me!” She’s right there was no mention of the Beat Generation. Probably because it seemed to apply for only a few years and mostly to SF and NYC groups. Fascinating, isn’t it?

BERNIE NEWS. Here’s an email report with some near late breaking news re the opening of The Santa Cruz Bernie headquarters… 150 people show up to Bernie’s campaign headquarters opening in downtown Santa Cruz…pretty impressive…the Sanders people were ready…split into three groups…telephone bankers, register to vote group and door to door canvassers…had house parties lists ready for people to volunteer…Watsonville, Gilroy and Gonzalez lists and events for people to sign up for too…they were ready. The headquarters are at the new Satellite Center 325 Soquel Drive by the Hindquarter restaurant.

PATTON’S PROGRAM. From Gary’s TWO World’s website (05/16/16)

ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGES.

I am a long time supporter of Community Bridges, a Santa Cruz County-based nonprofit organization that provides a wide variety of human service programs in the three-county area that includes Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, and San Benito County. You, too, can be a Community Bridges supporter. Click right here to contribute! Community Bridges recently sent me its 2015 Annual Report, which you can read online. On Pages 4 and 5, I learned that Community Bridges provided help to tens of thousands of people last last year, and that over 87% of the people it helped live below 200% of the federal poverty level (less than $31,860 for a family of two). I am glad that my contributions to Community Bridges are helping families and individuals who are having a difficult time, economically. That’s great, and there are pages and pages of names in the Annual Report (all in very small print), of many hundreds of other people who are doing the same. However…..

While individual giving is good (an d let me remind you about that link in the first paragraph of this posting that will let you join the crowd), there is no reason that we shouldn’t structure our society so that the community itself provides the kind of basic human services that are now being provided by way of individual contributions to Community Bridges and other nonprofit organizations. In the richest nation in the world, the richest nation, in fact, in the history of the world, we could, thorough our collective action, provide every family and every individual in this country with a basic education, meaningful work, child care, health care, and housing.  You know we could do it. The money is out there, and the purpose of politics is to decide, collectively, how we should raise money and spend it, on the things we decide just must be done, for the good of us all. So, keep those individual contributions flowing, but…Let’s make sure that the United States Congress and the next President of the United States does something to ensure that there’s a strong and solid economic floor for every family, and every person in this country. 

That’s not a bridge too far! Read more of Gary’s patterns on his website. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Check out his website, ” Two Worlds/365” www.gapatton.net

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. DeCinzo looks at war games at Roaring Camp!!!

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Tim Eagan reveals the Trump campaign’s major believers. See downward a few scrollings . Read his  near weekly blog right here…. http://www.timeagan.com/?eaganblog

MUNCHING WITH MOZART & FRIENDS. Every third Thursday there’s a free noon piano concert upstairs at the Santa Cruz Downtown Library. This Thursday (5/19) Rose Georgi will play Tchaikovsky, Chopin, more Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, and Khachaturian. The concert starts at 12:10, but get there early because it fills up pretty fast. Carol Panofsky creates and supervises the series.

STRINDBERG’S “A DREAM PLAY” AT UCSC. August Strindberg’s plays inspired playwrights like Albee, Artaud, Beckett, Pinter and Tennessee Williams. A Dream Play was Strindberg’s personal favorite. He weote The Ghost Sonata, Miss Julie, and The Dance of Death.

A Dream Play is about life being lived out as a dream, or an illusion. Kirsten Brandt is directing it. It runs May 20-22 & 26-29 at UCSC’s Experimental Theatre. (That’s the large black box theatre up the hill from the Mainstage Theatre). 7:30 pm & 3 p, on Sundays.Tickets available online at ucsctickets.com.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “We didn’t have much in the way of female role models on 1960s TV, but it was still possible for a little girl to get inspired — if she knew where to look. Join me in the Way-back  Machine, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com).” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

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 May 17 Brian Spencer from the See Theatre talks about T. McNally’s play, “Mothers and Sons” and about theatre details. Then Land Use Attorney Bill Parkin brings us up to date on legal, environmental, and social issues. Anita Monga artistic Director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (21st Year) returns May 24, then Chris Krohn brings us up to date on the Beach Flats Garden issue. Mark Wainer and Judy Johnson talk about the Community of Artists show on May 31st followed by Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin with updates on local voting. Former mayor Bruce Van Allen discusses local politics on Election Day June 7. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. June 21 has Carla Brennan talking about Meditation, Buddhism, and Mindfulness. 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   

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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 Ocean”

” The smell of the ocean was stronger now, rank and enveloping, as if the bottom of the sea had turned over and littered the shore with its dead”, T. Coraghessan Boyle

“I think space exploration is very important. I think there is very intelligent life on Mars. I believe that Martians are spying on us from the bottom of the ocean“, Annabella Sciorra

“Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering“, Saint Augustine

DEL MAR THEATRE February 25, 1957. That’s the then Del Mar theatre  manager on the left, a wax figure of James Dean, (unidentified woman behind Dean) and Brad McDonald who created the Shadowbrook Restaurant on the right.    James Dean died February 25, 1957 in case you forgot. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

                                                                                                           DATELINE May 9, 2016

OUR COMMUNITY POWER. Community Choice Aggregation or CCA is just about the greatest environmental concept for our local three counties….ever!  It’s been talked about nearly a decade around these parts. Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Leopold talked about it on last week’s Universal Grapevine. His  Facebook page says, “Santa Cruz leads the way on push for local green energy grid, he’s a strong supporter and liked the article in last weeks Good Times.

Community Power means that our three counties, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz combine efforts and buy power collectively from PG& E. Our costs would drop considerably, the sources of that power could be wind and sun driven…and we’d have dreaded PG&E off our backs ond away from our pockets. It’s working right now in other counties. It can work here. Read Power Structure – Good Times Santa Cruz .

SANTA CRUZ CITY COUNCIL QUESSING GAME. As of Sunday (5/8) Micah Posner’s dad said Micah hadn’t made up his mind yet about running this time.

MILLENNIALS, SILENT GENERATION ETC. Discussions and critiques of generations seem to crop up and be more numerous at certain times. I got curious and after a bunch of searching I found the most agreement on generation labels and dates to be…

• The Lost Generation             1900 – 1924
• The Silent Generation          1925 – 1942
• Baby Boomer Generation    1946 – 1964
• Generation  X                       1960 – 1980
• Millennial Generation          1980 – 2000
• Generation  Z                        2000 – 2025

I know there are some gaps in the years…these numbers are just to give you something to think about besid es Donald Trump.

A LITTLE CONFUSION. The week before last (April 26-May 2) issue of brattononline.com had some glitches. There were no borders around Paul Elerick’s and Gillian Greensite’s sections. As a result many folks were confused about who said what. It was Paul Elerick who likes and wrote about auxillary lanes on Highway One, not me, definitely NOT ME. I’ve never seen, heard or read anything that says widening highways or adding auxillary lanes has worked…ever.

SANDY LYDON’S STEINBECK EVENT. Sandy Lydon and Thomas Steinbeck are doing a presentation/discussion titled “Fact or Fiction? Did the Chinese visit this coast before the Spanish?” Ow Family Properties is sponsoring it. Author, cinematographer, and photojournalist Thom Steinbeck and Cabrillo College Historian Emeritus Sandy Lydon will discuss (together for the first time), their own views of our Chinese past. They have admired each other’s work for years. You will be able to listen as they come together on stage and share notes and writings, including the opinions of Thom’s father, Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck. It promises to be a rare and magical evening. Friday, May 13, 2016  7:00 pm Barbara Samper Recital Hall, Cabrillo College. This event is free for President’s Circle Members and Heritage Club members. Tickets will also be on sale in the Cabrillo Ticket Office for the general public at $12 per ticket. Students are free.If you belong to President’s Circle or Heritage Club and would like to reserve tickets, please email foundation@cabrillo.edu or call (831) 479-6338. Tickets are available to the general public for $12 each and students are free. Click to purchase tickets.

JUNE 4TH PARTY REMINDER. Don’t forget to get in touch, or tell your June 4th friends to get in touch, if they’d like to be invited to our very exclusive June 4th Birthday Party. It’s a fun and intriguing party. Like noon to 2 p.m on 6/04.

GOODBYE THRIFT STORE. The City of Santa Cruz demolished the old Front Street Thrift at 521 Front Street last week. (Note from Gunilla: “The store moved a while ago to the old New Leaf location at that funky Soquel/Water intersection that trips up anyone driving who’s not from around here. What’s with that intersection anyway?”) The Sentinel ran a photo from the destroyed inside of the structure on  5/4. Gunilla Leavitt’s photo is from 5/6. I can’t find any information on how many parking spaces this will yield. OR could this be another 3 or 4 story parking structure? Why aren’t we told these things?

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Goodbye to Gary Patton’s KUSP’s Land Use Report and all the other local programming at KUSP that is now off the air. Here is the link to Gary’s website… In it in addition to discussing the KUSP affair he says, “In fact, for any Santa Cruz County residents who are reading this particular blog posting, and who care about land use, the upcoming meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, 2016, has a number of important land use related items, including an item that could have truly profound impacts on the future of local land use. You can review the agenda by clicking the link.

Agenda Item #53 recommends that the Board proceed to make the commercial cultivation of marijuana a legal land use in Santa Cruz County. If you care about this topic, and it will very likely affect your neighborhood, you might want to mark your calendar for June 14, 2016, which is when a proposed ordinance on commercial cultivation will likely come back for detailed review, and a public hearing. Supervisors Zach Friend and Bruce McPherson are calling for a full environmental review, and major public involvement. I think that is a very good idea!”. Also be sure to link around his site and think about his bus and bicycle theories!!!  

Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds/365” – www.gapatton.net

FUN RAISER AND SPECIAL TRIBUTE. The Campaign For Sensible Transportation is saluting and appreciating Nancy Abbey, beloved activist with the People’s Democratic Club, Women’s International League for Peace and  Freedom, Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba, octagenarian mother of three and grandmother of six. The event will be Sunday May 22, 3-5 pm in the Courtyard of The Museum Of Art & History, Cooper at Front Street. $20 – $200 donation requested. Come and enjoy good company, food, and music while raising funds to campaign for sustainable transportation. The Campaign for Sensible Transportation is in the middle of a direct mail campaign advocating that a November sales tax include adequate funding for METRO transit, not highway widening. They could use your donation now. Please go online to get benefit tickets or to make a contribution to this effort.

CLASSICAL DeCINZO.  Those danged Monarchs…planning their return…see downwards.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Eagan has a vision….and shares it. Scroll below.

MOTHERS AND SONS. See Productions presents  Terrance McNally’s MOTHERS AND SONS   The publicity says, “At turns funny and powerful, MOTHERS AND SONS portrays a woman who pays an unexpected visit to the New York apartment of her late son’s partner, who is now married to another man and is raising their son. Challenged to face how society has changed in the 20 years since her son’s death from AIDS, she faces the past and begins to look to the future. Local actors, Mindy Pedlar (Katharine Gerard), David Jackson (Cal Porter), Benjamin Pletcher (Will Ogden), and (alternating) Everest Franz and Ezra Knox (Bud Ogden-Porter) will bring this emotionally heart-warming story to life. Independent producer and director, Brian Spencer, will guide the production. Though gay-themed, MOTHERS AND SONS is perfect for the open-minded theater goer as it explores human emotions which do not have boundaries.
MOTHERS AND SONS plays in about 90 minutes without an intermission. It’ll be at the Center Stage Theatre 10001 Center Street Downtown Santa Cruz May 12-29.

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. Historian and author extraordinare Sandy Lydon co-hosts for pledges on May 10. On May 17 Brian Spencer from the See Theatre talks about T. McNally’s play, “Mothers and Sons” and about theatre details. Then Land Use Attorney Bill Parkin brings us up to date on legal, environmental and social issues. Anita Monga artistic Director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (21st Year) returns May 24, then Chris Krohn brings us up to date on the Beach Flats Garden issue. Mark Wainer and Judy Johnson talk about the Community of Artists show on May 31st followed by Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin with updates on local voting. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. June 21 has Carla Brennan talking about Meditation, Buddhism, and Mindfulness. 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

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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. About “MAY”

“But winter lingering chills the lap of May”, Oliver Goldsmith

“May you live as long as you wish and love as long as you live”, Robert A. Heinlein

“Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date”, William Shakespeare

ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE MAY 17 1952. Pacific Avenue and Church and Cooper Street back in the day when our police and City Officials encouraged community events like parades, Just about the olny remaining recognizable landmark in view here is the old Santa Cruz County Bank (now Pacific Wave). The IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) building is still there and contains Artsians, Heavenly Coutre and Shoe Fetish.  Also note the parade is marching South, not northward to Mission Street. They reversed parade directions “back in the day”.       photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE May 2, 2016

OUR CHANGING COMMUNITY. Just the news that Kaiser Permanente is going to open 3 new offices in the county should be a huge indication that large changes have happened and are continuing to happen in Santa Cruz City and County. Part of the KPermanente announcement said, “By next January (2017) , Kaiser Permanente plans to open three medical office buildings located at Crossroads Center in Watsonville, downtown Santa Cruz and the Granite Creek Business Center in Scotts Valley. They have studied our growth and know there’s local political support for a lot more of the same…and they also know there’s huge amounts of money to be made from our “new” and formerly progressive community. Check the recent changes…our Community radio station KUSP is about to die because today’s Santa Cruzans prefer packaged NPR programs along with other slick shows. Our City Council is supporting the Seaside Corporation/Boardwalk instead of helping the community members maintain their 20 year old garden. We have a very hostile military Bearcat ready to roll against any and all community “problems”. To be very honest I’m not at all sure how our Santa Cruz City Council or our Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors would vote on allowing 10,000 new  homes (containing 30,000 people) to be built on local property similar to  what developers wanted to do at Wilder Ranch. Just think about that one!!!

JUNE 4TH EXCLUSIVE BIRTHDAY PARTY. Decades ago I started a June Fourth birthday party and invited anyone and everyone who had a birthday party only on June 4. Gail Cruse, Rip Harris, Kathy Cowan, Linda Pope and other blessed Gemini’s have remained in contact all these years and we are doing it again….on JUNE 4th. At a location to be announced. As was usual we’ll have an astrological sun sign reading this time by noted astrologer Susan Heinz. So if your birthday is exactly on June 4th get in touch immediately and I’ll tell you more about the party. Nope, not June 5th or third…just the FOURTH!

WIDENING HIGHWAYS. The Campaign for Sensible Transportation is bringing Susan Handy to the LONDON Nelson Community Center on Saturday, May 14, 10:30 am Admission is free! Professor Susan Handy, the Director of the Sustainable Transportation Center at UC Davis, will talk about why widening a highway not only will fail to relieve traffic congestion but also will increase vehicle miles traveled, and will be environmentally damaging.

SANDY LYDON’S CENTRAL COAST SECRET HISTORY and….if you want to get the real story on the 97 year old Cement Ship in Aptos or find out about the birth of Santa Cruz in 1866 or go behind the scenes in San Juan Bautista go to author/historian Sandy Lydon’s website Central Coast Secrets at http://www.sandylydon.com AND be sure to tune in to next week’s (5/10) Universal Grapevine Tuesday 7-8 p.m. KZSC 88.1 fm when Sandy co-hosts our Pledge drive. You can call in and ask him wild and woolly questions about our county history.

VETERANS AND SUICIDE. On May 23rd at 9 a.m at the Veteran’s Memorial Building on Front St. in downtown Santa Cruz there’ll be speeches by supervisors Zach Friend, Ryan Coonerty, Greg Caput, Bruce McPherson, Mayor Cynthia Mathews, and District Attorney Jeff Rosell. It’s about Journey for Change: Preventing Veteran Suicide through Community Action and Awareness. The “Journey for Change” is a long distance walk to Sacramento aimed at raising awareness of veteran suicide and promoting a proposal to reduce the rate of suicide among veterans. A 2012 Veteran Affairs study revealed that 22 veterans a day lose their lives by their own hands – every 65 minutes. The walk ends at the state capitol in Sacramento on Tuesday, June 7 with a presentation by Assemblyman Mark Stone. The Santa City Council has written a proclamation naming May 23 “Journey for Change Day” in Santa Cruz. The purpose and concepts of the march include:

• mandatory confidential mental health screenings by a qualified mental health professional for all active duty service members to determine any existing mental health conditions prior to discharge.
• post-discharge plan be implemented by various providers to improve and enhance access to services for each veteran based on their home of record.
• 30 day outreach and nine month follow-up to offer a variety of VA resources and community based services as needed per evaluation of each veteran.

Some of the events along the way include: May 25 at the San Jose City Hall there will be presentations by Dave Cortese, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, San Jose City Council Member, Ash Karla, and Mission City American Legion Post 564 Commander, Sherry Henry.
There will be an Honor Guard and ceremony at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno on May 28. Our message is clear: Confidential mental health screenings, improved services prior to discharge, and enhanced access to community resources post-discharge will reduce veteran suicides.  Register for this no-cost event on Eventbrite. Also, check out our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/journeyforveteranchange/?ref=bookmarks

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary says…

I am taking a look back at the Land Use Report! The very first edition of the Land Use Report aired on KUSP on July 28, 2001. Here’s a quote:  Land use policy is important. How we use the land has a fundamental impact on our economy, on social equity, and on the health of the environment. Native Americans believed that they belonged to the land. Our modern conception is that the land belongs to us—and belongs to us as individuals. Our “individualistic” approach to land ownership and land use is tempered somewhat by the policies we establish as a community. When we talk about “land use policy,” we’re talking about the rules we make for ourselves, acting as a community, that guide and govern the way we use the land.

Every week … this land use report will focus on the choices we make—about how we use the land.

KUSP is facing very daunting financial challenges, and may, actually go off the air. That would certainly be a shame, because KUSP has truly provided the Monterey Bay Region with an opportunity to speak out with its unique community voice. I’ve been proud to have covered the “Land Use beat” since 2001, and if I’m not here next week, I hope listeners will remember those words from fifteen years ago:

Land use policy is important!

If you want to have an impact on the future of your local community, you will have to get involved yourself!  Read the complete scripts of the above at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse . Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds/365” – www.gapatton.net

DECOLONIZING OUR MINDS….WITH EPISTEMOLOGIZING FROM THE SOUTH. This is an evening about how we can change our cultural perspective to include all peoples and how the values of the southern hemisphere can enrich our lives. Join 350.org, WILPF SC, and SCCAN for a thought-provoking evening with Professor Fernando Leiva (UCSC, Latin American and Latino Studies). According to Professor Leiva, “The colonization of the mind is founded upon the structure of power and know-ledge created over the past 500 years by the West.  De-colonizing the mind requires new fundaments for know-ledge production that are free from the bias of colonized knowledge and its fears of differences.”  

This presentation is a benefit for the late Berta Caceres’ nonprofit Council of Popular & Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH) to continue her work.   Ms. Caceres was gunned down in her hometown after a decade long fight against a project to build the Agua Zarca Dam along the Gualcarque River. It’s happening May 5, 2016, 7 pm at the Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. For more information, please contact Lynda Francis at 831-465-1778.

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Facing those ferocious creatures…scroll below…

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Tim Eagan takes us down deep for an in depth view of campaign headlines…see below. For those memorable Eagan Subconscious Comics go here… http://www.timeagan.com/?subconscious_comics  If you want even more of Inside Eagan try… http://www.timeagan.com/?eaganblog  

TALLEY’S FOLLY AT THE COLLIGAN. The Jewel theatre Company is collaborating with Santa Cruz Shakespeare and is presenting Talley’s Folly by Lanford Wilson. Directed by Mike Ryan. It runs May 5 -29 at the Colligan theatre at the Tannery. Their press release reads…”Using the backdrop of an ornate, deserted Victorian boathouse in Lebanon, Missouri, circa 1944, TALLEY’S FOLLY presents Matt Friedman, a Jewish immigrant now living in St. Louis, who has arrived to plead his love to Sally, the daughter of the prosperous Talley family. Bookish, erudite, totally honest and delightfully funny, Matt refuses to accept Sally’s rebuffs and her fears that her family would never approve of their marriage. His attempts to overcome her defenses bring secrets to light that each of them have long held close. The soul-baring cost of love is weighed closely in this Pulitzer Prize winning play as two wounded outcasts seek to find common ground and a chance at happiness. The NY Post called TALLEY’S FOLLY “funny, sweet, touching and marvelously written…” and this production features Equity actors Christopher Reber and Monica West whose portrayal  of Matt and Sally will capture your heart”. TALLEY’S FOLLY is being performed at the Colligan Theatre, 1010 River Street,Santa Cruz, from May 5 through May 29, 2016. Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Visit www.JewelTheatre.net for tickets and details or call (831) 425–7506.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “How do authors do that thing they do? In response to a recent clamor of inquiry (okay, one person), allow me to share some writing strategies, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (ljo-express.blogspot.com).” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

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. The bi-annual KZSC PledgeDrive happens May 3 with County Supervisor John Leopold co-hosting and Sandy Lydon co-hosts for pledges on May 10. On May 17 Brian Spencer from the See Theatre talks about T. McNally’s play, “Mothers and Sons“. Becky Steinbruner discussing Aptos issues and the legal measures in her lawsuit follows him. Anita Monga artistic Director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (21st Year) returns May 24, then Chris Krohn brings us up to date on the Beach Flats Garden issue. Mark Wainer and Judy Johnson talk about the Community of Artists show on May 31st followed by Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin with updates on local voting. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. June 21 has Carla Brennan talking about Meditation, Buddhism, and Mindfulness. 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   

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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. “GARDENS” as in Beach Flats Gardens.

“I used to visit and revisit it a dozen times a day, and stand in deep contemplation over my vegetable progeny with a love that nobody could share or conceive of who had never taken part in the process of creation. It was one of the most bewitching sights in the world to observe a hill of beans thrusting aside the soil, or a rose of early peas just peeping forth sufficiently to trace a line of delicate green”, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

“It was such a pleasure to sink one’s hands into the warm earth, to feel at one’s fingertips the possibilities of the new season”, Kate Morton.

“The love of dirt is among the earliest of passions, as it is the latest. Mud-pies gratify one of our first and best instincts. So long as we are dirty, we are pure. Fondness for the ground comes back to a man after he has run the round of pleasure and business, eaten dirt, and sown wild-oats…. To own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch their renewal of life,—this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do…. Let us celebrate the soil. Most men toil that they may own a piece of it; they measure their success in life by their ability to buy it…. Broad acres are a patent of nobility; and no man but feels more of a man in the world if he have a bit of ground that he can call his own. However small it is on the surface, it is four thousand miles deep; and that is a very handsome property“,  Charles Dudley Warner, My Summer in a Garden, 1870

OUR MUNICIPAL SANTA CRUZ WHARF, 1906. The penciled notes on the back of this excellent photo say, ” Commercial fishing Santa Cruz wharf. Steve Ghio with cap holding a 50 pound deep sea bass. Steve Canepa holding fish basket’. All of this tradition and history and authenicity is being sold out by our current City Council with the goal of attracting more tourist bucks. Is it worth it? Ask your favorite Council candidate.                                                        photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE April 25, 2016

KUSP’S DEBT. The station is in deep trouble as we’ve all heard. On Wednesday May 4th. Their board is going to decide on one of these ideas… *if their fund drive doesn’t raise the money by April 30 they will either  

1. approve a potential loan which would be collateralized by the sale of Pataphysical Broadcasting Foundation, Inc.’s major assets.
2. approve a potential sale of the major assets of the Pataphysical Broadcasting Foundation, Inc.

This data is from their Treasurer’s report…

The expenses of the station on a “bare bones” basis are about $60,000 a month. Absent significant new revenues in April of $50-$100K we will be out of cash and unable to make payroll sometime in May.

• $170,000 Secured Loans
• $90,000 Unsecured loans from individuals or guaranteed by individuals
• $260,000 Total “debt”
• $450,000 Unpaid programming fees (NPR, APM, Pacifica)
• $70,000 Unpaid accounts payable including vacation payable
• $780,000 Total liabilities or obligations of KUSP at March 31, 2016.

In case you missed it…that’s $170,000 KUSP owes our Santa Cruz Community Credit Union. AND a debt of $780,000 total. As their treasurer states in the report…” Even if the debt were forgiven, we still need to have the cash every month for the $60,000 in operating expenses”. Now go and turn on KUSP…is that what you think is a Santa Cruz Station?

VERIZON ON SUNDAY MORNINGS. Since becoming an iPhone owner I’ve got thousands of questions on how to use it. I went to two group classes at the  Apple Store in Los Gatos. That worked fine. Last week the greeters at the Verizon store which, contrary to the 100 Cooper Street address they list on their website, is really at/in the 1300 block on Pacific Avenue…they told me that they have an open session every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. to help Verizon/Apple users. I’ll meet you there.

NANCY RANEY THE SOUL OF THE NICKELODEON. Nancy Raney died last week, she was partners with husband Bill of the Nickelodeon until they sold it in 1997. Like KUSP in the early years, the Cooperhouse, and the Catalyst, the Nickelodeon was a real and genuine part of our community. It was Nancy who made it feel real. As a thank you to the local film family Nancy went to enormous pains to have the famous “Babette’s Feast” (from the 1987 film) re-created in the Casablanca Restaurant just for us. More than that, she presided over every weekly critic’s screening sessions with personal touches that none of us will ever forget. She was fun, kind, smart, and happy…and that’s getting more rare nowadays. She is very much missed.

DRONE. A special film. [THIS SATURDAY AT THE VETS HALL]

Theme: America’s Drone Program: The Dark Realities of Modern Warfare. Intimate stories from the secret CIA drone war on terror. People living under drones in Pakistan and drone pilots struggling with killing via joysticks in the US in the biggest targeted assassination program in history. And the people willing to stand up against the violations of civil liberties and fight for transparency, accountability and justice.

Speaker: Ray McGovern, retired CIA analyst and intelligence expert
Event Hosts: VFW Post 5888, Veterans For Peace, People United for Peace.

Saturday, April 30…7 pm • Chris Matthews Hall in the Vets Memorial Building, 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz.

See it, and go see Eye In The Sky starring Helen Mirren which is also a fine film. Go here to learn more about the USA’s role in this…    

ELERICK’S INPUT. Mr. Paul Elerick of Aptos writes…

MUSICAL REMEMBRANCES.

Driving home from Hollister with daughter and grandson, the conversation turned to music and Prince’s untimely death.  Here we were, three generations talking about one of the greatest musical artists that ever lived, and all three of us could appreciate him.  There have been many more losses of favorite entertainers, but Prince pointed out how much we lose when we take great people for granted, assuming they’ll be around forever.

We need the three miles of auxiliary lanes on Highway 1

Tuesday afternoon the Santa Cruz City Council will be voting (sometime after 4PM- 4/26) on whether or not to support the RTC’s transportation tax measure, now being called their Transportation Improvement Plan (TRIP).  It’s important to know what will be lost if TRIP loses, it’s all in the link to the RTC above.  If you care about funding a balanced transportation tax measure, listen to the arguments for and against it, and let the Council know how you feel.  

TRIP’s opponents have tried to build their case by referring to the auxiliary lanes as simply more  “highway widening” and will contribute to deathly global warming. They have done their best to kill the tax measure by gathering petition signatures for a plan that has basically no money for the highway, ignoring the fact that people still drive cars and will continue to do so. Think Congestion Relief and the fact that our South County neighbors will benefit from the auxiliary lanes, as well as people that live in mid-county who will be arriving home earlier when the auxiliary lanes are built.

(Paul Elerick is a member of, and former co-chair of the Campaign for Sensible Transportation, http://sensibletransportation.org . He’s a current member of Nisene to Sea, a group of mid-county citizens committed to maintaining an open hiking trail from Cabrillo College to Nisene Marks State Park

GREENSITE’S INSIGHT.

THE HUMAN FOLLY OF MASSIVE TREE REMOVAL

While there is some good news in that the courts ruled against the city’s weakening its Heritage Tree Ordinance, other recent decisions spell disaster for our remaining big trees.

Last week the California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to reject the appeal  of a project spearheaded by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) and the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, to cut down 1225 eucalyptus trees which live in 4 separate groves in Elkhorn Slough. The fact that 75 of the trees are over 3 feet in diameter, that the groves provide habitat to a wide range of birds, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, bats and bees didn’t pass muster for their protection. The trees will be felled, herbicide painted on the stumps (despite their being within 100 feet of a wetland and 1.5 miles of a Monarch habitat) all in the hopes for “habitat restoration.” Destroying a habitat to restore a habitat, a goal that has few success stories, makes little sense in an era of ever increasing carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere. Large trees sequester the most carbon. All trees give us oxygen. It is folly to expect small seedlings to take root in the 6 inches of wood chips that will remain after the present trees are cut down and to reach the carbon sequestration potential of the removed trees in the short time we have left to reduce atmospheric carbon. Never mind the machinery and energy that will be expended to cut down and chip over a thousand trees.

Another project that will result in thousands of tree removals in our county is spearheaded by PG&E. The project involves the removal of all trees and bushes within 14 feet of underground gas transmission pipelines. Petunias can stay. This is a 24 feet diameter cleared zone and impacts public and private property. It will remove many trees in our city. The real devastation will be evident along Graham Hill Road where the project will result in the removal of hundreds of large trees such as Ponderosa Pines and Redwoods along the Graham Hill Rd. pipeline.

The stated purpose is safety and access for first responders should there be a gas pipe problem, requiring repair. The fact that there is not one single example of a tree causing a problem with a gas transmission line in 30 years of documentation nation-wide; the fact that removing trees may cause a water build-up around the pipes, causing corrosion; the fact that fire trucks and engines operate from the street and gas should be shut off and gas abated before any internal combustion engine appears on the scene fail to deter PG&E from its campaign which has met widespread opposition in other counties, for example Palo Alto. A group of us met with PG&E representatives and Bruce McPherson, chair of the Board of Supervisors in his office to express concerns and present counter evidence for such a devastating project. PG&E gave many assurances that have since proven to be untrue. The first test for how our city responds will be at Tuesday’s council meeting (4/26/16). The decision was made to agendize it as a “presentation” from PG&E, which allows for NO public comment. This seems a sure sign that the city wants no public opposition. Other cities are not taking this lying down. Why is Santa Cruz?

(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).

PATTON’S PROGRAM.

There is a “Special” meeting of the Santa Cruz Planning Commission Thursday April 28, and it’s important. The City of Santa Cruz suffered from a major earthquake in October 1989. Large portions of downtown Santa Cruz were destroyed. Almost amazingly, the City bounced back, and in deciding how to rebuild, the community debated, at length, over the issue of building heights along Pacific Avenue, the main downtown shopping street. It is a bit of an oversimplification, but property owners generally wanted to be able to build very tall structures, reasoning that they could finance reconstruction better if their property were more developable. The community at large, while sympathetic, wanted to preserve a more human scale for the downtown, and compromises were made on both sides, with the result you can see today. The downtown is vital, and thriving (not that there aren’t problems).

The plan that governed the rebuilding of downtown was called the “Downtown Recovery Plan.” Tomorrow, the City Planning Commission is going to consider amendments that would allow much taller structures on Pacific Avenue, between Cathcart and Laurel Streets, and on Front Street between Soquel Avenue and Laurel Street. Big, downtown residential structures would be built, if the standards are changed.If you care, you had better get involved now. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday (4/28), in the City Council Chambers. Get more information at kusp.org/landuse.

Let’s talk about “Community Voices” and community choices. Recently, the Land Use Report has been part of KUSP’s “Community Voices” series, whichalso includes”First Person Singular,” a program that presents KUSP listeners with an opportunity to hear unique voices from the Monterey Bay Region. I truly appreciate the fact that KUSP has featured the Land Use Report for so many years. The first edition of the Land Use Report aired on July 28, 2001. That means that the Land Use Report has now been heard on KUSP for fourteen years, nine months, and three days. I don’t know how much longer KUSP listeners will be able to hear the Land Use Report. The station is facing major economic challenges, and there is a “May Day” campaign underway right now. If you want to keep KUSP community radio on the air, today would definitely be a good time to step up and contribute. As usual, I have a link in today’s transcript, at kusp.org/landuse. Whatever the fate of KUSP’s community voices programming, I hope listeners will remember the basic message of the Land Use Report. Here it is: Land use decisions will determine our future, and the choice is ours. Community choices can create the kind of future we want. Get engaged. Get involved. And get going! Read the complete scripts of the above at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse . Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds/365” – www.gapatton.net

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. DeCinzo visits the Monterey Bay Aquarium…again. Check it out.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Eagan gets a charge from our electric car’s future!!! See below…

THREE (3) ONSCREEN OPERA SERIES IN SANTA CRUZ.  First, we had and have the Metropolitan Opera series on Saturday mornings at the Regal Cinema 9. Then Landmark brought and brings us the All’Italia series at the Del Mar…which is really great. Last week I wrote…”The new (4 months now) Landmark chain is bringing filmed versions of live opera performances from opera houses around Italy to our Del Mar screen on Pacific Avenue. I can’t find many details and the production company All’ Opera Italia’s website is all in Italian. The spring series starts April 26 with Barber of Seville from Torino, Cerentola from Rome (May 25), La Favorita from Venice (7/27) that’ll be sung in French,  and La Fanciulla del West from La Scala on August 10.The rest of them are sung in Italian with English subtitles and start at 7 p.m. The usual Santa Cruz tuxs and tiara’s are expected. Now Landmark is presenting Five operas from the Royal Opera House in London. This series will be at The Nickelodeon.!!! It’s started already with; 4/24 at 11am: Boris Godunov.  5/1 at 11am:  Giselle. 5/22 at 11am: Lucia di Lammermoor. 6/12 at 11am: The Sleeping Beauty. 7/24 at 11am: Werther. BUY TICKETS. Go here for some details. Now all we have to do is support this incredible addition to our arts scene.

RARE & SPECIAL SITAR CONCERT. UCSC’s Music Department presents  Ustad Shujaat Khan, sitar, who returns to UC Santa Cruz for a concert of classical Indian music. With Dibyarka Chatterjee, tabla, and Abhiman Kaushal, tabla. Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan is perhaps the greatest North Indian classical musician of his generation. He belongs to the Imdad Khan gharana (tradition) of the sitar (lute) and is the seventh in the unbroken line from his family that has produced many musical masters. His style known as the gayaki ang, is imitative of the subtleties of the human voice. Khan is the son and disciple of master sitarist Ustad Vilayat Khan. His musical pedigree continues back through his grandfather, Ustad Inayat Khan; his great-grandfather, Ustad Imdad Khan; and his great-great-grandfather, Ustad Sahebdad Khan—all leading artists of their generations. Saturday, April 30, 2016 – 7:30pm Music Center Recital Hall, UCSC. Purchase tickets online (account must be created with University Tickets) or at the UCSC Ticket Office at the Theater Arts Center. Hours of Operation: Wednesdays/Thursdays 12:00-noon – 3:00pm Phone: (831) 4 59-2159 * Tickets also for sale at the Recital Hall, 1 hour prior to performance *

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Please join me in bidding a heartfelt farewell to Nancy Raney, the godmother of the Santa Cruz movie community, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Longtime co-owner of the Nickelodeon, tireless supporter of film, books, and culture, world traveler, and lifelong adventurer, Nancy’s high spirits and buoyant personality will be sorely missed in this town.” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

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. Andrew Austin tells us about UCSC’s latest development plans on April 26. He’s followed by The Reel Work Film Festival’s Camille Walker. The bi-annual KZSC Pledge Drive

happens May 3 with County Supervisor John Leopold co-hosting and Sandy Lydon co-hosts for pledges on May 10. On May 17 Brian Spencer from the See Theatre talks about T. McNally’s play, “Mothers and Sons“. He’s followed by Becky Steinbruner discussing Aptos issues

and the legal measures in her lawsuit. Anita Monga artistic Director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (21st Year) returns May 24. Mark Wainer and Judy Johnson talk about the Community of Artists show on May 31st. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. 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   

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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. WHALES…

“Nature did not put whales on this earth to splash kids while stuck in a pen”, Jane Velez-Mitchell

“Ships are expendable; the whales are not,” Paul Watson

“By the end of the 20th century, up to 90 percent of the sharks, tuna, swordfish, marlins, groupers, turtles, whales, and many other large creatures that prospered in the Gulf for millions of years had been depleted by overfishing”, Sylvia Earle

OUR HISTORIC MUNICIPAL WHARF. (1914) . Two of our historic wharves with these mostly Genovese fishermen and their nets. We lost the wharf on the left and now Cynthia Mathews and her pro-growth associates on the Santa Cruz City Council want to destroy any semblence or authenticity our wharf has or had and make it into another touristy Pier 39. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE April 18, 2016

DOWNTOWN HOSTS…MORE ABOUT THE ENDING. I ran this in  BrattonOnline 4/04/16…

“SANTA CRUZ DOWNTOWN HOSPITALITY HOST PROGRAM ENDING!!!
In spite of the favorable opinions from almost everybody those yellow jacketed Hospitality Hosts vanish as of June 30. As of right now it’s stated …because the contracts weren’t renewed. Paid for by Santa Cruz Businesses and property owners the program is run by the Downtown Management Corporation. The Downtown Management Corporation (online) has probably old data on it, with names like Ceil Cirillo, Bonnie Lipscomb, and Peter Prindle. Anyways we’ll miss those dedicated Pacific Avenue trekkers”

Since then I talked with Gina Rodrigues who has been heading our Downtown Host program since 1998. (It started in 1994) She wants to pursue other career moves. No one wanted to take over her job and no Downtown or City officials wanted to keep this extra friendly face of Santa Cruz in operation. The Hosts did and do more positive actions than any Don Lane Bearcat. The Host program is finished  June 30th. We’ll miss ’em.

ARANA GULCH, WHAT IT COST US. Jean Brocklebank reports in with…

Friends of Arana Gulch (FOAG) recently requested an accounting to see how much was spent to build everything associated with Broadway-Brommer, a bike transportation project through the heart of the Arana Gulch Greenbelt. The draft figure I received from the Department of Public Works stands at $7,185,000 and includes the extra paved route from Agnes St. to connect to Broadway-Brommer ($515,000).  This will be reported to the City Council in the General CIP Fund (Capital Improvement Program) now in preparation.  

Some have charged that Friends of Arana Gulch is responsible for the exorbitant cost of the project.  This is not true!  In order to get its transportation project accepted by the CA Coastal Commission, the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and the public, the City had to change the name (and therefore the essence) of the project.  No longer a transportation project (originally in the Gas Tax Fund, not the General CIP Fund), Broadway Brommer magically became an “interpretive trail” dependent on the natural resources of Arana Gulch (especially the endangered SC tarplant).  This funny-nose-and-glasses disguise worked but greatly increased the cost of the bike shortcut through AG.  

FREE SHAMU!!! I was awe struck (actually dumb struck) at the reactions by some long time friends to my running the clip of Shamu the Orca at Marine World. They actually thought and accused me of supporting Marine World’s cruel and unusual treatment of that poor Orca. I’ve been writing for years that we should close down all Marine World type side shows. I’ve been trying to convince readers that we should demand the closing of all Aquariums and zoos. Yes, close The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Even John Sandidge agrees with me about the cruelty on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium…and all zoos too. That definitely includes the San Diego Zoo!!!  I’ve also printed and compared photos of big strong fishermen photos holding up their catches with hunters not daring to display photos of same age fawns and does shot illegally. I was trying to show by that Shamu video just how cruel the display of marine creatures really is. Next time I’ll include a caption so there’ll be no doubt. Just ask yourself if even the lowly jelly fish have any reactions at all,  or do you think the marine victims in their “touch tank”  really like living in the Monterey Bay Aquarium???

DON LANE’S BEARCAT ON DUTY SATURDAY NIGHT. The Don Lane Bearcat passed me about 7:20 p.m. Saturday night with siren screaming. It was going north on Laurel and turned west on Mission.  The Sentinel report says it went up to Western Drive to deal with a suicide on Beachview Avenue. It is one scary vehicle!!! All black, no police insignia anywhere. This is the second time our law enforcement has used the Don Lane Bearcat since October of last year. What a bargain!!!

DILIP BASU SERVICE. Dilip Basu of UCSC shed this mortal coil and a memorial gathering for the UC Santa Cruz community will take place on Thursday, May 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on campus at the Merrill Provost House. Individuals wishing to share memories about Professor Basu’s contributions to UCSC should contact Terry Burke at eburke@ucsc.edu to secure a place on the program.

MICHAEL MOORE LOST WEIGHT. Cedar Geiger, an integral part of our local Pulse Producations tells me that the now world famed Michael Moore has lost a huge amount of weight. More than that as most folks know Moore will be here at the Civic in Santa Cruz on May 14. See his new thinner photo nearby. The opening day of Where to Invade Next was the biggest box office of any of his films. Pulse has him booked at the Warfield in S.F. May 15. In case you miss him here.

EUCALYPTUS TREES AND SOME FACTS. Scroll below to read last week’s article by Gillian Greensite about Eucalyptus trees. She got a reaction…it said, “Not only do Australians never use the word ‘gasoline’ (we say petrol) but I have also never heard of any tree referred to as this in my 25 years firefighting experience. Further to this, spot fires are caused by embers blowing in the wind, so they occur in front of the fire, not behind it. There are a number of factors that affect fire spread, these include topography (mainly slope), aspect (north facing here in the Southern hemisphere), weather (wind, humidity, temperature) fuel moisture (how long since it has rained) and fuel load. The main concern with fuel load is the loose ground fuel or hanging fuel in the forest (smaller than 6mm). The way this is reduced sometimes is through a hazard reduction via scrub removal or a low intensity burning. Removing larger trees is counterproductive as it just allows the smaller shrubs to proliferate beneath, where they are normally shaded and slowed by the larger trees. The actual larger trees are not even considered in the fuel load calculation. If the ground fuel level is very high, this can lead to the fire spreading to the crowns of the larger trees, and then spreading as a crown fire. You don’t prevent this by removing the larger trees, but rather by managing the fuel load beneath the trees”.

Gillian responded and forwarded… “It says the author is an Aussie but I doubt it. No Aussie uses the word gasoline. To confirm this and other points, I sought the opinion of a firefighter in Tasmania just in case I had missed something. His response to my enquiry is below. He also shares some expert tips on fire safety under trees, including eucalyptus. I’ve emphasized his sentence about “gasoline trees.”  Your author’s comments on a number of points are not well-informed. I’ve included the comments from retired Fire Chief from Oakland, Dave Maloney. His comments debunk a lot of the myths about the “explosive” unique character of eucalyptus under fire. Most Oakland folks don’t want to replace them and they have been leading the fight against that campaign.  I lived under eucalyptus in Australia until I moved to the US in 1975. Nobody I knew hated eucalyptus or were scared of them. We took the usual fire precautions as you would living in any forested area. And, if a person is afraid of living under eucalyptus, why live there in the first place? Interesting how we’ve grown up believing the evils of Eucalyptii.

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary’s Land Use KUSP Reports include…

Capitola residents should be thinking about that “vision thing.” If you have some ideas about what Capitola should look like in the future, you will want to show up at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday April 20th. “Vision Capitola” is a grassroots effort,organized by former mayor and longtime business owner Gayle Ortiz. A workshop session will be held Wed. April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jade Street Community Center. There will be another meeting, Wednesday, April 27th. At that second meeting, participants will discuss the results of the workshop being held this evening, and

will help prepare a report to the Capitola City Council. The “Vision Capitola” effort, in other words, is not city-sponsored; it’s a community effort that plans to deliver a message to the Council about what local residents are thinking, as they look towards the future. Here is what former Mayor Ortiz says, as quoted in a recent article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: “Vision Capitola is about a positive visualization of where we’re headed as a community. It’s not about looking back or complaining. Let’s find out what we value and build a city that reflects that.” The key to success in this effort, Ortiz said, is participation. Hey, I think that’s my line, too! For more information, track down today’s Land Use Report blog at kusp.org/landuse.

How would you like more density in your residential neighborhood? The City of Santa Cruz has big plans for a lot more density and a lot more development along the City’s major transportation corridors. Find out how to plug into the process at kusp.org/landuse. I strongly advise you, if you live or work in the City of Santa Cruz,to pay attention to what the City is proposing. Pay attention and get involved, to be more specific!

What is being proposed is a change to the City’s land use regulations to allow five-story, and maybe even seven-story buildings along Mission Street, Ocean Street, Water Street, and Soquel Avenue. Parking would be limited, and both commercial and residential uses would be housed in the new, high-rise structures. A member of the City’s Planning Commission explains the program in a recent article in the Good Times weekly newspaper. The title of the article is quite appropriate: “Expansion Pack.” If you think local streets are already “packed” with traffic, and that the “expansion” of the UCSC campus, and other major developments, like a hotel in a residential neighborhood on Broadway, have already “packed” the City quite enough, get ready for a lot, lot more. Unless, of course, community involvement suggests that the City’s plans aren’t really what local residents want. No one is going to know what you want if you don’t get involved yourself! Read the complete scripts of the above at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse . Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds/365” – www.gapatton.net

OPERA AT THE DEL MAR. Santa Cruz opera fans now have another reason besides the Regal Saturday morning Metropolitan viewings to be happy. The new (4 months now) Landmark chain is bringing filmed

versions of live opera performances from opera houses around Italy to our Del Mar screen on Pacific Avenue. I can’t find many details and the production company All’ Opera Italia’s website is all in Italian. The spring series starts April 26 with Barber of Seville from Torino, Cerentola from Rome (May 25), La Favorita from Venice (7/27) that’ll be sung in French,  and La Fanciulla del West from La Scala on August 10.The rest of them are sung in Italian with English subtitles and start at 7 p.m. The usual Santa Cruz tuxs and tiara’s are expected. https://www.landmarktheatres.com/special-events-santa-cruz

SANTA CRUZ  LIBRARY CONCERT. MUNCHING WITH MOZART & FRIENDS presents “MOSTLY PIANO” concert with Roger Emanuels, cello and piano and Carol Panofsky, piano and oboe. They’ll be playing Mozart, Brahms, Gustavino, Saint-Saens, Haydn, Faure and Chopin. It is free and will happen Thursday, April 21st 12:10 – 12:50 Santa Cruz Public Library, Downtown Branch – Meeting Room. Coming Soon in the series is;  May 19: Rose Georgi, solo piano…June 16: Lars Johannesson, flute & Ann Thiermann, piano…July 21: Daniel Lewin, violin…August 18: Phyllis Rosenblum, flute and Laureen Herr, piano.

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Dives deep into the Monterey Bay Aquarium…scroll downward.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER.Tim looks at Hillary’s “best ……forever” see below.

LISA JENSEN LINKS…Lisa writes: “He’s been dead for 400 years this week, but William Shakespeare is still being performed, and enjoyed, with gusto. Join me in speculating why, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com), as I suggest some of my favorite Bardic reinventions! Also, ready or not, here comes Game of Thrones—Season 6! ” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Go od Times since 1975.

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. April 19 has Joan Van Antwerp describing Albee’s play “A Delicate Balance” now playing at the Center Stage (4/8-4/23). She’s followed by Laurie King, author of 14 Mary Russell (Mrs. Sherlock Holmes) mysteries detailing her Bookshop Santa Cruz new book signing on April 20. Andrew Austin tells us about UCSC’s latest development plans on April 26. followed by The Reel Work Film Festival’s Camille Walker. The bi-annual KZSC Pledge Drive happens May 3 with County Supervisor John Leopold co-hosting and Sandy Lydon co-hosts for pledges on May 10. On May 17 Brian Spencer from the See Theatre talks about T. McNally’s play, “Mothers and Sons“. He’s followed by Becky Steinbruner discussing Aptos issues and the legal measures in her lawsuit. Anita Monga artistic Director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (21st Year) returns May 24. Mark Wainer and Judy Johnson talk about the Community of Artists show on May 31st. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. 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

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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.      “Eucalyptus”

A city where everyone seemed to live in a bungalow on a broad avenue lined with palm, pepper or eucalyptus trees, where there was never any snow. Kevin Starr.

“My nose remembers more than my eyes. The sharp oily smell of eucalyptus combines with afternoon dust from the hockey field. But my heart feels the difference then and now.”
Phyllis Theroux

“I can’t be expected to produce deathless prose in an atmosphere of gloom and eucalyptus.”Gerald Durrell

“When I run in Ethiopia, I look out and see eucalyptus trees and rivers.”
Haile Gebrselassie

OUR HISTORICAL MUNICIPAL WHARF. This was opening day back in 1914. Cynthia Mathews and her own City Council want to develop our wharf into another Pier 39. Ask her about it. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

                                                                                                    DATELINE April 11, 2016

OUR EVER CHANGING SUPERVISORS. Thank goodness our County Board of Supervisors are so flexible. Remember way back when…when Bruce McPherson decided he wasn’t a Republican anymore? Remember when Ryan Coonerty once was totally pro De-Sal and dumped it like a very hot potato when the wind blew the other way? Now we’ve got Zach Friend out politicking like crazy around every progressive event he can get to. One Bonline reader wrote…I have to wonder if Zach feels that Becky Steinbruner is a significant contender.  I would posit that all this outreach/making nice is about building a base for an office beyond Supe, like State Senator Bill Monning’s seat. It doesn’t seem likely that his wife would leave her position w/ the city to move” What’ll also be nearly amazing to watch will be Zach’s votes when they favor the environment over his developer friends projects. We will be equally enthralled when he favors homeless and civil rights issues over all his political pro-police background. Watch him closely.

ARE APTOSIANS UNITING? Did you get this email from “Save Aptos”?

“There is a scheduled community meeting regarding Rancho del Mar Shopping Center. As you may – or may not know, Terramar Centers has recently purchased the property and would like community input on the direction of the shopping center from local residents and businesses. This meeting is being facilitated by Zach Friend, our local Supervisor, and Bruce Walton vice president of Terramar Retail Centers, Carlsbad, Cal. Terramar welcomes your input, questions and concerns. Meeting date: Thursday, April 28 Time: 6:30  Place: Seascape Golf Course, meeting hall. Seascape Golf Club 610 Clubhouse Drive…Aptos, CA 95003. What’s odd about is that when you go to the Save Aptos website SaveAptos.com there’s nothing newer than 2014. Anybody who cares about the future of Aptos should be careful that this isn’t just another Terramar developers scam where they pretend to carefully note which businesses locals want in the Rancho Del Mar development (forget any theatre… Terramar tore down Aptos Cinema quicker than Zach Friend became progressive). So they take notes about which businesses and how’d the neighbors like Rancho to change then just like Barry Swenson Developers sell space to anybody (franchises,chains etc.) who have the bucks. And do take your own notes on Zach…has he really changed? Does he really care about the neighborhood? Maybe???

SANTA CRUZ CITY COUNCIL RACE. Words on the Street (read Pacific Avenue) have it that J.M. (Jim) Brown formerly of the SCSentinel has former Mayor Hilary Bryant working on his campaign. If you’re keeping track that means that Brown will be on the Cynthia Mathews side of the teeter-totter. Then we have Micah Posner shaving off his beard and talking much softer so we think he’s nicer than before. Micah like the recent development of Arana Gulch for example. Dru Glover has excellent stage presence, and has done lots of City homework. He’s one of Micah’s understudys as is Batya Kagan. Batya has made several good points about the Council’s (mostly Cynthia Mathews) ruthless attack and destruction of the Beach Flats Garden.

Watch this space!!!

FORMER MAYOR TO RUN AGAIN!!! I mean Kathie Beiers is going to run The Boston Marathon for the 12th time!!! She’s won a bunch of awards there just for being in her 80’s and she’ll win again we can be sure.

GET READY FOR THEM FORUMS. It won’t be long before we get plastered with promotions for “Meet your Candidates” kick-offs and forums. That’s a great time to ask them about such community issues as

1. Do they believe that Windening Highway 1 will work?
2. Would they vote for rent control?
3. Do they want a permanent arena?
4. Should there be a limit on campaign spending?
5. Ask them who on the City Council they would they vote most like? (that would be either Cynthia Mathews on the militant pro-growth side or  like Micah Posner’s side (when he doesn’t cave-in).
6. Ask them if they would vote for making our historical wharf into another Pier 39…do they believe tourists come here to see new commercialized wharfs/piers or something more authentic and unique?

STARBUCKS STILL COMING TO MORRISSEY SAFEWAY. Plans got held up because of flooring problems and the Morrissey Safeway will add that new Starbucks (which I wrote about weeks ago) sometime in the fall.

PURE PLEASURE MOVING TO COOPER STREET. Not only is Pure Pleasure moving from Church Street to that little store next to Laili Restaurant but newest rumors say that Amazon is moving into the top floor of that stucco replica of the Cooperhouse on Pacific and Cooper. Yep, Amazon!!! What in hell could a giant like Amazon do with that little space???

KUSP AND A CHANGING COMMUNITY. Isn’t it just possible that our KUSP radio listening community has changed in the last 44 years since KUSP started ? Isn’t it also possible that Peter Troxell’s idea of making the station into a luxury suite wasn’t such a supportable goal?

Certainly Am Radio stations continue to go through hell and FM stations like KPFA have had internal strife for decades. Santa Cruz has changed a lot. Pro-growth politicians and their “stop the commuting over the hill, build more unaffordable homes here”  campaigns continue to win.

There’s little “love our community” support our radio station feeling anymore. Not enough love and money behind that support. No family or identity feeling when you walk into KUSP like back when.  

ESPRESSIVO ORCHESTRA’S THIRD TRIUMPH!! Director and Conductor Michel Singher has almost single-handedly tapped into a large and growing segment of our community. There have been three concerts by the new (since Sept.’15) Espressivo Orchestra. Each concert has almost completely sold all available seats. They’ve done this by playing a bunch of selections from composers that the Cabrillo Festival (mostly living and visiting composers) and the Santa Cruz Symphony (large symphonic orchestra pop favorites) ignore. Composers such as Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Mahler, Ibert, Wagner and Hindemith have delighted an audience that has been waiting to hear more challenging stuff. Last week in the Colligan Theatre Espressivo played Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire and Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale. Here’s an advance warning that Maestro Singher gave us on Universal Grapevine in March. October 6th they’ll perform a work by Anton Webern and John Orlando will play a concerto by Leos Janacek and they’ll also play a Schubert Octet. That’s at the Peace United Church, and you know where that is. On March 30 they’ll do an All Yankee program. Walter Piston’s  Divertimento, John Adams Chamber Concerto (1970), Aaron Copland’s Applachian Spring, Charles Ives “Unanswered Questions” and Anton Webern’s Opus 10 also at 900 High Street. Go here to get more info, http://espressorch.org/concerts.html  but the new concerts probably aren’t announced yet.

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Hopefully Gary’s KUSP Land Use Brief will get online ASAP. He states…

The Santa Cruz City Council will weigh in Tuesday 4/12 on a classic confrontation.

Those who were around the City of Santa Cruz during the 1970s will remember the Frederick Street Irregulars. This neighborhood group organized to oppose a City plan to put high-rise apartments into their Eastside, single-family residential neighborhoods. The Irregulars won that battle, and a couple of Irregulars were elected to the City Council. By running for office, Sally Digirolamo and Carole DePalma changed the future of the city. You can read a brief history by visiting kusp.org/landuse

Maybe you’d like to get involved in making some history yourself? If you are an Eastside resident, or if you live or have a business on or adjacent to one of the City’s main transportation corridors (Mission Street, Ocean Street, Water Street, or Soquel Avenue), you should show up at the City Council meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 12th, at 7:00 p.m. A developer is proposing a high-rise apartment on the corner of Soquel and Hagemann Avenues, in a kind of replay of the type of Eastside development proposed, and rejected, in the 1970s. The City’s current planning efforts see this kind of development happening everywhere in the City. Show up at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday April 12th, at City Hall, if you want to get engaged in the discussion and decisionmaking. Check it all out here….Gary Patton’s Two Worlds Blog  The Leftmost City – History of Santa Cruz Politics In the 1970s          City’s Corridor Rezoning Website       City Council Agenda, April 12, 2016 Meeting .   Read the complete scripts of the above at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse.

Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds/365” – www.gapatton.net

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. One of my favorite DeCinzo’s see below….

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Goes deep into Mississippi politics for this one scroll down, just a few pages…and go here for Tim’s other opinions…

NEW MUSIC WORKS. April 16th. Phil Collins’ New Music Works presents…MAJOR KEYS of ASIA MINOR on 8pm, Sat. April 16, UCSC Music Center Recital Hall. It’s titled  The Spirit of Imagination Knows No Boundaries—Music & Peace: Views and notes from the Middle East. There’ll also be an Evening dialog with composer Eitan Steinberg & vocalist Etty BenZaken introduced by Philip Collins Friday, April 15 at 7 PM at Temple Beth El, Aptos. Read more at http://www.cysantacruz.com/#!The-Spirit-of-Imagination-Has-No-Boundaries/cugq/56e1b0fa0cf2e27c7640252b .

DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS. April 17.  John Orlando’s Distinguished Artists series presents pianist Misuzu Tanaka who’ll play…Schumann: Variations on the name “Abegg”. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109.  Beethoven: Rondo a Capriccio in G Major, “Rage Over a Lost Penny”, Op. 129.  Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No . 2 in D minor, Op. 14 and Rachmaninoff: Selections from Preludes Op.23 on Sunday, April 17, 2016, at 4 PM at Peace United Church, 900 High Street. Tickets at http://www.distinguishedartists.org/MisuzuTanaka/   

SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL. April 23. The Baroque Festival tells us, “We are coming to the close of our 43rd season! This final concert will celebrate Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary. We will be featuring songs and works that highlight Shakespeare’s words. Elizabeth Hungerford will be joining us with her beautiful voice to honor this great historical figure. UCSC’s Lit Department will also be celebrating with a free event prior to our concert in the Recital Hall. It will have readings and presentations of Shakespeare’s works. It is a free event and open to the public. Together, these two events will be a fun way to celebrate Shakespeare through many different mediums of art”. They add….” Elizabeth Hungerford, Soprano,Hideki Yamaya, lute, and Linda Burman-Hall,on harpsichord will be our players.

Shakespeare and Experimental Baroque highlights cutting edge vocal, lute and guitar music from the 17th-18th centuries when much of Baroque music was controversial and new. Honoring William Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary (April 23, 1616), our program opens with High Renaissance songs from Shakespeare’s plays and closes with High Baroque settings of Shakespeare texts. Experimental Italian songs that were considered radical at the start of the 17th century will form the center of the concert featuring ‘Canzonetta La Nonna’ by Tarquinio Merula. Later in the 17th Century, Purcell took Italian experimental chromaticism to heart in his heart-rending lament, The Plainte (O Let me Weep), from his own adapted version of Shakespeare’s ‘The Fairy Queen’. Elizabeth Hungerford’s clarion voice will illuminate Shakespeare’s words and bring them to life. Tickets available online at https://scbf.tixato.com/buy/ Ticket prices:  VIP: $30  General Admission: $20  Under 30: $16  Students and Youth: $5

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Santa Cruz Shakespeare has a Midsummer Dream of its own for its upcoming 2016 season. Find out how you can be part of it this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Also, come sail the Cyber Seas with me as I talk about pirate books and movies on my very first podcast, at the website “Under the Crossbones!” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE

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. April 12 has UCSC’s Matthew Lasar talking about his new book, “Radio2.0 : Uploading the 1st Broadcast Medium”. Then Phil Kramer of the Homeless Services Center gives us the scoop on their plans and accomplishments. April 19 has Joan Van Antwerp describing Albee’s play “A Delicate Balance” playing at the Center Stage (4/8-4/23). She’s followed by Laurie King, author of 14 Mary Russell (Mrs. Sherlock Holmes) mysteries detailing her Bookshop Santa Cruz new book signing on April 20. Andrew Austin tells us about UCSC’s latest development plans on April 26. Followed by The Reel Work Film Festival’s Camille Walker. The bi-annual KZSC Pledge Drive happens May 3 with County Supervisor John Leopold co-hosting and Sandy Lydon co-hosts for pledges on May 10. On May 17 Brian Spencer from the See Theatre talks about T. McNally’s play, “Mothers and Sons“. He’s followed by Becky Steinbruner discussing Aptos issues and the legal measures in her lawsuit. Anita Monga artistic Director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (21st Year) returns May 24. Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson talk about the Community of Artists show on May 31st. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. 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

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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. “WHALES”

“Nature did not put whales on this earth to splash kids while stuck in a pen”. Jane Velez-Mitchell.

“Many people cycle or swim to keep trim. But if swimming is so good for the figure, how do you explain whales?” Charles Saatchi.

“Ten percent of the big fish still remain. There are still some blue whales. There are still some krill in Antarctica. There are a few oysters in Chesapeake Bay. Half the coral reefs are still in pretty good shape, a jeweled belt around the middle of the planet. There’s still time, but not a lot, to turn things around”. Sylvia Earle.

“Ships are expendable; the whales are not”. Paul Watson.

TOM SCRIBNER THE MUSICIAN. (L to R) Tom Scribner musical Saw, Arlene Sutton accordion and piano, and Herman Olson musical saw and accordion. Because I’m receiving the first ever Tom Scribner Award this next Saturday I thought this would be a good time to share some of his two sided  history. Tom, Arlene and Herman made up “The Country Serenaders” and played many, many senior homes and benefits around the county for years. Tom’s colorful vest says, “The Lost Sound” and he had played the saw for fun and meeting people since 1910. He never “busked” or passed the hat. Tom wasn’t the greatest saw player in the world but because of his creating Santa Cruz’s annual Musical Saw Festival (this year is the 39th annual) we did get to hear many, many of the planet’s greats.                                                 photo credit: photo from my personal collection, courtesy of Tom Scribner) Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

DATELINE April 4, 2016

SANTA CRUZ DOWNTOWN HOSPITALITY HOST PROGRAM ENDING!!!

In spite of the favorable opinions from almost everybody those yellow jacketed Hospitality Hosts vanish as of June 30. As of right now it’s stated …because the contracts weren’t renewed. Paid for by Santa Cruz Businesses and property owners the program is run by the Downtown Management Corporation. The Downtown Management Corporation (online) has probably old data on it, with names like Ceil Cirillo, Bonnie Lipscomb, and Peter Prindle. Anyways we’ll miss those dedicated Pacific Avenue trekkers

TOM SCRIBNER & POLITICS. Tom cared much more about politics than the musical saw. Born in 1899, he was a tree cutter and very active with the Industrial Workers of the World. (I.W.W.). He moved here in the mid 60’s and from his home in Davenport he published a monthly/occasional  publication “The Redwood Ripsaw Review” and took on all comers, locally and internationally. Santa Cruz City Council members (Edler, Mahaney & Ghio) back in the late 70’s didn’t like Tom’s left-Socialist politics and fought hard to stop Marghe McMahon’s statue from being placed in SCOPE park next to the Town Clock in 1978. The square later became known as Scribner Square. The Square was later tagged for development and the statue was moved in front of Bookshop Santa Cruz in July 1993.

The Tom Scribner Award event is The People’s Democratic Club Fun-Raiser happening 3:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at the Live Oak Grange 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz. Supervisor Zach Friend and PDC Vice-president Nora Hochman are emcees. And there’ll be music by Dr. Chris Ring. They’re having three partially crazy contests…

1. Best Dressed County Supervisor
2. Worst nightmare candidate of 2016
3. Best next U.S. President.

There’s also going to be awards given to Desal Alternatives for Achievement of The Year; Sherry Conable, Steve Pleich, Mathilde Rand and Gail Williamson for Unsung Heroes Award. I’m proud to announce, again, that yours truly is being awarded the first ever Tom Scribner Award. This most certainly is not for my musical saw playing, which I’ve almost given up entirely.

Donation at the door. For more information call 465-8272. Of course I’ll see you there.

DILIP BASU DIED. Dilip Basu was an amazing guy. We got to know each other before, during,  and after many Satyajit Ray film screenings that he spent much of his life collecting, lecturing, and restoring. He was UCSC Professor Emeritus in the Humanities division of The History Department. He worked on his book “The Last Poem” for ages. He finished it but we never got the chance to talk about it on Universal Grapevine (as I promised). Cathy Basu Shender wrote…

“Dilip passed away Feb 22nd, in Santa Clarita.  He was working on his Satyajit Ray Archive which was recently moved from UCSC to the Packard Humanities  Institute in Santa Clarita…David Packard will organize something in his  honor this summer at the Stanford Theater in Palo Alto.  Dilip died of TB as a result of the prescription drug Humira. Dilip developed rheumatoid arthritis and was given Humira by a Santa Cruz rheumatologist. He took Humira for the past two years here in Santa Cruz. Humira can lower a person’s immune system and cause many serious infections including TB and lymphoma.  Dilip became ill this fall with a “mysterious infection”. The doctors could not figure out what the infection was until after he died.  It turned out to be TB.  Dilip had TB as a child in India and was exposed to TB. Many Indians are exposed to TB.  So I am frankly very upset that he was given Humira in the first place, and also upset that for 4-5 months the doctors could not put 2 and 2 together. They kept coming up with e coli and samonella typii. He might have been saved had they treated him for TB when his infection and symptoms first emerged in early September. The details are complicated…and TB can be dormant and very elusive. People can test negative for active TB but can still have dormant TB which attacks and it can spread silently. As I mentioned we’ll all miss him.”

HUMANE QUESTION. Just exactly what is the difference (and how is it justified ) between the photos we see of the proud fishermen holding up their dead catches and hunters killing the same age “wild animals” out in the woods?  (don’t give me that LEGAL thing)

LEAH GARCHIK AND FUNNY NAMES. Having nearly a lifetime obsession with unusual names I sent this note to San Francisco Chronicle’s Leah Garchik…
Leah,

Just wanted to report in on a great name in today’s (3/30/16)  issue of the Santa Cruz Sentinel. In an article about new buildings being proposed near an agricultural zone…it stated ..

Juggy Tut, president of Elite Developments, which bought the property last year, remains patient despite the controversy. “We’re just taking it one step at a time,” he said. “Let’s see what the commission says first.”

I think Juggy Tut (I checked it on the Elite Development website) ranks up there with three other local Santa Cruz names I’ve collected….Cashmere Tango Obedience*, E. Pluribus Eubanks,and Fortunato Macadangdang. Leah replied almost immediately…”Thanks Bruce. I Googled Juggy. Looks like he’s a gentleman of East Asian descent. I’m a bit loath to make fun of someone’s name, especially from another culture.Nonetheless, thanks (and I hope you understand). Best, Leah.   * p.s. I met Cashmere Tango Obedience, who’s real name was Kashmiri Obediencia. He actudally changed it because he loved to tango!

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary states in his KUSP Land Use Broadcasts this week….

THE WATER, LAND USE & TRANSPORTATION ALL GO TOGETHER.
AT LEAST THEY SHOULD.

When development decisions ignore the availability of adequate water resources, long term impacts can be severe, and necessary corrections can be costly.

If developments are approvedwithout properly accounting for their traffic impacts, the community ends up with gridlock. The state of Highway One in Santa Cruz County is a good example. It’s not so easy to escape from gridlock once overdevelopment has created it, and necessary corrections can be costly.

The Monterey Peninsula is certainly finding that out!

This rule applies to transportation, too. If developments are approved without properly accounting for their traffic impacts, the community ends up with gridlock. The state of Highway One in Santa Cruz County is a good example. It’s not so easy to escape from gridlock, once overdevelopment has created it, and corrections there are very costly, too.

Providing robust transit services is one way to mitigate the transportation impact of development. Getting people to take transit significantly reduces the traffic congestion caused by everyone trying to get around in an individual vehicle. But what happens when transit mitigation measures are cut back or eliminated? That is the question that the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will be wrestling with this week, Thursday 4/07.

The Transit District is making big service reductions because the District doesn’t have enough money to maintain existing bus routes. The City of Santa Cruz is concerned. If bus service is removed from major transportation corridors, there will be a lot more gridlock in the City of Santa Cruz, and on Highway One. Read the complete scripts of the above at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse.

Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivudu als and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds/365” – www.gapatton.net

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Naturalist DeCinzo treks into butterfly politics…scroll downwards…

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Tim takes us airborne with guess who??? See below…

VAN ANTWERP THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS…. A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee. Featuring: Ali Eppy, Susan Forrest, Ann McCormick, Brian Spencer, Janine Theodore and Frank Widman. It’s description….Wealthy couple, Agnes and Tobias have their complacency shattered when Harry and Edna, longtime friends appear at their doorstep. Claiming an encroaching, nameless “fear” has forced them from their own home, these neighbors bring a firestorm of doubt, recrimination and ultimately solace, upsetting the “delicate balance” of Agnes and Tobias’ household. “An evening of theatrical fireworks”   The New York Times.  Preview April 7th @ 7:30p. Performance Dates: 4/8,9,14,15,16, 22, 23 @ 7:30p, 4/17 @ 3p. Tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2514775

SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER PLAYERS CONCERT. The Players close their season April 9th and 10th with….“Blues and Rags to Riches”. Music by William Bolcom, Maurice Ravel, and Johaness BrahmsRoy Malan, artistic director and violin …Susan Freier, violin; Polly Malan, viola and Stephen Harrison, cello; Ian Scarfe on piano. From blues and rags to riches says it all; a journey from lightheartedness to profundity, at the tiller the creative guiding hands of three master composers. By 1910 Ravel was a famous man, which prompted a young George Gershwin to ask Ravel to teach him to write like he did.  Ravel answered by asking Gershwin how much money he had made from Rhapsody in Blue. William Bolcom’s homages to Jelly Roll Morton and James P. Johnson have become American national treasures.  Like other European composers of his period, Johannes Brahms was affected by folk and gypsy influences, which can be detected in the Scherzo of his Piano Quintet. But providentially for its performers and listeners, his main influence was simply Brahms himself.    

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th at 7:30 pm; Sunday, April 10th at 3:00 pm

WHERE:  Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos

TICKET INFO: $25 general, $20 senior, $10 youth Advance single tickets for all SC Chamber Players’ concerts are available at www.scchamberplayers.org

Single tickets are also available at the door 1/2 hr. prior to each performance

CUSTOMER INFO:  831.425.3149 or www.scchamberplayers.org

LANDMARK THEATRES & FREE PASSES!!! For at least ten years we’ve been awarding two free passes (Nickelodeon and The Del Mar) weekly to the first listener calling in with the correct answer to my movie question on KZSC’s “BushWhackers Breakfast Club” at 8:10am on Friday mornings, right after I do my weekly film critiques. It took a bit of adjustment but Landmark Theatres realized just how popular those passes and the program is and we’re back giving away passes. Thanks Landmark.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Find out what happens when fairy tales once again inspire an episode of Project Runway, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Also, I Saw the Light doesn’t provide much insight into the astonishingly short, but productive life of Hank Williams, but at least Tom Hiddleston has presence to burn in the starring role.” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

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. 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. There’s no Universal G’vine on April 5 because KZSC is broadcasting Robert Reich’s talk at The Rio Theatre live that same night. April 12 has UCSC’s Matthew Lasar talking about his new book, “Radio2.0 : Uploading the 1st Broadcast Medium”. Then Phil Kramer of the Homeless Services Center gives us the scoop on their plans and accomplishments. April 19 has Joan Van Antwerp describing Albee’s play “A Delicate Balance” opening at the Center Stage (4/8-4/23). She’s followed by Laurie King, author of 14 Mary Russell (Mrs. Sherlock Holmes) mysteries detailing her Bookshop Santa Cruz new book signing on April 20.

Andrew Austin tells us about UCSC’s latest development plans on April 26. Followed by The Reel Work Film Festival people. The bi-annual KZSC Pledge Drive happens May 3 with County Supervisor John Leopold co-hosting and May 10. On May 17 Brian Spencer from the See Theatre talks about T. McNally’s play, “Mothers and Sons“. He’s followed by Becky Steinbruner discussing Aptos issues and the legal measures in her lawsuit. Anita Monga artistic Director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (21st Year) returns May 24. Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson talk about the Community of Artists show on May 31st. The Short Story Winners from Bookshop Santa Cruz take over the June 14 program. 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   

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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 S wanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.

QUOTES.  “WATER”

“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.” e.e. cummings

“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.” Margaret Atwood

“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water”. Rabindranath Tagore

OUR WIDE PACIFIC AVENUE JUNE 1964. This is looking North from about where the Metro Station is now. Yes, it’s the Miss California Parade. Mostly the photo is to remind all of us that none of the buildings on Pacific have ever been moved closer than they were back then. In the name of beauty, but mostly greed, we’ve narrowed the Avenue from the FOUR lanes you see here to the barely two lanes we still have on a few blocks.                                                     photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

DATELINE March 28, 2016

CITY DESTROYS PEOPLES GARDEN. Cynthia Mathews (Queen Regnant) and her well-trained, subserviant city council once again has bowed and bent over forward to the power of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk also known as Charlie Canfield’s  Seaside Corporation. Last Thursday March 24 bulldozers tore up the Beach Flat Gardens. So far I have seen only one color photo in the Sentinel, no article, no words, no reporting at all of this cruel and approved deed. Michael Gasser of the Beach Flats Community Garden Coalition wrote this NEWS release…

City Bulldozes Agreement With Beach Flats Gardeners

For Immediate Release: March 24, 2016

Contact: Michael Gasser
bfgc.outreach@gmail.com
(812-219-2296)

A bulldozer rumbled into the Beach Flats Garden early Thursday morning, tearing out mature fruit trees and nopales plants that city staff had earlier promised would not be touched, and damaging an already strained relationship between the City and community. Parks workers ripped out stakes and string marking out garden plots that had earlier been marked out by parks workers and gardeners. An orange plastic fence dividing the community garden from land to be taken over by the Seaside Company was moved some 30 feet back from the line originally promised to the gardeners.

If this action is allowed to stand, a total of 5 garden plots originally promised to the gardeners under a 3 year lease agreement will be ceded back to the Seaside Company, including one that  would have served as a children’s learning garden. The Seaside Company had previously committed to leasing 60% of the garden and this change would be going back on that agreement.

When contacted by garden advocates, interim Parks and Recreation director Mauro Garcia claimed the destruction of fruit trees and other plants was a ” mistake” due to “miscommunication.” Emilio Martínez Castañeda, a longtime gardener involved in the talks with city staff, was appalled by the destruction and blatant violation of trust on the part of Garcia. ” The city is going back on their word by moving the fence and removing plots,” Don Emilio said, through a translator. “As for the fruit trees, Mauro’s asking for forgiveness, but what good is forgiveness after they’ve been destroyed?” Garden advocate Irene O’Connell expressed disbelief that the destruction was the result of “miscommunication.” Frankly, I feel it’s an insult to be asked to believe that,” said O’Connell. “The latest actions make it apparent that the city never had any intention of true collaboration with the gardeners”.

Former Santa Cruz Mayor and city councilmember Chris Krohn wrote this… This is incredibly bad news I feel compelled to share with you. The City of Santa Cruz, led by an interim out of control parks and rec director, Mauro Garcia,  and Charles Canfield, aka Seaside Co./Boardwalk has bulldozed fruit trees and other plants at the Beach Flats Community Garden that they had previously said they would not touch. It is considerably more than the 40% they initially said they were going to take back. But more importantly, they had worked out an agreement with the gardeners not to bulldoze or take out any trees, nor take out fruit trees in particular until they had been harvested this year…but, they lied and came in this past week and clear cut the garden. Please let city officials (below) know that this is not acceptable. It breaks an agreement and brings real hardship to the gardeners. With hope that we can preserve this community garden…

Don’t Mourn — Organize! Here’s what you can do:

1. Share this post from our website on social media: https://wp.me/p6voYt-BH
2. If you are on twitter, tweet your thoughts to  @beachboardwalk,  @CityofSantaCruz and @jardindelaplaya, include #savethejardin
3. Call Seaside Company representatives and ask them if they approved the bulldozing of trees and going back on the promise to lease 60% of the garden. Emphasize that the Beach Flats Community Garden needs a permanent home!

KRESGE RUINATION…NOT NEW NEWS…. Last week I wrote about what I thought was a secret plot that UCSC had about basically knocking down the architectural award winning Kresge college., so they could add lots more beds for the announced 600 new students they expect. Then I found in my collection of City On The Hill Presses an excellent article by Georgia Johnson in the February 26, 2016 City O.T.H. It’s titled “Campus expansion slated for Kresge, Porter meadow and Family Student Housing” Read it here…

ELECTION YEAR FUN-RAISER. The Peoples Democratic Club (PDC) is having a big Fun-raiser at the Live Oak Grange on 17th Avenue Saturday April 9 at 3 p.m. Supervisor Zach Friend and PDC Vice-president Nora Hochman are emcees. And music by Dr. Chris Ring. They’re having three partially crazy contests…

1. Best Dressed County Supervisor
2. Worst nightmare candidate of 2016
3. Best next U.S. President.

There’s also going to be awards given to… Desal Alternatives for Achievement of The Year…Sherry Conable, Steve Pleich, Mathilde Rand and Gail Williamson for Unsung Heroes Award. I’m proud to announce that I’m being awarded  th e first ever Tom Scribner Award. Which most certainly is not for my Musical Saw playing, which I’ve almost given up entirely. Donation at the door. For more information call 465-8272. Of course I’ll see you there.

SANDY LYDON’S CENTRAL COAST SECRETS. If you’re new around here and don’t want to feel new, check out author, teacher, historian- non pariel Sandy Lydon’s website. It lists all the trips and tours and he throws in deep dark secrets about our local history. He’s got Santa Cruz County tours happening in April and May and another of his nearly notorious China tours happening in October. Go here…you’ll see

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary Patton reads and writes his KUSP Land Use Report…

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commissionis also planning for a ballot measure. The SCCRTC, better known as the “Transportation Commission,” calls its proposed tax measure a “Transportation Improvement Plan.” The Santa Cruz County Transportation Commission is also shooting for a “compromise” mix of spending proposals. There are funds for a “Rail Trail,” and funds for local street improvements, and some funds for widening projects to address congestion on Highway One. So far, the Santa Cruz County proposal hasn’t reached a final “compromise” status. The Campaign for Sensible Transportation, in particular, doesn’t think that widening Highway One would be either a good “investment,” or any actual “improvement.” If you care, stay tuned and keep reading!

“We Are Aptos” has litigation on its mind!

I try to keep abreast of what’s happening in the land use arena around the entirety of the Monterey Bay Region. There is almost always something interesting in the works, or in the wings, and I try to pick a few of the most stimulating and important items to feature on these very brief land use reports, presented here on KUSP. My on the air comments do have to be brief, so I encourage listeners to check out the additional information available at kusp.org/landuse. In today’s blog posting, I have a link to an official court document, a complaint filed in the Santa Cruz County Superior Court by a group called “We Are Aptos.” This group charges Santa Cruz County with approving a final subdivision map for the Aptos Village Project without doing necessary environmental analysis, and without making sure that the promises of the developer, made in connection with gaining project approval, will actually be delivered by the project as constructed.  If you care about the future of Aptos, I think you might like to check out this complaint. Here’s what We Are Aptos says about its reason for filing the lawsuit: “This lawsuit is not intended to stop the development of the Aptos Village Project, but is … intended to ensure that all amenities and other Project components are implemented as promised.”

Read the complete scripts of the above at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds/365” – www.gapatton.net

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. De Cinzo presents an annual stage tragedy scroll downwards..

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Eagan’s concept of a fearsome three…see below…

SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL.The Festival presents their fifth concert in this season…FIVE FANTASTIC FLUTES. They say, “Come get your Louis the 15th on! Boismortier was the first composer in history to write for the unique combination of five solo baroque flutes. The program also includes the popular London Trios by Joseph Haydn written in 1794. This performance features the entire flute section of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra – Stephen Schultz, Janet See and Mindy Rosenfeld – joined by Bay Area flutists Lars Johannesson and Alissa Roedig, with Amy Brodo on cello.
Sunday April 3 at 4:00pm Holy Cross Church , 210 High Street, Santa Cruz.

Tickets probably/maybe at the door or ? 831-457-9693 ? E-mail ? P.O. Box 482 ? Santa Cruz, CA 95061.

APTOS KEYBOARD SERIES & APRIL 3RD. CONCERT. On Sunday, April 3, at 3 pm at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church, 9850 Monroe Avenue, Aptos, the Aptos Keyboard Series will present the highly acclaimed 25-year-old Russian pianist Daria Kiseleva. Program Mozart: Allegro in B-flat Major, K.400 (1781) Rachmaninoff: Variations on a Theme of Corelli (1931) Intermission Ravel: Gaspard de la Nuit (1908) Ginastera: Danzas Argentinas (1937) All concert proceeds go to the artist. For more information or advance tickets please call Josef Sekon, Artistic Director of the Aptos Keyboard Series (831) 685 9169.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE’S “THE HANGMEN”. National Theatre Live has been bringing us the best live theatre in the world right to the Del Mar. “The Hangmen” following a sell-out run at London’s Royal Court Theatre, Olivier and Academy Award® winner Martin McDonagh (The Pillowman, The Cripple of Inishmaan, In Bruges) returns to the Del Mar with Matthew Dunster’s award-winning production of his deeply funny new play Hangmen, broadcast live to cinemas by National Theatre Live. In his small pub in the northern English town of Oldham, Harry (David Morrissey – The Walking Dead, State of Play) is something of a local celebrity. But what’s the second-best hangman in England to do on the day they’ve abolished hanging? Amongst the cub reporters and pub regulars dying to hear Harry’s reaction to the news, his old assistant Syd (Andy Nyman – Peaky Blinders, Death at a Funeral) and the peculiar Mooney (Johnny Flynn – Clouds of Sils Maria) lurk with very different motives for their visit. It plays March 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday April 3 at 11 a.m.

VAN ANTWERP THEATRE COMPANY. Presents Edward Albee’s “A Delicate Balance” It’s Coming April 7 to Center Stage at 1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz. Wikipedia says, “A Delicate Balance” is a play by Edward Albee. It premiered in 1966  and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1967, the first of three he received for his work. The uneasy existence of upper-middle-class suburbanites Agnes and Tobias and their permanent houseguest, Agnes’ witty alcoholic sister Claire, is disrupted by the sudden appearance of lifelong family friends Harry and Edna, fellow empty nesters with free-floating anxiety, who ask to stay with them to escape an unnamed terror. They soon are followed by Agnes and Tobias’s bitter 36-year-old daughter Julia, who returns home following the collapse of her fourth marriage. It stars Ali Eppy, Susan Forrest, Ann McCormick. Brian Spencer, Janine Theodore, and Frank Widman, 4/7 @ 7:30p, plus 4/8, 9,14,15, 16,17, 22, 23. Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2514775  

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “It’s all about books and food, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). My new novel takes one big step closer to publication, and I finally figured out how to upload my cool book trailer for Alias Hook that I promised a few weeks ago! Then discover the world, one meal at a time, in the fascinating foodie doc, City of Gold.” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE

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. Michel Singher talks about the next concert of the Espressivo Orchestra on March 29. He’s followed by Jack Nelson relating the purposes and achievements of the Campaign For Sensible Transportation. There’s no Universal G’vine on April 5 because KZSC is broadcasting Robert Reich’s talk at The Rio Theatre live that same night. April 12 has UCSC’s Matthew Lasar talking about his new book, “Radio2.0 : Uploading the 1st Broadcast Medium”. Then Phil Kramer of the Homeless Services Center gives us the scoop on their plans and accomplishments. April 19 has Joan Van Antwerp describing Albee’s play “A Delicate Balance” opening at the Center Stage (4/8-4/23). She’s followed by Laurie King, author of 14 Mary Russell (Mrs. Sherlock Holmes) mysteries detailing her Bookshop Santa Cruz new book signing on April 20. Andrew Austin tells us about UCSC’s latest development plans on April 26. Followed by The Reel Work Film Festival people. The bi-annual KZSC Pledge Drive happens May 3 and May 10. On May 17 Brian Spencer from the See Theatre talks about T. McNally’s play, “Mothers and Sons“. He’s followed by Becky Steinbruner discussing Aptos issues and the legal measures in her lawsuit. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always at bratton@cruzio.com   

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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-Darrow, 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, Da n 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 air soft as that of Seville in April, and so fragrant that it was delicious to breathe it”. Christopher Columbus.
“Men are April when they woo, December when they wed. Maids are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives”. William Shakespeare
“Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see the world hath more fools in it than ever”. Charles Lamb