LIBERACE’S BROTHER GEORGE (middle) and our own Hocus Pocus with reindeer (and somebody) at Santa’s Village May 9 1959. Newcomers missed Santa’s Village in Scotts Valley. It was built in 1955 and went bankrupt in 1959. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

DATELINE December 2, 2013

ALMOST CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE CYNTHIA CHASE… Cynthia Chase is and has been the program director of GEMMA, the program helping woman and men re-adjust to life outside jail. GEMMA is part of The Santa Cruz County Community Action Board. Before GEMMA she was a probation officer and a non-profit service treatment provider. As she said,” my professional work has allowed me the opportunity to work with both victims and offenders and understand the depth and complexity of the issues and needs that impact the whole community”. She also stated, ” I offer the community a broad spectrum of skill and experience related to public safety”. I interviewed her last week on Universal Grapevine but only about Gemma, it was afterwards we had a chance to talk politics. She’s dealt with boards of directors, thousands of community members from all levels, and knows how to handle and facilitate all kinds of issues and challenges. Plus, she’s smart and involved and very caring about the future and present of our Santa Cruz community. If you know Cynthia Chase encourage her to run for City Council. If you don’t know her make it a point to know her…and then vote for her. She’s the best candidate we’ve had in decades!!!

ARANA GULCH …gone. This article is from Jean Brocklebank the longest fighting, most fearless Gulch protector, who worked for so many years to preserve Arana Gulch. ” The Arana Gulch greenbelt is no more. No matter how the thing will be spinned by the City and all those who supported the so-called bike “path,” our greenbelt is gone, “drawn and quartered,” as Michael Lewis penned in his “So Long Arana Gulch” essay on November 15 (HERE). Friends of Arana Gulch (FOAG) showed up for the City’s groundbreaking, dressed in black. We stood, right at the front of the gathering (sic), to mourn the death of a greenbelt and not let the destructors have their day unmarred in celebration. We were successful in this at least. Our message was clear to the gathered crowd, who tried not to look at us but couldn’t help themselves. We threw mournful water on their party. We were tolerated, as the politicos made their speeches and shoveled their dirt. For pictures of our funereal presence click HERE.

The destruction of Arana Gulch began in earnest on November 12, with the mowing of huge swaths all over the grassland to make construction corridors from the Agnes Street entrance all the way to Hagemann Creek and to the harbor entrance. Then the 20′ – 30′ – 48′ wide corridors were fenced (both sides), covered with fabric and lain with a thick layer of base rock, snuffing out the life of the ancient soil under it all. The scale of the project began to take form visually. FOAG knew all along (yet so many people failed to understand) that Broadway Brommer was not going to be a simple “path,” but rather an industrial scale building project. Look HERE at the kind of stuff that Proven Management, the low bidder on the project, does and you’ll understand. In the three weeks since the project began, the public is seeing, with shocked eyes, the extent of the ruination of the greenbelt. FOAG is up there daily, monitoring the destruction and has heard from so many “I never knew it was going to be like this!” Some say “I supported the project as described by the City, but now I regret my support.”

FOAG has found several violations (just three weeks into a year long project) of best management practices, photo-documented them and is sending them to the City, the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, and the Coastal Commission. One has to wonder where the required City “biologist monitor” and construction monitors are. Three weeks into the project trees are cut, soil upturned, wildlife scattered, equipment oil leaking, critical habitat impacted beyond what was promised. FOAG will be putting up pictures as the destruction continues. Stay tuned.

OCEAN STREET HERITAGE TREE MESSAGE. An email states, re last weeks article by Gillian Greensite…”The beautiful chestnut tree is slated to be cut down to make way for a Hyatt Hotel on Broadway just a few houses down from Ocean Street, the site of the former Unity Temple. The Heritage Tree Ordinance mandates protection for heritage trees unless “a construction project design cannot reasonably be altered to accommodate existing heritage trees.” (Criteria and Standards #3). The tree is near the sidewalk and a minor change in design could easily allow for the development and the tree to coexist. (Greensite). I agree with Greensite and Bratton. Please find a way to leave the tree alone. People come here to see the beauty of Santa Cruz, not its destruction”.
Gail Cruse

SPACE SHOWER CLOSED LOOP SHOWER HEAD. Peggy Snider sent this photo from the Smithsonian Magazine saying it might help our water situation. I can’t make heads or tails of what it does, but it looks cool.

COMMISSION OPENINGS NOW!!! Santa Cruz Neighbors ie. Deborah Elston send out this notice last week. Being on a commission is about the fastest way to learn how “the system” works. The notice said, “There are openings or reappointments available on the Arts Commission, Downtown Commission, Parks and Recreation commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission, Water Commission, Sister Cities committee, Measure K Oversight Committee and Board of Building Appeals. Applications are available in the City Clerks Office 809 Center St. Room 9 by phone at 420-5030 OR online at www.cityofsantacruz.com. The deadline for submission is by noon Jan15, 2014. Applicants will be invited to meet with council members in the council chamber at 7pm Jan 21 and appointments will be made Jan 28^th. Notice there are openings on the water commission and the planning commission…no small potatoes there.

WHO IN FICTION ARE YOU?? Follow this link, take the quiz, and find out!

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary talks about Alcohol Beverage Control rules and regs and what locals can do to enforce them. He talks about Monterey County and “Farmland Security Zones” and LCP’s and the Coastal Commission. He deals with the Monterey Shale Formation and fracking and how Jerry Brown thinks fracking is a good thing!!! RTIP or Regional Transportation Improvement Program is centering on Santa Cruz County and big money and good projects are involved, you should be too. Gary closes telling us about a book he wrote and about the importance of the Coastal Commission. Read all of above scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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 DE CINZO. Ambulance chaser DeCinzo gives a never ending turn of events on Highway 17. Scroll lower down.

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Another in- depth news report on disasters. See below.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “This week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com ), watch me scramble around trying to catch up with all the new movies in town—including Dallas Buyers Club and The Book Thief.” 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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. . Steven Bignell & Susan Bruijnes talk about their brand new book, “228 Things to See in Santa Cruz County, after which former Santa Cruz Supreme Court Judge Bill Kelsey relates his time on the bench. Dr. Alfred Petrocelli discusses osteoporosis and Don Grube talks about theatre at Cabrilho College on Dec. 10. Stephen Slade from The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County tells us of their latest plans and projects on Dec. 17, then Mike Wallace ex-reporter and author of the new MAH publication “The Borina Family of Watsonville” tells about his research. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click here then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES. “A happy family is but an earlier heaven”, George Bernard Shaw. “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops”, Cary Grant. “Sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship”, Margaret Mead.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

CIVIL RIGHTS SYMPATHY MARCH. March 13, 1965. Back in 1965 this was probably 98% of the Santa Cruz Democrats. It was at the corner of Lincoln and Center Streets according to the street sign. I believe Herb and Ellie Foster are in there someplace and so is Norm Lezin but I can’t find them. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

DATELINE Nov. 25, 2013

DE-SAL & RE-SET AND THE DROUGHT SOLUTIONS CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE & MAYOR ROBINSON.

Many eyes and hopefully many more voters will be watching closely as mayors Bryant and Robinson push, wedge and screw their choices onto the 19 member Drought Solutions Citizens Advisory Board (DSCAB or de-scab). As we’ve read this hand picked board could spend $1 million in the next year on their water solutions. It’s proposed that up to $300,000 be spent on a facilitator for this board which is slated to exist for at least a year. With Robinson’s connections to the Boardwalk and the Theme Park industry you can bet the Boardwalk will never have to reveal just how much water they use (has anyone ever dared ask how much water the Boardwalk uses…especially with their water rides?) We see that the Sustainable Water Coalition is guaranteed a seat on the DSCAB. Who’s behind the Sustainable Water Coalition just Mike Rotkin, Cynthia Mathews, Chamber of Commerce and every right wing Democrat you’ve heard of. The Lodging Association, Developers, Conference Visitors Assoc., The Downtown Association all those 100% De-Sal supporters. On the other hand The Community Water Coalition has never been officially asked, consulted or considered on thi siiissue or about the DSCAB board. I’m writing this on Monday, 11/25. The City Council meeting on 11/26 will give us a preview of how our waters future will pan out…scabs and all.

MORE WORDS ON OUR HERITAGE TREE ORDINANCE. Gillian Greensite sent in what she calls …STORIES FROM THE URBAN FOREST

Part #4 A TREE THAT CAN BE SAVED.

The beautiful chestnut tree pictured below is slated to be cut down to make way for a Hyatt Hotel on Broadway just a few houses down from Ocean Street, the site of the former Unity Temple. The Heritage Tree Ordinance mandates protection for heritage trees unless “a construction project design cannot reasonably be altered to accommodate existing heritage trees.” (Criteria and Standards #3 ). The tree is near the sidewalk and a minor change in design could easily allow for the development and the tree to coexist.

The issue is back before the council since significant design changes for the project are being proposed. Such changes should include saving this tree. At the last council hearing on this project where the vote was to approve the project and remove the tree, an elderly woman with tears in her eyes grabbed my arm outside the council chambers and begged me to save the tree. She said her father had planted the tree and showed me a tiny black and white photo from the 1930’s showing the tree which had size and stature even at that time. The Heritage Tree Ordinance is meaningless if it cannot protect a tree such as this one. If you care, please email the council at citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com and urge them to save this heritage tree. The meeting is on Tuesday December 3rd. Thank you, Gillian Greensite, Save Our Big Trees

ARANA GULCH NOTE. Just a note I received this week… “Thank you so very much for writing and letting people know what is happening in Arana Gulch. Perhaps you have been informed about the latest proceedings there. They have installed a double row of chain link fence diagonally across the meadow, completely blocking parts of the trail previously available to hikers around the circumference. It is no longer possible to walk the circumference, and certainly not possible to walk in peace, with no noisy machinery. I am 77 and I’ve been walking in Arana Gulch for many years, almost every morning. I have greatly valued those early morning walks, and being able to enjoy the birds and other wildlife, when they were undisturbed. Thank you very much for writing about this. Have a lovely day, (I will leave it anonymous)

DAN DEPP’S BOOKSHOP. Rita Bottoms was eagle eyed and kind enough to write and remind me that she wrote about Johnny Depp’s brother Dan’s bookshop that was here in Santa Cruz. From her book “Riffs & Ecstasies; True Stories” (chapter 12) here are some of the details from the book…

 
DAN’S BOOKSHOP
“At the edge of Santa Cruz just before you head north through Brussels sprouts and artichoke fields on Highway 1, there was once a small bookshop called “Frugal Bookworm” wedged between a narrow liquor store and a pharmacy in a short shopping strip with a carpet emporium and a Chinese restaurant at either end. From the parking lot you really couldn’t see into the shop and sometimes the windows were blocked or covered with paper. It was never large enough for all the books that were in it and shelves and boxes were jammed and stacked where there was room. It was 1993 and the bookshop would be open irregular days and hours and then closed for several weeks while its proprietor was in Los Angeles or Paris. When it was open
I’d go during lunch to shoot the breeze with its bookseller, Dan Depp, whose wife, Nazee, I knew from the library. It was total joy to be there, kibitzing with someone who reveled in the life of the mind and creativity of all sorts, who loved books, and had them for sale at affordable prices. In our many conversations we hashed over writers, photographers, painters and, of course, Paris.

….”For years Dan been writing screenplays, short stories and poems and a decade after closing Frugal Bookworm, he was a published writer with a well-received novel under his belt, making the rounds of European literary circuits. In August 2009, as we were packing our bags for France, out of the blue from Paris where he was working on his second novel, Dan sent an email wondering if “by some miracle” we were heading over to Europe. I wrote back ” how about next Monday!”….

…”There’s nothing like Frugal Bookworm now in Santa Cruz, the small neighborhood used bookshop. Twenty years later seeing the price of “9.00” penciled into Deirdre Bair’s biography of Simone de Beauvoir takes me back to that great good place. Unique at the time and now as well, Dan had no idea what it meant to me.”

Rita’s book of Riffs is available at Literary Guillotine, La Sirena Antiques, Bookshop Santa Cruz and City Lights Bookshop.

SAM VESTAL REMEMBERED. Sam Vestal was an ace photographer and a certified character in this county a few years ago. He worked for decades at the Watsonville Register Pajaronian. Here’s what the San Jose Mercury wrote about him and his photograph of JFK. Then after that GO HERE TO SEE VESTALS PHOTOS… . Sam’s widow Alyce sent us all of the above, thanks Alyce.

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary talks about de-sal and the cities “re-set” proposal. He talks about The Community Water Coalition and Desal Alternatives and how hopeful so many voters are that maybe now we can work with the city in deciding our water’s future. Tuesday he talks about Graham Hill Road and LAFCO. On Wednesday Gary defines “Complete Streets”. Then he hopes we all have a Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday, and thanks the California Coastal Commission. He closes by giving us some news about UCSC’s Life Lab program and what we can all learn from their projects. Read all of above scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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 DE CINZO. DeCinzo flutters around with nature and development. See about 4 pages downwards.

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Mr. Eagan looks at politics as a career…for those who think young. See below.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa didn’t send a teaser plus link this week so let me tell you to go to her website and read her handy tips on how to write a novel. This is because of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Some rare details there. She also has an unusual take on the SSC production of “It’s A Wonderful Life“. Go to Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Lisa Jensen has been writing film reviews and a column 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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. Alcohol Policy Consultant Jim Mosher guests on Nov. 26, after which Cynthia Chase, program director of GEMMA tells us about their program. Steven Bignell & Susan Bruijnes talk about their brand new book, “228 Things to See in Santa Cruz County, after which former Santa Cruz Supreme Court Judge Bill Kelsey relates his time on the bench.Dr. Alfred Petrocelli discusses osteoporosis and Don Grube talks about theatre at Cabrilho College on Dec. 10. Stephen Slade from The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County tells us of their latest plans and projects on Dec. 17, then Mike Wallace ex-reporter and author of the new MAH publication “The Borina Family of Watsonville” tells about his research. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click here then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES. “The widower reviewed his past in a sunless light which was intensified by the greyness of the November twilight, whilst the bells subtly impregnated the surrounding atmosphere with the melody of sounds that faded like the ashes of dead years”, Georges Rodenbach. “October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy drafts that bit at exposed hands and faces,” J.K. Rowling. “Remember, remember the Fifth of November, The Gunpowder Treason and Plot, I know of no reason,Why the gunpowder treason, Should ever be forgot,” Alan Moore, V for Vendetta

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

COOPER STREET REVISION, 1967. For some reason Cooper Street must cry out for revisions. Back in January 1967 Dave Armstrong drew up this plot to close off the Street. Obviously it never happened. That’s Front Street on the right margin, The Octagon is pretty obvious and Pacific Avenue is on the left. We’ll be seeing newer but similar plans soon, from what I hear. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

DATELINE.. Monday, November 18, 2013

MORE NUDES THAN YOU’VE EVER SEEN IN YOUR LIFE. I got a link from Brad Cava….thank him!!!

OUR HARD FOUGHT SIGN ORDINANCE & HOTEL DENSITY. Santa Cruz County has many reasons to be proud of some of our unique laws, ordinances and legal stuff. One of those accomplishments was the banning of billboards and relatively tight control over signage relating to commercial buildings. Now word on the street has it that our Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is working on easing standards to allow for more hotels and motels to be built around the county. For starters they want to allow four stories and decrease the amount of parking spaces. We need to watch that tricky all male quintet. They are pushing for zoning code changes that will make it easier to build hotels/motels in Santa Cruz than in almost all other Pacific Coastal towns. Has anybody brought up the source of drinking water for all these dreamed of high risers??

LITTLE LOCAL HISTORY NOTE. Last Friday afternoon Candy Coonerty Protti, dad Neal Coonerty and I were discussing the big booksale and our Hot Damn String Band performance that would happen that night.(It went great!!!) One of the Bookstore employees came up and said a customer was phoning asking if anybody knew about a bookstore owned by someone named Depp. Luckily I could and did, help out. It was Johnny Depp’s brother who did indeed have a book store here. It was out on Mission Street between the Omei Restaurant and Shen’s Gallery. Katherine Beiers told me about it. Probably about 10 years ago..it’s long gone now, and I don’t know if Bro Johnny ever did visit the store.

A LATE VETERANS DAY THOUGHT. I first met David McReynolds in Pasadena in 1953, he was brilliant and sensitive back then too. This is one of his EdgeLeft columns.

EdgeLeft: We Are All Wounded Veterans by David McReynolds

There is something infinitely sad and even repellent about the current celebration of Veterans Day. This was once Armistice Day, the observation of the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day in November, 1918 when the guns fell silent and the great war ended. The war to end all wars. There is certainly a difference between those veterans who survived a war in defense of their country, and those who took part in a war of aggression. Whatever pacifists may feel about war, there was a purpose for those in the Allied forces in World War II who were defending their countries after they had been attacked. Sadly, this cannot be said about the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan.The whole veteran thing is complex. War, for those who actually experienced it – who didn’t serve their time at a supply base – is hell. I remember, as a child, wondering how any man could get out of the trenches and walk through a field of death with sounds beyond thunder bursting all around. I still don’t know. I only know I would never have the courage to do it.

My father, when a visiting pastor at our church assured the men in the congregation who had served in the military that they need not feel burdened by a sense of guilt over what they might have done, since they had only carried out orders from the State, took the pastor aside after the service and, with barely controlled fury, said “Don’t you dare tell me that I am not guilty for what I did. I did it because I didn’t know what else to do, and only the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ can redeem me for the sins of violence”. Even in the best of good wars what of the men on the losing side, who suffered the same horrors but had no brass bands to welcome them home, no mayors and pastors to bless them? The Nazi side was criminal, but the soldiers in their army – and in the Japanese army – fought with courage and returned home to ruins. What can we say of those wars in which we had no real national interest? The Vietnamese did not attack us, Iraq posed no national threat, nor did the Afghans. Our men and women fought because they were ordered to. Some – a very small handful of them – enjoyed the violence. Most were terrified or brutalized by it. Most of all, what I think of on this day, is that, with the miracle of modern medicine, the men and women who, in other wars would have died from their wounds, now survive, and return without all of their limbs, missing parts of their faces, or brains, facing a life ahead of them of physical therapy.

It is one thing for me, at 84, to remind myself that, if I want to ease the pains of walking, I need to do prescribed exercises. But how unfair that these youth, who should be returning home to run, to play baseball with their children, to make love with vigor, must instead adjust to artificial arms and legs, to endless painful hours of physical therapy. Those who saw combat do not return whole. Their dreams reek of death, of comrades torn apart, of foreign children shot by accident.

And we do nothing at all to bring to justice those who sent these men and women into wars which were, in a fundamental sense, unjust. And even in the good wars there is still the memory of an enemy who, in death, turned out to be only an adolescent. In the bad wars – which are the only wars we have fought for some time now – there is the terrible knowledge that the enemy was never really the enemy. That if there is an enemy it is the government that asks us to celebrate the service of the veterans. Let us honor the veterans – all of them, of any nationality. But remember also that in these wars there are other veterans whose fate is not mentioned by Obama, the mothers in Iraq, the wives in Vietnam, the children in Afghanistan, and all the wounded in distant lands, for whom there is no modern medical science. Only dust, blood and pain.

So our goal, and a goal I suspect I share with a great many veterans, is to work for a world where there are no new veterans and where, perhaps to diminish the chance of such wars, we bring to justice those who so lightly send our young into foreign lands”.(Edgeleft is an occassional column written by David McReynolds, who was on the staff of War Resisters League for many years, and was twice the Socialist Party’s candidate for President. He is retired, and lives on Manhattan’s Lower East Side with his two cats. He can be reached at: davidmcreynolds7@gmail.com. His writings can be found on his website: Edgeleft.org)

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary’s KUSP Land Use Reports this week cover…growing marijuana legally or not, and the neighborly impacts. Read all about DOGGR and fracking and the Sierra Club. He goes on to talk about CPUC and a PG&E project in Santa Cruz County (a main power line in Aptos-Watsonville). He warns of a Capitola City General Plan Update on Thursday 11/21. He closes by telling how Verizon backed down on a plan/plot to build a cell phone tower!!! He adds that we should all get involved, and stay involved in our community, because we can make a difference. Read all of above scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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 DE CINZO. Arms and the man…like it or not !!! Scroll lower.

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Tim illustrates what it means to be « in arms way ». see below some more.
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “This week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com ) I bring you news from the publishing front re: National Novel Writing Month (don’t hit Send until you read this), and wonder where the magic went in the latest—possibly last—Shakespeare Santa Cruz holiday show.” 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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. The winners fom this year’s Bookshop Santa Cruz’s Young Writers contest will read their works on the Nov. 19^th program. Alcohol Policy Consultant Jim Mosher guests on Nov. 26, after which Cynthia Chase, program director of GEMMA tells us about their program. Steven Bignell & Susan Bruijnes talk about their brand new book, “228 Things to See in Santa Cruz County, after which former Santa Cruz Supreme Court Judge Bill Kelsey relates his time on the bench.Dr. Alfred Petrocelli discusses osteoporosis and Don Grube talks about theatre at Cabrilho College on Dec. 10. Stephen Slade from The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County tells us of their latest plans and projects on Dec. 17. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click here http://kzsc.org/blog/tag/universal-grapevine then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES. “After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations,” Oscar Wilde. “I celebrated Thanksgiving in an old-fashioned way. I invited everyone in my neighborhood to my house, we had an enormous feast, and then I killed them and took their land,” Jon Stewart. “I always think it’s funny when Indians celebrate Thanksgiving. I mean, sure, the Indians and Pilgrims were best friends during the first Thanksgiving, but a few years later, the Pilgrims were shooting Indians. So I’m never quite sure why we eat Turkey like everybody else”, Sherman Alexie.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

CONSTRUCTION OF CVS (LONG’S ) DRUG STORE. This was taken July 22,1965. You can see The Del Mar Theatre on the far left. Van’s Super Market in the photo is about where Oswald’s Restaurant and that ugly three story parking structure is located on Front Street. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

DATELINE November 11, 2013

BY WAY OF EXPLANATION. I’m glad that so many folks wonder about how and why BrattonOnline is sometimes “late” and sometimes “right on the deadline date”. I write and finish all the words, pictures, links, edits, everything, by Monday afternoon. I send all of it to Gunilla Leavitt (my web person) owner of The Golden Fleece Emporium of Wonderment and Yarn Shop over at the entrance to the Sashmill. Gunilla is one busy woman. She runs the store, manages her family, and has been re-creating all my stuff online for, lo these almost 12 years. She gets to it as soon as she can…she does this for little more than a short song, so to speak. So sometimes BrattonOnline gets online on Mondays sometimes it’s later, but I always have made that deadline on Mondays. Now you know. Another thing don’t send any stuff to me at photo@BrattonOnline or Info@BrattonOnline. That just makes more work for Gunilla, send everything to me at bratton@Cruzio.com. I like Cruzio, and always have, so send all rumors, opinions and even facts to bratton@cruzio.com. Please.

WELCOME TO SANTA CRUZ. Wish I could see a show of hands of how many people realize that all those horrible, terrible, adjectives that we Santa Cruzans now say about our homeless population…we used to say about Blacks, Mexicans, Jews, Chinese, and other humans we didn’t like??

WE HELP SOME OF THE WORLD’S STARVING. Africa, Cuba, India, Phillipines, you name it and there’s an abundance of American Agencies and lots of Santa Cruzans helping those poor people…but not our own homeless!!! What’s that about? Are they not human, do they not bleed?

ENGINEERS STRIKE AT DOMINICAN DRAGS ON!!! Nancy Abbey of The People’s Democratic Club (PDC) sends this..The Engineers Strike at Dominican drags on – six weeks now for these 15 skilled workers who keep the hospital equipment and facility running. Dignity Health is still not willing to discuss the workers’ proposals or negotiate a contract (they’ve been working without one for over two years) that would preserve their 40 hour work week. So they just keep walking that picket line. Let’s walk with them!!! They’re out there from dawn to dusk every day so you can join them almost any time for an hour or two and be most welcomed. Better still; get a friend to walk with you.

What do they want? They want a contract and a guaranteed 40 hour work week. Without the contract there’s no guarantee that their hours won’t be cut back, and more people hired halftime to avoid paying benefits – as so many huge corporations have done and are doing. But they’re a small union and Dignity can ignore them. Let’s show them that we’re not ignoring them. Call dignity Healthcare CEO, Lloyd Dean (who is compensated over $500,000 per month – yes, per month!) And tell him to go back to the bargaining table. His phone number is 415-438-5500. For more information check out the PDC website at www.pdclub.org.

MORE WORDS ABOUT OUR DOWNTOWN HALLOWEEN. One item I forgot in my last week’s sadness over the militarization of our Santa Cruz Halloween downtown was why do we have the Cooper Street Concentration Camp set upo every year. That’s the 12 foot high chain link fence enclosure that takes up all of Cooper Street. Then I learned it is the Watsonville Police Incident Command Center. Which officials approve that structure every year? After hearing and reading the complaints about the helicopter flying overhead most of Halloween night, I received this email from a concerned and longtime local citizen…

“This is to thank you for your column highlighting a reality I have not read or heard about anywhere else in our community. I have experienced as you did the chilling and intimidating feeling one has had on Halloween night on Pacific Avenue in the last few years, a night meant to be scary and fun. But instead, it’s scary and not fun. Floodlit, chain link fenced and military style police-surveillance. This feels like the war in Iraq coming home and all its costly and overpowering machinery with nowhere to go but be sold to local governments who lack trust in its locals to handle potential vandalism and other issues. I would love us see a return to the old way, maybe with a couple cops on the beat with the ability to call for reinforcements. No floodlights, no fences. Having lived in SC for 33 years and watched and participated in many downtown Halloweens, I trust Santa Cruz and I know we can handle problems moderately. Thanks again and hope this issue continues to be addressed”.

WORK BEGINS ON ARANA GULCH. (without a permit!) Jean Brocklebank writes..

The City, chomping at the Broadway Brommer Bit, has begun its work at Arana Gulch. A 40′ construction trailer is installed on Agnes Street. Signage at both entrances is posted. Survey stakes for the paved route are in place. Not able to build bridges this winter, apparently they decided to pave the meadow first. The City has decided to proceed without an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and is doing so based on their faulty logic that the definition of “take” (aka harm or kill) only applies to an actual tarplant above ground. According to the City seed in the soil (seedbank) doesn’t count. With this logic, any land owner could slowly develop “critical habitat” of any annual plant on the endangered species list, as long as there were no plants above ground that were “taken” by development. Eventually the species would have nowhere to go. So, the City forges ahead without an ITP, thumbing their uninformed, uneducated, unscientific noses at the world. Because they can”. We need to thank Jean for keeping us abreast of what our City Council is up to.

MORE WORDS ON OUR HERITAGE TREE ORDINANCE. Gillian Greensite sent in what she calls

STORIES FROM THE URBAN FOREST

Part 3: Council majority ignores legal challenge

Despite testimony from many members of the public imploring the council to not weaken the Heritage Tree Ordinance and despite a letter from attorney Ryan Moroney of Wittwer & Parkin LLP, on behalf of Save Our Big Trees, advising the council that such changes require CEQA review, the city council majority voted on October 24th to adopt the most draconian of alternatives that expand the grounds for removing heritage trees in the city of Santa Cruz.

Members of the public described the changes as creating a Heritage Tree Removal Ordinance. Indeed, the numbers of trees removed under the old Ordinance are alarming enough. In the past 17 years, 4,350 heritage trees have been removed with a permit. This figure does not include heritage trees removed under the Planning Department as they approve each new development. Nor does it include heritage trees removed illegally. Given this context, there should have been a concerted effort to strengthen the Ordinance to protect our last remaining big trees, not weaken it to allow even more big tree removal. Grounds for removal will now include “allergies,” ” economic hardship” and “compromised structure,” all subjective categories which can be easily exploited. Blue gum eucalyptus and acacia are targeted for easy removal. This is bad news for the many bird species that call blue gums their home and bad news for those of us who love big trees of all species. The good news is that a lawsuit has been filed by Ryan Moroney on behalf of Save Our Big Trees. The city’s insistence that this project was CEQA exempt may well prove to be unfounded. In that case, our heritage trees may get a reprieve. We will keep you posted. Gillian Greensite…Save Our Big Trees…gumtree@pacbell.net

CLASSICAL DE CINZO. He dissects our local attitudes…scroll down..

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Eagan takes us to a tea party whether we like it or not !!! See below.

LISA JENSEN LINKS: Lisa writes: “See what’s cooking at the Jewel Theatre Company’s lighthearted musical revue, Pump Boys and Dinettes, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). And even though the new Thor movie mangles mythology, find out why it’s still kinda fun.” 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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. Annie Morhauser of Annieglass talks about glass business and Jeff Lyon developer of the ” Flagger” security app describes it on November 12. The winners fom this year’s Bookshop Santa Cruz’s Young Writers contest will read their works on the Nov. 19^th program. Alcohol Policy Consultant Jim Mosher guests on Nov. 26, after which Cynthia Chase program director of GEMMA tells us about their program. Steven Bignell & Susan Bruijnes talk about their brand new book, “228 Things to See in Santa Cruz County, after which former Santa Cruz Supreme Court Judge Bill Kelsey relates his time on the bench.Dr. Alfred Petrocelli discusses osteoporosis and Don Grube talks about theatre at Cabrilho College on Dec. 10. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click herehttp://kzsc.org/blog/tag/universal-grapevine then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES.

“I always like walking in the rain, so no one can see me crying”, Charles Chaplin.
“Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet,” Roger Miller.
“Kiss me with rain on your eyelashes, come on, let us sway together,under the trees, and to hell with thunder“, Edwin Morgan (A Book of Lives)
“The only noise now was the rain, pattering softly with the magnificent indifference of nature for the tangled passions of humans,” Sherwood Smith.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

The once Santa Cruz County Bank. This was taken January 4, 1965. Now the bank has become Pacific Wave Surf Shop.You can see Montgomery Ward’s catalog store on the left of the Bank. Down Cooper Street behind the bank was where Logo’s bookstore used to be. Upstairs from that store was where I spent the first few minutes of the 1989 earthquake. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

DATELINE Nov. 4, 2013

HALLOWEEN DOWNTOWN AND POLICE POWER. What we never see or hear about after our Pacific Avenue Downtown Halloween Celebrations are the emergency chain link fences, the prison-like floodlights on tall poles, the actual fenced in enclosures on Cooper Street. What we do read about, and that many folks wait to learn is how many were arrested that night. We know that if the City Council allows the police to hire 100 extra security, off duty police, National Guard we’ll get that many more arrests, and justify spending that much more money. If they hired 500 extra policers we’d have that many more arrests. How has our once happy Halloween complete with sanctioned costume contests, happy celebrants, and lots of community input (like First Night used to be) turned into this police state? It’s the same mentality that has turned or beaches into a show of force between Police and People on the Fourth of July.

CITY TO DEFY CALIFORNIA FISH & WILDLIFE? Friends of Arana Gulch and earnest leader Jean Brocklebank point out that work on the two proposed bridges over Arana Creek and Hagemann Creek must be constrained to happen between June 15 and October 15 of 2014. That’s one setback, the other one is that the City might be defying California Fish & Game if they proceed without a certain permit…Ms. Brocklebank and Margaret Mead

explain it all here [link expands, click again to collapse]

SANTA CRUZ’S GREEK FESTIVAL 2013. See if you can spot Louis Rittenhouse and Steven DeCinzo in the crowd.

SLAVERY IN THE NORTH U.S.A. Amy Goodman’s Democracy Now had some shocking news last Wednesday about just how widespread slavery was in our northern states. ie..Rhode Island had more slaves than any southern state!!! Here’s her interview with Craig Steven Wilder author of “Ebony & Ivy:Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America’s Universities”.

Then Amy interviewed Katrina Browne director of the documentary “Traces of the Trade: A story From the Deep North”. Katrina talks about herown De Wolf family who were once the largest slave trading family in U.S. history. That’s where you see and hear the painful and shameful slavery history of our northern states.

More than that, be sure to see “12 Years as a Slave” now at the Del Mar asap and read my review down a few pages.

THE THRILL OF MOUNTAIN BIKING. Just watch this from your easy chair and try to figure why anyone would ever attempt such a thing.

BEST JACK-O-LANTERNS I’VE EVER SEEN. I know it’s late but these carvings add an entire dimension to the genre!!!

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary Patton talks about Assemblyman Mark Stone and local land use decisions. Our Board of Supes may change the rules on building hotels and motels, and raising their own pay, as you probably know. Then there’s Election Day in Salinas and other related issues such as manure and the Wild Farm Alliance. Gary makes note of fracking in Monterey County and San Benito County. He ends by giving details about the EcoFarm Conference at Asilomar in January. Read all of above scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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 DE CINZO. DeCinzo gives us a peek at the more sensitive side of Santa Cruz.

Scroll a ways downwards to see his point of view.

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Wheel down a few pages to see what Eagan knows about what the president knows about.

CRYING BABY WHEN MOM SINGS. I know there are a zillion “likes” and views on this clip but watch it anyways…so cute !!! http://vitaminl.tv/video/652?ref=rcm

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Is it too early for the ‘O’ word? (Oscars, I mean.) The Academy Awards race is heating up, and now’s the time to see the contenders, while they’re still up on the big screen. Catch up with some of my favorites 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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. On November 5 Peter Klotz Chamberlin from the Resource Center for Non-Violence talks about their origin and their events, followed by Stephanie Flores program director of the Davenport Resource Service Center. . Annie Morhauser of Annieglass talks about glass business and Jeff Lyon developer of the ” Flagger” security app describes it on November 12. The winners fom this year’s Bookshop Santa Cruz’s Young Writers contest will read their works on the Nov. 19^th program. Alcohol Policy Consultant Jim Mosher guests on Nov. 26, after which Cynthia Chase program director of GEMMA tells us about their program. Dr. Alfred Petrocelli discusses osteoporosis and Don Grube talks about theatre at Cabrilho College on Dec. 10. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click herehttp://kzsc.org/blog/tag/universal-grapevine then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES. (about rain) “The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain”,
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. ” The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain”,Dolly Parton. ” You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it”, Denzel Washington.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

EASTSIDE KIDS PARADE. October 20,1950. I believe this became the annual Eastside Halloween Parade. Looking at Soquel Ave. now you’ll find Saffron & Genevieve’s where the two bay windows are, and on the far right is the parking lot of Western Appliance.. History buffs might notice that our controversial once mayor Ernie Wicklund’s Photo Studio is just down Soquel Avenue a bit about at the center of this photo. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

(Dateline) Monday, October 28, 2013

MAH AND A SIMPLE SOLUTION. Stephen Kessler wrote a fine article in Sunday’s Sentinel (10/27/13) about an art museum’s purpose. See it here http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/ci_24394166/stephen-kessler-an-art-museums-purpose-is-worth . It would seem judging by the immediate response from Nina Simon to Kessler’s piece that there will always be an argument over what should be the function of our former City Jail. There is a solution!!! Back in the day we had the Santa Cruz Art Museum. It was once located upstairs in the library, that didn’t work so it went to a smaller space behind Webers Camera Shop on Pacific. That didn’t work either (’89 Earthquake) so it merged with the Historical Group and changed its name to MAH ( I was on the board) and moved into it’s present location. That obviously isn’t pleasing many people either so….let’s just change the name to something like the McPherson Community Center. As a community center it’s working perfectly, and Nina is doing a terrific job. Just drop the Art & History concept and we have a winner!!!

ARANA GULCH REPEATED. Jean Brocklebank’s well written, informative piece on where the development of Arana Gulch re: The City & their bulldozers didn’t have a workable link last week. I’m repeating it all here…

ARANA GULCH NOT OVER. Fierce fighter and longtime protector of natural stuff around these parts Jean Brocklebank reports Friends of Arana Gulch (FOAG) has a few more things up their sleeves before the City unleashes the bulldozers on Arana Gulch. It’s not over till it’s over. While FOAG is not naive about its chances to stop the paving projects altogether, it is convinced that the City has not met all the requirements to start construction this month. For those who want the deliciously juicy (and complex) details,

read further [link expands, click again to collapse]

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS SUNDAY!!! I’m not sure why we can’t remember when Daylight Saving (no “S”) time ends…or starts. Besides “Spring Ahead & Fall Back”. But it’s this Sunday at 2 a.m. Here’s what About.com states, “During late Winter we move our clocks one hour ahead and “lose” an hour during the night and each Fall we move our clocks back one hour and “gain” an extra hour. But Daylight Saving Time (and not Daylight Savings Time with an “s”) wasn’t just created to confuse our schedules. The phrase “Spring forward, Fall back” helps people remember how Daylight Saving Time affects their clocks. At 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, we set our clocks forward one hour ahead of Standard Time (“Spring forward,” even though Spring doesn’t begin until late March, over a week after the start of Daylight Saving Time). We “Fall back” at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November by setting our clock back one hour and thus returning to Standard Time”. They have the history too… “Daylight Saving Time was instituted in the United States during World War I in order to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight between April and October. During World War II the federal government again required the states to observe the time change. Between the wars and after World War II, states and communities chose whether or not to observe Daylight Saving Time. In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which standardized the length of Daylight Saving Time”. Now we’ll never forget!!

CELEBRITY HEIGHTS…WARNING…DANGER…BE CAREFUL. Be really careful, never , never go to http://www.celebheights.com . That site lists all the actors and actresses heights that for sure you don’t care about or ever want to check up on. Who cares if Robert Redford is only 5’9“, Ringo Starr is 5’6″, Frank Sinatra was 5’7″ so is Tom Cruise 5’7″. Sylvestor Stallone is 5’9″, Arnold Schwarznegger is 6’1 1/2″ , Tom Hanks is 6′, and Howard Stern is 6’5″ ??? ( I started all this because a good friend of mine worked with Redford on a project and she said he only came up to her chin!!!)

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary tells us about (and links to) the Video “Traffic Waves” which shows how we could save millions IF we learned how to drive properly. He teases us with the “Paper Water” and what it means. Then he gets into problems with radiation and cell phone towers, smart meters, and land use regulation. He tells about a Weed Symposium in Pacines that we’ll all be attending for sure. He ends the week talking about Supervisor Board Referrals both our Santa Cruz Board and Monterey Counties. Read all of above scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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

PRE CLASSICAL DE CINZO. Ever alert DeCinzo casts a warning about The Monterey Bay Aquarium, scroll down a fathom or so…

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Read below to see Tim Eagan’s version of « When life gives you Lemons »

SPECIAL EVENTS

BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ. The biggest book sale of the year happens at Bookshop Santa Cruz Friday November 15. There’s also cake and ice cream, even more than that our Hot Damn String Band will be playing that night from 7:30-9:30. Jim Reynolds, Annie Steinhart plus others like Jim Houston and I have been playing this annual party for way more than 30 years…don’t miss us!!!

BOB DYLAN TRIBUTE NIGHT. Be sure to mark all celendars for Friday Night, December 13. That’s the Bob Dylan Tribute night at Kuumbwa. All sorts of singers and musicians will be performing Dylan material. Supervisor John Leopold has done this gig for the last two years and this year Gary Patton and I will be part of the Leopold Trio (name subject to change) Patton on banjo, me on washtub Bass. It could possibly be unforgetable…don’t miss us again.

LAST “FOOT” NOTES. Leonardo Di Caprio is 5’11” and Benedict Cumberbatch is 6 ft. even.

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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. October 29 has Ana Marden and Sirena Andrea from the 418 Project revealing all their plans for the next season, followed by Tom Karwin about gardening around the Monterey Bay. Annie Morhauser of Annieglass talks about glass business on November 12. The winners fom this year’s Bookshop Santa Cruz’s Young Writers contest will read their works on the Nov. 19^th program. Alcohol Policy Consultant Jim Mosher guests on Nov. 26. Dr. Alfred Petrocelli discusses osteoporosis and Don Grube talks about theatre at Cabrilho College on Dec. 10. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click here then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES.

“But there is always a November space after the leaves have fallen when she felt it was almost indecent to intrude on the woods…for their glory terrestrial had departed and their glory celestial of spirit and purity and whiteness had not yet come upon them,” L.M. Montgomery.
“Flurries early, pristine and pearly. Winter’s come calling! Can we endure so premature a falling? Some may find this trend distressing- others bend to say a blessing over sage and onion dressing.” Old Farmer’s Almanac.

“October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy drafts that bit at exposed hands and faces.” J.K. Rowling.

THE MIGHTY SAN LORENZO RIVER circa 1895. Here’s the way the river used to be during the Venetian Water Festivals. They started in 1895 and continued off and on into the 1920’s. Talk about bringing life back to our river!!! photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

DEEP APOLOGIES TO RYAN, JEREMY AND WALLACE…MEA CULPA GRANDE, IT WAS ALL MY FAULT ETC.

Last week I began the column with what I believed was a revelation that Wallace Baine “Ghost Wrote” Naked Economy for Ryan Coonerty and Jeremy Neuner. I had received this “top level”, “confidential”, “inside scoop” complete with names of certain people who were in on this secret….and I never bothered checking the book itself (I don’t own a copy). I checked a copy and there in solid print in the acknowledgements…is something like, “Sincere thanks to Wallace Baine who took a good story and helped develop a narrative”…”his considerable talents and patience”. Ryan and Jeremy had complete and full integrity, honesty and professionalism…it was me who was fooled and erred in not checking my source who is a professional, and I had assumed checked the book before giving me this worthless “scoop”.

ARANA GULCH NOT OVER. Fierce fighter and longtime protector of natural stuff around these parts Jean Brocklebank reports Friends of Arana Gulch (FOAG) has a few more things up their sleeves before the City unleashes the bulldozers on Arana Gulch. It’s not over till it’s over. While FOAG is not naive about its chances to stop the paving projects altogether, it is convinced that the City has not met all the requirements to start construction this month. For those who want the deliciously juicy (and complex) details, read further

MUCKING ART AND HISTORY. As many folks on both sides of the discussion on what our Museum of Art and History should contain and focus on…we have exactly what we deserve. Take a look at Nina Simon’s Museum Page you’ll see how far she tap dances to justify her belief that attendance numbers are hers and our most important goal. In the meantime for those of you who care email the Museum’s board president Ms.Vance Landis-Carey at Gateway Health Management vance.landis-carey@gatewayhealthmgmt.com let her know what you want at MAH.

SENSIBLE TRANSPORTATION FORUM. October 28, 7:30 p.m. Peter and Celia Scott sent this notice… Please attend our upcoming FORUM: First District Supervisor John Leopold, who is a knowledgeable and influential voice on our Regional Transportation Commission, will share with us what is happening in the back rooms: What lies in the future for transportation in Santa Cruz County? Where are we going, and how will we get there? Bring your questions, your comments and your input. This forum is being co-sponsored with us by People Power. Admission is FREE. Details are on our home page at http://SensibleTransportation.org/ We have also posted a helpful video for those of you who might be obliged to drive a vehicle on some freeway, and would like to try breaking up a traffic jam. There are some interesting physics involved. Supervisor John Leopold will talk and answer questions: Monday, October 28, 7:30 p.m. Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Avenue.

CRUISE SHIPS DOCKING HERE? WHERE AND WHY??? I’ m sure you’ve noticed those little “hints” that, just maybe when the city has the 100 year wharf re-built maybe, just maybe they’ll add on a dock so that those Cruise ships can “birth” here. Seems like a great idea at first, wow, millions of dollars from those tourists who are here a few hours, shop and sail away. Then after thinking about it…what’s the difference between cruise ships and having a giant Wal-Mart open locally??? Possibly a few less-than-minimum-wage worker jobs and again, tourists that would never, never leave the Beach Boardwalk area. We need to think about this before it become a forgone conclusion. Lets ask Charlie Canfield to pay the full cost of that Cruise Ship dock.

GRAVITY…FOR PEOPLE WHO HATED THE FILM. Many, many folks have asked, and told me that they really, really didn’t like Sandra and George’s Gravity film. Not just didn’t like it, they were disturbed by the attitude of the films’ fans. What’s weird is that so many millions love it and want to see Oscars evenly distributed. Then I came across Peter Hartlaub’s article in Friday’s Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Didn-t-like-Gravity-You-re-not-alone-4904686.php . Read it, especially if you’ve seen Gravity. As I wrote in my critique I was only impressed by the 3D…the acting was non-existent, the plot was Hollywood, etc. etc.

SENIOR DECISION. SAUL LANDAU’S FUNERAL OR DON YOUNG’S BIRTHDAY. It wasn’t easy to make the decision of either going to San Francisco for very long time friend Saul Landau’s (Cuba, Allende, film maker, author, lecturer) wake/celebration, or to attend Don Youngs’ 90^th Birthday celebration at Severino’s /Seacliff Inn in Aptos. I chose Don Young’s birthday party. (see Paul Elerick’s coverage below).

NICKELODEON NEWS. Maurice Peel, the most public face in the entire Nickelodeon-Del Mar–Aptos Cinema operation is leaving his multi-facteted position to “explore other opportunities”. Advertising, press rep, detailing, he did lots of roles. He’ll be missed.

LOCALLY BORN MOVIE STAR ADAM SCOTT. I don’t know of any movie star besides Adam Scott who was born and raised in Santa Cruz County. I’m trying to contact Adam’s mom Anne, so if you know her tell her to get in touch. I think we should have another Grauman’s Chinese type star handprints in cement ceremony at the Nickelodeon like we did for Rory Calhoun and Walter Reed. The Nick patio Star signatures are a great part of Santa Cruz History. Tell Anne Scott to email or call me…please.

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary discusses mining laws and what they can do. He relates planning ahead for flooding dangers and our Board of Supes. He states that Luis Alejo has had a very productive legislative session and gives him credit. There are Monterey County ocean-related issues, and a “Downtown Specific Plan”. Then there are groundwater overdraft problems. He ends by saluting the Carmel Pine Cone weekly and how they pay attention to land-use issues. Read all of above scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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

VINTAGE DE CINZO. DeCinzo unleashes his considerable insight into one of our heaviest local issues…see downwards some odd pages.

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Whew, Uncle Sam is invited to a Tea Party…hold tight and scroll below.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Musical heroes don’t come much more unsung than the so-called Muscle Shoals Swampers. Read all about the unexpected session men who laid down some of the funkiest soul and R&B tracks of the 1960s and 70s this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Also, more news about the forthcoming US edition of Alias Hook!” 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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Leopold returns to co-host the bi annual Pledge Drive on Oct. 22. October 29 has Laura Bishop from the 418 Project revealing all their plans for the next season, followed by Tom Karwin about gardening around the Monterey Bay. The winners fom this year’s Bookshop Santa Cruz’s Young Writers contest will read their works on the Nov. 19^th program. Alcohol Policy Consultant Jim Mosher guests on Nov. 26. Dr. Alfred Petrocelli discusses osteoporosis and Don Grube talks about theatre at Cabrilho College on Dec. 10. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click herehttp://kzsc.org/blog/tag/universal-grapevine then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES. “I always keep a stimulant handy in case I see a snake—which I also keep handy“, W.C. Fields. “There are more old drunks than old Doctors”, Francois Rabelais. “A tavern is a place where madness is sold by the bottle”, Jonathan Swift

AT THE FOOT OF OUR 100 YEAR OLD WHARF. The Sea Beach Hotel seen behind the Saloon in the front, opened in 1888 and burned up (or down) in 1912. This wharf, one of our three, was called “the railroad wharf” for obvious reasons. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

COONERTY. Santa Cruz Sanctuary Camp organizers have been working very hard to create a 1/2 acre sanctuary camp for even just a small portion of our homeless. I think it’s a great idea, it’s been working in many places. Santa Cruz City Council person Micah Posner and Land use attorney and former Supervisor Gary Patton have supported it, Don Lane also seems to like it. Two of the Sanctuary Camp organizers were on my Universal Grapevine program Tuesday night (10/15/13). They told our listeners about how they have been making separate appointments to meet with our County Board of Supervisors, just to get feedback on their plans. No problems getting meetings with John Leopold, Greg Kaput, Zach Friend and Bruce McPherson. Guess whose office has said NO and refused to meet with Santa Cruz Sanctuary Camp??? Yes…Papa Supervisor Neal Coonerty’s office simply told them NO MEETING!

DE-SAL AND THE CITY COUNCIL. Huge cheers are in order for our City Council’s move October 8 th of last week. Also, congrats to the Santa Cruz Sentinel for listening and reacting to so many concerned citizens in their supportive non-de-sal editorial, “money down the drain” on Oct. 9^th. It seems like the council has a new strength, and is not being as dependent on “Staff” to make their decisions. Even larger kudos to council member Micah Posner for his lonely but strong stand on this life-changing issue. Let us hope that the planned forums, workshops, feedback sessions or whatever their title will be, really means a dialogue and sharing and genuine listening to each other.

OPEN STUDIOS AROUND SANTA CRUZ. As a prelude to getting into more MAH discussion all of us need to recognize the attendance, the money being made and the participation in our Santa Cruz County Open Studios these last weeks. As it says on the Arts Council website, “We launched the Open Studios Art Tour in 1986 to connect artists directly with art lovers. Our program has become a model for art tours across the country. The self-guided tour gives 300+ artists across Santa Cruz County a chance to welcome art admirers and buyers into their studios. One of the most popular annual events in the county, the Open Studios Art Tour welcomes thousands of locals and visitors who come from all over to see the creative process at work and experience first-hand the artistic diversity of our community”. And somehow MAH, our Art & History museum has virtually eliminated bringing and showing the very art and artists that have been inspiring those Open Studio participants.

MISSING ARTISTIC HEROES. What I’ve neglected to mention in now this 5^th column questioning of what’s happening to MAH are the many complaints from young and older MAH supporters about the MAH tradition (and the tradition of both brand new and historic museums around the world). Back before Nina Simon, MAH showed and displayed genuine art and equally as important introduced and invited living artists here to talk about their art. Wayne Thiebaud, Joan Brown, Zandra Rhodes, were all here and each of them inspired local artists to grow and learn. We had a large reflecting pool in the main Art Gallery that showed us new ways to look up down and sideways. Later on we saw a great retrospective of local artist Eduardo Carrillo that explored his inner world…and as so many have communicated….what has Nina accomplished except increasing attendance and getting one time grants to pay the bills? My columns have acted as a message center for so many former board members, staff, donors, and especially historians and artists who aren’t yet willing to take on Nina Simon publicly. I’ve written before that you know most of their names, they belong to many of our Non-Profits and local organizations, and won’t involve their organizations by using their names…..yet.

MORE ADDITIONAL HEAVINESS. Wallace Baine in his Sentinel Sunday October 13 Opinion column (see here) stated that folks who are unhappy with the current MAH are a minority or “perhaps a tiny minority”. This is purely his own bias. He has absolutely no idea whether it’s a huge majority or not. Then when he brings up the “ugly generational tone—critics were toothless old coots standing in their boxer shorts” wow, as he says “we can do better than that”. Yes we can, in fact more than half of the unhappy with MAH critics that have spoken with me are either younger or close to Wallace’s age. And I wonder why he brought up the age issue? What if some of the unhappy were Black, Mexican, or Gay would he have seen fit to dig up that completely non relevant point. (Actually many of the “unhappy” are Black, Mexican or Gay!!). It sure would have been nice if Wallace had included a link to my columns as he did Susan Dobrzynski’s in The New York Times and her Arts Journal blog.

ZASU PITTS REVISITED. Mark Bernhard sent this “new” photo of one time resident and genuine Hollywood Star Zasu Pitts and a friend. Zasu was small but not this small and nope, I don’t know what those mysterious numbers are high atop that giant’s chair she’s in.. Does this photo belong in our History Museum??? Your choice.

JUDITH DOBRZYNSKI’S ARTS JOURNAL BLOG. I’ve been negligent in not checking new additions to Judith’s blog titled “Trouble In Paradise” regarding my columns reacting to her column from August 11, 2013 in the New York times. Comments still coming in (as of Oct.8) from readers all over the USA concerned about MAH and Art museums everywhere. There are many dozens of reactions including some from Nina Simon and Santa Cruz locals…as well as many criticisms of both Nina’s and my disagreeing sources. Check them out.

LONDON NELSON or “LOUD N’ NOISY” COMMUNITY CENTER. I long ago gave up trying to fight a much smaller cause than MAH by suggesting that LOUDEN NELSON COMMUNITY CENTER be changed to his more HONEST name LONDON. (We’ll never know his African name, but his plantation brothers were named on documents as Cambridge and Marlborough) But the point here is that in a casual conversation with muralist Peter Bartzcak last week he dropped the name “Loud and Noisy” as a moniker for Louden Neslon Community Center. Just passing that on, I’d never heard it before!.

RESTORE STORE RUNNING NICELY. I had a quick meeting with David Foster of Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore out on 719 Swift Street (go here for the hours, volunteers, pick-up days etc. http://www.habitatsc.org/restore.html ). David said the store now does at least $10, 000 in weekend sales, and $150,000 of net profits. That money all goes to making houses, their staff has increased, and there are now 34 volunteers…now that’s success. Check out that website.

Tom Noddy sent this clip of some circus friends of his: Die Maiers. He sez, and I agree, that they are one of the funniest acts in show biz. Click this link to view, I can’t embed the video.

ELERICK’S INPUT. Paul Elerick’s weekly “shot at sanity” has…

WATER WARS FROM THE PAST AND PRESENT.

Back in 1973, water supply in the mid-county was an issue with Soquel Creek Water District customers. The district called for a $5 million dollar bond vote to extend its service area that passed overwhelmingly in a 17% voter turnout. One of the issues that opponents of the bond measure brought forward was an extension of water service areas would be growth inducing and produce seawater intrusion. The opponents turned out to be right, all be it forty years later, especially on seawater intrusion.

Last week Santa Cruz City Council, after investing over $15 million in studying the water problem, backed away from de-sal to solve a potential water shortage in drought years, which leaves Soquel Creek Water District, their partner in de-sal, up a creek. SCWD is now looking into ways to solve their seawater intrusion problem on their own. What do I suggest? Based on a simple experiment I cut my own water consumption in the past two months by 34% over the same period last year by not watering my small area of lawns. Based on that, more water conservation should be the way to start. (Paul Elerick is co-chair, along with Peter Scott, of the Campaign for Sensible Transportation, http://sensibletransportation.org , and is a member of Nisene 2 Sea, a group of open space advocates).

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary describes the Williamson Act which when enacted properly can preserve agricultural lands. He tells how in June 1978 our own Measure J ensured our Ag land usage. On Wednesday he tells of the Community Water Coalition (of which I am a long time member and supporter) and includes a link to the Santa Cruz City Council video of the last Council meeting centering on the CWC proposal. Probably the major issue right now is whether or not to complete the EIR. Believe it or not he reminiscences about “Chicken Soup with Rice” and closes with the final Master plan for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail network. Read all of above scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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

THE DIMKA LIVE JOURNAL. Rich Siebert sent this link.It’s the world famed Codex Seraphinianus. Talks about your odd, weird, and very cool items; check this out .

VINTAGE DE CINZO. How about changing our world famed Fishook Curve…scroll below about four pages…and see DeCinzo’s classic concept.

EAGANS DEEP COVER. “Just a statistic” sez Eagan see below just a page or two.

MACBETH ON THURSDAY AND SUNDAY. The trailers look perfect and with Kenneth Branagh as Macbeth and (Ms.) Alex Kingston as Lady Macbeth we can’t miss. Here’s what the Del Mar Nickelodeon website says, « National Theatre Live MACBETH

National Theatre Live will broadcast Manchester International Festival’s electrifying production of Macbeth, with Kenneth Branagh (My Week With Marilyn, Hamlet) in his first Shakespeare performance in over a decade as Macbeth, and Alex Kingston (Doctor Who, ER) as Lady Macbeth. Directed by Olivier and Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford (Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse, Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway) and BAFTA Award-winner Kenneth Branagh, this unique production of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of ambition and treachery unfolds within the walls of an intimate deconsecrated Manchester church. Running Time: 180. The telecast runs only once on Thursday night (10/17) at the Del Mar at 7:30 with an encore screening Sunday (10/20) at 11 a.m.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “This week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com), celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved Pacific Rim Film Festival, help a Santa Cruz artist launch a new one-woman show, and find out where authors get their ideas in a new ebook anthology on writing speculative fiction.” 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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. October 15 has Erin Tools and Stacey Falls discussing the Santa Cruz Sanctuary Camp. Then Ken Koenig and Ted Orland talk about The Community of Artists photographers group and their show at Felix Kulpa. Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Leopold returns to co-host the bi annual Pledge Drive on Oct. 22 October 29 has Laura Bishop from the 418 Project revealing all their plans for the next season.The winners fom this year’s Bookshop Santa Cruz’s Young Writers contest will read their works on the Nov. 19^th program. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click here http://kzsc.org/blog/tag/universal-grapevine then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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 the 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 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES. “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known”, Oscar Wilde. “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance”, Aristotle. “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced”, Vincent Van Gogh. “Life imitates art far more than art imitates Life” Oscar Wilde.

EARLY SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK. This dates about 1882 and a hot air balloon ascension which doesn’t look too successful. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

MAH’S LATEST FUNDRAISING LETTER. Nina Simon’s October 1^st Fund raising letter is full of references to Art…so maybe some progress is being made!!! There is only one mention of MAH’s History Gallery. She wants to make it “more interactive, multi-vocal, dynamic home for exploring our past and future”. What that means is anyone’s guess, and any credentialed Historian’s nightmare. Nina tried hard to diminish the size and length of stay of the “Journey Forth” art exhibit now on the 3^rd floor, what she plans to really do with her promised project that she stated in that fund raiser letter in 2014 “to bring world-class art exhibitions to the MAH” is still more guesswork.

OUR CONVERSATION LAST WEEK. Because I hang out at Lulu Carpenter’s at the Octagon a lot, it is inevitable Nina and I meet by accident every so often. We did just that last week. She said Vance Landis-Carey MAH’s board president hasn’t received any negative emails re the Simon System of Museums. That figures, I haven’t received any positive emails supporting Nina….and it will probably remain a draw until enough folks step up and sign their names. She also said I made two mistakes in the last three columns (scroll down) about MAH plans. They are…

MAH MISTAKE #1. I said Nina was going to rip out Roy Rydell’s Abbott Square Fountain and install a “kiddy wading pool” Nina said it’s not a kiddy wading pool it’s one of those spurting water jet things that squirts shots of water at random, like they have at hundreds of institutions all over the world.

MAH MISTAKE #2. Nina said her husband Sibley Verbeck who has done all that great re-habbing of Evergreen Cemetery legally changed his last name to Simon when he married Nina and I had “Simon” in parethesises last week.

A repeat from last week’s BrattonOnline…

MAH…WHAT COULD HAPPEN? Well, if half as many folks that have talked and emailed me wrote or contacted Vance Landis-Carey, the President of the MAH board she too would see that something should be done about the direction MAH has taken. Nina is fordmidable and tough to face AND great at what she wants to do…but what does the community want her to do? Contact Vance at vance.landis@gatewayhealthmgmt.com

NEW YORK TIMES AND OUR SANTA CRUZ STATE OF MIND. Judi Grunstra sent this article and also added the Times writer forgot actor Adam Scott, Carlos Santana, and of course Lou Harrison are all from Aptos. I’m not too sure about that particular Santana, but lots of other Santanas lived there.

VERMEER AND MUSIC: THE ART OF LOVE…Thurs. OCT. 10 at Cinema 9. Their website says, “ The National Gallery, London, is offering a major exhibition on one of the most startling and fascinating artists of all-time, Johannes Vermeer. Vermeer is most popularly known as the painter of the Girl with a Pearl Earring. Vermeer painted little more than 30 works that still exist, and the National Gallery has chosen to focus on his art in relation to music. The event goes beyond the exhibition to tell the entire story of Vermeer’s life and, in doing so, shows in detail many other of the artist’s great works. The program will suit the wide audience who adore Vermeer’s work and who want both to see it in detail and to learn more about this mysterious, fascinating man. Don’t miss your chance to experience a global revolution of world class art, history and biography through the works of Vermeer in Regal Cinema 9 only on Thursday, October 10th at 7:30 PM”. I try to go to all these museum screenings, they are the only way we can see this world famed art aside from going there…tell your friends.

BRILLIANT 15 PART FILM HISTORY SERIES. Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has been screening “The Story of Film: An Odyssey” It is 15 chapters, each Monday night at 7:15 p.m. each chapter is one + hours long. No matter where you come in on this you’ll learn stuff you’ve never heard before. I’ve taken more than seven years of film classes, eons of cinema lectures and this series still knocks me out. The official description reads… “The Story of Film: An Odyssey” is an unprecedented cinematic event, an epic journey through the history of world cinema that is a treat for movie lovers around the globe. Guided by film historian Mark Cousins, this bold 15-part love letter to the movies begins with the invention of motion pictures at the end of the 19th century and concludes with the multi-billion dollar globalized digital industry of the 21st. The Story of Film: An Odyssey heralds a unique approach to the evolution of film art by focusing on the artistic vision and innovations of filmmaking pioneers. Cousins’ distinctive approach also yields a personal and idiosyncratic rewriting of film history. Filmed at key locations in film history on every continent, from Thomas Edison’s New Jersey laboratory, to Hitchcock’s London; from post-war Rome to the thriving industry of modern day Mumbai–this landmark documentary is filled with glorious clips from some of the greatest movies ever made and features interviews with legendary filmmakers and actors including Stanley Donen, Kyoko Kagawa, Gus van Sant, Lars Von Trier, Wim Wenders, Abbas Kiarostami, Claire Denis, Bernardo Bertolucci, Robert Towne, Jane Campion and Claudia Cardinale”. Remember Monday nights 7:15 p.m. Comcast channel 501 TCM.

PHIL SLATER MEMORIAL. It seems like every Santa Cruzan and half the world was and is affected by Phil Slater’s death. There will be a special memorial Sunday Oct. 13.at the First Congregational Church 900 High Street at 2 p.m. No matter how well you knew him, the New York Times obituary has more. Read it here….

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary talks about The California Coastal Commission and that they are meeting in San Diego three times this week. They’ll be talking about UCSC’s Long Range Development Plan. Capitola’s General Plan is being finalized and that citizens should at least comment on that plan. Then there’s San Luis Obispo’s groundwater crisis, and what that could mean to our county. Water Transfers and Assembly bill 426 are about selling water and agricultural economy. Gary closes talking about CCATF and you can look it up right here. Read his complete scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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

VINTAGE DE CINZO. De Cinzo makes a statement about not so strange bedfellows. Scroll downwards.

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Professor Eagan teaches us just one isolated statistic…see below.

SANDY LYDON’S CENTRAL COAST SECRETS.The History Dude’s Christmas in Cambria is sold out but there’s news about the Bay Walk 8 which will happen in 2104. Also new news about Chinese Bone Pickers and the Hike To Nisene Marks. Click here to get all involved.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “All hail the first 4-star movie I’ve seen in two years! What is it? Find out 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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. Cathy Pickerrell from the Santa Cruz Chamber Players opens the program on October 8, then John Hibble curator of the Aptos History Museum talks about old and new things. October 15 has Erin Tools and Stacey Falls discussing the Santa Cruz Sanctuary Camp. Then Ken Koenig talks about The Community of Artists photographers group and their show at Felix Kulpa. Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Leopold returns to co-host the bi annual Pledge Drive on Oct. 22 October 29 has Laura Bishop from the 418 Project revealing all their plans for the next season. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click here http://kzsc.org/blog/tag/universal-grapevine then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again” The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES. “First of all, it was October, a rare month for boys,” Ray Bradbury “Chicago is an October sort of city even in spring,” Nelson Algren,. “Autumn flings her fiery cloak over the sumac, beech and oak,” Susan Lendroth. “Anne reveled in the world of color about her.
“Oh, Marilla,” she exclaimed one Saturday morning, coming dancing in with her arms full of gorgeous boughs, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn’t it? Look at these maple branches. Don’t they give you a thrill–several thrills?” L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

BUILDING THE LIGHTHOUSE AT LIGHTHOUSE POINT. The lighthouse went up (this photo was taken May 5, 1967). If you really squint you can see that the project was being done by Milt Macken, contractor. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com

Dateline: September 30, 2013 (date column written)

MAH (Missing Art and History) PART 3. If you’re new to this discussion you can scroll down to the last two BrattonOnlines…those would be September 16 & September 23 issues. We’re talking about the dissent in the general community and especially within the museum and the art and history communities, about the direction Nina Simon has taken The McPherson Center for Art and History. The discussion grew rapidly and nationally when Judith Dobrzynski’s column in The Arts Journal titled “Trouble in Paradise Santa Cruzs Museum Loses its Way” hit the internet. Read it here. You’ll also notice more than 30 responses from museum professionals and Art and history lovers taking both sides of this issue. It was Dobrzynski’s New York Times article from 08/11/13 that made me realize that all of the complaints and concerns I’d been hearing for almost the full two years of Simon’s takeover at MAH was worth revealing.

MORE ARRANGING AND HAPPENINGS. Since that initial column in BrattonOnline… artists, MAH board and staff members and neighbors have told me Nina is hoping to take out the Abbott Square Fountain and replace it with a kiddy wading pool. They also tell me she’s completely re-doing or removing the “Where the Redwoods Meet the Sea: A History of Santa Cruz County and its People “permanent” exhibit. “Where The Redwoods” description reads… “The Museum’s installation is devoted to a thematic and topical interpretation of county history, from its earliest days to its more recent past. Dedicated to the uniqueness and diversity of Santa Cruz County and its residents, the exhibit describes native peoples, the Mission period, early immigrants, early industries, and more”. Many times emails, letters and personal chats focus on the almost total lack of Nina Simon’s museum experience, and especially historians worry that this modernizing of the “Redwoods Sea” exhibit will be done with no credentialed historian in charge.

VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY. Here are some of the many reactions I’ve received in the last two weeks re: Nina and MAH. “I agree with you that the MAH is tightening its belt so far that it is an amateur hour place to go now. Let’s keep our community amateur entertainment at the Louden (London) Nelson Center”. A slightly different view…” I agree with your assessment of the MAH. It’s kinda like a circus sometimes. It’s lost its “credibility” in my mind, and as you say, has become sort of a community center. How does ART in itself fit into a MUSEUM context? I do believe that we should have a museum that reflects our lengthy and interesting history. But I always thought that the same-old dusty displays were hokey in today’s atmosphere. I also abhor the tendency to make everything “child friendly.” And for that reason, I have not returned to the Museum of Science in Golden Gate Park. It’s all steel and cement, and noisy, and focusing on restaurants and shops, and you can hardly even find the planetarium! You don’t even want to know my take on the “new” DeYoung”. I talked about MAH last Friday with Rosemary Chalmers on her KSCO Good Morning Show. Immediately after the interview I got a phone message from one of our very top five most noted artists in the County thanking me for saying all of above. That was one of many artists who have responded in similar manner. Nina Simon will be on Rosie’s show next Friday about 8:43 am.

ON IT GOES…MAH. There’s no denying that Nina has raised attendance. She says it’s from 17,000 up to 40,000 per year now.She says there’s a 50% raise in membership and a 30% increase in children’s experiences. No one has denied any of that. It’s all about why people are going to MAH nowadays , that’s it!! It’s not old versus newpeople are still waiting for hours to see the Mona Lisa, The Venice Bienelle always draws visitors from around the world, The Getty Center, The De Young, The Norton Simon, San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art is doing beautifully, they don’t feature experiences with Post-It’s and paper mache . Here’s one more letter (for this week)…

“As a retired museum curator, I’ve witnessed the decline in museum quality since the 1990s. Museum administrators, challenged by diminishing visitor numbers, have increasingly turned to entertainment events, at the expense of art or science based exhibits, to attempt to increase visitorship. Museums have become entertainment destinations for school groups, tourists and locals, while their role as a repository for the curation and exhibition of cultural artifacts and documentation is diminished and ultimately lost.

Unfortunately, while a institution may prosper financially under such management, it can, at the same time, fail in culture, art and science”.

More letters next week.

MAH…WHAT COULD HAPPEN? Well if half as many folks that have talked and emailed me wrote or contacted Vance Landis-Carey, the President of the MAH board she too would see that something should be done about the direction MAH has taken. Nina is formidable and tough to face AND great at what she wants to do…but what does the community want her to do? Contact Vance at vance.landis@gatewayhealthmgmt.com

EVERGREEN CEMETERY…LOOKING GREAT!!! One close associate of MAH reports great things about the re-furbishing of our Evergreen Cemetery. We saw photos in the Sentinel of the new Chinese Gate that George Ow is sponsoring in the Chinese section of Evergreen. Nina Simon’s husband Sibley Verbeck “Simon” , formerly of Comcast and CEO of Electric Sheep Company (http://www.electricsheepcompany.com/about has been spearheading this much needed miracle and ceratinly deserves our thanks.

SANTA CRUZ WATER QUOTE. I looked this up…”The Nevada State Library and Archives has a web presence at nsla.nevadaculture.org. An undated article discussing the saying was titled “Myth #122 – What Mark Twain Didn’t Say” by Guy Rocha, former Nevada State Archivist. The essay began with this unequivocal statement: Mark Twain didn’t say “Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting over,” or any other version of the oft-quoted phrase. That’s what seemingly everybody wants to believe. We Santa Cruzans have revised it locally, as follows….”Whiskey AND Water are for drinking, De-Sal is for fighting”.

SHAKESPEARE SANTA CRUZ UPDATE. There’s no real news on this except that staff, founders, students, actors, directors and anybody connected with SSC were given exactly two hours notice from Dean Yager about UCSC’s cancelling their future. It also turns out that a nameless somebody was actually selling the SSC stored costumes for $5 (five) dollars each. Fortunately he was stopped.Now’s also the time to note Romeo & Juliet (the NEW movie) opens Oct.11 at The Del Mar. The National Theatre Live (NTL) Macbeth with Richard Branagh plays Oct.17 & 24. NTL’s Hamlet plays Oct.24 & 27. NTL’s Coriolanus plays Jan. 30 & Feb. 2, 2014….don’t say you weren’t notified.

PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary talks about Monterey’s Measure K and M and the development behind them. He talks about our Santa Cruz Supervisors dealing with two land use items on 10/1, and how planning departments believe that developers are their customers. Our planning Commission will face a Solar Panel ordinance on 10/3. Monterey County listeners to Patton’s program should care about Paraiso Hot Springs and EIR comments. He closes the week talking about why we should not allow the Santa Cruz City Council to finalize the De-Sal EIR. Read all of above scripts at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse. Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, and an attorney who represents individuals 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

VINTAGE DE CINZO. These are really, really vintage DeCinzo creations. He loaned me a stack of oldies but goodies and I choose one each week (for many years now). We’ll all have to wait and wonder about DeCinzo’s Sentinel contributions during October. He’s re-vacationing in Cuba. He goes there often, I’ve been told. This week Steven DeCinzo pays a special and revealing tribute to Open Studios. Check it out 4 pages down there.

EAGANS DEEP COVER. Peace loving Eagan shows us just how strong our President can be….see below, just a bit…down there after the movie section.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “This week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com), color me pleasantly surprised by an enjoyable new romantic comedy from a director I usually dislike, and get a sneak preview of the 2013 Open Studio artists at this year’s preview exhibit at the Art League.” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

WHERE SHOULD THE BIRDS FLY? The Palestine-Israel Action Committee, Jewish Voice for Peace, Resource Center for Nonviolence and the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom all present this film about two Palestinian women trying to exist in the Gaza of today. Fida Qishta the filmaker will be there. It’s Wednesday October 2^nd at 7 p.m. at The Resource Center 612 Ocean Street.

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 sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. On October 1^st Peggy Dolgenos CEO and director of Cruzio will tell us what’s new in the internet world followed by Bruce Van Allen illuminating De-Sal and other pressing issues. Cathy Pickerrell from the Santa Cruz Chamber Players opens the program on October 8, then John Hibble curator of the Aptos History Museum talks about old and new things. October 15 has Erin Tools and Stacey Falls discussing Santa Cruz Sanctuary Camp. Then Ken Koenig talks about The Community of Artists photographers group and their show at Felix Kulpa. Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Leopold returns to co-host the bi annual Pledge Drive on Oct. 22. 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

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click here http://kzsc.org/blog/tag/universal-grapevine then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, 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. Hear them all!!!

QUOTES. “Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams – they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do – they all contain truths”, Muhammad Ali. “You can’t trust water: Even a straight stick turns crooked in it”, W. C. Fields. “Well, Art is Art, isn’t it? Still, on the other hand, water is water. And east is east and west is west and if you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does. Now you tell me what you know”, Groucho Marx