A lot of eyes will be focused on Vice President Kamala Harris this week as she receives the nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
She’s familiar to a lot of Santa Cruzans who have known her since her early days in Oakland. In a huge turnaround with historical implications, she moved to the top of the ticket only weeks ago after Joe Biden dropped out July 21.
Locals tell our cover story writer Steve Kettman that a new blue wave will sweep from California to Washington. It’s certainly been a dramatic and fast turnaround in a race that was all but lost.
Democrats may not so desperately need the advice given in Elizabeth Borelli’s Wellness column this week about new treatments for depression, but it’s a problem that plagues everyone and is more prevalent than ever. This column breaks new ground.
We get a first look at the new Capitola restaurant, Pete’s Fish House, in Mark C. Anderson’s Dining column. Check it out.
We’ve got two new music stories, on Mighty Mike Schermer and Rushadicus, aka the Cello Goblin.
On the good news front, we report on a $71 million grant to the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the biggest federal grant to a nongovernmental organization in the state’s history. It’s a serious effort to save our shores.
One sad note musically is the death of rock and radio star Greg Kihn, who wasn’t a Santa Cruz local but played here all the time. Commuters could also hear his KUFX radio show as they drove over the hill. It was a top show in Silicon Valley thanks to his knowledge and love of music and musicians. It’s a sad loss for all of us. He died at 75 of complications from Alzheimer’s.
We’ve been swamped with notes and letters paying tribute to him.
On a happier note, I caught the “Remain in Light” concert Friday by Talking Heads members Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew at UCSC’s Quarry Amphitheater and got to experience not just a great performance of a 1980s album, but one of the best-kept secrets in the Bay Area.
Our outdoor theater in a natural redwood bowl has perfect sound and sightlines.
If you haven’t attended a show there, it’s a revelation, as good as the heralded Mountain WInery without the pretentiousness. It’s cheaper and funkier, to be sure, but a place for true music and nature lovers. Keep your eyes out for future shows there.
Also, it’s a bit of a chore to get to the venue from the parking lot. You can either take a shuttle or enjoy a sublimely beautiful walk along pastures and forests. But don’t be fooled by the FAQs about the venue. It’s not a flat walk. There are some hills, which were wonderful for us, but could be a challenge for some.
That said, it’s not much more challenging than the trek to the Mountain WInery and it’s way more affordable and just plain beautiful.
Thanks for reading.
Brad Kava, Editor
PHOTO CONTEST
SAILING FREE The Big Brothers/Biography Sisters Regatta on the Bay 8.11.24 PHOTOGRAPH Don Monkerud
GOOD IDEA
Join Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez and Watsonville Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter Saturday for a community bike ride aimed at promoting physical and mental health, fighting climate change, and building a stronger community.
The event starts at East Lake Shopping Center at 10:30am with a bike check and helmet giveaway for the first 50 riders. There is a 2-mile or 6-mile ride at 11am.
Riders can enjoy burritos and share their thoughts with city and county officials on enhancing road safety.
GOOD WORK
Santa Cruz Public Libraries honors the four-year anniversary of the devastating CZU Lightning Complex Fire, by acknowledging grief and loss and celebrating renewal. The program will take place in the Felton Branch Library Community Room Aug. 24 2-4pm.
The “Heavy Lifting Listening Tour” offers healing through dialogue. This introduction to the project opens with a display of Felicia Rice’s artists’ book and the experimental film On Heavy Lifting, followed by conversation with Theresa Whitehill and an invitation for people to share their own work. Information: santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12542943.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I’ve always been a goblin. I’ve always been weird.”
—Rushadicus
