.Opinion May 10, 2017

EDITOR’S NOTE

I’ve long puzzled over the dampening effect Santa Cruz seems to have on the success of our biggest artistic talents. It’s ridiculous how many great bands have reached a pinnacle of popularity locally, and then struggled to get any recognition at a national level. And music is only the most obvious example—I’ve seen the same troubles dog local dancers, writers, actors, directors and everything else. It’s hard to “make it” anywhere, no doubt, but there’s something weird about this phenomenon. It’s like the geography of Santa Cruz somehow cuts off our biggest fish from finding a larger pond.

It’s an entirely different problem, however, when success is there for the taking, and the artist in question flat out doesn’t want it. That’s what happened when Soquel publisher Steve Kettmann approached local poet Peter McLaughlin about releasing a book of his poetry. For many poets, that would be a dream come true. But at the last minute, McLaughlin backed out, saying he didn’t feel like he could handle it.

Last month, McLaughlin took his own life. As Kettmann writes in our cover story this week, he was devastated, both from the loss of someone for whom he cared, and the knowledge that McLaughlin’s incredible talent had gone unheralded outside of the following he had built performing at open mics locally.

This story can only right one of those wrongs, but I’m glad to have this opportunity to publish the work of “Pete the Poet,” and Kettmann’s tribute to him. I also had the great fortune to meet McLaughlin’s good friend Ulli Wagner, who asked me to let readers know that there will be a memorial for him at 3 p.m. on June 3, at 452 Palm St. in Santa Cruz. I hope to see you there.

STEVE PALOPOLI | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

STOLEN ISLANDS

Another fascinating look at the Santa Cruz-Hawaii connection by our fine local historian Geoffrey Dunn. It’s also important for Americans to remember that Hawaii was annexed (i.e., stolen) from the indigenous Hawaiians in 1898 by a joint resolution of Congress—no treaty, no compensation for the theft of their land, their culture, and their human rights. Just another instance of U.S. domination stemming from the greed of the bankers and corporations, aka the 1 percent.

Gigo deSilvas

Santa Cruz

FLUFFY, FLUFFY KIDS

Melvin, replace the words “pets/dog” in your letter of 4/26 with the words “kids/child.” That is what my pets are, my kids. I have no human children and I vote and pay taxes for the places mentioned in your letter. Would you confine your kids to your house/yard and not allow them to socialize with other kids? I find your comments regarding my kids to be both offensive and selfish. Just as there are irresponsible parents with human children, there are also irresponsible pet owners. The answer to your concerns is to hold these irresponsible parents accountable. Not to confine their children. Shame on you!

Kevin C. Flavia | Boulder Creek

ONLINE COMMENTS

Re: Dogs and Parks

Being a frequent visitor to your area, I have enjoyed your Good Times publication for many years. I agree with Melvin’s letter from the 4-26-17 edition: A pet’s place is in your yard or in your home. I just returned home after a wonderful visit to Aptos and feel the need to share a warning to beachgoing folks. While walking on the beach I was rammed behind the knee by a golden retriever running full force. I stumbled to save myself from a fall (I am 63 years old) and am fortunate enough not to have sustained an injury. The next day I was lying on the beach and was run over, ending up with sandy dog prints on my back, sand in my face  and sand all over my towel. Both dog owners did say “sorry” in passing, with no great concern. During a previous visit, I was sitting on driftwood on the beach and a dog ran up and lifted his leg—I ran! I have always loved the beach and have enjoyed being a tourist in this area, however I would appreciate it if pet owners would please keep their dogs on a leash.

—  Cheryl

Re: Community Choice Energy

I manage the Clean Power Exchange (CPX) program for the Center for Climate Protection. The CPX program tracks Community Choice development throughout California.

On the CPX site, you will find an interactive map that shows the 26 out of the 58 counties and more than 300 cities that are either operational or pursuing Community Choice. There are now seven, soon to be eight, operational agencies in the state.

I am interested in knowing if you have a citation or source for the assertion that MBCP will be enrolling customers this summer: “Starting this summer, MBCP will automatically enroll residents.”

My understanding is that the JPA is still being formed and the IP has not been completed or certified by the CPUC. The full formation of the JPA and a certified IP are required in order to begin automatic enrollment, so I am scratching my head here.

Thanks in advance for any light you can shed.

— Woody Hastings

 

Ardy Raghian responds: Thank you for your question, and for the work you do to help protect our planet. I received the enrollment information from Virginia Johnson, the project manager for MBCP. She told me via phone call that they’re going to start enrolling customers late summer 2017, into the fall and winter.


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GOOD IDEA

ONE FAMILY

Supporters of Planned Parenthood are preparing for their second fundraiser of the year, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21. Imagine Democracy is planning the event at 840 Eddy Lane in Santa Cruz. To donate, call Lisa at 234-4738 or Eric at 345-3834. The last sale raised $4,500 for the Santa Cruz and Watsonville branches.


GOOD WORK

SIGHT SEA

Sometime in May or June, the O’Neill Sea Odyssey expects to welcome its 100,000th student. The educational catamaran has been teaching marine biology and environmental stewardship to fourth- and sixth-grade students for 21 years. As it launches its 100,000th Student Campaign, the Sea Odyssey will share memorable highlights and stunning pictures. Visit oso100k.org for more information.


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“What is a poet? An unhappy person who conceals profound anguish in his heart but whose lips are so formed that as sighs and cries pass over them they sound like beautiful music.”

-Soren Kierkegaard

1 COMMENT

  1. Broken Traffic Laws

    I have noticed the increased frequency of traffic violations which have threatened my safety. Drivers seem to take more chances now. I’ve been counting the number of occurrences that I am almost hit by another vehicle to be at least 2-3 times every day. I have witnessed many vehicles drive through red stop lights, or cross over double yellow lines into oncoming traffic, or be in a left turn lane and suddenly make a right turn cutting another driver off, or drive through a crosswalk with pedestrians jumping out of the way. When I see one of these dangerous maneuvers happen, there are never any cops around to catch the violator. All of these instances are inexcusable, reckless and selfish.

    Many years ago, when I first learned how to drive my instructor said, “Never insist on right of way, because people are unpredictable and can change their minds at the last second”. How true this is. I find it very difficult to live in a society where I follow what I was taught in the DMV Driver Handbook, but it seems like everyone else can do whatever they want! I am beginning to not feel safe anymore driving around my hometown, for fear that I will be injured in an accident.

    I believe the cause of this is that as more people move into Santa Cruz County and more vehicles are on the road, we become more agitated and competitive. Even if you are in a hurry, please don’t think you are the only person on the road. We still need to be respectful of each other!

    Ernest Amos-Jackson | Santa Cruz

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