.From the Editor

Plus Letters to the Editor

We’re living in powerful, insightful times. Change is afoot—almost everywhere you look. Something ends. Something else begins. It may sound like “seasonal” speak and mood-swing blather to you, but it’s true—we’re in a time of profound shift, politically, economically, culturally. Nobody has felt this quite so distinctly as our school systems, which have taken a brutal blow financially yet still manage to impress with what they are able to accomplish under some of the most challenging of circumstances. This week, we talk with Cabrillo head Brian King and UC Santa Cruz chancellor George Blumenthal to understand more clearly what has been unfolding on both campuses. Over the past few years, both colleges have been affected economically. So, how are they doing? The news may surprise. News Editor Elizabeth Limbach’s compelling interviews with the two men. Send us your thoughts at le*****@gt******.com . Read on …

Elsewhere, take note of News this week, where we report on the good shifts taking place at the Resource Center For Non-Violence. There’s also some new information about breast cancer research that you should find interesting. In the meantime, perhaps the other big news item of the past week still has you  abuzz: The Jay Moriarity biopic. Hollywood came to Santa Cruz—with Gerard Butler in tow, playing Moriarity’s mentor, Frosty—to film the much-anticipated venture. Jonny Weston plays Moriarity. Learn more about how you can be involved in scenes being filmed at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, scheduled for Oct. 24 or 25, on our website, goodtimessantacruz.com.

What’s left? Taking stock of your life. It’s the time of year to do it, after all. So, what are you grateful for? Ponder it. And then go do something you’ve been meaning to do, but haven’t, this week. Let the transformations begin—and in.

More soon …

Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief

Letters to the Editor

Every Which Way But Water

I have carefully followed the conflicting ideas for solving possible future water scarcity in Soquel and Santa Cruz. Desal? New reservoirs? Stringent restrictions?

Meanwhile, an Israeli friend has shared what Israel does in the water-short Mid East. Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza are on the average limited to 72 liters per capita per day while Israelis average 280 liters and settlers are allowed 400 liters.

It seems to me that anyone who can defend what Israel is doing with its water distribution schemes will join me in suggesting the same kind of inequitable system for us. Then of course we can vociferously argue about how to draw the lines. Ethnic groupings? Religious? Length of time one’s family has been in Santa Cruz? Renter vs. Homeowner? Student or Employer?

Anyone not defending what Israel is doing to the Palestinians can join me in asking the White House to cease its unequivocal support of the increasing occupation injustices.

Jennifer L Pitino

Capitola

Eyes On Dominican

Once again the Good Times has brought to our attention a story the Sentinel has not mentioned. Last week’s article about the possible management take-over of Dominican Hospital’s ER by CEP America should be of interest to all Santa Cruz County residents. It could have repercussions for anyone who has to receive care on an emergency basis, especially if this is really more about profitability and less about quality of care. Sadly, we probably have little to no influence over the decision.

Judi Grunstra

Santa Cruz

Best Online Comments

On  ‘Men In Tights’  …

I ran the lighting for this event and had a fantastic time seeing a true representation of Americana and genuine home-grown entertainment at its best! I highly recommend RFW’s events as a good time for all.

—DanGar

On Surf Legend Miki Dora …

Great memories indeed. Yet Dora never impressed me like Tom Hoye, or Little Joe Harris did, or Gene Hall or Gary Venterini, or John Scott, or Adrian Jones. Or Rod Lundquist, who moved down from San Francisco in the early ’60s to ride the big winter waves at the Lane and finally to get a gig teaching English at Cabrillo College. Or Mark Angel, or Lunchmeat Furgesson, or the Haut brothers, Dick Keating, or Ray Lee, and so many more of those Northern California surfers whose blood ran warm in the icy waters on the north side of Monterey Bay. Yes, very cool piece, Geoff.

—K.L.

I “echo” what KL said above!! I grew up with lots of the guys you mention (SCHS Class of ’66). Still live on the WS not far from Hickenbottom. Great article Geoff!

—RDM

On Nina Simon and MAH …

Valuable thoughts and provocation from Nina as always. But how useful are each of these interventions and initatives, as future directions for museums? Some extremely, some not at all. New ideas are great, but if the idea is worth investing in, it’s also worth evaluating! I’d still like to see the figures on how participation has increased, and with what sectors of the community.

—Matthew

Good work done by you Nina, feels like shifting to Santa Cruz. Why don’t you come sometime to my place (India) as the art institutions and museums here badly need a person like you. You have been an eye-opener in the field. Best of luck and carry on the good work. The discussion between you and Dunn is really engaging and sincerely hope that you are making MAH as engaging as this discussion.

—V.Kalyani

What an appalling piece of self-serving claptrap. This egomaniac is only out to serve her own ends—doesn’t know diddle about local history, or art for that matter. It’s the Museum of Dumb-and-Dumber. It’s only participatory if you agree with Her Highness! What a shame.

—Mr. Potatohead