Plus Letters To The EDITOR
If you have ever wondered what really gets you through some of the challenging times in your life, then you may appreciate this week’s news story on Thomas Hickenbottom. The longtime local has been an active surfer since Santa Cruz first began generating national buzz for its surfing scene back the 1960s. As a boy, he actually once paddled out to a large piece of driftwood in the ocean, hopped on and rode the wave back to the beach. He shares these memories and quite a bit more in a story that also shines the spotlight on his cancer journey. Many of us have family members or friends who have been affected by cancer, so this particular tale may inspire you.
In the meantime, we receive more history this week in writer Geoffrey Dunn’s ongoing 2012 series with GT about Santa Cruz and some of the compelling icons from its past. In another engaging read, Dunn opens our eyes to the fascinating world of Freddy Alnas and a little-known part of Santa Cruz history that includes Filipino ag workers, the rise of the Pajaro Valley ag industry and the journey to embrace one’s heritage.
Local writers in the area may also appreciate the news coming out of Santa Cruz Writes, an interesting portal for local scribes. Turn to Arts & Entertainment to learn more about the happenings there.
And fashionistas out there—and/or those who just like to win prizes—there’s some time left to vote online for your favorite fashion archetype “looks” from the recent GT Fashion Issue. Peruse all the slideshows and then vote for the one look that grabbed you the most. Two random winners will be selected. Prizes include gift certificates to Stripe and Stripe Men.
Thanks for reading this week’s issue. More next time …
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor
History is Hip
Regarding “Making History Hip Again,” place-based education is where it is at, and people want to do what the locals do when they visit places. There are quite a few of us who have “official local” certificates after taking two semesters of Sandy Lydon’s classes. It would be neat to incorporate those folks somehow, and call on their history mentorship. The stories of the Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish histories in the area are still not well known. Thumbs up for this new business.
L. Ridenour
Santa Cruz
Online Comments
On ‘The Fate of Organics’ …
Organic farming really needs to be promoted in a big way if we want to curb down the cases of diseases like cancer and others caused by fertilizers and pesticides used in growing food conventionally.
—supraorganics.com
On ‘Pedaling a New Path’ …
A big welcome to Amelia Conlen! As one of the original co-founders of People Power I am personally excited to see this change, and I am looking forward to seeing what new directions the organization takes. Micah Posner has done a great job of keeping two-wheeled transportation big in the political and planning landscape in Santa Cruz for many years, but new vision and energy, as well as new perspectives, will be great to have.
—Jessica Wolf
Congratulations Amelia, Micah and People Power for finding a qualified, dynamic new director! As a local bike and environmental activist, I look forward to working with you Amelia! Cheers.
—Keresha Durham
On ‘The History Dude’ …
How wonderful to learn something of the human history of this amazing place—I’m curious now to know more. I’ve hiked and run through the trails of Nisene Marks often. Thanks for the article—informative about the park—and about Sandy Lydon too.
—Jackie Pascoe2
On Bill Monning’s column …
I feel that the government is not working either. School Boards can eliminate vending machines, restrict off-campus leave, educate on nutrition and organic gardening, sponsor school lunches with local organic produce, promote athletic activity, on campus gardens, and support local 4H programs. Food vans restricted with their business license. We need to support families that take children very seriously. Many feel taxes and laws will solve all problems. In reality they make it worse. The job is ours, claim it, and prove them wrong.
—Bill Smallman
On the ‘Occupy Santa Cruz’ Documentary …
Excellent article and an important story of a local documentary filmmaker and community activist. What’s not fully addressed is: Brent Adams is one of six independent media activists facing two felony charges and seven years in state prison for being present and documenting the Occupation movement in Santa Cruz. His pre-trial hearing (along with six others facing charges) was scheduled for Monday Aug 20. More info at santacruzeleven.org.
—Grant Wilson
