Plus Letters To the Editor
Walking down Pacific Avenue is never dull. In fact, it’s often quite colorful—a curious pathway that often invites those with—how shall I put this?—differing values and opinions to converge and share them with others. As I was walking back to my office with my morning chai, I happened to spot two missionaries clad in suits approaching a small group of unkempt—let’s see, what’s the correct terminology here?—early-morning dwellers that, without the proper lighting, could be mistaken for characters found on a very popular TV drama on the AMC network.
Anyway … one of the missionaries asked the small group if he could read a passage from the “good book”—you know, that good book. “Sure,” one of the early-morning dwellers quipped. “But read the one I really like.” He went on to tell the man which passage to read, which, I found rather liberating. It’s good to know what you want. Still, it doesn’t hurt to see what the cosmos wants you to hear from time to time.
Regardless, the scene made me chuckle and reminded me that in a world filled with differing opinions and beliefs that it is possible to co-exist, listen, learn and allow each other the space to think for ourselves. (Although, I wasn’t convinced on whether that’s what the missionaries initially had in mind.)
Onward … if you’re looking for more diversity, then consider this week’s “Good Idea” (this page). In the meantime, ponder our cover story essay this week, which explores the corporate kingpins behind that thing called The Internet.
Elsewhere, there is a compelling story in News (Page 6), which takes a deeper look at Cesar Chavez Day and the importance of farmworkers. That’s a subject that locals may appreciate, but is it possible to express more appreciation to Santa Cruz County farmworkers? Most definitely.
What’s left?
A good week ahead. Have one. (And spread the good around.)
More later …
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
ISSP Needs Neighborhood Support
Amid the recent discussion and debate about the efficiency and public safety issues surrounding the Homeless Services Center (GT 3/28), it seems to have escaped our attention that there are other groups who are working every day to provide safe, transitional spaces for our unsheltered. The Association of Faith Communities continues to work to create additional shelter space through its Interfaith Satellite Shelter Program (ISSP). Although progress is being made through the ISSP, this program, like many in our community, cannot truly succeed without the support of our neighborhoods. And this support can be provided in the simplest of ways. Take the time to visit one of the satellite shelters in your neighborhood and, perhaps, even to join them for a meal. I think you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that this program can work to provide shelter and, just as importantly, to create community.
Steve Pleich
Santa Cruz
Another Look at Same-Sex Marriage
The whole issue of same-sex marriage is really about the normalization of homosexuality rather than marriage. Sexuality has an intrinsic meaning and direction which is not homosexual. The meaning and direction of sexuality is to bring about the union of man and woman, and in this way give humanity posterity, children, future. This is the determination internal to the essence of sexuality. Everything else is against sexuality’s intrinsic meaning and direction. This is a point we need to hold firm, even if it is not pleasing to our age.
Homosexuality is not innate. Behaviors are changeable. There are serious medical and psychiatric illnesses, and risks, of the homosexual lifestyle. Pediatricians, mental health professionals, physicians, nurses, school counselors, parents, politicians and the media have a clear legal and moral responsibility to inform the public of this and that homosexuality is ultimately not an acceptable lifestyle.
Let us hope the U.S. Supreme Court will recognize the obvious and act swiftly to condemn same-sex marriage.
Paul Kokoski
Ontario
A Mighty Memorial
Thanks for the recent blog on the mural and plaque that will honor the original Santa Cruz O’Neill surf shop. Amazing.
John Hamilton
Capitola
NIGHT GLOW This shot in Downtown Santa Cruz was taken in front of Jamba Juice, where Front Street and Pacific Avenue merge. photo/Jasmine Castro
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A Walk For Equality
To mark the recent U.S. Supreme Court hearings on same-sex marriage, The GLBT Alliance of Santa Cruz County and The Diversity Center recently rallied the local LGBT community and its allies to take a stand in solidarity and “keep the light burning for justice.” A March 27 rally in Santa Cruz took place on the steps of the courthouse, followed by a march to the clock tower. Most of those in attendance wore red—a symbol of freedom and equality for loving relationships. Visit diversitycenter.org to learn more about upcoming events.
We Are Santa Cruz
This unique art project boasts the tagline: You are your artwork. The organizers of the event are asking locals that love Santa Cruz to to head to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on First Friday (April 5) from 2-9 p.m. for a filming that will be part of an installation on the street level of the Rittenhouse Building. Participants will be asked to step in front of a camera, show off their unique personality or, perhaps, a piece of artwork—something that represents the Santa Cruz lifestyle. Feel free to wear your work uniform, volunteer outfit, weekend clothes, etc. Be creative. Learn more at wearesantacruz.org.
“People can save the world by the way they think and by the way they behave and what they hold to be important.”
—Cyndi Lauper
Online Comments
On ‘Bonsais’ …
Thank you for the art of Bonsai with everyone. I would like to clarify a few things. Any small leaf tree is preferred in bonsai. The exception is fruiting and flowering trees where the size of the leaf is less important because of the beauty of the flower or fruit on the tree. Wire allows one to add movement and age to a tree within a few short years. The wire stays on long enough to hold the shape and then the wire is removed at the desired time.
—Ron Anderson
On ‘Renaissance Redux’ …
A wonderful article and very exciting opportunity for so many.
—Jo Beth Kavanaugh
On ‘Wells For Women’ …
Just came across this article about your work in Kenya while doing some research. Keep up the good work. We need more people like you in this world.
—T. Wallace
Correction
In the music calendar of the March 28 issue, we incorrectly identified local Latin/Caribbean dance band Broken English. We regret the error.
