Plus Letters to Good Times…
The Baine of Our Existence
Love The Blue Marble
Take Another Look
Can’t we just all talk things out? Well, we can. And, as writer John Malkin illuminates in this week’s cover story, some locals are doing just that in the hopes of fueling a “restorative justice.” Think of it as the “art of sharing power and responsibility” all in an effort to create community. Santa Cruz is big on community, after all. Send us your comments at
le*****@gt******.com
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With summer already in full swing, it’s also time to point out the many big theater happenings unfolding around town. Shakespeare Santa Cruz is about to unveil its summer crop of shows, which includes the soul-stirring work “The Lion in Winter.” Over at Cabrillo Stage (cabrillostage.com), “Cabaret” seems destined to turn heads—the show opens next week. And then there’s the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music (cabrillomusic.org), one of the area’s most prestigious outings that is never short of breathtaking talent. This year’s showcase unfolds Aug. 1. Look to GT in the coming weeks for more news and reviews on these popular outings.
Elsewhere, take note of some new blog additions online. Oceans advocate Wallace J. Nichols reports directly from the Gulf, where he’s part of a clean-up team aiding sea animals affected by the oil spill. And then there’s our new blog about Antarctica—the mission and the locals whose lives will be altered by it.
Dive in. In the meantime, express some gratitude this week …
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to Good Times Editor
Take Another Look
In the July 8 article “A Time for Healing” Tony Madrigal, Tom Alejo and Simba Kenyatta all expressed their belief that racism exists throughout our society. There are two possibilities: Racism either actually is everywhere, or it’s in the eyes of those who look for it to justify their community activist roles in life. I saw Tom Alejo lead his Brown Berets in running first lady Maria Shriver out of Watsonville’s downtown plaza during her attempted 2006 goodwill visit, and I heard his group scream “Racist!” at her. I don’t know about Madrigal and Kenyatta, but if Tom Alejo sees racism in the niece of John, Bobby and Teddy Kennedy, then I believe he’s just seeing something in his own eyes.
—Pajaro Joey, Pajaro
Love The Blue Marble
Regarding the article on Blue Planet marble lover Lea Haratani and the love of the ocean, the subjects—the Ocean, Oceana and RCDSCC—are all compelling. Thanks for showing and sharing what is important above so much else. How many of us are there who take ocean life for granted, its vast pervasive role, its vulnerabilities, and grasp our failure to do the right thing?
—Mari Anixter, Santa Cruz
The Baine of Our Existence
We got a kick out of the Wallace Baine feature in your recent cover story about summer reads. It’s about time somebody like Wallace got some attention. The man has been working so hard here in Santa Cruz all these years. We’ve admired his columns and stories every week in the Sentinel and he’s a good guy that gives back to the community. It was refreshing to see him so nicely featured. And cheers to you, Wallace—your new book deserves attention.
—Wally Miller, Felton
