Plus Letters to Good Times
Fall has arrived and so, too, has an increased tempo that will take us toward the end of 2010, and into another new year. Not so fast—there’s a lot to explore between now and December. And this week, in our annual Fall Home & Garden issue, we do just that. In crafting this year’s issue, we were particularly impressed with gardens, and “growers” for that matter. As we move into an abundant time of harvest, take note of a few locals spotlighted this week who’ve mastered the art of generating lush gardens, particularly Cynthia Sandberg of Love Apple Farm (page 16). There are a few garden-related events taking place in the coming weeks that stand out, too, so it’s a bonanza out there. Check out more H&G stories online at goodtimessantacruz.com, as well exclusive tips for your home and garden by a well-known local designer and grower. Dig in.
The fall season also ushers in a number of significant events. This week, two stand out: The MichaelAngelo FashionART Runway Show and the Ethnic Dance Festival. Both events usher in great talent and creativity if not large crowds. Flip to our A&E section for more news on each of these great events. Take note, too, of our exclusive interview with comedian Paula Poundstone, who heads to town this week for what promises to be a wild night of comedy. (Thanks for coming back, Paula.)
There’s more online, too, as GTv takes a look at a fascinating local artist, Kathleen Crocetti, whose public mural at 1111 Soquel Ave. in Santa Cruz is downright mesmerizing. The project brought a great deal of the community together, particularly students from local schools. You may have watched a segment on Crocetti on the latest episode of SoWat TV (Community TV), and if not, watch it on our site, and/or head down to the mural yourself. There’s also a special event coming up at the site on Oct. 2. Kudos to Crocetti for a dazzling endeavor.
Another great show you can’t miss: “Visibly Invisible.” It’s the new headturning art exhibit at Cabrillo Gallery, which explores sexual politics and transgenderism. Thanks for reading. More next time …
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor
Good Point
Regarding the story on the Needle Exchange Program (GT 9/16), if only all communities had programs like these. Here in Chicago, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of such an outreach organization. People everywhere, in all situations, need to open their eyes and ears to these “controversial” exchange programs. Just as drug companies always suggest that the benefits of the drug outweigh the side effects/risks, local leaders and those in power positions need to look at the facts to assess the real outcome of such SEP’s in their communities. Bravo S.O.S. and thank you to all the volunteers and workers that keep you up and running! (So proud of you Sean Lowry!)
Ashley King
Chicago
Postcards From The Edge
Congratulations and thanks to editor Greg Archer for probably the best job we’ve ever seen of capturing the two sides of Esalen’s legendary magic (GT 9/16): the unique experience of personal growth and healing, and the visionary work of cultural transformation which has also lain deep in the DNA of Esalen across nearly 50 years.
Just one thing: The pioneering Gazebo outdoor-education preschool at Esalen, far from being “once thriving,” is alive and if anything more vibrant than ever in the hands of Santa Cruzan progressive education leader Joanna Claassen. Gazebo serves the children of the Big Sur community as well as those of visiting workshop participants and others with its trademark blend of social learning and lifelong eco-education.
Nancy Lunney-Wheeler
Senior Advisor and Program Director emerita
Gordon Wheeler
President, Esalen Institute
Clarification
In GT’s Sept. 9 issue, our calendar of events spotlighted the Raices Flemencas event. The name of the dancer pictured was incorrect. The dancer is Revital Carroll. GT regrets the error.
Best of The Online Comments
On ‘The Great House Hunt’ …
I feel for ya, bro. There was the time when I told my live-in landlord, with whom I thought I had a very good relationship, that I had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and he replied, with some hesitancy: “Oh I’m so sorry to hear about that” PAUSE “I’ve been meaning to talk to you; my fiance wants the house so you have one month to move out.” Talk about hitting below the belt! I now own a house and it is really so nice to not have to worry about being asked to leave.
Osha
On ‘Esalen’ …
Thank you for your thoughtful article on Esalen. Your story mimics my own, as I spent a week long sojourn and met Hec Ace, David Schiffman and so many other Esalen notables. The cover art on Good Times reminds me of the several days and many hours I sat in that same spot—perched high above the ocean. A sacred place where many new life decisions were made. It took me 20 years to get there, but in the two years since I visited, it has come back to me in many ways. Your article was one.
Cheryl Cross
On ‘SmartMeter’ …
Our first notification of SmartMeter installation was a letter to the home last week. Knowing of San Fransciso & Santa Clara concerns, I immediately called regarding the cost issues on my monthly bill. I was told a new finding was on the web to take care of those concerns and I was welcome to view the report. I told the agent I would not have my meter installed until I watched for a year what happens in San Juan Bautista. The best the agent could do is request our address be put at the bottom of the installation list.
Salinas Homeowner
On Free Radio Santa Cruz
Look up electronic Direction Finding. Your term with quotation marks makes it sound like magic. On wikipedia it will direct you to Radio Direction Finding which is what the story is about, radio. You will discover that this high tech app was developed in the 1930s and beyond. But that’s great, they’re back on the air with something different.
Mr. Winky
