Plus Letters to the Editor
What makes a surf icon a surf icon? Even if he doesn’t want to be one? This week, you’re about to find out. In a compelling, and fascinating historic look back in time, writer Geoffrey Dunn explores the complex yet totally interesting man known as Miki Dora. Surf culture holds a significant amount of interest in these parts, even for those who don’t surf—this is Santa Cruz, after all. So, learn more about the inner workings of Dora, and how the surf mystique managed to ride its way into pop culture.
In News, the idea to erect an apartment building doesn’t often stir controversary, but when it’s on a Native American Ohlone Indian site, that’s another story. This week, GT talks to individuals who may be impacted should things roll ahead. Also in News, take note of all that is unfolding with the Santa Cruz County Community Coalition to Overcome Racism (SCCCCOR). A while ago, we reported on the unique local group, which received funding to move forward with its mission. How has it progressed? Read on …
Be sure to check out Town Hall this week, too. On the roster: Supervisor Neal Coonerty.
This weekend also marks somewhat of an end to the summer months, with Labor Day and all. So, how has the summer treated you, and vice versa? Don’t ponder it too much because there’s plenty of diversions to be had, one of them being the 59th Annual Capitola Begonia Festival, which unfolds during Labor Day weekend in Capitola. All eyes will be on the Nautical Parade. Some of the float ideas that captured our attention: “Ballet at the Beach” by Begonias On The Bay (BOB); “Hoedown on the River” by Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria; “Rock Around the Clock” by Riverview Rascals; and “Austin Powers Returns!” by Windmill House. Turn to our Events and Calendar pages this week for more details on the celebrated fest.
Meanwhile … enjoy these summer days—while they last.
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor
Obama Daze
Have you seen the stocks? Ever since Obama’s suicide bill was passed, the Stock Market has been crashing. Obama supporters are pulling their money out of the market, because they know that Obama’s Ideas to fix the economy are not put out by a very smart group of leaders. Obama is not very smart. He doesn’t manage the office like Bush did. Bush was masterful in getting us to follow him into his war and getting us to believe there were weapons of mass distruction. Obama just believes that his mere presance will change things and that is just really stupid.
David Brumfield
Aptos
Humanitarian Crisis?
Regarding your recent News story, the Showtilla that took Debra Ellis to Greece and back was nothing more than a publicity stunt. They were not bringing anything to Gaza that is not already shipped there through Israel. The International Red Cross has confirmed that there is no humanitarian crisis there. Six thousand tons of food, fuel, and other supplies enter Gaza every day through official channels. In fact, Israel offered to deliver any legitimate cargo from the flotilla, but they were rebuffed. If there really was any aid, it remained in Greece.
In the past five years, Hamas has fired over 10,000 rockets into Israeli communities. The blockade is a legal measure to prevent Hamas and other terrorist groups from importing weapons for their ongoing war against Israel. Under the Oslo Accords the Palestinians gave Israel the right to control the coast of Gaza. Under international law it has a right to enforce an embargo against the importation of war material. The pro-Hamas activists were in fact in violation of both international law for violating a legal blockade, and American law by giving aid to a terrorist organization.
Contrary to the statements of Ellis, Israel does not prevent aid to Gaza. In June a European convoy of Miles for Smiles 3 transferred 30 tons of medical supplies, ambulances, wheelchairs and other supplies without a fuss because their goal was to help people, not create incidents and publicity.
One only has to read the Charter of Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement, to understand the enemy that Israel faces. Ellis says she did not act out of politics, but the whole operation was undertaken in cooperation with Hamas leaders. I would hope that most members of our community will work to promote peaceful co-existence instead of engaging in dangerous provocations which only strengthen the repressive regimes like Hamas. To learn more about this subject go to www.flotillafacts.com.
Gil Stein
Best Online Comments
On La Bahia’s Defeat …
Always the talk of more jobs and better tourist opportunity. Frankly I’m glad not to see a huge conference center on our beach area. Once this happens then the precedent is set and projects that have been rejected in past years such as the Seacliff Beach conference center proposal are easier to pull off. Why not fix up the building and make it a historical restaurant. There is a beautiful example in Portland, Ore., fully done with gardens and a little movie theater. Pictures of the old building line the halls.
Santa Cruz can be creative without compromising integrity. Go with what we have. La Bahia is a lovely building and with some care and thought can be an asset—much more than a large conference center. Quit the whining about the loss of that and make something out of that space. You’ll have plenty of people to enjoy it and jobs to fill if you quit using tunnel vision.
Robin Faith
Correction
In the 8/23 issue Andrew Purchin’s name is spelled incorrectly. GT regrets the error.
Holiday Deadlines
Good Times offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day. Offices will reopen at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6. The following deadlines will be in effect for the Thursday, Sept. 8 issue.
Display and Classified Display advertising deadlines are 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1.
Classified advertising deadline is 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2.
