After working on a farm and watching cows lead to slaughter, I gave up meat for a decade and had planned to give it up forever. The guilt of watching these sad-eyed animals tortured and killed made the idea of eating them distasteful, to say the least. No, there’s no decent way to kill animals. None.
And living in Santa Cruz and Berkeley made it relatively easy to forego meat.
But then I moved to Kansas City, where tofu was a no-fu, and finding enough proteins that I could conveniently cook and consume while working ungodly long hours was just too much work. And, sorry cows, the fresh beef in Kansas City had a rich taste like none other.
So, I went back to my omnivore ways, consumed with guilt, giving in to convenience.
I had great interest in Elizabeth Borelli’s cover story on a study of twins that seemed to prove how much healthier a vegan diet can be. It’s got me thinking about taking off the blinders and going back to a healthier lifestyle.
And then I have the words of my 8-year-old son ringing in my head – he hates killing animals–but “hamburgers taste so good.”
Elizabeth’s story has views from both sides of the issue and will give you a lot to think about.
This week we’ve also got news that a hotly debated cannabis shop will open near Santa Cruz High.(see goodtimes.sc). We’ve received letters from both sides below.
Mark Anderson has tips on alcohol for St. Patty’s Day and a note about an upcoming mushroom festival. And Andrew Steingrube will steer you to all you can eat sushi.
There’s plenty of local music and one big star, Melissa Etheridge, playing the local den of basketball. That venue, and a fancier one that may replace it, is a huge boon for the community. Are the acoustics better than the Civic? You tell me. If they build a new one, it better sound great.
The layoffs at Live Oak schools may be a sad harbinger of what happens when families can’t afford local housing. We’ve got it covered. And finally, you better read Josué Monroy’s warning from PG&E about scams because Santa Cruzans have fallen for them more than almost anyone.
Thanks for reading.
Brad Kava
Editor
Photo Contest
FORMATION Taking flight along Four Mile in Santa Cruz. Photo Jo Gliddo
Good Idea
The Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce presents “A Night of Stars,” recognizing community members, Person of the Year: Matt Wetstein, President, Cabrillo College;
Business of the Year: David Lyng Real Estate; Organization of the Year: United Way of Santa Cruz County; Small Business of the Year: Allterra Solar; Lifetime Achievement: Bruce McPherson, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.
Ceremony is April 11 at Cocoanut Grove. SantaCruzChamber.org for tickets.
Good Work
Capitola is building its biggest affordable housing project in a decade. The Bluffs at 4401 Capitola Road will add 36 affordable units. It’s expected to be finished midway through 2025. It will cater to singles and families earning 30-80% of the median $133K income.
The buyer of this $4.5 million development site is CRP Affordable Housing & Community Development. The sellers are Claudia & Don Caudle.
Quote of the Week
“He who made kittens put snakes in the grass.” Ian Anderson
