I'd say it's average. I like a lot of dub step and electronic music. Most of the hip-hop and K-DON and stuff—I really get over those kind of songs. More DJ's and what not would be nice.

Nesta Loni
Santa Cruz | Prep Chef

Nearly two years ago, America elected its first African-American president. Observers by the score commented on the significance of a biracial president, and wondered whether it finally signaled that race relations had improved in America.

So have the intervening months proved anything about prejudice? Do minorities now feel that all things are possible in America? Do whites feel free of their own prejudices?

Astrologically, the coming week/month is very challenging. The upcoming transits, phenomenal in their power, force, strength and multiplicity (with more to come), have long-range, enduring and continuing effects upon all of humanity’s endeavors.

Thursday, Mars enters Libra. Mars presents humanity with nine tests, including testing our ability to recognize and discriminate between the two forces presently at battle on our planet. Simultaneously, as Libra asks us to choose sides, Mars allows us to distinctly see the difference between personality and the Soul. Watch the news for “arbitration,” mediation (Libra) between two distinct factions often at war (Mars).

Plus Letters to Good Times
Desal: Another Look
Not Worth the Trip?
Death, deadlines and desire. It sounds like the title of a summer read, but, no, the three Ds have been alive and kicking—at least in my circles—lately. Let’s work our way in from the back. Desire. One of the more memorable outings I had in college (ASU) was playing a drunk sailor, as well as being in the chorus of “Cabaret.” I also played a Nazi guard in another scene, to which my concerned Polish mother, having been through a bit of drama during WW II herself, moaned: “Oh, do you have to wear that damn uniform?” Well, at the time I had to. The play’s the thing, right, and if you know anything about the musical, “Cabaret,” then you already know how well it mixes the emotional intensities and desires of its characters with the haunting political changes happening in Germany in the ’30s.

To enjoy life, have a good time and keep on populating this Earth.
Chris Molda
Santa Cruz | Diver

The proposed registration is misplaced in light of compelling evidence presented by the external scientific peer review committee commissioned by DPR. Once methyl iodide is approved, there will be no turning back from its dangerous and potentially lethal effects.  Workers and families in rural regions deserve protection from this highly volatile and toxic pesticide. The only means to protect public health and the environment is to prohibit the use of methyl iodide in California.

Last Wednesday, in the early morning, Saturn (Dweller on the Threshold, Taskmaster, Disciplinarian) entered Libra. Saturn is very dignified and in “exaltation” in Libra. It does good things. Libra is the sign of relationships and the creation of Right Relations. “Exaltation” in astrology means the planet continues to grow in strength, bestowing goodness and the power of cooperation (Aquarian principle, and Saturn is the ancient ruler of Aquarius). Saturn reorganizes, reforms and redistributes. While in Libra Saturn restructures our relationship to each other, allows us to see the essential needs of a partner and how to make the relationship last forever. Saturn in Libra also restructures our money and economic systems. The new currency will eventually shift to food.

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 [email protected]

I love my freedom and the natural beauty of the United States. I love that I just spent four magical days at High Sierra Music Festival. I hate that our teachers don't make enough money and that we are closing our schools.

Elesha Lopez
Santa Cruz | Accounting Clerk

People around town are parsing Kagan's words. An entire cohort of folks are counting up votes to see if financial reform is dead or alive as a result of the passing of Sen. Byrd. Passions rise and fall, as if it's a World Series or a World Cup match.

Washington is a company town—and the company is the government that runs our entire country and dominates the world stage.