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This week's Editor's Note & Letters to Good Times

Wednesday, 23 September 2009 14:11 Greg Archer Columns - Editors Note
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greg_archerS2sPlus Letters to the Good Times Editor...
Breaking Down Barriers
Locals Only

I think it’s always good to know exactly where your compass is pointing. I’m talking about that internal compass, the one that we have to rely on to give us a clue on what direction we’re headed—or supposed to be headed. For that, I say it never hurts to ask youself if the actions you are taking match where you think that compass ought to be pointing. On a simpler note, and perhaps less “Californian” in nature, there’s always the trusty weather vane, which tops our list of inventive items to include in your fall Home and Garden check list. (You do have one, right?)

In our Fall H&G issue, not only do we spotlight a unique couple at the helm of a prospering local weather vane company, but we also take a look at how you can help your inner compass along as well—specifically, by making your home your haven. Since this year has become the year of the Staycation, we thought it best to offer a gaggle of tips and suggestions to make your “casa” a little more Zen. Beyond that, take note of our real estate tips—this year, we could use a lot of those.  We also have a list of gardening to-dos for that fall garden. In the meantime, don’t be a stranger. Have an H&G tip for us? Bring it on. We’ll post them online.

Elsewhere, take note of the Santa Cruz Diversity Center’s big “Casino Night” bash at the the Santa Cruz Dream Inn. All the fun unfolds on Friday, Sept. 25. In the event you cannot attend, don’t let it stop you from checking out more about the gala fundraiser at diversity.org or why the Dream Inn came on board as its sponsor. (See dreaminnsantacruz.com) It’s nice to see these two entities thriving.

Until next week ...Greg Archer, Editor

Letters to Good Times Editor

Breaking Down Barriers
I read with interest Bruce Willey’s little tale about his trek to Berlin and the Berlin Wall. He states, “though it’s been only 20 years, it’s hard to imagine a wall, much less a fence, dividing Berlin.” Yes. It is hard to imagine but we can never forget. The same maniacal forces, that so easily wiped out millions of Jews, are out there.
Janet Segal
Aptos

Locals Only
After shopping at Whole Foods twice, I am continuing to give my business to the local grocers that have helped to make our community what it is today: New Leaf, Staff of Life, Shopper’s Corner and The Food Bin. These local businesses originally took a gamble with their personal investments by investing in this community. It is our responsibility to thank them for their diligence, service, knowledge, product quality and selection, and loyalty to our local farmers by putting our dollars where it matters and keeping these local gems in business. Some might be bedazzled by the bright new penny that is Whole Foods. It only takes time before the shine wears off and the tarnish starts to show. Within two days of the Whole Foods Capitola branch’s opening, I purchased a very well known, high priced cheese. When the cheese monger was cutting it, he made the comment, “Whew … this is ripe.” I inquired as to whether it was still good. He assured me it was. Since it was crowded that day, I erred by not asking to smell the cheese and took his word. Well, two days later I opened my little gem and was thrown back by the ammonia smell. When I returned it to the customer service counter at WF the next day, the CSR person couldn’t keep it in the store after opening the package to test my word, and had to immediately leave the CSR counter to get rid of the nasty bit before processing my refund. Last week, I purchased organic raspberries on sale. Nice, but they were moldy by the next day. Yes, I do have a decent refrigerator.
My point is that a conglomerate is a conglomerate no matter how shiny and nice it smells in the beginning. I don’t shop at a conglomerate. I shop where my hard-earned dollars support another who used their hard-earned dollars to establish a business and sustain that business in our community. I would rather pay a few cents more and give it back to our community. And the products last longer in my refrigerator.
Cynthia Sims
Capitola

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