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From the Editor

Wednesday, 18 May 2011 15:46 Greg Archer Columns - Editors Note
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American Idol: The Durb Watch

Well ... was it good for you? What a wild day May 14 turned out to be, after all. James Durbin Day turned into something more than that when Mayor Ryan Coonerty presented our American Idol idol with news that 2011 was officially James Durbin year. (Does that mean we all get the day off work every May 14? Thanks Mr. Mayor.) Durbin was also handed a surfboard, instead of a key, to the city—it came emblazoned with an image of his fist raised, rocker style. “There’s one thing I’m gonna need—a teacher,” mused Durbin. “I think I’m about the only person in Santa Cruz who doesn’t surf. I just sing good.” Make that really good. Writer Lisa Jensen, who’s been penning our weekly “Durb Watch” online, chimes in on all the wild happenings in Durbland of late. And continue to send us your thoughts—online and at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . And James: Thanks for the fun “day.” Let’s see how the rest of your year unravels. Onward ...
From fun we move to frightening. That’s one way to look at Geoffrey Dunn’s take on Sarah Palin. In his bold, revealing and downright provocative new book, “The Lies of Sarah Palin,” the local writer delves deep into Alaska politics, Palin’s history, and how the former vice presidential running mate’s questionable actions (and ethics) continue to raise eyebrows. Discover more about Palin, as well as an excerpt from Dunn’s book.
The Blues Festival is in the news, too. The area’s robust musical romp hits Aptos again this Memorial Day weekend. The line-up is particularly impressive this year, and writer DNA shares his thoughts with us beginning.
Meanwhile, in News, take note of why Assembly Bill 575 has many nurtritionists and dieticians across the state up in arms. The bill is currently being revamped, but what’s behind the controversary? Read on.
Enjoy the rest of the issue. More next time ...


Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor

American Idol ‘Sucks’
For the last three seasons of American Idol, any contestant that has heard the phrase "You are the one to beat!" from the judges has lost. Two weeks ago they gave that kiss of death to James Durbin and I knew he was a goner.  And so he was. American Idol sucks.
Nick Haflinger
Santa Cruz

Best Online Comments
On—what else?—James Durbin:

Way to to James. I am from Sarnia Ontario Canada, and I have been watching you throughout the season, and you are my American Idol. You have so much heart
and soul, and you sing it with great thought and care for others who you are singing too. I know for sure that you will be a
bigger star than you ever dreamed of, and that’s a "good" thing. We’ll be watching for your albums to come out. Good luck in all your endeavors.
L. Anne
Canada

James, hang in there. I thought that you were the most amazing contestant in the competition. All original, you had to do it your way. That is what tells me that you are an artist and an entertainer. I felt the hurt that you were feeling on stage. OMG, I
really did feel that you did get robbed. You are Season 10's Adam Lambert. I would love to see you together. Heidi and Hunter are so lucky to have you in their lives!
Sheryll Punneo
Liberty, Missouri

You had my vote every week. I was dissappointed you were voted off. I know you have a great career in front of you. The record companies would be fools not to sign you. I wish you the very best. The best is yet to come for you.
Karen Puleo
Santa Cruz

James, I have watched you from the beginning get better and better. You had me out of my chair when you sang the theme song to Heavy Metal. I would buy a concert ticket if you were to perform right now. When you are onstage you are electric. I am just a middle-aged mom who was 20 in the ’80s, you do that music proud! I will be looking forward to the music that you will surely create. All the best to you.
Trina
Memorial Day Deadlines
Good Times offices will be closed Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.   Offices will reopen 9 a.m. Tuesday. The following holiday deadlines will be in effect for the June 2 issue:
Display and Class Display advertising deadlines will be 4 p.m., Thursday, May 26.
Classified advertising deadline will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 27.
Editorial Calendar, Music and Events deadlines will be noon, Tuesday, May 24.
durb_watch durb_pic
There’s still some Durb watchin’ left in us. Things we learned recently: 1. Durbin’s hair can withstand a hometown procession and a Boardwalk concert for a crowd of thousands. (Good to know.) 2. He digs Zoccoli’s. He ate two sandwiches there before heading to Louden Nelson Center on James Durbin Day. 3. Durbin was hit by the recession—he was just one of many people who became unemployed by the recession here. In fact, when he got laid off from his job at Domino’s Pizza (on Clares Street) in Capitola, his fiancée convinced him to audition for Idol. As he put it:“Two days later, I said [to her], ‘let’s go wait in line for 28 hours.’” Meanwhile, during a conference call with reporters, Durbin noted that he wants to make an album like rock’s Dio or one that has hints of the records Ronnie James created with Black Sabbath. (Some insiders are advising Durbin to consider a more “pop” approach.) More updates (and video coverage of D-Day online) at goodtimessantacruz.com.
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    The Maya-Ixil Move Forward

    Local nonprofit works to educate and create opportunity for indigenous communities in Guatemala In an isolated region of the Guatemala mountains called Ixil, the indigenous Maya population was devastated by a civil war between the government and leftist guerrilla factions that spanned 1960 to 1996. During that 36-year war, the Guatemalan military eradicated entire Mayan communities. In what amounted to genocide, soldiers burned Mayan farmlands and homes, raped and tortured the people, and scattered families. By the end of the war, 200,000 Mayans had been killed, 7,000 of whom were Maya-Ixil.

     

    Public Thinking

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    Transoceana

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    Cruzin’ for Inspiration

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    Beck to the Future

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    Uniting All That Has Been Separated

     

    Legal Battles Drag On

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    Bringing the Message Home

    Former mayor and UCSC student recap their experiences at the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women While traveling to New York for the 57th United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), seasoned local activist Jane Weed-Pomerantz had a notion of what to expect. But, with the vast scope of worldwide women’s rights violations presented at the commission, she knew she would still be taken aback at times. “I was worried because I had a feeling I would be finding out what I did find out about women and girls in the world,” says Weed-Pomerantz. “I was trying to brace myself for the knowledge of the reality, because we are really very protected in this country.”

     

    The Tilt

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    May Day in the Alps

    When my daughter returns to Santa Cruz from her new home in Los Angeles, she comments on how quiet it is here. It was even more so during a trip to Ben Lomond, when we set out for a sample of her second favorite macaroni and cheese. Sitting at the front of the Tyrolean Inn restaurant, the green tarp with plastic windows kept out the chill as well as the noise of an occasional passing car. A new draft beer celebrating the German spring, Maibok ($6) was refreshing, served in a hefty glass stein, but specialty cocktails are unique as well.

     

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    Best of Santa Cruz County

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