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From the Editor

Tuesday, 06 September 2011 14:41 Greg Archer Columns - Editors Note
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When most people think of Santa Cruz, it’s the surf and the music that comes to mind, two great things that generate quite a bit of buzz locally. True, there’s more to the area than those two terrific things, but undoubtedly, you can’t have a conversation about Santa Cruz, or its history, without somehow bringing music into the mix. On that note ... this week, Music Editor Jenna Brogan dives into music matters that will no doubt interest readers. The topic? The “underground” music scene. And what’s that, exactly? Well, take a look around. Apparently there are quite a few local portals dedicated to providing a unique venue for some of the area’s offbeat, yet thoroughtly entertaining musicians and entertainers. Who are these muses? Where are these venues? Turn to this week’s cover story to learn more. And send us your thoughts at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The uncompromising and distinctly original voice of Sven Davis returns this week, too. So be sure to dive into our local humorist’s column and discover what’s been on his mind lately. A few pages later, in News, things turn a bit more serious with the topic of food sovereignty. What is it and why do you need to know about it? There’s plenty to know about the issue so soak it all up.
What else? If you’re a local then you already know about the curious charm the Santa Cruz Follies hold. In our Music section this week, we take a look at the popular event and learn what to expect in another robust outing. Read on ...
In the meantime, this weekend also marks a profound anniversary: Sept.11. It’s been 10 years since the terrorist attacks hit New York City and Pennsylvania and the ripple effects have been felt for years—and are still being felt a decade later. So, as you wander through your weekend, it might be a good thing to take a moment and ponder how the last decade has been for you and for the country. Where have we arrived—emotionally? And what has been the price. Interesting things to ponder, and share. Send me your thoughts at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Have a memorable week ...

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

La Bahia Showdown
Regarding La Bahia and it being shot down, why do Canfield and Swenson seem to be holding this seaside town hostage? This is to say, why can they not agree on restoring or replacing La Bahia? Would they lose money by following a plan that pleased everyone? Would they not earn enough?  Those so-called pillars of the community do not seem to possess much backbone when risk is involved. This is not how the West was won. Shame on them.
Pete Jussel
Santa Cruz

Liberation After La Bahia
Thanks GT for your ongoing coverage of the whole La Bahia debacle. Watching the whole issue implode was really a sad thing. I appreciate the recent insights from Mayor Ryan Coonerty, too, who seemed to really pinpoint what would be lost if the plans for the hotel reboot did not go through. If anything, I feel this entire matter did show us how galvanized that community can become. It’s just a shame that the Coastal Commission didn’t see the bigger picture or what would benefit the entire area.
Janet Goodwin
Santa Cruz

Best Online Comments

On La Bahia’s Defeat ...
Webber also compared the idea of tearing down a local landmark to improve La Bahia to “the Pentagon destroying countries in order to liberate them.” Yes, that is exactly what it is like ... tearing down a building is exactly like killing thousands of men, women, and children. That doesn't trivialize the tragedy of war at all. Way to make your point.
Reason

On Autism ...
This is an exceptionally unique story. Across the globe, there are mothers and fathers who are struggling to understand this “disease” and its social implications. I have heard many things about autistic children, but I believe parents of autistic children have a unique experience that needs to be shared. I wonder what a difference it would make to inform each other, truly, as to what autistic children and their parents are going through. There must be more to this story, and I am curious as to what it is. Please share more stories like these.
Annie A. August

Reading this article was fascinating. I couldn't stop reading. I am sincerely interested in how the public schools assisted the family or whether the family found the special education system inadequate or what. The article mentions that the boys enrolled in school and were pulled out after a few months. Autism affects so many families. Please let us know whether specialists in the public schools assisted the family, whether their assistance was in any way helpful and—if there is a cost to the Son-Rise program—what is that cost and who pays. The photos of the twins are beautiful, as is your story.
Sandra


I also have a child with autism. I work with many parents of children who have autism and what wasn’t conveyed in this article is that no one approach works for every child. Children with autism are as different as snowflakes and need to be treated as such. While there is no cure, there are numerous paths for each family to explore to find the right program for their own child ... and often times, programs must be changed or revamped to meet a child's ever changing direction and growth.
Autism is not hopeless. It is however quite difficult and complex. There is a lot of information and opinions available and the best thing a family can do is a lot of research, talk to other parents, and follow their hearts.
svparent
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