Who are your favorites in your neighborhood?
Best Aerobics InstructorJoy Smith Smith’s spirit sails when she teaches, which is one reason she nabbed your vote. Tucked away in this rewarding fitness outlet in Soquel, Smith, who is the director of SCDC, offers Zumba classes at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. But take note of her pulse-pounding intermediate/advanced cardio funk experience at 5:30 p.m. Mondays. | Charlie Price Runners up:Rick LaCrossAbbi Hartsell Dena Brautovitch Moondance Best AthleteSylvie Shaha Runners up:Flea Virostko Jarrod Allen Terri Schneider Jeff Garcia Best AstrologerRisa D'Angeles GT’s venerable esoteric astrologer wins once again. Risa has a loyal following—and not just locally. Good news is that she clearly knows how to read the stars. And, like a foreign language teacher bestowing words of wisdom on her pupils, she manages to translate everything in a way that’s embraceable. As for this already wacky year we’re experiencing—admit it, you’re going through something—Risa says this about the stars and our world: “The world is reorienting itself to the new influences of the Aquarian Age, and in the processes of readjustment we are experiencing a period of temporary chaos. The future is hopeful, the message of this age is one of understanding, unity and universality and we can achieve it—the stars declare it and decree it.” | Greg Archer Runners up:Rob Brenzy Vicki Noble David Anton Savage Sue HeinzBest BartenderDena Bratovich @ Paradise Beach Grille There’s nothing like a friendly bartender. But the thing that may make Lady Dena (over at Capitola’s Paradise Beach Grille) your favorite libation pourer is, well, her spirit. It’s highly intoxicating. We kid you not. From the moment she welcomes you to the bar, you get the sense she actually cares about you and your needs. You know where to find her. You voted for her. Cheers to you, Dena. | Charlie Price Runners up:Steve @ Paradise Beach Grill Shane @ El Palomar Jeff @ Clouds Josh @ Vida Best CarpenterMike Windt (234-5693)
The house that Mike built—that’s what everyone knows about Mr. Windt. And, perhaps, that Windt is considered one of the “best” carpenters in town. Windt doesn’t run an advertising campaign or work for a company, yet even with that level of anonymity, he’s managed to win this title. We raise our hammers high in the air for you, Mike. | Christa Martin Runners up:Andre Pieratt Handy Man Co-op Chris BrattBill PrichardBest Martial Arts InstructorClaudio Franca Get in shape, bolster your confidence and discipline your mind under the guidance of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master Claudio Franca. A well-known champ back home in Rio, Franca arrived in the United States in 1995 and promptly established his namesake school, offering friendly courses for beginners and experts alike. A free trial class is offered for those just testing the waters, while specialized courses cater to children as young as four, men and women, blackbelts, rookies and everyone in between. | Alastair Bland Runners up:Brian Burns IMS Academy Chris Smith @ Tiger Martial Arts Linda Holiday Best Massage PractitionerJoanna Eskilson Apparently readers have come to know the magic charms of this skilled massage practioner. Eskilson nabs this award for the second year in a row. We’ve learned that one of her specialties is hot stone massage, but we dare you to stop exploring there. This lady seems to know exactly where your power spots are and can deliver both a deep-tissue and simply rejuvenating massage. | Charlie Price Runners-up:Jennifer Esell
Shannon Brown
Susan Ray
Mary Toscano Best MechanicLou at Branciforte Auto Lou Branciforte and his family opened their namesake auto shop 13 years ago, and the community has embraced the business. Loyal drivers return again and again for oil changes, electrical work, full-fledged overhauls and engine care pep talks from Lou. Even the state parks personnel bring their vehicles to Branciforte, and with every smog check the shop donates $5 to local charities as their way to say thanks for a long life in the auto care biz. | Alastair Bland Runners-up:
Specialized Auto
DMV Clinic
Bobby’s Pitstop
Ken at Jim LundysBest HairstylistCarolyn Staico-Smith @ TonicRunners-up:Jenna Culver @ L'Atelier
Missy Schnaps @ L'Atellier
Scott Thornberg
Nick Saporito @ Heat Best BandExtra Large 
It’s an encore this year for Extra Large and there’s a reason why our love is two years strong and counting: They took the time to figure out what ails us. “What do Santa Cruzans do?” they asked. Well, we work like fiends, naturally. We’re knee deep in the daily grind and then some. When we’re not battling stress, we’re slogging through the mundane tasks of life’s crippling ennui. And at the end of a long, tough day, all we want to do is blow off some steam, and get reacquainted with the things in life that really matter to us—that’s where EL comes in. Like a six-piece pressure release valve, EL is there with a cool blend of the funk, blues, reggae riffs, Latin beats, essence of jazz and soul that rejuvenates. Proclaiming their role as “fiesta facilitators,” they dare us to dance (it’s their motto), and we obey. Their lyrics hear our strife and speak of love, optimism and fulfillment. Frontman Russ Leal steps up to the mic. The consummate showman—generous, confident and full of energy—he is plainspoken and charismatic. “It’s our goal to make you whole by doing what we do with unadulterated soul,” he sings. Why do we love you, Extra Large? Because you know what we mean when we say we’re tired, but you’re not jaded. You give us permission to forget ourselves and relax, to rediscover fun and a lightness of spirit, and as such, we are restored in the funky earnestness of your unfalteringly well-adjusted worldview. “It awesome,” says Russ of the win. “We’re just thankful to the fans for voting for us. It’s really sweet that they took the time.” (Pictured clockwise: Dave Byron, Gary Andrijasevich, Dan Becker, Chris Sandman, Valerie Leal and Russ Leal) | Amanda Martinez Runners-up:Devil Makes Three
Nobody’s Own
Los Dryheavers
SambadaBiggest HeroJohn LairdSee Best Politician. Runners-up:
Umbrella Man
Santa Cruz Rollergirls
Ryan Coonerty
Jack O’NeillBest Nightclub DJAD @ Club Dakota How does she love you? Let us count how much she spins. Nightlife enthusiasts dig AD for her ability to understand the crowd. And she does that to winning degrees at the popular Club Dakota. | Charlie Price Runners-up:
DJ Beebo
DJ Eko
DJ AJBest LandscaperParadise LandscapingWhether it’s a sidewalk tree you want, an edible garden, a path of stepping stones or an automatic irrigation system, Paradise Landscape can make the vision reality. For 17 years, the service has provided outstanding consulting, estimates, advice and installation in gardening and landscaping between Monterey and San Jose. With certified arborists, outdoor lighting experts, irrigation engineers and horticultural advisors, Paradise Landscape can turn your weed lot into your own private Eden. | Leslie Patrick Best PainterBrent Garvey
Is your paint chipping? Maybe your molding is as cracked as your un-pedicured feet. Time to call Garvey, the winner of this year’s poll and your top choice in commercial and residential painting around town. Take note: the business, which began 19 years ago, has relocated from Aptos to Capitola (41st Avenue). We also learned of a few painting trends this year: Lilac is the new beige, bold colors are a hit and old-world retexturing is popular. | Christa Martin
Best Photographer
Here’s a piece of Santa Cruz history, something we can brag about—on the Westside sits the gallery of National Geographic magazine photographer Frans Lanting. There, in his gallery, Lanting’s stunning photos of everything from up-close-and-personal shots with dangerous animals, to scenery that hardly anyone can imagine, cover his walls. The beauty of Lanting’s work is indescribable. Rich, vivid colors are awash in each and every photo, animals and sights we’ve all longed to see are the subjects, and the composition of his images is vastly original. To live in Santa Cruz and never have visited his gallery is a shame. Get thee to the Frans Lanting Gallery. | Christa Martin Runners-up:
Covello and Covello
Sumitra Peterson
Pete Sapporito
Shmuel ThalerBest Fitness TrainerJason Smith Here’s one to look out for—but apparently you already have. Personal trainer Jason Smith will take you those final 10 yards to fitness levels previously out of reach. With 15 years of experience under his belt, Smith operates a private gym with several certified instructors, offering one-on-one guidance in aerobic, muscle-building, post-rehab conditioning and other fitness plans. Hour-long sessions will break those mental barriers that have kept you couch-bound at home, sending you out the door, empowered in body and mind and with the know-how to keep growing stronger. | Alastair Bland Runners up:Tammy Summers Kelvin Nivens Joy Smith Brian Burns Best PoliticianJohn Laird It’s one thing to vote for a politician when given a slate of unsavory selections, it’s quite another to pluck his name out of a hat for several years running as a person whose work the community genuinely admires and respects. That kind of politics—built on good policy rather than cynical pandering—is a rare bird these days. The defeat of Prop 93 meant that Laird’s possible extension in the California Assembly (where he chairs the beleaguered budget committee) was squashed in a statewide mistrust of his fellow incumbents, but with this much love from Santa Cruz, can there be any doubt that his last true hurrah is yet to come? | Chris J. Magyar Runners up:Sam Farr Ryan Coonerty Emily Reilly Lynn Robinson Best Mover & ShakerRyan Coonerty
“I am ready to move and shake at will,” Coonerty says. “There are not a lot of short, dorky white guys in sport coats moving and shaking on Pacific Avenue. I’m ready, but I don’t know that the town is ready. The artistry could be a little frightening for folks.” While practicing his moves might divert a few minutes of his attention away from tackling long-term issues like the debate over campus growth with UC Santa Cruz, facilitating green industry prospects on the Westside, and the need for storm water infrastructure improvement, the 34-year-old Coonerty might be helped by the bevy of celebrity choreographers who have flooded his cell phone with offers of help since this award was announced. Given that most young, up-and-coming public figures who move and shake wind up marrying (for a few days anyway) their choreographers or fellow dancers, it could be that this bobble-headed trophy might signal wedding chimes for the mayor. To take a quote completely and irresponsibly out of context, “I want to open up government to young people as much as possible,” he says. Santa Cruz sees you, baby, shaking that ass. | Chris J. Magyar Sexiest LocalMarisa Miller The verdict is in. Marisa Miller takes the gold for our hottest townswoman. Long, lean and curvy, the blonde former Santa Cruzan gained front-page fame as a 2008 Sports Illustrated swimsuit star. Glamorous and tanned, she’s only sexier dirtied with sand. Miller’s Sports Illustrated gallery captures a super sultry swagger that’ll shake your knees and melt your heart. She’s got a thing for going topless, and several images include a big-beaked macaw perched like a king on this town’s sexiest strapless back. | Alastair Bland Runners up:Buddhist Pimp Lisa Agliano Great Morgani Dena Brautovich Best PlumberJimmie Smith J.S. has built up a solid reputation for handling all plumbing fiascos. Something to know: The original Jimmie Smith has been in the biz more than 50 years. | Charlie Price Runners up:Rosenthal Ed Reuman Scott PrinceSurf City Best Visual ArtistSteve Hosmer 
Best visual artist Steve Hosmer of Stokes Signs creates vibrant, urbane art fit to grace the walls of hipsters and art aficionados everywhere. His works, imbued with that quintessentially Santa Cruz vibe, are fresh, colorful and fun, and have won a place in the hearts and artistic sensibilities of many Santa Cruzans. Hosmer’s secret? Perhaps a stellar mix of color and passion. | Leslie Patrick Runners up:Janet Allinger Marie Gabrielle Pete Saporito Tobin Keller Best VeterinarianDr. Vick @ VCA He has decades of experience, he’s a whiz with the scalpel, and the dogs and cats love him: Dr. Jay Vick, surgeon and general care provider at Santa Cruz’s chapter of VCA. Along with two co-vets, Vick provides preventative care, dental work, nutritional advice, and emergency service for animals in especially dire straits. With accessible hours and a friendly staff, Dr. Vick and the team promise first-rate pet perfection, for rodents, rabbits and all your basic household carnivores. | Alastair Bland Runners up:Dave Shuman @ Westside Santa Cruz Vet Clinic Adobe Animal Hospital George Hall @ Aptos Animal Best WriterGreg Archer An encounter with GT editor Greg Archer isn't something a person easily forgets. Visiting his office, one is typically met with a jarring “GONGGG” as Greg cleans the energy of the room before any conversation can take place. He then tries to trip you up with his trademark question: “What's the most interesting thing you've learned about yourself lately?” You struggle to come up with an answer while he undoes yet another button on his skin-tight shirt, exposing his obviously artificial pecs. But before you can get a word out, he launches into a re-telling of how he married himself and explains that he's a Universal Life Minister and can officiate your self-marriage too. Usually by now you realize he's drunk, and you politely excuse yourself. That night, you lie in bed unable to sleep. Something's bugging you, but you can't put your finger on it. And then it hits you: “That guy had an article in Oprah Magazine?” Yes, he did. And he's ours. All ours. | Jeff Dinnell Runners up:James Houston Geoffrey Dunne Ellen Bass Wallace Baine Best ServerJudy Garrison @ El Palomar Runners up:Phoebe Miller @ Clouds Christy Riege @ Harbor Café Michelle @ The Red Katie Cator @ Avanti Best Yoga InstructorMoonDance @ Toadal Fitness
A passion for yoga and a love for her students has made Moondance a favorite instructor at Toadal Fitness. A teacher of three yoga classes per week, she specializes in Vinyasa Flow, a style of almost constant movement that promotes strength-building, balance and flexibility. Moondance honors the skill levels of masters and beginners alike by suggesting alternatives to every pose. And with just 20 students to a class, students find sufficient space to stretch out, breathe easy and go with the flow. | Alastair Bland Runners up:Victor Dubin @ Om Laurie Broderick-Burr Mark Stephens Kim Beecher
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