Plus Letters to Good Times
Sustainability Now
Hand Over the Money, Honey
Dollar Dazed
Last week we read that several parking lots in Santa Cruz will suddenly be affecting your pocketbook—come March 1, it’s going to cost. Judging by all the comments we received online about last week’s “Pay to Park” story (see Letters), it seems, not surprisingly, that the news didn’t go over too well. Well, on some level, I suppose it makes sense. The City is always looking for ways to boost revenue. But, for some, it’s a bit headscratching. For as inventive and creative as Santa Cruz considers itself to be, I’d be curious to know what other ideas may have floated around City Council chambers. Were there any? And bless the councilmembers. I cannot think of a worse fate than to sit there and maneuver oneself through the often painstaking tasks of sifting through agendas and dilemmas and, of course, all of Santa Cruz’s more colorful personalities. (Or, not so colorful.) Oh. the patience it must require. Still, I wonder if the folks on the council are really having fun? Do they greet the day feeling invigorated and excited? Are they thrilled to serve? Does their excitement spill out into the community, creating a fascinating ripple effect of enthusiasm? Questions—I am forever asking them. (And no, I didn’t just write this after watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show.)  Well, I suppose we could ask these same questions of oursevles. Are we happy, excited and thrilled to be planted right where we are? Not a bad thing to ask actually.

Plus Letters to Good Times
Housing Sucks
Pack of (Light) Travellers
Solutions, Solutions

Who’s the best in your book? Maybe it’s time you tell us. Yes, it’s that time of year again—where you, the reader, have an opportunity to vote for your favorite people, places, businesses and more. It’s all at your fingertips—literally—in the Best Of Santa Cruz County Readers Poll online. It’s already our biggest voter turnout to date, so be sure to log on and get voting. There is something in it for you, of course—other than cheering on your favorites. GT is giving away some prizes in the process too. A handful of online voters will be picked from a random draw and to win movie tickets or dinners-for-two at a local restaurant. Have fun with it all. And thanks for your votes.

Plus Letters to Good Times
Oh ... Some Hope
Put it in Park

Love is all around. But how much of it are you getting? Or giving, for that matter. I came across some old notes of mine that documented some interesting readings I found over the years. Love—loving—actually promotes good health. More on that next week, but for now, it’s great to see some love emerging in the form of the many benefits for Haiti taking place around the county. Motiv in Downtown Santa Cruz had one last week, and The Red has plans to host one. On Friday, Feb. 12, First Congregational Church in Santa Cruz welcomes Franklin Marshall for an event. Now that one news cycle has rolled out, much has been reported on Haiti, but it shouldn’t stop there. More attention can be drawn to the events unfolding there as Haiti rebuilds. One organization I found intriguing, which News Editor Elizabeth Limbach wrote about in our “Fresh Dirt” blog, is Save the Children. It’s an entity on a mission to generate lasting change in the lives of children in need around the globe. Presently, Save the Children is offering assistance in Port au Prince— food, water, shelter and more. Consider making a donation to Save the Children at savethechildren.org. Learn more about other ways to contribute to this cause by logging onto our website. Just click on the ‘Fresh Dirt” blogs and you’ll find updates on Haiti and what locals can do to assist.