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1320 Pacific Avenue, Downtown Santa Cruz 831–423–4100 • M-Sat 10-5:30pm • DellWilliams.com Holiday Hours - Open Sundays in December 11am to 5pm 2 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 3
HOLIDAY
GIFT GUIDE Editor-in-Chief Greg Archer
Contributors Ryan Boysen Jenna Brogan Joel Hersch Sal Ingram Elizabeth Limbach Charlie Price Jenny Simeone Proofreader Josie Cowden Webmaster Jeff Hotchkiss Art Director Joshua Becker Designers Ian Webb Carly Gunther Julie Rovegno Photographers Keana Parker Sal Ingram Publisher Ron Slack x205 Advertising Director Stephanie Lutz x204 Account Executives Kate Kaufman x208 Chelsey Mosgrove x218 Suzanne Welles x211 Julia Cunningham x213 Rose Frates-Castiglione x219 Accounts Receivable Alix Crimbchin x202 Circulation Manager Pamela Pollard x 203 Gift Guide is a publication of Good Times mail 1205 Pacific Ave., Suite 301 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 tel [831] 458-1100 fax [831] 458-1295 letters letters@gtweekly.com sales sales@gtweekly.com Copyright © 2013
4 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
The
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE p10
Give Something t’s a bit mind-bending to realize that 2013 has nearly breezed by and that the holidays are right in front of us. Good cheer and (hopefully) great connections with family and friends await, but, for the moment, let’s focus on the task at hand: the art of giving. The following pages will certainly assist you with that. In our annual gift guide, we highlight more gifts than in previous years so there’s plenty from which to choose—from the vibrant offerings found at Om Gallery in Downtown Santa Cruz to the downright imaginative gift items and stocking stuffers you can find at so many other local stores. It’s all here. But take note: don’t limit your “giving” to simply a swipe of the credit card at a local merchant. (It’s nice and the economy thanks you for it.) It
I
might be best to consider the intention and motivation behind the gifts you’re offering and even throw in some altruistic measures to boot—there’s nothing wrong with tossing in your own handmade gift certificate for you and your loved one at a local dining establishment; a place where, in the coming months, you both can venture into and catch up. Newsflash: the art of real connection and conversation is not dead, so it never hurts to add some of your own creativity into the mix. Beyond that, there’s plenty more to soak up in this year’s guide—take note of features on the Santa Cruz Warriors and the Homeless Garden Project’s holiday store, among others. Enjoy the guide. Happy perusing … and Happy Holidays. —GREG ARCHER, EDITOR
HOLIDAY EVENTS p6
SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS p8
HOMELESS GARDEN PROJECT’S HOLIDAY STORE p24
CARRIAGE RIDES p38
MEALS TO SAVOR p62
HALTING HUNGER p73
BOOKS AS GIFTS p76
OUR TOP MUSIC PICKS p78
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 5
HOLIDAY PLAY DATES NOV/DEC Various Times
Throughout the Season
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides Climb in in Downtown Santa Cruz and enjoy the longtime tradition. Contact 466-9169 or visit santacruzcarriagecompany.com.
Nov. 29-30, Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 20-21, 22-23 Holiday Lights Train Face it: You love this sort of thing. Listen to carolers as you glide through Victorian Santa Cruz. Reservations: 335-4484. roaringcamp.com.
Nov. 29-30, Dec 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 Holiday Tree Walk Bring family and friends to ride Roaring Camp’s daytime steam train to Bear Mountain. When you get to the summit, a treelined walk of decorated holiday trees awaits. Check out roaringcamp.com for details.
Dec. 7 Scotts Valley Holiday Tree Lighting The fun begins at 5pm. Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.
Lighted Boat Parade More than 50 decorated boats color this popular parade on the water. 5:30pm. Santa Cruz Harbor, 475-6161 or scyc.org.
Holiday in the Plaza Watsonville gets festive—and lights a 30-foot live tree in the process. Enjoy snow, holiday songs and more. Admission to snow event is one can of food for donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. 3pm—snow. 6:30pm tree lighting. Watsonville Plaza.
Santa At Marini’s
Dec. 7
Bring the kids in for a visit and enjoy some treats. Chocolatecovered bacon anyone? Begins after the Holiday Parade on Dec. 7 and continues Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 22 and on Monday, Dec. 23. Marini’s Downtown Santa Cruz.
Downtown Holiday Parade
Dec. 10
10am-Noon. Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 429-8433 or downtownsantacruz.com.
Get ready to sing—a lot. The good news? Hot cocoa will be on hand. 6-8pm. Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz.
Dec. 7 Stars at MAH Classy and festive with ample amounts of food and entertainment. Auction/MAH fundraiser. Can’t-miss event. 6pm, Museum of Art & History, Downtown Santa Cruz, santacruzmah.org.
Chanukah Train Hop on the steam train at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 5 p.m. and enjoy the fifth night of Chanukah for the lighting of the menorah. Then head off on a train ride on railcars adorned with thousands of shining lights and Chanukah decorations. roaringcamp.com.
Dec. 5-7 Stockings Cabaret
6 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Dec. 7
Dec. 7-23
Dec. 1
Motion Pacific presents an avant-cabaret, with some of the area’s favorite dancers, musicians and other creatures for a fun, inspired evening to benefit Motion Pacific Studios scholarship. 8-10pm, 131 Front St., Santa Cruz, motionpacific.com.
Dec. 8
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY PARADE
Thru Dec. 8 ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ A creative twist on an old favorite in Shakespeare Santa Cruz’s last endeavor. Not to be missed.
Caroling at the Wharf
Dec. 12 Snow Night Go for white. Snow Night returns to Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper Street, near Cinema 9. 5:30pm.
Through Dec. 31 Strike Out Hunger/Bowl a Game For Free Bring a can of food. Donations go to the Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed local families. Boardwalk Bowl.
Dec. 20,21,22 ‘The Nutcracker’ The revered Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre triumphs yet again— and with a live symphony orchestra to boot. Civic Auditorium, Downtown Santa Cruz, 420-5260, scbt.org.
Dec. 14 Ranch Holiday Festival Experience the winter holidays as folks did in Victorian and early 20th century times. Crafts, games, treats. Free. Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz.
Dec. 30 New Year’s Eve Eve Party Twenty-one dancers take part in the festivities. 8:30pm-1am, Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 423-2053. cocoanutgrovesantacruz.com.
Ongoing Events Santa At Marini’s 2-6pm Saturdays and Sundays in December. Marini’s Downtown, Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz.
Downtown Trolley Visit downtownsantacruz.com for more information.
Gift Ideas Visit the kiosk on Lincoln Street and Pacific Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz. Visit downtownsantacruz.com for more information.
For more events and information, check out gtweekly.com.
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 7
HITS ’EM WITH HIS BEST SHOT Dewayne Dedmon goes the distance for the Santa Cruz Warriors. Photo: Sal Ingram.
’TIS THE SEASON—FOR
BASKETBALL The Santa Cruz Warriors are back and looking to build on last year’s wildly successful inaugural season. Although the team boasts only four returning players, its goals remain sky high | Sal Ingram
G
iving the gift of “having a great time” would be an inexpensive way for the entire family to have fun together. With Santa Cruz Warriors basketball games going on through April 2014, there will be plenty of opportunities to catch some of the action at the Kaiser Permanente Arena. However, due to the basketball team’s enormous popularity, tickets are in high demand among a community that propelled it toward success last year. Golden State Warriors Assistant GM and Santa Cruz Warriors GM Kirk Lacob says, “knowing how we did last year and the way everybody embraced us, it heightens
8 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
expectations and I think it’s a lot of fun to chase those expectations.” Expect the Warriors to feed off the energy of the ever-supportive crowd again this season after the organization led the D-League in revenue and attendance last year. On the court, the team was special. Off the court, they made just as big of an impact in the community by collaborating with programs such as Grind Out Hunger and Read to Achieve. Matt de Nesera, the Warriors’ public and community relations manager, cites the team’s relationship with the community as a big reason for the team’s success. “It’s refreshing and is part of the reason why the Warriors have been such a success,” Nesera says. “Because it says Santa Cruz on their jerseys, they’re their guys.” While the returning players are getting back into the familiar Santa Cruz groove, the new Warriors are getting accustomed to the city as well. It’s former
Ohio State guard William Buford’s first time in California, and he hasn't been disappointed. “Santa Cruz seems like a real nice city,” Buford says. “The views are crazy—they’re beautiful. You can’t go wrong, it’s a nice city and you’re in California with nice weather.” Make no mistake, though, Buford isn't in Santa Cruz to take in the views. “It’s about winning games. Just having fun and winning games. Work hard.” Individual game tickets start at $16 and season tickets start at $312. Also on sale for the first time, due to popular demand, are Santa Cruz Warriors jerseys. They are available at the Warriors office in Downtown Santa Cruz and cost $50 for adults, $35 for kids, and an additional $25 to customize with any name on the back.
Learn more about the Santa Cruz Warriors at nba.com/dleague/santacruz.
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 9
10 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
O’Neill Surf Shop circa 1962
O’Neill Surf Shop 1115 41st Avenue Capitola 831-475-4151
O’Neill Wetsuits Outlet 1149 41st Avenue Capitola 831-464-6713
O’Neill Surf Shop Downtown 110 Cooper Street Santa Cruz 831-469-4377
O’Neill Surf Shop Boardwalk 400 Beach Street Santa Cruz 831-459-9230 Follow us on
Voted Best Surf Shop & Beachwear
24 Hour Surf Line 831-475-2275(BARL) All store shots by: Marc Prefontaine
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 11
Gifts For What better way to pay dad back for all those early Christmases he spent stuffed in a Santa suit than by getting him something truly unique? Whether it’s delicious coffee for the dad on the go or a relaxing day sampling the finest wines that Santa Cruz has to offer, these gifts are sure to please your old man. | Ryan Boysen
DAD
STREETLEVEL ESPRESSO AT VERVE COFFEE ROASTERS, 1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7784, vervecoffeeroasters.com ($15)
ROYAL ROBBINS FLANNEL AT JERRY’S SPORTS 1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 465-1400, shopjerryssports.com ($50-$70)
WINE Vinocruz, 725 Front St #101, Santa Cruz, 426-8466, vinocruz.com Cava Wine Bar, 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola, 476-2282, cavacapitola.com Soif Wine Bar, 105 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, 423-2020, soifwine.com
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Bunnys Shoes 1350 Pacific Ave Downtown Santa cruz 831.423.3824
Bunnys • Clothing • Gifts 1349 Pacific Ave Downtown Santa Cruz 831.426.2926
Bunnys Shoes Bella Fiori Hats 7000 Soquel Dr. Aptos 831.662.2730 gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 13
Gifts For She carried you around for nine months, the least you can do is get her something special this holiday season. Show your mama how much you appreciate all of the times she packed your lunch, hung your artwork, and cheered you on. Buy her some locally made jewelry (from Delisch), a muchneeded pampering session (from Serene Skin & Body), or something decorative to spice up the dining table (from Annieglass). | Jenna Brogan
MOM
EARRINGS AT DELISCH delisch.com ($38-98)
HOLIDAY SQUARE PLATTER AT ANNIEGLASS 110 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 761-2041, annieglass.com ($74)
FACIAL AT SERENE SKIN & BODY 108 Magnolia St., Santa Cruz, 427-1912, sereneskincare.com ($50-$85)
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A
C U P U N C T U R E
S
GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD HEALTH
OPEN HOUSE
Santa Cruz Campus Sunday September 13 1-4pm
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Options to Specialize in Sports Medicine, Medical Qigong, and more
Acupuncture, Massage and Herbal Consultations
HOLIDAY SPECIAL at our Santa Cruz and San Jose Clinics
Five BraNches UNIVERSITY Graduate School of Traditional Chinese Medicine Santa Cruz Campus and Clinic 200 7th Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 476-8211
San Jose Campus and Clinic 3031 Tisch Way, San Jose (408) 260-8868
Bring this coupon in for
10% OFF on 1-Hour Consultation and Treatment with a Licensed Acupuncturist or Certified Massage Therapist Coupon good December 26, 2013 through January 11, 2014. Practitioners’ holiday availability may vary. Please call to schedule an appointment.
www.fivebranches.edu gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 15
Gifts For If your brother enjoys a pint of craft beer, odds are he would spring at the opportunity to craft his very own frothy signature brew (the Complete 2 Stage Brewery with Organic Beer Kit). In the meantime, there’s always “gaming.” For that, consider video games of the early years: Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis—they radiate the euphoric simpler times. Combine all three of those artifacts into one package, and you have the RetroN 3 gaming console, capable of playing all the games your brother grew up with. And … chances are you have a bro or know somebody who has one that might just be into skate culture. For that, there’s Bill’s Wheels. Joel Hersch
BROTHER
HOME BREWING KIT AT SEVEN BRIDGES COOPERATIVE 325 River St., Santa Cruz, 454-9665, breworganic.com ($159)
BILL’S WHEELS SKATE BOARD AT BILL’S WHEELS 1240 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 469-0904, billswheels.com ($49.95 and up)
RETRON 3 GAMING CONSOLE AT LEVEL UP VIDEO GAMES 113 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 295-6329, levelupvideogames.com ($69.99)
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Use code ‘TT13’
12/31/13. No for 10% o tours through
ers. t valid with any other o
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gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 17
Gifts For Lay your sibling rivalry to rest for good with a thoughtful gift. The ever-popular and extremely versatile Circle Scarf is a great addition to any wardrobe. Or get a Sky Lantern if you’re trying to keep the gift-giving on the casual side this year. For the reader in the family, famed Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami’s “The Wind-up Bird Chronicle” is a great accompaniment to eggnog and a warm fire on cold winter nights. | RB
SISTER
ASSORTED LAMPS AT OM GALLERY 1201 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 425-9107, omgallery.com (From $59.99)
SKY LANTERN AT OM GALLERY 1201 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-9107, omgallery.com ($6.50)
“THE WIND-UP BIRD CHRONICLE” BY HARUKI MURAKAMI AT BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com ($16.95)
CIRCLE SCARF AT AMERICAN APPAREL 1531 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-4070 ($28)
18 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
YS A W L A ECT
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1"$*'*$ "7& t 4"/5" $36; ŷ Ÿ ű
DON’T RUN ALL OVER TOWN! ONE STOP SHOP WITH THE BEST SELECTION IN TOWN
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 19
Gifts For Reward your aunt for all those years of letting you stay up late and eat dessert first. For the fashionable aunt, handmade, locally made earrings from Wallflower Boutique are sure to please. If you want to create memories with your gift, treat her to a sit-down, traditional and scrumptious teatime. For the more difficult to shop for, there’s always a candle—and at The Rusty Gate, you can find rustic candles with scents like Amber & Moss that come in reusable glass jars that she’ll love. Elizabeth Limbach
AUNT
OWP CANDLES AT THE RUSTY GATE 883 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 471-8166, the-rusty-gate.com ($12-$42)
THE SIMPLE TEA AT THE QUAIL & THISTLE TEA ROOM 911 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 477-1798, quailandthistle.com. Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Thursday through Sunday. Reservations recommended. ($16 includes two tea sandwiches, a scone and savories, a selection of baked sweets, and a pot of tea)
HANDMADE JEWELRY AT WALLFLOWER BOUTIQUE 103 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 426-3526, shopthewallflower.com ($38 and up)
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Tickets make great stocking stuffers!
Come visit our theater in downtown Carmel-by-the Sea! Chef Robert Irvine Live! 4BU r +BOVBSZ r 1.
The Irish Rovers 'SJ r +BOVBSZ r 1.
Zappa Plays Zappa: Tour de Frank 5IVST r 'FCSVBSZ r 1.
TAO The Art of the Drum *Model
5VFT r 'FCSVBSZ r 1.
Ottmar Liebert 5IVST r 'FCSVBSZ r 1.
Ailey II Dance Company 'SJ r .BSDI r 1.
Broadway’s Next H!t Musical 'SJ r "QSJM r 1.
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular 5IVST r "QSJM r 1.
Mandy Patinkin: Dress Casual 8FE r "QSJM r 1.
John Lithgow: Stories by Heart 5IVST r .BZ r 1.
The Four Freshmen ANNUAL GALA EVENT
4BU r .BZ r 1. BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUNSET CULTURAL CENTER, INC. A NON-PROFIT 501 (C)(3)
www.sunsetcenter.org
831.620.2048
*through 12/31/13
The Monterey Peninsula’s Premier Performing Arts Facility
San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 21
Gifts For He’s always been there to spoil you when your parents wouldn’t, so now it’s time to return the favor. The most delicious cured meats in all of Santa Cruz will tickle the cook’s fancy, while a brand new ball cap is sure to suit the sports fan. Or, if you’re trying to capture the right gift for that sporty uncle, consider a unique dive watch—we do live on the Bay, after all. | RB
UNCLE
SUUNTO DIVE COMPUTER AT AQUA SAFARIS 6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 479-4386, aquasafaris.com (Prices vary)
CURED MEATS AT EL SALCHICERO 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 423-6328, elsalchichero.com ($8-$12)
59FIFTY BASEBALL CAP AT SPORTSXTREME SANTA CRUZ 1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 477-1124 ($34.99)
22 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Santa Cruz, California
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE NOW! Perfect as a holiday gift, for next season sailing. Private charters available year-round.
SUMMER SEASON
Ticket prices are $20 for 1 hour and $30 for 1.5 hours. Public Cruises Sail May through October.
For more information: oneillyachtcharters.com For private charters or questions please call: (831) 818-3645
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Ocean Discovery Shop
Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5 End of Delaware Avenue past Natural Bridges 831-459-3800 http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
10% off
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gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;¢ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 23
NATURE’S BOUNTY In addition to the plethora of unique HGP-grown items on hand in the Homeless Garden Project’s holiday store, expect a variety of food items made by local artisans as well. Photo: Homeless Garden Project
Community
CONNECTION The Homeless Garden Project’s annual holiday store opens its doors once again | Jenny Simeone
Y
ear round, trainees with the Homeless Garden Project (HGP) are preparing for the holiday season. Starting in February, the HGP community is planting, tending, watering, weeding, drying and harvesting on the organization’s three-acre farm in Santa Cruz. All this work is in preparation to share the fruits of their labor with the greater community— at the opening of the annual holiday store in Downtown Santa Cruz. Open for business from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24 the holiday store is located in the Cooper Street breezeway, near the Museum of Art & History in Downtown Santa Cruz. This space has been its home for the third year in a row, thanks to a generous donation of space by Jay Paul Co. Executive Director, Darrie Ganzhorn, says that the central ideology behind holding a holiday store is to "add value" to the herbs, flowers and vegetables grown at the HGP farm. While the holiday store is a way for the HGP to offer new outlets for developing skills
24 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
that can turn a profit, there is also a deeper motivation behind it. “The most important value added to the produce we grow is, of course, the changes our trainees make in their own lives by participating in our training program and growing that produce,” says Ganzhorn. Started in the early ’90s, HGP offers support services, job training and transitional employment to people who are homeless in Santa Cruz County. What was once a smallscale selling of handcrafted wreaths in 1993 has now become an event that has touched most anyone who adventures downtown. Staffed entirely by volunteers from the community, the holiday store is selling anything from wreaths to hand-dipped candles and lavender cookie mixes. “This year, we are offering a lot of food products made by local artisans,” notes Ganzhorn. “If you come shop at our Holiday Store, we hope you'll agree there is a thriving and inclusive community—shopping, volunteering and selling gifts at our store [that are] creative, useful, beautiful, and meaningful.”
Ultimately one of the biggest aspects of the holiday store is sharing the skills and triumphs of the HGP community with the greater population of Santa Cruz County. “Everyone is capable of growth and renewal,” says Ganzhorn. “Being involved with HGP offers the community opportunities to connect—to each other, to the food we eat, to well-being, and to unrealized potential in our community.”
The HGP holiday store will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week (except Thanksgiving) Nov. 25 through Dec. 24 in the Cooper House Breezeway in Downtown Santa Cruz (near MAH and Salon on the Square). You can buy HGP products year round at their new online store shop.homelessgardenproject.org or at the permanent store at 30 West Cliff Drive at Depot Park, Santa Cruz, 426-3609. For more information, visit homelessgardenproject.org.
Happy Holidays!
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For those relatives on your holiday list who seem impossible to please, we suggest gifts that will delight almost anyone. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really go wrong with something functional like specialty wool socks for the chilly Santa Cruz winter. Attractive low-maintenance air plant terrariums are a simple and lovely way to brighten any space. If your relative has a special someone, encourage them to indulge in a swanky dinner for a romantic evening on the town. | JS
Gifts For THAT HARD-TOSHOP-FOR FAMILY MEMBER
HANGING BUBBLE TERRARIUM AT DIG GARDENS 420 Water St., Santa Cruz, 466-3444, diggardensnursery.com ($26.99)
SMARTWOOL BEST FRIEND SOCKS AT SOCKSHOP & SHOE CO. 1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6101, sockshopandshoeco.com ($17.95)
GIFT CARD FOR A DINNER FOR TWO AT OSWALD RESTAURANT 121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com ($100)
26 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Give the Gift of Art Bags & Accessories starting at $20
Jewelry Boxes starting at $120
Candles starting at $20 Bath Products starting at $6.95
Glassware starting at $20
Happy Holidays! Shop local for the women in your life!
Kids Clothing starting at $36
Earrings starting at $30
Clothing Â&#x2039; 7HQHTHZ Â&#x2039; 9VILZ Â&#x2039; 1L^LSY` :JHY]LZ Â&#x2039; .SV]LZ Â&#x2039; )HNZ Â&#x2039; 3PUNLYPL
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Jewelry â&#x20AC;˘ Woodworking â&#x20AC;˘ Cards â&#x20AC;˘ Ceramics â&#x20AC;˘ Glass â&#x20AC;˘ Kids â&#x20AC;˘ Artwork & More 1368 Pacific Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Downtown Santa Cruz â&#x20AC;˘ 423-8183 www.artisanssantacruz.com gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 27
Gifts For Buying for a child is rarely an easy task, as very few of us can even remember what it was like being their age. Interactive gifts like a quality children’s cookbook, or a birdhouse building kit, encourage kids to engage with the people around them. An outing with family and friends to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) for winter-themed art and crafts is an eventful gift (see also page 32), but Stripe in Downtown Santa Cruz continues to impress with a stellar array of gifts for children—from games to stuffed animals and more. | JS
5-7 YEAR OLD KID'S COOKING: A VERY SLIGHTLY MESSY MANUAL AT BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com ($16.99)
PLUSH WOODLAND BUNNY AT STRIPE 107 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-9252, stripedesigngroup.com ($20)
THE LITTLE EXPERIENCEBUILD-IT BIRD-CAFÉ KIT AT CHILDISH SANTA CRUZ 1100 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, 454-8208, childishsantacruz.com ($24.95)
28 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Gift Ce rtifi Huge L cates Availa bl ube Se lection e! Get them what they really want! Give the gift of health with a quality vaporizer. Dazzle the Glasslover in your circle with a beautiful local piece of glass. We also have many other assorted gifts and stocking stuffers!
Donate non-perishable food items here!!!
est. 1978 818 Pacific Ave | 831.425.PIPE www.pipesinthecity.com gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 29
Gifts For The best way to win over this age group is by getting them a gift that engages them creatively. Take local author June M. Pace’s new book, "Benjamin McTish and the Door Through the Grandfather Tree,” for example. If the pre-teen in your life couldn’t get enough of the “Harry Potter” heptalogy, they’ll get a kick out of this new fantasy series. If he or she isn’t much of a reader, Harts Fabric is a great place to unleash creativity in the form of fashion. If all else fails, go for music. At Sylvan Music, you’ll find adorable half- and three-quarters-sized guitars that will fit him or her just right. | JH
8-11 YEAR OLD
HALF-SIZED GUITAR AT SYLVAN MUSIC 1521 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 427-1917 ($89)
"BENJAMIN MCTISH AND THE DOOR THROUGH THE GRANDFATHER TREE" Check local booksellers, benjaminmctish.blogspot.com. ($15.91)
DESIGN AN OUTFIT AT HARTS FABRIC 1620 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-5434 ($10 to $13 per square fabric yard)
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6896 A Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz • Open 7 Days a week, 10am–7pm
479-4FUN (4386) • WWW.AQUASAFARIS.COM
Exp. 12/31/13
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 31
Gifts For
TEEN
Whether the teen in your life is an athlete, fashionista, music enthusiast, or bookworm, one thing all adolescents have in common is that they like to have fun. This holiday season, give the gift of fun. Help the teen in your life unleash his or her creativity at their favorite museum, take them to see their favorite band perform live, or help them show off their Santa Cruz pride—you can’t lose. | JB
MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP AT MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 429-1964, santacruzmah.org ($40)
CONCERT TICKETS AT THE CATALYST 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1338, catalystclub.com (Price varies)
32 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS T-SHIRT OR HAT AT SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS STORE 903 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, warriorsteamstore.com ($18-25)
ANNUAL INVENTORY SALE DEC 1- DEC 31 JOIN US ON SATURDAY DEC. 14TH FOR OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & OPEN HOUSE. 1-3 PM. 904 CEDAR ST.
Santa Cruz Optometric 904 Cedar St.
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 33
Gifts For A compact, pressurized coffeebrewing system called the Aerobie Aeropress—it makes that on-the-go caffeine fix easy as one, two, three to plunge the dark, rich, steaming life force into your mug—or a Cruz Control Designated Driving gift card may be the perfect offering for a college student. But in the modern world, the relatively new book, “The Rise of the Naked Economy” by Santa Cruz locals Ryan Coonerty and Jeremy Neuner (of NextSpace) may guide impressionable minds toward the art of entrepreneurialism and the changing workplace. Joel Hersch
COLLEGE STUDENT
“THE RISE OF THE NAKED ECONOMY” facebook.com/...Rise-of-theNaked-Economy From $12.95 and up (Kindle and hardcover)
CRUZ CONTROL DESIGNATED DRIVING GIFT CARD 345-0822, cruzcontroldd.com/Cruz_Control $25 and up
VERVE AEROBIE AEROPRESS AT VERVE COFFEEROASTERS 1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7784, vervecoffeeroasters.com ($35)
34 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Your Patriotic & Outdoor Gift Headquarters
Huge Selection of Patriotic Insignias, Pins, Patches, Flags, Novelty Signs, Knives, Binoculars, Camping, Survival & Rain Gear, MRE's, Paintball & Air Soft, Camouflage Clothing & MORE
Highway 1 & N. Struve Rd, Moss Landing (16 minutes south of 41st Ave.) “Just look for the flags” (831)724-0588 Open 7 days a week • 9am-6pm
www.SurplusInc.com
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 35
Gifts For They’ve spoiled you since you were in diapers, now it’s time to give them a small token of your gratitude. For the grandparent who boasts strong cravings for specialty teas, you can’t go wrong with what you may find at Hidden Peak Teahouse. The ballet always conjures warm childhood memories and rings in the holiday season. And what grandparent could resist an opportunity to get dolled up for an evening of fine dining? | JB
GRANDPARENTS
TICKETS TO SANTA CRUZ BALLET'S “THE NUTCRACKER” AT CIVIC AUDITORIUM 307 Church St., Santa Cruz, 420-5240, santacruztickets.com ($15-$55)
GIFT CERTIFICATE AT SHADOWBROOK RESTAURANT 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com (Price varies)
TEA AT HIDDEN PEAK TEAHOUSE 1541 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 423-4200, hiddenpeakteahouse.com (Prices vary)
36 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Reclaimed & Salvaged Woods
Outdoor Living
Garden Art
Custom Upholstery
The Nutcracker ;OL 6YPNPUHS :HU[H *Y\a 5\[JYHJRLY :HU[H *Y\a *P]PJ (\KP[VYP\T
With Live Orchestra conducted by Pamela Martin
)ULGD\ 'HF รท 30 6DWXUGD\ 'HF รท DQG 30 6XQGD\ 'HF รท DQG 30
:HU[H*Y\a;PJRL[Z JVT gtweekly.com โ ข GT Holiday Gift Guide | 37
A HOLIDAY HORSE
TRADITION
Randy Clayton of Santa Cruz Carriage Company talks draft horses, holiday carriage rides and much more | Jenny Simeone hen asked what kinds of people take carriage rides in Downtown Santa Cruz for the holiday season, Randy Clayton laughs. “A lot of couples, a lot of families, kids, even homeless folks who might gather up their money and pay in change,” says Clayton, the owner and main driver of the Santa Cruz Carriage Company. “Most everyone takes carriage rides.” After building a career working with draft horses, logging trees all over the country, Clayton found himself in California running horse-drawn hay rides for school children at Wilder Ranch State Park in 1986. It wasn’t long before Clayton and his horses became an integral part of many community events, including what has now become a staple of the local holiday season —horse-drawn carriage rides in Downtown Santa Cruz. “We started a tradition that people never really let go of,” says Clayton. “I think people get in the carriage and feel safe – they don’t really have to pay attention to anything, they don’t have to drive, they’re just out in the open
W
38 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
cruising around. I think it’s very comfortable and relaxing for people.” Clayton has seen the popularity of the December carriage rides grow among locals and tourists alike over the years. However, due to a recent hospitalization caused by ongoing heart problems, Clayton has had to make serious adjustments to the carriagedriving schedule this year. “This year is a little different; we’re not going to do near as many rides as we have in the past. I’m just not up to it health-wise, so this year we’ll probably do the parade, and try to focus on the downtown ride,” explains Clayton. “The horses are like me too, we’re all getting older and it just gets harder.” Clayton notes that while he has yet to decide the carriage-ride dates , he does not foresee any more than four downtown appearances (so plan ahead). Even with the difficulties of this season, Clayton is optimistic that this will not be the Santa Cruz Carriage Company’s last year. “We’re looking to try to keep it going, but hopefully with additional horses, younger drivers, and people that are interested in
learning the craft,” says Clayton. “Just the fact that we are able to go downtown and still have people want to ride, and appreciate it, that is really special.” Clayton notes that year-round public access to the draft horses at their home on Wilder Ranch has made it easy for locals to foster personal connections with the company. Visitors are always invited to watch and participate in how the horses are fed, trained, harnessed, and shoed. “Not a lot of people these days have the chance to have close-up experiences with animals,” notes Clayton. “It’s good for the horses to interact with people and vice versa, and I know that’s why they still have a big appeal downtown, all over the county, and beyond.” Connect with the Santa Cruz Carriage Company at 131A Center Street, 466-9169. For more information, visit santacruzcarriagecompany.com.
gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 39
Dresses, Tops, Cozy Sweaters, Loungewear, Jewelry, Treasures, Gifts & Baubles...
sweetasylumboutique.com 120 San Jose Ave. Capitola Village/ (831) 466 0361
40 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
231 Esplanade, Capitola Village 476-2263 margaritavillecapitola.com
• • • • • • • • •
219 Capitola Ave • 831-476-3960
New Location 216 Capitola Ave. • 831-475-2735
Spring Step Naughty Monkey Matisse Rainbow Sandals Reef Volatile Cobain Coconuts Bass
217 Capitola Ave • 831-462-5320 gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 41
Gifts For Modern times equate to modernday gift-giving. For that, take note of all the offerings that locally based Thieves have to offer. There’s a fine variety of hip clothing available there. Depending on the age of your romantic boy pal, something festive from Logos Books & Records may just do the trick. In the meantime, nothing smacks of pure fun more than a ziplining adventure in the redwoods and that might just be the best present of all—something outdoors and something which the two of you can participate in together. | Charlie Price
BOYFRIEND
ZIPLINING IN THE REDWOODS AT MOUNT HERMON ADVENTURES Redwood Canopy Tour 17 Conference Drive, Felton, 430-4357, mounthermonadventures.com (From $89. Check online for special deals/details)
THIEVES T-SHIRT AT STRIPE MEN AND PACIFIC WAVE Stripe Men: 117 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 431-6182, stripedesigngroup.com. Pacific Ave: 1502 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 458-9283, pacwave.com. See also thievesco.com. (Prices vary)
42 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
FAMOUS BOOK COVERS T-SHIRT AT LOGOS BOOKS & RECORDS 1117 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz 427-5100, logosbooksrecords.com ($25)
Available at:
222 G MT HERMON RD, SCOTTS VALLEY (Next to Nob Hill in the King’s Village Shopping Center)
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 43
Gifts For If you’ve been there before, you already know how hard it can be to shop for your sweetheart. Take the pain out of shopping this year by making a foolproof gift selection. Fleecelined leggings are perfect for winter outfits; couple that with a romantic dinner or a relaxing makeover and you’re well on your way to a very merry Christmas. | RB
GIRLFRIEND
MANICURE OR PEDICURE AT VICE SALON 309 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 464-1700, salonvice.com ($25-$50)
ROMANTIC DINNER AT GABRIELLA CAFÉ 910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 457-1677, gabriellacafe.com (Gift cards available)
FLEECE-LINED LEGGINGS AT LEGS SANTA CRUZ 1517 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-1940, santacruzlegs.com ($20)
44 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
World Market Bazaar 1233 Pacific Avenue, Downtown Santa Cruz 831.469-3872 And now open in the Capitola Mall gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 45
Gifts For There’s nothing that says, “I love you” quite like chocolates shaped like hardware tools. However, if your spouse isn’t much of a handyman, Mackenzies Chocolates has molded their confections into any shape that could meet his interests. You can also get to his libido—hey, why not?—with some specialty products or clothing from Camouflage— a gift card does the trick. (Your hubby may not be as shy as you think.) And keep your man looking sharp and smelling clean with a Royal Apothic gift set with their Scent No.1 cologne, and a nifty shave gel. | JS
HUBBY
CAMOUFLAGE GIFT CARD AT CAMOUFLAGE 1329 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 423-7613, shopcamouflage.com (Prices vary )
CHOCOLATE TOOL SET AT MACKENZIES CHOCOLATES 1492 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 425-1492, mackenzieschocolates.com ($9.95)
ROYAL APOTHIC GIFT SET AT STRIPE MEN 117 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, stripedesigngroup.com (From $54)
46 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 47
Gifts For Consider the many roles your wife plays, and pay tribute to her hard work this holiday season by giving her a day at the spa—for a facial, manicure and pedicure. Show your affection with a brass necklace that says, “Love” in Braille. Or prepare her for the chilly winter months ahead with a cardigan that is so versatile, she can wear it to anything from a nice dinner to a trip to the farmer’s market. | JS
WIFE
CONVERTIBLE CARDIGAN BRASS BRAILLE ‘LOVE’ NECKLACE AT WALLFLOWER BOUTIQUE 103 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 4263526, shopthewallflower.com ($40)
AT SYNERGY ORGANIC CLOTHING 1126 Soquel Ave,, Santa Cruz, 427-9121, synergyclothing.com ($70)
DAY-SPA PACKAGE AT L'ATELIER SALON DE BEAUTÉ AND DAY SPA 304 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, 469-7546, latelierdayspa.com ($140)
48 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN HATS • SCARVES • GLOVES 1346 PACIFIC AVENUE DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ 831.458.9585 gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 49
Gifts For Demonstrating how much you care for your best friend in a unique way every year for the holidays can be difficult. Gifts that give you a chance to spend time together, like a first-timerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beer brewing kit, will give you both something fun to work on. Or head to Petroglyph in Downtown Santa Cruz to hand paint some unique one-of-a-kind ceramic ware so your bestie can have something with your own personal touch. And if you really are best friends forever, maybe this holiday season is the right time to get matching or symbolic friendship tattoos. | JS
BFF
SINGLE STAGE BREWERY WITH ORGANIC BEER KIT AT SEVEN BRIDGES COOPERATIVE 325A River St., Santa Cruz, 454-9665, breworganic.com ($95)
MATCHING TATTOOS AT GOOD OMEN TATTOO 1025 Water St., Unit J, Santa Cruz, 425-1107, goodomentattoo.com ($60 minimum, $120 per hour)
HAND-PAINTED PERSONALIZED CERAMIC AT PETROGLYPH 125 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 458-4278, petroglyph.com ($9.75 day pass + price of ceramic piece)
50 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 51
Gifts For For the friends you catch waves with, the holidays are a great opportunity to give the gift of preparedness. Extra wax is the perfect forethought for when your surfing pal inevitably runs out of it, or a patch kit to immediately repair dings on an epoxy surfboard. If your surfing friend enjoys a local brew after a long day in the water, the 64ounce insulated steel growler from Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery can be filled straight from a tap and will maintain a cool temperature longer than any other container. | JS
SURFING BUDDY
MR. ZOGS COLD WATER SEX WAX AT PEARSON ARROW SURFBOARDS 2324 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 423-8286, arrowsurfshop.com ($1.50 per box)
64OZ DOUBLE WALLED, INSULATED GROWLER/FLASK AT SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN BREWERY 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 425-4900, scmbrew.com/merchandise ($45)
SPY GLASSES AT O’NEILLS SURFSHOP 110 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 469-4377, oneill.com (Men's—The Discord $129.95 Women's—The Honey $89.95)
52 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Best California Cuisine
Best Dinner â&#x20AC;˘ Best Lunch Best Outdoor Dining Best Restaurant Soquel Best Restaurant Capitola Best Restaurant Ambiance
gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 53
Gifts For It may be challenging to pick just the right gift for the lover of the great outdoors—this is Santa Cruz, after all, and there’s so much to do. So, depending on how well you know who you are shopping for, it never hurts to turn to the aid of some old local favorites—a charter cruise on Chardonnay II or a kayak excursion or even something stylish from our local surf culture behemoth O’Neill. Truth be told, those O'Neill Bajamigo Boardshorts boast that “epicstretch” style with its popular fabric. | CP
OUTDOORS LOVER
CHARDONNAY II CHARTER AT SANTA CRUZ YACHT HARBOR 790 Mariner Park Way, Dock FF 423-1213, chardonnay.com (Prices Vary)
O’NEILL’S BAJAMIGO BOARDSHORTS AT O’NEILL SURFSHOP 110 Cooper St #100D Santa Cruz, 469-4377, oneill.com ($54.50)
KAYAK EXCURSION AT KAYAK CONNECTION 413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 479-1121, kayakconnection.com AT VENTURE QUEST KAYAKING 2 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 425-8445, kayaksantacruz.com ($30 and up)
54 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Santa Cruz
PAWN
Santa Cruz Pawn Lic. #4402-0994 1101 Pacific Ave. Suite F At the corner of Cathcart • Downtown Santa Cruz 469-PAWN • www.santacruzpawn.com gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 55
Gifts For Optimists may already have a recording of “Don’t Stop Believin’” and anything that smacks of Deepak, so it’s best to turn your attention on other items that will help remind them of how awesome the world really is. Ornamental stones with unique sayings come to mind, but there’s nothing wrong with offering the gift of an uplifting book by Rev. Deoborah Johnson of Innerlight Ministries, too. Best bet? There’s nothing more inspiring than to have dinner with a happy person. Go for it at Soif, one of Downtown Santa Cruz’s most thriving portals. | CP
OPTIMIST
WINE, DINNER, MORE AT SOIF RESTAURANT WINE BAR & MERCHANTS 105 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz 423-2020, soifwine.com (Prices vary)
METAPHYSICAL STONES AT OM GALLERY 1201 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 425-9107, omgallery.com. ($10 and up)
‘YOUR DEEPEST INTENT: LETTERS FROM THE INFINITE’ BY REV. DEBORAH JOHNSON deborahjohnson.org ($9.99-Kindle to $22.99)
56 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
CORE Program Design Personal Training Chiropractic Acupuncture Yoga Massage Boot camps
149
$
* Training
Package
8 semi-private training sessions *sessions with 2-5 people
includes assessment & water bottle purchase by December 31st, use anytime
Physical Therapy PreNatal Services Nutritional Counseling
Massage Package
$49 for 1 Swedish massage $99 for 3 Swedish massages *First time clients only. purchase by December 31st, use anytime
317 Potrero St. Suite C 831-425-9500 www.santacruzcore.com
The
Gift of Health
20% OFF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE: GIFT OF HEALTH PACKAGE Purchase One New Patient 2-hour Exam & Two 1-hour Follow-Ups and receive 20% OFF the entire package! If you've been waiting to schedule your new patient appointment, now's the time. Just $460! ($575 Value)*
20% OFF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE: WELLNESS PACKAGE Ensure that you AND your family get the care you need Save 20% when you purchase a package of 3 follow-up visits with one of our Doctors Offer valid for already established patients only. (3) 60 minute Follow-up visits. Just $348! ($435 value)*
Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center 736 Chestnut Street, Santa Cruz |
831.477.1377
| www.scnmc.com *Offer expires 1/3/14
gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 57
Gifts For Regardless of their spirituality, gifts for a spiritual friend should enrich their life in some way. Giving them options to dive deep—as it were—should be at the top of the list. Aside from spiritual books, consider other options. While you can’t put a price tag on relaxation, you can buy access to activities that will reduce stress levels. Flotation tank therapy—floating on your back in 10 inches of high concentration saltwater in a sensory deprivation tank—is the ultimate way to unplug from the daily stresses of life for an hour. For those who want their relaxation to be more active, yoga is an excellent way to deeply cleanse the body—inside and out. | JS
SPIRITUAL FRIEND
YOGA GIFT CERTIFICATE OUR TOP 5 PICKS THIS SEASON AT PLEASURE POINT YOGA 3703 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 479-9642, pleasurepointyoga.com AT LUMA YOGA AND FAMILY CENTER 1010 Center St., 325-2620, lumayoga.com (check out YogaKids) AT VILLAGE YOGA 1106 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 425-9642, bikramyogasantacruz.com ($20 first-timer pass) AT NOURISH 130 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-9355, nourishsantacruz.com AT BIKRAM YOGA APTOS Aptos Village Square, 7960 Soquel Dr., Aptos, 661-5030, bikramyogaaptos.com (Check out first-timers offer)
58 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
SENSORY DEPRIVATION FLOTATION AT BE AND BE WELL 301 Kessler Dr., Ben Lomond, (408)-691-7188, beandbewell.com $60 for 60 minutes
gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 59
Gifts For This holiday season, give your favorite activist something they can sink their teeth into, like a thought-provoking documentary about saving local sea otters or a meaty book by a Santa Cruzbased but nationally known civil rights attorney. But, after all that hard work fighting for their cause, an activist might also appreciate unwinding over some high-quality, organic beer from Discretion Brewing (they’ll be relieved to know that the brewery’s spent grain goes to feed pigs and chickens at a nearby farm). | EL
ACTIVIST
‘THE PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE: THE LIFE AND LEGAL HISTORY OF AMERICA'S MOST FEARLESS PUBLIC INTEREST LAWYER’ BY DANIEL SHEEHAN AT LOGOS BOOKS & RECORDS 1117 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-5100, logosbooksrecords.com. ($30)
OTTER 501 Buy the DVD at otter501.com. ($24.95)
GROWLER OF DISCRETION BREWING BEER AT DISCRETION BREWING 2703 41st Ave., Ste. A, Soquel, 316-0662, discretionbrewing.com. Open daily 11:30am-9pm $18.66-$23.66 (including jug; subsequent refills are less)
60 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 61
SIX MEALS to Savor During the Season | by Greg Archer Oswald’s Seafood Risotto with lemon and tomato conserve Dynamic and made with glorious attention to detail. Mouthwatering. Oswald, 121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com.
Soif’s Mushroom and smoked chèvre-stuffed quail w/ Brussels sprouts Chase it all back with a 2010 Sylvie Esmonin Gevrey-Chambertin and this is the meal to remember all week long. Soif, 105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-2020, soifwine.com.
Center Street Grill’s Grilled Salmon marinated in olive oil, lemon juice and a secret blend of spices
Tortilla Flat’s Enchilada & Taco combination plate with various filling choices The ever colorful Tortilla Flats may make for an ideal destination for Mexican fare, but choice ingredients and imaginative presentation—all that food!—win top honors in our book. Tortilla Flats, 4616 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 476-1754, tortillaflatsdining.com.
Booka’s Mushroom Gnocchi The handmade potato gnocchi works well with shiitake, shimaji, portobello and button mushrooms with portobello truffle oil. Better still—the Parmesan cheese used has been aged for 24 months. One-of-a-kind. Booka, 8041 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 685-9500.
It may be the spices and it may be the execution. Or a combination of both, but it’s one meal to take note of. Center Street Grill, 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, 423-4745, thecenterstreetgrill.com.
< Shadowbrook’s The Godfather
ABUNDANCE OF FLAVORS Executive Chef Anthony Kresge delivers a creative culinary spin at Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola. Photo: Jim Strickland Design.
62 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Thanks to the addition of Executive Chef Anthony Kresge, who entered the fold at the venerable Shadowbrook Restaurant less than a year ago, some aspects of the popular menu have been updated. While the menu always boasted variety, there is now quite a bit of fiery attention to culinary detail and new, innovative dishes. And everything from concept to execution is dynamite. Take note of a “family style” offering—dubbed The Godfather. Think of it as a unique kind of dining experience that might feel as if you’re eating dinner with your clan at home. (Locals are encouraged to call ahead and arrange such an excursion.) At a recent outing, we were a bit spellbound by the presentation. The first dish that arrived is the surf and turf tower—the combination of grilled flank steak, seared garlic prawns, blackened ahi tuna, jalapeño poppers, stone fruit relish, citrus aioli and fried pickled ginger was hard to resist. Few local chefs have that special talent to create art with food and Kresge is certainly one of those rare creative creatures. The dish was followed by a caprese with Burrata and ovenroasted figs, organic strawberries, Italian olive oil, balsamic reduction, and various heirloom tomatoes. Some time later, another culinary wonder arrived: a luscious Corvina seabass over an impressive white bean/bacon and tomato creation. It’s hard to surpass oneself, but Shadowbrook may have just done that this year. Cheers to that. Shadowbrook, 750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, 0475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
GRILL and SUSHI BAR at kauboi we use produce, meat, and seafood that is farmed or harvested in a sustainable manner.
831.661.0449 Open 5pm to late everyday Now serving weekend brunch
burger. open seven days a week
1520 mission street, santa cruz 95060 831.425.5300 burgersantacruz.com
8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos California 95033
7941 soquel drive, aptos 95003 831.662.2811 burgeraptos.com
http://kauboigrillandsushi.com/
we have gift cards!
we have gift cards! gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 63
Bodyworkers and healers give, give, give all year round. This season, give back with a relaxing, therapeutic treatment, an all-natural, organic skincare product, or some nice art for them to hang on their office wall. | EL
Gifts For YOUR HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER
A MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD) TREATMENT WITH “WELLNESS ESTHETICIAN” ANGELA PECK Several options, ranging from $35 for 25 minutes to $120 for 90 minutes. angela-peck-5fyy.squarespace.com
A PIECE OF LOCAL ART FROM THE NONPROFIT ARTIST COLLECTIVE AT SANTACRUZARTISTS.COM Shop and order online at santacruzartists.com (Prices vary)
COFFEE & BURDOCK FACE SCRUB AT MADE SIMPLE COSMETICS $40 or $34 with this special 15 percent discount code—which is good for all Made Simple products—for GOOD TIMES readers: mscholiday. Order directly from the Soquel-based, raw, vegan and organic company at madesimplecosmetics.com.
64 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
102 Walnut Avenue • Downtown Santa Cruz 458-9950 • www.stephansjewelry.com Open Tues-Sat 10-5:30, Sun 11-5 gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 65
Gifts For
SECRET LOVER
Whatever the rationale behind keeping your lover under wraps, your gifts to them for the holidays should be, above all, discreet. Something sensual that can pass for something innocuous, like the stealthy massage candles from Pure Pleasure, are easily explained purchases. Reserving one of the private outdoor hot tubs at Kiva Retreat House, or sneaking out of Santa Cruz proper for a wine tasting, are romantic getaways that will keep your secret lover just that, a secret. | JS
WINE TASTING AT BONNY DOON VINEYARD TASTING ROOM 450 Highway 1, Davenport, 471-8031, bonnydoonvineyard.com ($10-$20 per person)
JIMMY JANE AFTERGLOW MASSAGE CANDLES AT PURE PLEASURE 204 Church St., Santa Cruz, 466-9870, purepleasureshop.com ($28)
66 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
PRIVATE OUTDOOR HOT TUB HOURLY RENTAL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: AT THE WELL WITHIN 417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 458-9355, wellwithinspa.com ($15 and up) AT KIVA RETREAT HOUSE 702 Water St., Santa Cruz, 429-1142, kivaretreat.com ($10 and up) AT THE TEA HOUSE SPA 112 Elm St., Santa Cruz, 426-9700, teahousespa.com ($12 and up)
• *
-
-
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 67
“Give the Gift of Dance this Holiday Season” Group Classes, Private Lessons and Monthly Passes Available. Purchase gift certificates at www.palomarballroom.com or call 831-426-1221 to customize your own!
PAPER VISION for THE HOLIDAYS...
BEAUTIFUL CARDS COOL TOYS UNIQUE CALENDARS GIFT WRAP STOCKING STUFFERS CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Join us December 14th from 8-11pm for our Holiday Ball in Santa Cruz!
Palomar Ballroom 1344 Pacific Avenue • Santa Cruz 4652 Scotts Valley Dr. • Scotts Valley 831-426-1221 • www.palomarballroom.com
68 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
1345 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.458.1345
Gifts For
LOVER
Love—it’s bound to happen. You and that special someone morph into something special. What does fate have in store for you? Well, when in doubt, jewelry, gems and other sparkling objects are a good bet. There are many local portals around the county—from Super Silver in Santa Cruz to various antique spots in wonderful Soquel—but consider some of the unique options at Stripe, too. And ladies—don’t be shy. Feel free to spoil the guys. The Men’s Handbag from the über creative Lumen’s Gallery in Capitola might do the trick. Or … there’s nothing more sensual— or sensuous—than top-notch bath and body products from Water at Morrissey, which has ample supplies of that. | CP
JULIE NOLAN ZODIAC BRACELET AT STRIPE DESIGN GROUP 107 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-9252, stripedesigngroup.com ($50)
BATH AND BODY PRODUCTS AT WATER AT MORRISSEY 1315 Water St., Santa Cruz, 708-1119, blitheandbonny.com (Prices vary)
MEN’S HANDBAG AT LUMEN’S GALLERY 112 Capitola Ave., Ste 100, Capitola, 295-6647, lumengal.com ($350-$445)
Voted Best Exotic Drinks Cocktails, Appetizers, & Happy Hour inSanta Cruz
gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 69
jaywatson.com
Gifts For
GAMER
Gaming. It’s not just for nerds anymore. It boasts its own culture these days. So, if you are a video gamer and want to shop locally, consider perusing Level-Up games in Downtown Santa Cruz. For card games like “Magic the Gathering” and “Ascension,” and board games like “Star Trek: Catan,” check out local favorite Mythic Games. | Ian David Webb
Come get your holiday kicks, accessories, and so much more! )()/ HY[aÚ[ 9n]fm]$ KYflY ;jmr$ ;9 1-(.( 0+)&,*+&*/(( gd\k[`ggd%k`g]k&[ge
HEADSETS AT LEVEL UP VIDEO GAMES 113 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 295-6329, levelupvideogames.com (Prices vary)
ASCENSION DECKBUILDING GAMES
Legs or bust! By popular demand, now carrying sized bras!
1517 pacific avenue santa cruz, ca 95060
831-429-1940 santacruzlegs.com 70 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
AT MYTHIC GAMES 149 S River St, Santa Cruz, 600-7451, gomythic.com ($10–$40)
STAR TREK CATAN AT MYTHIC GAMES 149 S River St, Santa Cruz, 600-7451, gomythic.com ($55)
$
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72 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
Fun and Enchanting Gifts for Every Age
Coming Together
TO FIGHT OFF HUNGER Why now, more than ever, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital to support Second Harvest Food Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Food Drive | Ryan Boysen
T
he holiday season is a time of celebrationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not only for individuals, friends, and families, but also for the community as a whole. That communal aspect and a healthy dose of holiday generosity are exactly what Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO of Santa Cruz Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB), was hoping to tap into when he unveiled SHFBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Holiday Food Drive in 1988. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was the year we changed our mission from just feeding the community to really involving the community,â&#x20AC;? says Elliot-McCrea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem was too big for us to go it alone, so we wanted to foster an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;all hands on deckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attitude.â&#x20AC;? Now in its 25th year, the Holiday Food Drive has become an integral part of that mission. Local businesses participate by hosting fundraisers of their own, and individuals by donating online or at any of the drop-off locations around the county. The drive generates 80 percent of the cash SHFB receives each year in donations and allows SHFB to provide 3.5 million meals a year to underfed county residents. A veteran of SHFB since 1978, ElliottMcCrea became its CEO in 1988. In addition to rolling out the Holiday Food Drive heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also changed the type of food that SHFB provides. Eliott-McCrea says a battle with colon cancer 10 years ago made him â&#x20AC;&#x153;laser focusedâ&#x20AC;? on not only providing a certain amount of calories, but also providing real, healthy food. The first food bank established in California and the second oldest in the nation, SHFB has also become one of the healthiest. Last year SHFB received Feeding Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mighty Apple award for
providing the highest percentage of fresh fruits and vegetables in its meals. SHFB has deals with local farmers and grocers that enable it to obtain Grade B produce, which is a little bit discolored or â&#x20AC;&#x153;funny lookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? Elliot-McCrea says, but is â&#x20AC;&#x153;just as nutritious as the more cosmetically appealing stuff.â&#x20AC;? With those connections SHFB is able to provide four full meals for just a dollarâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; last year they gave out roughly five million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Elliott-McCrea also notes that the Holiday Food Drive not only helps to raise the cash for all that produce, it helps make the Santa Cruz community aware of SHFBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts and get them involved. SHFB owes much of its success to volunteers, from assisting in day-to-day operations to operating nutrition classes around the county that roughly 1,500 families a month participate in. SHFB distributes food to more than 200 food banks and other local agencies, with the assistance of businesses, residents and students. Elliot-McCrea says that type of a communal sense of purpose is what the Holiday Food Drive is all about.
SHFB accepts volunteer requests and financial donations through its website, and physical donations at their warehouse. SHFB has a new program for businesses called Campaign in a Box, which is designed to streamline the process of setting up a company-wide food drive. For more information, visit thefoodbank.org. To learn more about Campaign in a Box, visit thefoodbank.org/campaign-in-a-box. For those donating, take note: $1 can feed a family of four.
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gtweekly.com â&#x20AC;˘ GT Holiday Gift Guide | 73
Sa nt a Cr u z C ou nt y
SYMPHONY
PAGETURNERS
Daniel Stewart, Music Director
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON,
GIVE A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING...
GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC!
january 25/26 MAHLER Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer),Yunpeng Wang, baritone WAGNER Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde PROKOFIEV Selections from Romeo and Juliet march 22/23 BARTÓK Rumanian Folk Dances BACH Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor IVES The Unanswered Question STRAVINSKY Pulcinella Suite may 17/18 MOZART Ave Verum Corpus BERNSTEIN Chichester Psalms MOZART Requiem Featuring the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus, and soloists Lei Xu, Reneé Tatum, Mario Davila and Ryan Speedo Green from the Metropolitan Opera
Bookshop Santa Cruz unveils its top book picks for holiday gifts “ELEANOR AND PARK” by Rainbow Rowell
Call 462-0553, ext. 10 to purchase Symphony concert gift packages for your family and friends!
www.SantaCruzSymphony.org
Simply our favorite children’s book of the year! “It’s a love story that flies off the page, with characters so bright with possibility, they become more real than real life.” For readers ages 13 and up.
“THE GOLDFINCH” by Donna Tartt From the bestselling author of “The Secret History and The Little Friend,” “The Goldfinch” is a phenomenal novel; it’s the standard to which all of the future favorites will be held. Read it so that when others who have can tell you how each sentence is a carefully crafted, evocative, transformative beacon of storytelling, and you will know what they mean.
“A.O.C. COOKBOOK” by Suzanne Goin. This is a collection of sophisticated but unpretentious recipes with gorgeous flavors that showcase seasonal cooking. Goin is detail oriented and an excellent teacher, so a bonus to the delicious food is that you learn a lot from cooking from her book.
“COOL GRAY CITY OF LOVE: 49 VIEWS OF SAN FRANCISCO” by Gary Kamiya An artfully spun and celebratory non-fiction tale of early and modern San Francisco—a place dear to the heart of many—this book will give tourists and life-long residents alike a new way of looking at the geography, neighborhoods and lives that make San Francisco one of California's greatest offerings to the world.
“THE LAST OCEAN: Antarctica's Ross Sea Project Saving the Most Pristine Ecosystem on Earth” By John Weller This stunningly beautiful celebration of an extremely remote and starkly beautiful setting is perfect for the armchair traveler, the ecologically minded, or the photo enthusiast. Visually compelling, highly informative and awe inspiring, every other page provokes an exclamation of wonder and disbelief.
Family Owned & Operated Since 1924 Holiday Hours: Sun, Dec 8, 15 & 22 Noon-5pm • Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm 1111 Water Street, Santa Cruz • 426-3111 • www.smithschina.com Visa, Mastercard & American Express 74 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
MORE BOOK PICKS ON PAGE 76>
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AUTHENTIC REPRODUCTION OF THE 1920’S CABARET DESIGN BY F R A N K L L O Y D W R I G H T F O R T H E H I S TO R I C I M P E R I A L H OT E L I N TO K YO, J A PA N
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gtweekly.com • GT Holiday Gift Guide | 75
PAGETURNERS Bookshop Santa Cruz top book picks continued... “THE ART OF SIMPLE FOOD II” By Alice Waters The kitchen garden is celebrated in Alice Waters’ follow-up to her enormously successful book, “The Art of Simple Food.” With more than 300 recipes featuring herbs, greens, beans, root vegetables, tubers, and fruit, Waters, as ever, makes it simple and delicious to serve the best of each season. “THE CIRCLE” By Dave Eggers Reading “The Circle” may have you shaking with laughter on one page and shivering with fear and recognition on the next. It’s a full-blown satire that sends up our modern world of addictive social media, yoga-obsessed tech companies, and our obsession with information and constant connection. This is quite a different book for Dave Eggers.
SANTA CRUZ
ART LEAGUE
GALLERY THEATER GIFT SHOP CLASSES MEMBERSHIP NETWORKING G
G
G
G
G
Unusual Gifts
Luck of the Draw
Preview Nov. 30 - Dec. 8 Drawing: 2:45 Dec. 8th
G
Small Wonders
Dec. 14, - Jan. 6 Reception: Dec. 14, 3-5pm
94 YearsofImagination 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.426.5787 / www.scal.org Wed-Sat 12-5, Sun 12-4, 1st Fri 12-9 Artwork by: Judy Miller, Scott Harding, Mark Farina
76 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
“THE HOUSE GIRL” By Tara Conklin This terrific debut novel, set around a historical class-action lawsuit involving reparations for descendants of American slaves, combines mystery and historical fiction. “The House Girl,” now in paperback, will grab you and not let go until the end. “THE KRAUS PROJECT” By Jonathan Franzen In his new book, Franzen presents his definitive translations of the 20th-century Austrian satirist Karl Kraus and also annotates them. We’re not sure we’ve ever laughed out loud at footnotes before, but Franzen’s own wit and comparisons gave us ample chance to do so repeatedly. This is an excellent example of what can happen when thought, passion, and literary criticism are blended into one. “HUMANS OF NEW YORK” By Brandon Stanton In the completely addictive blog (and now book) “Humans of New York,” photographer Brandon Stanton provides glimpses into the lives of strangers in New York City with moving images and compelling quotes from his diverse subjects. The result is a fascinating portrait of the residents of a city—and of humanity.
VISIT BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ 1520 PACIFIC AVE., SANTA CRUZ, 423-0900, BOOKSHOPSANTACRUZ.COM
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BUY LOCAL MUSIC 2013 ushered in some memorable music. Take note of the local artists that captured our attention—and whose CDs would make a great gift. | Jenna Brogan THE DEVIL MAKES THREE // I’M A STRANGER HERE One of Santa Cruz’s biggest musical acts, The Devil Makes Three, unveiled its highly anticipated fourth studio album—I’m A Stranger Here—in late October to rave reviews. The album will please longtime fans with its seamless blend of bluegrass, ragtime, country and rockabilly, and undoubtedly recruit new ones. thedevilmakesthree.com.
ELIQUATE // A CHALKBOARD’S WAR AGAINST ERASERS Local hip-hop outfit Eliquate has had a busy year, between performing at SXSW and the inaugural Santa Cruz Music Festival, and releasing its first full-length studio album in August—but the group couldn’t be happier. Dance-ready beats, a smoothas-silk flow, and a whole lot of energy, make Eliquate’s new album the perfect gift for the hip-hop enthusiast in your life. eliquate.com.
SASHA DOBSON // AQUARIUS The daughter of legendary Bay Area jazz musicians, Santa Cruz native Sasha Dobson released her third album, Aquarius, in June. The enchanting singer-songwriter channels her jazz routes into stranger, grittier sounds and song structures on this effort. Both raw and honest, Aquarius would be a soulful addition to any music lover’s collection. sashadobson.com.
THE CIVIL WARS // THE CIVIL WARS While the future remains uncertain for The Civil Wars—a Grammy Award-winning Americana/folk duo featuring guitarist John Paul White and former Santa Cruz resident and singer Joy Williams—the band’s self-titled sophomore album, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, is a must-listen. Filled with allusions to heartache and regret, the album sheds light on the duo’s turmoil, and features their trademark harmonies, acoustic guitar, and poetic lyrics. thecivilwars.com.
BRYN LOOSLEY // BLOOD YEAR Bryn Loosley’s long-awaited follow-up to 2008’s The Wrecker, features 12 songs, each connected to a month of the year. What started out as a writing project for Loosley, who is also a full-time teacher, turned into an inspired collection of tracks that reflect the passage of time and shine the spotlight on Loosley’s soothing vocals and thought-provoking lyricism. brynloosley.com.
REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD // MEMORIES Combine the take-no-prisoners attitude of hardcore metal and the raw intensity of a symphony orchestra, and you’ve got Requiem for the Dead. The band, led by Santa Cruz native Steve Juliano, released its sophomore EP, Memories, in February. The collection of songs reflects on past experiences, loss and true love—all encapsulated by a brooding haze. A perfect gift for your macabre-loving friends. requiemforthedead.com.
78 | GT Holiday Gift Guide 2013
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