Our staff awards Santa Cruz County’s best people and places for health and recreation.
BEST CAT WHISPERER
Dr. Ken Cholden from All Pets Vet Clinic
Santa Cruz’s cat lovers are fortunate enough to have in our midst a true cat whisperer. Dr. Ken Cholden is able to soothe even the feistiest felines—even a particular unnamed feline belonging to a certain unnamed member of the Weekly editorial department who has, in the past, required veterinarians to put on “cat gloves” suitable for letting a hawk perch on one’s arm. Relaxed by his calming touch, they can actually enjoy being in his office, and let him stroke their soft coats and check their gums as if it ain’t no thang. He has two cats of his own, brown hair, likes long walks on the beach—but not with his cats, ‘cause they stay inside! 1226 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.425.0945. (GP)
BEST PLACE TO FIGURE OUT HOW BIKES WORK
Bike Church
What’s the difference between U-brakes and V-brakes? How do bikes change gears with the flick of a wrist? How do people true their wheels? What’s a derailleur? If someone decided to stop taking their car to the mechanic, they’d be written off as crazy. But when it comes to bikes, a cyclist can learn what they need in a few hours with some good tools, a little patience and a mentor. Also: this church is the cheapest place in Santa Cruz to buy a bike tube ($4), and the worst place to worship (closed on Sundays). 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.425.2453. (JP)
BEST PLACE TO SEE A LARGE BLUE WHALE SKELETON
Seymour Marine Discovery Museum
It gets less attention than the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but the Seymour Marine Discovery Museum is truly a Santa Cruz gem. It doesn’t hurt that they have a full blue whale skeleton out front. The museum is about a fourth the size of the Aquarium, but it’s also much cheaper. And thanks to its association with the Joseph M Long Marine Laboratory (the research facility at UCSC) it’s more educational, too. Several of the exhibits relate directly to research they’re conducting. Plus, they have a shark you can pet! 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz. 831.459.3800. (AC)
BEST SINGING DENTIST
Dr. Alan Heit, DDS
This guy’s cred on the local music scene goes back to the founding of the Road Hogs two decades ago, and as a dentist he’s built a popular practice that’s now a total family affair thanks to the fact that he is now working alongside his daughter, Dr. Jessica Heit, DDS. At this point, however, he’s probably best known for his high-profile role in Beatles-tribute-band extraordinaire the White Album Ensemble. Which leads one to ponder: is “Strawberry Fields Forever” the best nitrous-oxide accompaniment of all time. Of course it is. Now, if he’d just get a Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem tribute band going, we’d be set. (SP)
