Awards for the lesser-known wonders of the Santa Cruz arts scene
Durbin’s Band is On the Run
James Durbin and friends debuted their new band on Thursday before millions of eager television fans. The band, which consists of Casey Abrams (bass), Paul McDonald (guitar), and Stefano Legano (keyboards), as well as Durbin, performed their own rendition of the classic Wings hit “Band on the Run” in the lead-up to the announcement as to which of them would be booted off American Idol. During the song, each of the four contestants had a chance to show off his unique vocal talents.
Suspected Rapist Turns Himself In
Estevan Abram Lopez, 24, turned himself in to the Santa Cruz County Jail on Thursday, ending a two-month search for him.
Mountain Lion Spotted Downtown Causes Quarrel
Local residents and animal welfare groups are in a heated debate with the police over what to do about a mountain lion that was spotted roaming along Pacific Avenue by shopkeepers, homeless people, and private security officers. While Officials with the Department of Fish and Game continue their hunt for the predator, a group of radical environmentalists met at the SubRosa café on Thursday to demand that the animal be left to roam what was once its natural habitat. “We stole this land from the animals that once lived here,” said one participant, who only identified himself as Jag. “We can’t go shooting them just to maintain our exploitative bourgeoisie existence here.”
The 2011 Gold Awards: Writers Picks (Shops & Services)
As part of the Gold Awards mission to recognize awesomeness in all its forms, Santa Cruz Weekly scribes sound off about their favorite places of business, including the best bargain record bin, best place to find rock & roll gear for your toddler and much more.
The 2011 Gold Awards: Writers Picks (Food)
Our writers weigh in with their favorite under-the-radar food and drink finds, from the best mac ‘n’ cheese to the best last-minute carryout dinner for two.
Wednesday Night’s Alright for Fighting
By all accounts, James Durbin is a fighter, and nowhere was that more obvious than in his performance last night on American Idol. It was, as we reported, Elton John night, and James was ready to rock. There would be none of that “Hakuna Matata” / “Sacrifice” / “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” whining. Leave that to the other contestants. This would be rock as it was meant to be performed, with an audience, live, raw, exciting, with prancing and pyrotechnics. If Jacob Lusk wants to caterwaul like a drag queen in a cat fight or if Casey Abrams wants to get in touch with his sensitive side, good for them. James Durbin was in it to win it. And he did it with style.
Getting Robbed? There’s An App for That
Ever wonder why there are suddenly six police cars parked across the street from you? Ever feel a need to listen to what the police are saying, whether you’re bored at home or coasting down the highway, trying to avoid traffic? The SCPD has the right app for you. They are calling it the first consumer-focused law enforcement app in the entire United States, with scanner feeds, videos and photos. You can even submit crime tips of your own, to help to keep the city safe. And you can access the SCPD’s new blog, to get the latest scoop about what’s going on in the department.
The 2011 Gold Awards: Write-Ins
And a few suggestions from those who filled out our annual Reader Survey.
The 2011 Gold Awards: Community Life
From best beach to most unfortunate trend, the winners in our annual Readers Survey (community life category).
