Home & Garden Spring Santa Cruz 2025

Home&Garden GOOD TIMES

MAGAZINE 2025

INSIDE OUTSIDE

Beautifying home and garden the Santa Cruz way

GREEN WAYS Building better with straw bale P14

G O O DT IM E S.SC

ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPING Thank you Santa Cruz for voting us

BEST LANDSCAPER AGAIN!

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“Landscape gardening is a very underrated form of sculpture.”—Brian Eno

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We are celebrating the new ban on gas leaf blowers in Santa Cruz!

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Pottery & Glass Seconds Sale

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EDITOR’S NOTE

I

was a huge Pele Juju fan, thinking this Santa Cruz all-women world beat band should be the next big thing nationwide. I would drive from San Jose to see them at the Catalyst whenever I could and have been sorely disappointed that they disbanded.

I always wondered what they were up to, and now I know at least one member has taken on a different beat: she’s building green homes.

From Kristen McLaughlin’s article talking about guitarist Michele Landegger: “You might say Landegger has come full circle. ‘My take on it is, music and art are such an integral part of human need and who we are, as well as food and shelter,” Landegger said. “I happened to diverge into shelter.’”

She’s gone from an all-women band to an all-women construction company.

“As a builder, the focus I take now is toward ADUs and how important they are to community, affordable housing and infill housing,” she said.

Check out her backstory in this issue. You’ll be surprised at her use of straw. I wish they would do a reunion show.

You’ll also find out about some unusual things people put in their yards and gardens, in a great story by John Koenig. (Your editor just spent the weekend painting a giant Grateful Dead logo on his driveway, which is two doors down from what was one of the few dome houses in town, but has been remodeled.)

We are an antique capital and people come from all over to shop here for unusual items. It’s another of the things that makes Santa Cruz so great.

What’s the weirdest thing in your yard or home? Drop us a line and a photo for next issue.

BRAD KAVA | EDITOR

contents DIRTY DEEDS

APPLE UPGRADE Regenerative farming techniques take root at half-century-old orchard. P18

SPRING CLEANSING

How to win at gardening. P6

WEIRD TO WONDERFUL

Bringing crystals and herbal remedies into the home. P20

Full-spectrum vintage makes the home grow warmer. P10

GROWING INTEREST

SUSTAINABLE STRAW

Upcoming events will attract lovers of bonsai and orchids. P22

Pele Juju musician’s journey from lead guitarist to green builder. P14

HOME AND GARDEN RESOURCES

staff PUBLISHER

Dan Pulcrano

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER

Kate Kauffman Sue Lamothe Danielle Ratliff

Zk Bradley

ACCOUNTING

ASSISTANT EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER

Aurene Pokorny

Haley Tweedell

OFFICE MANAGER/AD ASSISTANT

EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

Danielle Ratliff

CREATIVE SERVICES PRODUCTION MANAGER

Deb Fisher

HOME & GARDEN | GOODTIMES.SC | 2025

EDITOR

Fix, improve and grow it yourself. P24

Brad Kava

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Sharan Street

Haley Tweedell Jax Vuckovic

CONTRIBUTORS

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Rowdy Tompkins Elena Razgonov Jackie Mujica Jennifer Meyer

COVER DESIGNER

Isabella Cook Tarmo Hannula John Koenig Kristen McLaughlin PHOTOGRAPHER

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Tarmo Hannula

Debra Whizin

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DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES

ADVERTISING REPS

Cindy Couling

Lisa Buckley

DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL OPERATIONS

Shannen Craig Haley Tweedell COVER PHOTO

FotoHelin Shutterstock

A Good Times publication.

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DIRTY DEEDS

How to win at gardening

BY ISABELLA COOK

GROWTH-MINDED Pursuing perfection in gardening often leads to frustration rather than fulfillment. Photo: Sandie Clarke

HOME & GARDEN | GOODTIMES.SC | 2025

G

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ardening is an art. And like any form of creative expression, the beginning can be a bit of a gamble. At the start of a garden project, one doesn’t know if they’ll end up with the green thumb equivalent of the Mona Lisa or perhaps more of a preschool finger painting.

Here in California, the temperate climate and stunning landscapes give gardeners an edge. But even in these ideal conditions, gardening can feel like an ongoing Q&A session—the gardener asks a million and one questions, and the garden remains decidedly silent.

The garden’s answers don’t come in words—or in any language, for that matter—but in the subtle cues of wilted leaves, sudden blooms or a plant that seems to thrive against all odds. And the challenge lies in learning to listen and decipher what the garden needs.

So, how does one learn to speak the

language of the flowers and turn those gardening misses into hits and wins?

The first and hardest lesson is accepting that gardening is not about crafting a perfect Eden so much as taking a bite and making a big ol’ possibly painful and definitely imperfect leap of faith. It hurts to say, but perfection simply doesn’t exist … especially when it comes to nature, which, by definition, refuses to be entirely tamed. What’s beautiful is not necessarily flawless; in fact, perfection in gardening often leads to frustration rather than fulfillment.

Instead of trying to replicate a pristine, magazine-ready garden, one should focus instead on creating something that satisfies four personal metrics: creativity, utility, sustainability and sheer whimsy.

Whether one’s dream garden includes a peaceful water feature, a practical herb garden or a vibrant collection of pollinator-friendly flowers, gardening is a space where creativity and practicality can

coexist. It’s a place where one can indulge in both the beauty of nature and the usefulness of plants that serve everyday needs for tasty meals and even handy, holistic medicines.

When it comes to space, the size of the garden matters less than how one chooses to use it. There’s always room to get creative.

In fact, smaller spaces often foster greater ingenuity, inspiring gardeners to think vertically, use hanging pots or even experiment with hydroponic setups. The secret to any garden, big or small, is first and foremost the size of one’s imagination.

Imagine, for instance, a garden that isn’t just for meeting the enjoyment and needs of people, but of the local wildlife, too. With only a few additions, any garden can turn into a sanctuary for all sorts of critters, offering a little slice of refuge for birds, bees and bugs.

By adding a birdbath or planting pollinator-friendly flowers, a garden can help support the

ecosystem in ways that go beyond simple aesthetics.

A well-placed water feature, for instance, can serve as both a tranquil spot for the gardener and a valuable resource for wildlife. Pollinators will flock to the blooms, while birds can drink and bathe alongside the bees in a bath. Even something as small as leaving a tiny patch of garden untended, allowing plants to grow wild, can create a haven for insects and a thriving microhabitat within the larger garden.

Gardening also offers a chance to collaborate with nature, not just decorate it. For those ready to take it a step further, animals can be brought into the fold.

Adding chickens or ducks to the garden can provide more than just entertainment; they can also help keep things in balance.

Chickens and ducks, for example, are natural pest controllers—these amusing fowl are great at feasting on snails, caterpillars and other garden pests. They also contribute to the compost pile by breaking down food scraps into nutrient-rich organic matter.

Plus, poultry like chickens and ducks offer the bonus of fresh eggs, adding another layer of reward to the gardening experience. While turning a garden into a small farm isn’t necessary, a few carefully chosen animals can make the space work harder for both the gardener and the environment.

Speaking of gardening smarter instead of harder, those who want to make the most of their space should pay attention to the land’s forage.

Central California is abundant with wild edibles, from wood blewit mushrooms to miner’s lettuce, fennel, yerba buena, sourgrass and tons of others. These naturally occurring greens offer a unique way to supplement a home garden.

Rather than purchasing specialty herbs or vegetables, foragers can harvest plants that grow naturally in the area, reducing reliance on cultivated crops. Not only does foraging add an extra layer of sustainability to gardening, but it also fosters a deeper connection to the land, as it encourages gardeners to work with the natural landscape of California’s Central Coast rather than against it.

After all, gardening in California brings its own set of challenges 8» … water conservation, for

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Happy Earth Day 2025

SHEAR FORCE A sustainable garden doesn’t have to lack beauty. Photo: africa_pink Shutterstock

« 6 instance. While the Bay

Area is greener than many other regions, drought and water conservation remain a concern.

Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to create a beautiful, thriving garden while being mindful of water usage.

Drought-tolerant plants, such as succulents and native grasses, can flourish even in dry conditions, reducing the need for constant watering. Moreover, replacing water-guzzling lawns with rock gardens or low-water plantings is a simple yet effective way to reduce the environmental impact of gardening. A sustainable garden doesn’t have to lack beauty—in fact, a creative sustainabilityinspired garden can bring a uniquely stunning edge to a space while saving on precious resources.

Speaking of challenges: The greatest challenge a gardener may face is the dreaded invasive broom.

This fast-growing, aggressive plant can quickly take over a garden or open landscape, crowding out native species and disrupting the local ecosystem. The best way to handle broom is to dig it up by the roots. Although it’s a tedious task, removing broom is crucial to

maintaining a healthy garden that supports local biodiversity.

At the heart of all this is the idea that gardening is about balance and finding harmony between creativity and practicality, between working with nature and maintaining a space that serves personal needs.

Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful; it’s a rewarding journey that can yield not just a thriving garden, but a deeper connection to the environment.

And the best gardens are the ones that evolve imperfectly over time, just like the gardeners who create them. So, while perfection may remain elusive, satisfaction is found in the journey—and the garden will always reflect the care and creativity invested in it.

Whether a green thumb creates a stunning masterpiece of a garden or turns this spring into an exercise in patience, the act of gardening offers something far more valuable than fresh produce: It offers a chance to try, fail, learn and grow along the way. The process itself is a journey, filled with equal parts success and failure (and no small amount of self-deprecating laughter and a little bit of dirt too).

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*6.49% Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available on Home Equity Lines of Credit with up to 80% combined loan-to-value (CLTV) or less. The introductory APR will be fixed at 6.49% during the 12-month Introductory Period. After the 12-month Introductory Period, the APR is variable and is based upon an Index plus a margin. The Index is the “Prime Rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of the online edition of the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the billing cycle. Eligible Lines of Credit loan amounts up to $400,000. As of December 20, 2024, the variable APR for Home Equity Lines of Credit ranged from 8.00% APR to 9.50% APR, depending on your credit score (the lowest APR disclosed includes any applicable rate discounts). The maximum APR during the term of the plan is 18.00%.

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d r i e Wto Wonderful

Full-spectrum vintage makes the home grow warmer

BY JOHN KOENIG

DIVING IN Santa Cruz antique shops offer a plethora of oddball curios. Photo: John Koenig

HOME & GARDEN | GOODTIMES.SC | 2025

O

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n most days, Santa Cruz Weird finds me. On some days, I go in search of it— and there’s no better place to look than in a corner or cubbyhole of a Santa Cruz antique shop.

I’ve collected odd furnishings of unknown origins and questionable designs from curio shops to auction barns over the years, and there’s one thing I’ve learned. Weird can be wonderful.

My very first vintage lamp proved that and became like a cherished friend—a sculpted figure of a young boy, a Renaissance scholar, gazing thoughtfully, leaning on a stack of books.

When my friends and I discovered it, the original shade had been lost—they were sure that when a new one was added, the boy would look like “the life of the party” with a lampshade on his head. To them it was odd, weird, maybe even creepy to have a lamp always watching you

from the corner of the room.

Over their protests I bid on the lamp and won the auction. And my instincts were spot on. It was priceless—at least to me.

I’ve also learned that weirdness is fun—and often found or lost in the space an item inhabits. A set of surgical steel rib-pullers in an operating room? Not weird. But on your coffee table? Weird. And they could be yours!

Santa Cruz’s antique stores offer a trove of treasures that can turn a living space into a conversation piece. Things you never imagined could exist, and never knew you would desperately want. But that is where the delight is, especially for those with an insatiable curiosity.

These shops are like a local, low-fi Smithsonian of the Strange.

From exquisitely crafted lamps rescued from Victorian parlors to rare rosewood armoires that whisper tales of faraway lands, the town’s antique and curiosity shops offer more than furnishings—they offer

soul, often with a hint of the quirky.

And sometimes it’s more than just a hint. Two phrases you’re likely to overhear in a local antique shop: “Wow, that’s amazing!” and “What were they thinking?” A painting of a giant, hairless sphynx cat in a suit holding a brandy snifter? Check!

A gorgeous surrealist original by a gifted local painter, dearly departed? Got it!

Light fixtures provide endless opportunities for furniture designers to express their eccentric and sometimes loony ideas. Anything can serve as a lamp base, as the infamous Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story proves, and anything is what you’re likely to find among Santa Cruz’s antique collections. Is that a Nubian prince trimmed in gold with outstretched arms to hold a pair of lightbulbs? It’s certain he’ll spark conversation and conjecture if he stands next to your sofa.

Carved, sculpted or cast, headscratching items abound, from a tiny bust of Bela Lugosi to a wooden

carousel horse with a real horsehair tail. Amid gorgeous English roses newly in bloom and elegant French décor, there’s a life-size bull head sculpture to mount in a room in need of that je ne sais quoi. No bull, Wisteria Antiques has one!

Speaking of je ne sais quoi, expect the unexpected and the hard to categorize.

For example, who thought it would be funny to design a countertop knife holder with the blades piercing a stylized human figure?

A miniature diving helmet may remind some of Jacques Cousteau, but others may feel a shiver thinking of Mister Bubbles from the video game Bioshock. (You gamers know what I’m talking about!)

Find all this or more, including a real alligator skull, an ancient barber chair that looks like where Billy the Kid got his last shave, and a pair of awesome, bronze “brutalist” candle holders. Who knew “brutalist” could be applied to candlesticks?

Weird can cross over into spooky when one is on a foray through these halls of wonder—and never more so than when looking over vintage doll collections. Rather than finding a high-priced collectible, you’re more likely to find escapees from the Island of Misfit Toys. They have character to spare, and a look in their eyes that you’ll have to interpret for yourself.

Maybe one of them will speak to you—though hopefully not literally— and find a place in your heart, home, backpack or Halloween collection.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find that very rare piece that carries the spirit of the past—literally.

At Shen’s Gallery, where unique treasures from Asia are imbued with stateliness and serenity, April Shen tells the tale of an afterhours mystery in the dark of night.

Suddenly from the back room of the shop came the unmistakable creak and groan of a door on ancient hinges opening. Was there an intruder hiding there? An inspection found nothing—except a historic old cabinet whose doors were always closed, now sitting silently with doors wide open.

In Santa Cruz, where the bohemian spirit lives on in every mosaic mailbox and sun-dappled porch, home décor is more than a style—it's a story.

If you haven’t found your story yet, I can guarantee it’s out there— something so nostalgic, or so comical, or so personal that you 12 » just need to possess it.

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« 10

You never forget the day you acquire a must-have oddity. The time and place will remain as vivid and cherished as the object you found… once upon a time in Santa Cruz.

For more pictures from an expedition, visit this story at goodtimes.sc.

WHERE TO SHOP

HOME & GARDEN | GOODTIMES.SC | 2025

Santa Cruz County is blessed with a wealth of locally-owned shops that stock antiques, collectibles and pre-owned oddities. Here are a few places to get started on a hunt for something weird and wonderful.

Abbot’s Thrift—6164 Highway 9, Felton. This big red barn on the way to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has new deals posted daily on a board by the entrance. The whole back right of the store is dedicated to porcelain, ceramic and glass items, which is the best hunting ground for oddities. The majority of the barn is filled with clothing, books, CDs, DVDs and a technology section with antique rotaries, stereo systems and tape recorders.

Attilia’s Antiques—2630 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz. A sprawling cooperative featuring over 40 vendor booths, this building originally served as a poultry barn, a nod to the area’s agricultural past. Visitors can explore a labyrinth of rooms filled with vintage jewelry, pottery, furniture and home décor.

The back garden area showcases outdoor knickknacks, creating a whimsical shopping experience that sends shoppers on a nostalgic journey through various eras.

Center Street Antiques—3010 Center St., Soquel. The largest

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COOL CAT This painting by a local artist, seen at Center Street Antiques, has character to spare. Photo: John Koenig antique co-op in Santa Cruz County, this 5,000-square-foot space hosts 25 dealers. The store offers a diverse array of styles, from French country to mid-century modern, including home and garden furniture, tableware, ornate frames, globes, vintage books, and artwork. Open daily, it provides a comprehensive antique shopping experience.

Miss Jessie May’s Antiques & Collectibles—1533 Pacific Ave., downtown Santa Cruz. This charming, woman-owned boutique has been delighting treasure hunters for over a decade. Founded by Tyra

MERRILY GO ROUND A carousel pony at Trader’s Emporium would make a nice conversation piece. Photo: John Koenig

and her mother, the shop reflects their shared passion for antiques.

Nicely—103 Locust St., Santa Cruz. Founded by Michelle Nicely, a seasoned designer and muralist with over three decades of experience in movie set decorating, the shop offers a curated collection of antiques, fine art and home furnishings. At Nicely, visitors can explore a variety of items, from hand-blown glassware and antique Japanese teapots to custom murals and fine art pieces.

Beyond retail, Nicely offers interior design services and private art classes—and its owner’s passion for design and storytelling is evident in every corner of the shop.

Shen’s Gallery—1521 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. A downtown cornerstone since 1984, Shen’s offers a curated journey through centuries of Chinese artistry. Founded by April Shen, the gallery opened in the Santa Cruz Art Center. After the 1989 earthquake, Shen’s Gallery relocated to the Pacific Garden Mall, eventually settling at its current location. April’s extensive travels across China have enriched the gallery’s collection, which includes antique furniture, architectural relics, and decorative arts spanning from the 16th to the 20th century. Shen’s also offers new, decorative ceramic bowls and tea sets from Japan and China in a gift section.

Tumbleweed Found—1025 Center

St., downtown Santa Cruz. This distinctive consignment boutique opened its doors on Jan. 17, 2024, offering a curated selection of vintage, antique and collectible items.

Tumbleweed Found also serves as a community hub, with First Friday art receptions and weekly “Elevenses” sessions featuring activities like collage, upcycling and small art projects. The store’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement serves both locals and visitors seeking one-of-a-kind treasures and creative inspiration.

Trader’s Emporium—4940 Soquel Dr, Soquel. A sister store to Attilia’s Antiques, Trader’s Emporium offers an eclectic range of antiques and collectibles. The shop features a variety of vendor booths, each with its own distinct style.

Wisteria Antiques and Design— 5870 Soquel Dr, Soquel. This shop occupies a century-old farmhouse in Soquel that now serves as a tranquil setting for a curated collection of French country antiques, decorative accessories and gifts. Multiple themed showrooms spread across the main house and outbuildings, surrounded by lush gardens adorned with arbors, statuary and fountains.

Visit now to experience the yearly arrival of English roses in bloom, and remember to ask about Wisteria’s truly unique floral arrangements.

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SUSTAINABLE

STRAW Pele Juju musician’s journey from lead guitarist to green builder BY KRISTEN MCLAUGHLIN GREEN INFILL Former Pele Juju musician Michele Landegger and godson Kita Wilder Glass on a job site with a panelized straw wall. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

HOME & GARDEN | GOODTIMES.SC | 2025

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or some people, Pele Juju is a core memory. The Santa Cruz– based all-women world beat band created a tremendous grassroots and national following in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

As the band performed, toured and played large festivals, including Reggae on the River, the Los Angeles Street Scene and the Winnipeg Folk Festival, lead guitarist Michele Landegger also worked as a carpenter.

These days you won’t find her on stage, but Landegger is thriving in a new vocation as president of Studio Boa, a full-service design and construction company emphasizing green, natural and sustainable building practices, with a strong focus on design and construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

You might say Landegger has come full circle. “My take on it is, music and art are such an integral part of human need and who we are, as well as food and shelter,” Landegger said.

“I happened to diverge into shelter.”

Licensed as general contractor in 1988, Landegger founded Studio Boa

(formerly Boa Constructor Building & Design) along with partner/ lead designer Debrae Lopes. “We developed the design build aspect of Boa Constructor together through our own homesteading process in 1996,” Landegger said. “When I left the band in 1995 we bought 20 acres of raw land in 1996 and started building.”

Initially, Landegger studied through the CETA program at Cabrillo College. The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) is a discontinued U.S. federal program for training and employment. “I became a builder here because of Cabrillo College,” Landegger said. “I went to a federally funded program that trained women and BIPOC folks in the trades.”

While being a woman in the trades is challenging, Landegger was hired by a variety of male contractors, who helped develop her into a highly skilled carpenter. “I started in solar thermal and was hired by a solar contractor and moved into carpentry,” she said.

As she redefined her career,

Landegger set about to integrate energy-efficient, nontoxic building and solar design into affordable housing.

“As a builder, the focus I take now is toward ADUs and how important they are to community, affordable housing and infill housing,” she said.

REPURPOSING AGRICULTURAL WWASTE A key motivator in Boa design is the implementation of carbon drawdown, or carbon sequestering.

“Straw bale captures carbon from being released into the atmosphere, so straw is really a great viable material,” Landegger said. As cars, buildings and manufacturing release CO2, carbon sequestering is another way to reduce our carbon footprint, not only decreasing but also storing these gasses from release into the atmosphere.

“Buildings account for 40% of CO2 in the atmosphere,” Landegger said.

“Changing how we build can have an incredibly significant effect on our climate future.”

Being able to infill with ADUs for more multi-generational housing is seen as a current trend, and Studio Boa’s response was to create an ADU profile using a panelized 12-inch wall system of fire-resistant straw.

Landegger has built a number of 1,200-square-foot homes where the larger, main house could still be built on a parcel over an acre. In the city of Santa Cruz, that allowance is up to about 800 feet depending on size of the lot. “We created a straw panel ADU that’s 499 square feet,” she said. This prefab ADU design also enables owners to avoid a soils report, she noted.

Locally, Boa’s work can be found throughout Santa Cruz County— for example, the Sullivan family’s 2,160-square-foot straw bale home near the intersection of Capitola and Wharf roads. The home’s craftsman exterior was built of straw bales covered with a plaster exterior and blends seamlessly with the neighborhood. (The interior has earthen plaster.)

As described by Mother Earth News magazine: “The home’s airtight straw bale walls and recycled cellulose insulation create a building envelope that helps the thermal mass retain heat or coolness, which releases over time, keeping the house at a comfortable temperature,” writes the author. (“Solar in the City,” Issue No. 210, June/July 2005) “And we have built many straw bale homes and ADUs, and a straw panel prototype ADU in the Grant Street Park area in the city of Santa Cruz,” Landegger said. That list also includes a straw bale home for a family that lost theirs in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in Boulder Creek, and energy-efficient builds in Scotts Valley and Watsonville. Altogether, Boa has constructed about 13 straw bale homes in Santa Cruz County and many more homes, additions and remodels using stick frame.

FIRE RESISTANT AND RENEWABLE Straw coated with plaster is a fireresistant medium, and Studio Boa has built many homes with straw, along with standard-construction framed houses too. A bio-based material, straw is not only fire- and pest-resistant but also renewable, Landegger said. Homes built with straw as infill insulation, and 16 » coated with plaster “stucco,”

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REBUILDING This straw bale home was built to replace a home that burned in the CZU Lightning Complex fire. PHOTO: PAUL SCHRAUB

« 14 have been tested as two-hour

fire rated, compared to the average stick frame home with stucco, which is rated as one hour.

“This is due to the dense pack of the straw, as opposed to channels of framing with a less dense fiberglass insulation,” Landegger explains.

One uniquely cool feature of nearly all straw bale homes is a “truth window,” a panel that opens to reveal the straw used in building. Straw also has no pest problems because it’s tightly encased. “It’s really resistant to pests and fire,” Landegger said.

In Nebraska, there are houses still standing that were built from straw in the 1800s, when wood was not readily available, she says.

Recent innovations in straw such as straw blocks and panels have also expanded options so people are no longer limited to full bales.

Straw is a waste byproduct from food production—wheat and barley stalks—both of which bring down pollution while being highly insulative, Landegger said. “Then we can really solve a couple problems at once by sequestering carbon dioxide in building houses. Two defining issues of our time are climate crisis and affordable housing. Natural building is at the intersection of those two crises,” she said.

Circling back to Pele Juju, the original eight-person lineup disbanded in the late 1990s, and Landegger played lead guitar for 10 touring and recording years with

Pele. From its humble beginnings as a garage band, Pele Juju grew into a community event. “It’s amazing what an iconic band it was,” Landegger said. “It was born in the community.

We grew in the community. … It was a magical time for all of us in terms of creativity and the importance of art and music in our community.”

Ultimately, Landegger believes the band succumbed to the pressure of success and the press to become more commercialized. Lead singer Dana Hutson “really lifted the whole band up to another level. I don’t think we did any covers at all,” Landegger said.

Brindle, the iconic hand drummer percussionist, passed away in 2009, and a few men even joined in various iterations of the band over the years, she added, including drummer Rick Walker, Gary Regina and Bob Burnett.

“We are all spread out and doing different things,” Landegger says. “I left kind of at the peak of the success.”

According to Last FM website, Pele Juju was voted five times in a row in the ’90s as Best Local Band in a Santa Cruz readers poll. “So many of our arts need support in the material world,” Landegger added. “I had to support my family. I couldn’t do it as a gigging musician.” Now, she expresses her love of art through building local community.

For more information about Studio Boa Green Design Build, visit studio.boa.com, call 831-334-1147 or email michele@studio.boa.

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Japanese vegetables, as well as Earnshaw, a crew of workers recently Santa Cruz CA 950out 62across the seven-acre providing farm fresh organic spread apples and produce for local 831-466-9167Hikari Farm on Freedom Boulevard, schools,” Filannino said. “So we where organic Fuji apples grow. www.mccartyscustomwindowcoverings.com said okay. And we started looking Started back in the 1970s, at possibilities on how to integrate the farm—which has fallen nature into this farm.” into disrepair—is now getting Filannino then worked on getting brought up to speed with modern some grants to help pay for the project. farming techniques. This includes Hedgerows are rows of trees regenerative methods and new and shrubs planted with crops as hedgerows that attract pollinating protective barriers. * For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, see the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement andinsects FAQs at wwand w.hunprovide terdouglas.chabitat om/tax-crediand t. Huntfood er Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax cfor redit beneficial related to the pubirds. rchase of the qualifying Duette® Honeycomb According to Wild Farm Alliance, Shades. © 2025 Hunter Douglas. All rights reser ved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. hedgerows also provide habitat for Another goal is to invite school butterflies and moths, as well as children to the farm to learn about habitat and food for beneficial birds. how regenerative agriculture Sacha Lozano of Resource incorporates nature without the McCarty’s Custom Window Coverings Conservation District said he has need for chemicals.

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We’re celebrating a new name – West Coast Community Bank – after merging Santa Cruz County Bank and 1st Capital Bank. Your trusted bankers are energized for the future and more committed than ever to our West Coast communities. Put your money where your life is, as we continue to grow together.

19

SPRING

CLEANSING Bringing crystals and herbal remedies into the home BY KRISTEN MCLAUGHLIN

ROCK SOLID Societies throughout history, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and Greece, have hailed crystals for their healing properties. PHOTO: KRISTEN MCLAUGHLIN

HOME & GARDEN | GOODTIMES.SC | 2025

S

20

pring cleaning is a timehonored tradition, an opportunity to enhance or refresh the home before the dog days of summer begin.

Our thoughts turn toward renewal and re-energizing our homes and surrounding area.

If your style borders on the mystical or bohemian, crystals and herbs can be a wonderful, sensual way to reinvigorate the home this spring.

I always loved the natural beauty of crystals, but before starting a collection in earnest, I searched for some scientific basis to claims that an inanimate stone can somehow deliver an emotional charge or create vibrational energies. What I discovered was a whole lot more than I ever imagined.

SCIENCE OR PSUEDO-SCIENCE? That’s how I began my deep dive into alchemy—the study of plants, gemstones and crystals—to find fun and sensual ways of using

herbs and minerals to attract the good things in life.

There is no denying the beauty of a marble-like carnelian or the misty allure of a frosty quartz cluster, but could crystals, minerals and gemstones really possess metaphysical properties? Lots of people seem to think so.

The premise is that vibrations from the various stones can open blockages, rechannel and redirect energy flow. So I started with three crystals associated with health, abundance and love: quartz, citrine and rose quartz.

The purported healing powers of gemstones and crystals go back to ancient times. Societies throughout history—including Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and Greece—used crystals for their healing properties, according to author Karen Frazier in her book Crystals for Beginners.

Quartz is the master healing stone, and perhaps one of the most powerful of the healing crystals. Its vibrations are so powerful that it is commonly used in watches, where

it is highly valued for its consistent oscillation, said Gwen Thomas, owner of Avalon Visions since 2007.

Crystals are known for their healing frequencies, and are commonly used in LCD and audio equipment, Thomas says. Healers and other teachers have used crystals for sound healing journeys at Avalon.

“I always had an interest in stuff that was esoteric,” Thomas says.

“My dad had tarot decks. I didn’t know what those were until I was in high school.” She attended law school, but didn’t enjoy it. “So I started my own business, and it was a good decision,” she says.

In addition to its vast crystal collection, Avalon sells books, jewelry and an eclectic mix of new and vintage clothing in Soquel Village, where free parking is a big perk. Psychic readings are available by appointment, along with light therapy and monthly workshops to make drums from animal skins and other natural supplies.

Avalon moved to Soquel from Capitola Village in August of 2017;

it was formerly located next to Thai Basil restaurant.

Alchemy or apothecary can be directed either to yourself or your paramour to bring about intentions.

Ancient Egyptians used white willow bark as an early form of aspirin, said Nicolina Ammerman, owner of Go Ask Alice.

“Carnelian is for passion, love and romance,” Ammerman explained.

“In a stale relationship, it helps bring some of that passion back.”

From mocktails to infused oils, Go Ask Alice curates an extensive selection of herbal apothecary, along with tarot, mystical goods, crystals and jewelry sourced by local artisans. along with a dedicated aphrodisiac section for libido and sex drive.

For women, Ammerman recommends an herbal blend called Blue Lotus. “A lot of females would get it when they are going out but they don’t want to drink alcohol,” Ammerman said. “It’s got all these organic herbs that give you a euphoria, and it’s an aphrodisiac as well.” It also contains maca,

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POTION CONTROL Nicolina Ammerman, owner of Go Ask Alice, curates an extensive herbal apothecary. PHOTO: KRISTEN MCLAUGHLIN about what she wanted to do next.

“I ended up at the Happy High Herb Shop,” she said. She learned a lot about plants from the owners and also did a work-trade gig at Camp Joy Farms in Boulder Creek. Three years later, the Happy High owners sold her the business.

The jury is still out whether crystals are fact or fiction. Some will say it’s all a myth, a superstition on par with witchcraft, astrology and magic spells, but there are plenty of people in Santa Cruz who will tell you otherwise. They may even give you a first-hand account of using crystals to help navigate life situations from anxiety to addiction recovery to finding true love. “I don’t know for sure that it does anything, but I know a lot of people who think it does,” Thomas said.

Go Ask Alice, 1125 Pacific Ave., will host a medicinal foodie retreat, a full day of gourmet herbal wellness, yoga and mindful connection, on Sat., May 31. Call 831-469-HERB or visit goaskalicesantacruz.com.

Avalon Visions Center, 2815 Porter St., hosts a Psychic and Healing Arts Fair every second Sunday of the month at 11am. A Tarot Practice Group meets every second Thursday through Oct. 3, 5:45-7:45pm. Call 831-325-7321 or visit avalonvisions.com.

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which is effective for regulating hormones, she noted.

Another herbal blend for women, Aphrodi-tea, is made by local Santa Cruz company Root Remedies. This versatile blend can be mixed with honey or yogurt for a facemask, added to ice cream or a fruit smoothie, or steeped into a tea. It contains rose hips, hibiscus, amla berry and monk fruit for sweetness, and soothing oat milk powder to promote “love and intimacy.”

For the male libido, tribulus and horny goat weed are some of the ingredients to look for. A self-love ritual kit includes herbal infusions and pink and red spell candles in Moroccan rose. The shop can help you create your own love potion with a custom label.

Note that certain apothecary products can be used directly on the skin; others you drink in a tea or even smoke. Always check packaging for usage instructions.

Herbs and apothecary have always been a part of Ammerman’s life.

Originally from the East Bay, she is self-taught in the business. “As a kid, I was mixing up potions and by age 11 or 12, I was already drying roses and lavender and making my own teas,” she said.

After a “lifetime of restaurant work,” Ammerman was sitting one day in the redwood forest, thinking

21

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NEW GROWTH A 20-year-old juniper is among the younger bonsai. PHOTO: TARMO HANNULA

Upcoming events will attract lovers of bonsai and orchids BY TARMO HANNULA

T

wo weekend events this spring will interest lovers of tiny trees—one next weekend, and the second in the month of May. First up, the Watsonville Bonsai Club hosts its 48th annual bonsai exhibition at Watsonville Buddhist Temple on April 27 from 11am to 4pm. In addition to a 1:30pm demonstration by club member Michael Nelson, there will be door prizes, tea and cookies, and plenty of plants and pots for sale. Admission is free, and the address is 423 Bridge St. in Watsonville.

And speaking of Nelson, he hosts a bonsai workshop on the last Saturday of each month at Alladin Nursery at 1pm, 2905 Freedom Blvd. in Corralitos.

Following the weekend after that, the Santa Cruz Orchid Society will join forces with Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai to stage the 37th annual Bonsai and Orchid Show and Sale at the Capitola Mall on May 3 and 4.

Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai is a nonprofit club whose objectives are to promote interest in, and expand knowledge of, the art of bonsai through continuous study and education.

More than 60 bonsai will be

on display, along with activities for kids, raffle prizes, vendors, personal help and advice and an education display.

At 1pm each day there will be an expert demonstration on how to create a bonsai from ordinary potted plants, using a Shimpaku juniper on Saturday and a spruce living Christmas tree on Sunday— both of which will be raffled after their transformation.

Sales include bonsai, pre-bonsai plants, pots, books, companion plants and display stands.

Meanwhile, Santa Cruz Orchid Society will stage their show at the same time and place.

Demonstrations and information will be part of the fun.

Longtime bonsai expert Gareth Shepherd will be one of several members on hand to demonstrate bonsai techniques, answer questions and show their trees. Shepherd was one of the 12 founding members who joined the Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai in late 1988 and helped organize their first annual bonsai exhibit.

The shows run May 3 from 10am to 5pm and May 4 from 10am to 4pm at 1855 41st Ave., in the former Sears store. All events are free.

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10300 Merritt St., Castroville 831-633-2311, ibew234.org

DONNER LAND AND HOMES, INC.

ILLUMINÉE

• ORGANIZATION • Recurring • Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly • Quarterly • One-Time Clean

1624 Dons Road, Boulder Creek donnerland.com

ECOLOGY ACTION

877 Cedar St., Ste. 240, Santa Cruz 831-426-5925, ecoact.org

EXPERT PLUMBING

2551 S. Rodeo Gulch Road, Ste. 7, Soquel 831-316-7338, expertplumbingca.com Extraordinary Construction 435 La Fonda Ave., Santa Cruz 831-322-4422, extraordinaryconstruction.com

F. JOHN LABARBA CONSTRUCTION 741 Redwood Drive, Santa Cruz 831-423-1109, FJohnLaBarba.com

FAR WEST NURSERY

2669 Mattison Lane, Santa Cruz 831-476-8866, farwestnursery.com

FIRST ALARM SECURITY AND PATROL 1111 Estates Drive, Aptos 831-685-1110

2320 Del Monte Ave. Ste. A4, Monterey 855-991-9767, FCIFloors.com

THE GARDEN COMPANY 2218 Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-429-8424, thegardenco.com

Owner

Yulibeth Martinez

INTERLITE SKYLIGHT

420 Kennedy Drive, Capitola 831-462-1700, interliteskylight.com

INTERIOR VISION FLOORING & DECORATING 2800 Daubenbiss Ave., Soquel 831-219-4484, interiorvision.biz

IRONHORSE HOME FURNISHINGS 3825 Clares St, Capitola 831-346-6170, ironhorsehomefurnishings.com

JASON GRAHAM CONSTRUCTION 131 Center St Ste 1, Santa Cruz 831-818-6792

J.C. HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 831-475-6538, jcheatingsc.com

JOSHUA ZELMON STONE DESIGN 180 Little Creek Road, Soquel 831-818-0111, joshuazelmonstonedesign.com

KATHY RUNYON, MONTEREY BAY PROPERTIES 620 Capitola Ave., Capitola 831-325-7300, kathyrunyon.com

Thank you to the donors, shoppers and volunteers of Caroline’s

831-234-0563

ANTIQUE STORE

26»

THRIFT STORE

THANKS TO YOUR TREMENDOUS SUPPORT, CAROLINE’S HAS DONATED $4,508,000 SINCE OUR DOORS OPENED IN 2011!

We are a non-profit thrift shop whose primary focus is to raise money for 41 Santa Cruz County non-profits. We focus on those programs and/ or services for children with special medical, developmental, psychological or other special needs.

8045 & 8047 Soquel Drive Aptos 831-662-0327

K&D LANDSCAPING

62C Hangar Way, Watsonville 831-728-4018, kndlandscaping.com

ADS My Staff

Ines & Blanca

carolinesnonprofit.org

2025 | GOODTIMES.SC | HOME & GARDEN

FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL MONTEREY BAY

402 Ingalls St., #23, Santa Cruz; 719 Swift St., #59, Santa Cruz, 831-423-1121, illuminee.com

25

« 25 KIMBERLY PARRISH,

ANDERSON CHRISTIE, INC.

831-421-1177, kimberlyparrishrealestate.com

KNOX ROOFING & KNOX GARDEN BOX

46-A El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley 831-461-9430, knoxgardenbox.com

LOREN MORSE - EXP REALTY 1003 41st Ave, Santa Cruz 831-345-8912, LorenMorse.eXpRealty.com

LAUREEN YUNGMEYER, STATE FARM

230-F Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley 831-423-4700, statefarm.com

LAUREN SPENCER, REALTOR 824 B Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-662-6522, mysantacruzrealestate.com

LENZ ARTS

142 River St., Santa Cruz 831-423-1935, lenzarts.com

LEWIS TREE SERVICE

1500 Brommer St., Santa Cruz 831-476-1200, lewistreeserviceinc.com

LYDIA HARVILLE, STATE FARM 1044 41st Ave., Santa Cruz 831-476-6665, lydiaharville.com

MAIN STREET REALTORS 2567 S. Main St., Soquel 831-462-4000, mainstrealtors.com

MADANI TEAM, ROOM REAL ESTATE

6990 Hwy 9, Felton 831-234-6683, roomsantacruz.com

MONUMENT LUMBER

2111 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville 831-724-7537, MonumentLumber.com

MOUNTAIN FEED AND FARM SUPPLY

9550 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond 831-336-8876, mountainfeed.com

MR. SANDLESS HOME & GARDEN | GOODTIMES.SC | 2025

831-747-7476, mrsandless.com

26

NATIVE REVIVAL NURSERY 831-684-1811, nativerevival.com

NATURAL SELECTION FURNITURE 607 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831-423-4711, naturalselectionfurnituresc.com

OM GALLERY

1201 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-425-9107, omgallery.com

ORCHARD KEEPERS

116 McPherson St, Santa Cruz 831-854-7811, orchardkeepers.com

OUTDOOR SUPPLY HARDWARE 1601 41st Ave., Capitola 831-316-3823, osh.com

OUTSIDE-IN

7568 Soquel Drive, Aptos 831-684-0186, outside-in.myshopify.com

POTTERY PLANET

2600 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831-465-9216, potteryplanet.com

RAINBOW CARPETS & FLOORS 416 Airport Blvd., Watsonville 831-728-3131, rainbowcarpetsandfloors.com

REDO CONSIGN AND REDESIGN 1523 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz 831-439-9210, redoconsign.com

SAMAYA'S ECO-FLOORING 3155 Porter St., Soquel 831-466-9719, ecowoodfloor.com

SANDBAR SOLAR AND ELECTRIC 2656 Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-469-8888, sandbarsc.com

SAN LORENZO GARDEN CENTER

235 River St., Santa Cruz 831-423-0223, sanlorenzolumber.com/garden-center

SAN LORENZO FLOORS

3113 Scotts Valley Drive, #4534, Scotts Valley 831-461-1300, scottsvalley.abbeycarpet.com

SAN LORENZO VALLEY WATER DISTRICT 13060 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek 831-338-2153, slvwd.com

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BUILDERS 831-359-4300, santacruzbuilders.com

SANTA CRUZ CONSTRUCTION GUILD santacruzconstructionguild.us

SC41 FURNITURE 2701 41st Ave., Soquel 831-464-2228, sc41.com

SELESA WEBSTER, US BANK 110 Morrissey Blvd., Santa Cruz 831-687-1224, selesa.webster@usbank.com

SHADY DAYS

825 Tower Place B, Santa Cruz shadydayssantacruz.com

SIERRA AZUL

TOM RALSTON CONCRETE

SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES

TRANSFORMATIONAL COLOR

2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville 831-728-2532, sierraazul.com 705 N Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz 831-200-8763, solartechnologies.com

SSA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 303 Potrero St., Ste. 40-C, Santa Cruz 831-459-0455, ssala.com

THE ABBOT’S THRIFT 6164 Hwy 9, Felton (831) 335-0606 theabbotsthrift.org

TIDY EVOLUTION

Mia Keenan, Professional Organizer 831-331-5097, tidyevolution.com

TERRA NOVA ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPING 831-425-3514, terranovalandscaping.com

TESTORFF CONSTRUCTION 9047 Soquel Drive, Aptos 831-684-2117, TestorffConstruction.com

THE SPA AND SAUNA CO. 707 River St., Santa Cruz 831-425-7727, hotspring.com

241 Fern St., Santa Cruz 831-426-0342, tomralstonconcrete.com

831- 435-9706, transformationalcolor.com

TURK THE ROOFER 3330 Gross Road, Santa Cruz 831-479-9653

WALLIS WOODWORKS 2608 Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-460-9183

WEST COAST COMMUNITY BANK 75 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-600-4020; 819 Bay Ave., Capitola, 831-464-5300; 7775 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-662-6000; 4604 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, 831-461-5000; 595 Auto Center Dr., Watsonville; 831-761-7600 wccb.com

WESTSIDE FARM AND FEED 817 Swift St., Santa Cruz 831-331-4160, westsidefarmandfeed.com

WOODSTOVE & SUN

510 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831-425-5123, woodstoveandsunca.com

XTERMINATRIX HOLISTIC PEST CONTROL Santa Cruz County 855-BUG-LADY, XTerminatriX.com

2 8 9 1 e c n i s s e m o h g Warmin 2 8 9 1 e c n i s s e m o h Warming ANK YOU FOR YOUR Best Fireplace Supplies

Best Outdoor Furniture Dealer

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IndoorLiving

FIREPLACES & STOVES

Whether you need a wood stove, gas stove, pellet stove, or electric fireplace, we specialize in stunning fireplaces that will Fireplaces, Inserts & Stoves the heartWood of your& home.

Gas,be Electric, Pellet

OUTDOOR LIVING

OutdoorLiving

We have curated our outdoor patio product lineup so we can offer the most durable, highest quality, lowest maintenance options available, Fireplaces, Fire and Tables & Fire Pits with styles for every taste unmatched Kitchens, Furniture, Pizza Ovens quality to last through every season.

Grills, Kit Pergolas & Umbrellas

WOODSTOVE & &SUN WOODSTOVE SUN

2025 | GOODTIMES.SC | HOME & GARDEN

510Soquel Soquel WOODSTOVE &Avenue SUN 510 Avenue 510 Soquel Avenue SantaCruz, Cruz, 95062 Santa Ca Ca 95062 Santa Cruz, Ca 95062 (831) (831)425-5123 425-5123 (831) 425-5123 WOODSTOVE & SUN www.woodstoveandsun.com www.woodstoveandsun.com www.woodstoveandsun.com 510 Soquel Avenue Instagram @woodstoveandsun Instagram @woodstoveandsun Instagram Santa @woodstoveandsun Cruz, Ca 95062

(831) 425-5123 www.woodstoveandsun.com 27 Instagram @woodstoveandsun

• TRUCKS

• GENERATORS

• REACH LIFTS

• TRAILERS

• GARDEN TOOLS

• BACKHOES

• AIR COMPRESSORS • FORKLIFTS

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& MORE!

www.AToolShed.com 1-800-A-TOOL-SHED

We Pay The Sales Tax On Rentals!

WE DELIVER

OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY Santa Cruz 831.477.7133 3700 Soquel Ave.

Watsonville 831-722-0334 285 W Beach St.

Campbell 408.378.4921 900 Dell Ave.

Greenfield 831-856-9100 60 4th St.

Santa Clara 408-727-0822 2550 Lafayette St.

Hollister 831-638-1999 2610 San Juan Rd.

Morgan Hill 408-779-7368 95 E. Main Ave.

Salinas 831-424-7368 210 W. Market St.