I have been blessed to have attended the Dance of the Deer Gatherings/workshops for over 20 years,…read morewith Brant Secunda & Nico. Having the opportunity to participate in practices that help you to be the best person that you can be, your True Self, is wonderful and healing. During our time together, through different venues, we pray for our lives, for our families and for the larger community. This is a special time to make a meaningful difference & an opportunity for our own life. Having time to connect with nature is precious. Brant's sense of humor lifts your spirit and helps us to feel comfortable & welcomed. Nico explains the exercises in a comprehensive manner and in a way that makes it easy to relate to & to understand. I've been truly blessed by being a part of this sacred tradition, it has changed my life & I am sincerely grateful.

Healer or charlatan? Keeper of ancient wisdom or scam artist exploiting native practices? You…read moredecide. Choose carefully, because those who peddle "healing" in the multi-billion-dollar self-help industry are highly motivated to convince you they're real. Brant Secunda fashions himself after Carlos Castaneda, whose best-selling novels explored mystical and pharmacological frontiers, helping define the psychological landscape of the 1960s. The authenticity of Mr. Castaneda's work was always questioned. However, the man himself pointed out that if you questioned its authenticity, you entirely missed the point of his work. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to ask a few questions and do some research before writing someone a four-figure check. There isn't much out there to support Mr. Secunda's claims toward authenticity and "healing." Certainly there are elements of pre-columbian themes in the Dance of the Deer ceremonies--for example, casting things you don't want to the four quadrants and calling back for the things you want. Certainly there are also important things missing from the ceremonies--most glaringly the use of peyote, a key element in Castaneda's writings and in native shamanic healing rituals. The retreat I attended had 120 people. The size did not allow for personal connection with the shaman. However, the connection with other participants was moving and several of them were even repeat customers. Elements taught in the ceremonies were also moving. Yet we heard the same story over and over again, of Mr. Secunda traveling to Mexico from New Jersey to become a shaman. Doesn't he have anything deeper to tell about his experience? The retreat seemed off the shelf, mass produced, and thinly worn. Given the price tag, the retreat left much to be desired. Nowhere was this more evident than in the food. The promotional e-mails described "talented cooking staff who will be making delicious vegetarian meals." What we actually got were daily pasta rations with sauce from Costco, canned beans, and low-end mass-produced salsa that no self-respecting native would ever consume. If the quality of the food reflects the authenticity of the shamanism, one can say without a doubt that Dance of the Deer serves an insipid imitation. Clearly the money going to Dance of the Deer is going to other things besides "delicious vegetarian meals." What might those things be? Perhaps multiple annual vacations to Europe, Patagonia, Mount Shasta, New Zealand, Alaska, etc. for Mr. Secunda and his son Nico. Dance of the Deer may be step in the right direction for personal healing, but at best it is a watered-down taste of what could be. Native culture is rich in spirituality and connection. There is much to explore and learn. It's out there. You just have to look. In any case, Mr. Secunda is clearly raking in the benefits.

I used to really love this place. They took away the donation incentive. They added signs…read moreeverywhere about watching your kids and don't touch anything. Took the play area away as well as the bathroom/changing table. This is a family story. With so many littles and pregnant moms. I understand saying customers only on the bathroom. My daughter needed the toilet and they told me to walk down a few buildings to the pizza place....they are also not friendly in store. Such a shame it used to be so nice and inviting.

No exaggeration the people at the DMV are more friendly and more helpful. Trying to donate Clothes…read moreand the worst most unbelievable attitude came from the woman I interacted with. I feel sorry for this Shop. I'm sure it's supposed to be doing good in the community and I hope it is.

This place is seriously one of Santa Cruz's best! Not only…read moredo they cater to kids of all ages, but they give back to the local community in all their revenue. They are always having seasonal parties and inside they have a front and back room with huge indoor skate ramps for the beginner to seasoned professional to enjoy. Ping pong, arcade games, live music sometimes. Speaking of music their tunes are classic!

From the owner: Grind Out Hunger has 5 programs currently running:…read more Skate Church on Monday (members only) FLOW on Tuesday (members only) Buck Wild! on Wednesday Fruity Friday (staff goes to Skate Parks in SC County) Smoothie Saturdays GRIND Out Hunger is a Santa Cruz based non-profit created through the vision of skateboarders helping kids overcome hunger an malnutrition. It has grown to harnesses the energy of the youth and their concern for helping their peers. Working directly with local food banks, Grind Out Hunger has helped provide over 2 million healthy meals. GRIND Out Hunger focuses on 3 main foundations; Empowering, Educating, and Fighting Hunger. With our main target being the youth, we strive to Empower and Educate them to live a life of Happiness, Purpose and Passion. We tie the element of philanthropy into their day to day lives by giving them the opportunity to help their peers in need, all while keeping them engaged through their passions of action sports, arts, music

Absolutely amazing organization! Every single person who works or volunteers for them is deserving…read moreof the highest praise! NAR has been so helpful in getting critical information out to myself and my neighbors many times over the years! Even when situations have been challenging, they have done great work! I am so thankful to have NAR in our community!!

My husband worked as a vet with Nate & Molly waaay back when NAR was just a thought. We are so…read moreproud of all the individuals that have made this organization what it is today! It is an honor to have this service available to the public - so very many cities do not. So many memories with folks there - in the middle of the night, in seemingly hopeless situations - always there to help and provide priceless information about our wildlife! You are a local treasure - each and everyone of you! Much love from the Caspers!

These volunteers deserve to be thanked for performing an unglamourous service, recycling & also…read moreacting as a friendly & useful thrift store with a wide variety of items. Furthermore, I've never heard of any scandals emanating from this non-profit.

I've always loved shopping at Grey Bears, which is why this experience was so upsetting…read more Today I was walking toward the outdoor rug section with a basket full of items when a staff member stopped me and told me I had to bring my items to the front before continuing. What felt uncomfortable is that there were several other customers walking around with items from the main store, yet I was the only one singled out. When I brought my items up to the register, a different employee initially rang them up, then paused after the same women from before whispered something to her. She then told me they were adding a few dollars to several items because they were "priced too low."!! I was in shock. These items were already on the sales floor at the marked prices, and I did not see this happen to any other customers. The entire interaction felt unfair and targeted, and I left feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but being singled out and then charged more than the posted prices shook my trust. I've always enjoyed this store, but this experience made me feel unwelcome, and unfortunately I'm not sure I'll be able to shop here again.

(I volunteered/Interned at Friends Outside over my 4 years at UC Santa Cruz and worked for them as…read morea Jail Librarian) Friends Outside is a National Non-Profit org. (in Santa Cruz, housed under the Volunteer Centers of SC County.) whose mission is to provide assistance to those incarcerated in local jails: "Our goal is to help lessen the trauma of incarceration for inmates & their families, to provide information that can lead to positive changes, & to assist ex-offenders with their re-entry into the community." http://www.friendsoutside.org/ Santa Clara: http://www.friendsoutsideinscc.org/ POST-RELEASE: If someone you know has been incarcerated or is on probartion/parole, contact FO! They are HELPFUL with: ~ Property retrieval & storage - Liaison between attorneys, family & other agencies - Confidential visits with a knowledgeable & supportive volunteer - Information about community services & drug/alcohol programs - Helping with emergencies caused by incarceration - Bring in resources such as dictionaries, reading glasses, bus passes, & writing tablets - Help with limited legal & financial situations - Begin planning post-release resources & referrals through the Aftercare process Everything from short & long-term case management which includes access to clothing & food vouchers, obtaining/applying for SSI & DMV I.D., housing applications & rent assistance, medical benfits & General governmental assitance, contacting your Parole/prob. agents & or family members, & registering to vote. We also visit prisoners ON THE INSIDE. After release from jail or prison, a client can meet with an Aftercare case manager for a one-stop resource & referral. Case managers offer support and advocate for clients, help facilitate post-release plans and provide applicable services. We make every effort to provide the information needed in the first few days of release. Friends Outside is unable to offer financial assistance; however, we may be able to connect clients to the appropriate agencies and churches. You may leave a message for a specific volunteer at 831 425-3434 or call for an appointment at 831 427-5078. We can help in the following areas: - Basic hygiene products and reading glasses - Information on food resources, voicemail, community programs, mental health and health-related services, education, counseling and shelters - Clothing vouchers / clothes - Bus passes (limited rides to court or appointments related to probation compliance) as well as maps and bus schedules - Assistance complying with probation to prevent unnecessary incarceration (WRAP) - Court accompaniment - Information on local and statewide legal and criminal justice agencies - Informal assistance with a job search - Free copies of the Friends Outside Resource Guide (which I created!) - Outreach and educational presentations about our services as appropriate Over the course of my time working for them as a case manager and jail librarian, I was able to access those incarcerated in Blaine Street Jail (minimum security for Women), the Main SC County Jail (Men and Women's Medium Security), "The Farm" and The Rountree Men's Facilities in Watsonville (Medium Men's jails). The experience was eye-opening, and got me into the work I am doing now as a Case Manager for Centerforce, San Rafael. I still work with Friends Outside, who contracts out of the Visitor's Center at San Quentin State Prison. We provide books, dictionaries (Spanish-English), and reading glasses to the jails through donation drives that we hold annually. Children's Events: Kids' Days! We love these days- so fun to volunteer and be a part of a positive event INSIDE the jail with families and children- Fun activities, crafts, and treats for children visiting their incarcerated parents during holidays (X-mas, Halloween, V-Day). Fliers announcing these events are posted at the Farm and at Blaine Street a few weeks ahead, so prisoners can inform their families on visiting day about the event (during the winter holiday season, we work with Toys for Tots gathering gifts for children with an incarcerated parent.) Please DONATE! As a typical struggling non-profit, they need all the support they can get to continue doing amazing, hard, and incredibly important work in the community!!! FOR NOW, NOT FOREVER I woke up today in a cold cement cell, No one to hold me so I hold myself. As I lie there, all alone in my bed, I am numb to my surroundings, I am lost in my head. I dream, I think, I fantasize, I try not to hear my heart's little cries. There in my mind, I learn to sever, myself from reality, for now, not forever. -Incarcerated client Santa Cruz location, Contact: Heidi Canales/Talia Stoessel at 831-427-5078. ~ scFriendsOutside@hotmail.com ~ fovolunteer@gmail.com Friends Outside in Santa Clara County: 551 Stockton Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 Phone: (408) 295-6033 , Fax: (408) 295-2907

I interned at Friends Outside in 2004/2005 as a jail visitor. It was an amazing experience that I…read morewill never forget. FO is a great resource for people who are incarcerated and their families. This is one of those rare nonprofits that makes their money go a really long way by using it for the clients rather than paying a bunch of administrators. Even though I am a poor graduate student I make it a point to donate every year (even if it's only a little bit), and I would encourage you all to do the same!

This office is one of the cleanest medical facilities ever. Warm scrubs. Congenial staff. Nice…read morerelaxing atmosphere..

Amazing nonprofit organization! Helping the community and providing assistance to people trying to…read moreget back on their feet. Positive environment with caring people!

Best bingo in Santa Cruz County!! Great staff, fun games free coffee hot cocoa punch, and cookies!read more

I'll say first off, people are nice who run it! But about 2months ago he changed his price to 39…read moreall you can play and the purpose was so he could pay out $500 per game I was told . But as of recently he's changed the pay out to 300 or 350 depending on the amount of people who show up he says. But originally he said it didn't matter how many people came that's why the price went up and now he's changing it up if that's the case than lower your price back to the original price or cut a couple games down to keep the payout at $500 or up your buy in price . I mean fair is fair u can't go back and what you say it's unprofessional . And don't keep using the and the back of the paper but in it says. If so & so show up we only pay this much cause that's not what you said originally!!

This dentist office has been amazing to us. Since moving to Santa Cruz we've had bad experiences…read morebut this place wasn't one of them. They greeted us with love & care, helped me find my kids medical number, and got us right in. The nurse Roselyn was helpful both times we came. She made my youngest feel extremely uncomfortable and gave him knowledge on what was going on. I love how they allowed him to set his boundaries & never pushed for more. The office is CLEAN The bathrooms are CLEAN The office personal AMAZING HIGHLY RECOMMEND

The woman who works at the reception desk rudely dismisses patient!…read moreYou also cannot make an appointment for the next year. If you want to make an appointment at this clinic, you will have to wait a year.

Contact Teen Kitchen to arrange free food delivery if you meet their medical requirements. You need…read moreto fill out a short form for your medical provider to sign. After they receive the form, it may take Teen Kitchen a week to schedule your food delivery. There is no income requirement. Teen Kitchen provides one fairly substantial, beautifully cooked, healthful meal, 7 meals at a time, along with a list of ingredients. Ingredients are fresh and high quality.

I just received my first delivery from Teen Kitchen Project. When I applied I looked at their…read morewebsite and it reminded me of an ROP thing I did as a teen learning about food service with a hands on approach. I love this. I became a double amputee recently and I live alone. Food hasn't been easy for me, especially homemade food with fresh organic produce that I can just eat cold or heat n eat. I ate my first one and it was a really good lunch. They're all about diabetes and heart friendly cooking so they intentionally keep the salt way down so you can adjust that to your taste and need. I'm really grateful for Teen Kitchen Project and the great teens that learn and volunteer there. It's the people like this that really make a difference in the Santa Cruz community for people that really help with ready to eat foods.