Ukulele playing catches Santa Cruz Port District’s attention

Sept. 29--SANTA CRUZ -- The ad hoc juke box of 150 ukulele lovers that keeps the beat near the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor on sunny Saturdays will keep strumming, for now.

Playing with two strings tied behind their backs, ukulele players have been congregating near the volleyball nets at Twin Lakes State Beach for several years now, cementing Santa Cruz's claim as "The Ukulele Capital of the World."

Now, they are seeking an official stamp of approval after the event became so popular the Port District decided the players needed permits and insurance.

"They've got a long history, but it was a small, informal gathering of folks and then it grew," Port Director Lisa Ekers said. "It's something that's been on our radar for quite awhile, but it's gotten to the point where they've started to have to use amplifiers so they can hear each other, and it's impacting other beach users."

As with any kind of public event that grows in popularity, the ukulele players have drawn more attention from local authorities. They are now operating under continuing district permits granted at no cost, and they also operate under a city of Santa Cruz noise permit.

But the real sticking point is finding someone to underwrite the event, which is a requirement of the district's own insurers. While the issue isn't resolved, ukulele players say they're hopeful. "We were in our 20s in the 60s and 70s, and we know how to practice civil disobedience," joked Donna Ruiz, who helped found "Sons of the Beach" 12 years ago and laughs that the event is keeping the mostly-older crowd "off the streets."

In fact, the issue has already spawned political activism.

Brian Zwetzig, whom Ruiz distanced herself from, will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot for Port Commission as a "ukulele player." Because Zwetzig's move triggered a vote -- the only others on the ballot are incumbents -- the move will cost the Port District up to $85,000 for election costs.

For years, street performers have been a frequent topic of debate in Santa Cruz. Early this year, the performance artist and accordionist Frank "The Great Morgani" Lima decided to forgo performing on Pacific Avenue rather than abide by what he felt were onerous downtown performance rules.

"The powers that be really need to take a look at what gives Santa Cruz its charm, and if they start taking that away, then we're going to lose our charm," Ruiz lamented.

Marty Carlson, administrator of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz, predicted the issue could be resolved if everybody pitches in a small amount.

"A lot of people feel like, 'Oh gee, they're attacking us and we're just trying to have some fun down there.' But in reality we've become a large group of people," Carlson said. "This is not big bad port (District) coming down on poor little people playing the ukulele. It's that we've become very large, and the Port District has to treat us the same as everyone else."

Other than Zwetzig, all parties say they're moving forward in harmony. All the group needs now is an insurance policy.

Ekers said the district is working to help the group find a low-cost policy, adding, "We're not trying to make money off them. We're just trying to protect the interest of the ratepayers at the Port."

The easy-to-learn, four-stringed ukulele has been enjoying a worldwide boost in popularity. A cousin of Portuguese instrument, the ukulele was popularized in Hawaii before storming the mainland.

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