Latest news with #SantaCruz
New York Times
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
David Cope, Godfather of A.I. Music, Is Dead at 83
David Cope, a composer and pioneer in the field of algorithmic composition, who in the 1980s developed a computer program for writing music in the style of Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and other Classical masters, died on May 4 at his home in Santa Cruz, Calif. He was 83. The cause was congestive heart failure, his son Stephen Cope said. Before the proliferation of A.I. music generators, before the emergence of Spotify and the advent of the iPod, before Brian Eno had even coined the term 'generative music,' Mr. Cope had already figured out how to program a computer to write classical music. It was 1981 and, struggling with writer's block after being commissioned to compose an opera, he was desperate for a compositional partner. He found one in a floppy disk. The process was straightforward but tedious. Mr. Cope started by quantifying musical passages from his own work, rendering them as numbers in a database that could be analyzed by a pattern-identifying algorithm he created. The algorithm would then reassemble the 'signatures' — Mr. Cope's name for the patterns it found — into new combinations, and he would convert those combinations into a score. It wasn't the first time someone had used a computer to create music. In 1957, Lejaren Hiller and Leonard Isaacson had employed a five-ton supercomputer at the University of Illinois to compose 'Illiac Suite,' widely considered to be the first computer-generated score. But Mr. Cope's program took things a step further: By scanning and reproducing unique signatures, his algorithm could essentially replicate style. After years of troubleshooting and fine-tuning, the program, known as Experiments in Musical Intelligence, was able to produce a full opera in a matter of hours. EMI, or Emmy, as Mr. Cope affectionately called it, was officially born. It was one of the earliest computer algorithms used to generate classical music. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
California beach ‘Resist!' protest pushes ‘kindness' while calling to ‘86 47' in anti-Trump message
Nearly 1,000 people gathered at Main Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday for a Pride Month protest aimed squarely at President Donald Trump. Participants formed a massive human banner that spelled out "Resist!" in rainbow colors as part of a demonstration organized by Indivisible Santa Cruz County. The 220-foot-wide display, with letters reaching 70 feet high, was designed by longtime left-wing activist Brad Newsham. Organizers described the event as a peaceful act of resistance and a show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ Mayor Accused Of Lying After Blaming Christian Rally For Park Violence "It's very important, the more people [who] can show our neighbors, our politicians in the world, that nonviolent resistance is the way to express our dissatisfaction with the way our country's going," said event organizer Becca Moeller to Lookout Santa Cruz. But just above the colorful banner was a very different kind of message: "86 47," a phrase many interpreted as a call to "get rid of" the 47th President of the United States. In slang, "86" typically means to cancel, eliminate, or even destroy. Combined with "47," the number now associated with President Trump's second term, the phrase has raised alarms among critics who say it crossed a this month, former FBI Chief James Comey posted a similar message in the sand, but instead of kelp, they were shells. He has since removed the post after widespread criticism and action by law enforcement. Read On The Fox News App Seattle Mayor Blames Christian Rally For Inspiring Violent 'Anarchists' Who 'Infiltrated' Counter-protest "We don't need a king. We want to go back to the way we were. We want to make America kind again," said protester Beth Basilius to Lookout Santa Cruz. While the event promoted "kindness" and inclusivity, the imagery told a more conflicted story. "They claim they want to make America 'kind' again, but then they spell out '86 47' in the sand. That's not kindness — that's a coded call to eliminate someone they disagree with. It's hypocritical," said Mike LeLieur, chair of the Santa Cruz County Republican Party to Fox News Digital. LeLieur said local conservatives face growing hostility from the political left. "We've had vehicles vandalized, tires slashed, and windows broken. I was forced off the road and attacked just for having a Trump sticker. At our State of the Union watch party, we were swarmed by angry protesters. It's been nonstop hostility — and these are the same people who call themselves the 'Party of Peace.'" Just 8.5% of voters in the city of Santa Cruz are registered Republicans, according to the most recent data from the California Secretary of State. Supporters of the protest claimed that "86 47" was a symbolic rejection of Trump's agenda, not a literal threat. But critics say that argument falls flat in a political climate where coded language carries real-world consequences. "In California — and especially in Santa Cruz County — the left is creating a political environment of non-acceptance and persecution," said Daniel Enriquez, a representative of the California Republican Assembly. "It's consistent with the goals of socialist movements throughout history." Jenny Evans, co-leader of Indivisible Santa Cruz County, defended the event. "When a great number of people come out to do something like this, it just is one more thing to show that we're not all saying, 'Fine, fine. We'll go along with whatever you want,'" she said to Lookout Santa Cruz. The event was also part of Santa Cruz's 50th Pride celebration. Participants were instructed to dress in matching rainbow colors, coordinated with fabric laid out across the beach starting at 7 a.m. The protest was peaceful, but critics say calling for kindness while displaying "86 47" sent a message that was anything article source: California beach 'Resist!' protest pushes 'kindness' while calling to '86 47' in anti-Trump message
Fox News
a day ago
- General
- Fox News
California beach ‘Resist!' protest pushes ‘kindness' while calling to ‘86 47' in anti-Trump message
Nearly 1,000 people gathered at Main Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday for a Pride Month protest aimed squarely at President Donald Trump. Participants formed a massive human banner that spelled out "Resist!" in rainbow colors as part of a demonstration organized by Indivisible Santa Cruz County. The 220-foot-wide display, with letters reaching 70 feet high, was designed by longtime left-wing activist Brad Newsham. Organizers described the event as a peaceful act of resistance and a show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ MAYOR ACCUSED OF LYING AFTER BLAMING CHRISTIAN RALLY FOR PARK VIOLENCE "It's very important, the more people [who] can show our neighbors, our politicians in the world, that nonviolent resistance is the way to express our dissatisfaction with the way our country's going," said event organizer Becca Moeller to Lookout Santa Cruz. But just above the colorful banner was a very different kind of message: "86 47," a phrase many interpreted as a call to "get rid of" the 47th President of the United States. In slang, "86" typically means to cancel, eliminate, or even destroy. Combined with "47," the number now associated with President Trump's second term, the phrase has raised alarms among critics who say it crossed a this month, former FBI Chief James Comey posted a similar message in the sand, but instead of kelp, they were shells. He has since removed the post after widespread criticism and action by law enforcement. "We don't need a king. We want to go back to the way we were. We want to make America kind again," said protester Beth Basilius to Lookout Santa Cruz. While the event promoted "kindness" and inclusivity, the imagery told a more conflicted story. "They claim they want to make America 'kind' again, but then they spell out '86 47' in the sand. That's not kindness — that's a coded call to eliminate someone they disagree with. It's hypocritical," said Mike LeLieur, chair of the Santa Cruz County Republican Party to Fox News Digital. LeLieur said local conservatives face growing hostility from the political left. "We've had vehicles vandalized, tires slashed, and windows broken. I was forced off the road and attacked just for having a Trump sticker. At our State of the Union watch party, we were swarmed by angry protesters. It's been nonstop hostility — and these are the same people who call themselves the 'Party of Peace.'" Just 8.5% of voters in the city of Santa Cruz are registered Republicans, according to the most recent data from the California Secretary of State. Despite the message written in the sand, some participants insisted the demonstration was rooted in compassion. "We want to go back to the way we were. We want to make America kind again," said protester Beth Basilius to Lookout Santa Cruz. Supporters of the protest claimed that "86 47" was a symbolic rejection of Trump's agenda, not a literal threat. But critics say that argument falls flat in a political climate where coded language carries real-world consequences. "In California — and especially in Santa Cruz County — the left is creating a political environment of non-acceptance and persecution," said Daniel Enriquez, a representative of the California Republican Assembly. "It's consistent with the goals of socialist movements throughout history." Jenny Evans, co-leader of Indivisible Santa Cruz County, defended the event. "When a great number of people come out to do something like this, it just is one more thing to show that we're not all saying, 'Fine, fine. We'll go along with whatever you want,'" she said to Lookout Santa Cruz. The event was also part of Santa Cruz's 50th Pride celebration. Participants were instructed to dress in matching rainbow colors, coordinated with fabric laid out across the beach starting at 7 a.m. The protest was peaceful, but critics say calling for kindness while displaying "86 47" sent a message that was anything but. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPIndivisible Santa Cruz County did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
CBS News
a day ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Sinkhole on Highway 1 near Watsonville partially closes down roadway
Highway 1 near Watsonville was partially closed on Sunday after a sinkhole opened up on the side of the roadway, the California Highway Patrol said. The sinkhole formed on southbound Highway 1, near Buena Vista Drive. Breaking News 🚨: A sinkhole has formed on SB SR-1 southbound near Buena Vista Drive. The far left lane is closed. Expect delays in the area, with no estimated time for reopening #caltrans #CHP #hwy1 #santacruz — CHP Santa Cruz (@CHPscrz) June 1, 2025 Caltrans closed down the left lane, and it will remain closed through Sunday night. Delays in the area are expected.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
American Heart Association responds to sugary drink tax litigation in Santa Cruz
( NewMediaWire ) - May 30, 2025 - DALLAS — The American Beverage Association and allies filed a lawsuit yesterday in Sacramento Superior Court against the city of Santa Cruz, challenging the city's sugary drink tax. The two cents per fluid ounce tax on sugary beverages was approved by voters in November 2024 and went into effect May 1. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, issued the following statement: 'Big Soda is once again grasping at straws. 'Let's remember how we got here. Back in 2018, stung by multiple losses at the ballot box, this self-serving industry secretly cut a deal that put a 12-year moratorium on sugary drink taxes, aiming to take away the ability of California cities and citizens to raise revenue for important community priorities and to help fight heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. In 2023, the courts wisely found the penalty provision of the moratorium unconstitutional. Santa Cruz voters stood up for health and passed a sugary drink tax in November, but the beverage industry still won't accept the will of the people. 'The American Heart Association stands with the citizens of Santa Cruz and remains committed to curbing sugary drink consumption and protecting health. The beverage industry stands for profits over health and burdens consumers and taxpayers with billions in needless health care costs, illness and premature death. 'The backroom dealing was wrong in 2018 and it's wrong today. We call on Big Soda and its allies to stop with their lies and this costly litigation.' ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Shelly Hogan: 214-706-1782; [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
