Cleaner Daze

Santa Cruz is known to most of the world as a surf and redwoods paradise, where you come to "get away from it all." But in Cleaner Daze, you're gonna hear the locals' side, you're gonna see Santa Cruz from the "wrong" side of the tracks. In this case, it's chiva tracks, heroin rehab, the lumpen side of a seaside resort. The story is GLORIOUS, satiric, and funny as hell- it crawls under your skin from the very first episode. I love seeing Santa Cruz *not* shot as a penny postcard- even though its siren beauty is undeniable. That's part of the pain and the wisdom.The plot concerns a cynical-yet-dogged drug rehab for "juvenile delinquents," and the "new gal" who comes there as a counselor-- she was once a junkie herself. The characters who make up the Center feel like real people i know in my neighborhood-- and, they are! Many are actor-novices in recovery themselves. The ones you'll remember? Their performances are amazing. I can't tell you how much I love and laugh about keeping it real in SC, and finally seeing the whole rehab system given a respectful yet wicked appraisal. If you have sacred cows about addiction, please milk them and leave them at the door. This is too spot-on to miss.