Photo: ©Jennifer Esperanza
Several times last spring, I was approached by friends and strangers wanting to know if “it was too late to vote.” Being the dullard that I am, I would then dutifully launch into a recitation of all the various deadlines for June’s primary election, along with unsolicited explanations of super-hot things like legislative districts and term limits (it’s actually amazing anyone ever talks to me).
Of course, folks weren’t asking about governmental politics. They were asking about SFR’s annual Best of Santa Fe Readers’ Poll. Anecdotal evidence of their interest was born at this year’s “polls.” We had some of the highest participation levels of the past decade, and a couple of notable incumbents lost their top spots.
Finding out the winners is always interesting, but talking to them is even more so. Across the board, we heard a lot of appreciation, particularly from the city’s local business owners, many of whom acknowledged the economic challenges they faced over the last year. Despite feeling the squeeze, they kept on keeping on, and their efforts were rewarded by the support of the thousands of Santa Feans who took time to vote.
But what is recognition without a toast and a hearty handshake (or even a hug, if things get really crazy)? We invite all of our readers to celebrate the city’s best tonight, Wednesday, July 28, at Corazón. From 6-9 pm, it’s a winners-only party, and after that, everyone is invited to come hear SFR readers’ choices for best rock band and best DJs as they perform at the best bar for live music and dancing.
Oh—and in case you were wondering, early voting for the Nov. 2 general election begins Oct. 16. Just sayin’.
—Julia Goldberg
Here are links to all the 2010 winners in various Best of Santa Fe categories:
ARTS & CULTURE
FOOD & DINING
SHOPPING
SERVICES
LOCAL LIVING
STAFF PICKS
And the link to the digital version of the print copy, for those who prefer to turn a virtual page, is HERE.
Of course, folks weren’t asking about governmental politics. They were asking about SFR’s annual Best of Santa Fe Readers’ Poll. Anecdotal evidence of their interest was born at this year’s “polls.” We had some of the highest participation levels of the past decade, and a couple of notable incumbents lost their top spots.
Finding out the winners is always interesting, but talking to them is even more so. Across the board, we heard a lot of appreciation, particularly from the city’s local business owners, many of whom acknowledged the economic challenges they faced over the last year. Despite feeling the squeeze, they kept on keeping on, and their efforts were rewarded by the support of the thousands of Santa Feans who took time to vote.
But what is recognition without a toast and a hearty handshake (or even a hug, if things get really crazy)? We invite all of our readers to celebrate the city’s best tonight, Wednesday, July 28, at Corazón. From 6-9 pm, it’s a winners-only party, and after that, everyone is invited to come hear SFR readers’ choices for best rock band and best DJs as they perform at the best bar for live music and dancing.
Oh—and in case you were wondering, early voting for the Nov. 2 general election begins Oct. 16. Just sayin’.
—Julia Goldberg
Here are links to all the 2010 winners in various Best of Santa Fe categories:
ARTS & CULTURE
FOOD & DINING
SHOPPING
SERVICES
LOCAL LIVING
STAFF PICKS
And the link to the digital version of the print copy, for those who prefer to turn a virtual page, is HERE.






This year’s “Best of” is extremely disappointing. Does the Reporter staff go beyond downtown Santa Fe? [Editor’s note: BOSF winners are chosen by readers in an online poll].
As a fan of the Reporter, I hate to see the paper go to waste on articles hardly reflecting the culture of Santa Fe even though on the front cover the byline states, “Weekly news and culture.”
I dare to disagree that the Reporter does a good job of echoing our culture. Is there even an understanding of what Santa Fe’s culture is? I have to answer, hardly. Santa Fe is the home of rich Hispanic culture and family. Yet, the Reporter hardly reflects the very people OF Santa Fe let alone New Mexico.
My biggest concern and disappointment lies in what the paper is conveying. This is my opinion, and mine only, but I feel a paper should communicate for the audience through articles and pictures. Each word chosen and article being written should be a reflection of the intended wide spectrum of audience a paper, magazine, or blog is meant for and The Santa Fe Reporter, I thought, is on the behalf of 20-something’s to 30 range.
Most of the activities suggested aren’t things I consider or can afford. I know far more fun, and cheap things to do then [sic] the recommendations you make. That, to me, is inadequate for such a popular newspaper.
Lynnae Lucero, in her letter, says, “The Santa Fe Reporter, I thought, is on the behalf of 20-something’s to 30 range,” then goes on to lament that many BOSF winners are not things she can afford nor would she consider.
Wake up and smell the coffee, Lynnae: In the same issue as your letter, Zane Fischer performs sex acts on slabs of beef at the Inn of the Anasazi, as well as copping to larceny there (one presumes, in both cases, to add to his street cred).
And though the Reporter could edit your letter to correct its grammatical errors, the editor must have been too piqued to extend this courtesy. The editor’s note points out that BOSF winners are chosen by “readers” in an online poll.
Get a clue, Lynnae (and advertisers): As SFR readers’ BOSF choices make clear, SFR readers apparently are not only the young and hip, though said readers do like to read stuff that affects the young and hip. (I’ve been privy to a number of primary media research studies in Santa Fe over the years.) SFR’s not-exactly-young-nor-too-too-hip staff affects coolness, as in its repeated use of the (at least) visually young and hip on BOSF covers (all males in 2010!).
The not-so-young, not-so-hip who actually are the SFR’s readers have spoken. And you, Lynnae now know that the emperor is naked (“naked” being a recurring verbal tic in SFR).
You, Nik, sound like a dick sucker. I bet you fit right in downtown. Fake.
That's real mature Patsy. I don't know who to agree with, but Nik I think you took what Lynnae said out of proportion and went off on a tangent.
I don't know. I know a Nik...and I heard he has a little dick.
Hey Nick, by chance did you work for the SF Reporter by any chance as an advertisement executive?