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Beat the Stuffers CHEATING IS NOT an admirable quality. Yet, we can't help but salute the boldfaced audacity of the anonymous ballot stuffer--or stuffers--who mailed us no less than 80 phony Goldie ballots. Masquerading behind names taken from the phone book, this Goldie-lusting schemer altered the last digit of each purloined phone number, then filled out each ballot with selected picks, which, while not always identical (a move that showed ingenious cunning, we thought) didn't throw us off the trail. Despite attempts to cloak his or her true motives, the stuffer showed strong preferences for Thai food, vintage clothing stores, yoga and acupuncture. What tipped us off to the con job? The answer to Best Reason to Leave Santa Cruz. Written in different colored ink and styles, the answer was always the same--and always identically misspelled: "Things To [sic] Expensive." Next time you try to dupe us, use a dictionary. Critics' Picks: These are a few of our favorite things. Readers' Choice: Best Arts & Culture Best Goods & Services Best Music & Nightlife Best People & Places Best Sports & Rec Best Food & Drink Best You-Name-Its It's a Sign! Readers speak out on the not-so-beloved River Street landmark. [ Santa Cruz Week | Metroactive Central | Archives ]