Annual Events

Preschool Story Time
Library Central
Date: Every Th from 10:00am to 11:00am
Ages: 3-6 Admission Fees: free

Downtown Preschool Story Time (10:00 AM-11:00 AM)
 
Join us at the Downtown Library for our weekly Preschool Story Time. We'll read books, sing songs and make a simple craft! Ages 3-6.
View similar upcoming events: Storytimes/Laptimes

 

Trivia on Tap
Library Central & Scotts Valley
Bring your friends, form a team (or take it on solo), and compete against other groups to win the grand prize.
Date: The 1st Th of every month from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Trivia on Tap
Join Santa Cruz Public Libraries as we host a bimonthly trivia night at Steel Bonnet Brewing Company in Scotts Valley. Bring your friends, form a team (or take it on solo), and compete against other groups to win the grand prize. Event occurs 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.
Note: Special Theme: Film and Television
Additional Information

Citizen Science
Library Central
A presentation and Q&A with local experts and researchers in the field discussing life science, ecology, geology, genetics, clim
Date: The 1st Th of every month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Citizen Science

 

We invite you to join us every first Thursday of the month for a presentation and Q&A with local experts and researchers in the field discussing life science, ecology, geology, genetics, climatology and more. Let's connect, inspire and inform each other!

 

For more information contact pro@santacruzpl.org • 831-427-7717

 

December

This month our Citizen Science series offers a discussion about the various ecological and social solutions for living with fire on the Central Coast. Our presenter, Dr. Lee Klinger leads a movement aimed at using ecologically-based techniques to address the problem of oak mortality in California and elsewhere.

 

Dr. Klinger is a tree care practitioner living in Big Sur, California. Since 2005 he has served as director of Sudden Oak Life. He has over 30 years of academic experience in the environmental sciences and has held scholarly appointments at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the University of Colorado, the University of Oxford, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Geological Society of London.

 

Citizen Science is a collaboration between the Santa Cruz Public Libraries; the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery (SCCMOD), and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).

 

We invite you to join us every first Thursday of the month for a presentation and Q&A with local experts and researchers in the field discussing life science, ecology, geology, genetics, climatology and more. Let's connect, inspire and inform each other!

 

For more information contact pro@santacruzpl.org • 831-427-7717

Brainfuse - Homework Help
Libraries
Brainfuse: Free online homework help for students of all ages.
Date: Every day

Free Academic Help at All Levels.

 

Brainfuse offers live online tutoring in elementary, middle school, high school, college, and adult education.

 

Live Tutoring: Students draw or type their question in our online classroom and receive live homework assistance from a Brainfuse-certified tutor. Our tutors don't simply give answers but help students master underlying academic concepts.

 

SkillSurfer: SkillSurfer includes an extensive library of Brainfuse-created lessons, video tutorials, and practice tests in a wide range of academic subjects, and further integrates them with live tutoring.

Free First Friday
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Enjoy our intertidal touch pool, large-screen microscope, and geology exhibit and "dig pit".
Date: Every day from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: All ages Admission Fees: FREE

FREE First Friday 11am-4pm. Enjoy the Museum for FREE with your family on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy our intertidal touch pool, large-screen microscope, and geology exhibit and "dig pit". Santa Cruz Natural History Museum. 1305 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz. 420-6115

Maryjo Koch and the Art of Scientific Illustration
Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery
Koch is one of the world's most accomplished naturalist painters around. Exquisite detail!
Date: Every Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa (Jan 24-Mar 16) from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Admission Fees: free

Art Seen

Maryjo Koch and the Art of Scientific Illustration

Maryjo Koch doesn't overlook the little things. When it comes to painting birds nests and honeybees, every little twig and hair matters. With acute attention to detail and precision, Koch is one of the world's most accomplished naturalist painters around.

 

Her hyperrealistic specimens are often found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where Koch works. She has illustrated 18 books, and her work has been featured across the globe.

 

Hours
Tuesday-Saturday 12 PM-5 PM
Holidays and campus breaks observed.

Harvesting Our Heritage
SLV Museum
Bite-sized looks at the history of agriculture and food ways here in Santa Cruz county.
Date: Every Su, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa (Feb 24-Apr 30) from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Admission Fees: Donation of $5 per family is requested

Join us to celebrate the opening of our new exhibition, Harvesting Our Heritage.

 

This exhibition, based on the research project and book of the same name, takes some bite-sized looks at the history of agriculture and food ways here in Santa Cruz county.

 

Wednesday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Friday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Homework Club at La Madrona
La Madrona Athletic Club
Enjoy family time at home because all of your child's homework has been completed after school!
Date: Every Tues, Wed and Th (Feb 6-Mar 29) from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Ages: 1st-5th Grade Admission Fees: $60.00 Day/Session

Enjoy family time at home because all of your child's homework has been completed!

This special time is for doing homework under the supervision of our qualified staff that can offer assistance.

When all their homework is complete, they can participate in in quiet fun such as dot to dots, coloring sheets and mazes.

Sign up for Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays or 2 days all 3 days! Session 2 2/6/18-3/1/17

Session: Feb. 6 - Mar. 29

All Mondays in the session $60

All  Mondays and Tuesdays $120

All Mondays Tuesdays and Wednesday $180

Trivia on Tap
Library Scotts Valley
21+ trivia on tap
Date: The 1st Th of every month (Feb 15-May 17) from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Ages: 21+ Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month

Join Santa Cruz Public Libraries as we host a bimonthly trivia night at Steel Bonnet Brewing Company in Scotts Valley. Bring your friends, form a team (or take it on solo), and compete against other groups to win the grand prize. Event occurs 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.

Canta y Baila Conmigo® with MusicalMe, Inc.
Musical Me, Inc. Offers Music Together
CyBC enhances children's learning in multiple domains, increases family engagement and adds richly to each family's "toolbox."
Date: Every day (Feb 23-Apr 1)
Ages: 0-6 years
Special Instructions: Locations in Los Gatos, Pleasure Point & Westside Santa Cruz

Canta y Baila Conmigo® with MusicalMe, Inc.

Locations in Los Gatos, Pleasure Point & Westside Santa Cruz

831.438.3514  or  Text: 831.332.9002

 

Free Canta y Baila Conmigo® demo classes hosted by MusicalMe, Inc.:

 

MusicalMe is offering FREE DEMO CLASSES for the renowned early childhood music education, Spanish emersion program for children ages Birth to 5 years old, Canta y Baila Conmigo^TM, in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara. Learn how to share the joys of music-making and the powerful benefits of having music in your young child's life.  Each child's natural musicality is nurtured, & grownups learn together with their children.  Our award-winning curriculum supports grownups to use our music & home materials to further engage children & experience the fun too!

 

Bring your little ones and join us by registering for a free demo class of Canta y Baila Conmigo^TM!  If you miss our demo classes, registration for Spring session is now open and classes begin April 8^th and you are welcome to register for a free trial class during the session or register for the entire session. You can register in Santa Cruz and Cupertino at any time during the session - we prorate and offer payment plans!

 

DEMO CLASS SCHEDULE:

 

3/18 9:30am Callaghan Park 225 Sudden St, Watsonville, Ca

3/18 3:30pm 239 High St, Santa Cruz, Ca

3/20 10:30am 239 High St, Santa Cruz, Ca

3/22 10:30am 10:30am Santa Cruz Children's MOD 1855 41st, St C-10, Capitola, Ca

3/22 11:30am LGS Recreation 123 E Main St, Classroom C, Los Gatos, Ca

3/23 11:30am 3709 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, Ca

3/25 9:30am Callaghan Park 225 Sudden St, Watsonville, Ca

3/25 3:30pm 239 High St, Santa Cruz, Ca

3/27 10:30am 239 High St, Santa Cruz, Ca

3/29 10:30am 10:30am Santa Cruz Children's MOD 1855 41st, St C-10, Capitola, Ca

3/29 11:30am LGS Recreation 123 E Main St, Classroom C, Los Gatos, Ca

3/30 11:30am 3709 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, Ca

 

 

Please call 831-438-3514 or email registrar@musicalme.comto register. Please note: due to the size limit of our classes, preregistration is required before attending.

Tour the Pacific Migrations Center
State Park New Brighton
Self-guided tour highlights history of Pacific Rim migrations
Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: 7-12

 Tour the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach

Come explore the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach. This free mini-museum highlights the history of Pacific Rim migrations and how they have influenced the Monterey Bay area. 

The exhibits explore the contributions of Chinese fishers, who established fishing camps on the Monterey Bay coastline beginning in the 1850s. Fishers dried and shipped most of their catch to markets up and down the coast, as well as across the Pacific. Chinese fish merchants also sold their fresh catch in local towns. China Beach, as New Brighton was known at the time, lasted until the mid-1880s. 

The center, which is supported by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. It also includes a ParkStore, offering nature and history-themed merchandise for sale. All proceeds benefit local parks and beaches.

Self-guided tours of the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center are free. Docent-led tours are available for groups. Contact Jean Bernard at the Visitor Center, 831-464-5620, to schedule. Parking at New Brighton State Beach is $10 and supports the park. New Brighton State Beach is located at 1500 Park Ave. in Capitola

Watsonville Certified Farmers Market
Watsonville Farmers Market
Fresh, locally grown produce on Friday afternoons from 2:30 to 6:30 PM from May to November.
Date: Every Fri from 2:30pm to 6:30pm

An enchanting farmers market with a "mercado" feel. Lots of wonderful produce and prepared foods.

 

The Watsonville Farmers' Market is a member of the California Federation of Certified Farmers' Markets.

 

The Market provides fresh, locally grown produce on Friday afternoons from May to November.

 

Mariachi California de Javier Vargas will play every first Friday of the month from 5-6pm (May-October) at the Watsonville city Plaza

State Park Pigeon Point Light Station
Date: Every Su, Fri and Sa at 10:00am
Ages: All

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is currently under repair, but that doesn't mean that the First Order Fresnel Lens can't shine! The Fresnel lens, the original lighthouse beacon, will light up once again from its temporary home in the Visitor Center. As dusk settles, the 24 beams of light provide a dramatic glimpse of how the lighthouse once guided ships passing by this rocky coastline. Bring a flashlight and join us for a unique experience. For more information, call the park at (650) 879-2120 or go online to www.Parks.CA.gov/PigeonPoint. Event is free. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

* Please note the lighthouse will NOT be lit. The original lighthouse beacon, the First Order Fresnel lens, will be lit but in its temporary location inside the Visitor Center. The lighthouse is being repaired and is currently not accessible to the public.

Pigeon Point Light Station Guided Tour
State Park Pigeon Point Light Station
History walks of the lighthouse
Date: Every Su, Fri and Sa at 10:00am
Ages: All

Guided History Tour

 

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, Pescadero, CA

Guided half-hour history walks of the lighthouse grounds are available 10am - 4pm Fridays through Sundays, except on rainy days.

 

A Raisin in the Sun
UCSC Theater Arts
A Raisin in the Sun takes a courageous look into how the "American Dream" excluded and marginalized African-Americans in our soc
Date: Every day (Mar 2-Mar 11)
Admission Fees: $8 - $18

The Theater Arts Department and the Cultural Arts and Diversity Resource Center present the groundbreaking play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, directed by UCSC lecturer Don Williams, featuring drama students from the UCSC African-American Theater Arts Troupe, and guest starring as Mama, award-winning actor and UCSC alumna Adilah Barnes* (Erin Brockovich, Roseanne, Cold Case, Prime Suspect...).

 

Considered a significant turning point in American theater because it addresses crucial racial and cultural concerns during the 1950s in the United States, A Raisin in the Sun takes a courageous look into how the "American Dream" excluded and marginalized African-Americans in our society.

 

Influenced by Hansberry's own experiences, it also tackles head-on, various hot-button issues that remain relevant today, including discrimination, cultural identity, feminism, and abortion - topics that were considered off-limits when the play originally debuted in 1959.

 

Presented by the UCSC Theater Arts Department in conjunction with the Cultural Arts and Diversity Resource Center, the African American Theater Arts Troupe, and the UCSC Arts Division.

 

* Ms. Barnes appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

photo: Adilah Barnes as "Mama" (Steve DiBartolomeo)

 

Advance tickets available online only
Reserved seating.
Doors open 30 minutes before curtain.
Please be in your seat by the advertised start time.
"A Raisin in the Sun" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

March 2-3-4 and 8-9-10-11
Thu-Sat at 7:30PM, Sundays at 3:00PM

$18 adult
$10 senior (62+)
$10 student w/ ID
$8 youth/child/infant
$8 UCSC student (UCSC undergrads eligible for one $0 complimentary ticket per production)
$8 UCSC staff/faculty (2 tickets)
$8 UCSC alumni assoc. member (2 tickets)

Do It Yourself Craft
Library La Selva Beach
Date: Every Sa from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Ages: 3-6

Do-It-Yourself Craft @ La Selva Beach Library (1:30 PM-4:30 PM)

Join the fun on Saturdays between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

Evening Art Program
State Park Henry Cowell
Activities will range from sketching and watercolor to nature journaling and more
Date: Every Sa at 1:00pm

Evening Art Program
Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Join us in the campfire center for a family friendly arts and crafts program. All ages welcome. Topic changes week to week and activities will range from sketching and watercolor to nature journaling and more! Meet at the Henry Cowell Redwoods Graham Hill Campground, located off Graham Hill Road in Scotts Valley. No experience necessary. Event is free; parking is $10. Events made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

Old Growth Redwood Tours
State Park Henry Cowell
Activities will range from sketching and watercolor to nature journaling and more
Date: Every Sa at 1:00pm

Old-Growth Redwood Tours                                                                                  

Saturdays at noon

Are there different kinds of redwoods? How do coastal redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? Why are there so few old growth trees left?  How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable and friendly docents will lead you through the wondrous old growth forest and answer any questions you may have. Meet at the visitor center. Event free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

Family Arts & Crafts- Garfield Park
Library Garfield
Date: Every Sa from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Ages: 3-6

Get crafty! A Do-It-Yourself craft will be ready and waiting for families, independent-minded kids and teens! Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Life on the Ranch Day - The Early Days on a Dairy Farm
State Park Wilder Ranch
Experience the Victorian era!
Date: Every Su and Sa
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Weekends from 11:00am-3:00pm, tours of the ranch houses at 1:00pm

Life on the Ranch Day - The Early Days on a Dairy Farm
Saturday, August 11 from 11am to 3pm

 

Wilder Ranch State Park invites you to experience old-time activities from its rancho, dairy farm, and cowboy rodeo days. Hands-on activities and living history presentations may include butter churning, ice cream making, roping skills, and demonstrations in the ranch buildings. Come for a picnic on the lawn and follow it up with a game of tug of war, sack races, hoops, stilts, and Wilder Ranch's famous old-fashioned bubbles! This event is appropriate for all ages. Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

 

Reading In the Redwoods
Library Felton
Join our monthly book club!
Date: Every Su and Sa from 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Reading in the Redwoods book group meets monthly at the Felton Library on the fourth Wednesday at 6:15 pm.

 

Copies of the book are usually available at the Felton branch library.

For more information call 427-7708 or drop by the branch.

 

To be added to the book group email list, please call 831-427-3151.

Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
A moveable feast of fresh, locally grown produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats and poultry, baked goods, music and good comp
Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed and Sa
Ages: All

Our family of five farmers' markets showcases the best in regional organic produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs and dairy, sustainably-harvested seafoods and artisan-made goods.

 

Purchasing your food through the area's farmers' markets ensures that you are getting the freshest, healthiest and tastiest foods while supporting local jobs, increasing local spending and promoting the region's strong farming tradition.

 

We provide direct access to sustainable sources of fresh produce and other unique foods and education about food issues, both local and beyond.

 

Santa Cruz/Downtown	Weds 2:30-6:00	Lincoln & Cedar	Year-round
Santa Cruz/West Side	Sat 9-1	2801 Mission	Year-round
Scotts Valley	Sat 9-1	King's Village Dr	April - October
Live Oak/East Side	Sun 9-1	15th & Eastcliff Dr	Year-round
Felton	Tues 2:30-6:30	120 Russell Ave	May - Oct

Ranch History Tours
State Park Wilder Ranch
History comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park on the weekends
Date: Every Su and Sa at 1:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: $10 parking

Ranch History Tours

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

Monday, September 3 at 1pm

Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse, 1896 water-powered machine shop, barns and other historic buildings. Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

 

Concert Two: 500th Birthday Celebration - Medici Codex
Santa Cruz Baroque Festival
You will hear voices leaping in and out of one another, a big, moving sound, performed by four separate ensembles who have come
Date: 03/03/2018 at 7:30pm
Ages: All

Concert Two: 500th Birthday Celebration - Medici Codex

Take a moment to consider the best wedding present you've ever given. Then consider coming to this performance of music from the Medici Codex, a choir-book gifted exactly 500 years ago to Pope Leo X's nephew. The book was collected from the best composers of the Renaissance, and stands the test of time due to the stunning nature of the vocal music.

 

These sacred compositions were written during a time of political strife and represent some of the challenges and beauty of the time.

 

You will hear voices leaping in and out of one another, a big, moving sound, per- formed by four separate ensembles who have come together to celebrate this unique collection of music.

 

Ariose, conducted by Camille Couture
UCSC Chamber Singers, conducted by Michael McGushin
San Francisco Renaissance Voices, conducted by Katherine McKee

 

Purchase Tickets

Choose Your Own Adventure Tour
State Park Henry Cowell
Join us on a guided scavenger hunt along our trails.
Date: Every Sa at 1:00pm

Choose Your Own Adventure Tour
Saturdays at 1 pm

Join us on a guided scavenger hunt along our trails. The group chooses from a selection of pre-planned walks, and then together seeks out the wonders of the woods! With our ample selection of trails, abundance of wildlife, and constantly changing seasons, no two adventures will ever be the same!

 

Meet at the Visitor Center, in the day-use area of the park located off Highway 9 in Felton. Tour is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10.

 

Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. 335-7077

Basic Bicycle Maintenance Class
The Spokesman
Learn how to fix your flat tire!
Date: The 1st Sa of every month from 10:00am to 12:00am
Ages: Free

Spokesman Bicycles Free Flat Fixing Class

 

Spokesman offers this great (and FREE) flat-fixing class. Check it out to learn how you can most efficiently change your own flat whether you're in the middle of a ride or just wanting to bust out your bike from your garage but the tires are flat.

Spokesman Bicycles, Cathcart Street, Santa Cruz, CA

http://www.spokesmanbicycles.com/events

 

Arboretum Tour of What's in bloom
Arboretum
Free guided tour with paid admission, $3
Date: Every Sa

Special Instructions: $5 for Adults and $2 for Children (6 to 17 years old), and free under 6

Join staff & docents on a tour of what's in bloom.

Free Guided Tour, 1st Saturday, every month, Free with your Arboretum admission. 

 

Admission to the Arboretum

• The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is open from 9:00 to 5:00 every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. A visit is worthwhile any time of the year.
• $5 for Adults and $2 for Children (6 to 17 years old), and free under 6.
• Free to those going only to shop at Norrie's.
• Free to UCSC students
• Free to Friends of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum members and Arboretum volunteers
• Free to members of gardens participating in the American Horticulture Society (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions Program
• Free on first Tuesday of each month, Community Day.
• Docent-lead tours can be arranged by advance request. The $10 per person cost includes admission to the Arboretum.

 

Morning in the Kindergarten
Santa Cruz Waldorf School
Morning in the Kindergarten - Come visit with your 4-5 year old.
Date: 03/03/2018 from 10:00am to 12:00pm

Morning in the Kindergarten

Children 4 to 5 years old are warmly invited to experience a morning in the kindergarten while parents meet our teachers and learn about our approach to early childhood. Kindergarten visits are on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on the following dates:

 

February 10, 2018
March 3rd, 2018

 

RSVP by calling 831-824-2161 or emailing enrollment@santacruzwaldorf.org Space is limited.

 

Diversity Youth Mural Celebration
The Diversity Center
Ceremonial ribbon cutting at new diversity mural
Date: 03/03/2018 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Ages: all Admission Fees: none
Special Instructions: na

A new public mural, "Unify, Decolonize, Thrive" has joined our vibrant community and we invite you all to celebrate with us for a ceremonious ribbon cutting and reception. This youth-inspired art, designed by local muralists Emmanuel Garcia
and Oliver Whitcroft, represents the past, present, and future of marginalized people - transitioning from a challenging history to a hopeful and thriving future where everyone is included and valued.

Tales to Tails - Central
Library Central
Date: Every Sa from 10:00am to 11:30am
Admission Fees: Free

Tales to Tails - Downtown (10:00 AM-11:30 AM)

Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud. Children have individual 20-minute time slots to sit with a dog and read.

 

Contact pro@santacruzpl.org or 831.427.7717 to reserve a spot.

View similar upcoming events: Programs for Kids, Early Literacy, Tales to Tails

Monterey Contra Dance
Monterey Country Dance Community
Join us for a fun evening of dancing
Date: The 1st Sa of every month from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Special Instructions: Check website for verifying dates

Monterey Country Dance Community holds contra dances most first and third Saturdays (in December, our dances may vary due to the holiday season) at the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, at 600 Camino El Estero in Monterey, unless otherwise noted in our schedules and calendars.  Come alone or bring a friend - beginners are always welcome!  If you'd like to support MCDC, please consider becoming a Member (a minimum $25/year sponsorship helps us to continue these wonderful dances).

 

Schedule: 6:40pm Newcomers' Orientation

• 7pm to 10pm Contra Dance

Admission Prices for regular dances:

• $12 for nonmembers (of any sister organization)
• $10 for members of MCDC or sister organization (including BACDS & CDSS)
• $5 for full-time students and active military, with ID

Check out our Calendar for details and dates. 

Not sure what Contra Dance is?
See videos and learn more by checking out our About Contra Dance page. If you're feeling nervous about learning how to contra dance, we even have links to beginning dancers' training videos on YouTube - they are a wonderful help, though nothing replaces dancing as a way to learn.
Please be aware that some of our dancers are sensitive to fragrances - we respectfully request that everyone please be thoughtful and not use products with fragrance prior to a contra dance.  Thank you!

Redwood Tours
State Park Henry Cowell
One of our knowledgeable and friendly docents will lead you through the wondrous old growth forest and answer any questions you
Date: Every Sa at 12:00pm
Admission Fees: Day-use parking fee is $10

Old-Growth Redwood Tours                                                                                  

Saturdays at noon

Are there different kinds of redwoods? How do coastal redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? Why are there so few old growth trees left?  How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable and friendly docents will lead you through the wondrous old growth forest and answer any questions you may have.

 

Meet at the visitor center. For more information, please call (831) 335-7077. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

Adult Crafts
Library Felton
Let's have some fun while also helping each other learn and grow as artists and crafters!
Date: Every Su from 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Come join us at The Felton Library for Adult Afternoon Arts and Crafts. It's every Sunday from 2-4:30pm.

 

Bring something portable that you are working on or come prepared to have fun!

 

 

Knitting @ the Library
Library Scotts Valley
Learn to knit
Date: Every Mon from 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Ages: 8 & up Admission Fees: Free

Learn to knit or bring your knitting and enjoy a friendly visit with other knitters. If you are new to knitting, please bring: needles (size 8 10" straight needles or a 24" circular needle) and one skein of worsted weight yarn in your favorite color. Ages 8-108

Live Oak Knitters
Library Live Oak
Knit, chat, learn, make new friends
Date: Every Mon from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Get together with other knitters to knit, chat, and make new friends. No registration required. The group meets every Monday from 11am- 1pm. Call 427-7711 for more information.

Exploring Big Basin
State Park Big Basin
Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, history and more on these fun, varied hikes
Date: Every 3 weeks on Tues (Sep 5-Feb 26) from 9:30am to 2:30am
Admission Fees: Free

Exploring Big Basin

Tuesdays at 9:30am

Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, geology, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

Play & Talk! Play Group
Live Oak Family Resource Center
Date: Every Wed from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Ages: Toddlers 18-30 months & Parents

Toddlers (18-30 months) & Parents Support Classes combine the elements of a playgroup, support group and a chance to learn more about your child's development.  Come meet other parents and children, observe and discuss child development and build confidence in your parenting skills.  Enjoy seeing your child interact with other children and explore an environment set-up with them in mind.  Classes are facilitated by experienced and friendly teachers.

Open Campus
St. Abraham's Classical Christian Academy
Visit classrooms, meet the headmaster, ask questions!
Date: 03/07/2018 at 9:00am

Special Instructions: 9am, 12:30pm, 4pm

One-on-One Tech Tutoring
Library Aptos
A tech savvy librarian will provide instruction in the use of a wide range of technology services
Date: Every Wed from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Admission Fees: Free

One-on-One Tech Tutoring

Trying to play with technology and getting frustrated? A tech savvy librarian will provide instruction in the use of a wide range of technology services: How to use free downloadable content available from your library in a number of formats (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming video) Introduction to SCPL databases (i.e. Consumer Reports, Community Information, etc...) Creating an email account Downloading and attaching files Word processing direction and support.

 

Drop-in weekly appointments, 20 minute slots available. To best support learning, please bring the following items: devices (i.e., laptops, tablets, and/or smartphones), necessary passwords (Google Play, App Store), and library card!

 

First-come, First-served. FREE

Linscott Charter School 2018-19 Open Application
Linscott Charter School
2018-19 Linscott Charter School Open Application/Parent Academy
Date: Every weekday (Mar 7-Mar 14)
Ages: Kindergarten - 8th Grade Admission Fees: free
Special Instructions: 3/7/18, 4:30pm or 3/14/18, 6:30pm

2018-19 Open Application & Parent Academy. Applications will be accepted between 1/16/18-3/16/18.

 

Completed applications must include two forms of address verification. MANDATORY Parent Academy for ALL new applicants and ALL 2017-18 current wait list students.

Attend either 3/7/18 at 4:30pm or 3/14/18 at 6:30pm. Must sign in to meeting to verify attendance to be included in the 2018-19 lottery and also remain on the wait list from 2017-18. Please visit our Enrollment page on our website for further information.

English Country Dance
English Country Dancing
It's really, really fun!
Date: The 2nd Th of every month from 7:00pm to 9:30pm

Ten Reasons to Go English Country Dancing

1   It’s Really, Really Fun.

2  It’s Easy: If you can count and skip and tell your right hand from your left, you can begin doing the easy dances immediately. This form of dance does not require fancy footwork or a high level of coordination. This is an excellent place to learn, even if you’ve never done any folk dancing. Beginners are very welcome.

3  It’s Social: The level of interaction that occurs between all the dancers in the set make this a very social dance form. Singles or partners are welcome. This is a very friendly community, and a great way to meet new people.

4  It’s Good Exercise: How many calories did you burn the last time you watched a TV show? Yeah, that’s what we thought. Although English country dancing is not as strenuous as a workout at the gym, it does a whole lot more for your health than a sitcom and a bag of potato chips. It’s a good, light exercise.

5  It’s Casual: We are not a performance troupe, so our goal is not to make the dances look perfect. Our goal is to have fun, and we can do that without requiring technical perfection. Come as you are, wear casual clothes, relax and enjoy it.

6  It’s Low-Tech: Tired of staring at a computer screen all day? So are we. Come dance with us! We won’t require you to look at a computer screen all night. We promise!

7  Indulge Your Inner Anglophile: Come on, you know you want to.

8  It’s Good Clean Fun: Although English country dance has been known to lead to Renaissance Faire addiction, apart from that, it’s totally harmless. (Actually, we love our local Renaissance Faire, especially the Newcastle Country Dancers.)

9 It Brings Together People of All Ages: This form of entertainment appeals to a wide range of ages, which helps bridge the gap between generations. Whether you’re a teen, a septuagenarian, or someone in between, there’s a place here for you.

10  Did We Mention That It’s Really, Really Fun?

 

Dance Schedule

Come dance with us! We usually meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, from 7:00—9:30 p.m., at Peace United Church (upper hall), 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, California. (We meet on only the second Thursday in November and December.)

Walk Through the Grades
Santa Cruz Waldorf School
Come See Why Waldorf Works
Date: 03/08/2018 from 8:30am to 10:30am

Join us for a guided tour through the grades classrooms followed by time for questions. Adults only please.

 

Santa Cruz Waldorf School honors students' individual development and capacities, and nurtures a love of learning through our rich curriculum inspired by Rudolf Steiner. At our rural, forested campus, our community, led by creative Waldorf-trained teachers, encourages the protection of childhood and respect for all life.

 

Santa Cruz Waldorf School cultivates self-directed, empathetic and free-thinking individuals with the courage and capacities to serve an ever-evolving humanity.

 

Avenue Q School Edition
PVHS/WHS Drama
Tony Award Winning puppet-filled comedy (PG)
Date: Every day (Mar 8-Mar 18)
Admission Fees: $7 & $10

Avenue Q School Edition

3/8-3/10 & 3/15-3/17 @ 7:00 pm and 3/11 & 3/18 @ 2:00 pm

 

PVHS/WHS Drama present their performance of this Tony Award Winning puppet-filled comedy about a recent college grad who moves into an apartment in a neighborhood that's a bit out of the ordinary. This play has been adapted for high school performances and is rated PG13.

 

Step Parents Support Group
Live Oak Family Resource Center
Drop-in support group for anyone in the step-parenting role.
Date: The 2nd Th of every month at 6:30pm

Step Parents Support Group 6:30pm. Join us on the second Thursday of each month for a free, drop-in support group for anyone in the step-parenting role. We meet at Live Oak Family Resource Center. Contact mailto: 1notsoevilstepmom@gmail.com for more information

Volunteer in California's Oldest State Park!
State Park Big Basin
We need volunteers!
Date: The 2nd Sa of every month from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Volunteer with the Trail Crew Saturdays

Since 1969 the Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew has helped make it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park. The Trail Crew meets the second Saturday of each month, rain or shine. A typical workday lasts until mid-afternoon. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch and water. Join us for a unique perspective of Big Basin, a lively and productive experience with others who share a love of these redwood forests, and the satisfaction of participating in a vital part of the park's ability to educate and inspire the public! Meet at Park Headquarters.

2018 Santa Cruz Polar Plunge
Special Olympics
Plunge in, raise funds for charity!
Date: 03/10/2018 at 10:00am

2018 Santa Cruz Polar Plunge

 

10:00 am - Registration opens and pre-plunge games begin
11:30 am - Costume contest
12 noon - Plunge
12:30 - Lunch and awards

 

Well first of all, the Plunge is NOT a swim. The Plunge is a crazy fundraising event where people raise a minimum of $125 for the opportunity to run into and out of chilly waters of the Rio Del Mar Beach, along with other brave souls with warm hearts.  In fact, if you don't want to Feel the Thrill of the Chill, just register as a chicken.  You'll be excused from Plunging but still enjoy all the festivities and incentive rewards that our Plungers receive.  

New this year - THE PUPPY PLUNGE! 

You heard right!  For the first time you are invited to bring your furry four legged friend to plunge with you.   For just a $15 registration fee, your pup can hit the water right along beside you.  Not only that, but we are going to have a costume contest just for them.  The winner of the best dog costume will receive their very own box of Milk Bones!  It doesn't get any better than that - right?  Only those dogs officially registered with a Plunger will be permitted in the Plunge area and allowed in the water.  Plungers must raise a minimum of $125 (in addition to the $15 registration fee) in order to participate. 

 

REGISTER NOW!

Santa Cruz Music Festival
Santa Cruz Music Festival
SCMF takes over Pacific Avenue and the Downtown Area for an experience fun for the whole family!
Date: Every day (Mar 10-Mar 11) from 12:00pm to 2:00am

Santa Cruz Music Festival

 

Breakout your brightest attire and get the festival family together because the Santa Cruz Music Festival returns March 10th and 11th! For two days SCMF takes over Pacific Avenue and the Downtown Area for an experience fun for the whole family! Celebrating its fifth anniversary, SCMF is the premiere Bay Area music festival featuring musicians and artists-along with societal movers and shakers-from Santa Cruz and beyond!

 

Photo by Raymond Yu

 

FULL EXPERIENCE PASS - 18+
This pass will give the holder access to ALL PARTICIPATING VENUES including the Civic Auditorium (21+ age restrictions apply to the other venues). THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM WILL BE THE ONLY VENUE that any under 21-year-olds can go to after 10:00pm on Saturday (3/10/18) and Sunday (3/11/18).

 

LOCALS' PASS - 21+
This pass will give the holder access to these local venues (Motiv, The Blue Lagoon, Rosie McCann's, Museum of Art & History & Cafe Mare). THIS PASS WILL NOT GIVE THE HOLDER ACCESS TO THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM. All the above venues will be 21+ after 10:00pm on both Saturday (3/10/18) & Sunday (3/11/18). Due to this, the Locals' Pass will only be sold to those over 21.

 

Venues:

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History San Lorenzo Park MOTIV The Blue Lagoon

Cafe Mare Tannery Arts Center Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant - Santa Cruz 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall Streetlight Records-Santa Cruz

Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz Abbott Square Market Poet Patriot Felix Kulpa Gallery & Sculpture Garden Village Yoga Santa Cruz

 

Tickets: http://ticketf.ly/2ktJ7OA

Second Saturday on the Farm
Ag History Project
Join us for demonstrations using antique farm equipment, crafts, farm animals, wooden cow milking, water pumps, learning to driv
Date: The 2nd Sa of every month from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: $2/person Kids under 1 are free

Every month we produce a 2nd Saturday on the Farm, a family event that focuses on a particular area of agriculture each month. Visitors can participate in the regular activities of the Ag History Project plus others related to the day's special focus. We host over 2,500 visitors each year at 2nd Saturday on the Farm.

 

We have created some unique interactive educational activities to help you have fun learning about past agricultural practices. What we like to call our "usual" activities include:

• Wooden cow milking: we have life-size wooden cows with rubber teats that help you learn how to milk a cow.
• Kid-driven tractor: we retrofitted a John Deere tractor so that anyone can learn to drive it. You sit in the seat and control the steering wheel while a trained volunteer stands on a platform to your right to controls the speed. We even have space for a parent or friend to stand to your left and enjoy the ride.
• We are currently working on creating a stationary tractor that you can drive down a crop row and the computer screen in front of you displays how well you are handling the tractor.

The Magic of Honey Bees
Hive & Hum
Discover how to be a steward and an ally to these wonderful winged creatures
Date: 03/11/2018
Admission Fees: $45

All are invited to this informative class about the magic of Honey Bees. Emily Bondor will share her knowledge and expertise in apiculture, share honey and other products of the hive and discuss how bees live and work together as a superorganism. Whether you are a seasoned beekeeper or have little to no knowledge of Honey Bees, you will leave this class with new perspectives and ideas. Come discover how to be a steward and an ally to these wonderful winged creatures!

In 2013, while on Maui while pursuing a permaculture design internship, Emily discovered her love for honey bees. Before long, she found herself rearing queen bees for the Maui Queen Bee Company. Emily began work as an Associate Apiculturalist for the Napa Valley Bee Company in 2014 and continues that work on a part-time basis. In 2015 she founded the Santa Cruz Bee Company. Through SCBC, Emily mentors beginning beekeepers on seasonal, treatment-free practices and provides consultation to apiaries throughout the SF and Monterey Bay areas. Additionally, Emily continues to raise queens in collaboration with local breeders, teaches beekeeping classes through the Cabrillo College Extension and other community outlets and is the president of the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild.

Scotts Valley 4-H Club Meeting
Scotts Valley 4-H Club
Join Scotts Valley 4-H Club
Date: 03/12/2018 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Ages: 5-18 Admission Fees: 0

Come visit our club meeting to learn more about the 4-H Youth Development Program.

New Mommy Musical Meet-UP
MusicalMe, Inc
Join us every 2nd Monday for our "New Mommy Musical Meet-Up"!
Date: The 2nd Mon of every month from 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Ages: birth - 12months Admission Fees: FREE!

Meet and mingle with new mothers just like you, share parenting ideas and make Music Together^® alongside your babies while learning lifelong parenting tips at the monthly New Mommy Musical MeetUp (Daddies and other loving adults are welcome too!).

 

Bring your baby (under a year old) and enjoy making friends and drawings for prizes while a certified Music Together teacher leads a short music making session geared specifically to babies.

 

Join us every 2nd Monday @ 239 High Street, Santa Cruz. 

 

https://www.meetup.com/New-Mommy-Musical-Meetup/events/246692123/

Questions?  831-438-3514 or sky@musicalme.com

Santa Cruz Young Makers Club
Library Central
Newcomers welcome!
Date: The 2nd Tues of every month (Feb 13-May 29) from 3:45pm to 5:30pm
Ages: 6yrs & up Admission Fees: Free

A flexible club bringing together a community of young people with mentors and a space to make. Participants work together to design and create a youth-chosen project. The club is lead by Sasha, a young maker mentor, who has been on panels at Intel, Pearson Learning, Pixar and Bay Area Maker Faire, and Young Makers.

 

She has won awards at Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship and Santa Cruz County Science & Engineering Fair. She was recently published in National Geographic Magazine January 2017 issue. Club meets the second Tuesday of each month, February through May. Registration required. Call 831-427-7717 or email pro@santacruzpl.org.

AUTISM SPECTRUM SUPPORT GROUP
SPIN
Meet with other parents for support, networking and information
Date: The 2nd Tues of every month from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Admission Fees: Free

AUTISM SPECTRUM SUPPORT GROUP
This group is for parents to share space with each other, to support each other and to problem solve challenges together!

Meets the second Tuesday of each month at Hope Services- 220 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Email Heidi at hlister@spinsc.org for more information.

 

Campus Tour
Mount Madonna School
Come visit Mount Madonna School
Date: 03/14/2018 from 9:30am to 11:30am
Ages: All with school-age children Admission Fees: Free

Small classes and learning that goes beyond the classroom walls, Montessori-influenced Pre/K and college prep 1st-12th grades. Featuring hands-on science labs, outdoor adventure, travel, marine biology studies on Catalina Island, buddy program, visual and performing arts. Contact Benna Dimig at 408-846-4042 or admissions@mountmadonna.org

Iris Farm Show and Sale
Brook Lomond Iris Gardens
Bearded Irises smell and look amazing, and are drought tolerant, as well as deer- and gopher-resistant. What more could you ask
Date: Every day (Mar 14-Apr 8)

Iris Farm Sale and Show

Bearded Irises smell and look amazing, and are drought tolerant, as well as deer- and gopher-resistant. What more could you ask for from a little plant? Brook Lomond Iris Gardens is opening their doors to the public for two weekends, and will be selling them along with other certified organic irises and holding demonstrations on plant care. This is prime blooming season for bearded irises, so if you don't have any Mother's Day plans (or forgot about it altogether) grab your mama and head on down.

 

INFO: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and 12, Sunday May 6 and 13. Brook Lomond Iris Farm.

Women by Women Film Series
Watsonville Film Series
Join us for a series of powerful films by and about women!
Date: The 2nd Th of every month (Mar 8-Jun 14) at 7:00pm
Admission Fees: Tickets $8 at the door, unless otherwise noted. Youth under 18 free

Join us for a series of powerful films by and about women!

Each screening will feature community discussions with special guests. All films presented at Appleton Event Lounge, 410 Rodriguez St., Watsonville, at 7PM on the second Thursday of each month, March through June.

Tickets $8 at the door, unless otherwise noted. Youth under 18 free.

Thursday March 8, International Women's Day
SHE'S BEAUTIFUL WHEN SHE'S ANGRY
Community conversation on local women's history & current issues led by special guests. Free screening, donations accepted.
This must-see documentary film resurrects the buried history of the courageous & outrageous women who founded the modern Feminist Movement from 1966 to 1971. The documentary takes us from the founding of NOW, to the emergence of more radical factions of women's liberation. Artfully combining dramatizations, performance and archival imagery, the film recounts the stories of women who fought for their own equality, and in the process created a world-wide revolution.

Thursday, April 12
PINK SARIS & LAAL PARI
Special Guest: Director Sadia Halima
"A girl's life is cruel... A woman's life is very cruel," notes Sampat Pal, the protagonist of PINK SARIS. Sampat was married as a young girl into a family that made her work hard and beat her. But she fought back, leaving her in-laws and eventually becoming a champion for young women in Uttar Pradesh. These young women, frightened and desperate, reach out for their only hope: Sampat Pal and her Gulabi Gang, India's vigilantes in pink. A film by Sundance award-winning director Kim Longinotto.

Accompanying Short Film: LAAL PARI (The Red Fairy)
Laal Pari is a self-motivated, self-taught, elected village council leader in Bihar, India, who is fighting to change the playing field for women's participation in politics.

Thursday, May 10
NO MÁS BEBÉS (No More Babies)
Special guest: Director Renee Tajima-Peña
In NO MAS BEBES, Oscar® nominated Director Renee Tajima-Peña reveals the story of Mexican immigrant mothers who were pushed into sterilizations while giving birth at Los Angeles County Hospital during the 1960s and '70s. Alongside an intrepid, 26-year-old Chicana lawyer and a young, whistle-blowing doctor, the mothers mounted a landmark civil rights lawsuit that is seminal to the movement for reproductive justice.


Thursday, June 14, Monterey Bay Premiere:
ADIÓS AMOR
Special Guest: Director Laurie Coyle
The discovery of forgotten photographs prompts a search for an unsung heroine: Maria Moreno, a migrant mother with twelve children who led a movement for farmworker rights years before Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta launched the UFW. ADIOS AMOR tells a personal story with national resonance about the migrant workers who put food on our tables, and explores enduring questions about whose lives we remember, record and recognize.

Trivia on Tap
Library Central & Scotts Valley
Bring your friends, form a team (or take it on solo), and compete against other groups to win the grand prize.
Date: The 3rd Th of every month from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Trivia on Tap
Join Santa Cruz Public Libraries as we host a bimonthly trivia night at Steel Bonnet Brewing Company in Scotts Valley. Bring your friends, form a team (or take it on solo), and compete against other groups to win the grand prize. Event occurs 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.

 

Note: Special Theme: Film and Television

Monterey Contra Dance
Monterey Country Dance Community
Join us for a fun evening of dancing
Date: The 3rd Sa of every month from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Special Instructions: Check website for verifying dates

Monterey Country Dance Community holds contra dances most first and third Saturdays (in December, our dances may vary due to the holiday season) at the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, at 600 Camino El Estero in Monterey, unless otherwise noted in our schedules and calendars.  Come alone or bring a friend - beginners are always welcome!  If you'd like to support MCDC, please consider becoming a Member (a minimum $25/year sponsorship helps us to continue these wonderful dances).

 

Schedule: 6:40pm Newcomers' Orientation

• 7pm to 10pm Contra Dance

Admission Prices for regular dances:

• $12 for nonmembers (of any sister organization)
• $10 for members of MCDC or sister organization (including BACDS & CDSS)
• $5 for full-time students and active military, with ID

Check out our Calendar for details and dates. 

Not sure what Contra Dance is?
See videos and learn more by checking out our About Contra Dance page. If you're feeling nervous about learning how to contra dance, we even have links to beginning dancers' training videos on YouTube - they are a wonderful help, though nothing replaces dancing as a way to learn.
Please be aware that some of our dancers are sensitive to fragrances - we respectfully request that everyone please be thoughtful and not use products with fragrance prior to a contra dance.  Thank you!

All Disabilities Parent Support Group
SPIN
'All Disabilities' Parent Support Group
Date: The 3rd Sa of every month from 10:00am to 12:00pm

'All Disabilities' Parent Support Group for any parent of a child with any type of disability
Meets the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am-12pm at 820 Bay Ave. Capitola
Like our Facebook page and receive info. on up coming meetings.

For more info or to RSVP, please call and leave a message at 423-7713 or email Heidi Lister at hlister@spinsc.org

NOTE: Child care is NOT provided at these meetings.

Book Sale at Aptos Library
Library Aptos
Support your libraries by coming to the Aptos Book Sale and finding new life-changing books
Date: The 3rd Sa of every month from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Ages: 6yrs & up Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: January-July and September-October

Monthly Book Sale @ Aptos Branch: 3rd Saturday of every month, 11 AM - 3 PM

Come browse a wide ranging collection from fiction to children's books, audio books to CD's. Our non-fiction covers subjects from A-Z: cookbooks, gardening, health & well-being, poetry, and travel among a myriad of other subject areas. Join us on Saturdays in the Aptos Library meeting room as the Aptos Chapter of the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (Aptos FSCPL) hosts monthly book sales throughout the year (January-July and September-October). The books and media sold are selected from library donations.

 

Money Matters Financial Literacy Series
Library Scotts Valley
Sunnyside Up How to Crack Your Retirement Nest Egg
Date: The 3rd Sa of every month (Sep 16-May 19) from 10:00am to 11:00am
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Money Matters Financial Literacy Series
Start to develop a better understanding of how to manage your personal finances. Learn about a different topic on the 3rd Saturday of each month with George Haas and Anthony Rovai, financial advisers at Money Concepts Capital Corporation. Start getting your personal finances in shape. The series starts on September 16th and runs through May.

Note: Sunnyside Up How to Crack Your Retirement Nest Egg

 

Basic Bicycle Maintenance Class
The Spokesman
Learn how to fix your flat tire!
Date: The 3rd Sa of every month from 10:00am to 12:00am
Ages: Free

Spokesman Bicycles Free Maintenance Class

3rd Saturday of every month, 10AM

Spokesman Bicycles, Cathcart Street, Santa Cruz, CA

http://www.spokesmanbicycles.com/events

 

DATE NIGHT: Homebrewing
Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project
Get a chance to sample some more traditional beers and wines, as well as unique items like plum port, loquat amaretto, olalliebe
Date: 03/17/2018 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Admission Fees: free

Bubbling away under stairways, in closets, or in forsaken corners of the garage, all across the County an ancient tradition lives on: that sacred collaboration between man and microbe that converts sugars into alcohol. On Saturday, March 17th, the Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project is hosting an event celebrating this wondrous art.

We are pleased to announce our sixth annual DIYine event (pronounced "D I Wine"), a tasting event featuring samples of homemade fruit wines, beers, meads, and soft drinks. In addition to being a fun event, it's our biggest fund raiser of the year, with all proceeds going to support the Fruit Tree Project.

Get a chance to sample some more traditional beers and wines, as well as unique items like plum port, loquat amaretto, olallieberry wine, and rhubarb-raisin sherry. We'll also have a selection of soft drinks like kefir, kombucha, and our famous Breath of Fire ginger ale.

The event will also include hors d'oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction. Many of the items on the menu are made with fruit gleaned in our backyard harvest program.

To inquire about sharing your own beverages or donating to the silent auction, contact us at fruittreesc@gmail.com.

TICKETS are sliding scale: $20-50 in advance, minimum $25 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project. Advance sales are through our website.

Thanks to our event co-sponsor Mountain Feed & Farm Supply, your local resource for food preservation and home brew supplies.

Cleanup Beaches with Save Our Shores
Save Our Shores
Join us for fun, free, easy way to give back to your community by keeping pollution from entering the Monterey Bay National Mari
Date: The 3rd Sa of every month from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Ages: All ages welcomed!

Visit our Cleanup & Events Calendar to find the next volunteer opportunity

 

Monthly beach cleanups are a fun, free, easy way to give back to your community by keeping pollution from entering the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It's easy to participate - just meet us at the check-in table where you'll sign a waiver form and receive your cleanup materials and data cards. Volunteers are encouraged to Bring Your Own buckets, gloves, and reusable bags to decrease trash. Beach cleanups demonstrate how individuals of all ages can protect the marine environment by keeping our coastlines free from harmful pollution and debris.

 

Locations rotate each month.  Monthly beach cleanups occur every 2nd Saturday of the month in Monterey County every 3rd Saturday of the month in Santa Cruz County.

All monthly beach cleanups are held from 10am to Noon.

Beach Cleanup Waiver Forms: All participants must sign a waiver form to participate in a SOS cleanup. SOS will provide waiver forms at all public cleanups. Volunteers under 18 participating without a legal guardian will need to bring a printed and signed waiver form with them. *Download the English Cleanup-Waiver-form here. *Download the Cleanup-Waiver-form_Spanish here.

 

For more information, contact cleanup@saveourshores.org.

 

Genealogy Research Group
Library La Selva Beach
Interested in genealogy? At a dead-end? Have a new source to share? Join us
Date: The 3rd Wed of every month from 10:30am to 12:00pm
Admission Fees: free

Genealogy Research Group

 

This new group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month to explore genealogy related research topics. Learn how to use the resources paid for by the library as well as other online sources to find all kinds of genealogical information. Laptops are provided, and you are welcome to bring your own as well.

 

Interested in genealogy? At a dead-end? Have a new source to share? Join us the 3rd Wednesday of the month for hands-on research using the library's databases and internet resources. We will have laptops available for your use.

Does your child enjoy art? Science?
Library Scotts Valley
Kids ages 6-10 are invited to craft with Anna and learn about the relationship between art and science.
Date: The 3rd Wed of every month (Jan 17-May 16) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Admission Fees: free

Peer Led STEAM

Does your child enjoy art? Science?

CASE stands for Creative, Artistic, Scientific, Expressive

Kids ages 6-10 are invited to craft with Anna and learn about the relationship between art and science. The goal is to involve kids in art using their own creativity. Parents are welcome to observe and learn but the art is for the kids.

Starts January 17

• Every 3rd Wednesday of the month

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Scotts Valley Library • 251 Kings Village Rd.

 

At the first class kids will experiment with Zentangle Snowflakes. Every class will involve art and the science behind the art.

 

Anna is a junior at Scotts Valley High School. She has fond memories of the art and craft classes at Scotts Valley Library when she was younger and wants to replicate those memories for other Scotts Valley kids.

Better Choices, Better Health
Library Branciforte
Date: Every Th from 10:00am to 12:30pm

Better Choices, Better Health Workshop (10:00 AM-12:30 PM)

A free 6-week series of educational workshops in partnership with The Health Trust offers peer counseling and support for persons living with the challenges of ongoing health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. Learn about stress management, dealing with pain and fatigue, weight management and decision-making.

 

Workshops are designed to be engaging and fun. For more information call 408-961-9877 or email bcbh@healthtrust.org Pre-registration required

 

English Country Dance
English Country Dancing
It's really, really fun!
Date: The 4th Th of every month from 7:00pm to 9:30pm

Ten Reasons to Go English Country Dancing

1   It’s Really, Really Fun.

2  It’s Easy: If you can count and skip and tell your right hand from your left, you can begin doing the easy dances immediately. This form of dance does not require fancy footwork or a high level of coordination. This is an excellent place to learn, even if you’ve never done any folk dancing. Beginners are very welcome.

3  It’s Social: The level of interaction that occurs between all the dancers in the set make this a very social dance form. Singles or partners are welcome. This is a very friendly community, and a great way to meet new people.

4  It’s Good Exercise: How many calories did you burn the last time you watched a TV show? Yeah, that’s what we thought. Although English country dancing is not as strenuous as a workout at the gym, it does a whole lot more for your health than a sitcom and a bag of potato chips. It’s a good, light exercise.

5  It’s Casual: We are not a performance troupe, so our goal is not to make the dances look perfect. Our goal is to have fun, and we can do that without requiring technical perfection. Come as you are, wear casual clothes, relax and enjoy it.

6  It’s Low-Tech: Tired of staring at a computer screen all day? So are we. Come dance with us! We won’t require you to look at a computer screen all night. We promise!

7  Indulge Your Inner Anglophile: Come on, you know you want to.

8  It’s Good Clean Fun: Although English country dance has been known to lead to Renaissance Faire addiction, apart from that, it’s totally harmless. (Actually, we love our local Renaissance Faire, especially the Newcastle Country Dancers.)

9 It Brings Together People of All Ages: This form of entertainment appeals to a wide range of ages, which helps bridge the gap between generations. Whether you’re a teen, a septuagenarian, or someone in between, there’s a place here for you.

10  Did We Mention That It’s Really, Really Fun?

 

Dance Schedule

Come dance with us! We usually meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, from 7:00—9:30 p.m., at Peace United Church (upper hall), 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, California. (We meet on only the second Thursday in November and December.)

Operation Surf
Amazing Surf Adventures
This event is held in support of the men and women whom have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom.
Date: Every day (Mar 22-Mar 27)

Special Instructions: Check locations

Amazing Surf Adventures is excited to announce  Operation Surf Santa Cruz, taking place March 22 - 27, 2018!

This event is held in support of the men and women whom have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. Severely wounded active duty and veteran service members from various branches of the U.S. military who served in Afghanistan and Iraq will take part in an epic, life-changing experience at beaches across the Santa Cruz coast.

Through the healing power of the ocean and surfing, these wounded heroes, to whom we owe so much, will overcome challenges and build a new understanding of their personal potential.

 

Location:

March 22 - 25 Capitola Beach
March 26-27 Cowells Beach, Santa Cruz Date/Time Information: March 22 - 27

Science Festival
Santa Cruz Learning Center
Experiments, hand on activities, 3-D printing, a bounce house and raffle prizes
Date: 03/23/2018 at 4:00pm

Santa Cruz Learning Center presents our FIFTH ANNUAL Science Festival!

 

This is a free event!

 

There will be food, experiments, hand on activities, 3-D printing, a bounce house and raffle prizes!

 

Come check us out and please share this information with your friends and family and we will see you soon!

Outrageous Outgrowns
Outrageous Outgrowns
Bay Area's Largest Children's Consignment Event
Date: Every day (Mar 23-Mar 25)
Ages: All Admission Fees: free to attend
Special Instructions: Fairgrounds charges $5 parking w/voucher found on our website

We have everything you need from Maternity to teen at a fraction of retail prices. Thousands of items neatly organized - just like shopping at your favorite store. We have clothes, toys, shoes, baby gear, games, puzzles and so much more!!!

A Night at the Museum
Explore MCP
Fun night out plus your admission is a tax-deductible donation to help kids with special learning needs
Date: 03/24/2018 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Ages: Adult Admission Fees: $75

Enjoy live jazz, gourmet food and local wines and beers while exploring the galleries and wonders of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History-all included in the price of admission. Rare auction purchase opportunities will be featured thanks to many kind donations.

Prints on display during the event guests are invited to explore California's coastal edge through prints by woodcut artist Tom Killion alongside poems selected by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Gary Snyder. A print donated by Killion will be auctioned at the event.

Silent and live auction opportunities include 40 yard-line tickets for the San Francisco 49ers, one week stay at a breathtaking beachside home in Maui, gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses and more!

A tax-deductible donation of $75 per person is requested. Tickets available at exploremcp.org. Proceeds benefit kids with special learning needs.

Urban Farm Day
Live Oak Grange
Play with baby goats, enjoy hyper-local food and drink, shop for plant starts for your garden and arts and crafts, enjoy worksho
Date: The 4th Sa of every month from 8:00am to 9:00am
Ages: All

Join us to celebrate local urban farming! Play with baby goats, enjoy hyper-local food and drink, shop for plant starts for your garden and arts and crafts, enjoy workshops and live music, demos, and a tour of the Grange. There's something for the whole family!

You'll find the veggie and flower starts you need for your garden, both well-loved favorites and unique heirlooms, as well as local arts, crafts, gems and flea market items.

Enjoy organic nachos with farm fresh toppings raised and grown by Grange members, local drinks, coffee and deserts.

Play with baby goats! Goat milking demo!

Workshops:
Raising Backyard Chickens: 11:00am
Home Composting Workshop: 11:00am and 1:00pm
Pollinator/Butterfly Garden Workshop: tbd

Take a tour of the gardens, orchard and chicken coop at the historic Live Oak Grange

Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions!

Funds raised will benefit the community gardens, which preserve local tradition and provide opportunities for urban farming, and our Hall Renovation Fund to preserve our 80+ year old Grange Hall!

Harp Festival
Community Music School
Santa Cruz Harp Festival - modern and historic music from all over the world on harps of all kinds
Date: 03/25/2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Ages: all Admission Fees: free
Special Instructions: donations gratefully accepted

Community Music School and the Museum of Art and History present the Santa Cruz Harp Festival in it's 13th concert event, exploring modern and historic music from all over the world on harps of all kinds.

Soloists include: Harp Festival director Jesse Autumn, returning from New Orleans to play double harp and vocals; Santa Cruz County's 2017 Artist of the Year Shelley Phillips, on Celtic harp and woodwinds; premier classical harpist of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay, Jennifer Cass; and Community Music School alumni harpist/singer-songwriter Heather Monahan, celebrating the release of her first EP of original songs, "The High School Demo Tape".

Also performing: the all-ages Community Music School Harp Orchestra, playing traditional and new music from England, Ireland, Zimbabwe and New Orleans.

A harp "petting zoo" will be available at intermission for curious concert-goers.

The MAH will offer a free interactive harp art project from 11am-1pm, with the concert beginning at 2pm.

Admission is free - donations are greatly appreciated and support Harp Festival artists and teachers. Community Music School is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization.

 

Traffic Safety Presentation
Santa Cruz Police
Distracted Driving & Walking: Cause, Effect & Solutions - Bring your teens to this!!
Date: 03/28/2018 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Chief Mills invites the community to SCPD Street Smarts Traffic Safety Presentation: Distracted Driving & Walking: Cause, Effect & Solutions on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Santa Cruz Police Community Room from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.

 

The SCPD traffic presentation examines distracted driving and walking as well as solutions to address such behavior. Distracted driving and walking have become increasingly serious concerns with the popularity of cell phones and smartphones. Studies have shown that drivers require more reaction time and pedestrians become less attentive to their surroundings when distracted by cell phones.

Co-presenting with SCPD is AT&T. When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait. That is the simple, yet vital message AT&T is sending drivers, particularly teens. To drive home the message and to make roads and highways safer, AT&T is bringing a virtual reality simulator to the Santa Cruz Police Department's Traffic Safety Presentation.

 

Sergeant Scott Garner, a 20 veteran officer, and traffic expert will answer questions and clarify traffic safety issues in our neighborhoods. The presentation is an SCPD community-driven approach to traffic safety education and awareness for a safer commute by focusing on issues for a more reliable traffic environment for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles.

 

Please join us Wednesday, March 28th for the Traffic Safety Presentation with Q and A. The meeting location is the Santa Cruz Police Community Room, 155 Center Street. We hope to see you there!

5 Steps to Connect: Become the CEO of your Reactions
Allison Livingston
Learn the Biology of Parenting
Date: Every Wed (Mar 28-May 2) from 9:30am to 11:00am
Ages: Parents adults Admission Fees: $100 for 5 sessions
Special Instructions: Bring a friend, split the cost

Inviting all Santa Cruz Parents! (Especially ones with challenging kids!) Starts this Wednesday 9:30am-11am 3/28 (skip 4/4) for 5 sessions. The benefit is to learn the Biology of Parenting so we don't direct our upset AT our kids when we get stressed, frustrated and overwhelmed. Instead learn the 5 Steps to Connect tools to become the CEO of our reactions so we can notice and work with them, THEN teach and connect. To Register: allison@5StepsToConnect.com
https://shoutout.wix.com/so/aM9HJO-h#/main