Santa Cruz Parent

Footloose the Musical
2025-01-18 14:00, 2025-01-17 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Colligan Theater at The Tannery, 1010 River St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Footloose the Musical
All About Theatre presents Footloose the Musical featuring a live orchestra!
7pm Shows: Fridays 7pm, January 17, 24 & Thursday, January 23; Saturdays 7pm, January 18, 25
2pm Shows: Saturdays, January 18 & 25
https://allabouttheatre.org/buy-tickets/
For ages 13-17 year olds
Colligan Theater, 1010 River Street, Santa Cruz

Nature Club
2025-01-18 13:30 - 16:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Nature Club
2nd Saturdays 1-4pm, October 12 – January 18
Join Nature Club young explorers (6th-8th grade) visiting local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Across four excursions, youth will learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and their fellow club members. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum!
Cost: $100 non-members/ $80 members per session (4 programs per session)
*Scholarships are available upon request and funding availability
Registration Deadline: October 1st
Nature Club takes place at various places including Neary Lagoon, Pogonip Open Space, and the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
Schedule:
Migration Madness & Community Science
Saturday, October 12, 1:30-4pm
Join us in exploring the wonderful wildlife at Neary Lagoon. Participants will learn how to use binoculars and identify birds as we walk a 1-mile loop around the freshwater marsh habitat. We will conduct a bird count to record the species we see and participants will learn about the community science platform eBird.
Ethnobotany & Stewardship
Saturday, November 9th, 1:30-4pm
Learn about the common native plants of Santa Cruz and their uses. Together we will explore Pogonip Open Space Preserve and look for native plants using field guides. Then, we will participate in a stewardship project to help these native plants thrive!
Tidepooling & Nature Journaling
Saturday, December 14, 1:30-4pm
Let’s go tidepooling! California King Tides are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and make for excellent tidepooling opportunities along the coast. We will explore the intertidal critters & crustaceans and document our observations with nature journaling!
Museum Deep Dive
Saturday, January 18, 1:30-4pm
This is a special opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Meet our Collections Manager for a tour of the Museum’s collections, learn about the art of writing exhibit labels, and explore the hands-on activities in the Museum. You don’t want to miss this!

Great Expectations Parenting Group for Parents and Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children
2025-01-18 13:30 - 14:30 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Great Expectations Parenting Group for Parents/Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children
3rd Saturdays, 1:30-2:30pm, April 30 – (May 17?)

Here at the Scotts Valley library, we’re hosting a parenting group for caregivers raising neurodivergent individuals with behavior challenges and delays from toddlers to teens. We will meet on the third Saturday of every month from 1:30-2:30pm.

We’ll Explore:
Autism and Neurodiversity
Behavior Challenges
Feelings as Parents
Social Norms
Compassionate Self-Care

From Third Wave ABA:
At Third Wave ABA, we’re deeply committed to helping those living with behavioral, social, and developmental challenges reach their highest potential. Our unique approach combines modern technology and compassionate care for a comprehensive wellness experience that gives families peace of mind in knowing they are truly being taken care of! We believe everyone deserves the chance to live an enriched life.

thirdwaveaba.com

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:00 | A ranch in Watsonville
READ program with Ziggy the mini
One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning November 30 and December 1

READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment.
From this, Lisa (a Reading Specialist with 25+ years of experience) works with students to build and develop strong reading skills such as: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
Since reading is a gateway to accessing information, students will likely improve in all subject areas.
In addition, their self esteem will begin to soar as they gain confidence with each reading session.
Lastly, Ziggy’s adorable, gentleness is just too cute for words. Students will fall in love with him at first sight. So, come join the fun and learn is a holistic way with Ziggy and Lisa 🙂

Where: READ program is currently hosted at a ranch in Watsonville. Also we will be visiting libraries, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes soon! Ziggy Stardust is our dwarf miniature horse and he loves reading with all age levels.
Lisa is also available to visit your horse(s) and READ with them! This social/mental stimulation provides an overall sense of well-being. They love it; see video How tab for evidence. 😉

When: For availability, more information and directions, text Lisa at (831) 227-9847

Saturdays in the Soil
2025-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Saturdays in the Soil
Third Saturdays, 10am – noon
We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It’s time to get your hands dirty! Join us and volunteer in the Museum’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington Creek.
Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to RSVP. Space is limited.
What to Expect

This project requires volunteer support with general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting.
Please let us know if you need special accommodations when you email to RSVP.
This program happens rain or shine, but we will cancel in the case of muddy conditions or inclement weather.
All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Volunteers under 18 require a parent/guardian to sign waivers.
Please follow latest guidelines for covid safety at the time of the program.

Westside Farmers Market
2025-01-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Westside Farmers Market, Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Westside Farmers Market
Saturdays 9am – 1pm, year round

The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt. This market serves the communities of the west-end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the UCSC Campus. It is just a hop, skip and a jump from Downtown.
Foodies Unite
This market is proud to have been named best market by the Santa Cruz Metro’s, “Peoples Poll” multiple times. The market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, wine, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cuisine, live local music and full espresso bar operated by up-and-coming Santa Cruz-based roaster 11th Hour Coffee.
With easy access and an abundance of free parking, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing.

K-12 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest
2025-01-18, 2025-01-17 | CA
K-12 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest
Enter by 5pm January 31
Ready to participate? Here’s what to do:

Read the Contest Guidelines
Create your art or poetry
Learn How to Enter the contest

Submit your work online by January 31, 2025 at 5:00pm, or submit by mail (see #6 in contest guidelines below)
Other things you can do:

Download contest flyer in ENGLISH or SPANISH
Check out some Teacher Resources, including brainstorming prompts and Common Core connections
Enjoy galleries of past winners and honorable mentions
Sign up for the contest mailing list.

Winners and honorable mentions will be contacted directly and announced to the public (on this website and via email) by early April.
Contest prizes provided in part by generous donations from Acorn Naturalists, Blick Art Materials, and Aquarium of the Pacific. Judging assistance provided by members of the Tabula Poetica Center for Poetry at Chapman University.
Poetry was featured in the May 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 issues of TAB, The Journal of Poetry & Poetics.
Support this contest by purchasing prints and other items featuring the artwork.
View the 2024 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest online and on exhibit at the following locations:

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2025-01-18 08:00 | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
Saturdays 8am-12pm, year round, rain or shine
Voted America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California
In 2011, 2012, and 2013 our farmers markets were voted “America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California.” Additionally, Coastal Living Magazine named the Aptos Farmers Market one of “The Coast’s Best Farmers Markets.”
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Additional Market Attractions
Professional sharpening services are available for knives and gardening tools year round.
Our other Markets: Carmel, Del Monte, Monterey

Find Your Future with the Cabrillo College IT Institute
2025-01-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
Find Your Future with the Cabrillo College IT Institute
Free ZOOM Information Meetings: 6-7pm, January 9; 17, 22
Classes begin January 31
Kick-off Your IT Career This Spring! Get a jump start on your future career in IT with Cabrillo’s new IT Institute!
This program is perfect for anyone looking to land a technical job or take the first step toward professional certification.
Learn from experienced faculty and staff who have worked in IT and get access to career resources that support your job search.
Best of all you’ll get one-on-one and group support from the IT Institute Team.

Stories from the Voting Rights Fight with Maria Gitin
2025-01-17 15:30 - 17:00 | Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
This Bright Light of Ours: Stories from the Voting Rights Fight with Maria Gitin
Friday, January 17, 3:30pm

Join SCPL in commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Civil Rights veteran and author Maria Gitin. Gitin will share her experience in the Civil Rights Movement and suggest how its successful strategies might inform our current culture. Her one-hour presentation will include historic photographs and personal stories from Gitin’s friends and co-workers. Her memoir, “This Bright Light of Ours: Stories from the Voting Rights Movement” (University of Alabama Press, 2014 and 2023), will be available for purchase and signing.
Following “Bloody Sunday” and the promised passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Civil rights organizations launched an all-out effort to register thousands of new Black voters in the Deep South. Maria Gitin was an idealistic 19-year-old college freshman at San Francisco State College who responded to Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to join the Summer Community Organizing and Political Education project (SCOPE) of the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC). After intensive training in Atlanta, Maria was assigned to work with leaders and local youth in violently segregated rural Wilcox County, Alabama. She will read from her published memoir which is the only in-depth account of the Freedom Summer of 1965 from the perspective of a teenage participant.
Bettina Aptheker, Emeritus Professor of Feminist Studies at UCSC says: “Maria Gitin’s book is a unique blend of her own story and those of the local community with whom she worked in Wilcox County in the exceptionally challenging struggle of the 1960s civil rights movement. These are powerful stories profoundly relevant for our own times.”
ABOUT MARIA GITIN
Since the first publication of “This Bright Light of Ours,” Maria Gitin has presented at numerous universities, civil rights and history museums, libraries and bookstores. She was the Martin Luther King Jr. Day keynote speaker for King County in Seattle; for the U.S. Army Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey and for the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. She was curator of a voting rights art and history exhibit at Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery and the Santa Cruz County Government Center 2018-2020.
From 1993-1999, Gitin co-led public schools training with National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) Monterey County Chapter. In Santa Cruz County, she served as President of the Emergency Food and Shelter Board, Advisor to the NAACP Kwanzaa Collective, and to Girlz Space, a program of Santa Cruz County Probation Department for in-risk girls in Watsonville. As co-founder and first co-chair of the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club, Gitin worked for many years supporting the voter registration, education, and canvassing efforts of Latino led political action in Watsonville.
For twenty-eight years she was principal of Maria Gitin & Associates, a national organizational development and diversity consulting group. She served on the Peter F. Drucker Foundation national training team, was a coach for CompassPoint’s Fundraising Academy for Communities of Color, and led training for the National Center for Nonprofit Boards, WK Kellogg, Tides and the Peter F. Drucker Foundation. She founded the Monterey Bay Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and developed a Diversity Fundraising training presented at AFP international conferences.
Projects in the Monterey Bay region included leading the founding of the Monterey YWCA domestic violence emergency shelter, directing start-up of the Carmel Public Library Foundation, and directing capital campaigns for California community health clinics including the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center. Gitin also developed strategic plans for the Pajaro Valley Health Trust, Santa Cruz Resource Conservation District, and Community Bridges, among others.
Gitin is the recipient of numerous racial justice awards in recognition for her lifetime commitment to civil rights. She is a member of the NAACP, Bay Area Civil Rights Veterans, J Street, and of Aptos Temple Beth El. She and her photographer husband, Samuel Torres Jr., live in Santa Cruz County. For more on Maria Gitin:
Visit http://www.thisbrightlightofours.com
e-mail: msgitin@mariagitin.com

Join SCPL in commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Civil Rights veteran and author Maria Gitin. Gitin will share her experience in the Civil Rights Movement and suggest how its successful strategies might inform our current culture. https://santacruzpl.libcal.com…

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2025-01-17 15:00 - 17:00 | SPCA, CA, United States
Friday Pet Food Pantry
Fridays 2-5pm
Just a friendly reminder that our Pet Food Pantry is still happening every Friday from 3-5pm!
Donate anytime!

In-Person Tech Help Felton
2025-01-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
In-Person Tech Help Felton

Fridays 2-4pm, January 17 – May 2

Are you stuck with a technology question?
One of our tech savvy staff members at the Felton Library would like to help you troubleshoot your question with a 30 minute (or less) appointment. Possible topics may include: creating an email account, creating documents, attaching files, using premium subscription library resources, downloading and streaming content like movies, books, and audiobooks, and more. Please bring any devices you use, and have your necessary passwords and library card with you.
Make an appointment: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/appointments/felton
Advance appointments are prioritized. Visit the library’s information desk or call telephone information (831-427-7713) for help making an appointment. Arriving later than 5 minutes after scheduled time may result in appointment cancellation. Walk-ins are welcome, when openings are available.
Visit the library’s Digital Learning webpage for more opportunites: https://www.santacruzpl.org/digitallearning
We look forward to helping you!

Scrabble at La Selva Beach
2025-01-17 13:00 - 14:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Scrabble La Selva Beach
August 2 – November 15, Fridays, 1 – 2pm

Did you know that PACZKI is a round filled doughnut (23 points)? Come test your vocabulary in a game of Scrabble at La Selva Beach Library.
La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave., LSB
Are you a bridge player too? The LSB Bridge Club is 10:30-12:00 on Fridays (except the 1st Friday of the month).
Questions? Call the La Selva Beach Library at 831-427-7710.

What To Do When Your Child Has a Hard Time Separating From You: Triple P Workshop for Parents
2025-01-17 12:30 - 14:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
What To Do When Your Child Has a Hard Time Separating From You
Friday, January 17, 12:30 – 2pm
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is one of the most effective evidence-based parenting programs in the world, backed by more than 35 years of ongoing research.
Triple P gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage their children’s behavior, and prevent problems from developing.
The topic for this month’s event is what to do when your child has difficulty separating from you.

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-01-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
3rd Fridays, 11am – 12:30pm, March 15 – December 20
Join us at the Aptos Branch Library for an engaging and dynamic book group experience: Bring Your Own Book (BYOB).
This innovative program encourages participants to bring along a book of their choice and share their thoughts, insights, and perspectives with fellow readers. Whether you’re passionate about fiction, non-fiction, classics, or contemporary literature, BYOB Book Group welcomes all genres and interests.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12055882
How It Works:

Choose Your Book: Select a book that you’ve recently read or have been wanting to discuss. It could be a novel, biography, memoir, poetry collection, or any other genre that interests you.
Bring Your Book: Arrive at the library with your chosen book in hand. Make sure it’s one you’re eager to share and discuss with others.
Engage in Discussion: Once everyone has gathered, participants will take turns sharing their thoughts on their chosen books. This could include favorite passages, character analysis, thematic elements, personal connections, and more.
Respectful Exchange: Engage in respectful and open-minded discussions with fellow participants. Share your perspectives while also listening attentively to others’ viewpoints. This is a space for lively literary dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Discover New Reads: Explore a diverse range of books and genres through the recommendations and discussions of fellow participants. You might just find your next favorite read!

Whether you’re a voracious reader or just starting to delve into the world of books, Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Book Group offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for lively literary discussions and discovery. Join us at the library and let’s celebrate the joy of reading together!

New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
2025-01-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Friday, 11am – 12:30pm, beginning June 17
This support group is for parents who have experienced stillbirth or early infant loss. Our group is here to provide support and connection to parents as we know losing a baby can be an isolating and devastating experience. This group is led by trained peer facilitators who have also experienced infant loss.<
Our groups are 90 minutes (1.5 hours) in length. The first ~30 minutes is providing information, education, and establishing group guidelines. The next ~60 minutes is “talk time,” in which group members share and talk with each other. Group members must be present for the group guidelines before joining in the discussion or “talk time.”
Register at http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup

Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
2025-01-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
Fridays, through July 25, 11am-12pm
Baby Story Time features songs, rhymes, stories, and lap play designed to help babies develop early literacy skills.
This program is designed for children ages birth to two and their caregivers, but all ages are welcome! After Baby Time, stay for Stay & Play to reinforce early literacy skills through play and create connections with other families.

Pokemon at Live Oak Annex
2025-01-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Live Oak Annex, 979 17th St, Santa Cruz, 95062
Pokemon at Live Oak Annex
Thursdays 3-5pm, January 23 – May 8

Informal drop-in. Join us at Live Oak Annex to play pokemon.
Ages 6-11
Bring your decks and get ready to see who is the Poke Master!
No trades allowed unless parents are present.
For more information please call 831-427-7713

Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Ben Lomond
2025-01-16 15:00 - 15:45 | Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Ben Lomond

Wednesdays 4-4:45pm, Session Start Days: Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, April 2
Thursdays 3-3:45pm, Session Start Days:

Join us for fun and active Super Winter Tots sports!

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is excited to offer our indoor Super Tots winter sports programs for children ages 3-5! Each month, we focus on a different sport, helping your little ones develop skills, stay active and have fun. Please see program details by location below.

Winter Sports Schedule: Highlands County Park, Highlands House, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond
Thursdays, 3 – 3:45pm

• Dance: December 5 – December 19
• Flip Class: January 9 – January 30
• Yoga: February 6 – February 27
• Skills & Exercise: March 6 – March 27
• Basketball: April 3 – May 1

Winter Sports Schedule: Simpkins Family Swim Center, A and B Community Salon, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Wednesday, 4 – 4:45pm

• Dodgeball: December 4 – December 18
• Yoga: January 8 – January 29
• Basketball: February 5 – February 26
• Flip Class: March 5 – March 26
• Skills and drills: April 2 – April 30

Registration information: Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up early! For more details or to register, please visit our website at SCPARKS.COM
or call us at (831) 454-7901

Phone: (831) 454-7901 (General); (831) 454-7941 (Registrations), Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays

Email: parksinfo@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (General); rec@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (Registrations)

Travel and the Importance of Friendship Among Women
2025-01-16 10:30 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Travel and Friendship with “Wild Women”

Saturday, January 18, 10:30am
Lorraine Margon will speak about the third annual trip of her “Wild Women” group, which went to Quito, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands this past September. Lorraine will share photos and tales of her trip and speak about the benefits and power of social bonds between women.
Lorraine began traveling in her late-twenties when her job took her to universities and astronomy observatories worldwide. She later found her passion for travel to other places, especially those with opportunities for wildlife viewing and interesting landscapes. She continues to travel in her retirement and, a few years ago, became a member of a small group of women that has combined budding friendships with travel.

Tai Chi in the Library
2025-01-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Tai Chi in the Library

Thursdays, 10-11am, January 2 – April 17
Are you ready to experience the ancient art of Tai Chi amidst the serene ambiance of your local library?
What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi is a gentle, flowing martial art that originated in ancient China. It’s known for its graceful movements, deep breathing techniques, and meditative benefits. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, this class is perfect for everyone!
The Class Experience: Expect a warm and welcoming environment filled with laughter and camaraderie. Routines suitable for all fitness levels. Don’t worry; no prior experience is required – just bring an open mind and a smile!
Benefits of Tai Chi:
– Enhance your balance and flexibility.
– Reduce stress and increase relaxation.
– Improve focus and mental clarity.
– Promote a sense of overall well-being.
– Foster a connection with fellow library-goers and the community.
Who Can Join: Absolutely everyone! Whether you’re a regular library visitor or someone who’s never stepped inside, all are welcome. No age restrictions or physical limitations – Tai Chi is adaptable for all.
Class Schedule: Join us every Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 11 AM at the Aptos library’s spacious community room. Remember, the class is free, so mark your calendars and invite your friends along!
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is recommended.
So, come on down to the library, leave your worries at the door.. Let’s find our inner calm amidst the stacks of books and unlock the power of Tai Chi together!
Namaste!

Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Simpkins
2025-01-15 16:00 - 16:45 | Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5
Simpkins, Wednesdays 4-4:45pm, Session Start Days: Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, April 2
Ben Lomond, Thursdays 3-3:45pm, Session Start Days:Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 6, April 3
Join us for fun and active Super Winter Tots sports!

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is excited to offer our indoor Super Tots winter sports programs for children ages 3-5! Each month, we focus on a different sport, helping your little ones develop skills, stay active and have fun. Please see program details by location below.
Winter Sports Schedule: Simpkins Family Swim Center, A and B Community Salon, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Wednesdays, 4 – 4:45pm
• Dodgeball: December 4 – December 18
• Yoga: January 8 – January 29
• Basketball: February 5 – February 26
• Flip Class: March 5 – March 26
• Skills and drills: April 2 – April 30

Winter Sports Schedule: Highlands County Park, Highlands House, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond
Thursdays, 3 – 3:45pm

• Dance: December 5 – December 19
• Flip Class: January 9 – January 30
• Yoga: February 6 – February 27
• Skills & Exercise: March 6 – March 27

• Basketball: April 3 – May 1
Registration information: Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up early! For more details or to register, please visit our website at SCPARKS.COM or call us at (831) 454-7901

Phone: (831) 454-7901 (General); (831) 454-7941 (Registrations), Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays

Email: parksinfo@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (General); rec@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (Registrations)

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2025-01-15 13:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Farmers Market, Cedar St & Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesdays, May – Oct 1 – 6pm; Nov – April 1 – 5pm
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-6pm May through October and 1-5pm November through April. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This is the place to eat with the seasons! The variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pastured meats and other products is swoon worthy.
The Downtown Market also spotlights a large variety of up-and-coming, unique cultural food businesses. This weekly spot may serve up the most diverse selection of ethnic foods in the county including momo, naan and curry, Japanese fermented misos, Eritrean dishes, crepes, El Salvadorean pupusas, traditional Italian cookies, fish and chips and long-ferment fresh breads. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support regional responsible farms and small local businesses. Fill your grocery bags! Then sit down for a delightful meal and rest your weary arms.

Tales to Tails Downtown
2025-01-14 16:30 - 18:00 | Downtown Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Tales to Tails Downtown
2nd & 4th Tuesdays , 4:30 – 6pm through June 9
Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by providing them the opportunity to read aloud to certified therapy dogs. Programs like Tales to Tails have been implemented nationally in both libraries and schools and have proven to be extremely effective in increasing the self-confidence and reading abilities of the participants. This program is for established readers struggling with reading aloud, not reading tutoring.
Call 831-427-7713 to make a 30-minute appointment at the Downtown branch. Appointments are available between 4:30 and 6:00 pm, on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. We and our furry friends look forward to seeing you there!
https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?

Afternoon STEAM: Minecraft
2025-01-14 16:00 - 17:30 | Downtown Branch Santa Cruz Public Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Afternoon STEAM: Minecraft
2nd Tuesdays, October 8 -May 13
Learn how to craft, build, and survive with afternoon steam Minecraft. Ages 8-18.
Space is limited, participation is on a first-come basis.

Volunteer with the Fungus Fair
2025-01-14 10:00 - 17:00 | London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St, Santa Cruz, 95060, United States
Volunteer with the Fungus Fair
Friday- Sunday, January 10-12
We’re thrilled to be teaming up once again with the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz to make the 51st Fungus Fair an unforgettable event! But here’s the thing—we really need your help to bring the 2025 Fungus Fair to life.
Join our amazing team of volunteers January 10-12th and be part of the magic, the mushrooms, and the memories. Sign up today and help us make this year’s fair the best one yet!
We need volunteers to set up and run the 2025 Fungus Fair. Honestly, we can’t do it without you! If there is an area or task you particularly enjoy, it’s a good idea to sign up early to nail it down now. You do not need to be a member of FFSC to volunteer. To be eligible for Free Entrance to the Fungus Fair, you must sign up and work for at least one volunteer position.
To volunteer for the Fair (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), please visit: https://ffsc.ivolunteer.com/fungusfair_2025
To volunteer for set up before the Fair, or take down at the end of the Fair, please visit:
https://ffsc.ivolunteer.com/setup_2025
Learn more today: https://loom.ly/3P22xlQ

Gateway School Tour
2025-01-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Gateway School 255 Swift Street, 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Gateway School Tour
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Visit us on one of our monthly Tuesday tours and see why Gateway was voted Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz. Hang with our kindergarteners on Kindy Island, see what’s growing in our Life Lab outdoor classroom, join our middle schoolers for a science experiment, and see first hand the unique benefits of a K – 8 education. Private tours also available. For more information contact admissions@gatewaysc.org
