Reading in the Redwoods Book Club
2025-01-22 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual, CA, United States
Reading in the Redwoods
4th Wednesday, 6 – 7:30pm
Felton – Virtual Book Discussion
The book for June is The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant. The Red Tent is a reimagining of the story of Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob, the man who, according to the Bible wrestled an angel and won the name ‘Israel’ and whose 12 sons became the 12 tribes of Israel.
Reading in the Redwoods book group meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday at 6:00 pm. Registration is required to get the Zoom invite.
Registration is required. There are 8 seats available. https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/8993008
6121 Gushee Street

Find Your Future with the Cabrillo College IT Institute
2025-01-22 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.

The Case of the Missing Maid
2025-01-22 18:30 | Downtown Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
The Case of the Missing Maid

Wednesday, January 22, 6:30pm
Join acclaimed author, Rob Osler, and local author and Santa Cruz luminary, Nina Simon, as they discuss The Case of the Missing Maid.
The Case of the Missing Maid is a lively-paced historical mystery set in turn-of -the-century Chicago.
The bike-riding, trousers-wearing, young protagonist, Harriet Morrow, falls into a labyrinth of eccentric characters and murky movies as she bicycles around the windy city in her new detective job.

NAMI Family Support Group ​for Parents/Caregivers of Youth
2025-01-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
NAMI Family Support Group ​for Parents/Caregivers of Youth (11-17)
2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:30 – 8pm
Please join us for our upcoming free, drop-in support group for parents/caregivers of youth (11-17) with mental health challenges. Next group will be this Wednesday, June 22nd from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
We are in need of more facilitators to help continue this free, easily accessible, and educational support group.
Nami also offers a support group for Spanish speakers every Tuesday night from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., for all loved ones of those with mental health challenges.
All parents or caregivers are encouraged to join – there does not need to be a formal diagnosis. Common themes of those who attend our support groups include caring for teens who experience depression and anxiety, substance abuse, outbursts of anger, and other challenges like mania, hallucinations, or paranoia.:30 -8pm
Please email me or call the Nami office at 831-824-0406 with any questions about our groups and/or using Zoom or if you are interested in being a facilitator.
https://www.namiscc.org/parentscaregivers-of-youth-11-17…
To attend our groups, please complete the registration form below. You will immediately receive an email with the Zoom link. You will only need to do this once, and will be able to use the same link for all Parents/Caregivers of Youth support groups moving forward.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Tai Chi in the Library
2025-01-23 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 Ben Lomond
2025-01-23 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)

Pokemon at Live Oak Annex
2025-01-23 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

Author Talk with Stephanie Buswell, Local Baker
2025-01-23 18:15 | Garfield Park Library, 705 Woodrow Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Author Talk with Stephanie Buswell
Thursday, January 23, 6:15pm

Stephany’s story is one of Triumph over adversity. As an only child of two alcoholic parents, she had no one to confide in or help her. She was told time and time again she would amount to nothing. So she found another family, the hippies. They believed they could change the world and as the Vietnam war raged she did too, tripping on LSD and smoking pot. Then her parents died and she was left an orphan. But the one thing she had going for her was a huge determination to prove people wrong about her. She could amount to something and baking was her way in!
Stephany Buswell is now a retired pastry chef instructor. She worked in the baking industry for many years. Mostly at local places like the Staff of Life Bakery, Gayles Bakery, her own place Stephany’s Desserts and the Buttery before she landed a job teaching at Cabrillo College Culinary Arts Department and the International Culinary Center.
Her stories will reflect the time she learned about her craft at these local institutions.

Experience Dyslexia Via A Dyslexia Simulation
2025-01-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Experience Dyslexia Via A Dyslexia Simulation
Thursday, January 23, 6:30 – 8:30pm
This learning disabilities simulation is a hands-on experience designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia encounter daily.
Participants will rotate among six learning stations that simulate language-related tasks similar to those encountered in a classroom.
The simulation is designed to be stressful and some participants may become tired or emotional. The frustrations experienced are typical of those that people with dyslexia encounter in their daily lives.
Facilitators will also discuss the common signs of dyslexia in childhood This simulation will not provide a dyslexia diagnosis. Registration is required for this event.
Everyone participating in this activity will need to read and sign a Waiver of Liability, Release, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement in order to participate.

Footloose the Musical
2025-01-23 19:00, 2025-01-24 19:00, 2025-01-25 14:00, 2025-01-25 19:00 | 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

K-12 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest
2025-01-24, 2025-01-25, 2025-01-26 | 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:

Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
2025-01-24 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.

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-01-24 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!

Scrabble at La Selva Beach
2025-01-24 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.

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2025-01-24 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!

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2025-01-25 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

Westside Farmers Market
2025-01-25 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.

Saturday in the Soil AND Laura Hecox Day
2025-01-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Saturdays in the Soil
Volunteer Gardening, Saturday, January 25, 10am – 1pm
Laura Hecox Open House, Saturday, January 25, 12 – 2pm
Celebrate Laura Hecox Day by joining Saturdays in the Soil, a recurring volunteer event at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington Creek!
Come together as a community to care for Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. Discover more about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature and making a lasting impact. It’s the perfect chance to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and give back!
volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to RSVP. Space is limited.
Saturdays in the Soil will return to every third Saturday in February.

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 the latest guidelines for covid safety at the time of the program.

Laura Hecox Day
Join the Museum for the annual Laura Hecox Day open house, celebrating the pioneering lighthouse keeper, naturalist, and Museum founder.
Come learn about the Museum’s rich cultural and natural history, connect with community partners, engage in arts, crafts, and games for kids, & get your hands dirty helping with our Pilkington Creek Restoration project!

Learn More: Laura Hecox Day

Dungeons and Dragons for Adults 18+
2025-01-25 12:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Dungeons and Dragons for Adults 18+
2nd & 4th Saturdays, 12-5pm, beginning May 25

For adults 18+, step into the realm of Dungeons & Dragons! Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran adventurer, join us every 2nd and 4th Saturday for an epic afternoon of storytelling.

Be a bard, wizard, or barbarian, and tackle creative challenges with new friends. No experience needed, just your creativity!

Let the adventure begin!

No prior experience is necessary. This program is for adults 18+.
What is Dungeons and Dragons?
D&D is one of many tabletop role-playing games, in which players create and control fictional characters within a shared imaginary world. A Game Master guides the story and sets the scene, while the players make decisions for their characters, rolling dice to determine outcomes. TTRPGs encourage creativity, teamwork, and storytelling as players collaborate to overcome challenges and complete quests.
Modern D&D has veered away from the combat-heavy game it used to be. While it’s still possible to spend hours attacking monsters and finding loot, many groups now tell stories of mystery, intrigue, horror, or whimsy.
Who are the game masters?
This event is organized by Jeltje van Baren (yinnah@yahoo.com), who learned to play a few years ago and has been creating games for new players ever since. She will be assisted by a rotating group of diverse GMs from the local TTRPG community, all of whom are used to patiently explaining the rules and keeping the game fun for everyone.

https://lDungeons and Dragons for Adults 18+oom.ly/v5N-5J0

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2025-01-25 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

GroovaRoo Dance
2025-01-25 13:30 - 14:30 | RC Fam Center, 1205 Freedom Bl #B3, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
GroovaRoo Dance
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 1:30 – 2:30pm
Hey, Mamas! Have you heard of GroovaRoo Dance? It’s been a few years since these classes have been around in our county, but we’re back and if you’re looking for something fun to do with your little one (under 2yo) come dance with us! GroovaRoo Dance is fun for mamas, dadas, babies, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and family friends, too! You’ll find us at RC Fam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!

She Adventures Film Tour
2025-01-25 19:00 | Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
She Adventures Film Tour
Saturday, January 25, 7pm

The She Adventures Film Tour is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return for another year of celebrating and honoring adventure women around the world.
Join us in a She Adventures Film Tour celebration of the inspiring women of the adventure world.
This unique film event promises to captivate audiences with a carefully curated selection of short films that highlight the strength, courage, and passion of women in the outdoor world.
This year’s screening will support GIRLS ROCK, an informal women’s mountain biking group. For tickets and list of films visit riotheatre.com
Supporting GIRLS ROCK

Reptile & Amphibian Walk at Quail Hollow Ranch
2025-01-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Quail Hollow Ranch, 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Reptile & Amphibian Walk at Quail Hollow Ranch

Sunday, January 26, 10am-12pm

Join Park Docent James Maughn for a saunter along park trails in search of herps: reptiles and amphibians.

Peruse the pond and muse over the meadow as we learn about the favorite hang-outs and resting places of these fascinating animals. This free event is open to ages 6 & up; an adult must accompany ages 12 and under. Space is limited for this free activity. Program number 27847.

Live Oak Farmers Market
2025-01-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Live Oak Farmers Market, 15th & Eastcliff Dr, Live Oak, CA, 95062, United States
Live Oak Farmers Market
Sundays 9am – 1pm year round
Started in 2000, Live Oak Farmers Market is a neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. A decade has past since this market became year round and here you will find an excellent selection of organic produce from local farms, tree ripened fruits, dried fruit and nuts, fresh bread, pastries, seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and more. The market is also the epicenter of the clean food movement, showcasing amazing Sunday brunch offerings like traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, dumplings, crepes and artisan hand pies. This is your Sunday destination.

Market Match
Market Match offers farmers’ market customers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10 on their CalFresh (food stamp) cards at the Live Oak Market. If a customer swipes their CalFresh card for seven dollars, they get seven dollars in Market Match tokens for free. Swipe $10, you get $10. The goal of this project is to encourage CalFresh (EBT/SNAP) recipients to take advantage of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. By offering an incentive that lowers the price of fresh produce, we are helping shoppers stretch their food dollars while keeping their families healthy. SCCFM will be offering the Market Match program for the 2020 season. Locate the information booth and the market manager to redeem EBT coins and to participate in the Market Match Program.
