COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Announcements Food Truck Friday

July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Monterey Avenue Park

Do you love eating outside while enjoying live music? If so, the City’s Food Truck Friday events at Monterey Park are perfect for you!

July 30: Food trucks featuring different cuisines with live music by Papiba & Friends. Capitola Junior Guard Parent’s Club will host beer garden for purchase.

Aug. 27: Ate3One, G’s Mexican Tacos, and Good Dogs food trucks, live music by Coffee Zombie Collective. Capitola Junior Guard Parent’s Club hosts beer garden.

Sept. 24: Ate3One, Union Foodie Truck, Taquizas Gabriel, and Saucey’z food trucks with live music by Singing Wood: Marimba Music of Zimbabwe. Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery will host beer garden.

Soroptimists At Sc Shakespeare

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will be renting cushions, beach chairs and blankets on cold nights at all 50 of the Santa Cruz Shakespeare shows in the Audrey Stanley Grove in Delaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, beginning July 8.

Potential members or others interested in learning more about the Club’s work and activities are invited to visit the rental booth and talk to a member.

Proceeds from the booth are the Club’s major fund-raiser and a portion is shared with Santa Cruz Shakespeare. For information, see www.best4women. org,

This year’s season: The Book of Will, Taming of the Shrew, and King Lear.

The shows run July 8 through Aug. 27.

For the schedule, see www.santacruzshakepeare.org

Call To Artists

An artist will be selected to create a site-specific public art component for the new Children’s Crisis Stabilization Center in Santa Cruz County.

The budget for the project is $91,000. The deadline to submit a proposal is July 14.

The center will be located at 5300 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, next to the Sheriff’s Public Safety Center, in an existing 30,220-square-foot commercial building to be redesigned and renovated to create a Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and the county’s first short-term residential therapeutic program.

Currently, there are no inpatient programs for youth who live in Santa Cruz County aspx

The facility, when completed, will be operated by the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency.

Youth experiencing an acute emotional and psychiatric crisis will get help in their own county. A “Call to Artists” includes detailed information about the RFP process, maps of potential public art locations, and a sample contract are available on the County Parks website: https:// www.scparks.com/Home/AboutUs/WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists.

Leadership Santa Cruz County

Leadership Santa Cruz County is accepting applications for its 2023/2024 program. This will mark the organization’s 37th year with more than 1,600 alumni.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the many facets of our county’s cultures and institutions.

Participants are introduced to an array of community and civic experiences, with topics such as housing, education, criminal justice, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and the arts.

Class members have the opportunity to meet many decision-makers in business, government, and nonprofits.

The program runs from September 2023 through June 2024 with an orientation in August 2023.

To learn more and apply, see https://www.leadershipsantacruzcounty.org/

SUSPECT ELDER ABUSE?

If you suspect elder abuse, reach out to the Santa Cruz County Adult Protective Services for support by calling (831) 454-4101 or by visiting santacruzhumanservices. org/AdultLongTermCare. Your report is confidential.

“The County is here to help,” said Melissa Villalobos, a licensed social worker, and an Adult Protective Services Program manager. “We might think it doesn’t happen in our community or even in our family, but it can. Fortunately, families going through this are not alone.”

NEW IN SANTA CRUZ: ELECTRIC BEACH SHUTTLE

The City of Santa Cruz is introducing a new electric shuttle service for summer 2023.

The Santa Cruzer Beach & Downtown Shuttle will operate weekends and holidays between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day including 4th of July from noon to 8 p.m., taking riders from downtown Santa Cruz to the beach area for $1 per ride. Free ride coupons are available from sponsors Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Humble Sea Brewery. Pickup spots are:

• Del Mar Theatre, 1124 Pacific Ave #4415

• Locust Street Garage, 124 Locust St

The new bus was unveiled May 22 at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, which is the beach drop-off point.

The shuttle is partly funded by an AB2766 grant to reduce vehicle emissions from the Monterey Bay Air Quality Control District.

Capitola Library Activities

Tuesdays: Anti-racism Book Circle, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Reading How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. July 11 and 18. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal. com/event/10808366

Third Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m.: Hugo award winning movies. July 16: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (Rated PG)

Aug. 20: Princess Bride (Rated PG)

Sept 17: Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse (Rated PG)

Sunday July 2, 2-4 p.m.: Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) — SCPL young adult advisory group, For ages 12-18.

DESSERT PIE CONTEST SUBMISSIONS

Can you make a delicious pie?

Do you want to win some money?

Then sign up to participate in the summer pie contest on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Redwood Pizza parking lot, hosted by the Downtown Felton Association. Enter the Dessert Pie Contest for a chance to win up to $250!

Entry fee is $50 per contestant. First prize wins $250, second prize is $150 and third prize gets $100.

Entries are limited, so register at https://tinyurl.com/ Felton-Pie-Contest-2023

This is part of a fundraiser event 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music – Coffee Zombie Collective – in

2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com the Redwood Pizza Parking Lot and Kirby Street in downtown Felton.

For more information, see https://downtownfelton.com/ events/

Katie Simpson Paintings At Simpkins Center

An exhibition by mixed media artist Katie Simpson is at Simpkins Family Swim Center through Sept. 24. The public is invited to view the displays at no charge.

Simpson combines collage, drawing, relief printmaking and layers of acrylic paint. Each painting is a celebration of the magical Central Coastal California, and the nature that thrives in unexpected spaces.

Simpson is from the redwood forest of Aptos, and has a master’s in fine art from the City College of New York and a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University.

A nature enthusiast, she works as a teaching artist with the Arts Councils of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Her work will be on display at Open Studios this fall.

The Simpkins Center/Parks Department headquarters is located at 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz.

Senior Center Without Limits

Community Bridges offers virtual yoga, art, music, computer classes, tai chi, support groups and more — and these activities are free.

All you need is internet connection and a computer, phone or tablet.

For help, go to communitybridges.org/SCWOL or call Clara at831-458-3481.

Art At The Beach In Capitola

Enjoy an afternoon in Capitola at the Sunday Art at the Beach event this summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. Browse quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local artists.

The remaining dates for 2023 are: July 30 and Aug. 13. This family-friendly event presented by the Capitola Arts & Cultural Commission, is free and open to the public.

https://www.cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/sunday-art-beach-3

Free Family Movie Nights

Santa Cruz County Parks presents free familyfriendly movie nights under the stars this summer and fall.

Family Movie Nights is a series of free outdoor movie events. Movies begin at dusk. Low back chairs, blankets and jackets recommended. No alcohol, please. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy! The dates:

July 14: Jurassic Park @ Highlands Park, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond

Aug. 11: Lego Batman Movie @ Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel

ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES: FALL 2023

Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with our native Italian-speaking instructors.

Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally

Art In The Garden

Ongoing through Oct. 31

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden, 2660 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville

17th Annual Sculpture

IS Show at Sierra Azul

Nursery & Garden

Free admission

••• fluent, or everything in between we are delighted to welcome you. No matter what your goals are for learning Italian: business, travel, pleasure, or because you love the sound of this beautiful language and would like to understand it better, these classes are a fun way to learn.

This fall Dante Santa Cruz offers online and in-person classes. The 10-week session begins the week of Sept. 11. Register NOW to secure your spot and take advantage of the Early Bird discount, which ends Aug. 7.

The last day to register is Sept. 5. Dante members receive an additional discount when they register with a coupon code which they can request from dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com. To register go to: www.dantesantacruz.com/classes

FREE SWIMS AT SIMPKINS

Various times, Simpkins Pool, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz Simpkins Pool will host a free swim on Tuesday, July 4, from noon to 4 p.m., and again on Labor Day, Sept. 7.

On Saturday, July 29, Simpkins Pool will host a free family fun day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with games, bounce houses, and food trucks.

Info: scparks.com

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

1:30 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville

Here are the remaining County Fair Board meeting dates in 2023. Each meeting takes place on a Tuesday: July 25, Aug. 22, Oct. 24, and Dec. 5, all at the fairgrounds.

Meetings also take place on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

Ongoing Events

Mondays BRIDGE CLUB

10 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays). Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays through Aug. 29

LOW INTENSITY CONDITIONING & STRETCHING

9:15-10:15 a.m., Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel

Santa Cruz County Parks offers a new fitness class for active adults, low-intensity anaerobic conditioning & stretching Tuesdays at Anna Jean Cummings Park. Walk-ins are welcome.

Register at scparks.com. Information: 454-7941.

Wednesdays thru Aug. 30

CAPITOLA TWIIGHT CONCERTS

6 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Capitola Village

The Capitola Twiight Concerts are hosted on Wednesday evenings during the summer months.

All concerts take place at the Esplanade bandstand. These free events are made possible by sponsors.

June 28 – Tsunami • July 5 – The Alex Lucero Band

• July 12 – Ribsy’s Nickels • July 19 – The Joint Chiefs • July 26 – Pacific Roots • August 2 – Delta Wires • August 9 – Extra Large • August 16 – Billy Martini Show • August 23 – Everyday People • August 30 – Digbeats

Learn more about the bands at: www.jivemachine.com • www.dirtycello.com • www.tsunami-rocks.com • www. alexluceroband.com • www.reverbnation.com/ribsysnickel • www.thejointchiefsband.com • www.pacificrootsmusic. com • www.deltawires.com • www.extra-large.net • www. billymartini70s.com • www.everydaypeopletheband.com

Fridays thru Sept. 29

MIDTOWN SUMMER BLOCK PARTY IS BACK!

5 to 8:30ish p.m., 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Celebrate the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists –Live Music – Vendors

The free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands, local eats, local artists and vendors. Midtown

Fridays starts June 2 and runs through to Sept. 29. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show. Bands:

June 30: Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz w/opener Carolyn

Sills Duo

July 7: Ancestree w/opener Hijinx

July 14: The Rayburn Brothers

July 21: Dirty Cello

July 28: Alex Lucero Band w/opener Asher Stern

Aug. 4: The Dylan Rose Band w/opener Maddie & Jackie

Aug. 11: Santa Cruda w/opener Yaya’s Kitchen

Aug. 18: Mak Nova

Aug. 25: Cowboy’s After Dark w/opener Corrina & Rick

Sept. 1: The Joint Chiefs

Sept. 8: Locomotive Breath

Sept. 15: Funkranomicon

Sept. 22: AC Myles

Sept. 29: The Expendables

Details: https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtownfridays-summer-block-party-2023/

Dated Events

Tuesday July 4

WORLD’S SHORTEST PARADE IN APTOS

10 a.m.-End of Parade, Soquel/State Park Dr. to Trout Gulch Rd.

On July 4th, Aptos will celebrate our freedoms with t-shirts, a great parade, and a party in Aptos Village Park.

BASTILLE DAY AT BOOMERIA!

Saturday July 8

1–5 p.m., 60 Verde Dr., Bonny Doon Boomeria’s annual celebration of Bastille Day, replete with wine, dance, and music of ages past will be 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at the stunning Chapel Royale in Bonny Doon.

Preston Boomer’s unique estate in the Bonny Doon redwoods houses a large Baroque-style, trackeraction pipe organ, on which expert organists will perform their art.

Santa Cruz Brass Ensemble and the Bonny Doon Baroque consort provide musical delights, including Martin Gaskell’s Ceremonial Music for Organ and Brass.

Costumed Baroque-era dancing adds to the spectacle. Inquisitive minds can satisfy their curiosity about the organ’s workings by making the ‘organ crawl.’ Delicious snacks and fine wines.

Tickets are $59 presale at https://tinyurl.com/Boomeria-Bastille-Day-BD-2023 and $70 at the door.

Directions: 60 Verde Drive is located off Empire Grade Road, 10 miles past UCSC west gate, past Pine Flat, past Conifer Lane. LEFT on Vick Drive, go past Molina & Robles, down the hill. House chapel on the right.

Visit https://scbaroque.org or contact General Manager Kate Smit at manager@santacruzbaroquefestival.org or call 831-457-9693 for more information.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal is Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks for their work in trying to restore our parks from a series of natural disasters.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive and ends at Trout Gulch Road.

The Chamber is asking the community to be the judges for this year’s parade. Send photos of your favorite floats, groups, pets, cars, and bands to chamberaptos@gmail.com. Sign up to be in the parade at aptoschamber.com.

This year’s T-shirt image is a local Burmese Mountain Dog named Birdie. T-shirts are available for $20 at the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Aptos Feed, and Deluxe Foods.

PARTY IN THE PARK

Noon-4 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. Come to the 4th of July Party in Aptos Village Park with activities for the whole family.

Food trucks and vendors will include Taquizas Gabriel, with tacos, quesabirrias, burritos, asada fries, nachos, quesadillas, churros, shrimp, fish, and drinks.

India Gourmet will serve hot prepared Indian cuisine. Whiting’s Fun Foods has Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream. Clean Juice Aptos will prepare Acai Bowls and Juice. S and B Food Truck offers burgers, sandwiches, fried food and bottled drinks. The Capitola Aptos Rotary will bring beer.

In addition, there will be craft vendors, games, and dancing to the music of “James Durbin and The Lost Boys.” Entrance donation is $5. The event is hosted by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce. Happy Independence Day!

Firecracker Races

8 a.m., Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz

The Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise announce the full Firecracker race is in its 38th year. That means all three courses will be available: 10K, 5K, and a Kid’s 1K Fun Run at Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz, on the morning of July 4th.

What a great way to kick off a holiday celebration of our nation’s Independence Day!

Runners on the 10K will take on the challenging “Thrill of the Hill” in Pogonip Park before topping out on the Spring Trail that winds through the beautiful meadow by UCSC before dropping down into the neighborhoods before returning to Harvey West Park.

5K Runners will face a flat and fast course contained in the Harvey West Business Park area. The 5K course is stroller, ADA and wheelchair accessible. Everyone ends up in beautiful Harvey West Park for great music, post-race burritos and awards.

Entry fees are 10K, $45, 5k, $40 and kids 1k, $20. Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/SantaCruzFIrecracker10Kand5K

Tuesday July 11

CALCARE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL

6 p.m., Online Meeting Ryan Skolnick, community organizer for the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, will be the guest speaker for a Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County’s online meeting.

Skolnick is working on the campaign to pass CalCare, Assembly Bill 1400, an attempt to implement a singlepayer health program, which in 2022 never came up for a vote.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Visit www.svslvdemocrats.org for the Zoom meeting link.

Social time starts at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Friday July 14 thru Sunday July 16

BYTHEAL RATLIFF’S BLAST BY THE BAY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

The Cabrillo Gals Softball League will host a tournament July 14-16 at Soquel High and Blue Ball Park (Anna Jean Cummings).

Some 30 travel teams will compete in 4 divisions with teams coming from 6 different counties in Northern California.

Information: https://www.cabrillogals.com/Default. aspx?tabid=1383516

Saturday July 15

TRUE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL

11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road Chuck Girard from Love Song will kick off the True Love Festival, now in its third year at Aptos Village Park. Love Song was the main band that started the Jesus Movement in the 1970s and is seen in the new movie “Jesus Revolution,” which is the fifth best-selling faith movie of all time.

More than 20 churches and ministries from Boulder Creek to Watsonville are coming together to present the True Love Christian Music and Art Festival which is offered free to the community.

There will be free hot dogs and tacos, fun and fellowship. Bringing extra snacks and drinks is recommended.

Attendees should bring chairs and shade covering. Parking is at Coastlands Church or Resurrection Church; take the Monte Vista Shuttle Vans. More information at www.truelovechristian.com

Wednesday July 19

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

1 p.m., Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel The Porter Memorial Library invites pre-school and early elementary school children to an Ice Cream Social and storytelling by Jeanne Jorgensen. This theme this month is “Safari Adventure.”

Saturday July 29

SOQUEL PIONEER PICNIC

Begins at Noon, Pringle Grove, 6199-6103 Pringle Ln., Soquel Nora Oliver Angell founded the Soquel Pioneer and Historical Association in 1938. During an “old-timers” picnic at Pringle Grove the following summer, she was elected to serve as the first president.

The Grove had been a popular spot for outdoor events since the 1880s. The wooded setting became a traditional site for pioneer gatherings, and owners Lloyd and Annie Pringle decided to make it a gift to the community. The deed was granted to the association in 1945.

This year, members and enthusiasts of Soquel history will meet on the last Saturday in July for the potluck picnic and program that begins at noon. The afternoon is filled with stories, the sharing of photographs, and speakers who talk about the town and its settlers. n