Now Open: Invitation To Experience, By Ron Kustek

FEATURED COLUMNIST Now Open: Invitation To Experience

By Ron Kustek

Each business should always try to differentiate itself from the competition. There are many ways business owners can be ‘different’ instead of just focusing on quality and price.

When many businesses owners are asked what makes them different, many respond with ‘we have the highest quality at the most affordable prices’. But if every business is promoting quality and affordability, then by definition, there is no differentiation. Quality and affordability are ‘givens’ to be in business and promoting the same ‘quality and affordability’ as everyone else puts you in a ‘sea of sameness’.

In a post-COVID world, we have the chance to ‘re-launch & re-position’ ourselves to be truly different! And remember that being ‘different’ should be based on what excites your target customers so that it impresses them (not you).

Regardless of the business you’re in, what matters to the most customers is their experience. The ‘experience’ is often a missed opportunity to be better, special and different! This allows you to a) satisfy your customers better for improved loyalty, b) establish a true point-of-difference that can’t be easily duplicated by your competition and c) get some ‘buzz’ that customers talk about and share on social media!

If you own a restaurant, brewpub, coffee shop or retail store, it’s most likely you’re already providing high-quality food, beverages and/or items at competitive prices. But what do your customers experience the minute they exit their car or walk in your store? Are they welcomed with music outside or the enticing smell of food and beverages to cater to their mood? Is your parking lot clean and easy to navigate, free of litter or weeds? Is your entry open and welcoming or just a door that’s possibly dirty and difficult to open?

Once inside, does the lighting fit the mood you want your customers to feel? Many businesses have bright and offensive lights that shine directly into the eyes of customers. What about the sounds inside — is there music that your customers want to hear, or do they hear the banter of your staff, or the clang of plates and glasses being shuffled off tables?

Do you actually think your ‘table service’ is comforting, especially when you have customers walk up to a counter to order and/or have them wait in another line, being called by a number, to pick up their cooling food off a cold counter to then find their table? That’s worse than take-out!

Do you AND your staff greet your regulars by name, making eye-contact or asking how their recent vacation was, or how their kids are doing in school? If you have customers that are from out of town, do you know where they’re from, or why they chose to be in this area, or what they’re looking for or needing from your business? Do you thank them for visiting you even before they make a purchase?

And remember: ALL these areas to provide an impressive experience ALSO pertains to your website, not just your physical brick & mortar business!

Each of these small but important facets combine to form a customer experience, one that they will talk about to others. Think Disneyland. The prices are high, the crowds can be overwhelming, and the quality of food and beverages isn’t that great. But it’s the ‘Disney Experience’ that they’re providing to the majority of customers who pay high prices and are smiling in the park and after they leave, still talking about it positively with their friends.

You now have a chance to re-position your business to past and new customers!!! Take advantage of this opportunity!!! Giving customers the most unique and best experience possible will set you apart from your competition and give you more loyal returning customers who provide the wordof-mouth that’s critical to every business’ success! n

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Ron Kustek is a former senior marketing executive of The Cola-Cola Co., and entrepreneur who is currently teaching business at Cabrillo College. Contact him at RoKustek@ cabrillo.edu.

“Mother’s Day” from page 23

The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering, meanwhile, both worked to organize a Mothers’ Day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some have even called Hering “the father of Mothers’ Day.”

Anna Jarvis

The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.

After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker, in May 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia.

Following the success of her first Mother’s Day, Jarvis—who remained unmarried and childless her whole life—resolved to see her holiday added to the national calendar. Arguing that American holidays were biased toward male achievements, she started a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood.

By 1912 many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday, and Jarvis had established the Mother’s Day International Association to help promote her cause. Her persistence paid off in 1914 Anna Jarvis when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Commercialized Day

Anna Jarvis had originally conceived of Mother’s Day as a day of personal celebration between mothers and families. Her version of the day involved wearing a white carnation as a badge and visiting one’s mother or attending church services.

But once Mother’s Day became a national holiday, it was not long before florists, card companies and other merchants capitalized on its popularity.

While Jarvis had initially worked with the floral industry to help raise Mother’s Day’s profile, by 1920 she had become disgusted with how the holiday had been commercialized.

She outwardly denounced the transformation and urged people to stop buying Mother’s Day flowers, cards and candies.

Jarvis eventually resorted to an open campaign against Mother’s Day profiteers, speaking out against confectioners, florists and even charities.

She also launched countless lawsuits against groups that had used the name “Mother’s Day,” eventually spending most of her personal wealth in legal fees. By the time of her death in 1948 Jarvis had disowned the holiday altogether, and even actively lobbied the government to see it removed from the American calendar. n

MANY MUSEUMS FREE IN MAY Museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions are finally able to reopen their doors safely since the COVID-19 pandemic began a year ago.

For Museums Month in May, many local museums and galleries in Santa Cruz County are celebrating with free or reduced admission and community members are encouraged to revisit the places that connect and inspire children and adults alike. Now is the time to celebrate their return as gathering places, reflective spaces, and hubs of learning and creativity.

Research conducted by Martin Kriegel and Anne Hartmann shows when open at reduced capacity, museums and galleries present half the risk of infection via aerosol particles as a visit to a grocery store. Along with vaccination rates and recent decreases in active infections locally, that is great news for local museums.

Participating organizations include the Agricultural History Project, Capitola Historical Museum, Curated by the Sea, Museo Eduardo Carillo, Pajaro Valley Arts, Pajaro Valley Historical Association, Radius Gallery, R. Blitzer Gallery, San Benito Historical Society and Museum, San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Learn more at santacruzmuseummonth.org.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES As COVID-19 vaccines become more available and people resume some of their favorite activities, the American Red Cross is reminding the public that the need for blood remains. Healthy individuals are encouraged to make a blood donation appointment at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive now.

But what about those who’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine — can they donate?

As long as donors are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name, there’s no waiting period required after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the U.S.

Find details at RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility.

Donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed in May to help ensure blood products are available for patients into summer. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five, powered by Suburban Propane. Those who give May 1-15 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card by email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. •••

Santa Cruz

May 6: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

May 7: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange #503, 1900 17th Ave.

May 14: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Chaminade Resort and Spa, 1 Chaminade Lane

Watsonville

May 4: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Alzheimer’s Association is offering video and phone meetings for caregivers throughout the month: Second and Fourth Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Jill Ginghofer and Laurie McVay.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by May 7

First and Third Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — Facilitators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney. Second Saturdays Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — Facilitator: Diana Hull. Register by calling 800-272-3900 or email ymflores@alz.org. ••• Second Wednesdays Spanish, 7-8:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitator: Yuliana Mendoza. Register by calling 831-647-9890 or email ymflores@alz.org.

STUDENT STORY CONTEST DEADLINE Stories Due Monday, May 31 The Palo Alto Humane Society invites 7th and 8th graders in Santa Cruz County to participate in a writing competition on the theme of animals and people helping each other. Stories can be fiction or nonfiction and should illustrate a sense of kindness in their characters.

The top prize is $500, with $200 each for two runner-ups. Winning stories will be published by Palo Alto Humane Society and highlighted during the 2021 Creating Compassionate Communities campaign.

Stories must be original and between 800 and 1,000 words. Competition guidelines — plus a submission form — are at https://tinyurl.com/paloalto-humane-write-2021.

Vandana Ravi won the inaugural contest in 2019 with a story about a lonely girl who came across a donkey who also needed a friend. The 2020 winner was “The Sun,” by Aaron Huang, depicting the life of a mother dog trapped in a puppy mill from the dog’s point of view.

CZU PERMITS MEETINGS The County of Santa Cruz Recovery Permit Center — along with the Office of Response, Recovery and Resiliency — will host two virtual public meetings on septic systems and water permits in the CZU Fire rebuilding process.

One is for property owners, the other is for professionals working on rebuilding projects.

The goal is to share detailed information about environmental health regulations and requirements that apply to rebuilding, as well as the steps for applying for and receiving septic and water system-related permits.

Property Owners — Saturday May 1: 10-11:309 a.m. • Join online via Teams at https://tinyurl. com/8ypfku2w

Professionals — Tuesday May 4: 9-10:30 a.m. • Join online via Teams at https://tinyurl.com/czu-permitpros

HALIBUT FISHERY OPENS MAY 1 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the 2021 recreational Pacific halibut fishery will open Saturday, May 1 and remain open until Nov. 15, or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. The 2021 Pacific halibut quota for the California sport fishery is 39,260 pounds — about the same as 2020. While Nov. 15 represents a longer season, the dates are not guaranteed and the season could close early. In 2020, the season closed Aug. 11, when the state’s limit was reached early. Anglers may be met at fishing sites by CDFW staff collecting catch and fishing effort information, taking length measurements in a safe and physically distanced manner to aid in quota tracking. Anglers are advised to check for updated information when planning a Pacific halibut fishing trip, as a season closure could come at any time. Information such as bag/possession limits and gear restrictions can be found at https://wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/ pacific-halibut Public notice of any in-season change to regulations is made via the halibut hotline at (800) 662-9825 or groundfish hotline at (831) 649-2801.

‘STOP THE POLLUTION — WE FOUND THE SOLUTION’: MT. MADONNA CLEAN-UP CHALLENGE Final Day: Saturday May 1 Mount Madonna School’s fifth grade students have organized a Clean-up Challenge, asking the community to help prevent waste from entering the oceans — where plastic kills an estimated 100,000 marine creatures annually. The rules for “Stop the Pollution — We Found the Solution” are simple: Go outside and pick up trash, keep track of your trash, enter the information in this Google form (https://forms.gle/5zkfMRwCWeCs648e9) and take a selfie with your trash. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win a prize (re-usable, of course!). The challenge ends May 1. “We hope you will participate in our clean-up challenge and share our PSA video and posters far and wide so that people all over the world will be inspired to go outside and help clean up trash,” said fifth grade students and teacher Jessica Cambell. View a video about the project here: https://vimeo. com/536452409

SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS This new program from Community Bridges brings enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges.org/ SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Second Harvest Food Bank’s drive-through food distribution will continue operating at the county Fairgrounds throughout the summer with new hours beginning in May.

Upcoming dates and times:

Watsonville: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Fridays, 9 a.m.-Noon

May 7 • May 21 • June 4 • June 18 • July 9 • July 23 Aug. 6 • Aug. 20 • Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 Food hotline: 831-662-0991. PARENT SUPPORT GROUP PVUSD, PVPSA and Kaiser Permanente offers support groups for Pajaro Valley families at 3 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month. The next dates are:

May 20 and June 3. To register, email marisol.maciel@ pvpsa.org Valley Arts & Jeff Rosendale of Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens invite your participation in the 15th annual Pajaro Valley Arts sculpture exhibition, taking place in the beautiful two-acre Sierra Azul Nursery demonstration gardens, 2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. Submit online to Hedwig@pvarts.org.

The show will be June 1 through Oct. 31 outdoors and pieces submitted must be weatherproof (to be insured), and of a scale suitable for outdoor display. Summer coastal weather includes sunshine, fog, wind and rain.

Sculptures larger than 30” is encouraged. Pieces with bold negative and positive elements and pieces 5 to 6 feet tall show best in the garden.

There is a $30 participation fee for artists selected and sales are subject to a commission, 30% for PVA members, 45% for non-members. Questions: 831-722-3062.

ONGOING EVENTS

First and Third Monday Each Month SENIOR LIFE ONLINE 4 p.m., Online Meeting Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a presentation by a local expert. Senior Life Online meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 4 p.m. View the schedule at scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/current-activities/.

May 3, Douglas Allen, Assistant District Attorney, Santa Cruz County, on “How Senior Citizens can Protect Themselves from Scams” and May 17, Darshana Croskrey, director of Scotts Valley Senior Center.

To participate, you need an Internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. A one-time preregistration is required at https://tinyurl.com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763. Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens. Information is at http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT 1-2:30 p.m., confidential Zoom meetings. National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County offers the “Connection Recovery Support Group,” a free, peer-led support group for any adult 18 or older who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (no diagnosis required).

You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. It’s confidential and drop-in friendly.

To attend, complete the registration form. You will immediately get an email with the Zoom link. You will need to do this only once, and will be able to use the same link for all groups in the future. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/nami-zoom-register (Full URL: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMld6trTgjEtOukidbv3qCQQTitZ92kXFf)

If you are unable to register, do not have an email address, or have other questions, call the office at (831)-824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org. For a recording of the March 18 speaker or more information on support groups and classes, https://www.namiscc.org/

Every Third Thursdays PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

First Saturday of the Month AROMAS HILLS ARTISANS MONTHLY MEETING 1 p.m., Outdoors at Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave, Aromas On Friday, April 16, some members of Aromas Hills Artisans met at Sierra Azul’s beautiful demonstration garden in Watsonville for a “Paint Out.”

This event is usually held on the third Friday of the month at various locations. Members decide at their monthly meeting where they will go to paint that month.

Aromas Hills Artisans was founded 20 years ago to bring together, support and encourage local artists working in many genres. The organization serves the tri-county area of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito. Interested artists and art supporters are welcome to join. aromashillsartisans.com

First Sunday Every Month MONTHLY OUTDOOR MARKETPLACE IN SANTA CRUZ! 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Old Wrigley Building Parking Lot, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060 The Westside Marketplace is an exciting, new monthly market where local art, handmade and vintage shopping meet delicious food! This collaboration between Food Trucks A Go Go and the SCM Makers Market presents a great mix of creators of all kinds! There is also live music at each event!

Anthony Arya, AJ Lee and Chad Bowen are performing at the market on May 2!

Rain dates are scheduled for the following Sundays. Anthony Arya

Come hungry to sample an amazing array of food from the food vendors and shop local with 40 artists, makers and vintage sellers at this new monthly event.

The Market is free to attend and is 100% local — all vendors are based in Santa Cruz County!

All local and state health guidelines will be followed. Please wear your mask, maintain social distance while you shop and stay home if you don’t feel well. Hand sanitizing stations will be available. For more information, go to the event page: https:// www.facebook.com/events/170470481551895; Food Trucks A Go Go: https://www.foodtrucksagogo.com/; or SCM Makers Market https://scmmakersmarket.com/ for a list of all of the vendors.

DATED EVENTS

MEET PANETTA FOR LUNCH 12:00-1:15 p.m., Aptos Chamber Online Luncheon The Aptos Chamber of Commerce lunch speaker on Friday, April 30, will be Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley). The get-together is online.

Minimum donation: Chamber members, $10; general, $15

RSVP at tinyurl.com/aptos-chamber-lunch-panetta (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf PijhUMIYCvZ_zow4ilV3Ixf4YSJp3R9kx_ZPIvHS8VzDtyA/viewform)

Saturday May 1

LIFE LAB BENEFIT 11 a.m.-Noon, Zoom Brunch Life Lab’s 10th Annual Spring Benefit Brunch will take place 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 1, on Zoom. This interactive virtual event highlights relationships cultivated through school garden education and the healing impact on students, families, and the community.

Guest speakers are Dr. Dilafruz Williams, professor and co-founder of Leadership for Sustainability Education and Fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Solutions, Portland State University, and Francisco Paco Estrada, program associate at Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

Choose from Brunch Menu options at https://lifelab. org/spring-benefit/#menu ranging from $15 to $50 from New Leaf Markets, Charlie Hong Kong, Companion Bakery, and Steamers Lane Supply. Limited quantities; order now to get your items before May 1. zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_63xWAVM-RdCIT6SAzh5nKA

RIO THEATRE PRESENTS: TOP DOG FILM FESTIVAL

Friday May 14

7 p.m., Rio Theatre, Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz Program available Online May 14–24 Rio Theatre will reopen for the first time since the COVID shutdown with Top Dog Film Festival, benefitting the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (if permitted). Celebrate the canine connection through this carefully-curated collection of heartwarming stories about dogs and their people. The festival is a hybrid event, with a grand opening in the theater and online showings Tickets for the live event are $16 and can be purchased at https://www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2021/5/14/topdog-film-festival-santa-cruz. Seating limited due to COVID guidelines

The films can also be rented online for $16 for 48 hours during the 11-day period. $1 per purchase goes to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Visit https://www.riotheatre.com for more information

Films

MARK & MYA: Mark and Mya spent almost two years travelling around North America.

DOG DATE AFTERNOON: To date the girl of his dreams, a germaphobe must win over the most important loved one in her life … her dog.

WOLF CALL: John Ramer’s experiences working with captive wolves drives him to share his knowledge with others in the hope that wild wolves might one day return to Colorado’s open lands.

OLD DOG: (TOUR EDIT) New Zealand farmer Paul Sorenson has a unique connection with his colleagues — a team of sheep dogs.

MUTUAL RESCUE: MIKE & ABBIE (photo above): The rugged coast of northern California helps a despondent man and a shy shelter dog discover pure joy together through surfing.

Saturday May 1 thru Saturday May 22

ROMEO & JULIET SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE 10 a.m., Saturday Shakespeare Club Zoom Session The Saturday Shakespeare Club is examining the tragic love story “Romeo and Juliet” throughout May.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare Artistic Director Mike Ryan will be the speaker. In 2018, the local company presented “Romeo and Juliet” at Delaveaga Park, with Ryan as Friar Lawrence.

This is the second of five sessions. Remaining sessions include:

May 8: Sean Keilen, professor of literature at UCSC and director of the school’s Shakespeare Workshop, will provide his insights.

May 15: Abbey Heald, a lecturer in UCSC’s literature department, will offer a provocative perspective.

May 22: Franco Zefferelli’s version of “Romeo and Juliet” will be screened. The film won an Academy Award for cinematography and earned Zefferelli a best director nomination. All sessions are open to the public. Each Saturday Zoom session will begin at 10 a.m. To connect to the Zoom meetings, contact saturdayshakespeare@gmail.com In lieu of the usual $2 per session suggested contribution, the group urges participants to send a donation to Santa Cruz Shakespeare at 500 Chestnut St., Suite #250, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or to https://www.santacruzshakespeare. org/donate/

Wednesday May 5 Thursday May 6

SIXTH ANNUAL GREEN TECH 7 p.m. Each Day, Santa Cruz Works Zoom Seminars Santa Cruz Works’ 6th Annual Green Tech event at 7 p.m. focuses on energy resilience. Register once on EventBrite.com: https://tinyurl.com/eventbrite-6thgreen-tech

Cost is $15. Once you register, you will receive a Zoom link for both nights. Schedule of events May 5

Energy Policy, Storage, Infrastructure

• Congressman Jimmy Panetta — resilience! • PNNL — Matthew Paiss on energy storage resilience and infrastructure. • OurEnergy — Dustin Jolley on clean energy and microgrids. • SupplyShift — Alex Gershenson on supply chain solutions for green companies. • Sustainable Systems Research Foundation — Ronnie

Lipschultz has policies for wicked energy issues. • Mynt Systems — Derek Hansen on a new energy. • Moss Landing Energy Storage — the largest energy storage facility in the world at Moss Landing in partnership with Tesla,

Vistra, and PG&E. • Save Our Shores — Gail McNulty with a plan for saving the coastline.

May 6

Energy Solutions and Applications

• Joby Aviation — Founder JoeBen Bevirt will discuss how advances in energy storage made air taxi service a reality. • City of Santa Cruz — learn about city environmental policies and plans from Tiffany Wise-West. • Ambient Photonics — Bates Marshall on an ambient light cell for indoors to change energy consumption. • Concentric Power — microgrid developer • VeriCool — Darrell Jobe built his green company to solve package cooling and he provides jobs for people after incarceration. • Piersica / Claudiu Bucur ushers in a new era of solid state batteries. • Orange Charger — Nicholas Johnson has a cost-effective electric vehicle charging solutions that manage payments at multi-unit properties between drivers and owners. • NuScale — Rudy Murgo.

Thursday May 6

REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT 9:30 a.m. to Noon, Online Event The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s 7th Annual Regional Economic Summit will take place online.

Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to the Gov. Newsome and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), will share what the state is doing to keep companies in California, insights into the current legislative session, implications for our region, and how the budget surplus is being used to provide relief to businesses affected by the pandemic. Register at https://tinyurl.com/MBE-dee-dee-myers

Saturday May 15

WALK FOR CASA! 9 a.m.-Noon, Anywhere With the Human Race on pause this year, CASA of Santa Cruz County with the help of the Friends of CASA will host its own Walk for CASA! This event will be virtual, with a hybrid option on May 15.

Walk or run anywhere or any time or join with supporters for a socially distant walk at Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Castroville, between 9 a.m. and noon May 15. Inperson walkers will be notified of your walk time on May 3.

All proceeds support CASA of Santa Cruz County’s mission to match each foster youth with a trained volunteer advocate within 20 days. COVID has been especially hard on foster youth, with increased isolation, challenges with education, and homelessness. To register and/or donate: www.casaofsantacruz.org/ walkforcasa Contact Michelle Keenan at events@casaofsantacruz.org or call 831-761-2956. For more information. n