Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28

PUBLIC HEARING ON DISTRICT ELECTIONS 1 p.m., online and at Central Fire Administration, 930 17th Ave., Santa Cruz To comply with the California Voting Rights Act and avoid a lawsuit, Central Fire District plans to switch from at-large board member elections to district by district by November 2022. Local governments have faced an estimated $16 million in settlements and court awards.

Central Fire includes 76,649 residents in Aptos, La Selva, Rio Del Mar, Capitola, Soquel and Live Oak, 22% Hispanic and 67% white, with 59,107 of voting age, 14% Hispanic and 79% white.

The first public hearing was Nov. 18. Hearings also are scheduled for Jan. 13 at 9 a.m., and Feb. 10 at 9 a.m.

Maps are to be released by Jan. 6, with map adoption by April 17. Lines for the five fire district board members could follow city or school district boundaries or the freeway, mountain and coast. Another question is whether residents prefer to have one representative on the fire board for their community, or more than one. For info, call (831) 479-6842 or email PublicComments@ centralfiresc.org Visit https://www.centralfiresc.org/2279/Re-DistrictingProcess-2021-2022

Thursday December 2 Friday December 3

HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Community Health Trust (Kathleen King Room), 85 Nielson St., Watsonville After a year-and-a-half of distancing, the Watsonville Silver Circle will roll out its Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley — opposite the Watsonville Community Hospital main entrance.

More than 20 artists will show and sell artwork and crafts, plus live music by Jesse Martinez and free cider and cookies. The spacious, airy room will be lit up with a Christmas tree and beautiful decorations.

Watch Chris Martinez demonstrate how to turn wool into yarn and Lynn Stewart turn yarn into lovely knitted items. Christine West has handmade greeting cards and exquisite shadow boxes. Sonia Westphal will show her quilts and purses.

Claudia Harden will display her hand-painted Ukrainian eggs and Barb Scoles will show her hand-carved Santas. Louise Coombs has hand-sewn masks in all sizes and colors. Local authors Debra Smith and Joyce Oroz will have their books on hand. There will be pottery, gourmet items by Julie Conrad, wind chimes, glass art and handmade jewelry. Oh yes, and baked goods!

Friday December 3

AUCTION FOR HOMELESS GARDEN PROJECT 6-8 p.m., Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St., SC The Homeless Garden Project presents Sustain Auction: a First Friday Holiday Reception and Fundraiser at the Resource Center for Nonviolence.

Featuring wine and light fare from Soif restaurant, each ticket will include a gift bag of organic products, a live auction, remarks from outgoing Santa Cruz Mayor Donna Meyers and incoming mayor Sonja Brunner (invited) and a garden trainee talking about his experience in the transitional employment program.

Executive Director Darrie Ganzhorn said, “Sustain invites us to gather safely in person and celebrate the success of our trainees, as we raise funds to grow our program and operations at a critical time.”

The auction includes a weeklong stay in Galway, Ireland, a sail on the SF Bay, a private flight to Napa’s wine country, and a stay at Yosemite.

Proceeds benefit the transitional employment program. Tickets are $100 per person or $50 without gift bag.at www.homelessgardenproject.org Covid protocols require proof of vaccination and ID, or negative PCR test within 48 hours, and indoor masking.

BIG BAND JAZZ 7:30 p.m., Crocker Theater, Aptos The Cabrillo College Jazz Ensemble plays Big Band Jazz at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 at the Crocker Theater.

All patrons are required to wear a face mask covering their nose and mouth indoors and throughout the performance, regardless of vaccination status. Tickets are $12; students, $10, seniors, $8. For tickets, see https://www.cabrillo.edu/vapa/

Friday December 3 Saturday December 4

HERITAGE HOLIDAY CRAFT & GIFT FAIR The Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair will take place noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4, at the county fairgrounds in Watsonville, filling the Harvest, Crosetti, and Fine Art buildings.

Besides handmade crafts and gifts, there will be antiques, collectibles, toys, and more. Many crafters return year after year. Food favorites will be available for sale in the Heritage Holiday Kitchens.

Admission $6 per person; kids 6 and under are free. Parking is free. Shuttle service to the building doors until 5 p.m.

New this year, Holiday Lights at the fairgrounds will offer a walk through the lights each evening. Those attending the Holiday Fair earlier in the day can get a hand stamp to re-enter that evening when the entire Fairgrounds turns into a lighted holiday spectacular — fun for the whole family. Info: https://fairgrounds-foundation.org

Saturday December 4

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR/TREE LIGHTING 1-5 p.m., Aptos Village Green The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will host the return of its annual Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Aptos Village Green. Call 831-688-1467 for more information.

Saturday December 4 Sunday December 5

ART IN THE CELLARS 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Bargetto Winery, 3535 N. Main St., Soquel Bargetto Winery will host their annual “Art in the Cellars” Holiday Festival. Wine tasting with purchase of $15 glass; food available for purchase.

Visit https://bargetto.com/pec-events/annual-art-inthe-cellars-holiday-festival/ for more information. Admission is free; dress warmly.

Thursday December 16

BREAKFAST WITH REP. PANETTA 7:30-9 a.m., Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Ct, Aptos Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) will speak at a breakfast presented by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce at the Seacliff Inn. Price is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Register at 831-688-1467. n