Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28

WELCOME BACK MONARCHS DAY

11 a.m.-4 p.m., Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 W Cliff Dr. Welcome Back Monarchs Day will take place at Natural Bridges State Beach, known for its prime overwintering location for Monarch butterflies. Parking is $10.

This family-friendly celebration includes arts and crafts, music, information tables, food for sale, hand painting, handmade pumpkin ice cream, a Monarch superhero skit, a parade and free cake.

New this year at Natural Bridges: Silk butterfly earrings crafted by Ukrainian artists and beautiful Monarch-inspired jewelry by local artist Liz Reid. For information email or call (831) 423-0871.

Tuesday October 11 Wednesday October 12

GETTING YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER

6 p.m., Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Get answers on Financial Planning, Medicare and Funeral Pre-planning, (including green burial options). Three local experts offer a presentation along with a light meal with your advance RSVP. For more information on the event or speakers see www. PrePlanWithPatricia.com, call or text Patricia Kimie at 831-756-1381. Free parking in rear of the chapel.

Wednesday October 12

GROW GARLIC WORKSHOP

5–6:30 p.m., Online Class Have you ever wanted to add garlic to your food garden? Now is the time to plant garlic from seed for harvesting next year. With so many varieties available, it can be hard to choose the right ones for our area.

UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties offer a free workshop online 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, led by professional garlic grower Pete Rasmussen.

He’ll discuss all aspects of growing great garlic, from soil preparation and seed selection, to planting, fertilizing, and harvesting. Free; donations appreciated. To register, go to mbmg.ucanr. edu

Friday October 14

8TH ANNUAL STATE OF THE REGION

9 a.m.-4 p.m., University Center, 4314 6th Avenue, Seaside You are cordially invited to the 8th Annual State of the Region Conference on Friday, Oct. 14 in person at CSU Monterey Bay. Business, government, and educational leaders from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties will attend.

Presentations and conversations will focus on how to drive equitable regional economic recovery and development, housing for all, reducing the digital divide, policy and legislation. Tickets are $139. To register, see https://tinyurl.com/8thstate-of-region-2022 (Full URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annualstate-of-the-region-tickets-399183106417?aff=ode imcmailchimp&utm_source=Regional+Report&utm_ campaign=987512cce2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_05_18_10_44_COPY_01&utm_ medium=email&utm_term=0_49b099d7f6-987512cce2194946593&mc_cid=987512cce2&mc_eid=66244ddae7)

UC MASTER GARDENERS FALL PLANT SALE

Order online, pick up by appointment at Watsonville and Salinas locations

Monterey Bay Master Gardeners announce their annual Fall Plant Sale, with the online pop-up nursery open for one week.

Fall is the best time to plant cool-weather food crops and California native plants and other perennials, when the soil is still warm and can get established through winter rains.

Our fall plant collection features drought-tolerant, water-wise and native and/or pollinator perennials with a robust selection of winter vegetables and herbs. The collection includes indoor plants, succulents and bulbs ready for the garden.

All funds benefit the all-volunteer UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, which offers a gardening help line, events and seasonal classes to empower our home gardening community with knowledge and skills to grow food and garden sustainably. For information, visit mbmg.ucanr.edu .

Thursday October 20

PVUSD STATE OF THE DISTRICT

8:30 a.m., Watsonville City Hall community room, 250 Main St. The Pajaro Valley Unified School District will present “The State of the District” at Watsonville City Hall community room. The theme is “Learning and Innovation For Transformation.”

Saturday October 22

CHILI COOKOFF

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. Bring your appetite and join the fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as professional and amateur chefs compete for the title of Best Chili! 10 am to 4 pm.

Cook-Off Schedule

9am-10am: Chef’s prep (no heat) 10am-1pm: Chili cook time 10am: Tasting kits go on sale for $12. Part of each sale goes to the Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller Memorial. 1pm: Public tasting begins 4pm: Winners announced at Neptune’s Stage (beachside of Neptune’s Kingdom) n

OPEN DAILY! 8am - 8pm