COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Announcements

APTOS HIGH CALENDAR

Back to School Night

Aptos Jr High: Aug. 31 • Aptos High: Sept. 6

More at Aptos High

Aug 30: 12th grade info night for families 6-7:30 pm, performing arts center

Sept 12: 10th and 11th grade info night, 6-7:30 pm, PAC

Sept 21: 9th grade info night, 6-7:30 pm, PAC

Upcoming Games

Aug. 21: Girls flag football starts!!! First game

Aug. 25: Girls Volleyball @ AHS (Marina); JV/Varsity Football Home vs Oakdale (1st home game)

Homecoming Events

Sept. 28: GVB @ AHS; Girls Flag Football @ AHS 6 pm with mini parade at halftime

Sept. 29: JV/Varsity FB 5/730 pm @ Aptos (Homecoming)

Fair Entry Deadlines

From LEGOs to livestock … poultry to poetry, it’s time to enter your animal, vegetable, hobby, invention, or collection into the 2023 Santa Cruz County Fair!

The complete Exhibitor’s Entry Guide is now available at santacruzcountyfair.com.

Or pick up a Guide at local libraries, feed stores, and the Fair office located on East Lake Avenue (Highway 152) in Watsonville.

Most online entry deadlines including livestock are Thursday, Aug. 24, but the poultry deadline is Aug. 5. Please check the Entry Guide to confirm the deadline. There are so many exciting divisions … AgHort, Amateur Wine, Fine Arts, Photography, Floriculture, Home Arts, and Innovation … to name a few! Call the Fair office with any questions 831-724-5671.

Calling All Artists

The Mid County Senior Center is looking for artists to be a part of the Craft Fair & Garden Harvest on Oct 7 at 829 Bay Ave., Capitola, behind Woodworm. Booths are $30. If you are interested in a booth, please email Cindy at MCSC4TREASURER@GMAIL.COM for an application.

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.

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 through Aug. 27.

For the schedule, see www.santacruzshakepeare.org

Student Loan Update

Starting September 1, 2023, interest on federal student loans will once again begin accruing after the Covid-19 pause ends. Payments on those loans will resume in October.

The new Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE Plan, will cut down the amount borrowers have to make on monthly payments by half — to just 5% of their disposable income, down from 10%. This new SAVE plan will replace the existing Revised Pay As

You Earn, or REPAYE, plan and “will go into effect this summer,” according to the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Go to studentaid.gov to update your contact information so you won’t miss billing statements.

To find out your loan servicer, visit your account dashboard at studentaid.gov and scroll down to the “My Loan Servicers” section.

You might look into opening a high-yield savings account with no monthly fees or minimum deposits to make your payments.

Fema Extends Deadline To Sign Up

Renters and homeowners in 14 counties including Santa Cruz and Monterey impacted by the February and March storms and flooding now have until Sept. 1 to sign up for federal disaster assistance.

President Biden declared the federal disaster April 3. It covers damage caused by severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides between Feb. 21 and July 10.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program may provide disaster assistance for eligible costs of home repairs, rental assistance for temporary housing, essential personal property, disaster-related medical and dental care, funeral expenses, transportation and childcare. There are three ways to apply for FEMA: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. If FEMA refers you to SBA, you must apply with SBA before you can be considered for certain FEMA grant money, such as reimbursement for damaged personal property, transportation assistance and Group Flood Insurance Policy. Residents are not obligated to take out a loan if they are approved, but a failure to return the application may disqualify them from possible FEMA assistance.

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Events

Thursday, Aug. 24, 5-7 p.m. — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Board and Community Mixer (MBEP headquarters, UCMBEST, 3180 Imjin Road, Suite 153, Marina) — Refreshments. $39; free for members. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ mbep-community-board-mixer-tickets-691903962377

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Leadership Luncheon (Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road) — Featuring members of MBEP’s Board of Directors. $39. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mbepleadership-luncheon-tickets-691971113227

Thursday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — MBEP’s 9th Annual State of the Region (Embassy Suites, Seaside) — $149-169. Register now for early-bird rates at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-state-of-the-regiontickets-695045077537

Textile Arts Guild

Simpkins Pool Events

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

Santa Cruz County Parks Department and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter cohost the 6th Annual Parks & Rex “Pool Party” FUNdraiser on Aug. 21, noon – 4 pm, at the Simpkins Family Swim Center. Pre-register @scparks.com to guarantee your spot!

Price: $5/child, $15/adult (18+) free for kids under 3 years and all dogs

Event Day price: $10/child, $20/adult

Info: scparks.com

Math Circle Returns

The Santa Cruz Math Circle is a weekly math meeting for students in grades 5-8 who really love math. The 2023-24 session starts Oct. 7; registration takes place in September.

Each week students will meet with mathematical professionals in an informal setting to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics.

The instructors are mathematicians, scientists and engineers who use math every day and many have their PhD in math. Math Circles are interactive and focus on problem solving. The topics covered are not normally included in the standard classroom curriculum. Meetings are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 7-Nov. 18 at Cabrillo College Building 300; parking is in Garage A, top level, Aptos. The fee is $150; scholarships available. See http:// www.xacademy.org/

Learn more at National Association of Math Circles website, https://web.archive.org/web/20190127081938/http://www. mathcircles.org/what-is-a-math-circle/

Poetry In The Park

The Santa Cruz County Parks Dept. announces the return of Poetry in the Park, featuring Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatima, live music and a poetry-themed afternoon from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Dates are: Oct. 8 at Mesa Village Park, 790 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville. Poets Bob Gomez (Watsonville Poet Laureate) and Magdalena Montagne

Nov. 5 at Brommer Street Park, Poets to be announced Mesa Village Park is located at 790 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville. Brommer Street County Park is located at 1451 30th Ave, Santa Cruz. Presented by County Parks and Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatima.

County Fair Board Meetings

1:30 p.m., SC 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: Aug. 22, Oct. 24, and Dec. 5.

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

Ongoing Events

Ongoing thru September

92ND ANNUAL LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION

Open 1-4 p.m., Wed. – Sat., Santa Cruz Art League, 536 Broadway

The highly anticipated Landscape exhibition is running until September at the Santa Cruz Art League. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of landscapes captured through the eyes of California’s talented artists.

Juried by Ed Penniman, this year’s exhibition promises to be a visual feast for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

9:30 a.m., Aptos Village County Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. Santa Cruz Textile Arts Guild will have their first calendar Guild meeting at Aptos Village County Park.

See beautiful textile art by Guild members that were created the past few months and exhibited at the Santa Cruz & Monterey County Fairs.

More info at santacruztextileartsguild.com

August 15th 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 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.

Third Thursdays SIP AND STROLL

6-9 p.m., Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell their works.

Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strolltickets-668910307737

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:

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

Thursday August 24

ALL CHAMBER MIXER

5-7 p.m., Specialized Aviation, 150 Aviation Way, Watsonville Specialized Aviation will host the all-chamber mixer, featuring all six Chambers of Commerce in Santa Cruz County.

See the great event space at Specialized Aviation for your next big event. There will be discounted helicopter rides, appetizers, beer, wine and raffle prizes. Admission is free, RSVP appreciated at https://web. santacruzchamber.org/events/All-Chamber-Mixer-SpecializedAviation-5370/details

MASTER GARDENER INFORMATION SESSION

5:30-6:30 p.m., Online Seminar

Interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer but have questions?

What do Master Gardeners actually do? What’s involved in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer? Do I have the necessary gardening experience? How long does it take?

UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties are accepting applications until Sept. 30 for the next cohort of trainees. The 2024 training and certification program begins January 2024.

A 1-hour information session via Zoom is Thursday, Aug. 24, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. It’s free. You’ll hear from a few current Master Gardeners. Register at mbmg.ucanr.edu or https://bit.ly/44Ya3uR

Saturday August 26

15TH ANNUAL TESTICLE FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER

3-7 p.m., Estrada Deer Camp, 196 Hazel Dell Rd., Watsonville Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers hosts the festival at Estrada Deer Camp. Silent auction, raffle, live auction. Cow pie bingo.

Hors d’oeuvres: Rocky Mountain oysters — All you can eat! (3-4:45 p.m.)

Dinner: Chicken, salads, bread & dessert.

Ticket: $75 adults; $30 children 5 – 12; under 5 free.

RSVP to get your tickets by Friday, Aug.

18. Checks payable to: Agri-Culture ATTN: YF&R Send Payment to: 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076

Questions? Email sccfb@sbcglobal.net.

DRAWN2ART GRAND OPENING

2-5 p.m., 19C in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, 140 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos Drawn2Art Studios, which teaches students realistic drawing and painting skills, will host a grand opening at its new Aptos location in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center near Wonderland Toys.

The owner is Rachael Cartright, daughter of the founders Ed and Sher Warren.

Sign up for a free introductory art class and a chance to win a month of free classes! Games, prizes -& light refreshments while supplies last. Family and friends are welcome!

Phone: (831) 661-5652. Email: Aptos@Drawn2ArtStudios. com Website: www.Drawn2ArtStudios.com/Aptos

Sunday August 27

CHRIS BERTISH BOOK SIGNING

6-8:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Boardroom, 825 41st Ave. Chris Bertish, internationally acclaimed speaker, author, big wave surfer, Guinness SUP World Record holder

IMAGINE! — A CELEBRATION OF OUR COMMUNITY’S YOUTH

Saturday Sept. 9

3-7 p.m., Cabrillo College’s Sesnon House, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos Join CASA’s wonderful outdoor celebration of our community’s youth!

Festivities include performances by Senderos and Activities for All Youth Mariachi, music, dancing, raffle, and silent auction.

Delicious full-course meal served family style during our program honoring former foster and justiceinvolved youth, followed by our always-exciting live auction and dessert. Proceeds support of our programs serving the youth of our community.

You won’t want to miss this fabulous community event! All are welcome! Hope to see you there!

• 3:00-4:45 p.m. – Reception with Youth Performances, Silent Auction, Raffle, and more

• 4:45-5:30 p.m. – Full-course dinner served family style outdoors during our Program

• 5:30-6:00 p.m. – The ever-exciting Live Auction

• 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Dessert and Dancing and conservationist, announces his newest book, “ALL IN! The Atlantic Standup Paddleboard Crossing - 93 Days Alone at Sea,” featuring never-before-told tales of his record-breaking 4,050-mile transatlantic solo and unassisted journey from Morocco to northern Florida from December 2016 to March 2017. He will be at the Santa Cruz Boardroom to talk about the book.

Tickets are $150 or $1,300 for a table of 10.

Proceeds support programs serving the foster and justice-involved youth of our community.

“This book is an example of using influence to do good and be the change we want to see in the world while constantly working to be a role model and beacon of hope to others and the world around us, because the easy way is often not the right way,” said Bertish. “We can all strive to just be a little better, each and every day in some small way.”

TOUCH-A-TRUCK BENEFIT

Noon to 4 p.m., Salinas Rodeo Grounds, 1034 N Main St. Salinas-based Coastal Kids Home Care is hosting its Ninth Annual Touch-A-Truck, a family-friendly event benefiting children in the community coping with cancer and other serious illnesses at the Salinas Rodeo Grounds.

Kids of all abilities can explore and learn about a variety of vehicles — construction, utility, agriculture, and emergency — all provided by local businesses and organizations. There also will be live local entertainment and food trucks S&M’s Clam Chowder Hut, Showoff California Craft Barbecue, Tacos Don Beto, Kona Ice, Sweet Elena’s Bakery, Rubio’s Corn and Mangos

Raffle to win tickets to Disneyland and other attractions. Admission is $5 per person, kids under 2 are free, available at: https://www.coastalkidshomecare. org/events/touch-a-truck-salinas.

Proceeds benefit Coastal Kids Home Care, which provides in-home nursing, social work, and therapy visits to children living with serious illness or disability.

Tuesday August 29

TAXPAYER’S BILL OF RIGHTS HEARING

10 a.m., California Department of Tax and Fee Admin, 450 N St., Sacramento, and online

The California State Board of Equalization will host its annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearing in conjunction with the board’s August 2023 Meeting.

Skillicorn Bbq

Wednesday August 23

5 p.m., Corralitos Padres Hall, 35 Browns Valley Road. The Skillicorn BBQ raising funds for Scouting in the Pajaro Valley and Loma Prieta District will be at Corralitos Padres Hall. Clint and Karen Miller will receive the 2023 Friends of Scouting Award, and the 16 Scouts who achieved the rank of Eagle in 2022 will be honored. The 3rd Annual Skillicorn BBQ Scholarship and the 2nd annual Skillicorn Family Ranches Scholarship will be presented to deserving Scouts who are high school seniors.

Taxpayers and stakeholders can attend in person, participate by phone, 1-877-336-4440 (access code 4192718#) or submit comments online in advance at https://boe.ca.gov/meetings/heartra.htm on items in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s Annual Report, and share suggestions, comments, or concerns on California’s property tax system.

Taxpayers and stakeholders can present any ideas or changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Tax Law or comment on their experiences regarding BOE services.

The Taxpayer Rights Advocate’s Office primarily resolves property tax cases directly with the County Assessors, Tax Collectors, and Audit-Controllers, and Clerks of the Assessment Appeal Boards. In contrast, alcoholic beverage tax issues are primarily resolved directly with BOE staff and the TRA Office of CDTFA, which collects alcohol beverage taxes.

For fiscal year 2021-22, the TRA Office completed work on 269 cases, all relating to property taxes. About 75% related to valuation issues such as base year value transfers, Proposition 19 transfers and exemptions for disabled veterans; the rest related to administrative issues such as delinquent taxes and special assessments.

The 2023 Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearing will be livestreamed at https://www.boe.ca.gov/meetings/

Wednesday September 6

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR

6 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Drive

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club will host the Fly Fishing Film Tour Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Aptos Grange. The 2023 show will feature locations from Cuba to Patagonia, Mexico to Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts and beyond. Experience the achievement of a permit slam, follow one man’s journey from Mexico to the waters of Wyoming, explore the best international waters and compete for the legendary belt buckle. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie.

Doors open at 6 pm, no admission fee. The public is invited. For information, visit santacruzflyfishing.org

Saturday September 9

VETS 4 VETS CHILI FEED

4 p.m., VFW Post 7263, 2259 7th Ave, Santa Cruz Vets 4 Vets will host a Chili Feed noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at 2259 7th Ave, Santa Cruz. There will be live music, fun and games. Minimum donations: $10. n

Driscoll’s is the event sponsor. The Skillicorn BBQ is a major fundraiser to support the Scouts BSA programs in the Greater Pajaro Valley of the Loma Prieta District. This event has raised $575,000 since inception. The Skillicorn BBQ is all about fun and fellowship, with local friends and community members, outside, under the redwoods at the Corralitos Padres Hall. Attendees will meet Scouts and learn more about accomplishments in the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council.

Tickets are $125. Scan QR code to RSVP.