Santa Cruz County Holiday Gift & Dining Guide 2023

Holiday Gift & Dining Guide 2023

INSIDE:

❆ Holiday Lights ... 10 ❆ Holiday Gift Ideas ... 12-22 ❆ Stocking Stuffers ... 34 ❆ Dining Out Locally ... 40-45

PUBLISHER Patrice Edwards

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Camisa Composti-Talbott

OFFICE MANAGER Cathe Race

EDITOR Jondi Gumz

LAYOUT & DESIGN Ward J. Austin

MEDIA CONSULTANTS Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine

Holiday Gift Guide ©2023 is a publication of the Times Publishing Group, Inc.­located at 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003. Entire contents ©2023 by Patrice Edwards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission.

TO ADVERTISE IN ANY OF OUR PUBLICATIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Times Publishing Group Office: (831) 688-7549 or Email: sales@cyber-times.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com­ Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 3

Merry Christmas!

Table of Contents ❆ Shopping & Dining Locally ... 8 ❆ Holiday Lights ... 10 ❆ Adopt-A-Family This Holiday ... 15 ❆ Holiday Gift Ideas ...

12, 14, 16, 18, 20 & 22 ❆ Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker ... 24 ❆ A Dinner Menu of Holiday Flavor ... 26 & 28 ❆ Holiday Calendar ... 30-31 ❆ Santa Cruz County Charitable Organizations ... 32-33

Art Materials (831) 423-1935 Custom Picture Framing (831) 425-7111 Monday - Saturday

10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

142 River Street

❆ Stocking Stuffers ... 34 ❆ Handcrafted for the Holidays ... 36 & 38

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

❆ Dining Out Locally ... 40-45

@lenzarts

❆ Holiday Eggnog Recipe ... 46

LenzArts.com

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6 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

Order Your

s e i P & s e k a C y a d i l Ho Ask about our vegan pie options!

Today!

Available for order in any available ice cream or vegan non-dairy flavor. Please allow 24-48 hours for custom orders.

Bruster’s of Aptos 150 Rancho Del Mar • (831) 226-1034

5 $ OFF 3 $ OFF a cake a pie

Expires 12/31/23 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bruster’s of Aptos only. One coupon per item. Must present coupon. Duplicates of coupon not valid.

210APCP

20002383

Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 7

Santa Cruz County Businesses Rely on You to go:

Shopping & Dining Locally !

Remember the joy of going from store to store to find that perfect gift? Somehow many of us have gotten caught up in the supposed convenience of shopping for the lowest price at some mega-store or on their website. But have you ever had to take or send something back that did not fit ... or didn’t work ... or maybe just disappeared and never arrived?

Local is the way to go.

These days, local businesses need the boost from the local community to keep up their mojo going. Our local businesses are looking forward to selling their wares to “their people”! Get up and go to a locally owned and operated store or business that has real live people providing real live service. Local businesses where you can try on or turn on or try out their products and then take them back to return or replace without having to wait forever for your refund.

And, if you prefer to shop on the Internet, more and more of our many of our locally owned and operated businesses have websites that you can purchase goods and services from. This provides the opportunity to deal both online and in-person with people who are your neighbors and live in your community and boost our local economy.

Each day we see and hear the ever-present ads of national chains, but we don’t hear and see the many important values independent locally owned businesses provide us both as an individual and as a community. New “big box” retailers that replace locally owned businesses often create economic costs exceeding benefits: the loss of existing jobs and the cost of an increased infrastructure being the top two.

When asked to name our favorite restaurant, cafe, or shop, we almost always cite a unique local business. We say we embrace the idea of distinctive businesses with local character, but then often forget their survival depends on our patronage so let’s so up for them.

Those who raise funds for local non-profits can tell you that locally owned businesses provide most of their support.

Not all local businesses are perfect, and “big box” retailers are not bad, but the overall impact is obvious: local businesses play a vital role in our community that corporate chains seldom do.

Make a difference this holiday season, Shop, Dine and Experience all Santa Cruz County has to offer by staying Local! %

We have your perfect holiday gift!

GOLD JEWELRY • DIAMONDS • WATCHES • GIFTS JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIR

831.768.1887

307 Main St., Suite 101, Watsonville, California 95076

www.fatimasfinejewelry.com

Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair Dec 1 & 2 - Noon to 9pm Heritage Holiday

Dec 1 & 2 - Noon to 9pm

Craft & Gift Fair With Holiday Lights Walk Thru Each Evening

Holiday Lights Returns for 2023

Holiday Lights returns to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds for 2023 – with new lighted displays.

BIGGER AND BRIGHTER. This Drive-Thru experience will open Friday November 24th at 5:30pm. It will be open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday thru December 24th. This is a Drive-Thru experience - stay in the warmth of your car, tune your radio to the Holiday Lights Station(s) and take a leisurely slow drive through the magic of the lights!

Holiday Lights 2023 will light up the Fairgrounds with beautiful displays of holiday cheer along a longer route this year - making it a 3/4 mile light experience.

For more information and Tickets go to the Fairgrounds Foundation website fairgrounds- foundation.org Tickets are priced at $20 per vehicle in advance, $25 at the gate.

Holiday Lights combines with the Holiday Fair and becomes a Walk-Thru experience on Friday and Saturday December 1st and 2nd. You’ll be able to come and shop and eat at the Holiday Fair then walk the lights. (No Drive-thru on Walk-thru nights).

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation Agricultural History Project Holiday Lights and Holiday Fair Walk-Thru Nights Friday and Saturday - December 1 & 2 Lights come to life at 5:30pm Event will run thru 9:00pm both evenings.

Admission $10 Adults • $5 Children 6-11 • Under 6 FREE (Your ticket from Holiday Fair is good for admission to the Lights)

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With Holiday Lights Walk Thru Each Evening Visit fairgrounds-foundation.org for complete information for both events • Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

46th Annual Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair Friday and Saturday – December 1 & 2, 2023 Noon to 9:00pm each day

Tickets for the Holiday Fair also include Holiday Lights Walk Thru beginning at 5:30 pm (Lights come on at 5:30 pm) and are available at the gate or on line at fairgrounds-foundation.org.

With over 120 Crafters and Exhibitors, you can find one of a kind gifts you can not find at the mall! Spaces are sold out for this year’s event.

The Harvest, Crosetti, and Fine Art buildings will once again be filled with great handmade crafts and gift ideas for this holiday.

You’ll find crafts, gifts, antiques, collectibles, toys, great holiday food gifts and much more. Several of our crafters have been with us for years.

Great food favorites will be available in the Heritage Holiday Kitchens for your enjoyment. Bring the family for a great shopping experience, enjoy a great meal and walk through HOLIDAY LIGHTS throughout the Fairgrounds. A perfect Family Holiday Celebration!

Bring the whole family and shop for everyone on your list, enjoy great Holiday Foods and then walk Holiday Lights.

Get TICKETS NOW on line and save time in line! Tickets available at fairgrounds-foundation.org

Adults $10.00 each • Children 6-11 $5.00 each Under 6 FREE

SOMETIMES THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS ARE THE MEMORIES WE CAPTURE At Bay Photo, we offer a wide selection of products to cover all of your Holiday gifting needs, When it comes to personalized greeting cards, stunning custom wall art, and unique photo gifts, we have you covered. If you need help designing your Christmas gifts, please come to our local stores.

We’re here for you!

bayphotofilm.com

Clearly they’ll love Acrylic Blocks

Your gifting problems, solved!

Eastside Store 715 Soquel Avenue (831) 425-1100

@bayphotofilm

Park Avenue Store 2959 Park Avenue (831) 475-6090

Holiday Gift Ideas FATIMA’S FINE JEWELRY

307 Main St. Ste. 1011, Watsonville • 831.768.1887 • www.fatimasfinejewelry.com

Since our family owned and operated jewelry store first opened in 1995, our mission has always been to provide exceptional service as we help you find jewelry that you will fall in love with each time you put it on. From engagement rings to our custom jewelry, every piece in our showroom is handpicked for its timeless beauty and artful design. We also offer jewelry repair, as well as in-house financing and layaway options so there’s nothing keeping you from completing your collection with that perfect piece.

SUPER SILVER

1301 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.460.9696 • 1855 41st Ave., Capitola Mall 831.477.1932 • 214 Capitola Ave., Capitola Village 831.462.9696 • 1100 Second St., Old Town Sacramento 916.443.2801 • www.supersilver.com

Citrine is a beautiful fall color stone and is full of high positivity and optimism energy, and projects a sense of balance. Visit Super Silver to see our huge selection of Citrine jewelry. We have multiple locations, and an ever-expanding selection of .925 silver. Give the gift of choice with a Super Silver gift card. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

BUBBLE LOUNGE

30 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos • 831.708.4100 • www.bubbleloungesc.com

Bubble Lounge Boutique is every woman’s dream store located in Aptos! Our mermaid tribe takes great pride in excellent customer service. We have been in business since 2006 serving our local community with the best of the best curated just for you. We specialize in activewear, yogawear, lounge wear, and custom cut couture fitness as well as natural beauty and cosmetics products. Our brand menu includes Goddesswear, Beyond Yoga, Mika, Free People, Spiritual Gangster, Glyder Apparel, and many more. Come in and check it out!

JOHN’S JEWELERS

42 Mariposa Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 • 831.724.6296 Text: (831) 348-4199

John’s Jewelers opened its doors in 1961 and continues to provide its customers with its many services today. The family-owned business thrives on providing its customers with a homey feeling, as well as the confidence of knowing that each and every piece of jewelry is taken in with full intent of returning it with complete customer satisfaction. Our Dream: We believe in giving the best customer service possible, as well as providing you as a customer with the satisfaction of walking out our door with a precious piece of jewelry that will bring you or a loved one joy each and every time you see it.

12 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

Warmest Wishes for a Healthy and Safe Holiday Season. Together we will thrive in 2023-24! Dentistry for the Aptos community.

give us a call Implants, Invisalign, Family, Cosmetic

(831) 688-3012 or visit

LASER HAIR & SKIN SOLUTIONS • Laser Hair Removal • Laser Rejuvenation • Dermal Fillers • Botox • Dysport • Daxxify • RHA • Restylane • RF Micro Needling • Fractional CO2 Laser

Happy ! s y a d i l o H

delcoredental.com

831-689-9830

Brush, floss and keep the faith in 2024!

783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Suite 71B • Aptos

deer park deer park c e n t e r

783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos

c e n t e r

783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos

BUSINESS SERVICES Anderson Management BUSINESS SERVICES Bank of America Cecil Insurance Anderson Management Contractor Advertising Bank of America CVS Insurance Cecil Employnet Inc. Contractor Advertising Peak Accounting Services CVS Employnet Inc.

PDMI International SAR Asset Management PDMIAssoc.

International SASI Management Scurich Insurance Service SAR Asset Management Ship SASI Smart Assoc. Management Scurich Insurance Service FOOD & DINING Ship Smart Deer Park Wine & Spirits Deluxe FOOD &Foods DINING

Mangiamo’s Pizza Red Apple Cafe Mangiamo’s Pizza The Panda Inn Red Apple Cafe PERSONAL SERVICES The Panda Inn Bella Nails Black Cat Tattoo PERSONAL SERVICES Brian Del Core Dentistry Bella Nails D.D.S. Black Cat Tattoo

Del Mar Cleaners Eye Shapes Del Street Mar Cleaners Fig Design Galapagos Eye ShapesTravel Highlights for Hair Fig Street Design Laser Hair Solutions Galapagos Travel Nightingales Highlights forHome Hair Care Rad LaserAcademy Hair Solutions Nightingales Home Care

Holiday Gift Ideas LENZ ARTS

142 River St., Santa Cruz • 831.423.1935 • www.lenzarts.com

Serving you for over 50 years, Lenz Arts offers the largest selection of fine art supplies and the oldest custom frame shop on the Central Coast. Described as “one of the last real art stores on the West Coast,” people drive for hours to take advantage of our comprehensive stock and knowledge. From the finger-painting toddler to the professional gallery artist, we’ve got you covered! We are open for in-store shopping! Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm. Curbside service is still available.

DRAWN2ART

19C Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003 • (831) 661-5652 www.drawn2artstudios.com/studios

Our Philosophy & Approach: Drawn2Art’s philosophy is “creativity follows mastery,” and that a strong foundation of artistic skills will enable students to eventually follow any artistic path they choose. In the same way that the great Masters became proficient in classical drawing and painting first, so do our students. Instruction, coupled with practice, will bring about an independent and confident artist. Drawn2Art uses a step-by-step method to build skills. Starting with simpler two-dimensional drawing, students then progress to adding tone and color values to create threedimensionality. We do not promote rote teaching. We promote purposeful teaching. Our goal is always to continue to raise students’ competency from lesson to lesson.

CAROLINE’S NON-PROFIT THRIFT SHOP

8047 Soquel Drive, Aptos • 831.662.0327 • christina@carolinesnonprofit.org

Christy Licker opened Caroline’s Non Profit Thrift Shop in June of 2010, just three years after the death of her daughter, Caroline, who passed away at the age of 16. Her hope was to honor the life of Caroline by donating money to local nonprofits with programs/services for children and their families with the goal of easing the fundraising burden for these non-profits. Our volunteers commit to regularly scheduled shifts, with some even creating handmade items for Caroline’s.

Caroline’s is 100% volunteer powered!

WONDERLAND TOYS

19 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos • 831.316.7261 • www.wonderlandsantacruz.com

We are a local, women-owned and family-owned small business serving our community. Come in and check out our quality specialty and educational toys, classroom resources, books, games, puzzles, and more. We have a wide selection of gifts for the holidays. Advent Calendars of all types are going fast! Shop early for best selection! We also offer complimentary gift wrap of up to three items.

14 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

Adopt-A-Family T his Holiday Want to jump-start that feeling of holiday joy you had as a child? Then, join a cherished local tradition: giving the gift of joy through the Volunteer Center’s Adopt-a-Family program. Bringing joy to a child is one of the greatest feelings of all, that embodies what this season is all about.

Adopt-A Family is a partnership between the Volunteer Center, local social service agencies, and YOU. Together, we fill the holiday wish lists of the most vulnerable families in our community.

This year, there are more than 1,500 children on the Adopt-a-Family list — more than ever before. Children like Sabria, whose family lost their home in the Pajaro floods, or Jesse and Evan, two pre-teen boys who, with their father, just found permanent housing after several months of homelessness.

With your support, every single one of these children will have a joyful holiday.

Here are four ways you can help: 1. Adopt a Family: Visit the Adopt-a-Family website and choose a family to support. Each family has a gift list with essentials for young children like diapers or nursing

Fruit so fresh, it’s still on the tree when you order!

tops to hoodies and headphones for teens. You’ll do the shopping from the family wish list and deliver the toys to our warehouse in December.

2. Donate and Let the Elves Shop for You: Simply make a gift online, and let our dedicated team of volunteer elves select, wrap, and deliver your gifts to the families.

3. Organize a Toy Drive: Turn your annual holiday party into a force for good. Invite your guests to bring toys, essentials, or grocery gift cards. It’s a festive way to multiply the joy! We’ll even provide you with a gift list to share with your party guests.

4. Give Your Time and Expertise: The Volunteer Center’s Holiday Volunteer Guide offers dozens of opportunities to support local families and your favorite nonprofit organizations. Find an activity that fills your heart and resonates with your spirit of giving.

This holiday, let’s spread joy across Santa Cruz County.

Adopt a family, donate, volunteer. It’s easy to get involved, and you’ll feel good doing it! % See https://scvolunteercenter.org/four-ways-to-give-joy-thisholiday-season/

Favorite Fruits

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• 2 Orchard Fresh Apples Crispy and fragrant with the sweet taste of fall.

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Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 15

Holiday Gift Ideas PET PALS DISCOUNT PET FOOD AND SUPPLIES

3660 Soquel Dr., Soquel • 831.464.8775 • www.petpals.com

Pet Pals has been family owned since 1987. We provide brand name pet food and supplies at the lowest discount prices at our 17,000 square foot warehouse store. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help you and your pet find exactly what you need. We take pride in our local roots and give back to the Santa Cruz County pet community whenever possible. Please reach out if your nonprofit or pet organization would like to connect with the Pet Pals team.

SANTA CRUZ APPAREL

Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola, CA 95010 • 831.464.2500

Santa Cruz has been manufacturing the best Skateboards and Apparel for over 40 years. Innovative skateboards and artwork from the beginning ‘til the end. We carry a large collection of hoodies, caps, t-shirts, baseball caps, socks. belts and an assortment of gifts like mugs, necklaces, stickers and holiday ornaments. And of course we carry one of the largest selections of skateboard decks, wheels and trucks in Santa Cruz County. Come see the Boardroom for yourself.

APTOS VILLAGE SQUARE

7960 Soquel Drive, Aptos • www.aptosvillagesquare.com

Aptos Village Square is a host to several Aptos Favorites – all of which are family owned. The Shopping Center is a place where everyone can find something, practical, healthy, fun, and interesting!

Businesses include Jansen Music, The UPS Store, Showtime Pizza, Uncle Kwok’s, Workspace, Quality Water, Fleet Feet, Hot Source Yoga, Crossfit Aptos, Studio E Dance, Five Streams Kitchen, Caledonia Salon, Coastal Oak Interiors, and Shanne Carvallho. Conveniently located in the heart of Aptos – take the State Park Drive exit off Hwy 1 heading south. Come visit us!

CORRALITOS FEED

2895 B Freedom Blvd, Corralitos • 831.722.7884 • www.corralitosfeed.com 1486 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville • 831.728.2244 • www.corralitosfeed.com

At Corralitos Feed and Pet Supplies we specialize in pet and livestock nutrition. We carry everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy. Visit our Country Store in Corralitos for boots as well as horse supplies including straw, hay, and alfalfa. We also carry a full line of pet foods and products. Visit our city store in Watsonville for all your pet needs. We carry live animals including birds, reptiles, rabbits, chickens, and fish, along with the full line of products and food for these pets.

16 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

SERVICES

FITNESS & TRAINING

RETAIL

RESTAURANTS

Since 1926 Instruments / Accessories / Sheet Music Sales / Rentals / Lessons 831-724-4798

musicstoreguy@earthlink.net

7960J Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003

Our focus is on you and giving the best experience possible to help you achieve your goals.

(831) 662-0886

www.fleetfeetaptos.com

Dinner: Sun.-Thurs.

4:30pm-9:00pm Fri.-Sat.–4:30pm-9:30pm

7960 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

The Aptos Village Square hosts a number of local Aptos businesses.

Ergonomic Chairs, Desks, Sit Stands, Storage Units Spinal Health Support Products Organic Herbal Teas & Implements Self Care Products

A DAY OF BEAUTY Suite C

Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11:30am-2:30pm

(831) 685-2121

7960 Soquel Drive, Ste. I, Aptos

Caledonia

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

7960 Soquel Drive, Suite H1, Aptos, CA 95003 Monday-Saturday: 11am to 4pm Appointment Recommended: 831-462-2334

Conveniently located off Highway 1 and just outside Aptos Village.

Your creative retreat since 2009 831-566-0768 yvette@artfactorystudios.com

7960 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

7960 Soquel Drive Suite H2, Aptos California 95003

Tuesday – Saturday 10AM until 6PM CALL: 831-266-7597

Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 17

Holiday Gift Ideas BAY PHOTO LAB

920 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley • 800.435.6686 • www.bayphoto.com

Bay Photo Lab has a long history of innovative photographic printing and photo finishing services.

Located in the coastal redwoods outside of Santa Cruz, California, we have been providing Professional Photographers with the highest quality printing and customer service for over 40 years. We are committed to providing personal attention and a wide range of products. We pride ourselves on our quality printing and fast delivery. Bring your images to Bay Photo and join the many professional photographers who depend on us for outstanding quality, excellent value, and exceptional customer service.

REJUVENATE MEDI-SPA AND WELLNESS

1595 38TH Ave., Capitola • 831.226.2108 • www.rejuvenatemedi-spa.com

Rejuvenate is a medical spa offering the best-in-class service for Botox, Filler, Facials, and RF Micro-Needling to get you looking your best this holiday season and throughout the year! We offer gift certificates in multiple denominations so that you can give the gift of beauty and wellness to your friends and family this holiday season.

INTERIOR VISION FLOORING & DESIGN

2800 Daubenbiss Ave, Soquel • 831.219.4484 • www.interiorvision.biz

We can help you with everything from the simple problem to complex installations including products for radiant heat, patterns, and borders. I carry both pre-finished and sand and finish hardwoods including bamboo and exotic woods, laminates such as Mannington, Natural Linoleum, all major brands of carpet, wool, sisal, cork, custom and ready made area rugs, porcelain tile and Hunter Douglas Allustra and running line window shades and shutters. Let me help with some of the most confusing decisions you will ever have to make.

GAYLE’S

504 Bay Avenue, Capitola CA 95010 • 831-462-1200 • www.gaylesbakery.com/

We love crafting new, flavorful selections with the highest quality ingredients for you and your family! Every day, we transform the best natural ingredients like real butter, fresh eggs, and organic flour into more than 500 different pastries, cakes, cookies, breads, sandwiches, and entreés. Even the mayonnaise is made from scratch! Freshness in the food business can be a relative term. To us it means daily or hourly. Like village bakeries everywhere, Gayle’s is a meeting spot for locals, many of whom stop in several times a day. It is a destination for people from all over the world who love food. Experience Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria today — visit us in person, give us a call or place an online order.

18 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

Holiday Gift Ideas SLAP HAPPY

83.475.2735 • 118 Stockton Ave, Capitola Village, California 95010 https://flipflops.biz/

Slap Happy Sandal – More sandals than anywhere else. Located in Capitola Village, Slap Happy is Santa Cruz’s largest sandal store, Featuring Rainbow Sandals, Reef Sandals, Clark, Teva, Crocs, Oofos, Tory Burch, Sketchers, Sanuk, Roxy, Fitflop, and Okukai.

ATLANTIS PROPERTIES

408.354.8910 • 10 Jackson St Ste 107, Los Gatos, CA 95030 • 831.688.1871 94 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003 • https://www.atlantisproperties.net/

Atlantis Properties specializes in Property Management Services, which includes single-family homes, town homes, duplexes, apartments, and small commercial properties. We offer personalized service to meet your real estate investment objectives. The company manages properties in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Monterey Counties. Our experience provides you with current rental market conditions. We maintain memberships in professional associations to keep us educated on legislation in the industry. We pride ourselves on knowing the laws that affect the industry.

BRUSTERS

831.226.1034 • 150 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003 • https://brusters.com/locations/aptos/403

Bruster’s Ice Cream is made the old-fashioned way to create our signature flavor. Our handcrafted recipes always start with a proprietary homestyle mix delivered fresh from our own dairy to each ice cream shop. We serve premium flavors and artisan desserts made right in the store where they are served, including crunchy handmade waffle cones, customized sundaes, candy-filled blasts and thick milkshakes. It’s a process that simply makes Bruster’s A Scoop Above The Rest. Treat someone you love (or just yourself) with an ice cream cake or pie. Indulge in a customizable dessert made with our small batch, premium ice cream in your favorite flavor.

MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA

121 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003 831.612.6433 www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/aptos/

Serving up the best pizza in Aptos the same way Mountain Mike’s has done it since 1978 — dough rolled fresh daily, using real whole milk mozzarella, vegetables and meats sliced every day…all on a fresh, golden brown crust…with superior service for dine in, carry out or delivery. Mountain Mike’s is also home of the legendary crispy, curly pepperoni, which uses natural casing so our mountainous pepperonis curls and crisp when cooked…a true pepperoni lover’s dream. Come visit us at the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center in Aptos.

20 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

Wishing you a Happy Holidays from the Times Publishing Group, Inc. Visit us: tpgonlinedaily.com

Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 21

Holiday Gift Ideas SWORD AND BOARD GAMES

1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, California 95010 (831) 515-7096 • www.swordandboardgamestore.com

Sword and Board Games features premier board, card, miniature, and roleplaying games and seeks to create a fun and safe environment to nurture the roleplaying game communities in Santa Cruz County. Our vision is to create not just a game store, but to make a safe, inclusive space for people to play and enjoy all kinds of tabletop gaming and build a strong community supporting the store.

SCM CLOTHING

6116 CA-9 #1 Felton, CA 95018 831-431-0274 • www.scm-clothing.com

SCM Clothing offers themed apparel of all kinds. We are all about the mountains! If we don’t have it, we can help you get it. Come visit us for Christmas, we have lots of new designs.

We neededclothing that reflected who we are...proud Santa Cruz Mountain folks!

THE ABBOT’S THRIFT

6164 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018 831-335-0606 • www.theabbotsthrift.org

Established in 2002, The Abbot’s Thrift is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization serving the San Lorenzo Valley and Santa Cruz County. We are committed to providing women’s and men’s clothing, books, household necessities, furniture, kid’s stuff, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles at the lowest prices around. When you shop at The Abbot’s Thrift, you are investing in our community.

Shop local with The Abbot’s Thrift!

STAFF OF LIFE

1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz • 831-423-8632 906 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville • 831-726-0240 • www.staffoflifemarket.com

Staff of Life Natural Foods, a Santa Cruz Landmark specializing in farm to fork goodness was opened 50 years ago by Richard Josephson and Gary Bascou to address the growing demand for organic produce, natural meats and bulk shopping. From our beginning, in 1969 we have grown from a small natural foods bakery into a major natural foods supermarket that has become a Santa Cruz tradition. Our promise to our customer is simply to offer the best products at the best price.

22 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

FE L T ON

Celebrate

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lt 7 d wil on • ay dro Bo s a ot ul we sm der ek ark Cr • et.c eek 9a om m -9 pm

Season

Local & Organic

Pies Quiche Roasts Sides COOKIES

And everything in between

Felton • Boulder Creek wildrootsmarket.com 7 days a week • 9am - 9pm

Holiday 2023 GiftSHOPS & Dining Guide – 23 BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS • DELICIOUS FOOD • QUAINT

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Presents “The Nutcracker ” with Live Orchestra

By Betty Sanchez Photos left to right: Jana Marcus & Steve DiBartolomeo

For the 21st time, Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents its annual “Nutcracker” at the Civic Auditorium with a live orchestra. Led by Music Director Pamela Martin, the artistry of 52 professional musicians fills the auditorium with Tchaikovsky’s ebullient score. The SCBT production is a holiday tradition for many Santa Cruzans. Recorded music does not compare to the experience of listening to this masterpiece being played live. When these two classical performance arts of Dance and Music collaborate, the production becomes much more beautiful and expressive.

The Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre performances feature guest stars and SCBT alumni Melody Mennite and Lucien Postlewaite as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Melody is a principal dancer with Houston Ballet, and Lucien is a principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet. Each bring their unique and formidable talents to this production, in turn inspiring cast members and audience alike. Unique chemistry — having been partners in their formative years with SCBT — enhances every step they take together. Supporting these stars and the pre-professional SCBT Company dancers are additional guest artists from New Ballet, Tango Hayato Fujita-Gomez and Jack Concordia. Local dancers from all over the county round out the talented cast of over 50 dancers and character artists, several on the cusp of professional careers.

24 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

To honor the history and contribution of local Chinese immigrants in Santa Cruz, SCBT will feature a new Chinese divertissement in Act II, a traditional Chinese Dragon dance. Supported by the Ow Family for years, through the training and professional career of Ow descendant Lauryn Winterhalder, SCBT is proud to honor the history of these settlers who helped make Santa Cruz what it is today. Many “Nutcracker” productions are removing stereotypes of the different nationalities featured in Clara’s visit to the Candy Kingdom. SCBT endeavors to honor Chinese ethnicity and the value of its culture as a repayment for their dedication to the shaping of Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre celebrates the start of its 40th season with “The Nutcracker” with live orchestra at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

Performances are Saturday, December 9 at 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm and Sunday, December 10 at 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm.

Tickets can be purchased at SantaCruzTickets.com or by calling (831) 420-5260 or in person at the Civic Box Office, 307 Church Street. %

Heritage Holiday Dec 1 & 2 - Noon to 9pm Craft & Gift Fair With Holiday Lights Walk Thru Each Evening HERITAGE HOLIDAY CRAFT & GIFT FAIR RETURNS FOR 46TH SEASON IN 2022

JOIN THE HTS LIG HOLIDAYRU EACH WALK THNING EVE Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 25

A Dinner Menu of Holiday Flavor Cooking up a successful holiday gathering calls for everyone’s favorite recipes. From the centerpiece main dish to fresh salads and appetizers, roasted sides and baked sweets, you can take seasonal get-togethers up a notch by mixing traditional classics with newfound favorites.

Consider this full-fledged menu of flavor to give guests a memorable holiday experience from beginning to end and find more festive recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Fresh Flavors for Holiday Festivities With the festive season arriving, bring together family and friends for a delicious feast you can feel good about serving.

One standout recipe is this Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad that pairs fresh, leafy kale with roasted sweet potatoes and tender Cornish game hens for a truly elegant meal.

Elevate your cooking during the holidays with inspiration from Fresh Express and its more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads like the Sweet Kale Chopped Kit. It’s a perfect blend of a nutrient-dense salad mix of leafy kale, green cabbage, shredded broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as crunchy pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, topped with a tasty poppyseed dressing.

Visit FreshExpress.com to discover more fresh, easy and healthy recipes for the holiday season.

Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Servings: 4

• 1 package (6 ounces) stovetop stuffing • 2 cups chopped apples, divided • 4 Cornish game hens (20 ounces each) • 1/2 cup butter • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 package (10.9 ounces) Fresh Express Sweet Kale Chopped Kit Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Add 1 cup apples and fluff stuffing with fork; cool 15 minutes. Remove anything inside hens, rinse cavity with cold water and pat dry.

In small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder and pepper; mix well. Remove from heat. continued on page 28 ...

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Fill cavity of each hen with apple stuffing. Place hens in 13-by9-by-2-inch baking dish. Tie legs together and tuck wings under.

Baste with butter mixture.

Bake 50-60 minutes, or until thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 165 F and stuffing temperature reads 165 F. Baste with butter mixture every 15-20 minutes.

In bowl, toss sweet potatoes with remaining Italian seasoning and olive oil. Arrange in single layer on sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt, to taste. Bake with hens 25 minutes, or until tender.

Remove from oven and cool. Tent hens with foil and let rest 10 minutes.

Place greens from salad kit in large bowl. Add remaining apples and sweet potatoes; mix well. Toss with salad dressing. Add toppings; toss to combine. Serve Cornish game hens with sweet potato kale salad.

A Festive, Everyday Side Dish While the busy holiday season can be loads of fun, you still need to get dinner on the table between parties. When you find yourself in a pinch this holiday season, squeezed for time and searching for a quick solution for dinner, turn to an easy side dish that can appease everyone. Potatoes are a nearly unanimous favorite.

Make putting dinner on the table a breeze with a solution like little potatoes from The Little Potato Company, which can help bring holiday happiness to mealtime. Ready in as little as 5 minutes, they come pre-washed and require no peeling or cutting, making them the perfect time-saving solution for the holiday season.

Ideal for this Perfect Roasted Little Potatoes recipe, these little potatoes are a tasty, fresh whole food that you can feel good about serving. Ready in half an hour with minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, it’s a perfect side dish for any occasion.

Visit littlepotatoes.com for more information and holiday inspiration.

Perfect Roasted Little Potatoes Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 • 1-1/2 pounds The Little Potato Company Little Potatoes • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Preheat oven to 400 F. In large bowl, toss little potatoes with oil, salt and pepper until coated. Spread potatoes in single layer on rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 30 minutes, or until tender.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Tip: For extra holiday flavor, add paprika, garlic and fresh herbs. % Photos courtesy of Getty Images Article: Family Features

28 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

This holiday season, celebrate with gratitude in your gift giving.

As 2023 comes to a close, we invite you to join us as we pause, reflect, and renew a commitment to creating a better tomorrow for everyone.

Every dollar counts to make an impact and difference in patient care at Dominican Hospital.

We are humbled and reminded of all that is good by you and fellow donors who go out of their way to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Your 100 percent tax-deductible gift will support the cause of your choice.

Honoring a special care provider by making a gift in their honor, is a grateful way to show your appreciation for the care they’ve provided to you or a loved one.

Wishing you a year full of joy and health in 2024, Dominican Hospital Foundation

Follow Us!

Donate Now supportdominican.org

Contact Us @DominicanHospitalFoundation #DominicanHospitalFoundation

831.462.7712 GivingtoDominican@DignityHealth.org

Roaring Camp

Holiday Calendar

CANNERY ROW TREE LIGHTING Friday, November 24, 2023. Cannery Row will kick off the holiday season in Monterey with the 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

This FREE event is open to all. Get into the holiday spirit with family-friendly festivities to be held in Steinbeck Plaza. Free Red Engine Rides around Cannery Row will begin at 12:00 and continue until 5:00. Saturdays and Sundays through December 24th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For additional information, please call 831-649-6690 or visit www.canneryrow.com.

HERITAGE GIFT FAIR December 1st and 2nd Noon - 9pm SC County Fairgrounds • 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation invites you to the 46th Annual Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair. The Harvest, Crosetti, and Fine Art buildings will once again be filled with

Cannery Row

SURFIN’ SANTA AT CAPITOLA BEACH Saturday, Nov. 25, Santa arrives 12pm – Surfin’ Santa visits 12-3pm.

Ho…Ho…Ho…Santa Claus is coming to town. Surfin’ Santa that is!

By outrigger canoe, Santa & his reindeer will arrive on the shores of Capitola Main Beach. Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa’s wave-riding arrival…and don’t forget your wish list! Once Santa has toweled off, he’ll settle in his beach chair to hear holiday wishes and have a nice long visit with all the children.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS SC County Fairgrounds • November 24 - December 24 • 5:30pm - 9:00pm • 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project presents HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2023 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. This is over a ½ mile drivethrough experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience. Visit fairgrounds-foundation. org/holiday-lights/ for more information.

SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY TRAIN November 24-25, December 2-3, 9-10, 16-23 Chanukah Train: Thursday, December 7th This seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. The trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz at 5:00pm, 6:30, and 8:00 pm for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. We’ll share in Chanukah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Chanukah stories, playing dreidel, and enjoying kosher refreshments provided by Chabad by the Sea. Visit www.roaringcamp.com for tickets and more information.

WEST CLIFF HOLIDAY MARKET December 9, Lighthouse Point, 700 W Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz Come enjoy our holiday outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. The market will feature hand crafted gifts and a chance to do some holiday shopping. There will also be LIVE MUSIC and admission is FREE! Come on down and get your free gift!

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK: WINTER WONDERLAND November 23 – December 31 Get in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach!

Activities Include: Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!), Photos with Santa, Delicious Boardwalk Treats, Boardwalk Racers: Pedal Karts in the Main Plaza, Fire Pit Rentals & Holiday S’Mores, Holiday Fun Package (includes MyBoardwalk Card and a photo with Santa) and Holiday Shopping. Visit www. beachboardwalk.com/winter-wonderland for more information.

30 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

great handmade crafts and gift ideas for this holiday. On both days this year we will team with Holiday Lights and at 5:30pm when the lights come alive there will be a walk through! Enjoy both events for the same admission price. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-11. Under 6 is free!

SANTA COMES TO TOWN! December 2nd & 3rd Vendors, music, activities, DIY crafts, hay rides, photos with Santa, lighting the town tree and more! Get your tickets for DIY crafts and Santa photos early - the first 20 purchases will get one extra complimentary ticket and more! www.bcba.net

HOLIDAY PARADE Sat., December 2, 10am – 12pm • Downtown Santa Cruz The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. You can be sure to expect the whole community to show up and have a great time - and of course, at the end of the parade, sitting in an antique fire truck, the man of the hour is welcomed back to Downtown Santa Cruz. The parade route starts at the intersection of Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Water Street. The Holiday Parade is Rain or Shine!

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Dec. 2, 5:30pm • Santa Cruz Harbor • 135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club and including a canned food drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank, the Lighted Boat Parade features beautifully-decorated power and sailboats

SCOTTS VALLEY TREE LIGHTING December 2 Each year our community comes together for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. We sing, we laugh, we drink cocoa and munch on cookies and cheer as we light up our Community Christmas Trees: our little one at the Scotts Valley Community Center and our huge one on Mt. Hermon Road in front of Kings Village Shopping Center. We gather at our Scotts Valley Community Center to welcome Santa’s arrival and light up our Christmas Trees.

BOULDER CREEK TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA COMES TO TOWN Sunday, December 4, 3pm Boulder Creek The Boulder Creek Business Association invites you to the annual Boulder Creek tree lighting and Santa Comes to Town event in Historic Downtown Boulder Creek. Fun for all ages in the spirit of the holidays!

HOLIDAYS ON THE RANCH Saturday, December 9th from 11 am to 3 pm Celebrate the winter holidays as folks did in Californio, Victorian, and early 20th century Santa Cruz at Wilder Ranch State Park. Enjoy performances featuring the Lyric Victorian Carolers, sample Victorian-era holiday goodies, watch live demonstrations in the blacksmith and machine shop, explore the historical houses, and participate in wreath and candle making and wood oven baking. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505 or email wilderranch@ports-ca.us. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

WINTER FUN WEEKEND KOA Campground 1186 San Andreas Rd., Watsonville 831.722.0551 Winter Fun is here! Join us for winter wonderland activities around camp: Marshmallow War, Marshmallow shooters ($), S’mores and Cocoa, Nature Wreath Craft, Palm Tree Climbing, Fun Train Rides, Tie Dye ($), Indoor Movie at the Sand Shack Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm

parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Charter boats available.

This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor. This year’s theme for the Lighted Boat Parade is Holiday Harbor Fantasyland. Please visit the Santa Cruz Yacht Club website for more information.

APTOS CHAMBER TREE LIGHTING AND CRAFT FAIR December 2, 1-4pm • Aptos Village Green Join us for an afternoon filled with holiday cheer, local craft vendors, music, drinks, cookies, and of course pictures with Santa! For more information visit www.aptoschamber.com 831.688.1467

Holiday Lights Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 31

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Bringing Hope to People in Our Community

It’s amazing to see how many organizations and people are involved in helping others in our county.

Whether it’s kids or seniors, the homeless, sick or helpless, there are charitable organizations that can assist in making this holiday season one of hope for those in need. You can take part in this effort by volunteering or giving your donations to be part of bringing joy to others less fortunate.

Advocacy Inc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County

Alzheimer’s Association – Santa Cruz Chapter

CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children

American Red Cross – Central Coast Chapter

Central Coast Center for Independent Living

5274 Scotts Valley Dr., Ste 203, Scotts Valley 831.429.1913 • www.advocacy-inc.org Advocacy, Inc. is an independent non-profit agency serving Santa Cruz and San Benito counties for over 40 years. Our agency is comprised of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Patients’ Rights Advocate Program. We act as a voice for those patients/residents who are unable to speak for themselves because of prejudice, fear and/or disability, Train and consult with medical and mental health professionals on patients’/ residents’ rights, quality of care, treatment and quality of life issues.

550 Water St. Ste L-2, Santa Cruz • 831.647.9890 • www.alz.org The Santa Cruz Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers countywide services for families coping with Alzheimer’s disease. These include Support groups, an informational library, a newsletter, and a wanderer’s identification program. Our 24/7 Helpline continues to be fully operational at this time. Information is available to help with emergency placement and local resources, wandering issues, communication tips, behaviors, and overall basic information. 800.272.3900.

2960 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz • 800.733.2767 • www.redcross.org The Central Coast Chapter serves more than 770,000 people across the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. From the seascapes of Monterey Bay to the beaches of Santa Cruz, the Central Coast Chapter inhabits an area of California renowned for its natural beauty. A dedicated team of staff and volunteers works with community partners, local government, and donors to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Get your disaster preparedness kits and register for CPR and First Aid classes at www.redcross.org

1500 41st Avenue, Ste 250, Capitola 831.464.8691 • www.santacruzmentor.org For over 27 years we have served youth by creating mentoring relationships between children and carefully screened adult volunteers who provide guidance, friendship, and appropriate role modeling. We partner with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community and hold ourselves accountable for each child in our program achieving higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors, and educational success 813 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville • 831.761.2956 • www.casaofsantacruz.org Court Appointed Special Advocates are community volunteers who work one-on-one with children and youth in the foster care system. CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, screens, trains, matches, and supervises these volunteer Advocates to be the voice of our community’s youth in the Dependency Court System. Advocates get to know their child’s situation and needs, help caregivers access resources to meet those needs, and advocate for the child’s best interests in Court, community, and school settings.

1350 41st Ave. #101, Capitola • 831.462.8720 • www.cccil.org “Many people with disabilities are excluded from full participation in society. CCCIL is an advocacy and information center organized by and for people with disabilities, serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. Our purpose is to make our communities more accessible, and to empower people with disabilities with information and skills to live fulfilling lives in our communities.” CCCIL’s services include housing assistance, personal assistance services, peer support, independent living skills training and systems advocacy.

Community Bridges

519 Main St., Watsonville •831.688.8840 • www.communitybridges.org Since 1977, Community Bridges has been a catalyst for a brighter future by providing basic resources for the people of Santa Cruz County. Our family of ten vital programs across 20 different sites serves thousands of local children, families, and seniors each year. Our programs give community members access to transportation, healthy food, health care, and senior daycare. We offer early education, grade school tutoring, and classes in breastfeeding, parenting, and literacy. These and other services are provided without charge, or at very low cost.

Easterseals of Central California

9010 Soquel Drive, Aptos • 831.684.2166 • www.easterseals.com Easterseals Central California (ESCC) has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives since 1947. From child development centers to autism services and job training for people with disabilities, Easterseals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.

Families in Transition of Santa Cruz County

406 Main St. #326, Watsonville • 831.728.9791 • wwwfitsantacruz.org Since 1992 Families in Transition has been serving members of Santa Cruz County by providing temporary rental assistance and case management

32 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

to families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

Our case managers work closely with program participants to identify barriers to housing and come up with individualized housing stability plans to ensure client success.

Family Service Agency of the Central Coast

104 Walnut Avenue, Ste 208, Santa Cruz • 831.423.9444 • www.fsa-cc.org We believe in the power and potential of people of all ages and backgrounds to discover their own creative solutions. Our professional staff and volunteers provide the resources, support, and counseling services essential to healthy families and communities. We welcome people of diverse cultures, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths, socio-economic backgrounds, and abilities as clients, volunteers, and staff members.

Habitat for Humanity

108 Magnolia St., Santa Cruz • 831.469.4663 • www.habitatsc.org Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County is an independent locally operated and funded affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.

Our mission is to build decent, affordable homes and provide home ownership opportunities to qualified families who live and work in Santa Cruz County. Families purchase our homes with a down payment, sweat equity, and a 0% interest monthly mortgage. Please visit our Restore at 555 Main St. in Watsonville! We accept donations of, and then resell, new and used building materials, furniture, hardware, tools, and appliances at a fraction of the normal retail price.

Hospice of Santa Cruz County

940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley • 831.430.3000 • www.hospicesantacruz.org Hospice of Santa Cruz County provides expert medical care, emotional and spiritual support to patients and families in our community so that the final months of life can be spent at home - in comfort and with dignity. The H.U.G. (Healthy Understanding of Grief) program helps hundreds of children each year sort through their feelings of grief and loss in a healthy manner. Clients & families are helped in creating a network of support and are offered assurance and education regarding end-of-life planning.

Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services

680 West Beach St., Watsonville • 831.724.9100 • www.jacobsheart.org Since 1998, we have served more than 600 children and 2,500 of their family members who have heard the devastating words, “Your child has cancer.” Through the years we have celebrated remission for hundreds of children and have grieved with families at the loss of a precious child.

Through it all, we remain steadfast in our mission; our reason for existence is an unwavering dedication to providing support to parents and families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and South Santa Clara Counties.

Pajaro Valley Shelter Services 115 Brennan Street, Watsonville • 831.728.5649 • www.pvshelter.org Pajaro Valley Shelter Services provides families with a path to stable, selfsufficient futures through short- and longer-term housing and supportive services. We envision a community where families have safe, secure, and stable housing with sufficient resources and space to plan for their futures and pursue happiness. Pajaro Valley Shelter Services has an emergency shelter and sixteen units of transitional housing where families can stay up to two years.

Special Parents Information Network (S.P.I.N)

740 Front St. #175, Santa Cruz • 831.423.7713 • www.spinsc.org Parents of children with special needs may feel isolated and overwhelmed with the medical, emotional, financial, educational, and social issues they face as they raise their child. SPIN is a non-profit parent-to-parent support and information network serving parents, guardians, and families in Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties who have a child or children with special needs of any age.

Teen Kitchen Project

2880 Research Park Dr., Soquel 831.316.4540 • www.teenkitchenproject.org A nonprofit organization that brings young people into the kitchen to learn to cook delicious and nourishing food. Teen Kitchen Project offers our delicious, locally sourced and organic food philosophy to events from parties and business meetings, to fund-raising events for fellow nonprofits like the United Way of Santa Cruz County, PEO Sisterhood, and Team G Childhood Cancer Foundation.

The Community Foundation

7807 Soquel Drive, Aptos • 831.662.2000 • www.cfscc.com The Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity serving people who share a common interest to improve the quality of life in Santa Cruz County, and beyond, through philanthropy. Founded in 1982, we provide individuals, families, and businesses with ways to make giving simple, powerful, and personal. We offer professional advisor resources and tools to help you meet your clients’ charitable goals.

The Pregnant Mare Rescue Foundation

P.O. Box 962, Aptos • 408.540.8568 • www.PregnantMareRescue.org The Pregnant Mare Rescue is a temporary horse sanctuary serving the communities of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. We provide a safe haven for unwanted mares to have their babies, and a place for orphaned foals to grow. People from every walk of life benefit from the various programs offered at our ranch. We have created an environment that supports and encourages the horse-human connection.

The Volunteer Center 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz • 831.427.5070 • www.scvolunteercenter.org The Volunteer Center was founded in 1967 to address the pressing needs of our local community through volunteer service. We offer 22 programs that engage young people, families, seniors, working professionals, and people with disabilities in meaningful service. We have the capability of connecting people with volunteer opportunities on the web, by phone, or at one of our Centers.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz & San Benito

Valley Churches United Missions

800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville • 831.722.7110 • www.thefoodbank.org Second Harvest Food Bank provides food and necessities to people in need throughout our community. It serves 60,000 working poor families, seniors, and children each month. Second Harvest provides food to 180 programs and agencies operating pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, group homes, childcare, rehabilitation programs and more. Call 6620991 from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday - Friday, if you or someone you know needs food.

9400 Highway 9, Ben Lomond • 831.336.8258 • www.vcum.org Over the past 30 years, Valley Churches United Missions has continued to grow and serve an ever-increasing number of clients. We are a volunteerpowered, donor-supported nonprofit agency providing assistance to low-income residents in need. We serve San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and Bonny Doon. VCUM remains true to its original mission of neighbors helping neighbors. Send cash donations to Valley Churches United Missions, P.O. Box 367, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. %

Stocking Stuffers Budget Friendly Gift Ideas for the Whole Family

No one seems exactly certain when the tradition of hanging stockings at the holidays actually began.

But by 1822, Clement Clark Moore’s famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (better known as “The Night Before Christmas”) had been published. Today there are few children who don’t recognize the words, “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

Despite its popularity, the Christmas stocking is often overlooked during the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping.

Hence, stocking stuffers are usually purchased last.

Fortunately, there are many gift ideas that are sure to please without draining an already strained budget.

Some of the more popular stuffers to consider include:

❆ Traditional Goodies ❆ Clothes & Accessories ❆ School Supplies

❆ Mini Games or Card Games

❆ Arts and Crafts

❆ Gift Cards or Certificates

❆ Traditional Toys

❆ Tickets to Concerts or Hobby Classes

To enhance the excitement, wrap the stocking stuffers. Pack the stocking full, and don’t forget to let one or two items stick out from the top to tempt curious eyes, and enjoy your holidays with friends and family! % 34 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

Handcrafted for the Holidays Unique DIY Gift Ideas to Celebrate the Season

If spending hours scouring store shelves or browsing countless websites for the perfect gift for everyone on your list seems like a daunting task, opt for a more personalized approach: a handmade gift.

ingredients needed to bake a batch of cookies even Santa couldn’t resist. Or share the joy of the season with Handmade Holiday Snow Globes that allow the recipient to shake up a little Christmas spirit anytime he or she desires.

DIY mason jar gifts can be easy and affordable solutions when gift lists are running long but time is running short.

Plus, crafting something for loved ones this holiday season can show them just how much you care.

Find more DIY holiday gift ideas at ballmasonjars.com.

From canning and crafting to storage, drinkware and even gardening, Ball Honeybee Keepsake Jars can be used in a myriad of ways, including creating simple yet endearing homemade gifts. Designed to honor the unsung hero of the garden, the honeybee, the collector’s edition canning jars feature a unique bee and honeycomb design and highlight the important role these pollinators play in growing foods people love to preserve and enjoy.

Available in sets of four, the versatile, BPA-free jars come with bands and SureTight(tm) lids that seal for up to 18 months, making them perfect containers for hand-crafted holiday gifts like this Holiday Cookie Mix Jar, which features all the

Homemade Holiday Snow Globes: ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆

Ball Honeybee Keepsake Jars Hot glue gun Hot glue sticks Foam cubes Plastic holiday-themed figurines Glycerin Water Red, green or blue glitter

Remove lids from jars. Using hot glue gun, glue foam cube to inside of lids then glue figurines to foam cubes.

Place 1 tablespoon glycerin in jars then fill with water.

Sprinkle glitter in jars. continued on page 38 ...

Shop Capi tola

With countless shops and restaurants to choose from...

Holiday Shopping is Always Fun in Capitola Village

And it all begins at the corner of Capitola and Stockton Avenues

Florals, sports, and automotive styles (831) 462-5320

more sandals than any where else

Santa Cruz’s largest selection of Rainbows (831) 475-2735 New styles of men’s and women’s shoes in stock (831) 476-3960 Free Parking through the Holidays

Capi tola’s Surfin’ Santa November 25, 12:00 PM-3:00 PM

Take the whole family to welcome Surfin’ Santa to the shores of Capitola Beach! Santa will be riding the waves via Outrigger canoe, rain or shine, for his annual visit to Capitola Village, arriving at 12pm to visit with all the kids until 3pm.

Once toweled off, he’ll settle in his beach chair for a nice, long visit. Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa’s wave riding arrival, and your little ones special visit with Santa. It makes a great holiday photo!

Seal jars by placing lids over mouths of jars and screwing rings onto lids. Flip jars over so figurines are right side up. Shake for snow globe effect.

Holiday Cookie Mix Jar: ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆

1 Ball Honeybee Keepsake Jar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup brown sugar 1-3/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Crushed walnuts Crushed pecans White chocolate chips Holiday-themed bow

In jar, layer granulated sugar and brown sugar.

In bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to jar on top of brown sugar. Then layer crushed walnuts, crushed pecans and white chocolate chips.

Seal jar. Wrap top of jar, just below lid, with holiday-themed bow. % Family Features

38 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

SHOP & DINE

st AVENUE

41

PLEASURE POINT

SANTA CRUZ APPAREL Available at SANTA CRUZ BOARDROOM 825 41ST AVE SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062 831-464-2500 SANTA CRUZ APPAREL INSIDE CAPITOLA MALL

1855 41ST AVE CAPITOLA, CA 95010 831-475-8360 SANTA CRUZ APPAREL CAPITOLA VILLAGE

201 CAPITOLA AVE CAPITOLA 95010 831-515-7221

Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 39

Featured Restaurants:

Island Kitchen & Groggery

40 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

Dave Baskerville The Parish Pub

The Parish Pub in Aptos was started in 2017 by four friends who have worked in Santa Cruz restaurants and bars for over 20 years. They decided to start a sister pub to the already established Parish Publick House on the West side of Santa Cruz. Joel, Nate, and Erik, teamed up with their friend Karen to create a service oriented pub with a neighborhood feel. They have an emphasis on warm service, quality fresh food, a comfortable family friendly atmosphere, and the best beer and cocktails they can serve.

The Parish Pub Aptos offers to go food, patio dining and inside seating. The kitchen has been led by Chef Dave Baskerville who has increased the delicious “small bite” offerings to offer quality food and flavors. Bar manager Melissa Stoll has continued to scout exceptional beers and to make a fun and innovative craft cocktail menu.

In addition, the Parish Pub was an early adopter of the Impossible Burger and offers many other vegetarian and healthy options to ensure there is something for everyone.

Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 41

Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery Walk far enough out on the Santa Cruz Wharf and the land falls away, replaced by a sense of ocean and sky in all directions.

On the wharf’s lower decks, sea lions bask in the sun and bellow contentedly at one another. Seagulls wheel in the sky or hop along the wharf railing, pestering meditative fishermen. To the west, surfers ride the glistening waves of world-famous Steamer Lane like an impossibly beautiful dream. It is out here, near the last bend in the wharf, that you will find Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, Voted Best Restaurant on the Wharf, Best Outdoor Dining and Best Craft Cocktails in Santa Cruz, Sentinel Readers Choice, 2021.

Entering Makai is like being hit with a warm wave of pure tiki before swimming out into its ocean. It is a place of island melodies and intoxicating aromas. Tiki statues silently grin and howl from every nook and cranny. Plus, the bar rotates, making it arguably the coolest place to get a drink in the whole Monterey Bay region.

If you really need a vacation, but only have a few hours, we invite you to escape to Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, the fully immersive tiki restaurant and bar on the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Island Kitchen & Groggery

Gift Cards Available Online!

Monday - Thursday 11 - 8, Friday - Sunday 11-9 | Happy Hour Weekdays 3-6 (831) 466-9766 | 49A Municipal Wharf | MakaiSantaCruz.com 42 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

New Leaf Community Markets Rooted in the greater good since 1985.

Since 1985, we’ve been deeply rooted in the Central Coast communities, and that bond has only grown stronger over the past 38 years. Our commitment is straightforward: to make thoughtful choices that benefit both our customers and the world around us. And, while that might sound like a tall order, it has become second nature to us after all these years.

We prioritize ingredients and products from our local neighbors, often within just 100 miles. Beyond the shelves, we’ve collaborated with local partners who champion sustainable and community-driven initiatives, and together, we’re making a positive impact. To date, we’ve given back over $2 million to organizations aligned with our mission.

As a heartfelt thanks to our community, we’re thrilled to reinvest 10% of our after-tax profits back into the hands of those who support us. It’s our way of fostering the spirit of giving, year-round.

At New Leaf, it’s more than just grocery shopping. It’s about community, commitment, and the shared belief in doing what’s right. Let’s continue this journey together.

ring in the holidays with new leaf From gift cards to cuddly stuffed animals, locally-crafted candles, sustainable home goods, and lush houseplants, we’ve got your gifting needs covered!

Half Moon Bay • Downtown Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz • Capitola • Aptos Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 43

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The Hideout The Hideout Restaurant opened its doors in 2015 and has since become a community favorite! Owners Pete and Lisa Vomvolakis and Austin and Rachel Welch, with the help of family and friends, transformed an original 1930’s Aptos home into a beautiful new restaurant and bar.

Just four years after opening, The Hideout was destroyed by a fire in 2019. With overwhelming community love and support, The Hideout was rebuilt into the beautiful restaurant it is today.

Pete and Austin have both worked in the local restaurant industry for years and are well known in the community. With the help of locally renowned chefs, Antonio Gomez and Serafin Pantoja, The Hideout prides itself on creating classic American comfort foods: delicious appetizers and small plates to share, soups, large salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, pasta, and other hearty entrees – something for everyone!

The Hideout is a family friendly restaurant where you can sit at the 700 year old Redwood bar and catch a game on one of the seven large screen TV’s, enjoy the outside atmosphere under a heated patio, cozy up to the fireplace in the main dining room or host a large party in our semi private Redwood Room. Pete, Austin and staff take pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere, giving their customers friendly and attentive service, and offering quality food and drinks at a fair price. After visiting The Hideout you definitely won’t go away hungry!

Our redwood room can accommodate up to 28 guests (no rental/room fee). Gift cards are available in house and e-gift cards are available on our website.

Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 45

Holiday Eggnog Recipe

Directions: Combine milk, cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cloves in a saucepan over the lowest heat setting; stir and heat for 5 minutes.

Increase heat to mediumlow and slowly bring to a boil. Remove from the heat.

Whisk egg yolks in a large bowl until light yellow in color. Add sugar and whisk until light and fluffy.

Pour some of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Continue adding hot milk and whisking to combine until all milk is incorporated.

Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick, about 3 minutes; do not allow the mixture to boil.

When you think of Holiday drinks, eggnog always comes to mind. Following is a simple and tasty recipe which is easy to make and fun to share.

Ingredients: ❆ 4 cups milk ❆ 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ❆ 5 whole cloves ❆ 2-½ teaspoons vanilla extract, divided ❆ 12 large egg yolks ❆ 1-½ cups white sugar ❆ 4 cups Half and Half ❆ 2 cups light rum, brandy, or bourbon (Optional) ❆ ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

46 – Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide

Strain to remove cloves and let cool for about 1 hour, then stir in cream, rum, remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla, and nutmeg.

Refrigerate before serving, 8 hours to overnight. %

Always the Perfect Gift.

Fine Wines and Cheeses from Around the World

Impress your guests or delight your loved ones with the perfect gift from our carefully curated selection of wines, cheeses, and charcuterie from around the world. Make your holiday event one to remember with our wide variety of meats, seafood, and organic produce. And don’t forget to check out our wonderful selection of gift ideas in our home, garden & gift department.

Benefitting Hospice of Santa Cruz County

Tickets: $25.00 advance

We also offer the finest Meat, Seafood, and Organic Produce for all your entertaining needs. www.staffoflifemarket.com

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

SANTA CRUZ

1266 Soquel Avenue • 831-423-8632

WATSONVILLE

906 E. Lake Avenue • 831-726-0240 Holiday 2023 Gift & Dining Guide – 47