22 minute read
Featured Columnists
By Derek Timm, Mayor, Scotts Valley
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Have you felt the shift? It’s underfoot. We are being carried forward, whether we are ready or not, back to the speed of pre-pandemic life. With that shift comes a return of many of the things we held so dear.
We are wrapped in a moment of choices, however. How to honor the sacrifices of the last year, how to make sure our community comes fully back to life, and how to resume our post-pandemic lives.
At dinner tonight, my daughter, who is back in class, talked about how she is losing focus after a couple hours at her desk. She described it like an athlete would describe coming back from an injury. “I lose my focus at 10 a.m.,” she said.
At first, my wife and I did not quite comprehend what she meant — taking it to mean that her 10 a.m. class was boring. “No,” she retorted, “By 10 a.m., everyone in my class begins to drift. Our online classes have been ending at 10:30 all year long. But my teacher is great,” she continued, “She sees us staring blankly and tells us to ‘hold on and she’ll get us there,’ and does everything she can to re-engage us.”
It is not just students. We are all rusty. Look at your calendar from an average day last February and ask if you are ready for the same schedule. Many of us were running at such a fast pace before the pandemic that we forgot we could slow down.
We need to take those lessons learned from the pandemic and carry them forward to our everyday lives as we begin to return. Before your schedule becomes fully booked, ask yourself which things you discovered were important, and prioritize them.
The decisions we make on how we return from the pandemic will be the source of study for decades to come. I suggest that we do it with intention, rather than just rolling back into the same habits. Changing old habits may seem hard, but the last year has taught us that we can do hard things.
If your priority has been your children over the last year, block your schedule now to coach their team or volunteer in their class. If your priority has been enjoying the outdoors, then set aside the time for a daily walk or a hike. If your priority has been TV binge watching, maybe it is time to reexamine your priorities.
As a community, we must also ask ourselves what things are important, and make sure we continue to support them. Are you grateful for the store and restaurants that keep you fed and supplied during the pandemic? If so, continue to frequent them, and shop local.
As a City, we asked ourselves which things were important that we need to bring back. We all agree that one of our saddest moments was making the difficult decision to shutter our Parks and Recreation program during the pandemic.
However, we know that it is more important than ever as life returns to provide childcare and programing for our youth, and we have prioritized that. We have begun hiring again for our Parks Program and we are proud to have partnered with the Boys and Girls club to expand summer childcare to more community members, especially those in need.
We also looked to our businesses, who we have been working alongside to help them survive. Our City is working to obtain CBDG Community Development Block Grant funding to provide a quarter million dollars in grants, to help our businesses push through that last mile out of the pandemic.
Of course, we are all going to lose focus and drift, as we try to reemerge. We can learn something from that energetic teacher, who sees the blank stares and works to recapture her students’ attention.
She does not shame the students for losing focus, but instead, accepts that they are trying, and works to get them to the end of the lesson. We will need to rebuild our stamina, but in that, remember to not lose perspective on the things in life that we learned are most important. n •••
Contact Mayor Timm at dtimm@scotts valley.org
Fictional Mothers
ACROSS
1. Build a collection 6. Economic measure acronym 9. *Beverly Goldberg’s schmoopie 13. Use an ÉpÉe 14. Neither here ____ there 15. Tall ancient monument 16. Daisy-like bloom 17. Much of it about nothing? 18. Commotions 19. *She’s ‘Bow’ to Dre in
TV sitcom “Blackish” 21. *Mother to Jo, Meg,
Amy and Beth March in novel and movie 23. Before tac 24. Ripped 25. Part of Super Bowl entertainment, pl. 28. Homesteader’s measure 30. *”Game of Thrones”
Lannister and mother to Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen 35. Douses 37. Adjutant 39. Article of faith 40. Genuflecting joint 41. *TV mother to Alexis and David, “friend” to
Jocelyn Schitt 43. “Will be,” as sung by
Doris Day 44. Perform in a play 46. Load sixteen tons, e.g. 47. Peacock’s pride 48. *Mowgli’s adoptive mother 50. Apartment 52. Skeleton in a lock 53. Part of a jousting outfit 55. Spelling competition 57. *Mother to Carlton in
“The Fresh Prince of
Bel-Air” 60. “Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in ___,
Arizona,” from the
Eagles “Take it Easy” 64. Country’s LeAnn ____ 65. Hoover’s agency acronym 67. Piano practice piece, e.g. 68. Church song 69. What Usain Bolt did 70. Poisonous substance 71. *Wife to Papa, mother to Baby 72. Sum it up 73. Go on a buying spree
DOWN
1. Way, way off 2. ____ Verde National
Park 3. Naysayer’s favorite prefix? 4. What bloodhound is after 5. Croatia’s neighbor 6. Nibble away 7. Affirmative action 8. Movie trailer, e.g. 9. Elementary particle 10. *Claire Dunphy and
Mitchell Pritchett’s mother 11. Soothing lotion ingredient 12. Bell and Barker, e.g. 15. Christopher Kimball’s
“Milk ____” 20. ____’s razor 22. Part of a circle 24. Tiresome 25. Questioner 26. *”Mamma Mia!” mamma 27. Do this or forever hold your peace 29. ‘80s band “Quiet ____” 31. Catch one’s breath 32. ____ a peak 33. Bone-chilling 34. Europe’s “boot” 36. Short for seconds 38. *She played Ricky
Schroder’s stepmom on “Silver Spoons” 42. Defendant’s excuse 45. Religious belief 49. ____ Khan 51. Plural of #39 Across 54. Below, prefix 56. Impede 57. “Everywhere you want to be” credit card 58. Muslim holy man 59. Plural of velum 60. *Ellen, Scarlett’s mother in “Gone with the ____” 61. Like the best accommodations 62. War god in Norse mythology 63. Make one’s way 64. Dashboard acronym 66. *Kunis, Hahn and Bell as “____ Moms” © Statepoint Media Answers on 23 »
MANY MUSEUMS FREE IN MAY Museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions are finally able to reopen their doors safely since the COVID-19 pandemic began a year ago.
For Museums Month in May, many local museums and galleries in Santa Cruz County are celebrating with free or reduced admission and community members are encouraged to revisit the places that connect and inspire children and adults alike. Now is the time to celebrate their return as gathering places, reflective spaces, and hubs of learning and creativity.
Research conducted by Martin Kriegel and Anne Hartmann shows when open at reduced capacity, museums and galleries present half the risk of infection via aerosol particles as a visit to a grocery store. Along with vaccination rates and recent decreases in active infections locally, that is great news for local museums.
Participating organizations include the Agricultural History Project, Capitola Historical Museum, Curated by the Sea, Museo Eduardo Carillo, Pajaro Valley Arts, Pajaro Valley Historical Association, Radius Gallery, R. Blitzer Gallery, San Benito Historical Society and Museum, San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Learn more at santacruzmuseummonth.org.
ROADMAP TO RECOVERY: CZU VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
Survivor to Survivor Forums
Tues., May 4: 7 p.m. Register: www.uphelp.org/may4
Tues., May 18: 7 p.m. Register: www.uphelp.org/may18
Mechanics of Rebuilding Your Dwelling Thursday, May 6: 4 p.m.
Expert guidance on selecting and hiring a builder, paying for materials and labor, and navigating lender and insurance requirements. Register: www.uphelp.org/may6
Roadmap to Recovery Q&A
Wednesday, May 19: 5:30 p.m.
Staff of nonprofit United Policyholders will answer pre-submitted and frequently-asked questions. Register: www.uphelp.org/may19 Submit a question at: www.uphelp.org/r2rhelp
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES As COVID-19 vaccines become more available and people resume some of their favorite activities, the American Red Cross is reminding the public that the need for blood remains. Healthy individuals are encouraged to make a blood donation appointment at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive now.
But what about those who’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine — can they donate?
As long as donors are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name, there’s no waiting period required after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the U.S.
Find details at RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility.
Donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed in May to help ensure blood products are available for patients into summer. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five, powered by Suburban Propane. Those who give May 1-15 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card by email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. •••
Santa Cruz
May 6: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.
May 7: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange #503, 1900 17th Ave.
May 14: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Chaminade Resort and Spa, 1 Chaminade Lane
Watsonville
May 4: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.
Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by May 24
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Alzheimer’s Association is offering video and phone meetings for caregivers throughout the month: Second and Fourth Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Jill Ginghofer and Laurie McVay. First and Third Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — Facilitators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney. Second Saturdays Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — Facilitator: Diana Hull. Register by calling 800-272-3900 or email ymflores@alz.org. ••• Second Wednesdays Spanish, 7-8:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitator: Yuliana Mendoza. Register by calling 831-647-9890 or email ymflores@alz.org.
STUDENT STORY CONTEST DEADLINE Stories Due Monday, May 31 The Palo Alto Humane Society invites 7th and 8th graders in Santa Cruz County to participate in a writing competition on the theme of animals and people helping each other. Stories can be fiction or nonfiction and should illustrate a sense of kindness in their characters.
The top prize is $500, with $200 each for two runner-ups. Winning stories will be published by Palo Alto Humane Society and highlighted during the 2021 Creating Compassionate Communities campaign.
Stories must be original and between 800 and 1,000 words. Competition guidelines — plus a submission form — are at https://tinyurl.com/paloalto-humanewrite-2021.
Vandana Ravi won the inaugural contest in 2019 with a story about a lonely girl who came across a donkey who also needed a friend. The 2020 winner was “The Sun,” by Aaron Huang, depicting the life of a mother dog trapped in a puppy mill from the dog’s point of view.
HALIBUT FISHERY OPENS MAY 1 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the 2021 recreational Pacific halibut fishery will open Saturday, May 1 and remain open until Nov. 15, or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. The 2021 Pacific halibut quota for the California sport fishery is 39,260 pounds — about the same as 2020. While Nov. 15 represents a longer season, the dates are not guaranteed and the season could close early. In 2020, the season closed Aug. 11, when the state’s limit was reached early. Anglers may be met at fishing sites by CDFW staff collecting catch and fishing effort information, taking length measurements in a safe and physically distanced manner to aid in quota tracking. Anglers are advised to check for updated information when planning a Pacific halibut fishing trip, as a season closure could come at any time. Information such as bag/possession limits and gear restrictions can be found at https://wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/ pacific-halibut Public notice of any in-season change to regulations is made via the halibut hotline at (800) 662-9825 or groundfish hotline at (831) 649-2801.
APPLY FOR THE CIVIL GRAND JURY Deadline Friday, May 7 The Superior Court of Santa Cruz County is extending the deadline to apply for the Civil Grand Jury. Applications are online at www.santacruzcourt.org and can be emailed directly to the court.
The 19-member Grand Jury investigates local government and may respond to citizen complaints about government issues. Anyone who is interested and eligible is strongly encouraged to apply.
The community depends on a strong Grand Jury to investigate issues and report about aspects of local government.
SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS This new program from Community Bridges brings enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges. org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.
SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Second Harvest Food Bank’s drive-through food distribution will continue operating at the county Fairgrounds throughout the summer with new hours beginning in May.
Upcoming dates and times:
Watsonville: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Fridays, 9 a.m.-Noon
May 7 • May 21 • June 4 • June 18 • July 9 • July 23 Aug. 6 • Aug. 20 • Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 Food hotline: 831-662-0991.
ONGOING EVENTS
First and Third Monday Each Month SENIOR LIFE ONLINE 4 p.m., Online Meeting Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a presentation by a local expert. Senior Life Online meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 4 p.m. View the schedule at scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/currentactivities/.
May 3, Douglas Allen, Assistant District Attorney, Santa Cruz County, on “How Senior Citizens can Protect Themselves from Scams” and May 17, Darshana Croskrey, director of Scotts Valley Senior Center.
To participate, you need an Internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. A one-time preregistration is required at https://tinyurl.com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763. Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens. Information is at Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT 1-2:30 p.m., confidential Zoom meetings. National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County offers the “Connection Recovery Support Group,” a free, peer-led support group for any adult 18 or older who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (no diagnosis required).
You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. It’s confidential and drop-in friendly.
To attend, complete the registration form. You will immediately get an email with the Zoom link. You will need to do this only once, and will be able to use the same link for all groups in the future. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/nami-zoom-register (Full URL: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMld6trTgjEtOukidbv3qCQQTitZ92kXFf)
If you are unable to register, do not have an email address, or have other questions, call the office at (831)-824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org. For a recording of the March 18 speaker or more information on support groups and classes, https://www.namiscc.org/
Every Third Thursdays PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.
Every Saturday SCOTTS VALLEY FARMER’S MARKET IS BACK! 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Scotts Valley Square Shopping Center, Kmart parking lot, 270 Mount Hermon Road. Ongoing thru Thanksgiving Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market reopens for the season on Saturday, May 1. Live music and seating return! There will be strawberry shortcake on opening day.
The Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets in downtown Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Felton Westside Santa Cruz, and Live Oak are phasing out senior only shopping hour beginning in May. Senior-only shopping, one-half hour before the official opening, started last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market staff says rates of COVID-19 remain fairly low in the county and many seniors have received vaccinations in recent months. Peak season is nearly here and most farms and food businesses have long days, some have long drives and it’s time to give them a break. https://santacruzfarmersmarket.org/markets/scotts-valley/
First Sunday Every Month MONTHLY OUTDOOR MARKETPLACE IN SANTA CRUZ! 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Old Wrigley Building Parking Lot, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060 The Westside Marketplace is an exciting, new monthly market where local art, handmade and vintage shopping meet delicious food! This collaboration between Food Trucks A Go Go and the SCM Makers Market presents a great mix of creators of all kinds! There is also live music at each event!
Anthony Arya, AJ Lee and Chad Bowen are performing at the market on May 2!
Rain dates are scheduled for the following Sundays.
Come hungry to sample an amazing array of food from the food vendors and shop local with Anthony Arya 40 artists, makers and vintage sellers at this new monthly event.
The Market is free to attend and is 100% local — all vendors are based in Santa Cruz County!
All local and state health guidelines will be followed. Please wear your mask, maintain social distance while you shop and stay home if you don’t feel well. Hand sanitizing stations will be available. For more information, go to the event page: https:// www.facebook.com/events/170470481551895; Food Trucks A Go Go: https://www.foodtrucksagogo.com/; or SCM Makers Market https://scmmakersmarket.com/ for a list of all of the vendors.
Ongoing Through Labor Day LOCH LOMOND RESERVOIR OPEN DAILY Hours: May & August–Labor Day: 7 a.m-8 p.m. • June & July: 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. • Closed Wednesdays Loch Lomond Recreation Area is owned and operated by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, primarily storing water for Santa Cruz residents and offering boat rentals, picnicking, fishing and hiking.
After Labor Day, the Reservoir will remain open on weekends through the second weekend of October, open 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Vehicle entrance fee: $8 • Season pass: $80 Information: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/ government/city-departments/water/watershed/ loch-lomond-recreation/park-map
DATED EVENTS
Saturday May 1
LIFE LAB BENEFIT 11 a.m.-Noon, Zoom Brunch Life Lab’s 10th Annual Spring Benefit Brunch will take place 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 1, on Zoom. This interactive virtual event highlights relationships cultivated through school garden education and the healing impact on students, families, and the community.
Guest speakers are Dr. Dilafruz Williams, professor and co-founder of Leadership for Sustainability Education and Fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Solutions, Portland State University, and Francisco Paco Estrada, program associate at Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.
Choose from Brunch Menu options at https:// lifelab.org/spring-benefit/#menu ranging from $15 to $50 from New Leaf Markets, Charlie Hong Kong, Companion Bakery, and Steamers Lane Supply. Limited quantities; order now to get your items before May 1. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_63xWAVM-RdCIT 6SAzh5nKA
TANDY BEAL & KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ 11 a.m., Felton Library Parking Lot, 6121 Gushee St, Felton Musicians Matt Hartle and Sunshine Garcia Becker will perform “Fun & Grateful-Driven Rock & Soul for All Ages.” This series features world-famous artists in free, live 20-minute family shows, outdoors and safe on the back of a flatbed truck.
FELTON FARMERS’ MARKET OPENS MAY 4
Open Tuesdays thru October
1-6 p.m., 120 Russell Ave, Felton The Felton Farmers’ Market opens May 4 with an exceptional group of farms and food businesses, solid systems for Covid-19 safety, and the return of live music and seating for the enjoyment of all.
Watsonville-based Mora Family Farm is new, with chicken, duck and quail eggs, apples, and preserves. H&H Fresh Fish will sell fresh catch and Frog & Feather Farm seasonal bouquets.
Food truck rotation includes El Salvadorean pupusas, Tibetan dumplings, and Italian pizza. Regulars are RoliRoti rotisserie chicken and potatoes, Sharp Quick knife sharpening with Terry Beech, the Penny Ice Creamery and Beckmann’s and Companion bakeries.
In May, CalFResh/EBT users can get a Double Match Special, two Market Match tokens for every EBT token up to $10. Ten dollars of EBT tokens becomes $30 in May, specifically for fresh fruits and vegetables. Sign up for the weekly newsletter at https://santacruzfarmersmarket.org/
Saturday May 1 thru Saturday May 22
ROMEO & JULIET SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE 10 a.m., Saturday Shakespeare Club Zoom Session The Saturday Shakespeare Club is examining the tragic love story “Romeo and Juliet” throughout May.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare Artistic Director Mike Ryan will be the speaker. In 2018, the local company presented “Romeo and Juliet” at Delaveaga Park, with Ryan as Friar Lawrence.
This is the second of five sessions. Remaining sessions include:
May 8: Sean Keilen, professor of literature at UCSC and director of the school’s Shakespeare Workshop, will provide his insights.
May 15: Abbey Heald, a lecturer in UCSC’s literature department, will offer a provocative perspective.
May 22: Franco Zefferelli’s version of “Romeo and Juliet” will be screened. The film won an Academy Award for cinematography and earned Zefferelli a best director nomination. All sessions are open to the public. Each Saturday Zoom session will begin at 10 a.m. To connect to the Zoom meetings, contact saturdayshakespeare@gmail.com In lieu of the usual $2 per session suggested contribution, the group urges participants to send a donation to Santa Cruz Shakespeare at 500 Chestnut St., Suite #250, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or to https://www.santacruzshakespeare.org/donate/ • OurEnergy — Dustin Jolley on clean energy and microgrids. • SupplyShift — Alex Gershenson on supply chain solutions for green companies. • Sustainable Systems Research Foundation — Ronnie
Lipschultz has policies for wicked energy issues. • Mynt Systems — Derek Hansen on a new energy. • Moss Landing Energy Storage — the largest energy storage facility in the world at Moss Landing in partnership with Tesla,
Vistra, and PG&E. • Save Our Shores — Gail McNulty with a plan for saving the coastline.
May 6
Energy Solutions and Applications
• Joby Aviation — Founder JoeBen Bevirt will discuss how advances in energy storage made air taxi service a reality. • City of Santa Cruz — learn about city environmental policies and plans from Tiffany Wise-West. • Ambient Photonics — Bates Marshall on an ambient light cell for indoors to change energy consumption. • Concentric Power — microgrid developer • VeriCool — Darrell Jobe built his green company to solve package cooling snd he provides jobs for people after incarceration. • Piersica / Claudiu Bucur ushers in a new era of solid state batteries. • Orange Charger — Nicholas Johnson has a cost-effective electric vehicle charging solutions that manage payments at multi-unit properties between drivers and owners. • NuScale — Rudy Murgo.
Wednesday May 5 Thursday May 6
SIXTH ANNUAL GREEN TECH 7 p.m. Each Day, Santa Cruz Works Zoom Seminars Santa Cruz Works’ 6th Annual Green Tech event at 7 p.m. focuses on energy resilience. Register once on EventBrite.com: https://tinyurl.com/eventbrite-6thgreen-tech
Cost is $15. Once you register, you will receive a Zoom link for both nights.
Schedule of events May 5
Energy Policy, Storage, Infrastructure
• Congressman Jimmy Panetta — resilience! • PNNL — Matthew Paiss on energy storage resilience and infrastructure.
Thursday May 6
REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT 9:30 a.m. to Noon, Online Event The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s 7th Annual Regional Economic Summit will take place online.
Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to the Gov. Newsome and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), will share what the state is doing to keep companies in California, insights into the current legislative session, implications for our region, and how the budget surplus is being used to provide relief to businesses affected by the pandemic.
Jessica Morse, deputy secretary for Forest Resources Management at the California Natural Resources Agency, will discuss “Fire Resiliency Part 2: Jobs.”
Dr. Fernando Lozano, professor of economics at Pomona College and co-chair of California’s Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, will stalk about labor supply.
MBEP President and CEO Kate Roberts will give an update on Equal Access Monterey Bay broadband effort. Cost is $59 on EventBrite.com. Register at https://tinyurl. com/MBE-dee-dee-myers
Friday May 7
STARTUP CHALLENGE FINALE 2-6 p.m., Online competition. Ten startups will battle for top prizes with their pitches. Competitors include The Sweat Lodge for healing military members, Xterminatrix holistic pest management, Red Engine Rides and Connections to end social isolation for seniors and Segura Enterprises’ device to warn drivers and pedestrians of an oncoming emergency vehicle to reduce the chance of first responders running into traffic.
The finale is virtual and hosted by Brad Barbeau, Kelly O’Brian, and Doug Erickson. To register, go to https://startupchallengemb.com/rsvpgeneral-attendees/
Tuesday May 11
TACO TUESDAY 5-8 p.m., Skypark, Scotts Valley Food Trucks A Go Go has been bringing you Taco Tuesdays for six years and this year they’re happening at Skypark.
You’ll find traditional tacos and creative new twists. This year, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation will participate — so stop by the gazebo to say hello to the many folks who help fundraise for Scotts Valley schools. Details on Facebook. https://www.foodtrucksagogo.com/upcoming-events
WELLNESS CHECKS FOR PETS 6-7 p.m., BirchBark Foundation Webinar Dr. Merrianne Burtch, DVM, DACVIM will share a step by step demonstration of how to comfortably check in with your cat and dog, know what is “normal” or may need further attention, and with a 30 minute Q&A.
Registration includes receiving the recorded webinar the next day if you can’t attend. Register at: https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/education
Saturday May 15
WALK FOR CASA! 9 a.m.-Noon, Anywhere With the Human Race on pause this year, CASA of Santa Cruz County with the help of the Friends of CASA will host its own Walk for CASA! This event will be virtual, with a hybrid option on May 15.
Walk or run anywhere or any time or join with supporters for a socially distant walk at Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Castroville, between 9 a.m. and noon May 15. In-person walkers will be notified of your walk time on May 3.
All proceeds support CASA of Santa Cruz County’s mission to match each foster youth with a trained volunteer advocate within 20 days. COVID has been especially hard on foster youth, with increased isolation, challenges with education, and homelessness. To register and/or donate: www.casaofsantacruz.org/walkforcasa Contact Michelle Keenan at events@casaofsantacruz.org or call 831-761-2956. For more information. n
