SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

NAACP accepting youth scholarship applications

The Santa Cruz County Branch of the NAACP is now accepting scholarship applications from local Black-identifying high school seniors with plans to attend a community college or university (or enroll in a post-secondary vocational program) for fall of 2025. Scholarship materials can be found at: naacpsantacruz.com/scholarships. A completed application must be received electronically or by mail by May 1.

CAPITOLA

Group to host embroidery lecture

The Santa Cruz Textile Arts Guild will be sponsoring a lecture, “Introduction to Hardangersøm (Norwegian Hardanger Embroidery)” by Bruce Fihe, on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave.

This presentation will provide an introduction to Norwegian Hardanger embroidery, know as Hardangersøm. It will also cover a bit about the Hardanger region of Norway and the origins of this traditional Nordic art form. The event is free to the public. For further information, visit santacruztextileartsguild.com.

CAPITOLA

Mid County Senior Center benefit dance

The Country Feeling Band will play for a Valentine’s Benefit Dance on Friday, 7-9 p.m. at 829 Bay Ave. Shanta Shenoy will teach a Country Line Dance Class at 6, free with the $10 cost of admission to the dance. This is a “no partners required” Valentine’s event. Mid County Senior Center provides a variety of programs and activities for the local community. All ages 18 and over are welcome to participate.

SOQUEL

Meet the Author series continue at the library

The Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., will be presenting its second talk of the popular Meet the Author program on Wednesday, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Featured author will be Helene Simkin Jara, who will offer you new insights about what it’s like to be a writer as her characters find themselves in circumstances that range from absurdly funny, to terrifying, to heart-wrenching. Her book “Me! Me! Me!” is about a group of writers who get together once a week, trade prompts and write for one hour. Pull up a chair and enjoy this rollercoaster ride of improvisational short story writing. For more information, contact the library at 831-475-3326 or visit porterlibrary.org/upcoming-events.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Calling artists for public art project

The Department Of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services is looking for artists to help beautify the Juvenile Hall at 3650 Graham Hill Road in Felton, with public artwork for new and renovated components of the facility. An artist will be selected to create site-specific art that should either enhance the experience of the residents and staff within the Juvenile Hall or the families and support persons visiting the facility.

Proposals for the exterior may be free-standing in the landscape areas by the facility entrance or teaching garden. Artists may propose murals, sculptural pieces or other ideas for the interior spaces, such as the kitchen/dining area, day-use rooms or the gym. Short-listed artists must pass a required background check should they wish to continue in the selection process.

The budget for the project is $135,000. For more detailed information about the proposal process, as well as plans and sample contracts, visit the County Parks website at parks.santacruzcountyca.gov/Home/AboutUs/WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists.aspx. The deadline for submitting a proposal is Feb. 21.

SANTA CRUZ

Low-cost spay/neuter clinic registration open

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has partnered with Animal Balance to provide 200 owned pets (100 cats and 100 dogs) with low-cost spay/neuter surgery, core vaccines and a microchip this Friday to Sunday just around the corner from the shelter at 2260 7th Ave. First-come, first-served appointments. Register at bit.ly/SpayNeuterFeb2025.

Spay and neuter surgeries are $150 for cats and $300 for dogs. Those on public assistance such as CalFresh or MediCal can provide proof of that assistance to qualify for lower fees: $75 for a cat and $150 for a dog. To be eligible for surgery, pets must be healthy, between 8 weeks and 8 years old, and weigh between 2 and 80 pounds. Dogs and cats with very short noses (such as pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats), senior pets and those with known health problems are not eligible for this clinic.

Volunteer support is also critical for these events. If you’re interested in volunteering to assist with this event, or with regular shelter operations, contact the shelter’s volunteer coordinator, Megan, at 831-454-7209 or megan.carroll@santacruzcountyca.gov.

For more information about Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and this event, please visit scanimalshelter.org or call 831-454-7200. The main shelter is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz, and the Watsonville location, 580 Airport Blvd., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for the lunch hour).

SANTA CRUZ

Portuguese Hall holds Crab and Shrimp Feed

Tickets are on sale now for the Santa Cruz Portuguese Hall Crab and Shrimp Feed on Saturday. Doors open at 4 p.m., feed starts at 6, at 216 Evergreen St. The cost is $80 per person, children 12 and under are $40. The price includes crab, shrimp, garlic bread, green salad and wine. Live dance music by the Digbeats. There is limited seating and tickets will not be sold at the door. For tickets, please call 831-419-5377.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Online webinar on college transfer program

Tuition Solutions Now is offering a free 60-minute webinar to share the basics of the Cabrillo College honors program, on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., to explain why it’s an excellent option for students (including STEM) and to answer any questions. Having this information will help students make informed decisions about their college education. Presenters include the honors program manager and lead instructor.

To register, visit us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6WbgeiBRRaOIsucpZPcc-g. For questions, email info@tuitionsolutionsnow.com.