BEN LOMOND

Tickets to go on sale for ‘Steel Magnolias’ play

Mountain Community Theater presents “Steel Magnolias,” written by Robert Harling and directed by Peter Gelblum, at the historic Park Hall, 9400 Mill St. Tickets are now on sale to the public. The community is invited to join the Opening Night Reception immediately following the 8 p.m. performance on March 21. There will be a Community Night on March 22, where all tickets are 2 for $25, and a post-show talkback on Sunday, March 30 after the performance. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2. For more information and tickets, mctshows.org.

SANTA CRUZ

City schools to host job fair

A job fair for grades TK-12 teachers, classroom aides, counselors, special education and more will be held by Santa Cruz City Schools on March 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Harbor High School, 300 La Fonda Ave. Job seekers will have the opportunity to apply in person for a wide variety of job openings at sites across the school district, which will be hiring on site for the 2025-26 year.

Applicants are invited to bring multiple copies of their resumé and to participate in on-site interviews. The event will also allow applicants to meet district staff members — including the administration team, as well as principals and representatives from elementary, middle and high schools — and ask questions about the work culture and character of the district.

Beverages and light snacks will be provided. With many California districts facing historic shortages in teaching staff, support staff and substitutes, Santa Cruz City Schools continues to work with its community to create career opportunities and to connect with resources that keep our classrooms supported. For details and to register, visit edjoin.org/Home/EventInfo?id=13721.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Mountain Community Theater to hold auditions for play

Mountain Community Theater announces auditions for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” a play by Simon Stephens based on the novel by Mark Haddon, and directed by Simon Hayward.

Tryouts will be held on March 6, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church social hall, 101 Riverside Ave. in Ben Lomond. In Santa Cruz, auditions will be March 7, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. at the London Nelson Community Center, Room 1, 301 Center St. Callbacks will be held March 9 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. at Park Hall, 9400 Mill St., Ben Lomond.

Performances are set for May 16 to June 8 at Park Hall, Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons. Rehearsals start March 17 and will generally be Monday-Thursday evenings until tech week. More information is available at mctshows.org/auditions.

SANTA CRUZ

The Rio to host Top Dog Film Festival in March

Australia’s premier showcase of the best dog-themed movies from around the world comes to Santa Cruz to celebrate the passion of dog lovers on March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave. The Top Dog Film Festival will bring a curated selection of hilarious, heartwarming and delightfully dog-centric films.

Feature films and short programs will showcase the full range of humanity’s enduring bond with dogs — from local independent films to international award-winners. An inclusive and family friendly event, this tour promises an experience that will tug at everyones heartstrings and leave them with a renewed appreciation for the extraordinary spirit of dogs. Join for Yappy Hour at Sante Adairius Midtown Portal on 1315 Water St. before the show!

A portion of ticket sales and Yappy Hour sales will benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation. Don’t miss out on this year’s event. It sells out each year. You’d be barking mad to miss it! Tickets and information are available at riotheatre.com/events-2/2025/3/22/topdog.

SOQUEL

Meet the Author series continues

The Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., is holding its third talk of the popular Meet the Author program March 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., featuring author Nicole Sallak Anderson, who will present her powerful memoir, “Wildfire: Losing Everything, Gaining the World.” She lost her home, belongings, beloved pets, bees, trees and gardens that had been her sanctuary for 13 years in the CZU Lightning Complex fires. Part eco-disaster handbook and part climate refugee chronicles, the book is also a love story about a piece of land and a family rebuilding together from scratch.

The event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at 831-475-3326 or visit porterlibrary.org/upcoming-events.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Animal shelter to throw pub crawl

The Santa Cruz Animal Shelter will be celebrating their 9th annual Saint Pittie’s Party from March 10-17 with a Pit Stop Pub Crawl and adoption special. During the celebration, there will be a $50 adoption fee for pitties and pittie mixes along with a St. Pittie’s goodie bag for lucky pittie adopters. Visit one of the animal-loving establishments and receive a beverage and a glass for $20.

Locations include: Woodhouse Blending & Brewing at 119 Madrone St. in Santa Cruz on March 14 from 3-6 p.m.; Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, located at 103 Kennedy Drive in Capitola on March 15 from 1-5 p.m.; and Venus Spirits Tasting Room at 200 High Road, Santa Cruz on March 16 from 2-4 p.m. For more information, visit scanimalshelter.org/saint-pitties-2025.

SANTA CRUZ

Women in Business Lunch

Join the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce for an inspiring “Women in Business” luncheon featuring guest speaker Bonny Simi, president of operations at Joby Aviation, on March 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Joby Aviation, 345 Encinal St. Bonny brings a wealth of experience, from her leadership roles at JetBlue — where she founded and led JetBlue Technology Ventures — to her career as a pilot, flying Boeing, Airbus and Embraer aircraft at United Airlines and JetBlue Airways.

In addition to her aviation career, Simi is a 3-time Olympian in the sport of Luge and an Emmy-nominated sports reporter. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, leadership and innovation. Come to network, learn and be inspired. Tickets are $75 for members and $95 for non-members. For information and to register, visit web.santacruzchamber.org/events/Women-in-Business-Lunch-6447/details.