SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Lenten Series 2025 offered

Theologika, an organization that promotes awareness of the active presence of God, is hosting the Santa Cruz Vicariate Lenten Series 2025 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 210 High St. in Santa Cruz and Resurrection Catholic Church, 7600 Soquel Drive in Aptos. The series begins on March 11 and concludes on April 3, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and is designed to provide a broad range of topics for adult faith formation. Teens, college students and young adults are especially welcome. A $10 donation per session is suggested and will help defray costs. You can bring a friend for free, all are welcome. Register at Theologika.net or come in person. All presentations will be livestreamed and available with Spanish translation. Series presenters include local priests, deacons and storytellers. Dates, places, times and subjects are available online. Join online or in person. Visit Theologika.net today to sign up!

CAPITOLA

New exhibition at history museum

The Capitola Historical Museum, 410 Capitola Ave., will reopen for the 2025 season on March 14 at noon. This year the admission-free museum will feature the new exhibition, “The Naughty Surf — Fashion Turning Points in Capitola 1860s-1960s.” This exhibit will trace the evolution from the full-coverage Victorian bathing costume to the modern swimsuit. The Capitola Historical Museum will be open throughout 2025 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. For further information or to find out how to become a museum volunteer, please email capitolamuseum@gmail.com.

SANTA CRUZ

Wild Monterey Bay author event

Meet the editors and some of the storytellers from the 2024 book “Wild Monterey Bay: Up Close and Personal Stories of Memorable Wildlife Encounters” at the Seymour Center Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, March 9, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Over 40 people from all walks of life were interviewed about their most memorable wildlife encounter in Monterey Bay. Book stories range from plankton to corals, octopus, sea otters, sea turtles, elephant seals, white sharks and dolphins, plus blue, gray, humpback and killer whales.

Learn about the history of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from chapter board secretary Dan Haifley. Hear tales from storytellers Ari Friedlaender, Laura Barnes Walker, Kate Spencer, Monte Ash and more. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission fee to the Seymour Center is required for the event and includes full access to center exhibits. Admission is free for members and volunteers. For additional details, visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/calendar_event/wild-monterey-bay-panel.

SANTA CRUZ

Low-cost English classes offered

Do you know anyone who wants to work on learning English? The Redeemer Anglican Church at 115 S. Morrissey Ave. is offering affordable small English classes to engage students in fun conversations that teach the basics of the English language. Advanced classes are offered, too. Classes meet every Monday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. and run for 15 weeks. Cost is only $15 for materials. Students can join anytime. For more information, email sethschap@gmail.com.

SANTA CRUZ

Introduction to Zen meditation

The Santa Cruz Zen Center, 113 School St., will host an introduction to the body and mind of Zen meditation and the forms used, on March 15 from 1-2 p.m. Everyone is welcome, free of charge. For information, contact 831-457-0206 or contact@sczc.org.

SANTA CRUZ

Jug band sing and play-along

Everyone is invited to attend a free sing, strum and play-along with the Trolley Drops Jug Band at Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union St., on Thursday from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m.

This month will be another night featuring the one instrument more made fun of than the ukulele, banjo and accordion: the kazoo — so bring yours to show off and take this opportunity to learn a few kazooing tricks from kazoo instructor Captain Ron. It is free to attend and kazoos will be available at the event. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sing and/or play along with the band. Chord and lyric charts will be projected. Lots of parking nearby. Full bar, Hawaiian barbecue and more will be available.

BONNY DOON

Enrollment now open for elementary school

Bonny Doon Elementary School, 1492 Pine Flat Road #1, is currently enrolling students for the 2025-26 school year. Enrollment forms can be found on the school website at bduesd.org. Several documents and health records are required to enroll, so it is recommend starting the process as soon as possible. Please contact the school office for more information at 831-427-2300.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Mountain Community Theater to hold auditions

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 Thursday 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 Friday, 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.

SOQUEL

Elementary school now enrolling grades TK-6

Mountain Elementary School District, 3042 Old San Jose Road, is currently enrolling students in all grades, from transitional kindergarten to sixth grade for the 2025-26 school year. To enroll your child, please visit mountainesd.org and complete the Enrollment Interest Form, or call the school’s office at 831-475-6812.