SANTA CRUZ

Depot Park to host Pedal in the Park

Modo, the active transportation platform of Ecology Action, and the Santa Cruz Police Department are teaming up with 20 local businesses and nonprofits to host Pedal in the Park, a free community event that celebrates the joy of biking and promotes road safety from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Depot Park.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a new e-bike rider, or just curious about biking, this event offers something for everyone. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the thrill of biking while learning essential safety tips. The event features family-friendly group rides, a bike rodeo and obstacle courses, a helmet giveaway, a free bike raffle and more. Go to letsmodo.org/bike-fest to RSVP.

SANTA CRUZ

Screenings part of Reel Work Labor Film Festival

The 2025 Reel Work Labor Film Festival features a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Watsonville cannery strike. Two films by Jon Silver: “Watsonville On Strike” and “Daughters of the Strike” will be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Del Mar Theatre in Santa Cruz. Following the screenings, Silver will be joined by several of the former strikers featured in the films. The Reel Work Film Festival runs through May 18. All events are free and by donations. ReelWork.org

CAPITOLA

Mid County Senior Center hosts benefit dance

The Bay Bop Jazz Band with guest vocalist Jeannie Liu will play for a benefit dance/concert from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave., Capitola.

Cost of admission is $10. You are encouraged to bring snacks to share. Dave Herzog will teach a Bossa Nova/ Samba Dance Class boss nova/samba dance class at 6:15, free with cost of admission to the dance. The Mid-County Senior Center provides a variety of programs and activities for the local community. All adults 18 and older are welcome to participate in the dances.

SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz Works to host CEO Works luncheon

How do you go from building a website for a diner down the street to a client roster that included Google, Salesforce and the U.S. State Department? Soon after he and his partner started a web development firm, presenter Feras Alhlou realized that the industry was becoming commoditized. In this session, participants will learn how early-stage businesses can recognize when a pivot is needed for survival and how later-stage founders must stay alert and nimble for growth opportunities beyond their primary business focus.

The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. April 30 at ProductOps Inc., 110 Cooper Street No. 201, Santa Cruz. Go to https://bit.ly/pivotceo to register.

SANTA CRUZ

Chorale presents ‘Palestrina Leads the Way’

Over 500 years ago, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina composed his masterpiece, the Missa Papae Marcelli (Pope Marcellus Mass), which became a model for the following centuries of polyphonic music. The piece transcends time and offers enduring solace for modern ears. The Chorale presents the mass in an innovative format by interspersing its parts (Kyrie, Gloria, etc.) with works by modern composers (Arvo Pärt, Randall Thompson, Charles V. Stanford).

The performance will be held at 8 p.m. May 17 and 4 p.m. May 18 at Holy Cross Church, 123 High St., Santa Cruz. Tickets are $30 for general, $25 for seniors and $5 for students and can be purchased at santacruzchorale.org or 800-316 8559.

WATSONVILLE

County of Santa Cruz to host career fair

Looking for a rewarding career in public service? Don’t miss the 2025 County of Santa Cruz Career Fair on May 7 from 4-7 p.m. at the Civic Plaza Community Room (4th floor), 275 Main St.

Meet department representatives from across the county, explore exciting job opportunities and learn how you can make a difference in your community. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive free, personalized resume advice and attend a helpful presentation on how to navigate the county’s job application process. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a new opportunity, this is your chance to connect, ask questions and take the next step toward a fulfilling career.

Save the date and bring your resume. Reserve your spot at tinyurl.com/yc4h5jvh. For current job vacancies, visit santacruzcountyjobs.com.

FELTON

Open house at the Quail Hollow Quarry

Drop in and attend an open house hosted by GraniteRock and Renee’s Gardens May 10 at 405 Quail Hollow Road to benefit Friends of Quail Hollow Ranch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Join Quarry staff for short walks and talks. Learn about the sand quarry operations, habitat conservation, reclamation and native plant revegetation. A taco truck will be available for lunch. Donations are welcome.

WATSONVILLE

PV Arts calling for artists

Anyone who has ever exhibited art at Pajaro Valley Arts over its 40-year history is invited to show something at their upcoming all-media exhibit, “Homecoming,” at the Porter Building located at 280 Main St., from June 21 to Aug. 3.

This special exhibit is a chance to reconnect, showcase artists’ creativity and support our biggest milestone yet — bringing PVA back to the Porter Building. Pieces can be of any medium and size, from any time in the careers of the artists.

We invite family of deceased alumnae to honor their legacy by sharing a piece from their collection. Deadline for submission is May 2. To let PV Arts know you would like to exhibit, fill out and submit the form at pvarts.org/homecoming. Call 831-722-3062 for more information.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Dog obedience training classes start in May

The 59-year-old nonprofit Monterey Bay Dog Training Club is offering dog obedience training classes starting May 6 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, and May 8 in Capitola at the Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave.

Check out the Dog Training Club’s newest class, trick dog, offered in Watsonville. Classes fill up fast so register soon. For detailed descriptions of classes, locations, costs and to register, please visit montereybaydog.org.