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.

CAPITOLA

Mid County Senior Center benefit dance

The Mid County Senior Center will be hosting a benefit dance and concert featuring Country Feeling Band from 7-9 p.m. Friday at 829 Bay Ave.

Cost of admission is $10. Shanta Shenoy will teach Country Line Dance Class at 6, free with admission. Mid County Senior Center provides a variety of programs and activities for the local community. Ages 18 and over are welcome to participate in the dances.

CAPITOLA

Textile Arts Guild hosts fashion stylist

The Santa Cruz Textile Arts Guild is hosting local well known fashion stylist, Tina Brown, known for her trademarked Three Elements of Style business, for a lecture and presentation “Personal Style: How it Influences the Fashion Business,” at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Brown has produced and directed major fashion runway shows, and has worked with Macy’s, Sack’s Fifth Avenue and Giorgio Armani. The presentation is free and will be at the Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave. Go to www.santacruztextileartsguild.com for information.

SANTA CRUZ

Deena Metzger to host reading, book signing

Legendary novelist, poet and community healer Deena Metzger will offer a literary reading honoring the publication of her latest novel “La Vieja: A Journal of Fire” and the re-issue of “What Dinah Thought.” The event will be held from 3-4 p.m. Sunday at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St.

Tickets are $15. The event will be emceed by Carolyn Brigit Flynn, with a book signing and refreshments after the literary reading. Go to carolynbrigitflynn.com for tickets and information.

CAPITOLA

St. Patrick’s Day dinner at senior center

The Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave., will play host to a St. Patrick’s Day dinner Monday at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 4:30. Dinner will be the traditional the corned beef and cabbage, along with carrots and onions. Beverages will include lemonade, iced tea, coffee or hot tea. Cost is $20 per person and all ages are welcome. You must RSVP and prepay, call 831-476-4711 for information.

SANTA CRUZ

In Celebration of the Muse poetry event

Carrying on a four-plus decades tradition of elevating the voices of woman-identified poets in the community and furthering its efforts toward diversity, equity and inclusion, The Hive Poetry Collective presents the 43rd annual In Celebration of the Muse at 6:30 p.m. March 21 at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St.

Eighteen poets, including four UC Santa Cruz students, will read their work during a two-hour program. The event is free, but donations will be asked to support Monarch Services of Santa Cruz County which offers immediate crisis response to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, violence and abuse.

APTOS

Aptos Chamber to host networking mixer

Get ready for an evening of connection and stunning coastal views at the Seascape Beach Resort. Hosted by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce and Seascape Beach Resort, this mixer will take place in the Bayview Room, offering sights and hand-passed appetizers from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday. Rain or shine, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet local professionals, grow your network, and enjoy a memorable evening by the sea. The event is open to the public and costs $10 or $15 for two. Secure your spot by registering at aptoschamber.com or by calling 831-688-1467.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

San Jose State scholarship opportunities open

The Santa Cruz Chapter of the San Jose State University Alumni Association is pleased to announce that applications for its scholarships are available at sjsualumnisantacruz.org. The chapter will award renewable scholarships in amounts that range from $500 to $2,000 to graduating seniors from Santa Cruz County public high schools and to students transferring from Cabrillo College who will be enrolling at San Jose State in fall 2025. The Application filing deadline is April 4. Contact Donna Ziel, Scholarship Committee chair, with questions: zield43@yahoo.com.

APTOS

Author to discuss book on redwoods

AAUW Presents an engaging talk by author Deborah Osterberg titled “Saving the Redwoods: The Story of Big Trees Grove” from 10:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday at the Aptos Library. Osterberg will explore the fascinating history of Big Trees Grove, the first coastal redwood grove preserved for public enjoyment, now part of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Osterberg’s book, “Historic Tales of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park — Big Trees Grove,” traces the site’s transformation from a celebrated 19th-century resort to a cherished natural landmark. Established by Joseph Warren Welch in 1867, the grove became a world-renowned retreat, welcoming thousands of visitors — including President Theodore Roosevelt — long before Big Basin. Join us to uncover the stories of the first visitors, the explorers, and the visionaries who helped protect these towering giants for generations to come.

WATSONVILLE

Pajaro Valley Water committee set to meet

The Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency’s Administration & Finance Committee is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at 36 Brennan Street, Warren Koenig Conference Room, Watsonville. Remote meeting access is available at gotomeet.me/PVWater/pv-water-administration-finance-committee or by calling in 1-877-309-2073 and using 392-853-285# as the access code.

The agenda and any additional materials are posted at pvwater.org/administration-finance.