SOQUEL

Meet the Author series presents Nancy Lynn Jarvis

The Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., is holding its final talk in the popular Meet the Author series Wednesday at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Local author Nancy Lynn Jarvis will hold a panel discussion with authors from “Santa Cruz Ghost Stories” about what influenced them to write their tales and whether all of the ghosts in the book are real or imaginary. This program is free of charge and open to the public. For information, contact the library at 831-475-3326 or visit porterlibrary.org/upcoming-events.

SANTA CRUZ

Gallery calling for local artists

The Santa Cruz Art League’s Next / Now exhibition is calling on emerging, established and student artists working in a diverse range of mediums for a show of intergenerational perspectives on a common theme: Future Forward. The theme Future Forward represents the manifestations, predictions, planning and ambitions for the individual and/or collective future. What do you see in the future? What are you doing now for the future? What did the future look like in the past, and how has the present lived up to those predictions? The theme can encompass abstract visions, figurative forms or even literal blueprints. We want you to show us what the concept of looking to the future means to you, in whatever form that takes. Bring your perspective on what’s in store for yourself, your community, for posterity and the entire known and unknown universe.

This exhibition is open to all ages, mediums, interpretations and styles. Submit your work on their website at scal.org/next-now by April 13 to be considered for this exhibit.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Webinar on navigating historical bias

On April 12, Santa Cruz’s local history study group Researchers Anonymous, will host an online presentation at 10 a.m. by UCSC professor Martin Rizzo-Martinez entitled “Reading Against The Grain: Navigating Historical Bias.” Rizzo-Martinez will share examples from his research on 19th century local Indigenous people; instances where historical bias has created conflicting archival documents. He will discuss strategies to better navigate the complexities of these histories. Rizzo-Martinez is an author, historian and producer of film, podcast and other media content. The presentation is free of charge and all are welcome. For the Zoom link, please contact Dan Model, at drmodel99@gmail.com.

CAPITOLA

Mid County Senior Center benefit dance

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

Cost of admission is $10. Shanta Shenoy will teach a 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.

WATSONVILLE

Hospital to host first ‘State of the Hospital’ community event

Watsonville Community Hospital will host its inaugural “State of the Hospital” event, marking a pivotal moment since the hospital returned to public ownership. The free event will take place on April 18, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St., 6th Floor. Complimentary parking is available via the Rodriguez Street garage entrance.

The gathering will bring together community members, healthcare professionals and civic leaders for an inside look at the hospital’s transformation under community ownership. Hospital leadership will share updates on recent achievements, ongoing challenges and strategic initiatives aimed at improving the growing healthcare needs of the area. Please register for this free event at watsonvillehospital.com.

SANTA CRUZ

67th annual high school art show

Join the Santa Cruz Art League in a celebration of creativity and talent from the next generation of local artists at their 67th Annual High School Exhibition. Opening reception will be April 19, 2-4 p.m. at the Art League gallery, 526 Broadway.

Since 1955, the Santa Cruz Art League’s High School Show has been providing one of the only professional gallery exhibitions for high school-age artists in the county. Students from public, private, charter, home and at-risk schools are invited to benefit from the Art League’s state-of-the-art space, giving a preview of the up and coming young artists in our community. This exhibition aims to encourage young artists to new heights and support the growing creative community.

This exhibition opens April 19 and will be on view until May 10. Read more at scal.org/67-hs-2025.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Libraries join Pride’s 50th anniversary celebration

Santa Cruz Public Libraries is thrilled to join Santa Cruz Pride in celebrating their 50th anniversary with a series of events at its branches from April through June, including the Summer Reading Program. This year, SCPL is proud to Color our World with Pride, and join SC Pride in celebrating this milestone in history for the visibility and celebration of the vibrant LGBTQ+ Santa Cruz community, unlike any across the country.

Library events in celebration of Pride 50 are:

Queer Author Panel: Celebrating Pride 50, April 17 6:30-8 p.m. Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola. More info at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13996287.

Queer Trivia on Tap at Steel Bonnet Brewing, 20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley, May 15 6:30-8 p.m. More info at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/14184921.

Pride: Screening and Discussion of six-part documentary, Thursdays, May 15 to June 26, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Live Oak Library Annex at Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. More info at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13996346.

Pride: Screening and Discussion of six-part documentary, Wednesdays, June 4 to July 9, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Branciforte Library, 230 Gault St., Santa Cruz. More info at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13996367.

Learn more about SCPL at SantaCruzPL.org or on social media.

Tammi Brown worked as a bookkeeper for Inner Light Ministries. An A1 article Tuesday misstated her workplace.