SANTA CRUZ

Sanctuary invites public to monitor water quality

Help protect your local watersheds and monitor water quality in your area. Join Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary officials for the 25th annual Snapshot Day on July 12 and become an essential part of our water quality monitoring team.

Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to collect water quality samples and field measurements from streams that flow into the sanctuary. The data gathered helps create a “snapshot” of the water quality conditions in the area to help protect the health of local rivers and streams. In late June, sanctuary staff will conduct training sessions in Monterey, Santa Cruz and online. The one-hour training is required to participate in Snapshot Day and will cover sampling procedures and techniques. Training will also help volunteers better understand how their sampling efforts contribute to keeping our local waters clean and healthy.

Training sessions will be held 6-7 p.m. June 24 at the Sanctuary Exploration Center (35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz), 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 25 via Zoom and 6-7 p.m. June 26 at REI in Marina (145 General Stilwell Dr, Marina).

Anyone interested in learning about water quality, including those under 18 with a guardian, can participate.

Go to shorturl.at/zFChP to sign up and contact katie@californiamsf.org for information.

SANTA CRUZ

36 North collective kicks off summer season

The Santa Cruz Playwrights’ Collective, 36 North, has opened its annual summer season of “New Works Mondays” each month at 7 p.m. at the Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center St. There will be readings of new plays followed by a Q&A.

The Mondays included are June 16, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8. These are free events, with donations gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome to attend.

APTOS

Free Forest Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

Sierra Business Council, Sierra Commons and the Small Business Development Center are hosting a free two-day Intro to Forest Entrepreneurship Bootcamp June 28-29 at Cabrillo College. The two-day workshop will help aspiring entrepreneurs build viable businesses in forest restoration, wildfire resilience and wood-based innovation — sectors that are growing rapidly across rural California.

The event will feature expert-led training and networking for those interested in forest thinning, defensible space, biomass energy, mass timber, home hardening and more. It’s part of a statewide push to strengthen the green, rural workforce and develop forest-based solutions to climate and wildfire challenges. This free event is open to the public. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at bit.ly/4draW48.

SANTA CRUZ

Seymour Marine Discovery Center now open daily

Just in time for summer, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz, 100 McAllister Way, is now open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it easier than ever for families, students and ocean lovers to explore the wonders of the California coast. With a brand new jelly tank, more sharks to touch and a cutting-edge augmented reality experience featuring the center’s iconic 87-foot blue whale skeleton, Ms. Blue, there’s never been a better time to visit. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, children $9 and toddlers and members are free.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

County seeks public input for Measure Q Vision Plan

Santa Cruz County is calling on community members to help shape the Measure Q Vision Plan, a roadmap for investing in clean water, wildfire protection, public access and the preservation of parks, beaches and natural areas.

An in-person community open house will be held June 17, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Live Oak Community Center, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. Bilingual staff will be in attendance. The event will feature interactive maps, project information and bilingual materials.

An online survey is open through July 3. In English, visit surveymonkey.com/r/MQVP_Eng. In Spanish, visit surveymonkey.com/r/MQVP_Span.

CAPITOLA

Festival seeks float builders for nautical parade

The 7th annual Capitola Beach Festival celebrates Capitola Village on Sept. 27 and 28 with family friendly beach, creek and wharf activities. There will be a fun run, a sand sculpture contest, live music, rowboat races, fishing derby and more. Most events are free.

Float builders are needed for the Saturday Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek. The festival provides the barge and building site, you provide the lights and the fun. Decorations can be high tech or low tech. The top three finishers receive cash awards for their favorite nonprofit. For additional information, contact capitolabeachfestival@gmail.com.

SANTA CRUZ

Nonprofit hosting a track meet this summer

Ready to test your fitness? Want to try a new event? Getting ready for a big race? Or just looking for a fun way to spend your summer Saturday mornings? Join the Santa Cruz Track Club for their Summer 2025 All Comers Meet happening June 21 and July 5 at the Santa Cruz High Field, 415 Walnut Ave.

Field events start at 10 a.m. and track events start at 10:30 a.m. The pole vault, high jump, long jump, discus and shot put are included in the field events. Track events feature the 4X100-meters relay, 4X400, the 100-meter, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 110-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles. Participants can compete in multiple events.

Registration is $15 online or $20 at the gate. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Register now at Santacruztrackclub.com.

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