SANTA CRUZ

Cycling club welcomes new members

The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club invites new riders to join on Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Ave., for the quarterly meeting which will also be the annual vote and swearing in of the new SCCCC Board (nominations are under the Board Directors page on the Community tab of the club website).

Additionally, there will be a bike parts and clothing swap meet, a Member of the Year award, a Girls Rock Women’s Mountain Biking discussion and social. New and returning members encouraged to attend. Visit Santacruzcycling.org for more details.

APTOS

Past, present and future of the Boardwalk presentation

Come to the Aptos Chamber luncheon and discover the magic of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with Karley Pope, director of marketing and sales, at Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. She’ll take you on an exciting journey through the past, present and future of this iconic destination.

Gain exclusive insights into the Boardwalk’s role in the community and its vision for what’s ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired! General admission is $35. Reservations are required; no walk-ins. For information, call 831-688-1467 or visit aptoschamber.com.

CAPITOLA

Library to host dyslexia simulation presentation

Join the Capitola Library for “Experience Dyslexia,” a dyslexia simulation on Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Ow Family Community Room at 2005 Wharf Road. The presentation is designed to increase awareness of the frustrations that those who experience dyslexia face, as well as a discussion about what dyslexia is, clues to dyslexia and resources for further research.

Participants will rotate among six learning stations that simulate language-related tasks similar to those encountered in a classroom. This is especially relevant as dyslexia screening becomes mandatory for all K-2 students in the 2025-26 school year.

This event requires registration at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13532633.

APTOS

LGBTQ+ panel, Q&A at Community Foundation

On Friday, Triangle Speakers from the Diversity Center, an age-diverse panel, will talk about their experiences as LGBTQ+ persons living in Santa Cruz County from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Community Foundation, 7807 Soquel Ave.

What does each person find positive and what are the challenges they face? What do the panelists want straight people to understand? A Q&A period will follow. The event is free and open to the public, hosted by Village Santa Cruz County. Coffee, tea and a light snack will be available. To RSVP, email villagesantacruz.org">info@villagesantacruz.org or call 831-400-6065. For more information, villagesantacruz.org.

SCOTTS VALLEY

Nonprofit to host gratitude luncheon

Damians Ladder, a nonprofit organization that provides home repairs at no cost to low-income seniors and people with disabilities by volunteer handymen, is having a Recruitment and Thank You luncheon on Friday at 11:30 a.m. in 5610 Scotts Valley Drive Suite 1005.

If you are interested in volunteering for Damians Ladder and want to donate some of your time by helping the seniors in your area, simply call 831-200-1376 for more information and reserve your seat at this free luncheon.

SANTA CRUZ

Pacific Voices celebrate 31st season

Join in a celebration of community through song and generosity, the “Good Trouble” concert hosted by Pacific Voices, on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday for a 2 p.m. matinee, at the 418 Project, 155 S. River St.

The concert will feature music from Mozart, Paul Simon, Ola Gjeilo, Michael Jackson and Sweet Honey in the Rock, plus gospel, Afrobeats and folksongs rooted in Ghana. The title song “Good Trouble” is inspired by revered civil rights activist John Lewis. Funds from the event will help support Afroscope Promotions to bring music equipment to youth in Ghana, through the mutual aid nonprofit the Universal Family Network.

Admission is $26. Get tickets at pacificvoices.org or at the door. For those who cannot attend the live shows, check out the livestream tickets.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

SUESD kindergarten registration to open for 2025-26

The Soquel Union Elementary School District will begin kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year on Friday. Registration information and procedures may be obtained from your neighborhood school (school of residence). To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must turn 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2025. If you have a child who turns 5 between Sept. 2, 2025 and Sept. 1, 2026, they are eligible for the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to contact the district office at 831-464-5639 or visit suesd.org/enrollment.

SANTA CRUZ

Chamber seeking next executive director

The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a visionary executive director to drive their mission of fostering economic growth, advocating for local businesses and strengthening community connections. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, experience in organizational management and a deep understanding of business and community needs. The Chamber encourages you to apply if you’re ready to inspire, lead and make a lasting impact.

Applicants should submit their resume/CV with a cover letter as well as a one-year business plan for the Chamber to administration@santacruzchamber.org. The deadline to apply is Saturday, with interviews to be held in early February. Start date is March 1. For the full job description, visit tinyurl.com/chamberexecutivedirector.

CAPITOLA

Mid County Senior Center benefit dance

The Mid County Senior Center will be hosting a benefit dance and concert featuring The Ten O’Clock Lunch Band from 7-9 p.m. Friday at 829 Bay Ave.

Cost of admission is $10. 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.