LOS GATOS

One lane of Highway 17 to close Aug. 30

Maintenance crews will close the right lane of southbound Highway 17 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 30 from Idylwild Road to Big Moody Curve in Los Gatos, according to a release from Caltrans. The right lane will be closed off to the traveling public to allow maintenance crews to safely perform vegetation removal.

Motorists are advised to reduce their speed while traveling through the area and to expect delays.

Message signs and directional signs will be in place to assist motorists in the area. For real-time traffic, visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

APTOS

Docent leads walk at Seacliff State Beach

Learn about the unknown and interesting history of Aptos and Seacliff State Beach in a docent-led tour at 11 a.m. Friday. Participants should meet at the Seacliff State Beach Visitor Center on La Olas Drive in Aptos.

The walk is about one mile on flat ground. To register, visit SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/historywalk. For information, call 831-685-6444 or email seacliff@ports-ca.us.

SANTA CRUZ

Volunteers sought to write cards to seniors

Volunteers are needed to write a Thinking of You card for National Grandparent’s Day to seniors in assisted and skilled nursing facilities for National Grandparents Day on Sept. 10.

Many seniors can feel socially isolated and a card or activity items can help brighten their day. Most people like to receive mail, and this is a way to help put a smile on their face. A Thinking of You card can let seniors know someone cares and they are not forgotten.

Some suggestions for activity items include crossword puzzles, word search books and adult coloring books. Lap Blankets are also appreciated for warmth and comfort. Donations can also be made through the website www.fsa-cc.org.

Cards/Items can be dropped off at: FSA/I-You Venture, 104 Walnut Ave., No, 208, Santa Cruz or the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, Attn: FSA, 1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz.

SANTA CRUZ

Espressivo presents ‘Overcast, Clearing’

Espressivo — a small, intense orchestra — presents “Overcast, Clearing” at 4 p.m. Sept. 10 at Santa Cruz Community Church, 411 Roxas St., Santa Cruz.

The ensemble will perform ‘Nonett’ by Franz Lachner, ‘Nonet’ by Arnold Bax, and ‘Sinfonietta’ by Benjamin Britten. The concert is under the guidance of Artistic Director Michel Singher.

For tickets, visit espressorch.org. Tickets, available at the door, are priced from $13 to $37.

This is a rescheduling of the January concert that was canceled due to storms in Santa Cruz.

SANTA CRUZ

Elks Lodge hosts Oktobertfest event

The Santa Cruz Elks Lodge will host its annual Oktoberfest fundraiser from 3-7 p.m. and it will be held at the lodge, 150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz.

Guests will enjoy a festive atmosphere featuring German food and live music by Alpinesound. Beer provided by Discretion Brewing will be available for purchase and the lodge bar will be open. All ages are welcome.

Doors open at 3 p.m. Advanced tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids ages 10-17 and younger. The event is free for ages 9 and younger. To purchase tickets online, visit 2023santacruzelksoktoberfest.eventbrite.com. Larger groups can call the lodge for table reservations at 831-423-8240. All event pricing includes sales tax.

Proceeds from the event will support the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project Inc. which provides free therapy for children with disabilities.

WATSONVILLE

Taiko drum classes to begin Sept. 1

Watsonville Taiko’s fall Introduction to Taiko class starts at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 at Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn St., Watsonville.

Introduction to Taiko class is recommended for individuals new to taiko drumming. You will learn basic forms and foundational skills needed for drumming. Beginning Taiko is for students who have already learned taiko basics and have begun to learn music pieces.

Friday schedule:

• 10-11 a.m.: Introduction to Taiko for adults.

• 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Adult beginning Taiko.

• 4:30- 5:30 p.m.: Children’s beginning Taiko (age 8 and older).

• 7-8 p.m.: Adult beginning Taiko.

Saturday schedule:

• 9-10 a.m.: Introduction to Taiko for adults.

The registration fee for new students is $35. The class fee is $120 per eight-week session for adult students. Children’s beginning/intermediate Taiko fee is $90. The fee for older children (16 and older) is $110 per eight-week session. Bachi (drumsticks) are $15.

For information, or to reserve a spot in a class, email info@watsonvilletaiko.org.

SANTA CRUZ

Happy Valley district has board opening

The Happy Valley School District on Thursday announced an opening on its board of trustees. Applicants must be registered voters and live in the Happy Valley School District. The position is unpaid.

Applicants will be interviewed at a special board meeting at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 7.

An applicant should submit a candidate information sheet indicating interest in serving on the board and qualifications to Michelle Stewart, superintendent/principal, Happy Valley Elementary School District, 3125 Branciforte Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 by Aug. 25. For information, contact the district office.

SANTA CRUZ

Davidsen to address genealogical society

Certified Genealogist Junel Davidsen will speak on exploring the un-indexed records at family search as part of the Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz County lecture series.

Davidsen’s talk is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sept. 5 viewable on zoom or by livestream in the upstairs conference room of the Santa Cruz Downtown Library, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz.

To register, visit santacruzpl.libcal.com.

The series is cohosted online by Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.