CAPITOLA

Library to host dyslexia simulation presentation

Join the Capitola Library for “Experience Dyslexia,” a dyslexia simulation on Thursday, Jan. 23 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 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.

SANTA CRUZ

Our Community Reads field trip at Natural Bridges

Join Martha Nitzberg, interpretive ranger, and volunteer docent June Langhoff at a monarch butterfly overwintering site Tuesday at the Natural Bridges Visitor Center, 2531 W. Cliff Drive (parking fee), at 1:30 p.m. Learn about the butterfly’s amazing migration and the Methuselah generation that winters on our coast. Weather permitting, participants will take a short, guided walk to the monarch grove. Binoculars will enhance the experience.

Coffee and snacks will be provided. There will be an optional stop at Lighthouse Field (another overwintering site) afterward. The event is free, but registration is required. This field trip is sponsored by Our Community Reads, a program designed to bring readers together around the themes of a single book. This year’s selection is “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver.

Register at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13810992. For more information, visit friendsofaptoslibrary.org/our-community-reads.html.

SANTA CRUZ

Cycling club welcomes new members

The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club invites new riders to join on Jan. 23, 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 club 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

LGBTQ+ panel, Q&A at Community Foundation

On Jan. 24, Triangle Speakers from the Diversity Center, an age-diverse panel, will talk about their experiences as LGBTQ+ people 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.

SANTA CRUZ

Annual high school information nights

Cypress High School, 2039 Merrill St., is holding its annual Prospective Family Information Nights for students and families of all grades on Thursday, Jan. 30, and Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6-7 p.m. Come meet the teachers and staff at Cypress High School, learn about their unique, inclusive college preparatory program and tour the campus.

Cypress High School is a free public school and part of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Alternative Schools District. It provides opportunities for academically driven students to pursue their higher education goals while attending a small, supportive school environment.

For information, contact mlevy@santacruzcoe.org or call the office at 831-477-0302.

SANTA CRUZ

The Rio Theatre shares ‘She Adventures Film Tour’

The “She Adventures Film Tour” is back for another year, returning to celebrate and honor adventure women around the world, starting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 25 at the Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave. Join for a celebration of the inspiring women of the adventure world.

This unique film event promises to captivate audiences with a carefully curated selection of short films that highlight the strength, courage and passion of women in the outdoor world. This year’s screening will support GIRLS ROCK, an informal women’s mountain biking group. For tickets and list of films visit riotheatre.com/events-2/2025/1/25/sheadventure.

APTOS

‘FOUR WINTERS’ documentary to screen

The Santa Cruz Jewish Film Festival opens its 2025 season with the award-winning documentary “FOUR WINTERS” on Monday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road.

The documentary tells the story of the 25,000 Jewish partisans who fought back against the Nazis and their collaborators from deep within the forests of Eastern Europe during WWII. Against extraordinary odds, they escaped Nazi slaughter, and evolved from young innocents to courageous resistance fighters, shattering the myth of Jewish passivity. The last surviving partisans tell their stories in “FOUR WINTERS,” revealing a narrative of heroism and resilience.

Admission is free and open to the public. Director Julia Mintz will be in attendance for a Q&A. For information visit SCJFF.org and fourwintersfilm.com.

SCOTTS VALLEY

Volunteer to teach English

Did you know that nearly 23% of households in Santa Cruz County face challenges with basic English literacy? You can help change that by becoming a literacy tutor. The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County invites you to attend a free, 20-minute online orientation to learn about this meaningful opportunity.

By volunteering, you’ll not only help adults gain vital skills but also uplift families and build a stronger, more connected community. Join the call and learn how you can get involved. Orientation will be held via Zoom on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. To take the next steps, sign up for new tutor training at Scotts Valley Water District, located at 2 Civic Center Drive. Schedule is as follows: Jan. 27, Jan. 29, Feb. 3 and Feb. 5. All classes are from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information and to sign up, visit literacysantacruz.org, call 831-427-5077 or email literacy@scvolunteercenter.org.