SCOTTS VALLEY

North County Dems club holds meeting

With the start of the new year, the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County will begin to meet on the third Wednesday of the month, upstairs at Bruno’s Bar and Grill located at 230 Mount Hermon Road in the Kings Village Shopping Center. The club’s January meeting will be on Wednesday.

The agenda will include the election of officers for 2025-26. Club members will also begin a discussion about prioritizing efforts to protect vulnerable community members who may be at risk of losing rights under the new federal administration. Prior to the meeting, the agenda can be found at svslvdemocrats.org. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. and members of the public are welcome to attend. No food service is available upstairs but those who would like to have dinner before the meeting can come early and dine in the downstairs dining room.

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.

SANTA CRUZ

Free swing dance lesson at Pono Hawaiian Grill

Stop by the Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union St., for a free swing dance lesson Sunday, Jan. 19, from 5:30-8 p.m. Santa Cruz Swing instructors will lead the lesson from 5:30-6 p.m., then dance or listen. The Plateau Jazz Band, a six-piece traditional jazz band, will play from 6-8 p.m. They play New Orleans-style jazz inspired by Preservation Hall, with a mix of hot jazz like “Dr. Jazz” and “That’s a Plenty,” and blues tunes such as “St. Louis Blues” and “St. James Infirmary Blues.” No cover charge. For any questions, contact plateaujazzband@gmail.com.

CAPITOLA

Mid County Senior Center benefit dance

The Mid County Senior Center will be hosting a benefit dance and concert featuring Chicago Bill and The Next Blues 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.

SANTA CRUZ

Stitchers By The Sea to host meeting

The Santa Cruz County chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Stitchers By The Sea, will meet on Monday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church at 2500 Soquel Ave. All are welcome. For any questions, please contact Elisa Papa at 831-728-3409.

SANTA CRUZ

Olympic gold medalist to keynote UCSC MLK Convocation

WNBA Hall of Famer, Olympic gold medalist and mental health champion Chamique Holdsclaw, whose poignant journey transformed her into a powerful mental health advocate, will be the featured speaker at UC Santa Cruz’s 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation. This yearly convocation celebrates the life and dreams of Martin Luther King Jr. with presentations about equality, freedom, justice and opportunity.

The event is free and open to the public. It will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St. Doors open at 6. For more information, visit the UC Santa Cruz campus events calendar at specialevents.ucsc.edu/events/mlk.

SANTA CRUZ

Portuguese Hall to hold Crab and Shrimp Feed

Tickets are on sale now for the Santa Cruz Portuguese Hall Crab and Shrimp Feed on Feb. 15. Doors open at 4 p.m., feed starts at 6, at 216 Evergreen St. The cost is $80 per person, children 12 and under are $40. The price includes crab, shrimp, garlic bread, green salad and wine. Live dance music by the Digbeats. There is limited seating and tickets will not be sold at the door. For tickets, please call 831-419-5377.

SANTA CRUZ

Presentation to focus on light pollution awareness

DarkSky Santa Cruz (formerly International DarkSky Association) invites the community to attend a free event, “Illuminating Light Pollution,” on Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney St. The evening will start off with a five-minute film, “A Dark Future,” winner of an international award, produced by four Saratoga High School seniors. One of the students will introduce the film and answer questions.

Then, a stunning visual presentation on the impacts of light from astronomy educator Andy Kreyche, including a light fixture demonstration of different light fixtures and their impact on light pollution. A short progress report will follow, toward the adoption of a lighting ordinance in the city of Santa Cruz. There will be refreshments and conversation after the presentations. A reminder to attendees when arriving: keep in the right-hand lane around the bend and the Meeting House is on the left.

SANTA CRUZ

Titans Awards to be presented at event

On Wednesday, Santa Cruz Works will be hosting the annual Titans Awards event at Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St., to celebrate individuals who have driven the growth of our entrepreneurial community, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nominees must reside in or have businesses based in Santa Cruz, Monterey or San Benito counties, and demonstrate significant economic, cultural or social impact locally or globally. They embody innovation and entrepreneurship, with a significant influence on sectors like education, science, music, finance and aviation.

Join to hear inspiring stories and insights from these impactful leaders. Enjoy live music, delicious food and the chance to connect with local professionals as we honor these incredible leader of 2024. Tickets range from $28.52 for general admission to $55.20 VIP and donations are welcomed starting at $161.90. Pizza, nibbles, dessert, live music and networking included with your ticket. Tickets: bit.ly/titansawards8.