WATSONVILLE

Metro to offer free fares to the County Fair

Santa Cruz Metro announced that it will provide free fares on both its fixed-route and ParaCruz services to the Santa Cruz County Fair, happening through Sept. 15 within the Watsonville Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Ave. in Watsonville.

The special offering prompted Metro to create a special route — Route 79F — just for the free daily rides. In addition to that, Metro will offer free fares to the fairgrounds through its Route 79 weekend service and daily ParaCruz service. While fixed-route customers can utilize 79F to get to the annual event every day, Route 79 is for weekend service only.

Riders taking advantage of the special Metro routes will also be eligible for discounted fair tickets. To secure a discount, riders should request a coupon voucher from the operator and present it at the fair’s ticketing window upon arrival. Discounted tickets are $15 for adults, down from $22, and $5 for children, down from $11.

Service will depart from the Watsonville Transit Center on the hour from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Free return trips will also be offered from the fair 25 minutes past the hour from 12:25 p.m. to 10:25 p.m. weekdays and 10:25 a.m. to 10:25 p.m. on weekends.

To learn more visit scmtd.com/en/countyfair.

APTOS

Cortez to address role models conference

Jaime Cortez, visual artist and author of “Gordo,” will provide the keynote address of Latino Role Models Conference from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Crocker Theater on the campus of Cabrillo College in Aptos.

Latino Role Models is a free, half-day conference that inspires Latino students and parents to achieve their dreams for college and career.

The conference is presented in Spanish with English interpretation. The program includes professional and college student speakers, Q&A, informational tables, entertainment, lunch and door prizes. The conference is for middle school, high school, and college students, and parents of middle and high schoolers.

For information, visit scsenderos.org/events/latino-role-models.

WATSONVILLE

Latinx Women in Business and Leadership Conference

Pájaro Community Development Corporation and its Regional Women’s Business Center are excited to host the second annual Latinx Women in Business and Leadership Conference at 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Watsonville’s Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main Street, Floor 6, Watsonville.

This year’s theme centers on the critical topics of financial wellness and future financial planning. The conference will feature engaging workshops, a panel of women entrepreneur leaders, and valuable networking opportunities. MariaElena de la Garza, CEO of Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County Inc. will be the keynote speaker. The day will conclude with a celebration of this year’s Mujer Al Mando Award recipient, Maria Catalán, a Latinx farm owner and activist.

The ticket price is $25 per person and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Prices will increase to $35 after Sept. 15 and on the day of the event. The conference will be presented entirely in Spanish by bilingual and bicultural experts. English translation is available upon request in advance.

Tickets are available at www.elpajarocdc.org or by calling El Pájaro CDC office at 831-722-1224.

SANTA CRUZ

Living Room Conversations coming to library

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries, in partnership with the Conflict Resolution Center, are inviting the public to engage in two Living Room Conversations intended to reduce polarization and generate understanding across ideological divides.

The conversations will be held at the Garfield Park Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Sept. 19. Each session invites the public to a film screening, followed by a discussion moderated by a facilitator from the Conflict Resolution Center.

The first session will feature “Divided We Fall,” a one-hour long documentary about ordinary people wrestling with what it truly means to be an American, the divides that prevent unity, and how we can engage in conversation to heal our relationships and communities.

The second session will feature “Listening With Curiosity,” which explores how establishing lasting relationships with people across ideological divides continues the process that began with “Divided We Fall.”

While participation in both sessions is not a requirement, attending the complete series may prove beneficial to foster dialogue and understanding. Registration for both events is required. Go to santacruzpl.libcal.com for information and to register.

CAPITOLA

Soroptimists search for award applicants

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea has launched its search for applicants for its 2025 “Live Your Dream” awards program.

Women who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a bachelor’s or a technical training program, are heads of their households and have a demonstrated need are eligible to apply for a “Live Your Dream” award.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 15. Applications will be available online at www.soroptimist.org. click on the “Live Your Dream” logo and review the eligibility requirements and application instructions. Winners will be announced in January 2025 and an awards ceremony will be held in March.

Each winner will receive a cash award that may be used to pay for anything they need to help them complete their educational program such as food, rent, car repairs, child care and health care. The club typically will give five awards to local women.

APTOS

Update on local class of 1969 reunion

The committee organizing the Watsonville and Mora high schools class of 1969 reunion is hard at work and finalizing plans. The committee is asking all those who have not yet responded to your invitation to secure your reservation by sending a check now in the amount of $75 per person. If you are attending and would like to bring additional guests, notify the committee in advance and include them in your payment via check, Venmo or Zelle.

The 55th class reunion will be held Sept. 21 in the Monarch Room at Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos. Contact Tisha Ragsac at fishnaked2@aol.com or 831-809-5929 with any questions.