Santa Cruz Symphony presents Holiday Concert this weekend
The winter months begin with joyful celebration, and the Santa Cruz Symphony is jumping right in with its Holiday Concert at the Civic Auditorium on the weekend of Dec. 13-14.
The Saturday performance is at 7:30pm, with the Sunday performance at 1pm. This is a lively concert that attracts music lovers of all ages. For children, it also includes bracelet making, ornament painting and photos with Santa and the elves starting when doors open 90 minutes before each concert.
“The winter holidays bring families and friends together to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the end of the year,” said Gary Reece, the Symphony’s executive director. “It’s a natural way for us to present a musical performance that everyone can enjoy with the people they love.”
The Symphony’s maestro, Daniel Stewart, has assembled a varied program that includes a sing-along at the end. Featured selections include Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride,” Peter Jaffe’s “Symph Hanukkah,” excerpts from Pyotr Tchaikovski’s “Nutcracker Suite,” Julius Klengel’s “Hymnus for Twelve Celli,” Isaac Watts’ “Joy to the World” and seasonal sing-along tunes that include “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
For tickets, call 831-420-5260 or visit santacruztickets.com.
Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market extends hours for winter
The Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market has expanded its hours for winter and is now open Wednesdays from 12:30-5pm.
The market offers seasonal produce like pomegranate, persimmon, herbs, honey and greens, along with local arts and crafts, including ceramics, tinctures, wreaths and artisanal foods. Gift certificates are available, allowing recipients to shop at nearly 100 vendors.
The market will be closed Dec. 24 and 31 but remains a prime spot for fresh staples, gifts and meals, featuring vendors such as Il Biscotto, Mexy and Switch Bakery.
Established in 1990 by small organic farmers, the market continues to thrive at its new location at Cedar and Church since June. Supporting local farms, the market celebrates land stewardship and regional agriculture. For more info, visit santacruzfarmersmarket.org.
Capps recommended as next superintendent/president of Cabrillo College
Cabrillo College announced Tuesday that Trustee Christina Cuevas, chair of the Superintendent/President Search Committee, has reached a tentative agreement for Jenn Capps to be the next superintendent/president of Cabrillo College, with a projected start date of Jan. 20.
The Cabrillo College Governing Board is scheduled to approve her contract on Jan. 12.
“The Superintendent/President Search Committee is very excited about the recommendation of Dr. Jenn Capps to be Cabrillo’s next superintendent and president,” Cuevas said. “Dr. Capps has proven experience leading innovative initiatives that have resulted in transformative changes for Cal Poly Humboldt. She brings deep experience in developing community partnerships with tribal nations that led to the incorporation of traditional ecological knowledge and sustainability throughout the curriculum. She also championed community partnerships that advanced workforce development programs. We’re looking forward to having Dr. Capps lead Cabrillo into its next chapter.”
Capps currently serves as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Cal Poly Humboldt, where she has led key initiatives including establishing Humboldt as California State University’s third polytechnic university and securing a $458 million state investment to expand workforce programs. She also led Humboldt’s efforts to earn the Seal of Excelencia, recognizing excellence in educational access.
Previously, she was Dean of the College of Professional Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver, focusing on public/private partnerships and community engagement. Capps holds advanced degrees in counseling psychology and is a licensed professional counselor, with expertise in juvenile rehabilitation and crisis response.
“I am thrilled to join the Cabrillo College family,” Capps said. “I want to express my gratitude to the search committee and the Board of Trustees for their work in the search process. During my interview process I had the good fortune to meet many inspiring faculty, staff, and students confirming what an incredible place Cabrillo College is. I look forward to working with the Cabrillo team on continuing to further student success and develop innovative programs that will advance the college.”
