Volunteers needed for Olympia Watershed stewardship
San Lorenzo Valley Water District is seeking volunteers to help with land management at its Olympia Watershed property.
Volunteers will assist with removing nonnative plants, such as French broom, and learn about the unique plants and animals that inhabit the watershed. The work supports recreation, enhances watershed health, reduces wildfire risk and protects habitat for rare and endangered species. Invasive plant removal takes place in areas closed to the public, giving volunteers limited access.
Events will be held from 9am-12pm on the second Saturday of the month through May: Feb. 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9. Participants ages 12 and older are welcome with a parent or guardian.
Space is limited due to sensitive habitat, and registration is required. For more information, contact SLVWD at 831-338-2153 or visit slvwd.com.
Winter Italian Film Series returns to Santa Cruz
The Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz will host its Winter 2026 Italian Film Series, “Buried Treasures/Tesori sepolti,” showcasing films that explore both literal and metaphorical quests for hidden treasures.
The series includes “La chimera,” directed by Alice Rohrwacher, showing Sunday, Feb. 8, at 6:30pm; “Trifole,” directed by Gabriele Fabbro, Sunday, March 8, at 6:30pm; and “A Little Fellow: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini,” directed by Davide Fiore, Sunday, April 12, with an outdoor Italian potluck at 5:30pm and the film at 6:30pm, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. The final screening is presented in collaboration with the Sons & Daughters of Italy, Watsonville Chapter.
All films are in Italian with English subtitles and celebrate adventures ranging from Etruscan tombs in Tuscany to truffle hunting in Piedmont, highlighting the joy of discovery.
Screenings take place at Cabrillo College, Aptos campus, VAPA building 1000, Art History Forum room 1001. No tickets are required; seating is first come, first served. Cash donations are accepted at the door.
For more information or to sign up for event reminders, visit dantesantacruz.com/events or email da****************@***il.com.
Concertino Strings to honor late harpsichordist with free concerts
The Concertino Strings, a 25-piece orchestra based in Boulder Creek with members from across Santa Cruz County, will present two free concerts this month featuring soprano soloist Emily Sinclair of the UC Santa Cruz faculty.
The concerts are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 11:30am and Saturday, Feb. 14, at 3pm at Boulder Creek United Methodist Church.
The program is dedicated to the memory of the orchestra’s longtime harpsichordist and organist, Roy Stegman, who died suddenly in December. Music selections highlight connections spanning four centuries among composers from Britain—Henry Purcell, George Frideric Handel and Benjamin Britten—and Germany—Johann Sebastian Bach and Johannes Brahms.
The orchestra is directed by Joanne Tanner and Renata Bratt, with guest director Kevin Mendoza.
Concerts are approximately one hour long, with a casual atmosphere and dress. Admission is free. More information about the orchestra is available at concertinostrings.com.
Valentine’s Day cards sought to send to seniors
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast and I-You Venture are asking volunteers to send Valentine’s Day and “Thinking of You” cards to seniors in assisted and skilled nursing facilities.
“Residents in care facilities are often lonely and isolated and a card can help brighten their day,” the agencies said. “Everyone loves to receive mail, and this is a way to help put a smile on their face. This is a great project for groups, schools and individuals.”
The agencies also suggest small gifts, such as crossword puzzles, word search books and adult coloring books to help with stress and loneliness.
Cards and items can be dropped off at FSA/I-You Venture, 104 Walnut Ave., Suite 208, or at the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, 1740 17th Ave., in Santa Cruz. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 10am-4pm.
For more information, contact Nancy Cleveland at 831-459-8917 or cl*********@****cc.org, or visit www.fsa-cc.org.
