Santa Cruz METRO celebrates Earth Day with free fares
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) is celebrating Earth Day by offering free fares countywide on all fixed-route, ParaCruz and Highway 17 Express services on Wednesday, April 22.
As part of this year’s Earth Day celebration, METRO will host a booth at the Downtown Santa Cruz Earth Day event on Saturday, April 18, and host its own Earth Day event at the Watsonville Transit Center in partnership with the City of Watsonville on Wednesday, April 22. These events give an opportunity for community members to connect with METRO staff, learn more about the environmental benefits of public transit and explore sustainable transportation options in Santa Cruz County.
Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect on how transportation choices can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a healthier community. By riding transit, carpooling, biking or walking, community members can all play a role in protecting Santa Cruz County’s natural environment. For more information on METRO, visit scmetro.org.
SLV Museum presents ‘The Road I Call Home’ exhibit
San Lorenzo Valley Museum will present “The Road I Call Home,” a photography exhibition by humanitarian and award-winning photographer Randy Bacon, beginning April 18.
The exhibit features portraits and personal narratives of 32 people experiencing homelessness, including men, women and children. According to the museum, the project aims to build empathy and highlight the dignity, identity and lived experiences of unhoused individuals. Each portrait is accompanied by a written account from the subject, ranging from emotional and uplifting to heartbreaking stories, the museum said.
An opening reception will be held Thursday, April 23, at the Belardi Memorial Gallery in Felton as part of the Ripple Effect Arts Festival.
The exhibition will run through Sept. 20 at the Belardi Memorial Gallery, 6299 Gushee St., and the Community Room at the Felton Public Library, 6121 Gushee St.
Santa Cruz libraries celebrate National Library Week
Santa Cruz Public Libraries will celebrate 2026 National Library Week from April 19-25, highlighting programs, resources and services available at all branches.
The theme encourages residents to “find your joy” through library offerings such as books, digital collections, storytimes, author talks, job assistance, free Wi-Fi and community programming. Events include book bag painting at participating branches, with times and locations listed on the library calendar.
Scotts Valley Branch Library will host a screening and discussion of “The Librarians” on Wednesday, April 22, from 5-7pm. Registration is available at santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/15426535. Capitola Branch Library will host a similar screening on Thursday, April 23, from 6:30-8pm. Registration is available at santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/15416115.
Leadership Santa Cruz County accepting applications
Leadership Santa Cruz County is now accepting applications for Class 40 of its annual leadership development program, with a deadline of April 24.
The 10-month program, which runs from August 2026 through June 2027, includes monthly full-day sessions, a two-day retreat and an orientation scheduled for Aug. 20. Participants explore key issues and industries shaping Santa Cruz County, including housing, education, agriculture, public safety and the environment.
Now in its 40th year, the program has more than 1,800 alumni serving in leadership roles across the region, according to organizers. Leadership Santa Cruz County encourages applicants from a wide range of professional and community backgrounds. Tuition assistance and scholarships are available.
Applications can be submitted at leadershipsantacruzcounty.org/apply.
Food Truck Friday returns to Scotts Valley’s Skypark
Food Trucks A Go Go has announced the return of its monthly Food Truck Friday series at Skypark, running the last Friday of each month from April through October.
The family-friendly events, held in partnership with the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation, feature local food vendors, live music and activities. Most events take place from 5-8pm, with early start times of 4:30pm scheduled for April 24, Sept. 25 and Oct. 30.
Organizers said a portion of the event supports local schools, with 100% of beverage sales benefiting Scotts Valley public education programs.
Each event includes a rotating lineup of food trucks, live music performances and activities such as face painting. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.Skypark is located at 361 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley. More information is available at foodtrucksagogo.com.
