Intertie Project paving scheduled for Saturday
Construction on the Santa Cruz-Scotts Valley Intertie Project is entering its final phases, with roadway restoration on La Madrona Drive scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9.
To minimize disruption for weekday traffic and nearby schools, the work is planned for the weekend. La Madrona Drive will be fully closed from Sims Road north to the 6000 block (just south of the Hilton). The Sims Road exit from southbound Highway 17 will also be closed.
During active paving, the northbound lane will be closed. Where possible, the southbound lane will remain open with traffic control. Delays of up to 20 minutes are expected during single-lane operations. Emergency vehicles will have full access, and steel plates will be used to maintain driveway access as needed.
Nearby residents will be notified in advance with doorhangers, and signage will be posted at key locations. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes via Highway 17, Sims Road or Mount Hermon Road.
This joint project by the Santa Cruz Water Department and Scotts Valley Water District is a critical investment in long-term water system reliability, especially in the face of climate change.
San Lorenzo Valley Museum hosts fundraiser
San Lorenzo Valley Museum will host its Annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction at Scopazzi’s Restaurant and Lounge in Boulder Creek on Thursday, Aug. 14, a fun-filled evening of supporting the Museum and its programs.
This year, there will be an online auction leading up to the event night, which begins with a no-host bar and silent auction from 6-7pm followed by the dinner and live auction from 7-9pm. The Museum will welcome back Ronnie Trubek as emcee and former SLV Museum Executive Director Lynda Phillips as live auctioneer.
The online auction will be live between Aug. 2 and Aug. 10. Items that are won in the online auction can be picked up at the dinner, at the Museum Office or mailed. Live and silent auction items include a two-night Pleasure Point AirBnB stay, Santa Cruz Warriors entertainment package, artwork by local artisans, kayak rentals, train rides, wine-tasting tours and more.
The event’s proceeds will benefit the San Lorenzo Valley Museum, whose mission is to preserve and share the history of the San Lorenzo Valley. In their biggest fundraiser of the year, this annual event helps to keep Museum admission and programs on a donation basis.
The funds also sponsor local historian lectures about San Lorenzo Valley history, underwrites school field trips, brings in traveling exhibitions from nationally recognized and local museums, and hosts family activities.
Advance tickets may be purchased at the Museum or via Eventbrite through the website slvmuseum.org. For more information, call 831-338-8382.
Summer market series comes to Santa Cruz
Downtown Association of Santa Cruz will present the inaugural Summer Sunset Series, a six-week market bringing together the best of Santa Cruz—from talented local artisans to local food creators—to Lot 16 and Church Street every Thursday evening from Aug. 14 to Sept. 18.
As the sun begins to set, the market will become the heart of downtown. Visitors can stroll through a vibrant showcase of one-of-a-kind goods and irresistible local flavors, free activities, glow-up options like hair tinsel and tooth gems, all adding to the genuine, lively energy of the Santa Cruz community.
A culinary feast awaits with an irresistible lineup of local food vendors, such as Dani O Bakeshop, Melrose Cafe, Mariposa Coffee Bar and Shaka’s Chicken & Waffles. To complement the delicious eats, guests can enjoy refreshing beer from Sante Adarius and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, as well as fine wine from Birichino.
The series will also feature performances from beloved entertainers like Fire Peach, Surf City Line Dancing and Papiba & Friends.
“We are thrilled to launch the Summer Sunset Series and create a new weekly tradition for our community,” said Shiri Gradek, event organizer from Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. “The Sunset Series is an all ages destination with something for everyone.”
Sponsors who have made this event possible include: the Economic Development Department of Santa Cruz, West Coast Community Bank, Abbott Security and Loren Morse (realtor). Their support was instrumental in creating this new community tradition, Gradek said.
All are welcome to join in this celebration of local culture and summer nights.
When is the roadway restoration on La Madrona Drive scheduled to take place?