Top Dog Film Festival returns to Santa Cruz
The beloved Top Dog Film Festival is back for another season, showcasing a new line-up of short films celebrating the bond between dogs and humans. The festival returns Saturday, March 21, at 7pm at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz, with a pre-show Yappy Hour from 3-7pm at Sante Adairius Midtown.
The event benefits the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation and features heartwarming tales of adventure, resilience and canine joy. Tickets and more information are available at riotheatre.com.
This year’s lineup spans the globe and a range of dog-centered stories. In the United States, “Eben” follows the world’s most adventurous French Bulldog as he teaches lessons in living fully, loving deeply and chasing seals with joy, while “SuperNova: The 100 Mile Dog” chronicles a Hungarian Vizsla’s epic journey alongside her ultra-runner dad. Another American entry, “Brought Back to Life,” tells the story of a man and a rescue dog finding renewed purpose together through search-and-rescue work.
International entries include the U.K.’s “George,” where a puppy helps his owner recover from illness in the Cumbrian hills, and “Hustle and Run,” a scrappy whippet competing with her Flyball team at Crufts. From France, “Lux” showcases a bloodhound using her nose to fight rhino poaching in Africa. Australia is represented with “Canine Concierge,” a festival-produced short about three hotel dogs redefining VIP treatment, and Ukraine contributes the animated short “If You Can,” reflecting on human complexity and the peaceful presence dogs bring to our lives.
Organizations seek spring and Easter cards for seniors
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast and I-You Venture are seeking volunteers to send spring, Easter and “Thinking of You” cards to seniors in assisted and skilled nursing facilities.
Residents often experience loneliness, and the organizations say a simple card or small activity book can brighten their day. Groups, schools and individuals are encouraged to participate. Suggested items include crossword puzzles, word search books, adult coloring books and crayons.
Cards and items can be dropped off at FSA/I-You Venture, 104 Walnut Ave., Suite 208, or the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, 1740 17th Ave., by March 26. For information, contact Nancy Cleveland at 831-459-8917 or cl*********@****cc.org.
‘Amadeus’ comes to symphonic stage for two performances
In response to the thunderous reaction to last year’s collaboration of “Romeo and Juliet,” the Santa Cruz Symphony and Santa Cruz Shakespeare are back again, along with the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus.
This time, an adapted version of the “Amadeus” movie and stage play will be presented at the Santa Cruz Civic on Saturday, March 28, at 7:30pm, and at Watsonville’s Mello Center on Sunday, March 29, at 2pm.
Presented in four acts, the program will feature a long list of excerpts from Mozart’s most famous and lesser-known compositions. Symphony Maestro Danny Stewart has originated the musical adaptation and the condensed version of the stage play. Shakespeare Artistic Director Charles Pasternak and Shakespeare actors Anjoli Aguilar, Will Block and Shaun Carroll will play several roles in a melding of live theater and symphonic music. This collaboration also includes the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus under the direction of Carlin Truong, as they bring the splendor and resonance of their voices to Mozart’s choral works.
“This will be an extraordinary performance, eagerly anticipated for the current season,” said Symphony Executive Director Gary Reece. “Some people are already referring to the production as ‘Mozart’s Greatest Hits.’ We are encouraging people to purchase tickets early because we expect a sellout again. The best seats will go first.”
To purchase tickets, call 831-420-5260 or visit SantaCruzTickets.com.
Daytime and overnight traffic control on Highway 9 in Felton continues
A project to construct sidewalks, curb ramps, driveways, and retaining walls on Highway 9 between Graham Hill Road and the San Lorenzo Valley schools complex in Felton continues with daytime and overnight traffic control.
Monday, March 23, through Tuesday morning, March 24: Overnight traffic control on Highway 9 north of Graham Hill Road, from 8pm-5am for utility relocation work. Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28: Daytime traffic control on Highway 9 between Clearview Place and the Fall Creek Bridge, from 9am-2pm for gas line relocation.
Message and directional signs will alert travelers in advance of the areas under traffic control. Travelers should allow for extra time for their travels through the area.
“Caltrans thanks the public for patience as we work to improve roadway safety and mobility in your community,” the agency stated.
