Pitch In All Santa Cruz Cleanup Day returns May 10
Community members across Santa Cruz County are invited to take part in the second annual Pitch In All Santa Cruz Cleanup Day, happening Saturday, May 10.
Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to sign up now at PitchInSantaCruz.org to join one of dozens of cleanup efforts stretching from Davenport to the Pajaro Valley.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event—when more than 430 volunteers removed over 1,500 pounds of litter from local neighborhoods, beaches, parks and creeks—this year’s cleanup aims to build on that momentum with even broader community participation.
“Pitch In is about more than just picking up trash,” said founder Sally-Christine Rodgers. “It’s about showing up for our neighbors, our wildlife and our environment. When we work together, we build a cleaner, healthier community.”
Once again, this year’s event brings together dozens of organizations including Watsonville Wetlands Watch, Ecology Action, Save Our Shores, O’Neill Sea Odyssey and Downtown Streets Team, as well as local schools, neighborhood groups, church congregations and businesses like Big Creek Lumber and Martinelli’s. The offices of federal, state and local elected officials will join in the effort alongside volunteers from UCSC, Pajaro Valley Unified schools, and many other schools and community institutions.
Individuals, families, classrooms, clubs and businesses are all welcome to participate. Cleanup supplies are provided, and volunteers can choose from a variety of existing cleanup sites or create their own. Visit PitchInSantaCruz.org for more information.
Local talent to shine at free jazz concert in Scotts Valley
Music enthusiasts are invited to a free jazz performance by the acclaimed Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band on Monday, May 13, from 6-7:30pm at The Landing, located on Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley. Doors open at 5:30pm.
This special concert is presented by the William H. Nadeau Memorial Fund, an organization dedicated to fostering and recognizing excellence in jazz performance.
The Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band comprises some of the most promising young musicians from Santa Cruz County and the wider Central Coast region. These talented students come together to delve into advanced jazz theory, arranging and improvisation, while also developing crucial life skills, such as teamwork and critical thinking.
The Honor Band is under the direction of David McGillicuddy, a distinguished educator and a product of local institutions, having graduated from Aptos High, Cabrillo College and UCSC. McGillicuddy has been sharing his passion for music since 1997 and is recognized for his popular jazz guitar lessons on YouTube, which have accumulated nearly a quarter-million views. A long-standing member of the Kuumbwa community, he first attended a Kuumbwa show in 1985 and has been a dedicated volunteer since 1988.
Valley Churches gears up for ‘Spring Sale Extravaganza’
Valley Churches United is hosting its huge “Spring Sale Extravaganza” on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, from 10am-4pm at 9400 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond.
This indoor and outdoor fundraiser has an unbelievable amount of household treasures along with collectables, great garden items, fun vintage finds, children’s items, lots of amazing kitchen ware and much more, all at fantastic bargains.
All proceeds benefit the Valley Churches United food pantry. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. For more information, call 831-336-8258, ext. 229.
RTC seeks public input on Rural Highways Safety Plan
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is launching the second phase of community engagement for its Rural Highways Safety Plan (RHSP) and is urging residents to participate in upcoming workshops.
The RHSP focuses on enhancing safety for everyone traveling on Santa Cruz County’s six undivided rural highways, including Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz, Highways 9, 236, 35, 129 and 152 outside of Watsonville. These highways are essential connectors and support commuting, tourism and freight.
Following initial outreach, the project team analyzed conditions to pinpoint collision trends and potential improvements.
The RTC invites community members to attend workshops to review findings and provide feedback. Attendees will review collision trends and safety concerns, learn about potential safety enhancements, and share additional factors impacting safety. Community input is vital to shaping recommendations and ensuring the RHSP reflects local priorities.
Two community workshops are scheduled. A North County workshop is Tuesday, May 20, 6-7:30pm at Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9, Felton. A South County workshop is Wednesday, May 21, 6-7:30pm at the Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St., Watsonville.
For questions, contact RHSP Project Manager Brianna Goodman at in**@****tc.org, including “RHSP” in the subject line.
