News Briefs: Weekend comedy and an assemblyman’s plans

Two more weekends of mystery comedy
Puns proliferate and alliteration abounds in “The Santa Cruz Idol Mystery,” a murder-mystery written and performed by locals at Peachwood’s Steakhouse at the Pasatiempo Inn.
Written by Rita Wadsworth of Elf Empire Productions, the play is acted by Boulder Creek’s Richard Gaughan and Wendy Edmonds, Scotts Valley’s Claire Hodgin, Ben Lomond’s Kathie Kratochvil, Pasatiempo’s Kulani Kamaha’o and others.
The show will continue at 5:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 8 and 15. A $40 ticket includes the play, dinner, tax and gratuity.
For reservations and information: 426-6333.
Tuition solutions at SVHS
Developing strategies for applying to college and obtaining financial aid are featured topics at a free public presentation from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at the Scotts Valley High School Student Union.
Certified accountant and financial planner Steve Shapiro will offer tips on how to improve students’ odds of getting admitted to college, along with insights into how the college financial aid system works. He will reveal who receives financial aid and who doesn’t as well as explaining strategies for both lower- and higher-income families.
Shapiro speaks about college planning each year at county high schools. Monday’s talk is sponsored by the SVHS Parent Club.
For information: de*******@ya***.com.
Get help with prescriptions
Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Carmel, and his staff will be at Santa Cruz Dominican Hospital on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to help people learn how to use the free Partnership for Prescription Assistance service. People might qualify for one of more than 475 programs, many of which offer free or nearly free prescription medications.
The meeting will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Dominican Hospital Education Building, second floor, 1555 Soquel Ave., in Santa Cruz.
To determine eligibility, take the names of all needed medications.
For information: 425-1503.
Assemblyman schedules local office hours
Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Carmel, has office hours planned in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley this month.
Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 425-1503.
On Nov. 14, Monning will be at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum, 12547 Highway 9, in Boulder Creek from 1 to 3 p.m.
On Nov. 16, Monning will be in Scotts Valley at the City Hall council chambers, 1 Civic Center Drive, from 2 to 4 p.m.