71.2 F
Scotts Valley
September 12, 2025

Stay safe from stinging insects

 Our most common local stinging insects are yellow jackets and bees. Yellow jackets are attracted to our delicious picnic food and are more aggressive than bees. They sting defensively when they feel that their nests are threatened. They also sting when stepped on, sat upon, or have in some way been provoked.  If one is being attacked by many bees or yellow jackets, it is best to vacate the area and run away as fast as possible.  These insects are capable of flying up to 15 miles per hour and pursuing for distances of 50 to 100 yards.  So don’t run too slow or stop too soon!  

It’s the Law: Outmuscling health clubs

Many dread the beginning of the school year, as do I, but probably for a very different reason.

The Mountain Gardener: Bulbs add color to summer garden

A couple of warm days and I'm ready for spring.

Wilderness group activities enhances health and fitness

Using proven research about the way the brain processes information and makes connections; The Wilderness Skills Institute guides its students in learning how to learn efficiently and effectively. The connection between education, health and fitness is demonstrated by the success enjoyed by the students who are enrolled in the WSI classes. In this educational environment, students are encouraged to become deeply involved with the subjects about which they are passionate. Subjects that most young people enjoy are adapted to teach science, reading, writing and mathematics. All of the learning is accomplished in an outdoors environment.

New Faces

Bayla Tamar Baitch, a 6-pound 15-ounce girl, was born to Shayna (Becker) — a Ben Lomond native — and Colten Baitch of Fort Campbell, Tenn. at the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital in Fort Campbell, Tenn. She was born on Dec. 11, 2014.

Sustainable living: Purchase with care

Asking shoppers to think twice about finding the lowest possible price during a recession (I find the term “jobless recovery” insulting) might seem like a nonstarter. After all, non-wealthy families everywhere have had to tighten the belt in the past few years, so shopping for bargains is a no-brainer.

The Ethics Bowl

Mallory and Ross are in love, and slated to be married this fall. Both hail from the South, and their respective families are very proud of their lineage; in fact, the groom’s family owns a plantation-turned-wedding venue in North Carolina. Ross’ family has offered to host the couple’s wedding free of charge on the property, but the couple struggles with the ethics of saying “I do” on the very grounds where cruelty and racism were practiced just a few generations ago. As Millennials, they are adamantly opposed to the history of the property.  Should they have the wedding at the venue to save money and keep the peace, or should they find another venue, refuse the groom’s family’s offer and pay for the entire wedding themselves?Cypress Charter High School senior Davey Mobley and his four Ethics Bowl teammates knew the answer: gettin’ hitched on the soil where slaves were bought and beaten simply isn’t an option for the couple whose roots trace back to the days of Southern Pride. The judges agreed with Mobley’s team, and they won that round—just one of six rounds featuring twelve ethical questions and nine hours of debate and cross-examination—at the Northern California Regional High School Ethics Bowl. Hosted by UCSC on Sunday, January 12th, 28 teams from public and private high schools vied for the title of Regional Champion, and the Cypress Charter team emerged victorious with a 6-0 record.This was Mobley’s third showing at the NorCal Regional Ethics Bowl, and his team’s first win. All five seniors on the team (Mobley, Ava Willis, Rowan Hutchinson, Skye Hathaway and Lee Loftin) have competed for the last 1-3 years, but this year was one for the record books: Cypress Charter High School from Live Oak is the only public high school to have ever won the regional title.So how does a small school (~100 students) develop an Ethics Bowl team that’s as refreshing as a glass of Southern sweet tea? Mobley says it comes down to friendship, moral truth and a knack for great communication. “I took a philosophy class in my sophomore year, and we looked at ethics cases during the course,” Mobley said. “That was my introduction to the Ethics Bowl. At first it was just Ava and me on the team, but we drew in our friends, and our team bonded and took off. The first year, we made it to the regional quarterfinals; junior year, we made it to the semifinals, and now, we’re headed to the national championships in North Carolina. It’s crazy!”The Ethics Bowl is one part debate, one part academic decathlon and one part courtroom drama. Judges grade teams based on the following criteria: embodying the spirit of the Ethics Bowl (being committed to finding the ethical truth); clear and systematic presentations; the ability to carefully consider alternate perspectives; accurately take into account all moral considerations; maintaining a respectful tone towards opponents, and providing professional responses to judges’ questioning. Teams receive booklets of 15 cases in September, and from that point on, it’s all ethics, all the time. “Our recipe for success is that we’re lucky to be really close friends. We have great team rapport and energy, and that gives us an advantage. We work really hard on these cases, and when they’re released in September, we do nothing but study and practice until competition begins. We all stay after school and stay late to do practice rounds. We’re all very passionate and competitive, and it shows in our presentations,” says Mobley.Unlike debate, though, teams are not assigned a position for or against a resolution; rather, they work together to arrive at their shared ideals regarding all of the cases. “An Ethics Bowl is finding your position to achieve your moral truth,” Mobley says. “You’re committed to finding the ethical truth for any circumstance.” Searching for those outcomes can be especially meaningful to students at Cypress; the campus has a high percentage of LBGTQ students, and  Mobley has experienced his own share of discrimination and transphobia. “I’ve always cared a lot about other people,” he says, “and at Cypress, we try to be aware of everyone’s feelings.” That supportive environment has led to some great teamwork by the Cypress seniors, and stellar leadership by head coach and pal Travis Parker. “He corrals us when we get too rowdy,” admits Mobley, but that’s an infrequent occurrence. “You can see how our friendship has benefitted the team immensely. We have more study sessions and practice rounds together, and since we all have classes together, the presentations we give flow really easily.” UCSC’s Kyle Robertson is the NorCal High School Ethics Bowl Founder and Director, and he has a soft place in his heart for the Cypress team as well. “He’s willing to help us do some prep for nationals,” beams Mobley, “and he said that our cross-examination questions were some of the best he’s ever heard!”Is there one right answer to any of these ethical cases? Mobley says no. “One of the criteria for winning a round is embodying the spirit of the Ethics Bowl—not choosing a position and sticking to it, but finding the most ethical solution possible.”Has the Cypress team ever lost a round because the members couldn’t agree on an answer? “We did, in our first ever competition. We were all sophomores, and the case was about someone who had been accused of sexual harassment but was never convicted. The question was, without any actual proof, should this individual be hired for a job? “We couldn’t quite agree on a common solution, and so we lost that round.”With that event behind the, the Cypress team is now gearing up for an April trip to North Carolina—that means airfare, hotel rooms, meals and more. How does a tiny school collect the funds for such an important trip? Mobley isn’t entirely sure, but he’s happy to invite interested community members to help underwrite the team’s travel, and for all the right reasons. “The Ethics Bowl team has had a huge impact in my life,” Mobley says. “I don’t know who I’d be without it.”To contribute to the Cypress Charter High School’s Ethics Bowl team’s travel expenses, contact Principal Megan Tresham at [email protected].

Datebook

- Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.

Why injustice makes us so upset

How often does something we see on TV, or read on the internet make us mad? Somebody says something ridiculous and it sets us off. Some sense of righteous indignation or moral outrage is provoked, and we tear off into a rant on what that person had the gall to say or do in public. All of us are preachers at some level. But why is it we get so upset?

Datebook

Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing. Publication is not guaranteed.Friday, August 28Pasatiempo Art ShowWhen: 4 to 7 p.m.Where: Historic Hollins House RestaurantDetails: Benefit for girls’ high school golf teams-artists all from Pasatiempo,Info: Karen at (831) 818-3028 Saturday, August 296th Annual Stuff the BusWhen: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Where: SLV High School Parking LotAddress: 7105 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Supplies for all SLV schoolsInfo: [email protected] Sunday, August 30Music at Skypark – “Extra Large” & “Joint Chiefs”When: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.Where: Skypark in Scotts ValleyCost: No cover – support school music programsInfo: KiwanisoftheValleys.org Wednesday, September 2Sons in Retirement LuncheonWhen: 11:30 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.Where: Portuguese Hall 216 Evergreen at Coral St. (3 blocks past Costco)Details: Catered by Barbara & Co.Talk by: Col. Brian Shiroyama, former security officer for Air Force One.Cost: $17Info: Call Dave at (831) 336-8481 by 8/31/15.  Thursday, September 3Boating Safety and Navigation Registration (three classes)When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.Where: Santa Cruz Harbor Public Mtg. Room, 365A Lake Ave. at Harbor near boat yardDetails: Boating Skills and Seamanship, Sailing and Seamanship, Coastal NavigationInfo: [email protected]. Friday, September 4Jazz MusicWhen: 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Casa Nostra in Ben LomondDetails: Live Jazz Music – “Joy of Jazz”Cost: FreeInfo: Casa Nostra at (831) 609-6132 or Joy at (831) 246-0349 Saturday, September 5Free SAT Practice ExamWhen: 8 a.m. sharpInfo: Call to Register (831) 515-7373 Saturday, September 57th Annual Songfest – Prostate AwarenessWhen: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.Where: Kuumba Jazz Center, Santa CruzDetails: Musicians Joe Ferrara, + 6 MoreCost: No cover, donations welcomeInfo: [email protected] Sunday, September 6Jazz MusicWhen: 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Scopazzi’s Deck in Boulder CreekDetails: Live Jazz Music – ”Joy of Jazz”Cost: FreeInfo: Scopazzi’s at (831) 338-6441 or Joy at (831) 246-0349 Wednesday, September 9 (Entry deadline)“The Best Apple Pie in the County” ContestWhen: Opening Day of S.C. County Fair – Sept. 16Entry info: www.santacruzcountyfair.com, or260l East Lake Avenue, WatsonvilleCost: No entry fee Thursday, September 10Willing Suspension Armchair TheaterWhen: 7:00 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley LibraryCost: Free, donations welcomeInfo: [email protected] Saturday, September 12Women with Mood Disorders Support GroupWhen: 3 to 5 p.m. (2nd Saturday each month)Where: Ease Mountain, 10090 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, Ste 7Info: Please call 831-345-7190  Sunday, September 139th Annual Emergency Preparedness DayWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Home Depot parking lot, 2600 41st Ave. in SoquelDetails: Emergency communication demonstrationsInfo: 462-5650 ext. 145 Sunday, September 13Music on the Mountain – “Espressivo”When: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.Where: Performing Arts Center, SLV High School7105 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Benefit for SLV schoolsCost: $15-$50 @ slvfoundation.org; Ben Lomond MarketInfo: 234-0236 Friday, September 18Genealogy Society of Santa Cruz CountyWhen: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.Where: Scotts Valley Branch LibraryDetails: Learn to use Ancestry.com Library EditionBring your own laptopsCost: FreeInfo: Reservations: [email protected] or call 427-7717 Sunday, September 20Santa Cruz Post Card and Paper Collectibles ShowWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: The Hilton, 6001 La Madrona Dr., Scotts ValleyDetails: An intimate post card experienceInfo: [email protected] or 476-3262  Sunday, September 27Music at Skypark ConcertWhen: 2 to 6 p.m.Where: SkyparkDetails: “The Coffis Brothers” and “The Mountain Men”Cost: Donation: proceeds from refreshments sale go to schoolsInfo: Kiwanis of the Valleys – 439-8018 Friday, October 16Bethany Hamilton “Soul Surfer” Film & TalkWhen: 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Film at 3:30 p.m.; 5:30 to 6:30 Q&A6:45 to 7:45 p.m. VIP Ticket-holders meet BethanyWhere: 1500 Green Hills Road, Suite 101, Scotts ValleyTickets: $30 General Admission includes “Soul Surfer”$125 Meet & GreetInfo: [email protected] ONGOINGConcertsWhere: Don Quixote’s International Music HallDetails: Reservations available online. Under 21 must be accompanied by a parent.Info: www. donquixotesmusic.com Saturday, September 26 – December 12, 2015Ageless Art Project by Brookdale ResidentsWhen: September 26 – December 12, 2105Where: Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, SVInfo: 459-8917 x208 Mountain Community TheaterPark Hall in Ben LomondTickets: www.mctshows.org or 336-4777 Vegan PotluckWhen: First Friday of month at 11:30 a.m.Where: Saint Michael’s Community Hall in Boulder CreekDetails: We are the only location around trying to save all life on earthInfo: 338-3544 to RSVP or email [email protected]. Together in the ParkWhen: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: Felton Covered Bridge ParkDetails: Parenting resources, craft projects, music, stories and healthy snacks. Parents, family members or caregivers, and their children meet for play and group activities.Cost: Free Center for Animal Protection & Education (CAPE)Recruiting foster families for dogsDetails: recruiting new foster volunteers for dogs awaiting permanent homes.Info: Nancy Eaton at 684-2421 Sound MeditationWhen: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. First Sunday of month fromWhere: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Discussion, practice on the use of sound in meditation with Bruce ManakaCost: FreeInfo: Shelby at 335-7700 Gratitude WednesdaysWhen: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. First Wednesday of monthWhere: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Mountain Spirit will donate 10% of sales to a local non-profit.Info: Shelby at 335-7700 Mountain Spirit’s Writing GroupWhen: 5 to 7 p.m First Wednesday of month.Where: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Creative writing class led by Wendy Ledger.Info: Shelby at 335-7700 Kids’ Fun Night at Boulder Creek RecreationWhen: 5 to 9 p.m. TuesdaysWhere: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder CreekDetails: Potluck - Please bring a dish to share. Fun filled evening for kids 2-11years. Movie, crafts, games, and fun.Cost: $20 per kid Cooking and Homestead Class for KidsWhen: Tuesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation CenterCost: $15 per kid Bloom of the Present Weekly Monday Evening MeditationWhen: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays except for federal holidays,Where: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonInfo: 831-212-6641 or bloomofthepresent.org http:///h Touch Team iPad Memory Classes at the LibraryWhen: Monday and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.Where: Scotts Valley Public Library, 251 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Supportive social setting, for a series of innovative workshops that use iPads to engage the mind and activate memory. No experience is necessary and iPads are supplied by the library. Individual coaches are present to help with activities.Info: Call to Register 427-7700 x 7615 Wilder Ranch Tours and Living History DemonstrationsWhen: Weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa CruzDetails: Visit an early day dairy ranch and step back in time to the late 1800’s. Play Victorian games or bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn. Visit the farm animals and see what activities are taking place on the ranch this weekend, You may learn about hand quilting, watch blacksmithing, or wood stove baking techniques.Info: 426-0505 Redwood Loop WalkWhen: Saturdays, 1 p.m. - Meet at park headquarters.Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder CreekDetails: Fun and informative guided 1/2-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest, and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk.Cost: FreeInfo: 338-8883 Old-Growth Redwood WalksWhen: Saturday at 1 p.m..Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Rd., FeltonDetails: Guided forest adventure on a docent-led walk through the magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest.An.8 mile long stroll lasting around 1.5 hours. Trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.Cost: FreeInfo: 335-7077 Embroidistry at Om GalleryWhen: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. dailyWhere: Om Gallery, 1201 Pacific Ave., Santa CruzDetails: Hand-embroidered interpretations of well-known masterpieces, album covers, and original compositions by Ben Lomond artist Mardeen Gordon.Cost: FreeInfo: Mardeen Gordon at 252-7446 First Aid-CPR classWhen: Third Saturday of the monthWhere: Felton Fire Protection District, 131 Kirby St., in FeltonDetails: Ray Soler leads First Aid and CPR certification classes for community members. Times and registration details: Available online or by phone.Cost: Free for district residents, employees of businesses in the district; $36 for all othersInfo: 335-4422 or www.feltonfire.com TOPS Club MeetWhen: 10 to 11 a.m. WednesdayWhere: Meeting room in back of Felton Fire DepartmentDetails: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) is a group dedicated to losing weight by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits.Cost: First visit is free Tai Chi and Chi GongWhen: 9 to 10 a.m. FridaysWhere: Sky Park behind Parks and Rec., 361 Kings Village Rd.,Scotts ValleyDetails: Gentle movement supporting balance, stress reduction, and strengthening.Cost: $8 drop-in feeInfo: Mary Mulligan 335-9390 Valley Churches United Missions Food PantryWhen: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Where: Valley Churches United Missions Food Pantry, 9430 Highway 9, Ben LomondDetails: School supplies and back packs for low-income families in need.Cost: FreeInfo: Pre-register at 336-8258 x 221 Scotts Valley Senior Center Book WormsWhen: Third Friday of the month, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Senior-oriented book club organized by the Scotts Valley Senior Center.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for non-membersInfo: 438-8666 Fridays at Five Food DistributionWhen: Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m.Where: GateWay Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Food distribution to those in need. Every Friday, tables of groceries will be set up near the carport at the church office.Info: [email protected] or 438-0646 Line Dance ClassesWhen: Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder CreekDetails: Line Dance Instructor Amber Blavin leads class. No partners are needed to attend.Cost: $5 per class or donationInfo: (408) 712-2287 or [email protected] SLV Museum exhibitWhen: Wednesday through Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.Where: SLV Museum, 12547 Highway 9, Boulder CreekDetails: “Crystals, Caves, and Kilns” explores natural and cultural history of limestone, lime, and marble in the Felton and Santa Cruz areas.Cost: DonationsInfo: 338-8382 Improv Theater Games and ExercisesWhen: Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder CreekDetails: Heidi Drew leads two hours of improvisation theater classes. Beginners are encouragedCost: $5Info: [email protected] Live Jazz at Casa NostraWhen: Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Casa Nostra, 9217 Highway 9, Ben LomondDetails: Live jazz music.Cost: FreeInfo: 609-6132 SLVHS Bingo FundraiserWhen: Mondays, 4 p.m.Where: Portuguese Hall, 216 Evergreen Street, Santa CruzDetails: A weekly 18-game bingo program to benefit the athletics programs at San Lorenzo Valley High School.Info: 335-4425 Big Basin Trail Crew Volunteer DayWhen: 9 a.m. Second Saturday of monthWhere: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder CreekDetails: Volunteers (18 years of age or older) meet at Park Headquarters to spend a day — rain or shine — working to maintain and preserve the park’s trails.Info: www.bigbasintrailcrew.org Boulder Creek ZumbaWhen: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. SaturdaysWhere: Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks District, 13333 Middleton Ave.,Boulder CreekDetails: Cecelia Kelly leads weekly class - great workout in dance party atmosphere.Cost: $10Info: http://ceciliakelly.zumba.com Senior Pinochle GameWhen: 2 p.m. TuesdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: An open game of pinochle.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for non-membersInfo: 438-8666 Free Laughter YogaWhen: Sundays, 10:30 a.m.Where: Luminescence Day Spa and Tea Room, 13140 Highway 9, Boulder CreekCost: FreeInfo: Lizzie Lochner, 338-7546 Toastmasters Club – Redwood RamblersWhen: Wednesdays, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.Where: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts ValleyDetails: Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters meets weekly to help members build confidence as public speakers and leaders.Info: 435-9308 or http://8203.toastmastersclubs.org Poetry Circle, WorkshopWhen: Third Saturday of the month, 2 to 4 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Magdalena Montague, local poet and teacher, leads classes for prospective poets of all skill levels.Cost: FreeInfo: [email protected] or 427-7717 Senior Line DancingWhen: 12 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Biweekly line dancing and lessons Cost: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 to confirm Zumba for SeniorsWhen: 6 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. ThursdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Instructor-led class encourages exercise in a fun, rhythmic environment.Cost: $3 for members, $5 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 Beginning Ballet for FitnessWhen: 4:30 to 5 p.m. MondaysWhere: Agape Dance Academy, 104 Whispering Pines Dr., Room 5, in Scotts ValleyDetails: Introductory beginner class emphasizes fitness through dance.Cost: FreeInfo: 359-0850 Line Dance, WeightsWhen: 9:45 to 11 a.m.Where: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben LomondDetails: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 336-8900 BingoWhen: 1 to 3 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: All adults welcome. Game is sponsored by Project Scout (Senior Citizen Outreach).Cost: 50 cents per card, one card free with purchase of four or moreInfo: 438-8666 Tai Chi ClassesWhen: 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. MondaysWhere: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben LomondCost: $3 members, $5 nonmembersInfo: 336-8900 Genealogical Society MeetingWhen: 1 to 3 p.m., first Thursday of monthWhere: Central Branch Library meeting room, 224 Church Street, Santa CruzDetails: Lectures for beginning to advanced genealogy enthusiasts.Cost: FreeInfo: 427-7707, ext. 5794, or Janine Charlton, [email protected] Senior Exercise ClassWhen: 10 a.m. Mondays and FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd.Info: Class incorporates strength, balance, and coordination exercises for persons age 50 and older, led by retired physical therapist Cherry Nittler.Cost: $2 members, $3 nonmembers Drop-in Meditation GroupWhen: 7 to 8:45 p.m. MondaysWhere: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Beginning and experienced students participate in 40 minutes of silent meditation, followed by a dharma talk and discussion by Carla BrennanInfo: http://bloomofthepresent.com Beginners’ Line DancingWhen: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: Boulder Creek Recreation, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder CreekDetails: For dancers age 8 and olderCost: Donation; Drop inInfo: [email protected] Water Media Art ClassesWhen: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., in Scotts ValleyDetails: Watercolor and acrylic paints. Adults any age and all experience levels welcome.Cost: $7 for members, $8 for nonmembersInfo: Beverly Martin, 335-0425 or [email protected], or www.portrait-fineart.com. Body Freedom QigongWhen: 10 to 11 a.m. TuesdaysWhere: Felton Covered Bridge Park, 122 Covered Bridge Rd., on rainy days at The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Qigong is similar to Tai Chi and is like a standing yoga with gentle, easy movements for flexibility, strength, health and relaxation.Info: Bonnie Eskie, Qigong instructor, 515-4144 SLV Community Band RehearsalsWhen: 7 to 9 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: San Lorenzo Valley High School band room, 7105 Highway 9, in FeltonDetails: Dust off your instrument and try it out. Semester fee benefits school music programs in the San Lorenzo Valley.Cost: $25 per semesterInfo: Jon Christian, 335-3565 Bridge Players WantedDetails: Intermediate and advanced bridge players in demand for ongoing groups in the San Lorenzo Valley. Groups meet depending on availability. Please call.Info: Shelby Charette, 335-5956 Advanced Bridge Players WantedWhen: 12 p.m. MondaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Participants can hone skills against other highly skilled bridge players.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 Chair and Gentle YogaWhen: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: Balance Health of Ben Lomond, 231 Main St. Ste. A, Ben Lomond.Details: Gentle yoga program to increase circulation, mobility, balance, strength, awareness, and confidence.Info: Ruth Caudell, 336-3560 Healing Tai Chi for SeniorsWhen: 9 a.m. FridaysWhere: SV Community Center, 360 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Gentle, easy movement for health promotionCost: $7 for members, $8 for nonmembersInfo: Mary Mulligan, 335-9390 or [email protected] Together in the ParkWhen: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: Felton Covered Bridge Park, Graham Hill and Mount Hermon Roads, FeltonDetails: Parenting support, information and age-appropriate activities for children up to 5 years old.Info: Cori Burt, 252-1137 Mindfulness Meditation GroupWhen: 7 to 8:30 p.m. MondaysWhere: Satellite Telework Center, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Beginning, experienced students welcome for silent meditation and talk.Info: Carla, 336-0136 BasicogaWhen: 9 to 10 a.m. MondaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyCost: $6Info: 438-8666 Beginning Line Dancing ClassWhen: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyCost: $2 members, $4 non membersInfo: 438-8666 Belly Dancing for WomenWhen: 7 p.m. MondaysWhere: Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Experience the power of women dancing with women in a friendly atmosphere.Cost: $40 for four consecutive classes, $13 for drop in.Info: 335-4567 Life DrawingWhen: 7 to 9:15 p.m. TuesdaysWhere: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., Ben LomondDetails: Beginners, pros welcome to drop in. Features a different model each week.Cost: $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers, $8 for students with IDInfo: 335-5000 or www.mountainartcenter.org Raku ClassesWhen: 6 to 9 p.m. FridaysWhere: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., Ben LomondDetails: Class is weather-dependent, attendees should call a day in advance. Participants may take bisque ware or purchase pots at the center.Cost: $18 for members, $20 for nonmembersInfo: Dale Bates, 345-7565 Square Dance ClassesWhen: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: German-American Hall, 230 Plymouth St., Santa CruzDetails: Go alone, bring a partner, or come with a group.Cost: $5Info: 763-9825 or 408-353-4766 Kidz Korner Clothing ExchangeWhen: 10 to 11:30 a.m., third Saturday of the monthWhere: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., Ben LomondDetails: Exchange is for children’s clothes for newborns through 5-year-olds. Those who don’t have clothes to donate may pick up what they need.Info: Rebecca, 408-875-3450 Overeaters AnonymousA 12-Step group program for those who wish to overcome compulsive eating habits. Please see our website for current times and locations: www.santacruzoa.org. Or call our Hotline at (831)429-7906.  

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News Briefs

News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025

Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...