A weekly guide to what’s happening
Green Fix
Cowell Beach Clean Up
Cowell Beach has been on the “beach bummer” list for nine years running. Let’s lend a helping hand. We suggest dressing in layers, wearing sunscreen and bringing a reusable water bottle, since drinking fountains (and restrooms) are available onsite. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and closed-toed shoes are also required. Parking is limited, so make or bring a friend and carpool. Meet at the base of the stairs to Cowell Beach; no RSVPs necessary, but you can print and complete the Save Our Shores waiver online beforehand to save time.
INFO: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cowell Beach, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz. saveourshores.org, ni*@sa***********.org. Free.
Art Seen
Creativity Thrives: Nine Women Artists
Doodles are thought of as absent-minded toss-offs, but in fact, they can be as artistic as any still life. R. Blitzer Gallery is showcasing the work of a group of local women artists working mostly in oil and acrylics, and some of these artists’ work is influenced by doodling. With nature, people and current event themes in mind, this highly personal, unconscious way of working from internal impulses makes the resulting piece authentic to each person.
INFO: Exhibit runs Friday, Aug. 2-Saturday Aug. 31 with an artist talk at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. R. Blitzer Gallery, 2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 458-1217, rblitzergallery.com. Free.
Sunday 8/11
The 42nd-Annual International Musical Saw Festival
The musical saw, also known as the singing saw, may not be the kind of instrument you find in music class, but it is still one of the most unique music-makers around. In fact, a group of 53 musical sawists hold the world record for largest live saw ensemble event. Santa Cruz’s Musical Saw Festival is a collection of the world’s greatest saw players, plus other acoustic musicians. There will be bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, blues, classical works, and show tunes throughout the day, plus a musical saw contest and workshop.
INFO: 10 a.m.-5p.m Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton. sawplayers.org. Free.
Saturday 8/10
River Health Day
Join the Coastal Watershed Council in celebrating the San Lorenzo River. Volunteers will lend a hand removing invasive plants, planting native species and maintaining the site to promote the well-being of the river. Gloves, tools and light refreshments will be provided; it’s recommended that all volunteers dress in comfortable gardening clothes, including long pants, socks and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Bring layers, sun protection and a reusable water bottle. All ages and abilities are welcome, but volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Can’t make this one? No problem, the event happens every second Saturday of the month, though meeting location will vary each time.
INFO: 9:30 a.m. Coastal Watershed Council, 107 Dakota Ave. #4, Santa Cruz. 464-9200 x104. coastal-watershed.org/san-lorenzo-river/our-approach/habitat. Free.
Saturday 8/10
Hiroshima-Nagasaki Day
On the 74th anniversary of the fateful Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings, there will be a vigil honoring the tens of thousands of victims, plus reflections and songs meant to call attention to those lives lost with the intention of learning from the past to create a more just and nuclear-free future.
