A weekly guide to what’s happening.
Green fix
Pest Management
Warmer weather means more time in the sunshine, but it also brings some unwelcome furry friends. Join master gardeners Delise Weir and Sue Procter to learn integrated pest management methods for controlling vertebrate pests including gophers, squirrels, voles, rats, deer, and birds. This class will discuss pest behavior, identify the damage they cause and management strategies using traps, barriers, deterrents, and pest-resistant plants. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
INFO: 10 a.m.-noon. Sunday, March 24. Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton. Free/$3 facility fee.
Art Seen
Making Paper Poppys
With all of the rain California has gotten this winter, there are some stunning desert wildflower blooms, including thousands of golden poppies—the famous state flower. But for those who can’t make the drive out to Antelope Valley or other famous viewing spots, the Mission Historic Park is offering free paper poppy making classes to celebrate spring in California.
INFO: 1-3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24. Santa Cruz Mission Historic State Park, 144 School St., Santa Cruz. 425-5849. Free.
Sunday 3/24
‘She Speaks Out…Again’
The Wheel Company presents a group of female poets, singers, drummers, musicians, dancers, and storytellers to gather and share their stories in a collective setting. The “She Speaks Out Again” event focuses on listening and learning from those who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault, especially in the current political climate.
INFO: 6 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. thewheelcompany.com. $25.
Thursday 3/21
‘Saving Democracy: The Way Forward’
The third edition to the Saving Democracy annual event, this bipartisan panel is aimed at bridging the gap between Democrats and Republicans through conversation. The panel of seven national and statewide politicians will discuss divisive partisanship and potential ways to find common ground. Alongside a few returning familiar faces like Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend and Debbie Mesloh, senior adviser to presidential candidate Kamala Harris, there are a few newcomers, such as former Press Secretary for the California Republican Leader Mike Madrid.
INFO: 7 p.m. Cabrillo College Samper Recital Hall, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. bootsroad.com/democracy. Free, online registration recommended.
Saturday 3/23
10th-Annual Scrabble Tournament
Join the Santa Cruz County Law Library in three 30-minute games of Scrabble. All levels are welcome, though there will be two categories of competitive and recreational players. There will be awards for the top three players in each category, including gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Light snacks and drinks will be provided, but bring your own snacks if you are the ultra-competitive, stress-eating type. Funds support the Law Library and the Teen Peer Court Program.
INFO: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Law Library, 701 Ocean St. Room 70, Santa Cruz. 420-2205, [email protected]. Free, advance registration recommended.