Special events
Goat Hill Fall Vintage Fair (Nov. 9-10)
A much anticipated two-day event at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds for enthusiasts of vintage and antique collecting. Find looks, styles and unique pieces to complement your collections and decorate your homes. An indoor event. Food and drink offered. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For information: goathillfair.com.
“12×12: An Open Invitation” reception (Nov. 9)
Cabrillo Gallery’s final exhibition for the fall season will have a reception from 4-6 p.m. All California artists were welcome to participate, offering a truly inclusive celebration of the diversity of the region’s community of artists, students and educators. Showcasing work from high school students to seasoned professional artists, the exhibition includes all media: drawing, printmaking, painting, photography, digital media, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, woodworking, metalworking, glass—just about anything goes, as long as the work is 12 x 12 inches. For information: 479-6308.
Capitola Sip and Stroll (Nov. 9)
Enjoy this special shopping experience, strolling through unique shops, while sipping locally featured wines and beers in the charming, historic Capitola Village. Check-in will be at Curated by the Sea (309 Capitola Avenue) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of the event. Each ticket comes a commemorative wine glass and 10 tickets good for 10 pours (2 oz each). There will be 20 wineries and breweries participating in the event. Proceeds will benefit Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, and Angel Tree.
Coffee, Tea & History: The Giant Killer (Nov. 9)
Edmund Kemper killed eight people over an 11 month period starting in 1972. Judge William Kelsay was Assistant District Attorney at that time and Chief Mickey Aluffi was a Sheriff’s Detective. They will recount the apprehension and trial of this serial killer at the Aptos History Museum, 7605 Old Dominion St., from 2:30 to 4 p.m. To make a reservation or for information: 688-1467.
Santa Cruz Martial Arts Championship (Nov. 9)
The Santa Cruz Martial Arts Championship is the ground where champions are born. Sanctioned by the IKF the PKB program is also a great opportunity for martial artists of all backgrounds to get experience. This year taking place at Monte Vista Christian School at 9 a.m. For information visit the events Facebook page.
Digital Nest 5th Birthday (Nov. 10)
Join us to celebrate Digital NEST’s 5th Birthday. A celebration that would otherwise not be possible without supporters like you. Food, beverages, member showcase, gifts, special guest speakers and, of course, birthday cake will be provided. Cheers to 5, and to High Tech for Young Minds. Event runs from 4-6 p.m.
Veteran’s Day parade (Nov. 11)
The annual Veterans Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, when a group of veterans will march to the Veterans Hall at 250 East Beach St. The ceremony begins there at 11 a.m. Watsonville Community Band will play before the ceremony, with military-themed favorites such as those by John Phillips Sousa. Guest speakers this year are Congressman Jimmy Panetta and Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge John Gallagher.
Holiday Fair (Nov. 15)
The All Saints Church, 437 Rogers Ave., is hosting the Second Annual Holiday Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission for the public. The event will feature handcrafted, homemade and hand-baked, one-of-a-kind treasures made by local talent. For information: 724-5338.
•••
Recurring events
Saturday, Nov. 9
Aptos Farmer’s Market
Open rain or shine, the Aptos Farmer’s Market at Cabrillo College runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Second Saturday on the Farm
The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave.
Second Weekends at the Airport
Admission is free and everyone is welcome to show and admire these historical aircraft on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pilots displaying their aircraft can enjoy special offers from Ella’s At The Airport and top off at our self-service island at the lowest fuel prices from 9 a.m. Saturday until 9 a.m. Sunday.
Mayor’s Bike Ride for Health
Join Watsonville Mayor Francisco Estrada for a short, family-friendly bike ride on the second Saturday of each month that follows the Pajaro River levee, starting at the parking lot across from Watsonville Buddhist Temple at 423 Bridge St. This easy, level ride is perfect for kids and beginners. Warm up stretches led by Watsonville Yoga. Ride starts at 10 a.m. Helmets are required for this ride. Some will be provided if needed.
•••
Sunday, Nov. 10
Farm and garden market
The Corralitos Farm and Garden Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods prepared with organic and locally grown ingredients. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 127 Hames Road in Corralitos.
Wetlands Nature Center
Discover the wildlands on free exploration walks at 1:30 p.m. at the Wetlands Nature Center, 30 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, behind Ramsay Park. Binoculars provided. Rain cancels. Information: 768-1622 or wetlandsofwatsonville.org.
El Mercado Certified Farmer’s Market
This year-round Certified Farmer’s Market is held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
•••
Monday, Nov. 11
Karate at Watsonville PAL
Karate trains Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Watsonville Police Activities League, 130 Rodriguez St., Watsonville. Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146
Hamburger Night
The American Legion Post 121 invites all to its Hamburger Night from 5:30-7 p.m. at 214 Center St., Watsonville. Cost: $6. Proceeds benefit veterans and the post’s community activities.
Homework help at Youth Center
Need an extra hand at understanding your assignments? Can’t seem to figure out how to get the right answers? Have a group project due and don’t have a place to meet up? Approach one of our teammates at the Watsonville Youth Center Monday-Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. and we’ll do what we can to help you get your homework done and get your grades up. Ages 6-22. Must be a registered member to participate. Registration and membership is free. For information: 768-3248.
•••
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Self-Defense Program
This program at the Watsonville PAL gym on Rodriguez Street is designed to give the participants an hour and 15 minutes of self-defense instruction. Classes start a 4:45 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146.
Bingo at Senior Center
The Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E. Fifth St., hosts bingo from 1-4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the center and its programs. Free coffee. Open to anyone 18 or older. In addition, the Senior Center holds a flea market starting at 9:30 a.m. Details: 722-1333.
Valley Heights
Free social hour every Tuesday and Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. is open to the public at 925 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville.
Legal assistance
California Rural Legal Assistance offers free legal services to low-income people. New clients on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesdays between the hours of 9:30-11:30 am and 1:3-4:00 p.m. at 21 Carr St. in Watsonville. We also have satellite offices in Hollister and Santa Cruz, call for intake hours at 724-2253.
•••
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Watsonville Rotary
Rotary Club of Watsonville invites community members to its weekly luncheon meeting at the Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., each Wednesday from 12:15-1:30 p.m. The program includes local community speakers that vary each week. For information: watsonvillerotary.com.
Lions Bingo
Join the Watsonville Associated Lions Club Bingo and support a nonprofit that gives back to the Pajaro Valley. Meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.
Bilingual toddler and baby lap time
Freedom Branch Library, 2021 Freedom Blvd., offers child socialization and early literacy skills for children ages 0-24 months at 10:30 a.m., and for ages 2-4 at 11:30 a.m. Details: 768-3420.
Watsonville Band
The Watsonville Community Band wants new members who can read music and competently play an instrument. Rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. in the Watsonville High School band room on Marchant Street. Information: band manager Bill Nestler at 768-8692 or watsonville-band.org.
Elks Lodge dinner
The Watsonville Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., hosts dinners for members and guests. Lodge opens 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served 6:30 p.m. A full course dinner is included for $10 per person (special events may be higher). Contact the lodge for reservations at 724-2493. Reservations are a must.
Migrant assistance
The Community Information Center for Migrant Assistance/Centro Communitario de Información Migratoria at Trinity Lutheran Church, 175 Lawrence Ave., Watsonville offers immigration information and assistance from 6-8 p.m. Free. Information: 724-3461.
•••
Thursday, Nov. 14
Bilingual toddler time
Bilingual Toddler Time is a free bilingual (English/Spanish) 30-minute program including stories, activities and music for toddlers and preschoolers. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Watsonville Public Library.
•••
Friday, Nov. 15
Farmer’s Market
The Watsonville Certified Farmer’s Market takes place every Friday from 3-7 p.m. on Peck Street in the downtown Plaza. It offers organic and ethnic produce, flowers, live music and plenty of goodies to eat.
St. Francis bingo
Bingo meets every Friday evening at the Kennedy Center, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Doors open at 5 p.m. Proceeds go to scholarships at St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School. Information: 722-2665 or 722-3274.
Senior dance
The Watsonville Senior Center hosts a free dance at 10:30 a.m. at 114 E. Fifth St.
Bilingual baby lap time
A free bilingual (English/Spanish) 30-minute program including stories, activities and music for babies age 0-24 months. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Watsonville Library.
VFW dinner
The Veterans of Foreign Wars holds a social dinner on the first and third Friday of the month at 5 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 1960 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville. Open to the public. $7 per meal; takeout is available. Information: 722-5228.
Corralitos Grange Pedro
Corralitos Grange, 165 Little Corral Way, hosts a Pedro card game on the third Friday of the month at 1 p.m. $5. First prize $25. The grange has a scholarship available for local agriculture students. To apply, contact Shirley Spain at 234-0735.
Iris Society
The Monterey Bay Iris Society meets the third Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Native Sons Hall, 239 High St., Santa Cruz.
