Special events
Beer Mule 1st Birthday Party (March 7)
Beer Mule is turning 1. To show its appreciation, the local tap house is inviting the community to its First Birthday Party on Saturday. Johnny Reyes Band (3-6 p.m.) and the Apple City Slough Band (6-10 p.m.) will provide live music and Chef Colby Reade will offer a full day’s feast, featuring “whole hog BBQ feast” that includes a slow-roasted pig, wood-fired dry-rubbed grass-fed tri-tip and herb-rubbed grilled quarter chicken. For information visit the event’s Facebook page. Location: Beer Mule, 45 Aviation Way, Watsonville. Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Price: $20 in advance, $25 the day of.
Watsonville Community Band’s 1st Annual Mattress Sale Fundraiser (March 8)
Come get a better night’s sleep and support the inaugural Watsonville Community Band’s Mattress Fundraiser. We carry quality name brands like Simmons Beautyrest for up to 50 percent off brand new. The sale is one day only so spread the word by inviting all of your family and friends. Profits go directly to the Music Programs. Location: Watsonville High School. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price: NA.
International Women’s Day at the YWCA (March 8)
YWCA of Watsonville Youth Committee is inviting the community to celebrate International Women’s Day and the 100 years of the Women’s Right to Vote. The will be activities for young and old and talks from City of Watsonville Mayor Rebecca Garcia and local author Dr. Tiffany Wayne. Also included in the festivities: raffle prizes and snacks. RSVP on the event’s Facebook page or email [email protected]. Location: YWCA of Watsonville, 340 E. Beach St. Time: 1-6 p.m. Price: Free.
‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ with Diversity Center (March 12)
The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County invites the LGBTQ+ community, families and allies to a special outing to see Cabrillo College’s production of “Considering Matthew Shepard.” A pre-party will be held at Vino Cruz, 4901 Soquel Dr. from 5:30-7 p.m. Tickets will be offered at a special group rate. For information visit diversitycenter.org and cabrilovapa.com. Location: Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Time: 7:30- 9 p.m. Price: $36.50-41.50.
Watsonville Film Festival (March 12-15)
The Watsonville Film Festival returns for its eighth year. A conversation between Watsonville-based filmmakers, educators and activists on how to showcase local film talent and share relevant community films sparked the idea for the Watsonville Film Festival. Be part of our annual celebration of film and community in the heart of Watsonville. For information and to buy tickets visit watsonvillefilmfest.org. Location: Watsonville Woman’s Club, 12 Brennan St. Time: Varies by day. Price: TBD.
PVUSD Recruitment Fair 2020 (March 14)
Come check out jobs available in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District: teachers, custodians, special education aides, food and nutrition positions and more. Testing and interviewing will take place on-site. Location: PVUSD offices, 294 Green Valley Road. Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Price: free.
Recurring events
Saturday, March 7
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.
Researchers Anonymous
History buffs are invited to join this free monthly meeting held the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. Details: 429-1964, ext. 17 or www.santacruzmah.org.
Sunday, March 8
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 Rd. 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, March 9
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 10
Turbo Tuesday
Come spend an afternoon of fun playing all kinds of games in the Watsonville Public Library from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
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.
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 a.m. 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, March 11
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.
STEAM in Watsonville Library
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) meets in the library from 3-4 p.m. For ages 8-12, the ongoing program allows participants to learn about and make electronic creations from Little Bits kits.
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.
NARFE
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 54 meets the second Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos. Lunch: $17. Active and retired are welcome. Details/reservations: 724-6970.
AAUW lunch
The American Association of University Women’s Out to Lunch Bunch meets the second Wednesday of each month at noon. Details: 763-2580.
Thursday, March 12
No local events
Friday, March 13
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.
