Fundraiser benefits Monarch Services
The Stronger Together Fundraiser for Monarch Services-Servicios Monarca, taking place Oct. 22 at the Aptos High School field, is an event meant to honor survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
The fundraiser begins at 9am with a 1K fun run, and 5K run/walk at 10am.
The event will also feature family-friendly activities for children, information tables, live entertainment, a performance by the Azteca Dance Troupe and more.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting strongertogether2023.funraise.org. Tickets include a T-shirt and a raffle ticket for four Santa Cruz Warriors tickets and other prizes.
Aromas town hall meeting set
A town hall meeting will be held at the Aromas Grange Hall, 361 Rose Ave., on Oct. 26 from 6-7:30pm.
Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, San Benito County Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki and others from local agencies will provide an update on county projects and be available for questions about issues in the Aromas community.
Those who need Spanish interpretation are asked to contact di*******@co.us or 755.5022 by Oct. 20.
Watsonville Film Festival to host Day of the Dead celebration
The Watsonville Film Festival (WFF) will present the Sixth Annual Día de Muertos event at the downtown Watsonville Plaza on Oct. 27 from 4-9pm, featuring altars, music and dance.
The movie “Coco” will be screened at dusk. New this year are dances rarely seen on this side of the border or in Mexico as they are only performed during Day of the Dead observances.
WFF is partnering with Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Hospice of Santa Cruz County and Watsonville Parks and Community Services to present the free event at the Plaza, as well as online resources. Arte del Corazón will host a Mercado de Muertos across the street at the Romo Lawn where the community can purchase pieces made by local artists.
The event will feature performances by Folklorico Ollin, Raíces Mestizas, Mariachi Ilusión, Estrellas de Esperanza and White Hawk Aztec Dancers.
Everyone is invited to dress like fancy skeletons to participate in the Catrina and Catrin Catwalk. “Coco” will screen in Spanish with English subtitles at dusk. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and warm clothes.
“Families love coming to the Plaza to watch the beloved movie ‘Coco,’ and observe this heartfelt and festive holiday that honors loved ones who are no longer with us,” said Consuelo Alba, WFF executive director. “This celebration brings the community together in a meaningful way and is a healing experience for many.”
Families will have the opportunity to decorate sugar skulls, make luminarias, write letters to their loved ones, participate in colorful mosaic making and have their faces painted, thanks to the Watsonville High School Hope Club, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, Pajaro Valley Arts, Watsonville Brillante and Hospice of Santa Cruz County.
Pan de muerto (Bread of the Dead) made by local bakeries and marigolds harvested in Pajaro Valley fields will accompany the photos and mementos on the ofrendas (altars). The public is welcome to bring their own flowers and offerings to leave on a community altar.
On Oct. 24, the organizers will host Cafecito para el Corazón at the Porter Building, located at 280 Main St. This is a conversation in Spanish to express ideas and emotions about the cycle of life and death. Community members are invited to enjoy the discussion, coffee and sweet bread. To register, visit es.hospicesantacruz.org/evento/cafecitos-para-el-corazon.
Families are invited to explore an online program featuring a selection of local documentaries and animated films inspired by Day of the Dead, as well as crafts tutorials for children by local artists, and podcasts by Digital NEST members. The program is available at watsonvillefilmfest.org/dia-de-muertos.
All online and in-person events are free.
Candy Crawl returns downtown
The City of Watsonville’s third annual Downtown Candy Crawl is scheduled for Oct. 30 from 2-6pm.
Children ages 13 and under are invited to trick-or-treat at downtown Watsonville businesses. No pre-registration is required.
Participants can visit watsonvillerec.com for information about participating businesses beforehand or check in at the Watsonville Parks & Community Services booth in the City Plaza during the event.
Bring your own candy-collecting container.
Top honor for Fair volunteers
The Santa Cruz County Fair announced Loretta Estrada and Jody Belgard as the 2023 Blue Ribbon Award winners.
Each year, the Fair Board of Directors and management give this award to volunteers who go above and beyond to make the Fair a success. The award is recognized by the Western Fairs Association.
Estrada was appointed to the Fair Board in 1988. She’s a founding member of the Agricultural History Project and was instrumental in having the Rodgers House moved to the fairgrounds in 1998. She is also the driving force behind the popular Diaper Derby.
Belgard has been dedicated to the Fair for 17 years. She is a member of the Rodgers House and Crab Feed committees. She helps the Fairgrounds Foundation in many fundraising auction dinners, including the Heritage Hall Dinner that brings in thousands of dollars every year.
The Blue Ribbon Awards were given out at the Oct. 11 Volunteer Thank You Dinner, with more than 300 people attending the event hosted by the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation.
Senderos welcomes new executive director
The Senderos Board of Trustees recently announced Isai Pazos as its new executive director.
Pazos has been a community organizer for more than two decades and has volunteered for many years with the oaxaqueño community in Los Angeles and with Senderos in Santa Cruz. He is a trilingual Zapotec from the community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca.
A graduate of California State University, Los Angeles, Pazos’ most recent position was director of community affairs with CIELO (Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo) in Los Angeles. He has served as president of the California nonprofit ORO (Regional Organization of Oaxaca).
“We have collaborated and shared knowledge and commitments in the service of the community for many years with Mr. Pazos,” Senderos co-founders Maestra Fe Silva-Robles and Dr. Nereida Robles Vásquez said. “We are happy that Isai joins the Senderos team, and we are pleased to work hand-in-hand with him for the common good.”
Senderos is a volunteer-based organization, offering dance and music classes, performances, cultural festivals and more.
