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Rise Together Events
Photo Credit: Watsonville Film Festival
Attend local community events that are led by People of Color. Stories, art, culture, and shared experiences help us form connections and relationships essential to advance racial equity together.
Join us for these upcoming events led by Rise Together or
Rise Together member organizations.
Current Events
Women's Empowerment Night
Join WILDR for a night out at the Santa Cruz Warriors Game on Saturday, March 1st at 7PM! Come enjoy a family friendly evening and this fantastic opportunity for WILDR supporters to come together for a fun-filled night of basketball centered around Women's Empowerment. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards WILDR.
A section of seating has been reserved for WILDR friends and families, be sure to grab your tickets before February 1st to guarantee being seated next to each other.
A section of seating has been reserved for WILDR friends and families, be sure to grab your tickets before February 1st to guarantee being seated next to each other.
Past Events
In Pour Taste: The History of Powwows
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Dr. Rebecca Hernandez and learn about the history of Powwows and intertribal gatherings that include dancing, singing, food, and community. Enjoy a custom cocktail from Front & Cooper featuring herbs from our Native Plant Learning Garden, the Kincentricity Garden. Register here.
Tickets are $30/$25 MAH members, and each ticket includes one cocktail and admission to the MAH. Must be 21+ to participate.
Register via the link below!
Tickets are $30/$25 MAH members, and each ticket includes one cocktail and admission to the MAH. Must be 21+ to participate.
Register via the link below!
Pajaro Valley Arts | Mi Casa Es Tu Casa: In the Arms of our Ancestors | November 03, 2024
This year, the Mi Casa es Tu Casa exhibit embraces the theme, In the Arms of Our Ancestors/En Los Abrazos de Nuestros Ancestros, an exploration of
the deep connections between the living and those who have passed.
Join PVA for our opening reception on November 03, 2024 at the PVA Gallery (37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA 95076) from 1-3 PM PT. This event will feature local youth folklorico dance group, Estrellas de Esperanza, which will begin performing at 2 PM PT.
Can't make it to the opening reception? The exhibit will be open from October 16-December 1, 2024!
the deep connections between the living and those who have passed.
Join PVA for our opening reception on November 03, 2024 at the PVA Gallery (37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA 95076) from 1-3 PM PT. This event will feature local youth folklorico dance group, Estrellas de Esperanza, which will begin performing at 2 PM PT.
Can't make it to the opening reception? The exhibit will be open from October 16-December 1, 2024!
Senderos | Comparsa Día de Muertos | November 02, 2024
¡Emocionados por nuestro próximo evento! Únete a la Comparsa, celebración del Día de los Muertos el sábado 2 de noviembre, de 4 PM a 8 PM en Branciforte Small School - 840 N Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
¡Es un evento gratuito!
Excited for our upcoming event! Join us for the Comparsa, Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 2nd, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Branciforte Small School - 840 N Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Free event!
¡Es un evento gratuito!
Excited for our upcoming event! Join us for the Comparsa, Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 2nd, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Branciforte Small School - 840 N Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Free event!
Watsonville Film Festival | 7th Annual Dia de Muertos | November 01, 2024
Enjoy films under the stars, live music, dance, art activities for children, community altars and more!
This event will feature local youth folklorico dance group, Estrellas de Esperanza, which will begin performing at 4:30 PM PT.
Everyone is invited to participate in this beautiful tradition at the Watsonville Plaza on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4-9 PM PT.
This event will feature local youth folklorico dance group, Estrellas de Esperanza, which will begin performing at 4:30 PM PT.
Everyone is invited to participate in this beautiful tradition at the Watsonville Plaza on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4-9 PM PT.
Community Arts & Empowerment | Watsonville Brillante Ribbon Cutting Celebration | October 26, 2024
Rodriguez and 2nd streets will be closed in front of the mosaics. Come enjoy performances, food trucks, art vendors, dancing, nonprofit community groups. This event will feature local youth folklorico dance group, Estrellas de Esperanza, which will begin performing at 12:30 PM PT.
Contact watsonvillebrillante@gmail.com to reserve your spot on a guided tour of the mosaics (English and Spanish tours available).
Contact watsonvillebrillante@gmail.com to reserve your spot on a guided tour of the mosaics (English and Spanish tours available).
PDCR | Baila y Brunch | June 29, 2024
Positive Discipline Community Resources is hosting the 3rd annual Baila y Brunch on June 29th!
Fun, family friendly, inspiring, delicious, inclusive and engaging -- are all words used to describe our Baila y Brunch community celebration.
This is THE must attend event of the summer!
Support our small but mighty non-profit that is up to some serious good. This event will raise much needed funds to sustain a 100% free-for-families trilingual program.
Saturday, June 29th 11-2pm at our beautiful Pinto Lake City Park in Watsonville
Fun, family friendly, inspiring, delicious, inclusive and engaging -- are all words used to describe our Baila y Brunch community celebration.
This is THE must attend event of the summer!
Support our small but mighty non-profit that is up to some serious good. This event will raise much needed funds to sustain a 100% free-for-families trilingual program.
Saturday, June 29th 11-2pm at our beautiful Pinto Lake City Park in Watsonville
Black Surf Santa Cruz | Liberation Paddle Out | June 22, 2024
Black Surf Santa Cruz is hosting our 4th annual Liberation Paddle Out event in celebration of Juneteenth at Cowell Beach. The Liberation Paddle Out is a full day celebration in concert with the annual Santa Cruz Juneteenth celebration at the London Nelson Center.
The LPO is a free event and a full day of fun including:
- Live DJ on the beach
- beach games & prizes
- paddle-out
- paddle-out lessons
- free equipment (while supplies last)
- delicious food
- fun with community, and more!
We are pleased to be able to offer equipment free of charge to our members. Our equipment is supply limited, so head over to the link below to RSVP by June 15th so we can ensure your gear is ready to go. Be sure to complete your RSVP by filling the form in the Eventbrite confirmation email.
All of our programs are free of charge including our annual Liberation Paddle Out celebration and donations help sustain our work. If you’re willing and able to donate, we appreciate your support. Any amount is meaningful and appreciated. Learn more about ways to donate on our website: www.blacksurfsantacruz.org/donate
See you there!
The LPO is a free event and a full day of fun including:
- Live DJ on the beach
- beach games & prizes
- paddle-out
- paddle-out lessons
- free equipment (while supplies last)
- delicious food
- fun with community, and more!
We are pleased to be able to offer equipment free of charge to our members. Our equipment is supply limited, so head over to the link below to RSVP by June 15th so we can ensure your gear is ready to go. Be sure to complete your RSVP by filling the form in the Eventbrite confirmation email.
All of our programs are free of charge including our annual Liberation Paddle Out celebration and donations help sustain our work. If you’re willing and able to donate, we appreciate your support. Any amount is meaningful and appreciated. Learn more about ways to donate on our website: www.blacksurfsantacruz.org/donate
See you there!
NAACP SCC | 2024 MLK Youth Day | January 13, 2024
MLK Youth Day is an opportunity for student leaders and organizations from local schools to inform the community about their mission and accomplishments. The desire to provide young people a platform to showcase and share what they are doing in regards to student activism. The day will also include music, dancing, and opportunities for community engagement and networking. Youth Day will be held Sat., Jan. 13 at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, beginning at 12 noon and ending at 3 pm.
SCHEDULE
12PM Event Start | Food Truck Opens | Group Tabling
1PM Youth Day Program Starts
2PM Group Tabling
3PM Event Ends
Please visit the event link to see more information and links to sign up for more information about the event and tabling opportunities.
SCHEDULE
12PM Event Start | Food Truck Opens | Group Tabling
1PM Youth Day Program Starts
2PM Group Tabling
3PM Event Ends
Please visit the event link to see more information and links to sign up for more information about the event and tabling opportunities.
NAACP SCC | 2024 MLK March for the Dream | January 15, 2024
MLK, Jr., March for the Dream has become a powerful tradition, symbolizing the ongoing pursuit of justice, equality, and civil rights for all in Santa Cruz County. The March will begin at 10 am on Monday, January 15, at Pacific Ave. and Cathcart Streets, Santa Cruz and will culminate in a program at the Civic Auditorium 11 am – 12 noon. Please note that the march will happen rain or shine. See below for our line up of speakers!
This year, we are gearing up for an impactful event and need your support to make it truly extraordinary. We are seeking sponsors, volunteers, and groups to march with us. Please visit the event link to see more information and links to sign up for volunteer or sponsorship opportunities.
This year, we are gearing up for an impactful event and need your support to make it truly extraordinary. We are seeking sponsors, volunteers, and groups to march with us. Please visit the event link to see more information and links to sign up for volunteer or sponsorship opportunities.
Santa Cruz Local candidate forum | Santa Cruz Local foro de candidatos | January 10, 2024
The March 5, 2024 election is just around the corner.
Save the date for a Jan. 10 forum for candidates in the District 2 Santa Cruz County Supervisors race. District 2 includes Aptos, Freedom, Corralitos and parts of Watsonville and Capitola. The seat is now held by Zach Friend, who is not running for reelection.
Santa Cruz Local will host the event and ask the candidates questions from our People’s Agenda. Surveys and interviews of District 2 voters helped form our People’s Agenda.
The event will take place:
- 5 to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 10.
- Program starts at 5:15 p.m.
- Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St., Watsonville.
2nd floor Robert and Elayne Stein meeting room
- The event is free. We look forward to seeing you at the event!
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Las plazas son limitadas y es necesario inscribirse.
Las elecciones del 5 de marzo de 2024 están a la vuelta de la esquina.
Reserve la fecha para un foro de 10 de enero para los candidatos en el Distrito 2 del Condado de Santa Cruz Supervisores carrera. Distrito 2 incluye Aptos, Libertad, Corralitos y partes de Watsonville y Capitola. El escaño está ocupado por Zach Friend, que no se presenta a la reelección.
Santa Cruz Local acogerá el acto y formulará a los candidatos preguntas de nuestra Agenda Popular. Encuestas y entrevistas de los votantes del Distrito 2 ayudó a formar nuestra Agenda Popular.
El evento tendrá lugar:
- De 17.00 a 18.30 h., el 10 de enero.
- El programa comienza a las 17:15.
- Biblioteca Pública Watsonville, 275 Main St.
- Sala de reuniones Robert y Elayne Stein, 2ª planta
El acto es gratuito. Esperamos verle en el acto.
Save the date for a Jan. 10 forum for candidates in the District 2 Santa Cruz County Supervisors race. District 2 includes Aptos, Freedom, Corralitos and parts of Watsonville and Capitola. The seat is now held by Zach Friend, who is not running for reelection.
Santa Cruz Local will host the event and ask the candidates questions from our People’s Agenda. Surveys and interviews of District 2 voters helped form our People’s Agenda.
The event will take place:
- 5 to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 10.
- Program starts at 5:15 p.m.
- Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St., Watsonville.
2nd floor Robert and Elayne Stein meeting room
- The event is free. We look forward to seeing you at the event!
-------------------------------------
Las plazas son limitadas y es necesario inscribirse.
Las elecciones del 5 de marzo de 2024 están a la vuelta de la esquina.
Reserve la fecha para un foro de 10 de enero para los candidatos en el Distrito 2 del Condado de Santa Cruz Supervisores carrera. Distrito 2 incluye Aptos, Libertad, Corralitos y partes de Watsonville y Capitola. El escaño está ocupado por Zach Friend, que no se presenta a la reelección.
Santa Cruz Local acogerá el acto y formulará a los candidatos preguntas de nuestra Agenda Popular. Encuestas y entrevistas de los votantes del Distrito 2 ayudó a formar nuestra Agenda Popular.
El evento tendrá lugar:
- De 17.00 a 18.30 h., el 10 de enero.
- El programa comienza a las 17:15.
- Biblioteca Pública Watsonville, 275 Main St.
- Sala de reuniones Robert y Elayne Stein, 2ª planta
El acto es gratuito. Esperamos verle en el acto.
Frontera Collection ¡En Vivo! | September 29, 2023
We are thrilled to host Juan Antonio Cuellar at the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. It is a free event and open to the public. Space is limited, so RSVP is required to attend. We look forward to seeing you!
Liberation Paddle Out 2023
Join Black Surf Santa Cruz for the 3rd Annual Liberation Paddle Out at Cowells Beach on Sunday, June 18th!
May 2023 Events
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Group, Queer Youth Support Group, Sober-ish LGBTQ+ Group, and more!
Affordable Housing Month - This May!
May is Affordable Housing Month and Housing Santa Cruz County is proud to be facilitating community conversations that help us advance affordable housing solutions in our County. From the floods in South County to ongoing wildfire recovery in North County and everywhere in between, our Santa Cruz County neighbors are counting on us to advance solutions that bring more affordable, accessible, and stable homes in our County.
Join us for our kick-off event, co-hosted with the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, on May 6 to deepen your engagement, grow our visibility, and advance our movement -- while having a great time!
Join us for our kick-off event, co-hosted with the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, on May 6 to deepen your engagement, grow our visibility, and advance our movement -- while having a great time!
April 2023 Events
Volunteer work days at San Juan Bautista Historic State Park (MAP) are regularly scheduled on the second Saturday of each month, from 12:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Volunteer work days at Pie Ranch (MAP) are on the third Saturday of each month, from 1:00-4:00.
Volunteer work days at Pie Ranch (MAP) are on the third Saturday of each month, from 1:00-4:00.
Pie for the People
Pie for the families who feed us!
Sunday, April 30th 1-3pm
This event will support the nonprofit organization Center for Farmworker Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for farmworker families. They are currently helping the hardworking families of Pajaro who have not only lost homes from the recent flood but are facing extended unemployment because the fields they work in are either still underwater or severely damaged.
Sunday, April 30th 1-3pm
This event will support the nonprofit organization Center for Farmworker Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for farmworker families. They are currently helping the hardworking families of Pajaro who have not only lost homes from the recent flood but are facing extended unemployment because the fields they work in are either still underwater or severely damaged.
Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza
April 16th 10AM - 4PM
The Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, music, dance, music, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos.
The Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, music, dance, music, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos.
UCSC Land Acknowledgement
Join for this presentation April 12th 3-4:30pm with Chairman Lopez and members of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to learn about the UCSC Land Acknowledge.
Historias De Cultura: Oaxaca en Santa Cruz
Saturday, April 8 from 6 - 8pm at The 418 Project. Gratis/Free, Food for sale
Historias de Cultura is a gathering and sharing of stories highlighting the presence and value of culture in our community's recovery during and post-COVID.
Historias de Cultura is a gathering and sharing of stories highlighting the presence and value of culture in our community's recovery during and post-COVID.
Diosa Centeotl Cultural Scholarship Event
Diosa Centeotl is a Senderos cultural contest held each April to select the Diosa Centeotl (corn goddess) who will reign over the Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza festival activities in May. The competition includes presentations by participants, performance by Senderos’ dance troupe, and delicious food for sale.
March 25th Latino Role Models Conference
2023 Latino Role Models Conference
Saturday March 25, 9:00am-1:00pm
Cabrillo College, Crocker Theater
Saturday March 25, 9:00am-1:00pm
Cabrillo College, Crocker Theater
Watsonville Film Festival March 3-12th
Join us for the 11th edition Watsonville Film Festival, in-person and online!
March 8th screening of Matronas: The Struggle to Protect Birth in El Salvador
Matronas: The Struggle to Protect Birth in El Salvador Co Presented by Campesina Womb Justice. Program starts at 6pm
The Historias de Culturas: Oaxaca en Santa Cruz films by Megan Martinez Goltz
Senderos has a partnership with the Watsonville Film Festival (WFF) at the free Arte y Cultura film screenings this Saturday, March 4th from 7-9pm at the Mello Center in Watsonville. Senderos dancers will be performing as well!
Ibram X. Kendi & Nic Stone, How to Be a (Young) Antiracist
Welcome Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone for a discussion about their new book, How to Be a (Young) Antiracist—a dynamic reframing of the concepts shared in Kendi's adult book, with young adulthood front and center.
Kendi and Stone's conversation will be moderated by local activists Bella Bonner (Black Surf Santa Cruz) and Thomas Sage Pedersen (Speak for Change podcast).
Kendi and Stone's conversation will be moderated by local activists Bella Bonner (Black Surf Santa Cruz) and Thomas Sage Pedersen (Speak for Change podcast).
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