Farm Discovery celebrating harvest

WATSONVILLE — On Saturday, Farm Discovery invites the community to get to know their food and celebrate the harvest at the annual Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event, taking place at Live Earth Farm, 1275 Green Valley Road in Watsonville, is the culmination of the fall tour season, welcoming students back to the farm with their families. Open to the public, Farm Discovery celebrates the harvest with family-friendly activities including tractor rides, face painting, live music, apple cider making, a buffet lunch and more.

Tickets are $5 per person. Children under 3 are free. To purchase tickets, visit farmdiscovery.org/event/harvestfest or email [email protected].

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Gardeners holding class on succulents

WATSONVILLE — UC Master Gardeners Sue Procter and Tina Heitzman will hold a class on how to plant and care for succulents on Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the UCCE Cooperative Extension, 1430 Freedom Blvd., Suite E in Watsonville.

This free class includes examples of and information on the growing habits of the major succulent species, container soil selection and amendments, planting and repotting techniques, propagation by cuttings, and ongoing watering and fertilizing needs.

A succulent exchange will follow the class. Participants will have the chance to plant a small container with succulents in class.

Succulent plant material, potting soil, top dressing and some small terra cotta pots will be available along with some tips on planting design.

Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for registration. Layers, hat and sunscreen are also advised.

For information and to pre-register, visit mbmg.org.

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SPCA appoints new executive director

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz SPCA welcomed Alison Talley as the shelter’s new executive director, effective Nov. 15.

“We look forward to welcoming Ali’s drive, diligence, and almost encyclopedic knowledge of animal welfare to our shelter. She’s quite the catch and we’re thrilled,” said Moira Gagen, president of the board of directors.  

Talley has spent 27 years working in, volunteering for, and studying the animal care industry, including 23 years of animal sheltering experience. 

Her career includes positions as director of behavior and training at East Bay SPCA, as well as manager and director level positions at the Humane Society Silicon Valley and Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga. Additionally, she worked during her student days at Yolo County Animal Services & SPCA in Woodland.

Talley graduated from UC Davis where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science, with a focus on companion animal welfare and shelters.

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Fundraiser benefits Cabrillo Swim Club

APTOS — The current and past parents of the Aptos Cabrillo Swim Club, in conjunction with the alumni that have swum under Cabrillo Threshers’ and Aptos High coach Jim Triplett, are launching a fundraiser called “Swim with Jim.”

The fundraiser will benefit the nonprofit Aptos Cabrillo Swim Club Thunder, a USA Swimming, competitive swim team, and all donations are tax-deductible. It will culminate with the “Swim With Jim” event, to be held at the Cabrillo College Pool on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Swim With Jim will be a reunion of the swimmers and families that have swum under Triplett in Santa Cruz County for more than 40 years. 

Triplett is known for training countless children from Watsonville, Aptos, Capitola, Santa Cruz and Scott Valley with many gaining national recognition, receiving college scholarships and becoming prominent members of the community.

“USA Swimming is more than just racing; the values and work ethic it instills is not just good for the swimmers and their families, it helps build stronger communities,” said Swim With Jim Media Chairman Kal Clarke. “For 43 years Coach Jim has given so much. Our goal to raise $100,000 will make his new team ACSC financially stable and it’s a fantastic way for all of Santa Cruz to say thank you.”

There will be music and food. Friends, families and members of the community are all invited to attend.

To donate online, visit gofundme.com/swim-with-jim.

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Forum set for Soquel Creek Water board candidates

APTOS — A candidate forum for the Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors will take place Monday at the Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, from 6-8 p.m.

The event is co-sponsored by the Santa Cruz Chapter of the Sierra Club and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. The event is open to all members of the public and is free.

For information, call 685-2915.

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Animal shelter celebrating 10 years

SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will host the Grateful Shelter Festival on Saturday from noon-4 p.m., celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Animal Services building at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Rodriguez Street in Santa Cruz.

Since opening its doors in October 2008, the Animal Shelter has spayed and neutered more than 32,000 animals, facilitated 19,000 adoptions, and returned over 11,000 lost animals to their owners.

Saturday’s event will feature live music by Grateful Dead cover band, Matt Hartle & Friends, as well as local beer, tacos, a silent auction and more.

For information and tickets, visit www.scanimalshelter.org or call 454-7200.

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