See You In Person This Summer

By Derek Timm, Mayor, Scotts Valley

Classroom bells are ringing across our Santa Cruz County this week, signaling the last day of school and the beginning of summer. If you live in Scotts Valley, you could not help but notice the bright faces of our graduates lining the streets on banners down the middle of town. Their smiles signal the hope we all have for the year ahead, as we are all eager to celebrate the return of so many cherished events in our community.

What is a bigger tradition than watching graduates march to “Pomp and Circumstance”? Most graduations are are now in-person. Through the good work of our community, our County moved into the yellow tier and our schools gave us the good news that they were increasing the number of people who could attend graduation. The increase in attendance was incredibly important to families to be there together to celebrate the accomplishments of their graduates.

On June 15, California plans to finally exit the tiered system, and with 75% of our County population receiving at least their first vaccination shot, summer looks to be fun. What better time to enjoy the outdoors and everything our City and County have to offer!

On Father’s Day, I will be kicking off the Mayor’s Art Hike Challenge “Outside the Frame” at 2 p.m. at the Glenwood Open Space Preserve. With the four other mayors from across our county, we are supporting local art and the beauty of our local parks. Join me for a hike on which we will discover frames decorated by our local artists framing the beauty of our Scotts Valley parks.

In Scotts Valley, our community will be celebrating the 4th of July with a parade once more after a year lost, and we are ready to party like it is 1776. Watching vehicles, floats and bands work their way down the center of town, with the community celebrating together, will be more special than ever. The parade will take place on Scotts Valley Drive at 3 p.m. (Special thanks to Councilmember Donna Lind, who is doing the heavy lifting to make it happen.)

Despite major damage to Skypark fields from heavy vehicles staged during last year’s fires, the City was excited to reopen part of the field this past week. We are excited to see sporting programs beginning to return, the return of Food Truck Friday and the new Taco Tuesday at Skypark. It has been so fun to see people back in our park enjoying the food, drinks and music together. The next events will be June 15 and 25 from 5-8 p.m.

Our Farmer’s Market is open again. Here you will find organic garden greens, fresh eggs, berries, cheeses, breads, artisan meals, music and your community. Come enjoy local produce and dishes every Saturday morning 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

This summer presents great opportunities to celebrate our diversity with our neighbors. June is Pride month and every first Sunday in June, the Santa Cruz County community joins with the voices of LGBTQ communities and their allies around the world in celebration of Pride Month. Details of this year’s event are still being ironed out, so check www.santacruzpride.org.

Our community is also celebrating Juneteenth and this year’s theme is liberation. Juneteenth is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people. Join us for hiking, music, poetry, dance, delicious soul food, arts & crafts, basketball skills contest, and the annual sack race June 19 at Henry Cowell and Laurel Parks, details at: www.santacruzjuneteenth.com

We all need more music in our lives and Felton Music Hall has joined forces with Roaring Camp to bring us great live music all summer. Dance under the redwoods with your favorite bands. See Felton Music Hall’s website for performance dates at www.feltonmusichall.com.

Throughout the summer, please keep our local businesses in mind as you shop and dine. Our cinema is open once again and CineLux needs your patronage. Our 1440 Multiversity has reopened and is a wonderful place to escape. 1440 is offering Rest & Renewal packages featuring locally sourced, freshly prepared meals served at Kitchen Table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Spend time experiencing wellness classes including yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and meditation offered throughout the day and into the evening.

Summer’s end will see the return of our beloved Art, Wine & Beer Festival, hosted by our Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 21st and 22 at Siltanen Park. In addition to wonderful local artists, there will be food trucks and vendors with innovative cuisine, and live music. The Kids Fun Zone will be back and the area’s most prestigious wineries and award-winning microbreweries pouring their best. The ever-popular Cops ‘N Rodders Car Show will be on Saturday and on Sunday, the fun-filled “Dog Day” will feature many canine contests and prizes. Details: www.svartfestival.com

There are great opportunities to dine, shop and play local all summer. Looking forward to seeing you all in person once again.

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Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
360 Blue Bonnet Drive

Food Truck Fridays & Taco Tuesdays
June 15 & 25, 5-8 p.m.
for additional dates see facebook.com/foodtrucksagogo

Juneteenth Celebration
June 19
www.santacruzjuneteenth.com

Mayor’s Art Hike Challenge
2 p.m. June 20
www.countyparkfriends.org/outsidetheframe.html

Pride Month
www.santacruzpride.org

Fourth of July Parade
3 p.m., Scotts Valley Drive

SV Art Wine & Beer Fesitval
August 21-22 10 a.m. -6 p.m.
www.svartfestival.com

Summer Concerts at Roaring Camp
www.feltonmusichall.com

1440 Multiversity
www.1440.org

Cinelux
www.cineluxtheatres.com

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Contact Mayor Timm at dtimm@scottsvalley.org