Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

4th Annual Beach Hill Bash 10/4/2025 1:00 PM - 10/4/2025 4:00 PM

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:52:59 GMT

?? 4th Annual Beach Hill Bash

You’re invited to our biggest event of the year! The Beach Hill Bash is back for its 4th year — a free, family-friendly community celebration and fundraiser hosted in the Santa Cruz Hostel’s garden and historic cottages. Come enjoy a lively afternoon of music, food, raffles, and connection — all to support our nonprofit programming.

?? What to Expect:

Live music by Fishhook (with special thanks for their generous discounted performance)
Cold beer donated by Discretion Brewing
Garden games & activities
Community raffle with awesome local prizes
Food, drinks, and good company
Friendly neighbors, travelers, and hostel staff

The Beach Hill Bash brings together the people who make our neighborhood so special — while raising funds for our nonprofit programs, from youth education to cultural events. Everyone’s welcome!

Women in Business After Hours: Walnut Avenue Family Women's Center 10/8/2025 5:00 PM - 10/8/2025 7:00 PM

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:28:10 GMT

PRE-REGISTRATION IS CLOSED - NO ONSITE TICKET SALES

Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and community impact as we gather at the Walnut Avenue Family Women’s Center. We'll learn more about their vital support services and resources—especially meaningful as we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Enjoy inspiring guest speakers from Yoso Wellness and She.is.Beautiful, a special musical performance, and various activities throughout the house and space. We will have light refreshments and tastings from Humble Sea Brewing, Sante Adarius Rustic Ale, and Alfaro Family Vineyards. Let’s come together to support, uplift, and inspire.

Donation Drive – Help us support local women:

We are collecting:
> Everyday wear: Pants, Sweats, T-Shirts, New Packaged Underwear and Socks
> Children’s Clothes: 12mo up to 12 years old
> Diapers
> Canned Food, Boxed Food
> Shoes: All sizes (women and children)
> Monetary donations (can be made during registration or bring with you)
> Gift cards
Donations can be brought to the event for collection. If you are unable to attend, you may also drop off donations in advance with Beverly Ritchy at David Lyng Real Estate (1041 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062).

About Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center:

Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center has been providing essential services to Santa Cruz County for over 90 years. The center supports domestic violence survivors, children, youth, and families, and also operates an early education center now in its 50th year.

Founded in 1933 as a YWCA, Walnut Avenue has remained dedicated to ending cycles of trauma, promoting lifelong learning, and offering a safe haven of hope, healing, and community. The center’s mission is carried forward by the strength of its donors, volunteers, staff, board, and community supporters—ensuring that those without a voice are heard and supported.

Each year, Walnut Avenue serves more than 3,100 individuals. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the community, the center continues to evolve and grow, working toward a future free of interpersonal and generational trauma.

Members – looking to use your benefit tickets?
Be sure to login first or call the office 831-457-3713 to register over the phone

SCCCU MobiBranch Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting 10/9/2025 5:30 PM - 10/9/2025 6:30 PM

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:11:37 GMT

SCCCU is hitting the road in a whole new way! MobiBranch is their new full-service credit union on wheels, ready to bring the personal service you love right to your neighborhood.

Join us for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting and enjoy light refreshments, a tour of MobiBranch, and words from our distinguished guest speakers:
> Senator John Laird, CA-17 Senate District
> Emmanuel Garcia, District Director (CA-19) and Aide to U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta
> MariaElena De La Garza, CEO, CommunityAction Board of Santa Cruz County

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025
5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
SCCCU SANTA CRUZ BRANCH
55 RIVER STREET, SANTA CRUZ

Ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 5:45 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Adventure Night 10/11/2025 7:00 PM - 10/11/2025 9:45 PM

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:22:47 GMT

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is coming to the Rio Theatre for the annual Adventure Night

October 11th at 7 pm

Supporting Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship

Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Hot on the heels of the Festival that is held every fall in beautiful Banff, Alberta, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road.

From the over 400 entries submitted into the Festival each year, award-winners and audience favorites are among the films that are carefully selected to play in theatres around the world.

Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports the 2024/2025 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world.

Join the Rio Theatre when Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings an all new line up of films from the Sandstone playlist of Adventure based stories featuring rock climbing, mountaineering, rafting, biking and more.

Locally sponsored by Sandbar Solar, BeachRV, Bicycle Trip Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Hostel, Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, Event Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Sentinel and Sante Adairius Midtown Portal.

For list of films (check film ratings before purchase) and tickets visit https://www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2025/10/11/banff

Boots 'N Brews 10/12/2025 3:00 PM - 10/12/2025 6:00 PM

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:28:52 GMT

Kick Up Your Heels for a Cause!

Think Local First, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber, and City of Santa Cruz are excited to bring you “Boots ‘N Brews”, a free community event bringing neighbors, friends and families together to support our Lower Seabright and Harbor businesses impacted by the Murray Street Bridge closure. We’ll be turning a section of Murray Street into a pop-up dance floor with Surf City Line Dance leading the fun. Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be sold at the event, with all proceeds going directly back to our Seabright businesses. You’ll also be encouraged to dine in or take out from the nine nearby eateries and cafés to show even more of your local support. It’s the perfect way to dance, dine, and show some real Seabright love.

Participating Restaurants and Bars: Betty Burgers, Bradys Yacht Club, Engfer Pizza, Hold Fast Lounge, Java Junction, La Posta, Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe, Seabright Deli, Tramonti.

More Info: https://thinklocalsantacruz.org/events/boots-n-brews

Yappy Hour Fundraiser for the Animal Shelter 10/15/2025 3:30 PM - 10/15/2025 6:30 PM

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:22:31 GMT

Come meet adoptable dogs and enjoy some delicious tacos from Mijo's Taqueria and beverages from BrewTopia! We will also have raffle prizes from local businesses.
Come support your local animal shelter and our amazing Capitola businesses!!
Buy your tickets ahead of time (givebutter.com/yappyhourTBD) or at the event.
All proceeds benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation.

Women's Leadership Summit 10/30/2025 9:00 AM - 10/30/2025 3:00 PM

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:05:35 GMT

Registration is Now Closed
We are looking forward to seeing everyone!

Day of Agenda & Map - Download PDF Flyer

Join us for the Women's Leadership Summit Rooted & Rising: Women Growing Through Every Season. Our annual event brings professional women throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond together for renewal, growth and inspiration. Through networking opportunities, engaging keynote speaker, dynamic breakout sessions, and our power panel, participants will embark on a journey to lead with authenticity, purpose, and renewal.

The summit will take place at Mission Springs in Scotts Valley. We will start our day by gathering under the redwood trees and around firepits to connect over a cup of tea or coffee. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably, allowing for ease of movement throughout the day. Yoga pants are most welcome!

With the generous support of our title sponsor, Dignity Health Management Services, we are excited to create a space where women can come together to reenergize, cultivate relationships, and emerge empowered from the stories we share with women growing through every season of our lives and careers.

Ticket Prices
Members: $125 Individual / $575 Team Package (5 Tickets)
Non-Members: $150 Individual / $700 Team Package (5 Tickets)

AGENDA

9:00 - 9:45 AM - Registration & Networking (Coffee, Tea, Refreshments)

10:00 - 11:00 AM - Welcome & Opening Session: Keynote Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (AD-28)

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM -Breakout Sessions

> Perimenopause/Menopause - You're Not Too Young To Care! - Kimberly Moreland, MD, Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dignity Medical Health Network
> The Power of Human Magic in the Age of AI: Networking & Mentorship for Women in Business - Janet Janssen, Power Play Purpose
> Convey with Conviction (Salary Negotiations) - LeBaron Meyers, LeBaron Consulting

12:30 - 1:30 PM - Lunch & Networking

1:45 - 2:45 PM - Closing Panel Discussion

> Emcee Laureen Seaver, KSBW Anchor
> Sarah Christensen, Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)
> Sarah Ryan, Chief of Police, City of Capitola
> Judi Oyama, Hall of Fame Skateboarder

3:00 PM - Adjourn

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Women in Business program is led by the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit organization. Sponsorships are crucial to help offset the costs of programming. Sponsorship provides the opportunity to enrich relationships while highlighting your commitment to women's empowerment. Click here for a detailed listing of all sponsorship packages and the benefits included.

Annual Program Title Sponsor

Summit Sponsors

EMCEE

Lauren Seaver, KSBW News Anchor began her career with KSBW 8 in 2014 as a weekend evening anchor and was promoted to weekday Sunrise anchor in 2017 (which is when she started drinking coffee by the pot!). During Lauren's time with KSBW 8, she's covered many big stories and events including wildfires, winter storms, political rallies for presidential contenders, AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm, California Rodeo Salinas, Monterey Car Week, and Pebble Beach Food and Wine, where she had the opportunity to make tacos with Guy Fieri. Lauren is grateful to call the Central Coast home and live near family on the Monterey Peninsula. Being a KSBW 8 news anchor runs in her family—her aunt anchored KSBW 8's 5 p.m. newscast with Dan Green back in the 90s.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin was elected to the California State Assembly in November of 2022 to represent the 28th Assembly District.

Assemblymember Pellerin served as the chief elections official in Santa Cruz County from 1993 until her retirement in December 2020. Gail served as President of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials from 2010 to 2012 and as co-chair of the Secretary of State’s Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Gail has a BS in Journalism from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Before her experience in public service, Gail worked as a campaign assistant to political campaigns, a newspaper reporter and photographer, and a community college instructor.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS - 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Perimenopause/Menopause - You're Not Too Young To Care! - Kimberly Moreland, MD, Dignity Medical Health Network

Dr. Moreland has been catching babies for more than half of her lifetime. She has been an advocate for Women's Health Issues for even longer. She returns to her roots in California after raising her 3 daughters to adulthood while working in a busy private practice in Salt Lake City for 25 years. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, she completed medical school with highest honors at the University of Southern California and then did her specialty training at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She provides full-service care in Obstetrics and Gynecology including minimally invasive surgeries, and high-risk obstetrics. She has special interests in the care of young women, contraception, menopause, and the care of transgender individuals. Dr. Moreland is fluent in Spanish and English. She and her husband enjoy traveling to new places, camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing with their poorly behaved dog. Dr. Moreland says her favorite food is coffee. She is excited to continue providing amazing care to her patients and advocating for their interests for many more years to come.

The Power of Human Magic in the Age of AI: Networking & Mentorship for Women in Business - Presented by Janet Janssen, Power Play Purpose

In today’s AI-driven business world, authentic human connection is no longer a “soft skill” — it’s a strategic advantage. This dynamic and interactive workshop is designed specifically for women in business who want to elevate their impact by mastering the irreplaceable skills of live networking, storytelling, and mentorship. You’ll explore how your presence, emotional intelligence, and intuitive insight can help you build meaningful professional relationships and stand out in an increasingly automated world.

Janet Janssen is a dynamic speaker, trainer, and coach with over 20 years of experience in corporate sales and marketing. A distinguished Toastmasters International speaker, she brings a passion for communication, leadership, and human connection into everything she does. Janet assists with supervision and leadership training at Cabrillo College and is a proud member of the Scotts Valley, San Lorenzo Valley, and Santa Cruz Chambers of Commerce. She is a Board Member of Leadership Santa Cruz County. Through her signature philosophy — Power, Play, Purpose — Janet inspires individuals and teams to unlock their true potential, tap into human connection's magic, and lead authentically. Janet is an avid hiker and lifelong learner. She believes speaking with the heart and living purposefully are the keys to a vibrant and meaningful life.

Convey with Conviction- LeBaron Meyers, LeBaron Consulting

Join this interactive breakout session designed to help you more confidently navigate salary negotiations in the workplace. Together we’ll explore practical strategies and mindset shifts around what you say - and how you say it - for greater impact. Leave equipped with actionable tools to advocate for yourself with clarity, confidence and conviction.

LeBaron Meyers has spent the majority of her career in business development at the executive level across multiple industries including seven years in investment management and a decade in the startup world of digital media and tech. In between, she was a radio morning show host in San Francisco for a year before taking a sabbatical to study yoga and meditation in Southeast Asia. She later became an Executive Coach working to help leadership increase self-awareness, accountability and connection for greater impact. The throughline in all of this is that she is a people person with a passion for rich communication. Bridging the gap and helping to bring the absolute best out of people along the way are her greatest strengths. Learning about herself and others is a constant fascination, and emotional intelligence matters immensely to her. She believes it's the superpower for optimizing our goals. LeBaron is endlessly curious about what moves a person, quickly identifies personal and professional hurdles (and the opportunities they present) and consciously works to influence alignment for the greatest results. She loves bringing the "right" people together to accomplish something powerful and welcomes challenging conversations that move things forward.

PANEL SPEAKERS - 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Sarah Christensen, Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)

Christensen has over 19 years of experience in organizational leadership, planning, and implementation of major capital projects along the Central Coast and in the Bay Area. As the RTC’s Senior Transportation Engineer since 2017, she has overseen engineering and capital project delivery for the agency. Her accomplishments with the RTC include managing the $350 million Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes & Bus-on-Shoulder Program; leading the implementation of the first permanent bus-on-shoulder facility in the state of California; developing and delivering the equity-focused Watsonville to Santa Cruz Multimodal Corridor (WSCMC) Program of innovative and sustainable transportation projects along major transportation routes through Santa Cruz County; developing the funding strategy along with leading the grant application process to successfully secure $107.2 million of Senate Bill 1 funds and $30 million of Federal Mega funds for the WSCMC program; and managing the RTC’s Rail Program including development of Zero Emission Passenger Rail, storm damage repairs, and infrastructure preservation of the RTC-owned 32-mile Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. Prior to her position at the RTC, Christensen was a transportation project manager in private consulting where her work included delivery of multimodal projects across the state including highway, interchange, bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing, complete streets, trail, Bus Rapid Transit, tolling, and express lanes projects. She specialized in delivering and developing funding strategies for multijurisdictional and complex projects, including the $500 million Silicon Valley Express Lanes Program for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) along State Route 237, 85, and US 101.

Sarah Ryan, Chief of Police, City of Capitola

Sarah Ryan serves as the Chief of Police for the City of Capitola, making history as the first woman to lead the department since its founding. A Santa Cruz County native and graduate of San Lorenzo Valley High School, Chief Ryan began her law enforcement career with the Capitola Police Department in 2005. Over the years, she has advanced through the ranks, gaining experience in roles ranging from community service officer and patrol officer to sergeant, detective, and administrative captain. Her appointment as chief follows nearly two decades of dedicated service and leadership within the department.

Chief Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from San Jose State University and a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego. She is also a Leadership Santa Cruz County alum. In her new role, she is focused on strengthening community relationships, improving transparency, and enhancing recruitment efforts. Ryan is committed to ensuring that the department evolves alongside the needs of the community, with a focus on inclusive service and public trust. Her leadership marks a milestone for both Capitola and the broader Santa Cruz region.

Judi Oyama, Hall of Fame Skateboarder

Judi runs a one-person graphic design studio based in Aptos, specializing in graphic design for the Action Sports, Outdoor, and Lifestyle markets. Judi specializes in active lifestyle, action sports, creative, food packaging, bold product prints and graphics and fresh identities. With over 30 years of design experience from the early days of airbrushing surfboards, creating 3D window displays, silk screening skateboard decks to producing, styling and art directing video and photo shoots. Judi collaborates with a select team of designers, programmers and talent. Judi currently has a documentary in the works about her 5 decades of skateboarding, funded by the Japanese American National Museum. Some of her skateboard gear is in the Smithsonian and she was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame 2018.

All cancellations must be received in writing to administration@santacruzchamber.org. All cancellations will be charged a $25 administrative fee in the case of approved refunds. All cancellations between 14 – 30 days prior to an event will receive a 50% refund minus the administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for any cancellation received within 2 weeks of an event date.