Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

Ribbon Cutting: Coastal Community Justice Center 9/14/2026 12:00 Noon - 9/14/2026 1:30 PM

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:39:51 GMT

Join the Santa Cruz Area Chamber as we celebrate a Housewarming Celebraion at Coastal Community Justice Center!

Come meet the team, tour their space, network with fellow community members, and help us welcome this new business.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local business leaders while celebrating a new addition to our business community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Back to School Workshop: 7 Common Struggles & How to Support Your Family 9/16/2026 9:00 AM - 9/16/2026 10:00 AM

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:07:13 GMT

Back to School Workshop: 7 Common Struggles & How to Support Your Family

From burnout to bullying, anxiety to overbooked schedules, kids face plenty of challenges as the school year kicks off. And parents feel it, too.

Join us for this free, practical workshop where we’ll cover the 7 most common back-to-school struggles and share tools to:

-Spot the signs your child is struggling with overwhelm, anxiety, bullying, etc.

-Tips to help them navigate challenges with more confidence and resilience.

-Learn when to reach out to the school or seek additional support.

Whether your child is starting kindergarten or entering high school, you’ll walk away with strategies and tips to support your family.

Reserve your spot here: https://mytherapyworks.myflodesk.com/bts-workshop

An Evening with Friends 9/27/2026 3:00 PM - 9/27/2026 7:00 PM

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:54:49 GMT

Join us for an early evening fundraiser benefiting Hospice Santa Cruz County's Community Programs. The festivities kick off with appetizers and wine on the lawn, accompanied by live music by Joe Leonard. Following the reception, enjoy dinner served by Home Restaurant, served family-style outdoors with a stunning view of the vineyard. This event also features a silent and live auction, offering a meaningful way to give back while enjoying a beautiful evening. Tickets available at https://www.hospicesantacruz.org/event/an-evening-with-friends/. For question call Sigfrid Garman at 831-430-3084. Note: this event does sell out early, so purchase tickets as soon as possible,

Downsizing Without the Overwhelm: 10 Simple Steps to Start Today 9/29/2026 12:30 PM - 9/29/2026 2:30 PM

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:05:46 GMT

Number two in the four-part series Living on Your Terms: Smart Planning for the Next Chapter focuses on making downsizing manageable instead of overwhelming.

Downsizing Without the Overwhelm: 10 Simple Steps to Start Today

Learn practical strategies to begin the process, reduce stress, and make steady progress without feeling stuck.

Topics include:

> Practical strategies to reduce stress

> Where to begin when you don't know where to start

> How to make steady progress without becoming overwhelmed

Perfect for older adults, adult children, and anyone helping a loved one prepare for a future move.

About the Speaker

Heather Lewis Sebring is the founder of Heart Centered Transitions, where she helps older adults and their families navigate downsizing, relocation, and other later-life transitions with less stress and greater confidence. Drawing on years of experience managing complex projects and helping families through major life changes, Heather is passionate about empowering seniors to remain in control of important decisions and helping families prepare thoughtfully for the future. She lives in Scotts Valley and works throughout Santa Cruz County.

This event is free and open to all. Please register at https://bit.ly/armchairtopics

Spark Session: Informational Therapy Call 9/30/2026 9:00 AM - 9/30/2026 10:00 AM

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:07:19 GMT

Are you curious about how therapy can help?

Join us for this month's FREE virtual informational Spark Session!

Spark Sessions are a series of virtual drop-in info sessions hosted by TherapyWorks' Client Care Coordinator alongside our Community Relations Manager. These sessions are designed to encourage and guide you toward better mental health, because when you feel better, you live better.

Each complimentary session offers a welcoming and supportive space to explore the therapy process and experience.

Learn more and register for an upcoming session at mytherapyworks.com/spark

WIB Networking Mixer & Business After Hours: Grey Bears 9/30/2026 5:00 PM - 9/30/2026 7:00 PM

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:33:28 GMT

WIB Networking Mixer & Business After Hours

Join the Santa Cruz Area Chamber for a relaxing and enjoyable evening at our next WIB Networking Mixer, hosted at Grey Bears!

Wednesday, September 30
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Whether you're looking to make new connections or catch up with familiar faces, this is the perfect midweek break.

We look forward to seeing you there!

RBEFORE REGISTERING, PLEASE EAD!
To register, please follow the instructions below.

- Click on the red “Register” button at the top of this page.
- THEN Click the blue “Login” button in the upper right corner on the next screen. After you enter your username and password, click login, then proceed with the registration form.
- If you do not have your login or password information feel free to use the “Forgot Password” feature to retrieve your password via the email you have on file with the Chamber.

If you still have technical issues please feel free to call (831) 457-3713 or email administration@santacruzchamber.org

No Refund for Cancellations

Women in Business Summit 10/8/2026 9:00 AM - 10/8/2026 3:00 PM

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:19:55 GMT

Join us for the Women in Business Summit: The Future of Work: Women Leading, What’s Next. 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: $150 Individual / $700 Team Package (5 Tickets - $10 discount per ticket!)
Non-Members: $175 Individual / $825 Team Package (5 Tickets - $10 discount per ticket!)

AGENDA

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

10:00 - 11:00 AM - Welcome & Opening Keynote

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

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

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

3:00 PM - Adjourn

Click here to download our 2026 Women in Business Summit Flyer - and share!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Women in Business program is led by the Santa Cruz Area 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.

Event Sponsors

Opening General Session Speaker

Krista Snellling, CEO West Coast Community Bank, with nearly 30 years of experience, Krista Snelling serves as our chairman and chief executive officer. Ms. Snelling is the immediate past chair of the California Bankers Association and continues to serve on its board of directors and executive committee. Ms. Snelling has been elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Home Office Board of Directors and previously served on its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council.

Ms. Snelling is a graduate of the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Mathematics and Economics. She also holds a Master of Art degree in Economics from the University of California, Davis and is a California Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Ms. Snelling was named in American Bankers Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Banking Watch List for 2024, second for the second year. Additionally, Ms. Snelling and members of the Bank’s executive team received American Banker Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Banking Top Teams Award for 2023. Ms. Snelling was recognized by the Silicone Valley Business Journal in 2023, making their Power 100 List, and in 2022 was a Woman of Influence. In 2020, she was named as a Sacramento Business Journal Women Who Means Business and was awarded the Nancy Hotchkiss Women of Impact Award by Commercial Real Estate Women, recognizing her impact on the commercial real estate industry. In 2019, she was recognized as CFO of the Year by the Sacramento Business Journal.

Success Isn't Random: It's Built - Career paths are rarely straight—and they’re almost never accidental. In this keynote, Krista Snelling shares the unfiltered story behind her journey to CEO and the choices that shaped it.

From the power of networking and mentorship to the reality of balancing career and life, Krista breaks down what actually matters—and what doesn’t. She offers direct, practical guidance on how to be intentional, stand out, and build a career that reflects your priorities and values.

Breakout Speakers

Leadership and Community - Elaine Johnson, Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County, is a proud Bronx native whose upbringing in a close-knit community in the housing projects shaped her lifelong commitment to justice, collaboration, and community-led change. From an early age, she witnessed firsthand how stable housing can restore dignity, unlock opportunity, and transform lives, an experience that continues to guide her work today.

Elaine holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor from Monterey College of Law. Her professional background spans criminal law, juvenile dependency, mediation, and nonprofit leadership. She brings extensive expertise in housing equity, affordable housing policy, restorative justice, and community advocacy, using her legal and conflict-resolution training to advance equitable, people-centered housing solutions and build broad, cross-sector coalitions.

Elaine serves as the Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County (HSCC), where she leads countywide efforts to advance affordable housing through public education, policy advocacy, and community engagement. She also successfully led Measure C in the City of Santa Cruz (November 2024), a voter-approved initiative that expanded local funding for affordable housing, demonstrating the power of informed, organized, and community-driven policy change.

In addition to her role at HSCC, Elaine serves on several local boards, including Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, the Community Action Board, and Monarch Services, and she is President of the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch.

When asked what motivates her work, Elaine reflects on her upbringing and the lessons it instilled. “I learned early that community is not an individual responsibility—it is a collective commitment. I watched what seemed like no way turn into a way. I watched no’s turn into yeses. I watched fear turn into faith.” That foundation is her why, and it continues to drive her work to ensure housing is not a privilege for some, but a promise we make to one another.

Outside of her professional work, Elaine enjoys watching football, singing, air hockey and spending time with her wife, Shinehah, in Santa Cruz, California.

Leading Beyond the Table: Redefining Leadership Through Community and Collaboration - Leadership is often described as earning a seat at the table, but what if our greatest impact comes from changing how the table works? In this session, Elaine Johnson will share lessons from her own leadership journey, what has worked, what hasn't, and how leading as a woman often requires navigating high expectations, limited resources, and the pressure to do more with less recognition. Through personal stories and practical insights, participants will explore the shift from traditional top-down leadership to a more collaborative, community-centered approach that values collective wisdom, builds authentic partnerships, and creates lasting change.

Thriving Through Menopause - Dr. Anne Marie Jackson, wanted to become a doctor since childhood. Although there were no doctors in her family, she always felt it was her calling. Her favorite part of her work is performing surgery — knowing she is helping patients heal while guiding them through an important and often intimidating life event. Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, including biking to work, traveling, spending time with dogs, and playing the accordion and piano.

She views her role as both an advisor and advocate for her patients. Her approach begins with understanding each patient’s greatest concerns and then using the knowledge and experience gained through medical school, residency, and years of practice to help them make informed decisions about their health. She practices gynecology exclusively, allowing her to focus specifically on women’s health beyond childbearing.

Thriving Through Menopause - an informal and informative summary of the menopause transition - what's normal and expected, the role of hormone therapy and other lifestyle interventions.

Financial Freedom - Kate Phillips, Edward Jones, Office of Kate Phillips

Growing up in a middle-class family, where every dollar was carefully accounted for, taught me the true value of hard work and financial security. Those early lessons have been my guiding principles throughout my career. With an educational bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University, an MBA from Eastern Washington and several years in the financial industry, I’m not just here to manage money—I’m here to help educate people to build the life they dream of.

We work with mid-career professionals, small business owners and families who are actively planning for major milestones such as retirement, sending children to college or major life goals. Our ideal clients are individuals who are looking for personalized strategies to grow and safeguard their wealth. We particularly enjoy helping business owners tackle complex challenges like succession planning, tax-efficient growth strategies and aligning their personal and business finances. My clients value a collaborative, proactive financial advisor who can simplify the complexities of finance and help them achieve their long-term goals.

As a mother of three, it is my privilege to help the community invest in causes and projects that will create a lasting impact on future generations. My family and I relocated to the Santa Cruz area, so we could best enjoy our favorite outdoor activities year-round. We are immersed in local youth athletics and enjoy being fans of the many sports teams in our area.

I know that behind every investment is a story, a hope and a purpose. To me, this is more than a career; it’s a way to honor the values I was raised with and make a difference for people like you. Let’s build your dreams together, with trust, respect and a commitment to your future.

PANEL SESSION 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.

CLOSING GENERAL SESSION PANEL

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring three inspiring local leaders: Sharon Papo, CEO and Co-Founder of Indigo Skies Consulting and LGBTQ eLearning; Stephanie Barron, Executive Director of Positive Discipline Community Resources; and Sonja Brunner, Santa Cruz City Council Member and Director of Operations for the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. Through a moderated conversation, our panelists will share their unique leadership journeys, discuss the experiences that have shaped their careers, and offer insights, lessons learned, and advice for aspiring and established leaders alike. This candid discussion will provide valuable perspectives on leadership, resilience, and making an impact in our community.

Sharon Papo (she/her) is the CEO and Co-Founder of two companies. Indigo Skies Consulting is a firm that has helped local nonprofits collectively raise over $100M. Her other company, LGBTQ eLearning, provides live and self-paced training and consulting to build LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace cultures. The impact of Sharon's work was recognized by the City of Santa Cruz when they declared January 12, "Sharon Papo Day," to honor Sharon’s local leadership. Sharon is also an Amazon best-selling co-author of the book Success Redefined with Jack Canfield (the Chicken Soup for the Soul author). Sharon is a UCSC undergraduate alum and a UC Berkeley graduate school alum.

Stephanie Barron Lu fervently believes in the power and potential of community building and strengthening families. She is currently in her 8th year as Executive Director of Positive Discipline Community Resources (PDCR), a social justice, grassroots nonprofit committed to serving local families across sectors of our community. Through her personal and professional values, she stands for courage, compassion, dignity, well-being, and joy for herself and all others. She serves our community through various leadership and volunteer positions such as the current co-chair of WILDR (Women In Leadership for Diverse Representation), current member of the Children Youth and Family Well-being cabinet, was the former co-chair of the United Way Children’s Network Cabinet leading April’s Child Abuse Prevention activities for the County of Santa Cruz, served as Board Secretary of the YWCA of Watsonville, as well as part of the Family First Prevention Advisory Committee for the State of California representing Santa Cruz County. She is a member of our local County CARESJ Equity advisory group, and RISE Together coalition and a member of the Pajaro Valley Collaborative of BIPOC leaders working collaboratively to advance racial equity in Santa Cruz County. Her most sacred work, however, is at home with her high school sweetheart/husband, re-parenting, learning, and growing whilst raising two beautiful children together.

Sonja Brunner has called Santa Cruz home for over 30 years, raising her kid here as a single parent while building a career of public service, from serving on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to Director of Operations at the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz, and now two terms on Santa Cruz City Council, including a term as the previous Mayor in 2022.

Sonja is a bilingual, multicultural Cabrillo College graduate, artist, and dedicated community member. As a councilmember, she currently serves on the City Council Health In All Policies Committee and Public Safety Committee, as well as the League of CA Cities Public Safety Committee, Library Financing Authority Board, Santa Cruz County Arts Council, and Visit Santa Cruz Board.

Her work on city council helped deliver affordable housing, the city’s 2030 Climate Action Plan, expand homelessness resources, and support local workers and small local businesses in Santa Cruz.

Overall, Sonja is dedicated to finding solutions that benefit the well being of all residents, including sustainable jobs, support for elderly adults and the LGBTQ+ community, promote racial and social equity, create affordable housing and ownership, address climate change, and support the arts and culture in Santa Cruz.

Cancellations and Refunds:
No refunds or cancellation requests are offered for this event.

5th Annual Beach Hill Bash 10/10/2026 1:00 PM - 10/10/2026 4:00 PM

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:07:16 GMT

Join us Saturday, October 10th for an afternoon of music, food, art, community, and fun. All while supporting a great cause!

The Beach Hill Bash is the Santa Cruz Hostel Society’s annual fundraiser, bringing together locals, travelers, neighbors, and friends to celebrate 34 years of welcoming guests to the historic Carmelita Cottages.

This year, your support will help us bring students and families from the Central Valley to Santa Cruz. People who might otherwise never have the opportunity to experience the coast. Through affordable lodging, cultural exchange, and community experiences, we’re working to make travel and the coast more accessible.

Enjoy live music from Fishhook, local artisans, delicious food and drinks, family-friendly activities, and our raffle and silent auction featuring amazing prizes donated by local businesses. We’ll be adding new raffle and auction items as they come in, so check back on the event site often!

Come celebrate community. Have some fun. And help us open the door to the coast for more families. Free event, everyone is welcome!

?? Celebrate Community. Celebrate Travel. Celebrate 34 Years. ??

Above the Tide: A Celebration Brunch Benefiting Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center 10/11/2026 10:30 AM - 10/11/2026

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:32:12 GMT

Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center is hosting Above the Tide, our signature annual benefit brunch, on Sunday, October 11 at La Bahia Hotel & Spa. It is a waterfront morning with a reception, a silent auction, a showcase of artwork by the teens and survivors in our programs, and a seated brunch. Tickets are $125 and sponsorships run from $1,000 to $5,000.

Would you be able to include it on the Chamber's community calendar and in an upcoming newsletter? I have a graphic sized for both web and email, and I am glad to send whatever format works best for you. I’ve attached a copy here. It’s a temporary one as we finalize the design but I wanted to get this out sooner than later. Here is the listing copy if it is useful:

Above the Tide, the annual benefit brunch for Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center, returns Sunday, October 11 at La Bahia Hotel & Spa. Reception, seated brunch, silent auction, and a showcase of participant artwork. Tickets $125 at wafwc.org/abovethetide.

Above the Tide: A Celebration Brunch Benefitting Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center 10/11/2026 10:30 AM - 10/11/2026 1:30 PM

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:37:31 GMT

oin Us for the Morning

Above the Tide is our signature annual gathering, and 2026 marks more than ninety years of Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center serving Santa Cruz County. Guests arrive at La Bahia for a welcome reception with sparkling wine or juice, browse a silent auction of local getaways and experiences, and view a showcase of work created by survivors in the community.

What the Morning Supports

Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center serves survivors of domestic violence, families in crisis, and young children through our Early Childhood Education program. Last year, our advocacy and prevention services reached:

? 897 individuals served through advocacy and prevention

? 926 peer counseling sessions, up 34 percent

? 378 hotline calls answered, up 23 percent

? 135 survivors supported with legal assistance

? 910 food pantry services provided

Community Leadership Visit Fall 2026: Staycation Edition 10/15/2026 8:00 AM - 10/16/2026 5:00 PM

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:23:29 GMT

Community Leadership Visit: Staycation Edition
October 15 - 16, 2026

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Join us for a two-day immersive experience exploring the future of Santa Cruz County during our fall Community Leadership Visit: Staycation Edition! This exclusive event brings community leaders together for guided tours of key infrastructure projects in Downtown Santa Cruz, insightful presentations on upcoming developments, and valuable networking opportunities with local leaders shaping our region. Attendees will also explore educational opportunities spanning both North and South County, with an optional overnight stay at Dream Inn Santa Cruz to round out the full "Staycation" experience.

Ticket prices includes lunches, dinner, and transportation throughout the event.

Event Experiences Include:

- Updates from METRO Santa Cruz Transit District
- Downtown Santa Cruz Business & Infrastructure Walking Tour
- Visit Santa Cruz County Visitors Center Experience
- Update on the future Santa Cruz Warriors Arena
- Tour of the Pure Water Soquel groundwater replenishment and seawater intrusion prevention project
- Group Dinner at Chaminade Resort
- South County Agriculture Excursion
- Tour of New Pajaro Valley Health Trust Wellness Center
- And more exciting stops to be announced!

This is your chance to learn, connect, and be part of the momentum building Santa Cruz County's future. Registration is limited to 30 participants, so register today to be a part of this exciting opportunity!

Gold Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Space is limited - Register Today!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Support the Community Leadership Visit (CLV) to Santa Cruz County and showcase your organization as a leader in regional collaboration, economic development, and civic engagement. CLV sponsors receive valuable visibility with business and community leaders while helping make this high-impact leadership experience possible.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

> Gold Sponsor – $2,000: Includes one participant registration for full event, marketing recognition and logo presence on CLV material, and opportunity to introduce one guest speaker or venue host.
> Silver Sponsor – $1,500: Includes one participant resgistration, and selective marketing on CLV material.
> Bronze Sponsor – $750: Includes marketing exposure on CLV materials (does not include participation in the event).

Sponsorships are limited and offer a meaningful way to connect with regional leaders while elevating your brand.

Interested in Sponsoring this Event? Contact administration@santacruzchamber.org

Cancellations and Refunds:
No refunds or cancellation requests are offered for this event.

Aging in Place vs. Moving: Which Option Is Right for You? 10/27/2026 12:30 PM - 10/27/2026 2:30 PM

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:05:43 GMT

Please join us! The third in the four-part series Living on Your Terms: Smart Planning for the Next Chapter explores one of the most important decisions older adults and their families face.

Aging in Place vs. Moving: Which Option Is Right for You?

We'll compare aging in place with moving to a senior living community, examining the financial, practical, social, and lifestyle considerations that should guide the decision.

Topics include:

Benefits and challenges of each option
Financial, social, and lifestyle considerations
Questions to ask before making this important decision

This presentation is designed to help attendees make thoughtful, informed decisions based on their own goals and circumstances.

About the Speaker

Heather Lewis Sebring is the founder of Heart Centered Transitions, where she helps older adults and their families navigate downsizing, relocation, and other later-life transitions with less stress and greater confidence. Drawing on years of experience managing complex projects and helping families through major life changes, Heather is passionate about empowering seniors to remain in control of important decisions and helping families prepare thoughtfully for the future. She lives in Scotts Valley and works throughout Santa Cruz County.

This event is free and open to all. Please register at https://bit.ly/armchairtopics