This Week on the Central Coast…
Lighthouse Theater announces its reopening, Salinas Rodeo tickets go on sale, and El Mercado farmers market makes a return in Watsonville.
Monterey
Lighthouse Theater will have its Grand Reopening
After abruptly closing in March, owner Sally Enea and her sisters have decided to reopen next Friday, May 12. Enea spoke about her thoughts leading to reopening rather than closing for good: “The theater had been in their family for decades, built by their father and uncle in 1987. Rather, Enea said they owed it to themselves – and their family – to try.”
Enea says the first movies featured will be “Book Club: The Next Chapter”, the new live-action “The Little Mermaid”, and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”. Hours will be the same as before: one matinee, one midday, and one evening showing.
The grand reopening will, of course, feature a red carpet and maybe a spotlight.
This time around, however, the Enea’s plan on turning the theater into more of an event center where special events like film classes and live music can be featured. “For instance, maybe before ‘Indiana Jones,’ we’d get an archaeologist to come and speak”. She also added that they would be screening mostly new movies, but would screen some classics as well.
The sisters started a GoFundMe to help with repairs and upgrades. So far the fundraiser has only garnered $1,000 out of the targeted $500,000. Funds would go towards various needs, such as a new marquee and upgraded heating system.
National leaders gathered at NPS to discuss climate change
NPS held a two-day climate tabletop exercise that allowed the different departments to share their information and identify what solutions will make the greatest difference. The event was executed with the help of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, which signed an education partnership agreement with the NPS last December. “Targets and goals included in the Navy’s Climate Action 2030 strategy mention reducing emissions, reducing energy demand, increasing carbon pollution-free electricity and utilizing proper training and equipment needed to operate in a more volatile climate future.”
During the exercises, participants were split into two teams. Each team focused on different areas of concentration, then presented their findings to the group. Some of the solutions that came from the exercise included “establishing a partnership between the Department of the Navy and the Port of San Diego to share data and testing to improve climate resilience; ensure installations have necessary personnel to develop, manage and advance water policies as well as view water as a shared resource; and develop a master plan that directly connects climate risk with readiness and mission assurance.”
Salinas
17th Annual STEAM Family Funday at Hartnell College
Last week, Hartnell invited students and their families to a day of fun and learning within the world of science. Local groups, such as the Ventana Wildlife Society, Sea Otter Savvy, and Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, taught kids about the influence science has in our local area.
A couple special guests spoke at the event, hoping to inspire kids to pursue a career in the sciences:
Physicist and NASA astronaut Jim Newman shared his passion for science and math and spoke about his experiences in space.
Two-time Olympic softball silver medalist Monica Abbott was a keynote speaker who hoped to motivate future leaders with her book. “I wrote this story to help empower the youth, so that they can make a difference in their lives and be able to achieve anything,” said Abbott.
California Rodeo Salinas tickets on sale
Tickets for the California Rodeo Salinas are $12 for children and $20 to $33 for adults, depending on the seat.
Tickets for the Big Week Bull Riding range from $15 for children’s seats to $69 for box seats.
The rodeo will take place July 20 - 23. You can view all the events going on and purchase tickets online at the rodeo website.
Santa Cruz
Watsonville Farmers Market, El Mercado, makes a return
The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley is bringing back their weekly farmers market, called El Mercado. The market is aimed at creating a place where everyone can have access to healthy food, fruits, and veggies regardless of income. “We will be hosting monthly family events, offering Eating Healthy tours, and incorporating nutrition education and resources throughout the market, all at no cost to market attendees.”
The market will feature live cooking demos and offer resources for living a healthy life. VeggieRX vouchers can be redeemed, letting eligible residents get free produce when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.
El Mercado will open every Tuesday from 2pm to 6pm at Ramsay Park and will run through October 31.