Stanford Blood Drive

At our blood drive in May, we welcomed 28 people, including two first- time donors. There were two deferrals, and one double-red cell donation, for a total of 27 productive units. Each whole blood donation is separated into three components, so a total of 77 lives have been impacted by the donations collected here on the mountain.

Thank you! Our next Stanford Blood Drive will be on Saturday, July 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the Community Room at the Mountain Community Complex, 23845 Summit Road. To sign up, visit sbcdonor.org. Click on the “find a blood drive” icon on the bottom right side of the page, and select the Summit Road location.

Donating blood through Stanford Blood Drives here on the mountain is fun and easy. There is no need to drive down to the valley on a weekend. You’ll see friends and neighbors, enjoy a great snack, and most importantly, have the satisfaction of helping out someone in need.

Fourth of July Family Friendly Events Kathy McKinney Here are some family-friendly events happening in and around the Santa Cruz Mountains to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States on Saturday, the Fourth of July.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 23185 Summit Road, will host a free pancake breakfast for the community beginning at 9 a.m. The Town of Los Gatos will host its annual Fourth of July Symphony in the Park at Oak Meadow Park, from 10 a.m.

to 1 p.m. There will be a flag-raising ceremony and the San Jose Wind Symphony will perform. Children can enjoy rides on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and the carousel, as well as inflatables, a giant slide, lawn games, face painting, and more.

Admission is free, but bring cash for food and drinks. The town of Saratoga’s Fourth of July celebration is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Kevin Moran Park. The event will feature a free concert of patriotic tunes performed by the McCartysville Volunteer Band, historical characters, popsicles and flags for children, a parade, and a children’s sing-a-long. Bring a blanket to find a seat on the lawn.

The town of Boulder Creek begins its celebration with a pancake breakfast at the Boulder Creek Fire Department. From 7 a.m. to noon, the firefighters serve their famous pancake (or egg, bacon, and sausage) breakfast at the firehouse for a modest donation. A parade through town begins at 10 a.m. with the Scouts Color Guard and the singing of the national anthem, followed by a fun lineup of parade entrants. An afterparty at Junction Park, from noon to 5 p.m., features music, vendors, and food.

Scotts Valley holds a block party, Fourth of July parade, and flyover. The block party will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 5060 Scotts Valley Drive, and features live music, children’s activities, food trucks, and a beer garden.

The parade and flyover begin at 11 a.m. The parade will travel along Scotts Valley Drive, starting at Carbonero Way. Murder Mystery Fatality in the Fast Lane Theatre in the Mountains Step back into the dazzling era of the 1950s as you indulge in a thrilling night of intrigue at Theatre in the Mountains’

Midsummer Murder Mystery 2026. Join us on Saturday, July 18, for Fatality in the Fast Lane, held on the private patio at Pizzeria Vittoria in Redwood Estates. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the murderous fun starts around 6:30 p.m.

The set will be draped with ‘50s retro chic. As twilight mingles with melodies of classic doo-wop tunes, the cast will draw you into a thrilling narrative. When a pivotal character leaves the land of the living, the quaint atmosphere of fun takes a dramatic turn.

Secrets may lurk beneath checkered tablecloths, and everyone may seem a suspect. Unearth clues to unmask the mastermind behind this interactive mystery designed by The Clue Collective. Your ticket includes fresh and delicious wood-fired pizza, local wines, and the opportunity to scheme, snoop, and swap secrets with fellow suspects to solve the mystery. You may claim the prize for the sharpest sleuth. Reserve your spot now to secure your seat at this fun summer event.

Costumes are encouraged. Don your cuffed jeans, swing dresses, leather jackets, and letterman’s sweaters. Tickets are limited. Get yours today at www.theatreinthemountains.org/box- office-20252026. Theatre in the Mountains is sponsored by the Loma Prieta Community Foundation, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to building and supporting a strong sense of community in the Summit areas.