Athena Camps, Now Enrolling at New Location in Scotts Valley!
Athena Camps, a Bay Area based all-girls summer camp, is excited to bring its confidence-building program to Scotts Valley for the first time in Summer 2026. Founded in 2011 by former professional tennis player and coach, Aby Ryan, Athena Camps was created to give girls a supportive, encouraging environment where they can grow stronger; physically, emotionally, and socially.
A San Jose native, mentor, and mother, Ryan launched Athena Camps after seeing firsthand how sports and creative expression can transform girlsā confidence and sense of self. What began as a small summer program has grown into a trusted camp experience for thousands of Bay Area families, all while staying rooted in
its original mission: empowering girls through sports, art, community, and leadership.
Athena Camps offers weeklong summer day camps for girls ages 5ā17 throughout the Bay Area. Campers participate in a mix of athletic activities including soccer, basketball, tennis, pickleball, flag football, yoga, and running, alongside rotating weekly art and personal development themes that focus on communication, creativity, and self-expression. Each day also includes ācirclesā where girls build friendships, reflect, and practice using their voices in a safe, supportive setting.
The new Scotts Valley location will run for three weeks in June, from June 1ā18, and will be staffed entirely by trained female coun-
selors. Many counselors are current or former athletes, educators, and college students passionate about youth development. Athena Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association and maintains small staff-to-camper ratios to ensure individualized attention and care.
Families can currently take advantage of Early Bird Registration, saving $25 per week through February 28, 2026.
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For more information about Athena Camps and summer registration, visit athenacamps.com.
GALA Nominations, LAST Chance!
THIS IS IT! Please help the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce recognize the people and businesses that make our community such a special place. Nominate in just one category or every category!
Criteria for Nomination
ā¢ Each nominee must have made a valuable contribution to Scotts Valley.
ā¢ It may be in the previous year (2025) or over a period which you specify.
ā¢ A business of the year nominee must be a current Scotts Valley Chamber member.
ā¢ An individual may live or work outside the city limits, but their contribution must be within Scotts Valley.
ā¢ Youth of the year nominee
must be of High School age.
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Just point your phone camera at the QR code on the Gala picture or Vote at: scottsvalleychamber.com
Saturday February 7 5:30ā11 p.m. ā Fallen Officer Foundation 20th Anniversary Ball The Grove 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz Tickets Required
Friday March 6 thru Sunday March 8 Various Times ā The Alfred Hitchcock Festival The Landing 251B Kings Village Road Tickets Required
Thursday March 12
10:30 ā 11:30 a.m. ā Chamber Chat, Instagram: Post, Tag, Collaborate & Story Your Way to Real Results Location TBA Tickets Required
Thursday March 19 5:30ā7 p.m. ā Mission Springs Centennial Celebration & Ribbon Cutting Mission Springs 1050 Lockhart Gulch Rd
May
Saturday August 15
Scotts Valley Chamber News
Fourth Annual Alfred Hitchcock Festival Scotts Valley Proclaims a Week to Celebrate the World Famous Director
The Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild is excited to announce that the Fourth Annual Alfred Hitchcock Festival will be held at The Landing on Kings Village Road from March 6th through March 8th, celebrating 100 years of Hitchcock!
A City Proclamation will declare the week of March 2nd through March 8th as Alfred Hitchcock Week, creating opportunities for local businesses to participate in the celebration.
World famous director Alfred Hitchcock lived in Scotts Valley from 1940 to 1970. Many of his iconic films were created in Northern California, including Vertigo, set in San Francisco, and The Birds, inspired by an actual event that took place in Capitola.
Hitchcock is best known as the master of suspense. His work uniquely blends tension with humor, sexual attraction, and voyeurism, while employing signature motifs and storytelling devices such as the MacGuffin to drive his complex and compelling plots.
His career is often divided into four periods: the silent era, the British period, the Hollywood films of the 1940s, and his
most artistically successful years during the 1950s and early 1960s.
More than a cinematic showcase, the festival is a celebration of Hitchcockās enduring legacy in Scotts Valley and reflects the communityās admiration for Hitchcock and his lasting influence.
As a fundraiser for the Guild, the festival also supports local arts and cultural development, fos tering creativity and appreciation throughout the region.
The festival brings together film enthusiasts, scholars, and com munity members for a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the genius of Alfred Hitchcock.
will provide live musical accompaniment, a very special evening!
Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the work of a master filmmaker in the city that played a meaningful role in his life and career, making this an engaging and enriching experience for all who attend.
Festival Details
On Friday, March 6, Mayor Donna Lind will officially welcome the festival to Scotts Valley. The evening will include a panel discussion featuring special guests Tere Carrubba, granddaughter of Alfred Hitchcock, and local historian Jay Topping. The panel will also include Shelley Stamp, Professor of Film and Digital Media at UC Santa Cruz, and Logan Walker, Lecturer of Film and Digital Media at UC Santa Cruz.
Pianist and composer Kylan De Ghetaldi will introduce Alfred Hitchcockās first film, The Pleasure Garden, which is unbelievably 100 years old. De Ghetaldi
Celebrating 44 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County ā 1981 ā 2025
3BR/2BA Single-level Home at 2754 Granite Creek Rd in North Scotts Valley. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, large eat in dining area, and slider that leads to sunny deck. The living room has a gas ļ¬replace. 2 car attached garage with extra storage and washer/dryer. Utilities are all tenant responsibility. No co-signers. Pet considered. AVAIL NOW
1BR/1BA Apartment & Studio Cottage at 14650 Two Bar Road in Boulder Creek. Youāll feel like youāre on vacation all the time in either of these creekside homes. Kitchen includes stove and refrigerator. Extra closet space in the 1-bedroom unit. Lots of natural light. Co-signers ok. 1 cat considered. AVAIL NOW
3BR/2BA Large Beautifully Updated Home at 220 1/2 El Camino in North Scotts Valley. Wonderful kitchen with ample storage, granite counters, skylight and open layout with dining room. The living room features open beamed ceilings and a gas ļ¬replace for added ambience. Laundry room. 2-car garage. Decks and patio. Great space for entertaining inside and outside! AVAIL NOW
4BR/2.5BA 2-story Townhome centrally located at 26 Silver Birch Lane in Scotts Valley. This home has new interior paint. Small yard. 2-car garage w/laundry hookups. Pet friendly. AVAIL NOW
2BR/1BA Updated Upstairs Apartment in a well-appointed Duplex at 315 High Rise in Boulder Creek. Bonus room could be great ofļ¬ce space. Large fenced yard. Garden w/green house. Pets ok. ................................................................................................. AVAIL NOW
On Saturday afternoon, March 7th, Hitchcock location expert Rich Karat will present photographs of notable filming locations and discuss their significance before introducing Hitchcockās final film, Family Plot. Saturday evening will feature a gala reception with wine and beer available for purchase, along with food offerings. Acclaimed Hitchcock author Tony Lee Moral will present his newest book, A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, The Myths, The Legacy, and introduce the evening screening of North by Northwest.
Sunday, March 8th will include complimentary mimosas, light snacks, and a raffle. For the first time in the festival history, local educator and film expert Amy Shiovitz will present a series of fiveminute films created by local students and filmmakers. Participants were given 48 hours to create short films using the directorial techniques of Alfred Hitchcock. The day will conclude with a screening of Rope.
More information and tickets are available on the Alfred Hitchcock Festival website at hitchcockfestival.com.
*Businesses and organizations interested in advertising in the official program and on the festival website are encouraged to inquire soon, as limited space is available through February 13th.
Advertisements will appear in
both the Alfred Hitchcock Festival Souvenir Program and on the official Alfred Hitchcock Festival website. The event will be promoted locally, nationally, and internationally, offering advertisers broad exposure and visibility.
Participation in this event is greatly appreciated.
For more information, please contact Victor Alejandro at 408 410 1566 or victor.alejandro. usa@gmail.com, or Paul Burrowes at 831 295 5130 or paul@burrowes.com.
Additional details are available at hitchcock festival.com/partners/advertising/
Chamber Welcomes California Closets
The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome California Closets, as one of our newest members, with Design Consultant Theresa Nelson, who is a local resident of Scotts Valley, to our growing network of members.
As a Scotts Valley resident, Theresa understands the lifestyle, character, and needs of local families and homeowners. She brings a warm, collaborative approach to every project and is excited to support fellow residents in transforming their homes into spaces that feel both intentional and inspiring.
As part of the California Closets team, Theresa works closely with homeowners to design customized storage and organizational solutions; ranging from closets and home offices to garage systems, mud rooms, pantries, media centers, and multipurpose rooms. Known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail, California Closets has earned a longstanding reputation as a leader in home-organization design, and Theresa exemplifies that commitment to quality. She brings a passion for creating functional, beautifully organized spaces that enhance daily living.
New
HWhen working with California Closets, clients can expect a thoughtful and collaborative consultation experience. Their Design Consultants begin by getting to know the clientās lifestyle, storage challenges, and vision for the space.
Measurements are taken, materials are reviewed, and design ideas are explored
Chamber Chat Alert: Think Local
together. Using their proprietary, state-ofthe-art 3D design software, they can then create detailed 3D renderings, giving clients a clear and accurate preview of what their finished project will look like.
This technology allows homeowners to see their space transformed in real time; from layout and finishes to hardware and lighting,
ensuring that every detail aligns with their needs and aesthetic preferences. This also allows the client to receive an all-inclusive estimate on the spot.
Weāve included a picture of the 3D rendering concept next to the finished project. The ability to create these personalized renderings is especially helpful for people who have difficulty visualizing abstract concepts.
They can even change floor color and type, wall colors as well as include other aspects of the room in the rendering to help the client to picture how the final design will translate into their space.
With their manufacturing facility based in San Jose and a team of locally based, directly employed professional installers, clients can look forward to a seamless and reliable installation experience. Most projects are completed in a single day from start to finish, while larger or more complex designs are typically wrapped up within just a few days.
At California Closets, there is never a cost for consultations or design services.
You can contact Theresa directly for a consultation at 831-238-5281 or email her at tnelson@ calclosets.com
Firstsā Janet Romanowski will Teach Chamber Members how to Post their way to real results with Instagram
ave you heard of Think Local First?
Theyāre a local non-profit and one of our favorite local Instagram accounts that we follow, itās chock full of information and keeps us updated with whatās happening with local business around the county.
Think Local First loves locally owned businesses that keep Santa Cruz County thriving and give our community its heart
and soul. Itās a network of businesses and organizations working together to strengthen our local economy and preserve the unique character of the place we call home.
When we think local first, we invest directly in the place we live and help Santa
Cruz remain the special place we all love.
Itās an easy group to get behind and a smart group to join if you qualify, one of the biggest selling points is their fantastic marketing because of their active and engaging Instagram account. Leading this mission is Janet Romanowski,
President of the Think Local First Board and Instagramer extraordinaire.
Alongside her day job at David Lyng Real Estate and her business, Murphys Vacation Homes, Janet manages all three distinct Instagram accounts, each producing strong, measurable results.
āChamber Chatā page 14
From render ... ... to reality!
Scotts Valley Chamber News
Santa Cruz Eyebrows Hosts Ribbon Cutting
We just celebrated Santa Cruz Eyebrows with a ribbon cutting, and it was exactly the kind of event that reminds everyone why these gatherings are so special. Ribbon cuttings are a fun and meaningful way to welcome new businesses, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the energy and creativity that local entrepreneurs bring to our community. Friends, clients, fellow business owners, City Council and Chamber members all filled the space, sharing conversation, laughter, and support for a business that already feels like home in Scotts Valley.
Located at Camp Evers, Santa Cruz Eyebrows reflects the care and intention owner Anna Ritchie puts into every detail. The studio is warm, inviting, and beautifully designed, creating a space where clients can truly relax and feel cared for. Itās clear that Anna has built more than a beauty studio. She has created an environment that feels joyful, confident, and welcoming from the moment you walk in.
Santa Cruz Eyebrows offers expert eyebrow shaping and personalized beauty services including microblading, hybrid brows, tinting, lamination, eyeliner, lip
blush, ear piercings, complimentary brow consultations and more. Anna founded
the business with a love for makeup, creativity, and artistry, inspired by her
āChamber Chatā from page 13
She has managed to fuse her passion for photography with her natural marketing abilities into a powerhouse promoter for her own businesses and to support the broader community by helping local businesses better tell their stories online. She has a unique ability to help people refine what theyāre already doing, connect content to results, and use Instagram with purpose instead of pressure. And weāre lucky sheās offered to help us!
For our next Chamber Chat on March 12th at the Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley Hilton, sheāll be presenting a one-hour workshop to Chamber members, Instagram: Post, Tag, Collaborate and Story Your Way to Real Results. Itās designed to be a practical, inspiring, and accessible class that will help you turn Instagram from a chore into a tool you enjoy and benefit from.
Participants will learn how to make their accounts more searchable, grow followers organically, use tags and
passion for helping women feel confident and radiant.
With more than ten years of experience in the beauty industry, Anna is known for her precision, talent, and genuine care for her clients.
She believes in trusting the process, taking risks, and staying open to learning from everyone she meets. That mindset has led to strong referrals, lasting client relationships, and a business built on trust.
Anna says the excitement and energy of her clients keep her motivated every day, along with the joy of showing her daughters that hard work and creativity truly pay off.
The most meaningful compliments she receives are being called a true artist and having clients believe in her work. Her hope is that every client leaves feeling happy, con-
collaborations effectively, and generate content with less overwhelm. Janet will cover posts, reels, stories, and highlights, focusing on how to use each intentionally to strengthen reach and engagement. Attendees will leave with renewed confi dence and a fresh perspective on Instagram as a platform that can deliver real, meaningful results for their business.
In less than two years, Janet grew Think Local First from 3300 to 6500 followers, contributing to a 60% increase in membership.
For more info about Think Local First, or to join: www.thinklocalsantacruz.org
Be sure to follow them @thinklocalfirst _santacruz
For more information on this Chamber Chat: www.scottsvalleychamber.com & follow us @ scottsvalleychamber