Five years after the devastation and aftermath of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) invites the public to join three commemorating events acknowledging grief and loss, celebrating nature’s renewal power and highlighting the resilience of the San Lorenzo Valley community.

The series will kick off at the Felton Branch Library on Wednesday, August 5 at 5:00PM with the screening of the film: "The CZU Fire In Their Own Words -Fighting Fires, Losing Homes, and Rebuilding Community". In this moving and powerful film created and directed by Peter Gelblum, and produced by Mountain Community Theater, actors give a voice to the people who fought the fires and those who lost their homes, speaking about evacuating, losing homes and possessions, battling with insurance companies, and getting community support. Attendees are invited to bring a picture or item to contribute to the CZU Fire Community Memory Table.

On Tuesday, August 12 at 3:00PM, the Boulder Creek Branch Library welcomes California State Parks staff for a Big Basin Redwoods State Park Update, a conversation on the status and plans to rebuild the park after burning in the CZU Fire. State Parks staff will share the vision for rebuilding, plans for shuttle access to the park, and offer tips on visiting the park now and during the next several years before rebuilding is completed.

On Saturday, August 16, from 1:00PM-4:00PM, the Felton Branch Library and the Friends of the Felton Library welcome the community to join Healing Through Art & Community: CZU Fire 5th Anniversary Event. An all-ages event remembering the 5th anniversary of the CZU Fire, honoring the community and its resilience through art, story and music. Attendees are invited to bring a picture or item to contribute to the CZU Fire Community Memory Table.

For more information, visit the SCPL calendar: https://santacruzpl.org