The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) invites the public to provide ideas for a new 5-1-1 traveler telephone information system for the Monterey Bay area. It will host a public meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road in Aptos. Residents can also participate in an online survey at www.511montereybay.org. Similar systems offer real-time roadway and traffic conditions, bus routes and schedules, carpooling and bicycling information, and more.

Members of the Santa Cruz Genealogical Society share their summer reports from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Central Branch main meeting room, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz. Visitors and new members welcome. The meeting is free. For more information, call 831-335-7838 or email mhistory@cruzio.com.

"Los Pájaros" (the birds) is a juried exhibition of bird-inspired artwork featuring 100 pieces representing a myriad of bird species, including the sandhill crane, spur-winged plover, great blue heron, American white pelican, white-headed woodpecker, California quail and turkey vulture. The show runs Sept. 2 to Oct. 10, Thurs. and Fri. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat. and Sun., noon to 4 p.m., at the Pajaro Valley Gallery, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville. There will be a reception Sept. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 831-722-3062 or visit www.pvarts.org.

Come share an afternoon of good company, tasty food and live entertainment at the annual Labor Day BBQ and Picnic of the Santa Cruz branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Cost: $5-10. Noon to 5 p.m. in the Cathedral Grove section of DeLaveaga Park, 850 No. Branciforte Dr., Santa Cruz. For more information, call 831-429-2266 or email naacpscb@yahoo.com.

Take a two-hour cruise aboard the Chardonnay II on Sept. 5 and support the future of local youth as you enjoy front-wave seats to the Day on the Monterey Bay Regatta sailing race. The $50 cost includes a catered dinner, live music in the harbor following the race, a silent auction, and a raffle for dozens of prizes donated by local businesses. All proceeds directly benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, which helps children and youth navigate the challenges of growing up through quality mentoring services. Space is limited. Call 831-464-8691 or email kaylia@santacruzmentor.org for reservations. For more information, visit www.santacruzmentor.org.

Hit the cattle trail for tales from writers who embrace and embody the spirit of the American West, as the Willing Suspension Armchair Theatre presents "Out West: Cowboys, Coyotes and Open Spaces." Sept. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Actors' Theatre, 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz. Cost is by donation. For more information, call 831-425-1003 or visit www.santacruzactorstheatre.org.