Sports & Hobbies groups near Santa Cruz, CA

New Group

Problem Structuring

Sunnyvale, CA

If a solution exists, how does one solve a problem? The first and most important step is to structure the problem. If you have done that correctly, the rest is easy. This is based on my 45 years working in industry, solving problems in strategy, machine capacity & throughput modeling, scheduling, engineering yield systems, credit risk, default risk, medical statistics, company valuation and company credit. I invented the Capital Premium Model, and Economic & Funding (E&F) Statements to better model company credit risk and market-based valuations. Invented Wilcoxon Regression to better model probability distributions, Collated Distributions to model credit risk and infectious disease spread, and Levy/Black Swan Distribution to model black swans. And have written parsers. Lookup my landmark paper that proved that Multiple Sclerosis is not an unpredictable disease (https://drive.google.com/file/d/19O_QAG6-Y4J_GputX6lRgpdin0-x7Ode/view). I proposed how to reduce bank capital requirements for mortgages by 70% (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZVfZLt_P5E). As a hobby I proved the difference between probability and randomness. I discovered the first formula g=τc^2 for gravitational acceleration in 337 years (1687-2024) that does not have mass in the equation, and that the gravitational constant G is not. Have a decision theory paper, Asymmetric Information Resolution (AIR) Models, pending publication. Most of my work has either been published or is pending publication. Please bring problems you want structured but remember this is a public forum.

20 members · Public

South Bay Golf and Sports Enthusiasts

San Jose, CA

This group is for golfers who are looking for a judgment-free zone to learn and improve their game. For beginners, please join us for a game if you have taken lessons and/or have practiced at the driving range and can consistently make solid contact with the ball. For any game you should bring a set of clubs, golf balls and some tees. Members are expected to pay their own green fee at the course. If you need to rent clubs, contact the course to make sure they provide rentals. While skill level amongst our players varies, positive and respectful attitudes are a must. We expect all members to learn and respect the rules and etiquette of golf. https://theleftrough.com/golf-etiquette/ Maintaining pace of play is essential. This includes teeing it forward and forsaking mulligans. https://theleftrough.com/pace-of-play/ https://golf.com/instruction/the-etiquetteist-how-many-mulligans-are-too-many-mulligans/

156 members · Private

Santa Cruz videogaming

Aptos, CA

Sharing a common hobby of video game collecting and playing systems from the Atari 2600 to the PS1 to the Switch. Events will be made to bring people together and create a sense of small-town community

13 members · Public

Cybersecurity Meetup Group in CA

Sunnyvale, CA

Are you passionate about Cybersecurity and love engaging in lively talk? We believe in the power of communication—not just through tech, but also through the many hobbies we all share. Join us, and let's connect, learn, and have fun together! 🚀

64 members · Public

Meditation Instruction

Santa Cruz, CA

Join others in receiving meditation instruction and guidance in the Vajrayana Tradition from Lama Lakshey Zangpo Rinpoche Meditation is neither a hobby nor a duty. Meditation is a daily supplement for obtaining a healthy mind and an ultimate cure for the symptoms arising from afflictive emotions. -Lama Lakshey Zangpo

15 members · Public

Santa Cruz Women's Fun & Friendship Group

Santa Cruz, CA

Friendships and positive social connections improve health, well-being, and longevity. This meetup is for friendly, health-conscious women (aged 21+) living in Santa Cruz County who want to: • meet other women in the area • create new, lasting friendships • have fun while enjoying new adventures and educational / cultural activities • actively participate by attending group events Members are encouraged to suggest ideas for events. Popular outings include: dining out, attending movies/museums/live theater & music, crafting, coffee & conversation, classes/workshops, outdoor sports, author talks/lectures etc. We usually leave significant others, small children and pets at home for these women-only events, unless otherwise specified. Our group content and calendar is private and accessible to members only. PLEASE contribute a minimum of $5 annually to cover the Meetup subscription cost paid by the Meetup organizer (currently $198/year). Your support is greatly appreciated to keep this wonderful group going! We look forward to meeting you!

409 members · Private

Vegan Meetup Group of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA

Our group approached the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, and we received a signed Meatless Monday proclamation from them:

http://files.meetup.com/161345/MeatlessMondayProclamationSignedSCCsupervisors.pdf

More about Meatless Monday and how reducing animal product consumption can have a dramatic effect on the environment, climate change, preventable lifestyle diseases, water conservation, ocean acidification, and more:

http://meatlessmonday.com

Our FREE summer film series at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries was a success, with lots of participants. At the library, you can check out the films, which examine the connection between what you eat and climate change, pollution, health, bees, hunger in America, human and animal welfare, and more:

http://files.meetup.com/161345/FoodandYouFilmSeries.pdf

On September 28, 3pm, at the Scotts Valley Branch, we had a brainstorming session about personal and group action we can take based on what we learned from the films. We used environmentalist Frances Moore Lappe's EcoMind workshop materials as a springboard.

About Our Group

Enjoy vegan food in beautiful Santa Cruz County, California! Plant-based eating here is outstanding, as we have some of the freshest year-round produce in the world! Whether you're vegan, reducing animal product consumption, or just want to enjoy good conversation and a healthy meal free of animal products, please join us! Our meetups are Fun social events where you can explore your food options and choices with no pressure, honest.

Why do some people reduce or eliminate animal product consumption? There are many different reasons, and there is a lot of diversity in our group as a result. See the following page for more information about the group and the variety of reasons people become vegan or reduce their consumption of animal products:

http://www.meetup.com/scvegans/pages/Why_Do_Some_People_Become_Vegan%3F/

Why Environmentalists and Chefs Reduce Their Animal Product Consumption

Al Gore and Bill Clinton have both gone vegan, while the Bill Gates Foundation and other wealthy investors have invested in a pea-based egg alternative, because they don't believe that the planet can sustain our demand for animal-based foods:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/11/25/al-gore-goes-vegan-with-little-fanfare/

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/06/13/191029875/why-bill-gates-is-investing-in-chicken-less-eggs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbNw00V26pw&feature=c4-overview&list=UU4DUZAtqyn1XnGacB8vERpA

Mark Bittman, renowned journalist and cookbook author, has a great Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) talk that summarizes a lot of the reasons to reduce animal product consumption, as well as why he's "Vegan Before 6:"

http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_bittman_on_what_s_wrong_with_what_we_eat.html

Another TED talk by Graham Hill, founder of Treehugger.com, on why he's a weekday vegetarian (4 mins):

http://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_weekday_vegetarian.html

Mario Batali supports Meatless Monday, along with scores of other famous chefs and restauranteurs:

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/meatless-monday-even-mario%E2%80%99s-doing-it/

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/whos-going-meatless/

Our group participates in a variety of environmental events to help spread the word about how even small changes in what you eat can dramatically influence the environment, health, social justice, and climate change. And even save our childrens' future.

Climate Change and Animal Product Consumption

Here are some ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and stop climate change, through diet:

http://files.meetup.com/161345/EarthDayFlyer2013.pdf

http://www.meetup.com/scvegetarians/pages/Earth_Day_2012/

http://www.meetup.com/scvegetarians/pages/350_Global_Warming_Handout/

http://www.350.org/node/8842

Following is a terrific website with the latest news about climate change and solutions:

http://worldpreservationfoundation.org

Here is their introductory video, which is a nice overview of the latest in climate change science, and describes why it's so important to reduce certain greenhouse gases now:

Cooling the Planet - Fast Acting Solutions

http://www.worldpreservationfoundation.org/events.php?id=35#.UbKHTJUhSFY

As a coastal community, it's also important to be aware of issues that affect our oceans. This beautifully filmed documentary examines the threat of overfishing, trawling, pollution, fish farming, and climate change (16 mins):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdo-YUFZd6c

Our Group Philosophy

This is a moderate vegan group that encourages nonviolence and positive, practical action to improve the world we live in: democracy is not a spectator sport. History teaches us that if you're not paying attention, things tend to go in directions you don't want them to. We enjoy stimulating conversation, and at the same time we ask that everyone be respectful and courteous of others' opinions. Although the organizers are concerned about animal welfare, have been veg for decades, and even live with rescued farm animals, this is not an animal rights group: it's a group about diet. There are many different reasons people become vegan, and we try to be supportive of them and learn from each other, as long as they are in line with our group values of nonviolence in action and communication with each other. We hold no grudges toward any other veg groups, even those who choose to operate differently from us. Everyone should find the groups in line with their own philosophies. We've been a group for more than nine years now!

If you're concerned about your "internet privacy," know that our group is private so you can feel free to post your opinions in your profile and on our message board without it appearing on the internet in searches.

Petitions for Positive Change

Sign our petition to start a Meatless Monday campaign in Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz County, which benefits health, the environment, and local businesses:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/605/937/090/start-meatless-monday-in-santa-cruz-and-santa-cruz-county/

Another petition to ban poison lead ammunition and illegal shooting, and foster education about sharing our home with predators, deer, and other wildlife:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/690/581/474/curb-shooting-and-lead-ammunition-in-santa-cruz-county-ca-usa/

364 members · Private

TOGA The Other Group of Amigoids

Los Gatos, CA

TOGA: The Other Group Of Amigoids is a user group focused on Amiga computers founded in 1991. User groups and computer clubs were common in the early days of personal computing, serving as a way for computer users to get together and support each other in their endeavors. Some still survive to this day, such as this one! Like many other beloved platforms, the Amiga is still supported with new hardware and software releases from a community of loyal fans to this day. Today the group focuses on all retro platforms throughout history from all over the world in addition to the Amiga, so don't feel shy about being off-topic. We get together for lunch once every month to socialize, exchange hardware and software, and keep each other up to date on new releases and discoveries in the wider retrocomputing community. If you'd like to get into the retrocomputing hobby, or just see what it's all about, this is the place for you! Attendance and membership are free, with an optional cover charge for drinks and food.

19 members · Public

SJ Astronomy

San Jose, CA

Welcome to SJ Astronomy Meetup. We are an active group with a lot of events organized by the San Jose Astronomical Association. All events posted to this Meetup are open to the public but please note that joining this meetup does not automatically make you a member of SJAA. Becoming a formal member of SJAA provides members-only benefits, so we do encourage you to join. Please check out the membership benefits at [https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/](https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/) to learn more and to join the club. Also, please note that we need a profile picture for security reasons to join this group. Please consider uploading one before you send a request to join the group. Looking forward to sharing this cool hobby with all of you!

6922 members · Public

Velo Girls (women's cycling in the SF Bay Area)

San Jose, CA

Founded in 2002, Velo Girls is the premier women's cycling club in the San Francisco bay area. We offer rides, clinics, and events for those who identify as women throughout the year. Our members include recreational and competitive road cyclists, mountain bikers, gravel riders, and cyclocrossers, ranging in age from teens to 60s, spanning from Morgan Hill to Mendocino, Half Moon Bay to the east bay. Velo Girls has been recognized by USA Cycling as Club of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2008. We've also been voted Best Bike Club by Competitor Magazine, City Sports Magazine, and the Bay List.

4258 members · Public

South Bay New England Patriots Fans

Campbell, CA

A group of former Bostonians (or even nonformer Bostonians who just like Boston sports teams) dedicated to the support of the New England Patriots and other Boston sports teams. If you live in or near the South Bay and want to watch Boston sports with fellow fans then become a Pats Fan!! Our "spot" is Little Lou's BBQ in Cambpell which includes 4 big projection screen TVs that are always tuned to the Pats games (including sound) and conveniently located across the street from the Winchester VTA stop!

503 members · Public

Campbell Bible Church Meetup Group

Campbell, CA

Welcome to The Campbell Bible Church Meet Up Group. It can be hard to find good local Christian meetup groups, but look no farther! This is a **Christian organization** and ministry serving a traditional Christian market, based on **Biblical beliefs and teachings.** We come together to meet and be merry, make new friendships, and do both social and spiritually rewarding activities. Our diverse events include: hiking, biking, dinners, community service activities, picnics, visits to museums, inspiring lectures, themed parties, sporting/recreational, game night and many other fun activities. Come join us, and broaden your social and spiritual horizons as we seek to be the bridge to bring people together. **Each event will have an “Event Verse” from the Bible to meditate on.** Come visit us! Come see what you are missing! Looking for a church? Haven't been to church in a long while? Never been to church? Come visit ours! We are a small family size church that is friendly and enjoys gathering together to fellowship around God's Word, the Bible. God's Word has changed us to be more helpful, more loving, and more caring people. Come see for yourself what God's Word can do for you. **Services are every Sunday at 11:00am.** More info at https://www.campbellbc.org

40 members · Public

- THE HANGOUT CLUB -

San Jose, CA

Have you ever been bored and wanted to hang out and do something fun with your good friends but they were all either too busy being married with kids, unavailable for whatever reason, or just flat out broke? I know how that feels and most likely you do as well. The purpose of this club is to just get some everyday people (married or single) together and hangout. Events may include everything from going to the movies, live music and dancing, beach trips, casual dining, game nights, happy hours, sporting events and so on. Being that this club has a new organizer, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Rami

2441 members · Private

Southbay Friends: Boardgames & More

San Jose, CA

This group has many types of activities: Boardgames, Karaoke, Hikes, Dance, Theatre Outings, Sport Events, Metaphysical (Meditation, Tantric Learning, Reiki, Massage, etc.), Poker, Sharing Cooking & Baking, Movie Night, Improv Night, and Anything else you suggest.

Really! Suggest something!

And when it comes to Board Games...I am often asked "What kind of Games do you play?"
A pretty accurate answer to "What kind of board games do we play" is:
"Euro-Strategy games, as found on BoardGamesGeek.com."

That is not necessarily the most helpful answer, tho. The actual range of games vary from super-simple (learn in 5 minutes, play in 10 minutes) to very involved (learn in 45 minutes, play in 4 hours, takes a dozen games before you really "get it")...So, chances are if you think to yourself "I like playing board games"...you'll probably find someone here who likes what you like :-)

***Check our Calendar!***

There's so many events per month, it's the only way to know what's coming up! We're all busy professionals, normal people, who want to make the most of our time away from work. We want to do more with our evenings than just sip a drink and check out the cuties in a bar. We want to take a break from trying to hook-up and just have fun together. Since we're not focused on trying to hook-up, single people and coupled people and even N-tupled people can freely join in and we'll all enjoy greater fun.

Many Events are in private home venues, for a very relaxed and comfortable interaction. These events include food, drink, and always interesting people.

If you have an interesting event you'd like to run or host, please contact me (Paul++) and we'll find a way for you to run an event.

3195 members · Public

Bay Pickleball

San Jose, CA

This is a group for anyone interested in playing Pickleball. Pickleball is a racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The sport is played on a court with the same dimensions as a doubles badminton court. The net is similar to a tennis net, but is two inches lower in the center. The game is played with a hard paddle and a polymer whiffle ball. Although Pickleball appears to be very similar to tennis, there are key differences that make Pickleball more accessible to a wider range of players, from children to seniors. Chief among these differences is the speed of the Pickleball ball which typically moves slower than a tennis ball. Equally important, however, is the size of the court, which is just under one-third of the total area of a tennis court. This smaller area combined with the slower moving ball makes Pickleball much easier to play than tennis. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced and professional players. Originally invented as a backyard pastime, Pickleball is now an organized sport represented by national and international governing bodies. Pickleball is addictive and as a result, the sport is spreading rapidly across the country and around the world. We now have 75 countries which have national Pickleball organizations. Pickleball is North America's fastest growing sport. Join us and find out why. There are many locations where you can now play Pickleball. You can find a location near you by clicking on the following link from usapickleball.org. [https://www.places2play.org/map](https://www.places2play.org/map) Use the map to quickly find the places to play Pickleball near you. If you want a location where you play to be listed on Bay Pickleball, you or someone else who is a regular there will need to volunteer to act as host at each of the meetups at that location. The meetup organization requires a host at each meetup. Once I have you confirmed as a host, I will list that meetup on the Bay Pickleball calendar. Of course, I will continue to list the beginner and intermediate clinics that I host. **See disclaimer below!** ![](http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/0/3/2/event_163448242.jpeg) \*\*\*Please keep in mind that the Bay Pickleball Meetup group is just friends getting together to have fun. Your participation in the group's events and activities are voluntary and you are responsible for your own safety. By RSVP-ing yes for our Meetup events, you are accepting the risks, dangers, and hazards of any activity and you are releasing and discharging the Bay Pickleball Meetup organizer and assistants against any liability that arises from your participation in our group or its activities.\*\*\*

3497 members · Public

Bay Area Standup Paddleboarders

San Jose, CA

This group is dedicated to the sport of Standup Paddleboarding from beginner to advanced. We will be paddling locally and occasionally doing day or overnight trips to interesting paddling spots (i.e., Lake Tahoe, Carmel, Mendocino, etc.).

718 members · Public

Golden Goddess Friendship Circle

San Jose, CA

Welcome to the Golden Goddesses Friendship Circle, a vibrant and empowering community in the San Jose and South Bay area designed exclusively for women aged 50 and above! We believe that life only gets better with age, and this circle is dedicated to fostering meaningful friendships, fostering personal growth, and sparking joy through engaging activities. Our circle thrives on friendship, encouraging genuine connections between like-minded women who share similar life experiences and interests. Through regular meetups and social events, we facilitate opportunities for members to bond over shared passions and discover new hobbies together. At the heart of our community is a commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning. We host workshops, discussions, and guest speakers to explore a diverse range of topics, from wellness and self-care to art, culture, and technology. This continuous learning ensures that we stay intellectually stimulated and relevant in this ever-changing world. But it's not all about serious stuff; we know how to have fun too! From group outings to local attractions, nature walks, arts and crafts sessions, and themed parties, we infuse every gathering with laughter, joy, and a spirit of adventure. Age is just a number, and we're living proof that life can be an incredible journey no matter how many candles are on our birthday cake! The Golden Goddesses Friendship Circle is more than just a group – it's a family where we cherish each other's company, lift each other up, and embrace the golden years with open arms. Together, we're exploring the possibilities of this stage of life and turning it into a time of renewal, excitement, and endless opportunities. Come join us on this incredible journey of friendship, fun, and self-discovery. Embrace your inner goddess and let's create beautiful memories together in the Golden Goddesses Friendship Circle!

166 members · Public

Amazing Explorers ~ It's all about Travel & Adventure

San Jose, CA

Welcome to Amazing Explorers. We're a group for people who are up to explore and try anything new. We will show you the places you have never been to and give you experiences you never had, doing anything that excites you, whether it be food, hiking, camping, travel, adventure sports. Join us on this adventure and lifelong memories. Follow us on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/amazingexplorersofficial/ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Doing all the research to plan the activities takes a lot of time and effort. Also, I need to pay for the meetup membership as an organizer and spend money buying the equipments needed for the events. For that reason, I would like to ask for your voluntary contribution. On the event page, you can donate and help organize more amazing events 🙂

1736 members · Public

Weekend Adventures: Bay Area and Beyond

San Jose, CA

We’re Bay Area-based adventurers who love:

The outdoors: hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, camping/backpacking, snow sports, trying new activities
Cultural events: local exploration, comedy shows, concerts, offbeat fun, volunteering; historical, museum, and cultural tours
Food: discovering new restaurants; tasting wine, beer, and spirits
Travel: day trips, weekend road trips, 3-hour max flying trips

Whether we’re boldly conquering a fear of heights or simply sampling unfamiliar cuisine; learning about local history or exploring a new town; quietly communing with nature or laughing uncontrollably, this group reminds us that every day is an opportunity for a new adventure: big or small.

Event ideas are not only appreciated, but also encouraged – get comfortable with using the “Suggest a Meetup” button.

Welcome; now let’s get going!

2010 members · Public

Bay Area Photography

San Jose, CA

Join us for some terrific Bay Area Photography. Have a great time shooting in and around the Bay Area and beyond. If you are just starting out in photography or have been in it for a while you will fit in just fine shooting with us in the North Bay, South Bay, East Bay, SF Bay and exploring interesting places beyond the bay area as well.

Our group has members of all levels, all experience, and all photographic mediums. So shoot digital or film, color or black and white; it’s all good here. Seasoned professionals to beginners will have fun in this nice friendly group socializing and discussing techniques and what works for them. Our goal is to have a good time enjoying our hobby, meeting new photography people, going to places near and far and learning some new tips and techniques along the way.

We will schedule photo trips to shoot nature, landscape, fine art, families, themes, and other genres using our local areas, cities, beaches, open spaces, industrial sites, some field trips and more. Many events will be free; just show up and shoot, while others will have small fees like parking and entrance fees. Other events will have event fees to cover the costs of renting a venue, hiring a guide, getting permits etc. Event details will be in the descriptions. If you want to suggest an event there is a link on the main page that you may make a suggestion. We will try to accommodate your ideas!

Come join us and get out there and enjoy your passion for photography. We are open to all forms of still photography, models may join if interested in modeling time for images, makeup artists looking to gain experience, costumers looking to participate and show their talent, anyone who wants to be involved and gain some experience working with others in the field of photography.

2290 members · Private

West Coast Mountain Bikers

San Jose, CA

Welcome to West Coast Mountain Bikers! Our group’s purpose is simple. We want to get people out riding whenever and wherever possible. As the Organizer of WCMB, I’m dedicated to helping people get out on the bike more often. I don’t care if you ride every day of the week or just a few times a month. I don’t care if you only ride with us or if you ride with lots of different groups. Mountain Biking for me is a passion that I want to share with everyone I meet. We don't care whether you're a hardened veteran that has seen the sport grow from fully rigid 21-speed bikes to the super machines they are today or someone who just bought their first mountain bike. We don't care if you if this is your first time riding in a group or if you're a member of every mountain biking social group there is. My team of organizers and I have one simple goal: Try our best to provide you all with the absolute best rides. My team is made up of people from all walks of life from all over the Bay Area. We have Organizers representing nearly every part of the Bay including… the South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, Santa Cruz and even the Central Valley and we all love to ride and share the ride with others. Our rides will range from After-work social meetups and workouts to full on epic rides. We ride everywhere, including places that are off the radar of other groups. We ride all the local favorites, i.e. Fremont Older, Arastradero, Santa Teresa, Alum Rock, etc. as well as all the popular spots further outside our immediate area. Some of our favorites include Demo Forest, El Corte de Madera, Fort Ord, and the Many State parks nearby. We’ve also ventured to Tahoe, Downieville, Boggs and many more. As the years progress we will undoubtedly be adding even more exciting and fun places to our ride portfolio. All of our rides will follow a no-drop policy. If you show up for a ride we’ll make sure you get out with us. Don’t worry about coming out and slowing people down. That sort of fence sitting will never get you out with a group. Come on out with us and we’ll look out for you. No one will be left behind on our rides. If you ever have questions about how we rate rides or anything else please feel free to email me. I’m always willing to help a fellow rider, especially ones just getting started. We may not be the biggest group in the Bay but we are the best. I will always go out of my way to make my members feel welcome and appreciated. I also promise to never kick you out for not making it to a ride, I understand things happen. If you have idea for a ride or want to help out with hosting events, let me know. I'm always looking for passionate riders that love to share their passion with others on the trails. Above everything else I just want people to get out and ride. -David Butler Founder West Coast Mountain Bikers

3640 members · Public