Jasper Ridge Farm names Brenda Melton as new executive director

Animal house

A Portola Valley nonprofit that provides therapeutic animal-assisted programs has a new executive director as of July 7.

Brenda Melton, who began her 25-year career as a zookeeper and most recently lead a team of 50 animal care professionals at the California Academy of Sciences, says, “Jasper Ridge Farm is a place where so many of my professional passions and personal values intersect.”

“I’m especially passionate about the healing power of animals and nature for people,” Melton said in a release.

Melton was a member of the academy’s grand reopening team in 2008, oversaw a multimillion-dollar budget and directed programs focused on animal wellbeing, conservation and community engagement.

“Her deep experience in animal care and unwavering belief in the human-animal bond perfectly align with our mission to bring the joy of animals to those who need it most,” said Alex Lopez, Jasper Ridge Farm’s board chair.

For more information, visit https://www.jasperridgefarm.org.

Pub in the Park

Bluegrass and country band Purple Mountain Majesty plays Redwood City’s Pub in the Park Saturday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Red Morton Park.

The event features a British-style inflatable pub stocked with beers and ciders on tap from local breweries. Attendees can play lawn games while listening to the band.

For more information, visit https://www.redwoodcity.org/pubinthepark.

Kids Rock!

James Henry’s House of Samba Kids plays Redwood City’s Kids Rock!, a free outdoor concert series for kids, Aug. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Courthouse Square. Kids and families can enjoy free live music, along with an inflatable playland and other features.

For more information, visit https://www.redwoodcity.org/kidsrock.