Growing Up in Santa Cruz July 2022

JULY 2022

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VISIT

Now Enrolling for the 2022-23 School Year!

Come for a tour and see our classrooms in action!

Register at gatewayschoolsc.org

GATEWAY SCHOOL

Kindergarten–8th grade | Founded 1970

W H E R E E X P E R I E N C E A N D I N N OVAT I O N M E E T

Looking for Child Care?

Ready to choose a preschool program?

Each child and family have unique needs when it comes to child care and preschool. The Child Development Resource Center (CDRC) is here to help you find a great match for your child.

Our free referral service gives you a customized list, drawn from our database of all licensed programs in Santa Cruz County.

Call us today!

831 466 5820

www.cdrc4info.org

CDRC is a program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education

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JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

Features

Jim Booth Swim School

7

Evenings • Saturday Classes • Birthday Parties

The BEST in Baby Swimming!

Start at 4 months in our 94 ° indoor pool!

LGBT� Booklist

10

Family Favorites

17 Wildfire Safety

Editor's Note.......................................4 Ask Nicole...........................................5 Youth Writer.......................................6 Opinion..............................................6 Local News..........................................7 Birth Matters......................................9 Family Favorites..................................10 Local News..........................................15 Education...........................................8 Your Home.........................................19 Coloring PAge.....................................22 Coloring Winners...............................23

Now at Harvey West in Santa Cruz and Watsonville indoor and outdoor pools.

722-3500

JimBoothSwimSchool.com • Like us on Facebook

EDITOR | PUBLISHER

Brad Kava and Steve Dinnen ART DIRECTOR | MANAGING EDITOR

Zelzi Belle | Christy Shults

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Susan Bernstein

CONTRIBUTORS

Patty Benson, Seb Frey, Brad Kava, Laura Maxson, Tony Nunez, Christy Shults, Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy, Grace Timan, Nicole M. Young AD REPRESENTATIVES

Ann Fitts  BobbiJo Palmer  Linda Kay  Sophie Veniel Advertising@GrowingUpSC.com CONTACT US

408.656.1519 editor@growingupsc.com P.O. Box 3505, Santa Cruz, CA 95063

JULY 2022 | VOL. 26 NO. 7

Printed lovingly by Fricke-Parks Press.

Growing Up in Santa Cruz copyright 2022. Printed in the U.S.A. All views expressed represent those of the individual authors. The contents of this publication are meant as information only and should not take the place of a medical doctor’s recommendations. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part, in any form, electronic or otherwise is prohibited without permission by the publisher. This publication does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading advertising. Growing Up is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

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25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

3

Even small changes can make a BIG difference.

Triple P is a scientifically-proven, world-renowned positive parenting program available to families in Santa Cruz County.

Triple P strategies address a wide range of parenting challenges by providing a toolbox of easy-to-use tips.

Find a full schedule of Triple P tips and classes at triplep.first5scc.org.

This program is made possible through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (MHSA – Prop 63 funds) & Santa Cruz County Human Services Department.

I n f o r m at I o n : first 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217 triplep@first5scc.org • triplep.first5scc.org

Early Bird Discount Ends June 15th!

831-246-1517 . SantaCruzSoccerCamp.com 4

JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

Editors’ Note You want to make America great again? How about focusing on kindness?

I know, it sounds hippy dippy cliché, but when people put aside business as usual and do great things for each other the world really becomes a better place.

It happened to me last week.

My engine lights were flashing and the warning signals looked like a missile was pointed at the Starship Enterprise. “Oil pressure low,” it blared.

Luckily, I was near the Valvoline in Watsonville, by Target. I coasted in, thinking I just needed an oil change, but no, the oil had all leaked out and even a mechanical dolt like me knows that’s really bad.

I knew most of those places just change the oil and don’t fix things. I figured I’d have to get a tow truck, find a mechanic, rent a car and wait to have my elderly vehicle fixed. That’s a day and a lot of dollars shot.

But the Valvoline manager, Tanner Farley, said he would fix the problem, which was a hole in a hose.

“We don’t usually do this,” he said, “but I take great pride in our work.”

So he sent an assistant manager to three stores to find the right hose, with no luck. Finally, he patched the hose, got the car running and told me if I can find the right hose somewhere, he’d install that too.

When I went to pay him, he said, “No, you were here an hour and that’s too long. We can’t charge you for the oil change.”

WHAT???

I wanted to pay, it was the least I could do, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Then, I tried the old New York technique. I had $100 in my wallet and I tried to hand it to him. “Please take this,” I said. “You saved me so much time and money.”

He adamantly refused. He wouldn’t hear of it. “Just write us a good review somewhere,” he said.

I shook my head. This was like a fairy tale. I can’t remember the last time someone was this nice in real life. And these are tough times, when every dollar counts and everyone seems to reflect the quote attributed to Calvin Coolidge, that “the business of America is business.”

He made my day. No, he made my week or more. He reminded me just how important kindness is, even when we are all struggling.

Do you have a story of a local business or person doing something above and beyond for you? Please send it to editor@growingupsc.com we’ll print it and let’s celebrate the kindness people have shown.

Speaking of great things, this month we feature our first Family Favorites, the businesses you have nominated and voted for as the best in Santa Cruz. We weren’t sure how it would go, being the first time, but it’s been amazing. We got hundreds of votes and readers were passionate about sharing their favorite things in Santa Cruz with others.

We’ll make this a regular feature, so keep your favorites in mind for next year.

Thanks for reading, Brad Kava

ASK NICOLE Helping Children Cope With Traumatic Events

BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW This month’s article is a re-run, partly because I’m on vacation, but mostly because the topic is still very relevant.

According to the Gun Violence Archive — which defines a mass shooting as four or more people (not including the attacker) shot or killed in a single incident —there were at least 230 mass shootings in the US between January 1 and May 30, 2022.

The shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas was the 213th incident, which means 17 (!) more mass shootings occurred in the week after that. We may have different beliefs about the problem and solution, but I hope we can agree that our children and future generations deserve better than this.

This monthly column provides tips for anyone who’s helping raise children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email me at triplep@first5scc.org.

Dear Nicole, I’ve been really scared and stressed lately.

Every day there’s another horrible story in the news or social media about mass shootings or children and families being separated or deported. I used to think I could shield my kids from the news, but they’re hearing about these things through their friends and social media.

They’re afraid something bad will happen to our family, and I feel like a liar when I tell them everything will be ok. What can I do?

- MJ Dear MJ, Thank you for asking this question. It’s difficult for many adults to cope with crises and traumatic events. It’s often harder for children and teens – especially if they already view the world as unsafe because of abuse, neglect, bullying, or discrimination – since they might not have the skills and support to cope with extreme stress and trauma. Here are some tips to try:

Provide a safe, loving home environment.

It’s important for children to know that their parents and caregivers love them and will do everything they can to keep them safe. Spend quality time talking, playing, reading, eating meals, or cuddling together.

Maintain your regular morning, mealtime, and bedtime routines as much as possible.

Consistent routines create predictability, which can be very reassuring to children and teens, especially in stressful times.

Watch for signs of emotional distress.

Children (and adults) have a wide range of feelings and reactions to traumatic events, including anger, fear, sadness, confusion, guilt, depression, and anxiety. Some children express themselves verbally, while others are quiet or withdrawn. Sometimes, children’s behaviors speak louder than words. Crying, angry outbursts,

and difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating are common signs that children and teens are in emotional pain.

Provide opportunities for children to express their feelings.

If children and teens want to talk, listen to their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

Encourage them to ask questions, and answer with age-appropriate information.

Young children may need help putting their feelings into words, while older children and teens may want concrete reassurance – or have their own ideas – about what can be done to restore a sense of safety at home, school, and in the community. If children or teens don’t want to (or can’t) talk, encourage them to express themselves through art, music, picture books, or imaginary play.

Monitor children’s exposure to news, social media, and adult conversations.

While being aware of current events is important, constant exposure to

negative news can contribute to increased anxiety and fears. When young children see or hear repeated news coverage of a traumatic event, they might believe it’s happening repeatedly or close by. And even if they don’t understand what’s being said, children can sense and react to their caregivers’ emotions. Older children and teens are more likely to be able to understand what’s being said, which could lead to feeling hopeless or a lack of control over their friends’ and family’s safety.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Notice your emotions and take a break from the news when you feel overwhelmed, anxious or angry. Set a good example by telling your kids how you’re feeling and saying you need to take care of yourself. Then find a healthy outlet for those feelings – e.g. exercising, meditating, deep breathing, praying, reading, talking to someone, journaling, or just sitting quietly by yourself.

FINAL THOUGHTS

It’s often easier to let fear rule our heads and hearts instead of love and compassion.

Teaching children (and ourselves) tools to cope with distress might not stop traumatic events from happening again, but it can help restore a sense of safety and hope for a better future.  Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 18 and 22, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program.

Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit http://triplep.first5scc.org, www. facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

We’re here to help!

If your family has little or no cash and needs help with housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical coverage, you may be eligible to receive immediate support.

3 Ways to Apply 1. Apply At: www.mybenefitscalwin.org COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT

2. Visit Our Customer Service Centers • 1020 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz • 18 W. Beach St., Watsonville Monday-Friday 8am-5pm TTY for Hearing Impaired: 831-454-4763

3. Call Us: 888-421-8080

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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YOUTH WRITER Students Witness Supreme Court History

BY GRACE TIMAN

“

Being too young to vote, and old enough to be affected by a policy puts you in an interesting position. At this in-between age, it can feel helpless at times.

Throughout my teenage years, one thing that has characterized my interests is a passion to fight for what I believe in, in any capacity possible. As I move through life I am learning what exactly this means for my life and how to get involved in a productive manner.

When I found out about the recent leak of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, I was on a school trip to Washington D.C. I was with all of my friends and you could immediately see the shock that shrouded the room.

Being too young to vote, and old enough to be affected by a policy puts you in an interesting position. At this in-between age, it can feel helpless at times. We are constantly told by adults that our generation will be the change, that is our job to fix the problems that have been left behind. We hear this calling almost daily, yet without the capacity to vote it can be frustrating. It brings up the question, what can we as teenagers even do?

In D.C. we were interviewing people working in public service in different regards, everyone from senators to museum curators. Throughout all interviews, there was a theme that today’s problems are integral for our generation to work on and resolve. We took advantage of the opportunity to be in such a significant place and went to the Supreme Court to observe, learn and participate in the protest. This was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had. Everyone is passionate, it’s hard not to get aggravated by these opposing opinions. The adults stressed

to us the importance of supporting one another as opposed to arguing with the other side.

Fighting for this cause made me so emotional. It felt hopeless, like my actions were insignificant, especially due to my age. It wasn’t until hours after the protest that I got a message that I was on the cover of the New York Times.

Just hours ago, it felt like I couldn’t make a major impact as a teenager, but there I was on one of the biggest media outlets in the world fighting for something I believed in. After this experience, we carried a new perspective into the interviews, asking all of these individuals how we could further make the change as teenagers.

As I mentioned before, throughout the interviews we noticed a plethora of overlapping lessons. The main takeaways we gained as a group were first, to never be complacent. As teenagers, and in this case, specifically as women, we can no longer assume that our rights are guaranteed. Secondly, we were told to pick one issue we care about deeply and then put all of our energy into finding solutions. Finally, find places where our work is going to make an impact in a palatable yet sizable way. We were encouraged to do deeper research, for example finding local smaller nonprofits with fewer resources in which our time, money, and talents would be put to use in a more direct application. Overall, we must always continue the fight and work to move progress forward.

You Are Not Alone A Letter From the Art Director|Managing Editor

BY CHRISTY SHULTS The day the paper was to be sent to the printer was also the day the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade and gave guns more rights than women in one fell swoop. I cried for my daughters, nieces, and every other person born with a uterus—the day consumed by anger, frustration, fear, sadness, and discouragement. A numbness fell over me between the tears and commiserating with female friends. What alternate reality is this? I could shout at the top of my lungs, but the only ones who would hear me were my sisters. It's like

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screaming and fighting in a dream, but you have no voice, and your flailing arms have no force. I'm helpless; I have no control. I wish I could be one of those clever heroes in a movie who plays out the perfect plan to do good and stop the foreseeable trauma that will affect so many lives.

Some people celebrated. Their personal ideologies won over the autonomy of one's own body. This decision was not about babies because if it had been, there would be a discussion about accessibility to healthcare, childcare, food, and

JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

“

It's like screaming and fighting in a dream, but you have no voice, and your flailing arms have no force. I'm helpless; I have no control..

mental health services. This decision was about controlling women. Abortion will not disappear. Those states immediately banning abortion are creating a death sentence for those with an ectopic pregnancy, a septic uterus, a miscarriage that your body will not release (a stone baby), victims of incest and rape, and every other situation that would require a safe abortion.

Our rights as women have been stripped. Our human rights and those of

so many others are in jeopardy. However, there is always hope. We must never stop fighting to regain our rights. What does the good fight look like? Speaking your truth; letter campaigns, protests, raising funds, and most importantly, education.

If you are not of voting age, you can still do all of these, and when you can vote, vote like your life depends on it because it does.

Send your opinion to editor@growinupsc.com

LOCAL NEWS Task Force Releases LGBTQ+ Booklist for School Libraries

BY SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION A task force convened by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education has released a booklist called the “Top 40 LGBTQ+ Books that Every School Library Should Have,” a project undertaken as part of a commitment to safety and inclusiveness for LGBTQ+ students The final list of 40 books includes fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, anthologies and picture books. Ten titles were selected for each of the gradespans of PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

“When students see themselves reflected back in culture, curriculum, and media they are empowered to work harder and dream bigger,” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah. “We hope this list serves as useful resource for schools here in Santa Cruz County and beyond, especially during a moment in which some are actively working to censor LGBTQ+ voices from our classrooms.”

The LGBTQ+ Book Selection Task Force was made up of 16 people including public and school librarians, a student, educators, and representatives from Bookshop Santa Cruz who have regularly met since February. Selection criteria included that the main character must be part of the LGBTQ+ community and positively represented; that the book must be wellwritten and include a complex storyline, represent different genders, ethnicities and sexual orientations; and that the book was published in the past 10 years.

The decision to convene the selection committee emerged from a local studentled project to highlight LGBTQ+ books as well as requests from educators across the state.

In 2020, transgender student Q Licht created the Purple Sticker Project during his freshman year at Scotts Valley High School after noticing the lack of representation at many libraries and bookstores.

“I didn’t see myself reflected in books,” Licht said. “Any books with LGBTQ+ representation were out of the way – they were way at the top of bookshelves out of reach or at the bottom collecting dust.”

Licht worked with the school librarian at Soquel High School to place square purple stickers on LGBTQ+ books and to create an ongoing list of media.

During a similar time frame, Rob Darrow, LGBTQ+ Support Consultant for the Santa Cruz COE and a member of the Santa Cruz Safe School Project (SSP), was hearing from educators around the state about the need for a recommended LGBTQ+ booklist organized by grade level and aligned to state curriculum standards and frameworks. Following an LGBTQ+ Town Hall webinar in October 2021 sponsored by the Santa Cruz COE, Darrow spoke with Q about the idea of extending the Purple Sticker Project to a

countywide effort.

“The next phase will be finding the funding to purchase these books for all of the school libraries throughout Santa Cruz County and to notify the authors about their book selections so hopefully we can have these authors visit our area in the future,” Darrow said. In addition, the COE has allocated funds this summer to support teachers to create curriculum guides to incorporate the books into lessons. The curriculum resources are expected to be ready by October, LGBTQ+ history month.

Organizations that have supported the booklist project include the Santa Cruz COE, the Queer Youth Task Force, the Safe Schools Project, and Bookshop Santa Cruz.

The booklist can be viewed online at sccoe. link/lgbtqbooks. A recording of Tuesday’s announcement is available on the Santa Cruz COE YouTube channel.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

TOP 10 LGBTQ+ BOOKS

BY GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN JUNE 2022 Grades: PreK-2

Grades: 3-5

Grades: 6-8

Grades: 9-12

A Family is a Family is a Family

Ana on the Edge

High Five for Glenn Burke

O’LEARY, SARA (QIN LENG, ILLUST.)

A.J. SASS

PHIL BILDNER

Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy

Beetle and the Hollowbones

Flamer

ALIZA LAYNE

MIKE CURATO

Cattywampus

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

2016

NAMED PENELOPE PATTERSON, JODIE 2021

Cuando Amamos Cantamos/ When We Love Someone We Sing to Them

2020

2020

ASH VAN OTTERLOO 2020

Derby Daredevils #1: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team

2020

A Queer History of the United States for Young People MICHAEL BRONSKI 2019

Anger is a Gift

2020

MARK OSHIRO 2018

Cemetery Boys

ASHLEY BLAKE HERRING

AIDEN THOMAS

2018

2020

King and the Dragonflies

Gender Queer

KIT ROSEWATER & SOPHIE ESCABASSE

KACEN CALLENDAR

MAIA KOBABE

Grandad's Camper

Goldie Vance: The Hotel

Redwood and Ponytail

Heartstopper Series 1-4

HARRY WOODGATE

WHODUNIT LILLIAM RIVERA

HOLT, K.A.

ALICE OSEMAN

MARTÍNEZ, ERNESTO J, MAYA C. GONZALEZ, AND FELICIANO J. G. MARTÍNEZ 2018

2021

2020

2020

Ho’onani: Hula Warrior

High Five for Glenn Burke

GALE, HEATHER, AND MIKA SONG

PHIL BILDNER

2019

Julían is a Mermaid JESSICA LOVE 2018

Sewing the Rainbow PITMAN, GAYLE E 2018

Stella Brings the Family MIRIAM B. SCHIFFER 2015

When Aidan Became a Brother KYLE LUKOFF (KAYLANI JUANITA, ILLUS.) 2019

Who's Your Real Mum? GREEN, BERNADETTE

2020

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag ROB SANDERS 2018

Rabbit Chase ELIZABETH LAPENSEE 2022

Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman

2020

The Girl from the Sea MOLLY OSTERTAG 2021

The Magic Fish TRUNG LE NGUYEN

2019

The Henna Wars ADIBA JAIGIRDAR 2020

Last Night at the Telegraph Club

2020

MALINDO LO

The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James

Pet

ASHLEY BLAKE HERRING 2019

This Is Our Rainbow KATHERINE LOCKE 2021

2021

Too Bright to See

The Moon Within

2021

AIDA SALAZAR

2019

KYLE LUKOFF

2021

AKWAEKE EMEZI 2019

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them JUNAUDA PETRUS 2020

Ziggy, Stardust and Me JAMES BRANDON 2019

2019

2020

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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ready to rock?   

Campus Tour Wednesday, July 20, 10:00am

Do you want to be the coolest parent ever? Get skate lessons today!

We offer private one-on-ones, group, party, and camp lessons!

All ages / Skill level accepted!

lukesskatelessons.com 8

JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

BIRTH MATTERS Six Healthy Birth Practices

BY LAURA MAXSON LM Parents looking to develop a birth plan can often feel a little bit lost, wondering where to start, and what do I want? Lamaze International’s Six Healthy Birth Practices is a great place to start. Lamaze has a rich history of supporting parents in childbirth since the 1960's. The Lamaze website provides parents with vital information including the Giving Birth with Confidence blog, videos, and many articles about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

LAMAZE HEALTHY BIRTH PRACTICES  Let labor begin on its own.  Walk, move around, and change positions throughout labor.  Bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous support.  Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.  Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.  Keep mother and baby together – It’s best for mother, baby, and breastfeeding.

When implemented, these six evidence-based practices mean less high-tech medical-model care and more low-tech midwifery-model care; fewer surgeries and more time allocated to laboring; more naturally starting labors, with fewer inductions; and more power to pregnant families, and less to care providers.

Facilities and providers accepting and implementing these steps can help initiate the paradigm shift sorely needed in childbirth.

In the United States, technology and the medical model have long been the norm. Procedures and interventions adopted (often without adequate research) have proven difficult to change. Decades of medical tradition and cumbersome hospital protocols often wedge parents and care providers into power struggles and turf wars. Individual practitioners and parents together will be the ones to turn the tide. Change, however, often triggers roadblocks from a variety of directions. In other words - it’s political.

Parents can get a conversation started and figure out how to best incorporate these six ideas into their birth plan. Routine recommendations don’t necessarily meet everyone’s needs. Ask questions and make your birth plan individualized. Go to Lamaze.org for more indepth exploration of each of these steps.

LET LABOR BEGIN ON ITS OWN.

Induction of labor more than doubled between 1990 and 2005 with no corresponding increase in medical need, resulting in poor outcomes for babies born between 37

and 39 weeks. This caused the March of Dimes and others to initiate programs to decrease the number of labors induced before 39 weeks with good results.

Walk, move around, and change positions throughout labor.

Tethered to the bed by IV lines, electronic fetal monitors and epidurals, many in labor are denied the ability to use one of their most powerful tools - movement. Not moving can increase labor pain, leading to other interventions.

Bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous support.

Although birth doulas are proven to shorten labors and diminish the need for interventions including cesarean surgery, they are routinely discouraged by some practitioners, outright banned at some hospitals, and rarely covered by insurance. John Kennell, MD, said, “If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.

After routine episiotomy was found to cause more harm than good, it took 30 years to fully change protocols, and there are still some doctors who routinely perform episiotomies with no medical indication.

Rupturing the bag of waters, IVs, routine electronic fetal monitors, and many more interventions that ought to be used based only on medical need are instead routinely performed in many hospitals and by many care providers.

Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.

Women are often asked to push in the position most convenient for the practitioner. Utilize the squat bar, birth stool, and other more upright positions, such as hands and knees or a birth stool, to help push effectively.

Keep mother and baby together - it’s best for mother, baby, and breastfeeding. Baby-Friendly practices in all three Santa Cruz County hospitals are helping families get breastfeeding off to a good start. Skin-to-skin is respected and encouraged for the first hours after birth.

Birthing people are better served when aware of the limitations and influences of current obstetric practices on low-risk pregnancies. Check out the many resources at Lamaze, March of Dimes, and Birth Network’s listing of local providers including: doulas, midwives, childbirth educators, and so many more.

Free Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices videos - www.Lamaze.org Birth Network provides a listing of providers - www.birthnet.org: Meet the Doulas (virtual) – July 20, 7pm - www.mtd2022.eventbrite.com

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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We asked you to send us your favorite places to bring your kids and to do special things with your families…and man, did you ever respond.

We got so many great suggestions that we will make this an annual feature and next year, we’ll add in some of our favorites (although we do that every issue and on our website, growingupsc.com) Thanks to everyone who nominated and voted. Some of these businesses didn’t submit nominations and didn’t even know they had won. That really shows us and them that you cared enough to let all of our readers know the places you love most.

Thanks for helping out!

the editors

CAMPS

ICE CREAM

(IAD)

LUNCH

320 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.466.0458 info@iadance.com iadance.com

mounthermon.org/afterschool/

taqueriavallartaonline.com

MUSIC

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS

PIZZA

MountainMusicSchoolSV.com

DAY CAMPS

Mount Hermon After School Adventure

Marianne’s Ice Cream mariannesicecream.com/

Taqueria Vallarta

Mount Hermon

Redwood Pizzaria

mounthermon.org

6205 CA-9, Felton

DINING

SUSHI

BAKERY

TAQUERIA

The Buttery

702 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831-458-3020 butterybakery.com

COFFEE SHOP Coffee Cat

lulucarpenters.com/coffee-cat

DELI

Erik’s Delicafé

Order.EriksDeliCafe.com

Thank you for voting Erik’s as your Favorite Deli! Our pledge of a warm and inviting atmosphere, and quality food served fast with friendly service has been the same for over 45 years. Our sandwiches, soups, and salads are made with fresh, quality ingredients and are full of “character”.

Sushi San

6231 Graham Hill Rd, Felton

Taqueria Vallarta

taqueriavallartaonline.com

TO GO

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

kiantis.com Voted 1st place in To Go! Offering curbside, take out and delivery for our entire menu including Kianti’s signature cocktails and Kianti’s handcrafted tequila, rum, gin and vodkas. Take home family style meals or delicious catering dishes. Visit kiantis.com or call 831-469-4400. Thank you Santa Cruz for your votes!

EXTRA CURRICULAR AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Mountain Music School Mountain Music School is thrilled to be a Family Favorite Business this year! We are also celebrating 5 years of music education this summer, and none of it would have been possible without our incredible community of students and families. Thank you for choosing us as your music school!

SPORT

JuneBug’s Gym

831-464-BUGS (2847) june@junebugsgym.com junebugsgym.com

JuneBug's Gym is a fun and safe place for children to explore movement and learn FUNdamental motor skill development and gain foundational gymnastic skills on gymnastic equipment. We offer classes from crawling to 8 years old, birthday parties, Open Gym, and Parents Night Out. Come join the FUN!

SWIMMING

Cougar Swim School cougarswimschool.com/

THEATRE

Cabrillo Stage

Cowboy Bar & Grill

Mount Hermon After School Adventure

feltoncowboy.com/

mounthermon.org/afterschool/

Crocker Theater 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos 831-479-6154 cabrillostage.com

FINE DINING

ART

FAMILY SERVICES

crowsnest-santacruz.com/

245 Sea Ridge Road Aptos 831-588-5412 info@blueappleart.com blueappleart.com

BANKS

DINNER

Crow’s Nest Restaurant

GROCERY STORE

Wild Roots Market 6240 CA-9, Felton 13159 Central Ave, Boulder Creek wildrootsmarket.com 10

Blue Apple Art

DANCE

International Academy of Dance

JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

Bay Federal Credit Union bayfed.com

HOUSE OF WORSHIP Twin Lakes Church tlc.org

FAMILY FAVORITES INSURANCE Jim Flynn State Farm

statefarm.com/agent/us/ca/felton/jim-flynnw6wtb1ys000?cmpid=buhq_blm_0001

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kassandra Thomsen Photography kassandrathomsen.com

REALTOR

Cari Wade David Lyng Real Estate cariwade.com

Thank you kindly for your votes! Your confidence in me is truly appreciated! After 16 years in the business, I still love what I do. But it’s really all about YOU! Buying or selling? Know someone who is? I can help!

HEALTH DENTIST

Alison K. Jackson, DDS Children’s Dentistry santacruzkidsdentist.com

Thank you for voting us your favorite dentist! We’ve all been through a lot during the past two years. It’s good to know that one thing will never change - we will always do

everything we can to keep your kids healthy and happy!

Call us and schedule an appointment soon!

THERAPIST

FITNESS

relationalresources.org/

Toadal Fitness

information@toadalfitness.com toadalfitness.com Down Town: 831-423-3764 Live Oak: 831-464-3764 Cabrillo: 831-475-5979 Scotts Valley: 831-430-9200 Westside: 831-466-3764”

HOSPITAL

Relational Resources

OUTDOORS AMUSMENT PARK

Santa Cuz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz 831-460-3395 sondra@scseaside.com beachboardwalk.com

Sutter Health- Santa Cruz Center 2025 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz (831) 458-5537

Honored to be voted Favorite Amusement Park. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is open daily. Buy your wristbands online and visit weekdays, and save $30 per person! Buy a Season Pass online and save $10, it pays for itself in two visits! beachboardwalk.com

PEDIATRITIANS

BEACH

sutterhealth.org

Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF)

Seabright State Beach

sutterhealth.org/pamf/services/pediatric

1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz parks.ca.gov

REPRODUCTIVE

HIKING

1119 Pacific Ave #200, Santa Cruz 831-425-0106 Plannedparenthood.org

parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546

Planned Parenthood

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Thanks For Voting Us #1 Thank you for voting Erik’s!

Favorite Deli Erik’s DeliCafé

Aptos • Capitola • Santa Cruz • Scotts Valley • Watsonville www.eriksdelicafe.com 25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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FAMILY FAVORITES PERSONAL CARE

BIKE SHOPS

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

HAIR SALON

epicentercycling.com/

4858 Scotts Valley Drive #B, Scotts Valley 831-234-0606

Little Trends

Santa Cruz and Capitola Santa Cruz : (831) 423-3349 Capitola: (831) 476-6109 info@pacific-trading-co.com pacific-trading-co.com/

Epicentter Cycling

Faith’s Hair Studio

CHILDREN’S CLOTHES

SPA

1052 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville 831-536-5070 info@littletrendsllc.com littletrendsboutique.com Children’s clothing store

Yoso Wellness Spa yosowellness.com

PETS

GIFT SHOP

Pacific Trading Co.

Thank you for your votes and ongoing support of our local, family-owned boutiques! We have been family owned and operated since 1985. We offer a curated collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories from the best designers and brands. Thank you for your support!

The Farm Bakery Cafe & Gifts

KENNEL

thefarmbakerycafe.com/

SCHOOLS

HOME DÉCOR

CHARTER SCHOOL

2625 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, (831) 475-1580 1hotelfordogs@gmail.com bedandbiscuits.com

Simpatico

6223 Hwy 9, Felton simpatico-ca.com

3004 Mission Street, Santa Cruz (831) 479-7785 pacificcollegiate.com/

PET SUPPLIES

Scarborough Gardens scarboroughgardens.com/

Bed & Biscuits Groomingdales

Felton Feed & Pet Supply 6221 , Highway 9, Felton8

Thank you Growing Up SC readers for voting our little family owned shop 1st place for pet supplies in Family Favorite businesses for 2022. We are beyond humbled and extremely honored to carry on a local tradition over 25 years strong and we couldn’t do it without this amazing community!

VETERNARIAN

Jeanne Koploy, DMV Del Mar Pet Hospital 7525 Sunset Way, Aptos (831) 688-2016 delmarpethospital@gmail.com delmarpethospital.com

RESOURCES

NURSERY/GARDEN SKATE/SURF

Skateworks Santa Cruz 131 Center St Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831427-4292 skateworks.com

ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND HIGH SCHOOL San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District (SLVUSD) slvusd.org

TEEN CLOTHING

We are proud to have SLVUSD schools recognized as the best schools to attend in Growing Up Santa Cruz. These accolades confirm what we in the Valley already know is the best place for students and staff. We thank everyone for the support they provide in making us SLV STRONG!

222 Mt Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley

PRESCHOOL

TOYS

baymonte.org/academics/preschool/

Cali Style

Wonderland Toys & Classroom Resources 19B Rancho Del Mar, Aptos (831) 316-7261 info@wonderlandsantacruz.com wonderlandsantacruz.com

LANDSCAPE

Good Earth Landscape and Design

831-359-6211 info@goodearthlandscapedesign.com goodearthlandscapedesign.com

RADIO STATION KZSC

1156 High Street, Santa Cruz 831-459-2811 KZSC.org

RETAIL ART SUPPLIES

Palace Art & Office Supply palaceartsupply.com/

BABY

Zinnia’s

zinniasgiftboutique.com/ 12

Pacific Collegiate School

JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

Baymonte Preschool

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Baymonte Christian School baymonte.org

FAMILY FAVORITES

Thank you for Voting Us #1 6221 hIGHWAY 9, fELTON

831 335 1212

THANK YOU!!!

I cherish all of you who have supported me. What a wonderful community we live in.

I can’t do what I do without YOU!

Cari Wade Broker Associate

David Lyng Real Estate DRE 01752804

831.234.5314

cari@davidlyng.com www.cariwade.com

HOMES ARE MY BUSINESS. THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? I CAN HELP!

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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SantaCruzParksandRec.com

SUMMER

REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!

Summer Camps • Junior Guards • Classes • And Much More!

SUMMER READING PROGRAM PROGRAMA DE LECTURA DE VERANO santacruzpl.org/srp

SUMMER READING PROGRAM PROGRAMA DE LECTURA DE VERANO santacruzpl.org/srp June 1 - July 31 • 1 de junio - 31 de julio Earn a book and raffle entries for reading this summer.

Complete activities to collect virtual badges and earn extra raffle entries. $10 Atlantis Fantasyworld credit upon sign-up for kids & teens! Adults who sign up before June 17th receive a raffle entry for a chance to see Santa Cruz Shakespeare!

Gana un libro y entradas a la rifa por leer este verano.

Completa las actividades para colectar medallas virtuales y entradas extras a la rifa. ¡$10 crédito de Atlantis Fantasyworld para niños y adolescentes al registrarse! ¡ Los adultos que se registran antes del 17th de junio reciben una entrada para participar en la rifa y tendrán la oportunidad de ver una actuación en Shakespeare Santa Cruz!

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JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

—

®

COUNTY SCOOP Help Save Watsonville Community Hospital Not only is it the place most babies are born, but it provides invaluable emergency services countywide.

BY TONY NUÑEZ When news broke late last year that Watsonville Community Hospital was facing imminent closure there was a panic among people that understood what the loss of the 106-bed acute care facility would mean for local health care. Quickly, a coalition of public entities and nonprofits—now known as the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project—formed to purchase the hospital and stave off what would have been a catastrophe for the Central Coast.

The hospital employs 620 people and has a medical staff of over two hundred physicians. It provides a range of services to roughly 70,000 residents in the Pajaro Valley, including an emergency room, OB-GYN, pediatrics, medical-surgical care, wound care, gastroenterology, orthopedics and cardiovascular care. And it provides these services to some of the most vulnerable populations: Around 80% of its patients are on MediCal and Medicare—this includes older adults living on fixed income, and bluecollar workers and their families that are the foundation of our service and agriculture industries.

In addition, Watsonville Community Hospital delivers more babies than any other hospital in the county.

Leadership from the County of Santa Cruz, City of Watsonville, Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley and Salud Para La Gente have raised roughly 75% of the $63 million needed to complete the purchase of the hospital by a fastapproaching Aug. 31 deadline.

Jurisdictions such as Santa Cruz ($5.5 million) and Monterey ($3M) counties have already chipped in. So, too, have health care organizations: Kaiser Permanente ($3M), the Central California Alliance for Health ($3M), Stanford Children’s Hospital ($1M), Blue Shield of California ($1M), and Dominican Hospital ($300,000) have all contributed. And, not to be outdone, the Pajaro Valley community—and the greater Santa Cruz County—has also pitched in. Driscoll’s berry company ($1.75M), Dobler & Sons ($100K), the hospital’s medical staff ($55K), the Chinese Community of Watsonville ($50K), Rowland and Pat Rebele ($50K), and the Simpkins family ($50K) have all made significant donations.

Along with these monetary investments, our state representatives have pulled off Herculean tasks to get us to this point. This includes State Senators John Laird and Anna Caballero, and Assemblymembers Robert Rivas and Mark Stone.

In all, around 300 donors, advocates and contributors—big and small— have realized that losing Watsonville Community Hospital would be devastating for our region.

Three months ago I was appointed by the County’s Board of Supervisors to the Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD), the new public agency tasked with providing oversight of the hospital once the purchase is completed. I serve alongside John Friel, former CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital who has overseen multiple California health care district hospitals; Jasmine Nájera, licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience working for the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency; Dr. Katie Gabriel-Cox, OB/ GYN Chief of Watsonville Community Hospital and with Salud Para La Gente; and Marcus Pimentel, fiscal expert and a former Board member of Salud Para La Gente currently serving as Budget Manager for Santa Cruz County.

Together, we have worked tirelessly with a stellar group of consultants to complete the purchase of the hospital.

Importantly, we believe we have a clear, strong, and achievable roadmap to not only buy the hospital but turn it around after more than two decades of jarring administrative turnover and ensure that Pajaro Valley residents have access to the health care that they deserve.

Some of the initiatives we plan to implement to increase revenue include strengthening billing procedures, resulting in reduced denials of payments; adjusting the hospital’s billed charges to better align with insurance reimbursement; and renegotiating commercial insurance contracts.

Initiatives relating to decreasing expenses include improving in cost of supplies; aligning physician payments to market rates; and more efficient staff scheduling. Other initiatives include subletting of vacant non-hospital space; using excess space for skilled nursing, rehabilitative services, or behavioral health care; and building volume through physician recruitment and health care partnerships.

The hospital has undergone 21 administrative turnovers in as many years. This volatility has made it all but impossible to adequately serve the community and run a sustainable operation. Our new not-for-profit model will give us access to funding sources that were previously unavailable to the hospital, and it will give the community oversight of the direction of the hospital. Perhaps most importantly, it

will also guarantee that all of the profits will be reinvested back into the facility and the community.

If you have not yet donated, I urge you to do so. Don’t think of your contribution as charity. Rather, think of it as an investment into a promising startup that will provide a sustainable service. Because of our hard-working, nose-to-the-grindstone mentality, we Pajaro Valley residents don’t often ask for help. But this situation is the exception. We need help to accomplish this feat. I’m asking everyone in Santa Cruz County—and the greater Central Coast and Bay Area—to help us complete the purchase of Watsonville Community Hospital. The health of your neighbors, coworkers, employees, friends, and family depend on it.  Tony Nuñez is a member of the Board of Directors for the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, regional newspaper editor and lifelong resident of Watsonville. Contact Nuñez at tony. nunez@pvhcd.org. For information on the health care district, visit PVHCD. org. To donate to the Project, visit PVHDP.org.

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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GOT REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS? l, ngth creationa s! e r t s l, re amp ild’s ur ch preschoo well as c in June o y s r offe s, as tch a rting d wa oars! We ogram AMPS sta s, open n r a p s s s Join u nfidence ymnastic UMMER C cs lesson more g o t S ti and c mpetitive g weekly e gymnas crafts! Ge o n d d i c r u n l e sa . inc and l be off .com game il amps We w s 5–12. C e, group r at scgym e te tim for ag gym and regis o inf

16

Let’s Talk!

831 238 0504

Valerie Mishkin Realtor 831.238.0504 | 831.426.4100 Cal Dre# 02092111 VMishkin@BaileyProperties.com ValerieMishkin.MyHomeHQ.biz

EDUCATION 5 Easy Steps to Prepare For Wildfires

BY SUSAN TATSUI-D’ARCY

From parenting to local events to monthly guides and everything in between.

Children, and adults, are anxious about the negative effects of wildfires and climate-related disasters. The uncertainty of when they will strike and the restrictions it puts on after-school activities, family vacations, and even onsite classes are taking its toll on all of us.

I recently hosted the North Rodeo Gulch Firewise event to encourage residents to take action to mitigate wildfires. With over 17 expert speakers from Supervisor Manu Koenig to Central Fire’s top brass to SC County Sheriff to ARES (ham radio), they addressed concerns and offered excellent tips on how to navigate the upcoming fire season.

My daughter, Dr. Nicole D’Arcy, ER physician at Valley Medical Center in San Jose, spoke about how to treat burns and injuries when emergency aid is not available. Sean Gomez, my 9 -grade student, spoke about his cyber deck project that can give us vital information when we are cut off from all forms of communication.

You can watch the entire presentation at NRGfirewise.com/events. th

Here are the 5 steps you can take now to prepare for the inevitable wildfires – and to ease your stress knowing that you are proactive in protecting your family and home.

PACK GO-BAG

Besides food, water, meds, toiletries and clothing, add these vital items: butterfly bandages, duct tape, ACE wrap, headlamp, tweezers, gauze, antibiotics ointment/medi-honey, goggles, respirator N95 masks, the list of all

your medications, and all your essential prescriptions (inhalers, EpiPens, heart medications). Keep these in your bag so you’re always prepared.

SIGN UP FOR CODERED

This reverse 9-1-1 system will alert you about emergency evacuations, severe weather, missing persons, and more. You’ll be notified by cell phone or landline. Go to scr911.org to sign up.

PURCHASE A MURS RADIO When your power goes off and/or you lose cell phone reception, you will be able to communicate with neighbors using the MURS radio system to get emergency updates from the OR3, fire department, sheriff/police, etc. We recommend the Dakota Alert or the BaoFeng UV-82C radios. You don’t need a license to use these radios and you can talk to ham radio operators to relay your emergencies.

CLEAR ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS 5 FEET AROUND YOUR HOUSE

Remove all wood, plastic, or anything that is flammable that touches your house and work your way outward 5 feet. That means your patio set, stacks of firewood, planter boxes, and any vegetation. I just cut 100-feet of gorgeous wisteria that completely wrapped around my house. The fire inspector told me the vines would act like a wick to ignite my house; that’s all I needed to hear before I pulled out my shears.

REDUCE FIRE RISK BY

LIMBING UP TREES AND CLEARING ROADWAYS

Think about what you can do to keep wildfires from igniting on your property. Limb up tree branches to 6-10 feet from the ground. Thin trees so their canopies don’t touch each other.

Weed whack brush to 2”-4” tall. Clear trees and overhanging branches so a fire apparatus can safely drive up your roads.

The road should be cleared at least 26 feet wide and at least 13 feet 6 inches tall.

Fire fighters will not drive up roads that are unsafe for their teams. Work with your neighbors to clear your roads and maintain them.

Create a plan that gives you several months to complete your fire prevention preparation. Lay it out in your planner or calendar; having it written will help ensure that you get it done. Continue to make plans into the future so you can take steps that work within your budget and free time.

Check out NRGfirewise.com for resources and more tips.

 Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy is the founder of Merit Academy (one-on-one classes) and Merit Educational Consultants (college and educational advisory).

She is the leader of the North Rodeo Gulch Firewise community. She has written books on projects, free child care, education, and parenting. Susan hosts TEDxMeritAcademy for students to present their innovative projects and solutions. In 2019, she was California Mother of the Year. meritworld.com

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Nurturing a love of learning and respect for self, others, and our world.

Welcome Dr. Wendy Green!, ND Specializing in holistic pediatric care and women's health.

­

Now enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year for children 18 months to 14 years More information at scms.org or call 831-476-1646

DISCOVER THE JOY OF LEARNING AT

Take a break from the heat and hang from your feet

Summer CAMP Cirque Camp Ages 4-6

To sign up call 831-515-7241 or use Cirque Camp Ages 6-12 the Mind Body app or Mindbody.com under $400 enrollment

$300

CIRQUE CAMP (AGES 4-6) JULY 19-23

Cheer- Prep teams forming now Deadline to register is July 15th Rec dates TBA soon

Kirby School is a 6th-12th grade independent school serving families in Santa Cruz and beyond for over 25 years.

We offer a Summer Program, Tuition Assistance, and a Test-free Application process.

Visit KIRBY.ORG to learn more.

18

JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

Cirque: Obstacle Courses, silks, hammock, trapeze lyra and more…

Cirque, Tumble, Cheer is proud to announce the opening of CTC fitness, located 2 doors down. Featuring…

Kirby School 425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 KIRBY.ORG admissions@kirby.org

Personal Training gym Neuromuscular Massage Yoga Classes Everyday I’m shuffling classes Space to rent for dance concrete floor, yoga- carpet foam bonded floor, personal training gym.

Acrobatic Pole coming soon

YOUR HOME

Jim Booth Swim School

Is the Santa Cruz Real Estate Market Toast?

We are looking forAMAZING PEOPLE to help young people become SUPER SWIMMERS Monday-Wednesday 3:00-8:00pm Tuesday-Thursday 3:00-8:00pm Saturday 8:30 am-1:00pm $18 to $26 per hour Our training course will prepare you to be a great teacher You don't have to be a great swimmer- just a caring person 10 hours or more per week, year-round!

High school students can teach after school.

CALL US! (831) 722-3500

BY SEB FREY What a difference a few months makes! It was just this past March when I wrote an article for Growing Up in Santa Cruz asking if the Santa Cruz real estate market was boiling over. As I write this in June, nobody’s asking that question anymore.

Instead, everyone seems to be asking if the market is headed for some kind of crash.

And that’s a fair question, because anecdotally and numerically, it’s apparent that the Santa Cruz County real estate market – and every market across the country that I’m aware of – has hit the brakes. Whether it has hit a wall too remains to be seen.

I’ve heard countless stories from realtors near and far who report sharp decreases in open house attendance, offers received on listings, and buyer inquiries on homes for sale.

Factually, the number of homes for sale in Santa Cruz County has spiked above 2021 levels – about 25% above this time last year. The number of homes going under contract to be sold, and closing the sale, are likewise down about 25% versus this time last year.

The median single-family home price as derived from MLS listings data show that the median sale price for singlefamily homes in Santa Cruz County was $1,290,000 in May of this year…down from $1,405,000 in April of this year, and down from $1,600,000 just one month prior, in March.

However, the median price a year ago in May 2021 was an even $1,300,000 – just $10K higher than this May, so home prices have decreased less than 1% versus where they were a year ago. A lessthan-1% drop in year over year prices is weak evidence that prices have collapsed.

Although in the year since May 2021, inflation has surged to 8.6%, the highest rate in 40 years. The Federal Reserve is moving aggressively to combat inflation, by rapidly and sharply raising the interest rate it charges. While mortgage rates are not directly tied to the Federal Reserve’s lending rate, they often move up and down together in an awkward harmony.

The Fed’s rate rose by 0.25% in March, then another 0.5% in May, and now in June, the rate was increased by a further 0.75%. In only about two months, the Fed’s rate has jumped 2%. In that time, mortgage interest rates have surged almost in lockstep by equal or greater measure.

The real estate market seemed to downshift when mortgage rates started rising in early March. Then the market appeared to take a clear step back in the days following Fed’s announcement of the 0.5% rate increase in early May. Most transactions closed in May had already been in motion for contracts signed and loans locked in April.

And then, uncharacteristically for the year’s prime selling season, May saw far fewer closings than the month prior. That could be an anomaly, but May closings were also down 28% from May 2021. There’s no better number to look at to see that the market has indeed changed, because a 28% year-over-year drop in homes sold is significant.

However, the market is always changing.

It never stays the same. It goes up, and it goes down. It’s gone up by a lot, and it’s mostly stayed there so far, although it is off the highs from just a few months ago.

It’s quite possible that home prices will drop in the short term. It almost seems as they have to now, because the tremendous surge in mortgage interest rates, combined with almost stratospheric increases in home prices, have cut down affordability to the point where logic would dictate something has to give.

Many homebuyers are looking at loans in the $1 million range. But even if you’re looking at a loan of half that amount – “just” $500,000 – you’re still seeing a massive increase in monthly cost. That $500K loan was $2,108 per month on a 30year fixed mortgage when interest rates were at 3%. With interest rates at 6%, the mortgage will run you $2,998 – or almost $1,000 more a month.

While inventory remains low, it’s possible that prices will remain stable, even with 6% interest rates. But you’ll want to keep a close eye on rising inventory. If inventory does climb above the 6-8 weeks presently in Santa Cruz county - perhaps above a 3-month supply, or 12 weeks – I would expect to see prices that are clearly dropping.

Will our real estate market be able to shrug off these higher rates, or at least bear the burden without collapse? This is an open question, and we will know more in another month. Keep a sharp eye on this space to see how the market is faring we head into the long hot days of Summer.  Seb Frey was the 2019 President of the Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS. He’s been selling homes locally since 2003 and is the author of Get It Sold! (available at TheSoldBook. com) and stars on his own YouTube channel at YouTube.com/SebFreyTV

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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JULY CALENDAR SUNDAY 1

at this program, and it’s a fantastic way to begin your morning in the park. Meet at the covered picnic tables next to the visitor center. Preregistration required santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php

SUNDAY 3 International Plastic Bag Free Day Roaring Camp Railroads: Great Train Robberies 10:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jul 02.

Seacliff State Beach: Little Rangers 10:00 AM-10:30 AM See Jul 02.

MONDAY 4

SATURDAY 2 Roaring Camp Railroads: Great Train Robberies 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Witness shootouts between famed lawmen and notorious outlaws from the 1880’s aboard the Redwood Forest Train to Bear Mountain. See why the West was wild! roaringcamp.com/ Seacliff State Beach: Little Rangers 10:00 AM-10:30 AM Any and all 3 to 6 year old are invited to play games, listen to stories and songs, and learn about nature!

Smiles, laughter, and good times abound

Seacliff State Beach: Little Rangers 10:00 AM-10:30 AM See Jul 02.

SUNDAY 10

THURSDAY 7 Global Forgiveness Day Preschool Storytime on the Felton Patio 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Preschool Storytime on the Felton Patio santacruzpl. libcal.com/event/9074213”

FRIDAY 8

National Postal Workers Day You’ve got mail! Now it’s time to thank the people responsible for that.

Sunset State Beach: Junior Rangers 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Explore, hike and play games as you learn about plants, animals, and more. This 1-hour program is for kids ages 7-12 only. Please meet at the Campfire Center 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play (closed-toe shoes).

Preregistration required thatsmypark.org/ event/sunset-state-beach-junior-rangers-2/ all/?tribe_paged=1&tribe_event_display=all Strange Weather 2:00 PM-8:00 PM A print exhibition, including a selection of prints by Glenn Ligon, showing at the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery at UC Santa Cruz, with a concurrent showing at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History in downtown Santa Cruz. calendar.ucsc.edu/event/ strange_weather_contemporary_art_from_ the_collections_of_jordan_d_schnitzer_and_ his_family_foundation Año Buevo State Park Self-Guided Hikes in Seal Viewing Area 8:30 AM-3:30 PM Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour self-guided trail!

Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Bring water. Food, umbrellas, and strollers are not permitted inside the preserve. parks. ca.gov/?page_id=523 Newsies the Musical Jr. Camp 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Newsies the Musical Jr. Camp hisawyer.com/all-about-theatre/schedules/ activity-set/330269

twilight-concerts-2022 Swing Dance Lesson, Santa Cruz Waltz & Swing 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Swing Beginner Dance Lesson , Santa Cruz Waltz & Swing peggydance.weebly.com/ Summer Reading Program: Ocean Trivia Night 6:30 PM-7:30 PM Trivia Fan? Test your knowledge of our oceans with our themed trivia night. Come on your own and you’ll be teamed up with others that e vening, or bring your own team.

This family friendly event is for all ag es cityofwatsonville.org/calendar.aspx

National Love Your Skin Day Free Movies on the Beach 9:00 PM11:00 PM Come for the rides, stay for the entertainment! Enjoy FREE Movies on the Beach in front of the Colonnade every Friday evening! beachboardwalk.com/ evenings-on-the-colonnade/

SATURDAY 9 Independence Day Americans come together on July 4 to celebrate the nation’s birthday and Independence Day Roaring Camp Railroads: Great Train Robberies 10:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jul 02.

TUESDAY 5 Diverse Youth Meet Up 2:00 PM-3:00 PM santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9102203 Toddler Time 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Our Bilingual Toddler Storytime features fun songs, rhymes an d books that foster early literacy ~ this program takes place in-person a t the Freedom Branch, Meeting Room la hora de Cuentos Bilingües para Niños Pequeños cantaremos canciones divert idas y leeremos libros que fomentan la alfabetización temprana. Este prog rama se lleva a cabo en persona en la Sucursal Freedom, Sala de Reunione s los miércoles cityofwatsonville.org/calendar.aspx

WEDNESDAY 6 Capitola Summer Twilight ConcertsMike Hammar and the Nails 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit our local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/

20 JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

Teddy Bear Picnic Day Bask on a blanket in the glorious outdoors with your or your kids’ best stuffed pals.

World Premiere of The Formula 12:00 PM-12:00 PM In this world premiere, inspired by William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, an anxious young researcher experimenting with the neuroscience of attraction faces a difficult choice when an untested formula she’s been working on gets loose at her own wedding -- with spectacularly disastrous results. By swapping a lab-manufactured substance for Puck’s “love-in-idleness” flower, The Formula poses questions about the chemical and cultural forces that shape our ideas of romantic love. santacruzshakespeare.org/get-in-touch/ Seacliff State Beach: Little Rangers 10:00 AM-10:30 AM See Jul 02.

MONDAY 11 Knitting at the Library @ Felton 12:30 PM-2:00 PM Knitting at the Library @ Felton santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/8740835

Kebab Day Tantalize your taste buds one delicious kebab at a time this Kebab Day. Second Saturday Hikes 10:00 AM12:00 PM Kick off Earth Month by joining a State Parks interpreter for a casual bioblitz during a 2-mile hike through the various habitats of Butano State Park.

What is a bioblitz? It’s an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area in a short period of time. Before the hike we will show you how to use the iNaturalist app and share some tips for taking good phone photos. Our goal is to document the biodiversity of an ecosystem that is recovering from fire. Bring drinking water—none is available in the park. Preregistration is required thatsmypark.org/ event/second-saturday-hike/all/

TUESDAY 12 Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare 12:00 AM-12:00 AM Twelfth Night introduces us to Viola who is shipwrecked physically, and then introduces her to a cast of characters who are shipwrecked emotionally. Stuck in old ideas of love and grief that have grown so stale as to become something else entirely, the world of Illyria is shocked from Winter into Springtime by the passions of young Viola who disguises herself as a man in order to survive. santacruzshakespeare. org/season-2022/ Triple P Workshop: Helping Your Child Deal with Fears(for families with children with special needs) 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop for families with children with special needs to learn:

JULY CALENDAR Common reasons why children develop fears; How to help your child manage and face their fears; Coping strategies you can teach your child. Presented IN ENGLISH on Zoom by Cori Burt, Community Bridges – Mountain Community Resources. Register to get the Zoom meeting link: bit.ly/FearsJuly12 Got questions? Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-6660 x6605 or corib@cbridges. org bit.ly/Fears-July12

SATURDAY 16

WEDNESDAY 13 Nature Journal Studio 6:30 PM-8:00 PM During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions inside the Museum, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others.

We will develop observation skills and awareness of nature, improve sketching skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. Rather than an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities. Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Free with Admission* santacruzmuseum.org/7-13nature-journal-studio/” World Premiere of The Formula 12:00 PM-12:00 PM See Jul 10.

THURSDAY 14

Studie3s show doula care: results in a shorter, smoother labor, creates a more positive birth experience, reduces need for medical interventions such as pain medication a and epidurals, reduces postpartum depression, results in greater success in breastfeeding. mtd2022. eventbrite.com Registration required for login information. birthnet.org birthnet.org

questions? Contact Gladys Gómez at (831) 724-2997 x220 or gladysg@cbridges.org bit.ly/School-Behavior-July25 Knitting at the Library @ Felton 12:30 PM-2:00 PM See Jul 11.

THURSDAY 21

Triple P Workshop: Encouraging Your Child’s Self-Esteem 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn: Why it’s important for children to develop healthy self-esteem; How to encourage healthy self-esteem in your child; Tools to help your child cope with feelings and solve problems. Presented IN ENGLISH on Zoom by Cori Burt, Community Bridges – Mountain Community Resources. Register: bit.ly/Self-Esteem-July26 Got questions?

Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-660 x6605 or corib@cbridges.org bit.ly/SelfEsteem-July26

No Pet Store Puppies Day Join us as we educate friends and family about what goes on in puppy mills.

FRIDAY 22 Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare 12:00 AM-12:00 AM See Jul 12.

Free Movies on the Beach 9:00 PM11:00 PM See Jul 08.

Woodie Wagon Day Before metallic cars,

THURSDAY 28 Buffalo Soldiers Day The first peacetime all-Black army regiment is honored on Buffalo Soldiers Day.

SUNDAY 17

Shark Awareness Day There’s a bigger chance of being struck by lightning than being killed or attacked by a shark.

Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare 12:00 AM-12:00 AM See Jul 12.

Seacliff State Beach: Little Rangers 10:00 AM-10:30 AM See Jul 02.

FRIDAY 15 National Give Something Away Day Get rid of clutter, gift small things to strangers, and make the world a better place.

World Premiere of The Formula 12:00 PM-12:00 PM See Jul 10.

Free Movies on the Beach 9:00 PM11:00 PM See Jul 08.

MONDAY 18

FRIDAY 29 Free Movies on the Beach 9:00 PM11:00 PM See Jul 08.

SATURDAY 30 SATURDAY 23 National Vanilla Ice Cream Day Icecream, you-scream, let’s all scream for the iconically delicious vanilla ice cream!

Knitting at the Library @ Felton 12:30 PM-2:00 PM See Jul 11.

SUNDAY 24

TUESDAY 19

National Cousins Day The perfect day to send some love to those family members we call cousins.

National Urban Beekeeping Day On National Urban Beekeeping Day, we celebrate the creatures responsible for pollination.

WEDNESDAY 20 Women’s Union Establishment Day Meet the Doulas (Virtual) 7:00 PM8:30 PM Meet and talk with birth and postpartum doulas as you learn how they work with families. Sponsored by Birth Network of Santa Cruz County, this free event is open to those planning to birth in Santa Cru, and surrounding counties.

WEDNESDAY 27 Take Your Pants for a Walk Day Did you know walking has numerous benefits for the mind, body, and soul?

there were woodie wagons. Let’s honor the great invention of the woodie wagon.

Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare 12:00 AM-12:00 AM See Jul 12.

Seacliff State Beach: Little Rangers 10:00 AM-10:30 AM See Jul 02.

Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market 10:00 PM-5:00 PM Every third Sunday. Come on out for some fresh air and crafty goodness! on Pacific Ave at Lincoln St in Downtown Santa Cruz.

World Premiere of The Formula 12:00 PM-12:00 PM See Jul 10.

Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare 12:00 AM-12:00 AM See Jul 12.

Seacliff State Beach: Little Rangers 10:00 AM-10:30 AM See Jul 02.

TUESDAY 26

MONDAY 25 Triple P Workshop: Promoting Positive Behaviors at School 6:00 PM7:30 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn: Common reasons why behavior problems occur at school; How to involve your child in improving their behavior at school; Tips for working with your child’s teacher to promote positive behaviors. Presented IN ENGLISH on Zoom

by Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources. Register on Zoom: bit.ly/School-Behavior-July25 Got

International Day of Friendship We step back and get thankful for those relationships worldwide, which promote and encourage peace.

GUiSC will attempt to update the calendar listings as needed; however, it is the responsibility of the organization listed to provide updated information.

GUiSC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Readers are encouraged to check the accuracy of the information provided. Events that are free or cost less than $10 can be submitted for inclusion in the calendar.

GUiSC does not guarantee that a submitted event will automatically be included. Preference is given for events of interest to children and/ or parents. Calendar entries must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the event. Calendar entries and photos will be selected by the Calendar Editor. Please visit our website to fill out the calendar form: growingupsc.com/submissions

Additional Sources: NationalToday.com

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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COLORING PAGE

Name:

Age:

Submit your coloring entry to editor@growingupsc.com for a chance to be in our next issue! You can also mail them to Box 3505, Santa Cruz, 95063 Submissions due by July 15.

22 JULY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

Grace | Age 7.5

Henry | Age 6.5

Isala

Johnie | Age 5

Koji | Age 6

Luna | Age 5

Neveah | Age 10

Noah | Age 4

Oliver | Age 6

Owen | Age 6

Weylyn | Age 6

Leona | Age 8

Submit your coloring entry to editor@growingupsc.com for a chance to be in our next issue!

You can also mail them to Box 3505, Santa Cruz, 95063 Submissions due by July 15.

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JULY 2022

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