Growing Up in Santa Cruz June 2020

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To say these are confusing times is an understatement. With all of our scientific knowledge and advancement, a pandemic has sent us back to a primitive world, when family and tribes were central to life. Despite the high tech gadgets that keep us linked, there are still the daily questions: What comes next?

When can we see our friends? Is it safe outside? What will school be like when and if it opens?

The only reassuring note we saw in the news today was the Disneyland is planning to open in the middle of July. At least that was a smile we could pass on to the kids…although, like so many of the other deadlines we’ve heard about, there’s no guarantee of that either. But at least it had some optimism we could share.

For some, sheltering in place has been positive. They are doing the things they might do in social situations online, thanks to technology created just over the hill from us. They are working out, dancing, having happy hours, taking art classes, singing, even playing music with stitched together bands.

Others have found it hard to get motivated without their social networks of friends and extended families. It’s kind of like jail, without the time in the yard or communal meals.

Either way, it’s been a challenge and one we want to suggest that you document for your ancestors because no doubt they will be asking for centuries what people did during the 2020 Pandemic. Keep a journal. Make videos.

Take notes to show the kids, grandkids and great, great, great, grandkids down the road.

Growing Up in Santa Cruz keeps trying to be essential, to let you know what you can do while the world around

you is torn apart. We are documenting good deeds done during COVID-19 and have plenty of advice for how to care for your kid in the crisis.

Writer and teacher Suki Wessling put together a great story about how distance learning can work well. It’s a map for when and if this happens again. Therapist Nicole Young answers a question from a single dad who worries that his kids are staying in place too much, spending too much time locked in their rooms. Her answers are worth the price of admission to our periodical (OK, it’s free, but worth far more.)

Tenth grader Grace Timan tells the whole truth and nothing but the truth about attending distance classes. It’s a must for teachers, parents and students.

Did you hear the one about the city meetings held on Zoom that were interrupted by perverts? Sad, but true. Erik Chalhoub has important information how to keep your meetings safe. Speaking of safety, now is the time to start taking actions against fires. We have a column helping with that.

Good habits die too easily, especially without the routine of going to school.

Luckily, we have an important article by Dr. Sepideh Taghvaei, with some tips on how to get kids to continue brushing.

Dealing with grief is tough anytime and Linda Kay, one of the smartest and most compassionate people we know, has advice for those suffering.

Then, there are the Santa Cruz graduates of all levels. We honor them with some photos and articles about their futures.

Thanks for reading Brad Kava, Jennifer Ford and Steve Dinnen

About the Cover Designer

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JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Christy Shults, owner of Zelzi Belle, is a local graphic designer. She is a mother, playing the double duty of working while her kids participate in school from home

during the Shelter in Place order. For more information about her design company, Zelzi Belle, please visit ZelziBelle.com or following her on Instagram and Facebook @zelzibelle.

PARENTING When a Father Has to Let Go of His Son

BY JASON GARNER

“As our children grow we become aware of how little control we have over their lives. This may be why we cling to images of them in infancy, a time in which it appears we have more control.”

Some friends come by for a visit with their 18-month-old. After a few minutes of peek-a-boo and smiles behind daddy, she’s running around the house. Laughing. Falling down. Crying.

“Doggie!” She screams and my dog jumps. She runs and cries some more.

“TV!” She wants to watch Elmo. I buy an episode. “Melmo!” She giggles, throws her arms up, and sways along. She’s adorable, a tornado, the Energizer Bunny with dimples and a diaper. The whole house is exhausted. “Does this stage last long?” Her mother asks earnestly.

My son is moving out. He’s turned 20 and over the last year I’ve observed how the safety of our home has become a prison for him. He has new ideas, morals and philosophies. I’ve been careful to allow space for his opinions but we disagree sometimes, which is new for us. He’s told me I’m patriarchal, capitalist, racist. I try to listen and learn, and can sometimes see his point, but mostly I hear, “Dad, I’m leaving,” which is something he hasn’t known how to say another way. He’s found a job in Kentucky, assisting the author and feminist philosopher bell hooks. He adores her, he’s thrilled. He’s leaving in a few days.

I’m happy for him, and I’m sad.

I was meditating recently, sitting in a chair by a window, listening to the flow and fall of a nearby stream. Time disappeared, replaced by the hollow sound of water crashing upon itself. I sat like this for a bit until the thoughts returned. I had a call to make. I reached for my phone on the table beside me and caught a glimpse of my children on the cover of a photo book my wife made one year for Father’s Day. The kids were tender like the fawn of spring. “I miss them,” I thought with a tear and a sudden flash of warmth.

I notice when I say that: I miss my babies, it feels true. I miss holding hands.

I miss tickles, silly songs to learn math,

the way they gazed at me at night as I tucked them in and told them all the things they could be. When I say I miss them, it’s real. An authentic expression of a slightly broken heart. I also notice when I say how proud of them I am, how my heart is full of joy for the paths they’re uncovering, that feels true too.

“I’m happy and I’ll miss you,” I tell my son. Holding those two truths together is sweet and seems to draw us closer to one another, and to life.

I’ve been through this before, when my eldest daughter moved out and started film school. That was different though.

We were following a time-honored path from home to university, and we were battling. I was scared, unsure how to be a dad to a teenage girl. I held on too tightly and the fear closed my heart. I forgot that the young woman in the backseat of the car on the way to high school still needed my love even as she reminded me I was no longer her knight in shining armor. My life was chaotic; I was working hard, marrying, divorcing, “too busy for this shit.” When she moved out we were both relieved. On a recent fatherdaughter road trip we talked about this.

We cried a bit. I’d done my best all those years ago, but defending myself didn’t seem important. My job is to show up with open ears and heart. And she opened her heart too. “I’m sorry and I love you,” I said.

When I moved out, I was driven and righteous, and cruel to my mom. Her life seemed small and I thought there was nothing left for me but to escape. We had a fight late one night and I left for good.

I didn’t fully come back until she was dying. By then there were so many other things to say and do that “I’m sorry I was cruel to you” seemed minuscule. I talk to her still. “I’m sorry mom,” I whisper under my breath and wipe my eyes.

Just as I’m thinking how happy I am I don’t have to do this again my 16-year-old pops into the room. She’s flying to LA to see a Harry Styles concert … with my old

friends from Live Nation. She’ll dance.

They’ll take her backstage. Her heart will swell. She’ll swoon a bit. “The man of my dreams,” she writes in the text below a picture hugging the artist. She grows up just a little on that trip. Moving closer to the day we’ll smile and cry as she moves out too.

Fall is drawing near in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The white-spotted deer who just this spring bounded irresistibly through the oaks, don’t look like Bambi any more, stumbling with their new, awkward antlers. Wild turkeys, prehistoric and gangly, squawk and scratch craters unearthing my daffodils.

They bear little resemblance to the chicks that waddled and pecked behind their mothers. Young hawks, shriek on their patrol, performing ineffectual dive bombs on rodents who seem to always be one step ahead. And the amaryllis have sprung to life too, pushing through the soil with an explosion of pink and red.

My son and I drive quietly to the airport in the early morning darkness.

The first rays of sunlight strike through the shadows of the redwoods lining the two-lane road to town. Occasionally one of us pats the other on the back or reaches for a Kleenex when the tears get to be too much. It’s notable that life doesn’t require a spectacle – a speech, or grand gesture, or some other dramatic effort – to emphasize a meaningful moment. We sit in silence, without adding or subtracting; sharing the raw feel of moving on … life in all its seasons is enough.

A few questions to explore around growth and goodbyes and being a parent:

What is being known?

In moments of change we might notice the difference between the thoughts in our head and the feelings in our body.

Where our thoughts tend to dramatize by adding to the experience, our bodies feel what’s actually going on. We can ground ourselves in the authentic sensations of our bodies through deep breaths, placing our attention in our feet, and mindful physical movement.

Aware of our bodies we might ask, “What is being known?” and notice what we find. This is a doorway beyond the world of concepts, into a more authentic experience of our lives.

What is my role?

As our children grow we become aware of how little control we have over their lives. This may be why we cling to images of them in infancy, a time in which it appears we have more control.

As they mature our influence lessens.

We find ourselves one voice among many – friends, teachers, tweets from around the world, YouTube personalities.

We may worry and find ourselves struggling to find our place amidst it all. Wondering, “What’s my role?” or “How do I fit in?” Just knowing we can

explore these questions is the beginning of mindfulness. We become aware of areas we’re holding too tightly. We notice the fears we cling to and project onto our children’s lives. It’s safe to let go, to breathe, to allow life to unfold, since that’s what it’s doing anyway.

Who am I?

We’re confronted with the temporary nature of our lives. Our parents age and pass on. Our children grow and move out. Our lives change dramatically from one moment to the next. We’re no longer children, nor quite parents in the way we once were, and we face impermanence head on. The Buddha called this lack of a solid reality emptiness– an acknowledgement that our lives are fluid and ever-changing, that there’s nothing to hang on to. This tends to challenge our sense of self. For me it comes as the question, “Who am I?” This exploration of our identity (or lack thereof) is a classic spiritual pathway. It calls us to look beyond external comings and goings. The question draws us inward to the tender space in our heart, which is ultimately an opening into the vastness ahead.

Where am I going?

We have an interesting relationship with time. We tend to view it as something we move through on our way from here to there. Until, of course, we get there and find ourselves wishing we could go back in time and live it all again.

As our children grow we mark milestones and measure against the norms – first steps, kindergarten, middle school, spelling tests, driver’s licenses, did they get into a good school? Then they’re gone, and the moments are gone too, and we might wonder, “Where am I going?” now. The journey is to inhabit this life, to feel your feet on the ground, to breathe the early-morning air, to take in the new orange blossoms on the tree in the park where you email clients as you powerwalk … and to smell the blossoms too. Where we’re going is here.

What’s it like to be me?

Waking up when the kids have grown we might notice the quiet. After years of running around, being on call, caring for others, the stillness can be welcome.

It can also be lonely, eerie, and bring up the interesting (and uncomfortable) question,“What’s it like to be me?” This is a gateway to our uncharted inner-life, a calling to explore our own hearts, to show up for ourselves as we have for our children.

This exploration can be frightening because it’s about intimacy, the thing we seek, the vulnerability we fear.

Within the darkness there is an unnoticed light. It calls us inward. This is home.  Jason Garner is the author of a book called ... And I Breathed: My Journey from a Life of Matter to a Life That Matters Get it at JasonGarner.com

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

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PARENTING Distance Learning Success!

BY SUKI WESSLING This article has been shortened to fit into the print magazine. Please visit our website at GrowingUpSC. com to read all the wonderful details!

Looking for the silver lining in a COVID cloud, or making lemonade out of viral lemons? Choose your metaphor for what’s happening around Santa Cruz County now that we’ve parented and educated through quarantine.

Educators around the county, at first teaching by the seats of their pajama pants, not only learned to adjust and cope, but also to consider the bright side of this new teaching model they were thrust into.

Below we share insights and successes from preschool through high school, from public school to private school.

Our teachers are a resourceful, committed bunch!

Westlake Elementary

As a paraeducator, I don’t usually get to interact with the parents of my students. I’m not in the IEP meetings or parent-teacher conferences. However, the distance learning model has changed that. Classified staff like myself have been asked to reach out to families directly to help them support their children’s learning at home. It’s been an “all hands on deck” approach to do what we can to equitably deliver education during the pandemic. The unexpected silver lining for me has been that I’ve gotten to work really closely with a handful of my students’ parents. One mother shared with me that her son has an amazing auditory memory and is able to learn anything presented to him in the form of a song. What a wonderful insight! I was able to craft a math lesson around Hap Palmer singing the doubles addition facts and a language arts session featuring sight-words set to music.

- Stephie Tucker, Paraeducator SPED

Monte Vista Christian School

Remote learning with a student population that is spread across the US and the globe has its challenges. At MVC, one of our chemistry teachers has been approaching chemistry in creative ways, reaching students here, New York, Washington, China, Taiwan, and in South Korea. Classes are being held at the scheduled PST and then again at 6:00 am, 7:00 pm weekdays, and on weekends so that all students have access to learning and in-person attention from their instructor. Not only has this personal touch made a difference, Mrs. Tarr has had to facilitate at-home labs, so that students can apply what they are learning, reinforce underlying concepts, and prepare for AP exams...

- Susie Swing, High School Principal

Ocean Alternative Education Center, Live Oak Every year, Ocean Alternative students look forward to the winter theater program. With the lead of Terri Steinmann from West Performing Arts, the magic of theater fills the classroom

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JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

for 8 weeks. Our play this year was a spoof of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” ...We had several eighth graders who were hoping for the opportunity to shine in front of an Ocean Alternative audience one more time. Ocean Alternative teacher, Deb Bell, recognized the importance of this performance for her students. She researched and practiced and gathered the students together on a live virtual chat to record an oral performance of her actors. It was a celebration of determination and commitment by Deb Bell and the whole acting crew.

- Mary Sauter, Principal

Good Shepherd Catholic School

Our creative PS/PK teachers took a different spin on the “Flat Stanley” idea and made “Flat Teachers’’ that were mailed out to students. The idea came about so the students would feel a sense of “closeness” to their teachers during our distance learning. They are challenged to build castles for their teachers, read books with them, sing songs, etc. The hope is for them to find a little comfort and fun. To make sure each student's wishes come true, the teaching team does birthday drive-bys. They Zoom once a week for both classes, having virtual scavenger hunts, guessing games and individual and small group Zooms of 4 for social emotional support. In fact, they also provide virtual childcare while parents need to make dinner...

- Kristen Barkman, Preschool Director

Pacific Collegiate School, Santa Cruz

Ever the historian, Kelsey Flood came up with the idea of asking the students to produce their own primary sources relating to the pandemic. “Our students are living through a historical event of enormous proportions, and I wanted them to create their own primary source that they could look back on in years to come. Each day in APUSH we analyze different materials for historical context, this project gave them the opportunity to create their own.”

Kelsey needed this to be a task that her students could enjoy, something that would both calm and inform.

Visit the PCS students’ site! sites.google. com/pcscharter.org/apush - Lauren Fitts, history teacher

Monarch Community School, Santa Cruz

After continued education and professional development around Restorative Justice, Monarch Community School continued to brainstorm ways of keeping their school community connected. One of the ways they did this was by creating the opportunity for students from the entire school to be part of a virtual concert, performance and art gallery.

This performance and art gallery Zoom (hosted by Monarch teacher Shannon Blake) gave students the chance to share any musical talent, dance skills or

artistry. Students joined in and shared their creativity in a variety of ways. It ranged from a Kindergartener playing Sonatina on the piano, a second grader playing the drums, a third grader teaching about her Baile Folklórico clothing, another showing his COVID 19 new friend—the cardboard box robot— to the fourth-grader singing Karaoke to their favorite song. It was a beautiful opportunity to connect the school and families, have students be spontaneous, and have a supportive audience while watching other Monarch students showcase their talents. It was the perfect opportunity to forget about the current pandemic and create a fun platform for community connection!

- Michelle McKinney, Principal, Branciforte Small Schools

Mount Madonna School

On May 1 in Mount Madonna School’s U.S. History class, sophomore students had a “guest speaker”: Lin-Manuel Miranda! Miranda is a composer, lyricist, singer, rapper, actor, producer, and playwright, widely known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton. As part of the College Board’s AP Master Class series, Miranda agreed to a live review session for students around the world who are taking the Advanced Placement United States History exam remotely from their homes later this month.

On May 4, junior and senior students “embarked” on Zoom interviews with Washington, D.C. leaders, and the “results,” chronicled on a student blog, reveal new perspectives, astute observations and unanticipated insights.

“This year’s journey required us to imagine a new “double-distance” learning effort that took us into the virtual realm,” reflected teacher SN Ward Mailliard.

San Lorenzo Valley Middle School

Overall, my successful students continue to be successful. The students who struggle throughout the year are having an even tougher time. Yet the biggest surprise are the few students who have chosen to be more successful and are independently completing assignments, communicating with me as their teachers, and being willing to resubmit assignments for higher grades.

Access our web version of the article to read Karen’s suggestions!

In many ways, these are the same effective practice teaching strategies educators practice every day in our classrooms. The challenge for educators is to utilize technology to create unique ways to communicate, inspire, motivate, and support all of our students, families, and staff from our own Shelters in Place.

- Karen Snedeker, SLVMS teacher

San Lorenzo Valley Elementary

We realized right away that the kids could use FlipGrid to connect. We

started with questions like ‘how did you get active or get outside this week?’ and had so much participation! We followed it up with the students using it to show off their debate skills—and we were blown away by their ability to hear them talk about their trampolines, dog walks, and bike rides and then watch them shift right into academic territory by laying out all the ways that plastic bottles are harmful and giving their calls to action.

We miss all of these aspects of their personalities and it is a great way to see the different sides of them and for them to see each other.

Honestly, it is such a fun tool. I made a ‘what weird thing do you miss about school’ flipgrid and I can’t watch it without crying—they miss the chairs, the desks, the transition songs we use—just so many little details. Makes me wonder what we will appreciate when we all return. So much we took for granted before!

- Megan Glover Fetzer, 4/5 grade teacher

Back to Suki: I’d like to end with a feature of one of my graduating seniors’ teachers at Harbor High School. As my son and I left the school on the day of this writing with his cap and gown, he told me about what happened last weekend. His biotechnology teacher, Nehal Pfeiffer, had gone to each and every student’s house—almost—and delivered cookies.

She had only stopped after 13 hours of deliveries because she ran out! Why did she do this?

“At first in the Zoom meetings their faces were their normal faces. After a couple weeks things started to change.

The last week I did Zoom they looked like they were dazed. They were almost sleepwalking. The joy and the banter was gone and a couple of kids weren’t showing up.

“I wanted to see that they were OK. How do you ask are you OK in a Zoom meeting without putting them on the spot? I wanted to have the opportunity to ask if they needed anything in a private setting and to give them a little distraction. Give them a little energy to finish out the school year with a little mindset reset.”

Ms. Pfeiffer, with the help of one of her students, gave to her students what she hopes that other teachers will give her own children someday: a hello, a smile, and an acknowledgement that even when we’re sheltering in place, we’re in this together.

Thank you, teachers of Santa Cruz County!

Read the full article on our website at GrowingUpSC  Suki Wessling is a local writer, teacher, and musician. Her two children graduated from Santa Cruz public schools, but in their years of education they got loving attention from teachers at parochial schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschool programs, and Cabrillo College. Read more at SukiWessling.com.

PARENTING Staying Safe on Zoom

Criminals Barge Their Way into Virtual Classrooms

BY ERIK CHALHOUB Most teachers are relying on video conferencing platforms to instruct their students since COVID-19 has forced schools to go virtual.

When used correctly, these platforms can be the next best thing to being there in person. Teachers can share slides and interact with their students through voice and text dialogue.

But like everything in existence, it only takes a few bad apples to ruin the experience for the rest of us.

Instances of “Zoom-bombing� have risen dramatically over the past few months. The term, named after the popular Zoom video conferencing platform, refers to when an uninvited user logs into a public meeting and displays inappropriate images, often criminal in nature.

Such cybercriminals have been letting themselves in to meetings around the world, especially virtual classrooms. And it’s no different in Santa Cruz, one of the worst of which was when someone played child pornography during a Gilroy Town Hall meeting of more than 100 people, including the Chief of Police.

Another took place at a Contra Costa

meeting about Sexual Assault on April 30, Only minutes into the meeting, an unidentified person shared what many attendees describe as extremely graphic child pornography.

Fifteen reports of Zoom-bombing were filed during the first few weeks of UC Santa Cruz’s spring quarter, according to City on a Hill Press. Local parents have also taken to social media to describe their children’s classrooms being hacked.

While such a “bombing� instance can happen on any platform, Zoom received the dubious distinction of being associated with the crime thanks to its sharp rise in popularity. According to the San Jose-based company, Zoom’s average of 10 million daily participants in December 2019 skyrocketed to 200 million by March 2020.

How can teachers and the general public protect themselves from the intrusion?

In late March, Zoom released guidelines on how users could prevent “uninvited guests� from posting inappropriate content in their meetings.

The FBI, which is the lead agency investigating the crimes, also released the

following steps to mitigate teleconference hijacking threats: • Do not make meetings or classrooms public. In Zoom, there are two options to make a meeting private: require a meeting password or use the waiting room feature and control the admittance of guests. • Do not share a link to a teleconference or classroom on an unrestricted publicly available social media post. Provide the link directly to specific people. • Manage screensharing options. In Zoom, change screensharing to “Host Only.â€? • Ensure users are using the updated version of remote access/meeting applications. In January 2020, Zoom updated their software. In their security update, the teleconference software provider added passwords by default for meetings and disabled the ability to randomly scan for

meetings to join.

Lastly, ensure that your organization’s telework policy or guide addresses requirements for physical and information security.

Zoom, which was founded in 2011, announced a number of new safety features for the program on April 22 as part of its “90-day plan� to increase its security capabilities. “I am proud to reach this step in our 90-day plan, but this is just the beginning,� Zoom CEO Eric S. Yuan stated in a press release. “We built our business by delivering happiness to our customers. We will earn our customers’ trust and deliver them happiness with our unwavering focus on providing the most secure platform.�

Those who were a victim of a teleconference hijacking, or any cybercrime for that matter, are asked to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. •

TAKE OUT

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The Class of 2020 will go down in history as the one that had its last semester online and had to cancel proms, parties and graduation ceremonies.

But they found ways to overcome, with classes that included special guests like Lin-Manuel Miranda and special projects like creating a history of the virus for the future.

We salute them all and know they will tell stories to their families in the future about how they faced their challenges, the same way other generations told stories about walking miles in the snow to the school bus.

Ethan Muzzio

There will be POMP despite the CIRCUMSTANCE! We will celebrate you and your accomplishments no matter what! We can’t wait to see what your new journey will bring and how you will navigate it with integrity, and passion. We love you Mom, Dad, and Jiana

Lauren Nosky

I will be attending Cal State Long Beach, Nursing program in the fall.

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JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Abby Watkins

The best thing about it is being able to grow personally during this time and have more time to think about the future, and the worst is not having a chance to properly complete high school.

Grant Kolassa

Grant will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in history and political science.

Lizbeth Diaz

Lizbeth plans to go to San Francisco State University in the fall and will be majoring in Pre-Nursing.

Danielle & David Nagel

Danielle and David Nagel finished high school with honors in January 2020 and started full-time at Monterey Peninsula College. They graduated from Ocean Grove on May 18, 2020.

Jahnakai Willis

She maintained honor roll for four years, volunteered and spent a semester abroad in Jamaica. We are proud of Jahnakai’s dedicated pursuit of success, her steadfast perseverance, and warm heart. We love you Jahnakai! Congratulations! Mom, Dad, Jordan and Eve Willis

Logan Drue Manson

What a roller coaster ride of a year! Logan you handled it with such grace and ease and made the best of the situation-just when I didn't think we could be any prouder. Cannot wait to share your next Chapter. Love Your Fam

CLASS OF 2020

MauMau (and Chance)

We congratulate our son MauMau on his great achievement of graduating from Harbor High School at the advanced age of 15. He has studied hard, sitting on Chance’s books daily! He also likes to watch educational videos, but only if they include birds. Oh, congrats to Chance, as well!

Alía Rolen

Alía, You are such an amazing kid. You have such a kind heart and a great sense of humor. We are proud of your commitment to social justice and making the world a better place! We are so proud of you!!

Love, Mom and Dad

Ethan Schellenberg

Congratulations to our pride and joy Ethan. May you continue to be a sweet and loving boy to our family. Dream big!

Maxx Amos & Chloe Broughton

It’s not what we have, but who we have in life that matters. #cousins #loyalty #classof2020 #sanlorenzovalleyhighschool

Allison Bingham

Congratulations, Allison, on graduating eighth grade! You have blossomed into one of the kindest and loving people, a true friend, exemplary character. We love you so much and cannot wait to see what high school holds for you.

Leyton Emigh

Leyton, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments. We look forward to watching your journey through high school and beyond.

Congratulations!Love, Your Family

Raymond Gallardo

Senior class of 2020 � Pajaro Valley High School � 4 year player football � 3 year wrestler � Headed to Cabrillo College

Ben Ford

We are so proud of you Ben! You are fast becoming an amazing young man with a big future ahead! Keep up your enthusiasm for creativity and continued learning. We love you!

Lucas Murawsky

Lucas, your focus and determination throughout the years has been inspirational to all of us. We couldn’t be more proud! Mom and Dad

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

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CLASS OF 2020

Matty McIntyre

Matty has maintained honor roll all three years, advanced math classes and participated in multiple sports (track, cross country & soccer). He has found his new passion this year, mountain biking with the SCMC team. He looking forward to the new adventure of high school.

Bailey Shults

Bailey Shults graduating from 5th grade from SLVE. Has grown up in the SLV her entire childhood along with her sister and 7 cousins who also attend SLV.

Malea Dobson

Happy 5th grade graduation Malea! We look forward to seeing where the future takes you.

10 JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Sophie Pursley

Aptos Jr.High � Headed to Aptos High School � Basketball � Track � Volleyball � Football

Charlotte Kelleher

Charlotte is my brave, sweet, funny and sensitive soul. Moving on to middle school and more horses.

Sebastian Wells

CONGRATS! Although this year was different, especially without your dad, always know you are loved for the special person you are! Mom

Tanner Shults

Onto the next chapter...high school! We are incredibly proud of the young man you are becoming. You have found your passions, and we love watching you grow and learn through your experiences.

Love, Mom & Dad

Mark Anthony Montanez

We are so proud of your hard work and dedication. You drive to be your best self and you always do it with a kind heart. We are excited for your journey ahead and look forward to watching you achieve your goals. Love Mom, Dad, Kami & Mariah

Alanna Shults

Sissy, how are you already entering middle school?! Your kind and gentle nature with all of the animals are genuinely heartwarming to watch. We cannot wait to see where this world takes you! Love, Mom & Dad

CONGRATULATIONS GATEWAY CLASS OF 2020 Gateway’s Class of 2020 graduates are going on to the following high schools: Cypress High School, Georgiana Bruce Kirby School, Harbor High School, San Lorenzo Valley High School, Santa Cruz High School, Scotts Valley High School

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

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Your Chance to Win an Ice Cream Truck Delivery!

We are partnering with Aunt Lali Ice Cream Truck! We are so close to 1000 Instagram followers! Help us get there!

Our 1000th follower will get an Ice Cream Truck delivery (within service area) Make sure to follow @growingupinsantacruz & @auntlali on Instagram to enter!

Blossoming Carpenter

Live Like Coco Book Drive PHOTOS BY KEVIN PAINCHAUD Live Like Coco is donating out more than 400 books new books for distribution at at Starlight Elementary School in Watsonville, Tuesday May 26 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This is part of Live Like Coco's effort to make sure that kids have access to books during the Shelter in Place. It is the fourth giveaway that our non-profit

has participated in at the school; after this week, or final giveaway, we will have donated more than 2,000 books to families at this location. During the Shelter in Place, we have also donated books to other schools and programs, including Gault Elementary, and to the Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan.

Jayden Gallegos, a 4th generation Santa Cruz local, discovered his talent of wood working a few years ago while visiting his Grandpa in Scotts Valley. His Grandpa, who is a carpenter, introduced Jayden to just about every tool available and taught him the basics of wood working. Jayden practiced cutting, sanding, and using drills from a very young age. Every time Jayden visited his Grandpa, he would always ask to build something. Grandpa taught him how to build redwood planter boxes for Grandma to use.

Jayden, with the supervision from Grandpa, has built more than 70 planter boxes. Most are standard boxes but he is now learning how to create custom boxes. He is now very confident using the tools and is building his self confidence as well. He's always wanted to go into business for himself and now at 16 years of age, he's on his way.

After Jayden's mom decided to post a few pictures of his planters on social media, he had over 50 requests in 24 hours for planter boxes. Jayden has always loved earning his own money so he can buy items for himself. Now he's eager to continue to build boxes and see where his love of wood working takes him.

Happy customer planting succulents!

SLV Rocks Out

SLVHS Math Teacher Rob Lahey and SLVUSD Superintendent Dr. Laurie Bruton came up with an idea to pool the SLV community resources and allow neighbors to help neighbors. In two days, they created SLV Food For Families.

In one month, $31,000 has been raised.

Families in need can apply through the district web page.

Each week the fund has given out $10,000. Trying to rally the community and entertain at the same time, Rob Lahey started creating playlists via youtube of local musicians. Each week Lahey presents his list of music through the SLVUSD

12

JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Facebook page. After week 2, the playlists have had over 3,300 views. Lahey hopes that if each view contributed $5 to the foundation, the district would be able to maintain the weekly $10,000. Lahey stated, “With any fundraiser, there is an initial interest to help. But this can’t be a one and done situation. I have students in my classes and know of many of the families receiving assistance, and their stories are alarming. We need to help them.” Every Wednesday, until, Rob runs out of music.

Note from SLV Unified School District

Hi Troops! Last week SLVFFF distributed $10,000 worth of Safeway food cards. We have raised $25,000 so far. This is an ongoing effort. Please contribute when you are able. Stronger Together!

SLVUSD will be hosting this weekly Watch Party weekly on Wednesdays at 7pm to help raise funds for SLVFFF. Follow their Facebook page for more information here.

Jayden working on his production line of over 70 planter box orders!

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Coming in

JULY

Special Needs Resource Pet Guide

Adventure Sports Unlimited

Kirby School

303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com Adventure Sports Unlimited, where Santa Cruz learns to love the water!

Come play with us!

Kirby School is open and has been conducting a high quality distance learning program since March 16, 2020. For more information, please see our website Kirby.org Mothers’ Milk Bank

Birth Network of Santa Cruz County

(877) 375-6645, For Spanish: option 4 mothersmilk.org Donate your extra breastmilk.

Save lives! Our mission is to help fragile babies thrive by making donated Human milk safe and accessible. Call us today!

BirthNet.org Many birth network members are still providing services during Covid-19.

Check our website for updated availability of doulas, childbirth education, breastfeeding support, and more.

Mount Madonna School

(408) 846-4040 MountMadonnaSchool.org Mount Madonna School (MMS) is operating remotely at this time. MMS remains committed to serving our students and has implemented Remote Learning as of March 16

The Bookakery

BookakeryBoxes.com Looking for activities to do with your kids at home? Try Bookakery Boxes!

Includes a picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, baking item and an activity.

Music Together & Canta y Baila Conmigo w/MusicalMe, Inc.

Gateway School K-8

gatewaysc.org The Learning Continues … Gateway School will continue to provide a robust Kindergarten through Middle School educational experience whether on campus or in Distance Learning. Join us.

GATEWAY SCHOOL 1970

Good Shepherd Catholic School

Ocean Alternative & Independent Study

Preschool - 8th grade gsschool.org Spots are still available to enroll for the 2020-2021 school year beginning August 10. We are prepared to offer interactive and engaging distance and/ or in-person learning!

Holy Cross School

150 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz 831.423.4447 holycsc.org/ Offering vibrant and responsive in-person and distance learning programs. Students benefit from 1:1 technology, daily live communications with teachers and small class sizes where they’re known individually.

Jim Booth Swim School

MusicalMe.com Join us online for both Music Together & Canta y Baila Conmigo. Our interactive Zoom classes are a great way to bring the joy of family musicmaking into your daily life (and to fulfill our musical mission). Also offering unique virtual birthday celebrations!

Jim Booth Swim School

Santa Cruz at Harvey West Pool and Watsonville at Duncan Holbert Pool and Fitness Evolution 831.722.3500 jimboothswimschool.com Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth swim school. Little Otters beginning at age 4 months is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers.

The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School JuneBug Gym

oc-losd-ca.schoolloop.com/ Supports your homeschooling adventure. We also offer an independent study program with direct teacher support. Our optional sitebased classes include literacy, math, science, and art.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

santacruzmuseum.org Engage with nature wherever you are!

Explore our online store, download free nature-based activities, and join us for weeklong Nature Explorers daycamps June 29 through August 7!

Santa Cruz SPCA

spcasc.org/covid19/ Please see the website for up to date information on foster, adoptions, donations, foodbank and summer camp.

Tara Redwood Summer Camp

tararedwoodschool.org/summercamp-2020/ Tara Redwood School’s summer camp, Into the Heart of Nature, is located in an extraordinary setting nestled in the Nisene Marks Forest.

We offer cooperative games, creek exploration, habitat studies, playful skits, and nature-themed arts. For children 3 to 5 years old.

See our website for more information and registration.

Fun and educational Gymnastic classes for children walking-8 years.

Classes start June 1.. Call 831-464-2847 to enroll. Visit junebugsgym.com for summer schedules.

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Downtown Santa Cruz kiantis.com 831.469.4400 New! Kianti’s delivery, online ordering and ordering through Kianti’s app for the entire menu. Curbside available including bar drinks. Delivery also through DoorDash, UberEATS and Doorbell Dining.

Visit Our Website GrowingUpSC.com

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

13

LOCAL NEWS Plant a Sign for Seniors

BY SUKI WESSLING

daughter and family were so happy because they felt like now she’s being acknowledged’,” Sandi says. “I emailed back and said, ‘Now you’re going to make me cry, that’s the nicest thing ever!’

It’s just a sign. It’s small but it shows community pride.”

The importance of ritual

Sandi says that the whole experience has made her think of how childhood is a series of rituals.

“You take them to kindergarten, you cry. They graduate from Rio and you think, ‘Wow, they went kinder through sixth grade.’ Then they go to junior high and graduate, then they go to high school and it’s like, ‘This is too fast!’”

Aptos High, like all the other high Features of Holy Cross School schools in the county, is taking its graduation virtual. Students will pick up Small class size their cap and gown along with a goody bag, and then everyone will tune in from home.

Low teacher-to-student “It would have been great if we were ratio "We didn't skip a beat when we pivoted to Distance Learning." all together on the field, watching him graduate, walk across the stage,” Sandi Stable, safe and clean admits. “But now everyone will be in their environment own home watching it. I’m happy that my Highlights of Holy Cross School Distance Learning Program in-laws can watch the graduation, at least Strong, collaborative A talk between neighbors wanting to celebrate their kids led to signs all over the area. it’s something. I’ll make a great lunch, community I’ll decorate the front of the house, we’ll 1. students access to technology is 1:1 celebrate on our own. I will take whatever Students known When you drive around Aptos The two moms encountered each other, individually they give me at this point!” neighborhoods, you can’t miss the and started to chat as they often do in the daily live communications with teachers signs. They popped up last2. month neighborhood. Talking about all that their The importance of connection Distance Learning Highlights as if by magic in front of homes with seniors were missing, they came up with “I think there’s something to be said graduating seniors. an idea: They wanted to support theirsupport own about 1:1 Student access to 3. full-time availability from teachers and staffthe social-emotional learning But it wasn’t magic in the beginning. seniors and do something to bring the of children and how that should be technology It was actually from a chance meeting community together. acknowledged as essential,” muses 4. responsive toSandi family between two moms that the project began. hadneeds a friend who worked at A Virginia, who teaches third grade at Rio Daily live communications Sign ASAP in Scotts Valley. Although the with teachers del Mar Elementary. “I had a student last A huge disappointment business was not essential and was closed to week who had his birthday and it was Sandi Kolossa struggles to5.find the prioritization of student social-emotional health the public, her friend contacted the owner, Full-time availability from the sweetest thing for the cars to drive right word for how her family was feeling who could print signs himself. He just teachers and support staff by, to have a sense of connection as close in late April. needed a design and a number to print. as they could have it and see that people “When the rest of the school year was Virginia’s son Trent was studying Responsiveness to family still love them.” called off, there was that little moment of, graphic design at Aptos High, so needs Virginia has been pondering the lives especially for the senior, son, I thinkof Holy Cross School II myFeatures they enlisted his help in the design. of these kids, born during 9-11, raised in that disappointment is—I don’t even They ordered 150 signs at $10 apiece, Prioritization of student a tight-knit community that has had to know what the right word is—harsh? A having a hunch that it might be a good social-emotional health 1.sums small give up on its spring traditions to keep huge disappointment,” Sandi up.class size community-builder. everyone safe.

“It should have been the final time to “I like to find the positive in see his friends, a lot of whom2.helow wentteacher-to-student to Then it mushroomed. ratio everything,” Virginia says. “The positive preschool or kindergarten with.”

“I texted people I knew, Virginia texted of having it virtual is that we will have Down the street at Virginia Nosky’s people she knew,” Sandi remembers. this beautiful video to carry and keep of clean environment house, the feeling was regret.2. stable, safe and “I texted a friend who had a daughter our high school students forever.”

“When we had our last day of school graduating from Aptos Junior High, and Private Tours Available right before St. Patrick’s Day, [my they decided they wanted signs. Then Please Call 831.423.4447 It is magic after all 3. strong, collaborative community or Email admin@holycsc.org daughter] is like, ‘Mom, we’re not doing Rio del Mar Elementary decided they The signs didn’t appear by magic, H O LY C R O S S S C H O O L anything in class, I don’t think I’m going wanted signs. My sister knew people but rather through the magic of people 150 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz, www.holycsc.org to go to school’,” Virginia remembers. over in Santa Clara County and they 4. students known individually making connections however they can.

“But a week later [when distance learning wanted signs. Just from our Aptos sign Congratulations from Growing Up was extended], it all of a sudden hit her, it snowballed, so if you look at [A Sign in Santa Cruz to Sandi and Virginia’s ‘Oh, my goodness, if I would have known ASAP’s] Facebook page you’ll see all the students: Grant Kolassa, who will be that was my last day of school, I would signs that people have requested. My attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo definitely have gone.** I would havetours said available. friend Cynthia she was majoring in history and political science, Private Pleaseisn’t callworking, the school at (831) 423-4447 or email admin@holycsc.org bye to my friends!’” laid off, but she’s happy that her boss and Lauren Nosky, who will be attending Our high school seniors are missing could get some work because he’s a small the Cal State Long Beach Nursing a rite of passage that is near universal business owner.” program. Congratulations to all of our in modern America. They’re missing county’s graduating seniors.

The social-distancing sign party the hectic last days of school, posing Listen to our podcast of this interview: When the signs arrived, Sandi and for photos, signing yearbooks, saying bit.ly/2B5vwcd Virginia sat on either sides of the yard goodbye to teachers, the parties, the gifts, as parents came to pick up and pay. The  Suki Wessling is a local writer and and most of all, the ceremony. distribution itself became a community teacher, and is the parent of a college Virginia and Sandi were both event, leaving the families involved student and a graduating senior. Visit preoccupied with this thought as they set feeling more connected than ever. her blog about parenting and education out for their afternoon walks. at SukiWessling.com. “[A parent] emailed me and said, Walking in Rio del Mar ‘I brought home your sign and my

Planning for In-Person Learning, but Ready for Distance Learning

14 JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

LOCAL NEWS The Show Must Go On

BY PAIGE BERARDO Like most schools, the Kirby School campus in Santa Cruz is normally a hive of activity during spring semester. Now classrooms once filled with pre-finals jitters and the pomp of closing weeks of school are still. The school is COVID quiet -- except for one room.

Our Choral and Instrumental Directors, Alex Koppel and Ricardo Anzaldo -- wearing masks and with at least 6’ in between one another -- are busily redesigning the recording studio to produce a socially-distant Digital Spring Concert.

Historically, Kirby’s Spring Music Concert is an annual celebration; a pageant of talent and hard work. It includes a special tribute to our music program’s graduating seniors, an opportunity for them to take a final bow.

It would have taken place last week, as it has for nearly a decade, to what would have likely been a standing-room-only audience at the acoustically-endowed Peace United Church on High Street.

This year, given the Shelter in Place order, the concert is being completely redesigned. In going digital, the whole event will be rehearsed, produced

and performed from the individual residences of each of our students, and viewed from our audience’s homes.

While it may sound like an isolating experience, it is not. It brings us together.

It helps us maintain our traditions while activating our creativity and fueling our capacity to innovate.

The shift in format however is proving to be more complex than producing a 2-hour in-person performance. A digital performance is a very different undertaking, as Mr. Koppel and Mr. Anzaldo have found.

Yet their vision is to bring it to fruition by the end of the school year -- an effort made poignant because this is the last project our beloved faculty member, Alex Koppel, will undertake at Kirby School.

He’s off to pursue his doctorate in music in Indiana.

There are three distinct phases of the project. Pre-production involves creating fundamental music recordings such as a jazz track (bass, drums and piano) in the recording studio. Mr. Koppel and Mr. Anzaldo recorded themselves playing each instrument. They also taped

Kirby’s first online recital will be held at 5 p.m. June 5. Check Kirby’s Facebook page for details. orchestral and choral “virtual conductor” tracks for students to watch while they perform, to help them keep time.

The production phase is when these foundational recordings are distributed to students to record their own single track. Students listen to, rehearse with and perform in front of these at home.

Afterwards, each student’s single track is returned to the studio and assembled together into one master presentation;

the post-production phase. The final performance will be aired live over Zoom in early June.

As schools across the United States scramble to recreate ways to honor their traditions and celebrate their students’ accomplishments, it is exciting to see bright new ideas bubble forth from the darkness, reminding us that we are all in this together.

Pet Adoption Frenzy Since Shelter in Place Order People Who Put off Getting a Pet are Picking Them up Now

BY NATALYA DRESZER

In the two months before the Shelter in place order the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter was processing an average of four adoptions a day. In the two months since the number has risen to 4.5.

There has been a frenzy of animal adoptions since the Shelter in Place Order in March, according to animal shelters in Santa Cruz County.

Erika Anderson, 27, is the Program and Development Manager at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. She said there hasn’t been an influx in animals available for adoption, but animals are being adopted as soon as they’re available.

“It’s crazy, because as soon as we put them on the website available for adoption they’re pretty much adopted,” Anderson said, “Especially with dogs.”

Even the people who work at the shelters can’t say no. “Volunteers have ended up adopting their fosters recently during this time.” One such recent adopter from the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter is Maureen Harrison.

“I just adopted a very wonderful 10-month-old kitty named Swirl,” said Harrison, “But we have changed her name now to Samantha.”

People who have been wanting to adopt for a long time realized they would want to take a couple weeks off of work to acclimate to a new pet and not be at work during that time, which was a reason that a lot of these people were not did not have an animal yet, said Anderson. “With the Shelter in Place order, people saw more time at home as a perfect time to get an animal. “It’s happening pretty much across the board.

It’s not unique to our shelter.”

Liam Walsh, 22, and Elizabeth Leece, 20, adopted a puppy the week that the Shelter In Place Order was enacted. “I’ve been wanting a dog for a long time and

the main thing with Liam and I is that we’re super busy people,” said Leece.

“We got laid off and we were going to be home all the time,” said Walsh.

“When we got the stay at home order we knew it was kind of the perfect time.”

“We kind of fell in love with her picture that they sent us and in three days of talking it over we were like: Okay, send it.

This is going to be an experience and we have the time to commit to,” sad Leece.

Their puppy, Lola, is a brindle pound terrier mutt. She has been grounding for them during the pandemic. “[I’m] able to check in not only with her but also with myself,” said Leece.

Liz Senteney, 34, Adoption Counselor for the SPCA, said that the SPCA often rescues animals from other shelters.

Fewer animals have been coming to them since the quarantine. She said this is because they were not accepting animals in the first weeks of the order, and have also been getting fewer animals from larger shelters.

“We haven’t taken from [the Salinas Animal Shelter] in a while because they don’t have any [animals] either. The only animals we’ve gotten are kittens or cats from other organizations,” said Senteney. “There is a shortage of dogs in the greater Bay Area because people are adopting. I think it was a frenzied thing where people were forced to be at home so they were bored and wanted something to do, wanted to adopt dogs.”

In the two months before the Shelter

in place order the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter was processing an average of four adoptions a day. In the two months since the Shelter In Place Order the shelter has been processing an average of 4.5, according to numbers from the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter.

According to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and the Santa Cruz, there has not been an influx in adoptable animals since the Shelter Order. Since the number of animals going through the shelter hasn’t increased, this means that there can’t be a big increase in the number of adoptions happening.

“But that could change,” said Andersen. “We’re in the midst of kitten season. We get between one and five litters of kittens a day. They pretty much immediately go into foster homes. So in the next couple months there’ll be litters of kittens that are available for adoption.”

Animal shelters in Santa Cruz County are asking for support through monetary donations, in kind pet food donations, and sign ups to foster animals. The shelters have enough food for their animals, but they also give out free pet food to homeless communities and populations in need of pet food all across the county. “We couldn’t do it without the donations,” said Anderson. “Our pet food bank has taken a hit,” said Senteney.

Find out more about how to get involved at: spcasc.org/ and scanimalshelter.org

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

15

FIRE SAFETY Fire Season is Upon Us

Can the Firefighters Find, Access, and Defend Your Home Safely?

BY FIRESAFE SANTA CRUZ EDUCATION & OUTREACH COMMITTEE Could firefighters find your home in the middle of the night and protect it from an advancing wildland fire?

Fire season is rapidly approaching, and now is the time to make sure emergency responders can get to your home safely and quickly. Use the time you may now unexpectedly have available due to the coronavirus shelter-in-place orders to work around your home and driveway.

Finding your home

If you live in a rural area, make sure your primary access road is identified with a non-flammable sign and has your road’s name appears in at least 4” reflective green background white reflective letters visible from both directions of travel.

Install signs showing street numbers with directional signs at all driveway splits The addressing standard is found here: santacruzcountyfire.com/fire_marshal/ standards/fpo_016_addressing_ standard.pdf

Accessing your home

County Fire Codes specify that all

roadways be 20’ wide; however, driveways serving up to two homes may be 12’ wide. Vertical clearances of 15’ must be maintained to provide safe access for fire engines responding to your home.

Maximum grade and vertical clearance standards is found here: santacruzcountyfire.com/fire_marshal/ standards/fpo_012_max_grade_vert_ clearance.pdf Access roads and driveways that are 12’ wide need turnouts 12’ wide and 35’ long every 500’. This will prevent a fire engine from getting blocked when responding to your home at a time when you and your neighbors are attempting to evacuat Fire agency turnout standard is found here: santacruzcountyfire.com/fire_ marshal/standards/fpo_013_turnouts.pdf Clear all flammable vegetation 10’ horizontally along access roads and driveways to prevent a fire from starting at the road and escaping into the wildland. This will also reduce fire hazards for responding fire engines.

Maximum grade and vertical clearance standard is found here:

Access roads and driveways that are 12’ wide need turnouts 12’ wide and 35’ long every 500’. This will prevent a fire engine from getting blocked when responding to your home. santacruzcountyfire.com/fire_marshal/ standards/fpo_012_max_grade_vert_ clearance.pdf Contact the FireSafe Santa Cruz Council for free chipping programs: firesafesantacruz.org/no-cost-chipping Does your driveway include a private bridge? Fire engines require a bridge be 20’ wide and be certified by a licensed and qualified engineer to make sure it is safe for heavy units responding to protect you and your home.

Bridge load limit signs are required and the bridge must be recertified every ten years: santacruzcountyfire.com/fire_ marshal/standards/fpo_008_bridge_ load_limit_signs.pdf Can a fire engine safely turn around in your driveway? All driveways leading to structures 150’ from the main roadway must provide turnaround spaces, either T-style with a 16’ entry, or a circular space with minimum 40’ center line radius.

Turnaround standards required by fire agencies is found here: santacruzcountyfire.com/fire_marshal/ standards/fpo_015_turnarounds_2.pdf Is your driveway is secured by a gate?

For fire engine access, the gate can be no farther than 30’ from the public roadway and must be two feet wider than the driveway. If the gate is locked, you need to provide a key or code access for firefighters to open the gate and access your home quickly.

The Santa Cruz County Fire gate standard is found here: santacruzcountyfire.com/fire_marshal/ standards/county_gate_standard.pdf

Is there a water source available for fire responders to protect your home?

Provide clearly-visible reflective signage to help firefighters find your water sources in the middle of the night so that they can quickly and safely defend your home.

You can obtain free blue reflective street dots: Santa Cruz County Fire

16 JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Marshal’s Office (831) 335-6748.

Does Your Community Have a Secondary Access Route?

There is new law regarding secondary access for communities in high fire risk areas where there is no secondary access.

Public Resources Code 4290.5 became effective January 1, 2020 and states: “On or before July 1, 2021, and every five years thereafter, the State Forestry and Fire Protection Board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, shall survey local governments, including counties, cities and fire districts, to identify existing subdivision (communities of 30 or more residences) located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, without a secondary egress route that are at significant fire risk.

The Board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal and the local government that identified the subdivision, shall develop recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. The recommendations may include, but are not limited to creating secondary access to the subdivision improving the existing access road or other additional fire safety measures.

The Board must maintain a list of these at-risk subdivisions and reports on the status of the work being done to reduce the risks.

Contact your local fire agency today if you live in a neighborhood with no secondary access for fire evacuations.”

You can find good information about fire defensible space here: firesafesantacruz.org/defensible-space Do what you can to improve fire engine access to your property, and to reduce fire risk now while we are all still sheltering in our yards.

For more information plesae visit firesafesantacruz.org

ASK NICOLE Parenting Teens During Uncertain Times NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

The economic and emotional toll of COVID-19 is likely to last for a long time. Now, more than ever, is the time to take care of ourselves, our families, and our community.

So much has happened – and not happened – in the last few months because of COVID-19. Schools and many child care facilities closed. Businesses closed or rapidly changed the way they serve customers. Parks and beaches closed, then reopened, then closed during peak hours of the day. Proms, graduations, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings were canceled, postponed, or changed to virtual gatherings. Many parents took on the additional job of overseeing distance learning, and many others lost their jobs and are struggling financially. Some days, the pace of change and level of stress caused by COVID-19 is dizzying and overwhelming.

And although some parts of the community are starting to open up, the economic and emotional toll of COVID-19 is likely to last for a long time. Now, more than ever, is the time to take care of ourselves, our families, and our community.

This monthly article provides tips for families raising 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 triplep@first5scc.org.

Dear Nicole, I’m a single dad with two teens. We’ve been sheltering in place and doing ok, but my kids stay in their rooms all day watching videos or playing video games.

I’ve tried to have them follow a schedule, be active, and talk about their feelings, but they don’t like any of my suggestions.

They say they’re fine and want to be left alone. The more I try to talk with them, the more they ignore me, and sometimes we end up arguing. What can I do?

- Raúl

Dear Raúl, I’m sure many parents of teens can

relate! COVID-19 has disrupted daily life beyond belief, and even “the experts” can’t accurately predict what will happen next. The uncertainty about this pandemic has left many children, teens, and adults feeling anxious, frustrated, lonely, scared, and even angry. Your teens are probably trying to make sense of the disruptions to their lives. This is a good time to provide support, even if it doesn’t seem like they want it. Here are some tips to try: Take care of yourself. It’s like putting on your oxygen mask before helping others. Notice your own thoughts and feelings and take small breaks when you’re feeling stretched to your limits.

Walk away from the stressful situation if you can. Take deep breaths, exercise, listen to music, or talk to someone supportive. Doing something you enjoy – even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time throughout the day – can help reduce your own stress and worries so that you the emotional energy to support your teens.

Let your teens know you’re there for them. Some kids want to ask questions or talk about their feelings, while others need more time or encouragement before they’re ready to talk. And still others would rather express themselves through art, music, writing, cooking, playing games, or physical activity instead of talking. Even if your teens don’t want to have a deep discussion, acknowledge that COVID-19 has turned life upside down and it’s natural to have many thoughts and feelings about it. Let them know you’re available if they ever have questions or want to talk, then follow their lead.

Have casual conversations about their interests. Ask what they want to eat, or ask them to tell you about a video they watched or the latest game they’re playing. This shows you value their opinions and interests – and most importantly, it keeps the lines of communication open.

Provide support when they’re ready.

If your teens ask a question or want to talk, give them your full attention. Listen and ask open-ended questions to find out what they already know and how they feel about it (“What have you heard?” or “How do you feel about that?”).

Acknowledge and normalize their feelings (“It’s natural to be worried. A lot of people feel the same way.”). Then give them praise and encouragement to keep sharing what’s on their minds (“That’s a good question. I’m glad you asked it.”).

Santa Cruz at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc. org for Triple P parenting support or dial 211 (or text your zip code to 898-211) to find counseling and other resources.

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 16 and 20, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading 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 Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep. first5scc.org, facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 4652217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

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.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The best thing we can do for our families is take care of our physical and emotional well-being and support each other. If your teens’ behaviors become more concerning (not sleeping or eating, more withdrawn or aggressive), reach out for additional support. Contact First 5

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

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

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YOUR HEALTH Keeping Up with Oral Health During Shelter in Place DR. SEPIDEH TAGHVAEI, CHIEF DENTAL OFFICER, FROM DIENTES COMMUNITY DENTAL

Often parents must pick and choose what to remind their kids about, and brushing teeth may be the activity that gets skipped.

Remember that list of things parents would remind kids to do before leaving for school? “Do you have your backpack?

Lunch? Did you brush your teeth?” Now that kids do not leave for school, the trigger (leaving the house) no longer reminds us of the important habit of brushing teeth in the morning.

Parents have had to make many adjustments to their parenting routines to maintain a balance during homeschooling and sheltering in place.

For parents of very young children, brushing the teeth of a wiggly, cooped-up toddler may be the last thing a parent can manage. Often parents must pick and choose what to remind their kids about, and brushing teeth may be the activity that gets skipped—we completely understand. So why make oral health a priority among all the other significant challenges that families are facing right now?

Children’s cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases for children.

One in four kindergarteners in Santa Cruz has at least one untreated cavity.

Baby teeth need to stay healthy to hold space for healthy permanent teeth and for proper jaw and speech development.

Poor oral health during childhood can lead to serious oral health problems in adulthood. Children with poor oral health miss more days of school due to dental pain and appointments.

The good news is that cavities are preventable! Before the shelter-inplace order, families could schedule and receive their regular cleanings at the dentist’s office. Children could get fluoride varnish during those visits, and cavities could be treated early. Many schools offered dental screenings and

treatment onsite. Children participated in presentations and activities about good oral health at school. In other words, your children’s oral health care was supported outside of your home too. Once shelter-in-place orders began, dentists’ offices had to close, except for emergency appointments. As of May, however, dentist offices are beginning to reopen up their practices, following strict safety guidelines. Schools are still closed, which removes school-based dental services and oral health education for children. But all is not lost! Good oral hygiene begins at home, and it counts as great preventive dental care, too!

Follow these simple tips to support good oral health at home: •

Continue to brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day and floss.

For young children: Help your young child brush their teeth (wiggles and all) and help them with flossing. Cavities can form in between the teeth, but flossing helps remove the sugars (plaque) that can build up and cause decay there. Flossing also helps to keep the gums healthy. Ideally, floss first before brushing.

For older children: Remind (and remind again) your older children to floss and brush their teeth. Parents can model good oral health habits by brushing and flossing their own teeth with their children.

• Continue to limit sugary snacks and beverages and offer fresh fruits and vegetables, instead. The extra snacking and the sweets common during sheltering in place can increase the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.

• Call your dentist to ask about the services they are offering now. It is possible that you and your family can schedule appointments. Do not wait until a current dental issue becomes an emergency.

Our homes are a great place to maintain our health during shelter in place. Even though this is such a challenging time, please remember that small, simple steps make big and important differences. Wash your hands often, floss, and brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day. The good news is that cavities are preventable and good oral hygiene habits can last a lifetime.

And remember that good oral health contributes to good overall health!

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18 JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

YOUTH WRITER My Quarantine Learning Journey

BY GRACE TIMAN, 10TH GRADE

 Grace Timan is a sophomore at Mount Madonna School.

open my computer and get straight to work. Unfortunately, things weren’t easy for me for long. About three weeks into quarantine, I suffered the loss of my father. While my school gave me some time off from classes, my motivation plunged from fantastic to nonexistent.

Soon, however, I became more focused on whether I had to turn in my geometry quiz than the new emotions that I was experiencing. I was floating through a Quarantine, a time when worries fill our minds about the uncertain future, and my own mind hasn’t been focused on anything but school assignments.

As a part of the generation raised with technology, it has always been a significant part of my life. I never thought, however, that I would have to rely on a laptop for my attendance.

Within a week of school cancellation our entire school had swiftly adjusted to the online requirement. Although grateful for the timely changes, it came with some setbacks. I had never heard of Zoom before and only three of my teachers posted on Google Classroom, and of course there was the ever-present question:

Am I even going back?

The hardest parts about transitioning to online school were technology, and of course, motivation. Moving an entire Pre/K-12th grade school online was never going to be an easy task, and technology ended up being one of the biggest issues. Relying on Google Classroom and school emails to get announcements and assignments meant lots of miscommunications. For example, when it came to my classmates and I, if it didn’t show up on the “to do” section of Google Classroom, we didn’t know it existed! The workload that we were getting online didn’t get any easier than it was while we were still in our school classrooms.

So many assignments felt meandering.

Everyone kept asking, “So, what are you doing with all this free time?” Well, we were trying to learn from home while doing assignments meant to fill our

time. Everyone urged me to learn a new language, paint, draw, go outside!

Yet, our workload had gone from hard, to impossible. Our teachers were all doing what they thought was best for us, but what they didn’t realize was that all of our “free time” was filled with extra assignments that were trying to compensate for the lack of in-person class time!

Unfortunately, homework cannot make up for human interaction. Staring at friends through a computer screen is lonely, and our sense of community is hard to maintain when you aren’t face to face.

Class from home means two challenges: Wi-Fi and family. I experienced sitting in Zoom class, for example, when a teacher’s Wi-Fi cut out, while at the same exact time her three children ran around the house playing together. Once, a child climbed back inside the house through a first-story window, waving at her mom’s class as she ran by! It’s not exactly the learning environment my class and I are used to.

Another big challenge is time management. A common phrase that I hear from my peers is “online school feels optional.” To put it simply, finding motivation is really hard. When I asked my friend how online school has changed her motivation, she told me, “For the worst. I have no motivation to sit down and open my laptop to Google Classroom and scroll through the endless sea of missing assignments, to see where I should prioritize my stress.”

In the beginning finding motivation was easier. I was able to get myself to

sea of assignments instead of facing my surroundings. I know that I, and other students, have all these new thoughts and feelings, new struggles. We don’t have our friends close by due to the shut in.

This causes such an overload of emotions and it gets really hard to process it all.

While not everyone is going through the same thing, I know every student is struggling with something right now.

Mental health and stress are hard things to manage, so many of us don’t know what is to come in our near future.

Maybe they’re a graduating senior, whose year was taken from them, or maybe they are just a kid who is sad to miss the eighth grade pizza party.

Maybe it’s neither, but no matter what we are worried about, I can speak for all students right now when I say, we have a lot on our minds.

Adults have new struggles they haven’t adjusted to yet, too, and, as children and young adults, our struggles and problems are just as valid. All we want to know is that the adults in our lives understand that. Transitioning to online school is hard, but feeling heard by our faculty, teachers, and families, is one thing that makes life a little bit easier.

Empowering Students to Shape Their Futures with Confidence.

Continuity of education is a top priority for Kirby. Ask us about our increased commitment to Tuition Assistance. Contact our Admissions Office to help you through the application process.

(831) 423-0658 x 202 or email admissions@kirby.org. 425 ENCINAL STREET SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060

831-423-0658 | KIRBY.ORG

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

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BIRTH MATTERS When it's Not Really Labor

BY LAURA MAXSON LM

Prodromal labor can be days of labor limbo, not stopping but not really progressing.

All labors are unique. Some begin with a bang and move right into active labor. Other times, contractions build for a bit, then stop with real labor starting hours, days or even weeks later.

But what happens when poky contractions feel like labor, but persist often for several days, without kicking over to active labor? This is called prodromal labor. Because prodromal labor and normal labor have similar beginnings, it’s important for a person to pace themselves until active labor.

How can we recognize real labor?

Generally, it’s a labor pattern consisting of longer, stronger and closer contractions. Once the contractions are about four or five minutes apart, lasting one minute and consistent at that pace for more than an hour, the cervix has usually begun to dilate past 4 centimeters – heading toward active labor.

Prodromal labor on the other hand can be days of labor limbo, not stopping but

y Happr’s e h t a F Day

not really progressing.

The reasons for prodromal labor aren’t fully understood. Perhaps this contraction pattern is doing other important work before dilating the cervix. Gently nudging the baby into a better position for birth, moving the cervix into a more forward position, or is just taking its time to efface (thin out).

Whatever the cause, the key is to get through it with enough energy to cope with real labor.

Approaching bedtime in not-quitelabor is best served with trying to rest.

Forget about writing down contractions - sleep is more important. Turn off the birth music, blow out the candles, and lie down together with the lights out.

Even if sleep is elusive, lying down with eyes closed and minimizing chitchat can result in some good rest, even with contractions every 10 minutes. A warm bath beforehand and a gentle back rub can also help. A care provider may also

Virtual Meet the Doulas Saturday, July 18, 4pm

Learn about how doulas support families though the birth and postpartum experience during our current COVID19 situation.

Preregister to join our free live zoom event: BirthNetSantaCruz.EventBrite.com

One-stop-shopping for pregnancy, birth & parenting services

www.BirthNet.org 20 JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

have suggestions for herbs, homeopathy or medicationsto help with sleep.

During the day find a balance between activity and rest. Some people try acupuncture or prenatal massage to either pick things up or help with rest.

Being in motion may help the baby find a better position. Pelvic rocks, movement on the labor ball, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage and just walking may cause a beneficial shift.

While being active is good, overdoing it can result in sore muscles and spent energy that will be needed later for labor.

Try not to waste any more energy on contractions than absolutely necessary.

Fold the laundry, bake some cookies or watch a movie to stay busy/distracted.

Lying around making toning sounds with every contraction makes the time drag and can be hard on the throat. Save it until you really need it. It’s often better to try to ignore contractions as long as possible.

Staying hydrated and nourished is

vital. Carbo-loading for the work ahead can be a good idea. Choose whole grains and foods that are easily digestible.

It can help to try to have a bite of something at least every half-hour or so.

Drink, drink, drink – dehydration can cause dysfunctional contractions. Water is great, but consuming fluids containing electrolytes such as recharge, gatorade, or coconut water will help your body keep going for the long haul.

• Keep the spirits up.

• Eat, drink, rest, - taking care of the body makes it easier to keep up the spirit.

• Know that the baby will be born! It only seems like forever.

The last thing anyone in prodromal labor needs is phone calls and texts constantly asking if the baby is born.

Designate someone to be contact person and give them updates to relay to others.

Better yet, try not to announce the first contractions on social media.

There are times to try to push a prodromal labor along, but prodromal labor alone generally isn’t a reason for induction. It is important to consider all circumstances in play, such as ruptured membranes, specific health concerns, or being well past the due date. The midwife or doctor will help with these decisions.

Knowing about and recognizing a prodromal labor pattern can help families cope with this potentially frustrating situation with patience and action instead of fear and reaction. Check-in with a care provider, partner and/or labor support person for reassurance and to process fears; with anxieties relieved and good coping advice, parents often do best without fulltime attendance until active labor kicks in. Without extenuating circumstances, prodromal labor is not a cause for induction or augmentation and care providers kept in the loop will be less likely to feel the need to intervene when the parents are coping well.

Birthnet.org for doulas, childbirth education, midwives and more

HEALTHY EATING A Little Kitchen Witchery Common Kitchen Herbs

Recipe

Fresh French Style Salsa Verde with cloves

BY GRETCHEN HEIMSOTH

DIRECTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

I make magic in my kitchen!! Think I am kidding? The love I infuse in my food and herb garden provides me with an abundant supply of little, fragrant green soldiers, and there is some serious alchemy. Many Generals to name in this culinary army, rosemary, thyme, the powerhouse oregano, cumin, garlic, cloves, the list is endless. We are going to focus on four common kitchen herbs.

It may be a little counter-intuitive, but dried herbs offer higher antioxidant values than their fresh counterparts.

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation (think rust) from free radicals (a host of angry molecules we get bombarded with from food sources and environment) in our cells. We use a scale to rate a food’s antioxidant value; it is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC scale. A plant’s essential compounds start to degrade from the time picked to the time you use them. This applies mostly to store-bought herbs. If you are growing fresh herbs, pick right before use for peak benefit.

Rosemary- Most of us are familiar with rosemary’s pine-like, minty-citrus aroma.

Some of the compounds that lend this herb to be so beneficial are carsonic acid- showing in studies to protect the brain from free radicals. It also contains rosmarinic acid, camphor, caffeic acid, and a host of others. These compounds are showing to be anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-cancer. Studies have shown rosemary essential oil can stimulate hair growth. Rosemary has one of the highest ORAC values of 165,280.

Oregano. It is a powerhouse of beneficial compounds! One teaspoon of dried oregano can provide 8% of your vitamin K! It contains the compounds carvacrol and thymol, which are antibacterial, have killed cancer cells in test tube studies, and have even rendered norovirus inactive in another study, showing anti-viral capacity. Carvacrol is an anti-inflammatory compound.

Poultry growers have turned to oregano oil in place of conventional antibiotics in the process of raising poultry to prevent different infections. It has an ORAC

value of 175, 295!

Thyme. This herb is a multifaceted healer. Anti-microbial, anti-fungal natural insecticide, anti-cancer potential, assist with respiratory stress, soothing inflamed skin. Packed with vitamin C and A. It’s also rich in thymol, occurring at a higher concentration in thyme then oregano. Thymol is in a class of naturally occurring compounds known as biocides. These compounds can destroy harmful organisms, such as infectious foodborne bacteria. A university team in South Korea showed that thymol was effective in killing tiger mosquito larvae.

Researchers at the University of Turin found that it could kill candida Albicans, the cause of common yeast infections.

Thyme is rich in many biologically active compounds. Borneol, linalool, myrcene.

Before modern antibiotics, thyme was used to medicate bandages. Thyme has an ORAC value of 157,380.

Cloves, an antioxidant powerhouse, coming in on the ORAC scale at 290,283!

Known for its spicy, sweet aroma, the plant can thank that trait to its rich abundance of the compound eugenol.

It makes up the bulk of cloves essential oil makeup, but the plant also contains an abundance of flavonoids, the pain killer methyl salicylate, organic acids, and terpenes. Cloves are antibacterial, showing in studies the capacity to kill E. coli bacteria. Cloves are beneficial in an oral care regimen because of this bacterial killing ability. In one study, showing the ability to stop two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease. Cloves helped make up the famed thieves oil used during the plague, which has been studied and shown to be effective at killing pathogens. Humans have long known of the power of this plant.

Herbs are an affordable, easy, and tasty way to add some nutritional bang to your diet! The herbs profiled here are some of the most powerful common ones but grab for any herbaceous host and know you will be exposing yourself to some beneficial compounds as well some heavy-handed flavor!!

1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 bunch of fresh basil 1 handful of fresh mint 1 small handful of capers 1 handful thyme ¼ tsp cloves 6 quality anchovy fillets 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 8 tablespoons good extra virgin olive oil

Peel the garlic and pick the herb leaves, then finely chop on a large board with the capers and anchovies. Place in a bowl, add the mustard and vinegar, then slowly stir in the oil until you achieve the right consistency. Balance the flavors with black pepper, a bit of sea salt and maybe a little more vinegar.

A drizzle of honey if too sharp.

This fresh green sauce is good on anything! I am serious, even toast! If vegan or don’t like anchovy, skip or sub with a tsp nutritional yeast!

Recipe by Biscuits & Beets

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GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

21

YOUR HEALTH Walk Gently with Grief

BY LINDA KAY

Shortly after the Shelter in Place order was issued, I ventured to the grocery store. In almost every aisle there were employees wiping down surfaces, trying to keep shoppers free from the coronavirus. On one hand I was grateful that the store was taking this threat so seriously, on the other hand it made me

terribly sad. Tears started falling. The reality of our new reality seemed to hit home that day. I went home and didn’t want to do anything. I finally laid down and took a long nap. This is not me. This is not how I generally respond to life.

Then it occurred to me. This is grief.

It dawned on me that we are all

experiencing grief. Grief isn’t just what we experience after the death of someone we love. Grief comes with the loss of anything that is important to us. I was grieving the loss of freedoms that I had always known. Others are grieving the loss of jobs, the loss of finances, the loss of health and perhaps the loss of a loved one. I dare to say that there is no one that hasn’t been touched by some sort of loss, and for many, they have experienced multiple losses.

Grief is a strange thing. It expresses itself in a variety of ways: shock, anger, helplessness, profound sadness, depression, acceptance – and then repeat. But one doesn’t experience those feelings in a specific order, and one can’t check it off a list and say, “Okay, I’m over that emotion”. Grief catches you at unexpected times and is triggered by a picture, a smell, a song, or anything that holds a memory of life before.

In the United States we pride ourselves in being self-reliant, productive, efficient, in control. When we unexpectantly find ourselves in a state of loss we don’t know how to handle it. Those who are grieving have a hard time focusing, being productive, they tire quickly physically, mentally and spiritually.

It’s important to recognize that we ourselves are grieving as well as those around us. It causes us to be more gentle with ourselves and others. A friend shared the following poem which is a good reminder of what is needed.

Walking with Grief Do not hurry As you walk with grief; it does not help the journey Walk slowly, pausing often do not hurry as you walk with grief.

Be not disturbed by memories that come unbidden.

Swiftly forgive; and let Christ speak for you unspoken words.

Unfinished conversation will be resolved in Him. Be not disturbed.

Be gentle with the one who walks with grief.

If it is you, be gentle with yourself.

Swiftly forgive, walk slowly, pausing often.

Take time, be gentle as you walk with grief.

Celtic Night Prayers From the Northumbria Community Marshall Pickering, London, 1996 Pages 59-60

Many cultures around the world have rituals and traditions that recognize the need to grieve and express one’s losses. Throughout most of the US there are funerals, viewings and wakes.

However, the West Coast culture tries to ignore death and loss. Funerals are replaced with memorial services and even those are pushed off for a more

22 JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

“convenient” time. But therapists tell us that if we don’t deal with our losses, we actually prolong the grief and we open ourselves up to “compounded grief”.

The experience of compounded grief is when the most current loss brings up former unresolved losses and one finds themselves grieving old losses as if grieving them for the first time. In a way we are all experiencing compounded grief of a different nature as we have all lost multiple things all at the same time.

Many of us find ourselves in survival mode. We try to power through. Many moms are trying to be Super Mom right now, as they have felt pressured into providing the best home education possible for their children and now they’re looking for ways to engage their children for the summer months. While it is admirable to try to give your children the best, it is important to give yourself some grace. As posted by tinybuddha. com, “And if today, all you did was hold yourself together, I am proud of you.”

And a therapist friend adds, “And if not, there is always tomorrow.” While we are in this period of transition and uncertainty this is an excellent time to ask some of the deeper questions: Where do I find my identity? What do I value?

Answering those questions now will be benefit us in the future.

When we are stressed it is human nature to focus on those things in which we have no control – the coronavirus, the lack of ventilators, masks, the action of others, the lack of toilet paper! It is more important to focus on those things that we can control – the amount of time we spend watching and reading the news, social distancing, our attitude, self-care (healthy eating, resting, exercise) and being kind and gentle to others.

Viktor E. Frankl, who was held captive in a German concentration camp, experienced great loss. He said his hardest day was when they demanded his wedding ring. But while suffering as a prisoner he penned these words, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” How will you choose to respond to your losses?

Mari Harrower, retired Marriage and Family Therapist, suggests that writing in a journal may help one to process thoughts and feelings. She suggests taking a two-pronged approach. First, be personal and subjective and express your feelings. But secondly, be an objective observer. Record statistics, changes in culture, almost as a news reporter. While it can be grim, it also helps to remember that we are not alone in our present circumstances and it may prove to be interesting reading for a future generation.

But mostly be kind and gentle, to yourself and to those around you.

Many of the thought shared are gleaned by a podcast in which Mari Harrower shared on fear and anxiety. You may hear the whole podcast at subsplash.com/ theodyssey/media

LOCAL ARTIST Suzanne Fiore Suzanne's love of animals, nature, monsters, pop-culture, and storytelling has molded her into the artist she is today. She creates illustrations in both traditional and digital media.

Would you love to own one of her one of a kind pieces? You can visit her website fiorecreation.com. Follow Fiore Creations on social media to see her imagination come to life @fiorecreation on Instagram and Facebook.

Your kids can get hands-on instruction from this talented artist either through one-on-one lessons or at Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center's camps or after school programs.

Suzanne received her BFA in traditional illustration from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. She was born and raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ca, where she still resides today.

From the Artist

The most important thing to me when I'm drawing is to illustrate my character's emotions to the best of my abilities. I want you as the viewer to feel what the character is experiencing.

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

23

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE DAY CAMPS Animal Training & Research International

Science, Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing (831) 771-4191 animaltraining.us/junior-trainer Exclusive Jr. Trainer experiences including hands-on discovery with sea lions for ages 9-16 (or as young as 7 with a parent)!

Come have fun and learn with our rescued animal ambassadors at Moss Landing Marine Labs. Participants receive one-onone personalized attention designed to give them a feel for what it’s like to actually care for, work with, and train sea lions and other animals. Available 7 days/week and year-round, kids learn animal care, feeding, husbandry skills, and much more. Nurture your child’s love of animals with the animal professionals you can be proud of. Limited availability for the summer – book your special sea lion summer now!

Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District

15685 Forest Hill Drive Boulder Creek CA 95006 831-338-4144 bcrpd.org Boulder Creek Recreation offers a variety of fun play-based summer activities.

Younger children will enjoy a 3-week session of camp at our downtown facility which includes indoor and outdoor learning and socializing for the little ones. This program offers water play, gardening, outdoor play, indoor games and reading time for ages 2-4.5 years. For children 5-12 we offer a variety of actives at our Bear Creek Community Center with river play, swimming pool, basketball court, playscape, tennis, hiking, outdoor fort building, music, crafts and more. We hope you will join us this summer.

Christian Youth Theater Santa Cruz

804 Estates Dr #210, Aptos Camp info (831)539-6448 Register at cytsantacruz.org CYT Santa Cruz “Find Your Character” summer camps are a week-long musical theater day camp for students ages 4-18.

Camps are designed to create a hands-on theater experience, and are focused on building performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. Our program will be in complete compliance with State and local guidelines and will take place outdoors.

There is no better place for kids to learn about theater and have fun than in CYT’s positive and encouraging atmosphere. July 6-10 Aptos, July 13-17 Scotts Valley.

24 JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Four Points Youth Camp

Locations: Pacific Cultural Center, Veteran’s Memorial Building, Orchard School, Aptos kaseylindemann@fourpointsyouthcamp.com fourpointsyouthcamp.com Four Points Youth Camp is a new summer day camp with activities designed to broaden every camper’s horizon. Serving campers in grades K-8, our activities include sports, arts and crafts, technology, and traditional camp games. These activities are designed to cater to each age group. With new unique themes each week, every camp session is a fresh experience.

Little Garden Patch Farm

LittleGardenPatchFarm.com 4635 Fairway Drive Soquel CA 95073 (831) 476-0964 At Little Garden Patch Farm children aged 5-8 make memories to last a lifetime as they learn through hands-on play and discovery, arts & crafts, active play and imagination plus gardening activities and encounters with our many farm animal friends. Whether outdoors in our beautiful gardens and play area, or indoors in our whimsical playroom or our farm kitchen, children experience a community of joy and friendship that supports them as they learn and grow. Exciting weekly themes, a cozy home atmosphere, cooking experiences, a nurturing staff, and special guests round out an exciting, joyful experience families will never forget.

Mountain of Fun – Mount Madonna School

491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna 408-847-2717 mountmadonnaschool.org/summer Be Unplugged, Outdoors and Active with Mountain of Fun summer day camps! Featuring redwood horse camps, performing arts and nature crafts. Give your child a summer rich with outdoor exploration and imagination through forest play, garden time, fiber arts, games and new friends. Details and registration online at mountmadonnaschool.org/summer.

Camps are offered for the weeks of July 13 and July 20, with an additional full-day Horse Camp starting August 3. Open to children entering kindergarten through 5th grade, with transportation available.

Pathways Dojo

2724 Soquel Ave Ste D, Santa Cruz 831-465-8236 pathwaysdojo.com Pathways Dojo has a unique approach of combining martial, healing, and nature arts as paths to self-improvement and personal development. We offer specialized programs for men, women and children in ninjitsu (the art of the ninja) and the healing arts of qi

So many peoples’ lives were changed by summer camps. They are places not just to get away from parents and make new friends, but to try new things, enjoy nature and learn crafts. We canoed, made lanyards, caught frogs and snakes, learned guitar, made fires in the wilderness and cooked and cleaned up afterwards. Those were timeless experiences that gave us a lifetime of memories. *Please check with the camps to make sure they are operating this summer.

gong and tai chi. Mark Roemke, a 15th Dan in Bujinkan, leads our dojo. We teach our Ninjas in Nature program monthly in the forests of Felton, at after school programs, at in-school programs, and with summer camps.

Our vibrant and welcoming Santa Cruz community is one of our treasured assets.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 420-6115 santacruzmuseum.org info@santacruzmuseum.org Explore nature with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! The Museum offers many ways to explore outside in nature, at the Museum, and online.

New opportunities, virtual experiences, and updates about offerings are added regularly to the Museum's website.

Small-group camps for youth entering Kindergarten through 6th grade are offered June 29 through August 7 and scholarships are available!

Santa Cruz SPCA

(831) 465-5000 spcasc.org SPCA Animal Advocates - 6 weeks of animal camp at home. It will include the following sessions: June 22-26 Students going into 1st through 3rd /June 29-July 3 Students going into 4th through 6th /July 6-10 Students going into 1st through 3rd /July 13-17 Students going into 4th through 6th /July 20-24 Students going into 1st through 3rd /July 27-31 Students going into 4th through 6th Keep an eye on our website for more details and registration information.

Summer at Santa Catalina

1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, CA 831.655.9386 summercamp@santacatalina.org santacatalina.org Summer at Santa Catalina is a place filled with fun, joy, and learning. From arts and athletics to yoga and marine biology, we offer attention-grabbing classes that spark curiosity and build confidence and independence. Our teachers and counselors are committed to the growth of every camper and dedicated to the values of honesty, respect, and kindness.

Located on the Monterey Peninsula, we are dedicated to serious summer fun! We laugh hard and we make friends and memories that last a lifetime. Come see why families have been a part of this all-girls tradition for 67 years! Director: Ange Atkinson. Resident and Day Camp for Girls, ages 8-14.

Tara Redwood Summer Camp 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel 831-462-9632 tararedwoodschool.org/summecamp-2020

Tara Redwood School’s summer camp, Into the Heart of Nature, is located in an extraordinary setting nestled in the redwoods of the Nisene Marks Forest. We offer cooperative games, creek exploration, habitat studies, playful skits, and naturethemed arts. Our summer camp educators

are highly experienced in outdoor activities and wildlife studies. At Tara Redwood’s Camp, children learn social skills and kindness through developing a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature to all parts of life. The program is an extension of Tara Redwood’s CCC pedagogy in which practicing mindfulness, developing empathy, and exploring ways to help others, children are guided to feel empowered and how to make a positive difference in the world. Tara Summer Campers want to return year after year to participate in this engaging, fun, and unique values-based environmental program. See our website for more information and registration. For children 3 to 5 years old. Classes Teach Me French

831.295.3556 sophieveniel@hotmail.com I offer Customized French tutoring for elementary, middle school, high school students, homeschoolers and adults. Learning French can be one of the most rewarding educational opportunities. As a French native, I am passionate about teaching and sharing my language skills. I offer simple steps to understand grammar, pronunciation and build vocabulary to gain confidence in speaking. I can teach at any level. I offer private lessons in person and online.

Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center

303 Walnut Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831- 426-3062 wafwc.org Warriors Group provides youth aged 12-18 the support they need during their teen years. Through workshops, games, and discussions we explore healthy relationships, communication, and self-care while having fun. Once a month, we host a dance class, movie night, and a culture night! Warriors youth group meets weekly from 5:30 – 7:00 PM.

FINE ARTS Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center

9341 Mill Street, Ben Lomond 831-336-3513 mountainartcenter.org Fill your summer with art! The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center offers the premier Summer Art Camp in the San Lorenzo Valley. Our goal is to provide campers aged 7–17 with opportunities that build self-esteem through art and friendship. Students work on individual and collaborative projects in disciplines such as painting, drawing, cartoon art, ceramics, printmaking, and art-meetsscience (STEAM) classes. Students will learn to feel comfortable expressing themselves artistically and within a group setting. Campers will have an opportunity to participate in critiques and learn how to present and discuss their work.

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE WEST Creative Performing Arts

June Bug’s Gym

831-425.9378 Santa Cruz westperformingarts.com Summer 2020...create….INNOVATE! Ever dreamed of sword fighting epic villains, flying in Neverland, casting spells, or capturing your favorite Pokémon? Then get ready for a summer full of imagination and fun with West Creative Performing Arts! Join us for our unique process-based theatre arts classes, camps, and conservatory-style studies, where actors use their imagination to craft their own play experience full of innovation, creativity, and fun! From immersive theatre-based day-camps to original plays, classic productions, and an opportunity to hone your funny bone, we have it all so come PLAY! All of our classes, training programs, and productions are process-driven, believing that the creative journey is what matters.

We build confidence, communication, and community. Ages: K-12

3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz 831.464.BUGS (2847) junebugsgym.com/ June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional and cognitive development.

Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.

SPORTS Adventure Sports Unlimited

303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com Adventure Sports Unlimited (ASU) is Santa Cruz's premier swim school. We teach infants through adults the joys of water and adventure. Our Ocean programs introduce families to our magnificent marine environments through the Big Sur Camping Trip and Kelp Pickling Class. We explore the world-renown underwater landscape of Monterey Bay through our Open Water Scuba courses. It all starts in our custombuilt aquatics facility with our tropically heated pool. We want to make your entry into the water world truly enjoyable. ASU Come Play With Us! Community Boating Center, UCSC

790 Mariner Park Way Santa Cruz, CA 95062 831-425-1164 boating.ucsc.edu The UCSC Community Boating Center has been teaching local juniors how to sail for over 30 years. All classes are hands-on, coed classes, ages 8-16 and are taught in RS Quests, RS Visions, and Lasers. Students learn the basics in the protected Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and progress to the beautiful Monterey Bay. Enjoy sailing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment with knowledgeable, experienced staff. Sign up today! (Adult classes are also available!)

Jim Booth Swim School

Santa Cruz at Harvey West Pool and Watsonville at Duncan Holbert Pool and Fitness Evolution 831.722.3500 jimboothswimschool.com Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth swim school. Little Otters beginning at age 4 months is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, wellqualified teachers. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School.

Nike Sports Camps at UC Santa Cruz

1-800-NIKE-CAMP (645-3226) ussportscamps.com Train with Division III UC Santa Cruz and top local coaches on the UCSC home turf in summer 2020. Improve your skills, make new friends, and experience what it’s like being a student-athlete at one of California’s top summer camp destinations.

Youth, adult, day, overnight, week, and weekend programs offered.

Radical Movement Factory

2855 Mission Street Extension (in the Wrigley Building) 831-531-8407 radicalmovementfactory.com The Radical Movement Factory offers week-long day camps in circus and aerial arts for kids ages 6-12. Sessions run Monday-Friday 10am-2pm and include a beach day!

Cost: $325 per session. Register for both sessions at a discounted price of $600.

Session I: July 20-24| Session II: July 27-31 Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc.

2750 B Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831.462.0655 scgym.com During the summer we will be offering themed Preschool and Recreational Gymnastics Camps at the same time to give parents a safe place for children ages 4 & up. Our camps will be offered all summer long starting in June. Beginning through advanced gymnasts will participate in all Olympic gymnastics events as well as daily trampoline, tumbling, strength, fitness and flexibility exercises. We’ll be filling our camps with lots of other out of the sun fun!!!

Visit our website or contact our office for complete details & registration. Come flip with us!

Santa Cruz Soccer Camp

831.246.1517 santacruzsoccercamp.com For over 30 years our vision of joy and adventure remains. Almost all coaches have been young players who joined the harmony and magic of the camp, and have graduated through our Leadership Development Program. From the inspiration and resonance experienced at Delaveaga Park during 10week-long summer camps, the coaches and directors are in service to the new paradigm celebrating the Evolution of competition.

SUMMER EATS Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-469-4400

kiantis.com Party at Kianti’s with our Kids Pizza Parties.

Offering Curbside and Take Out for our entire menu and drinks, free kids pizza with entree purchase, Kianti’s Kids Pizza Kits, Happy Hour At Home 3-5 Daily, Family Dinner Special for $40, Kianti’s Signature Cocktails, Bottles of Kianti’s Wine and Kianti’s Vodka, Gin or Rum, gift cards and apparel. Delivery services include DoorDash, UberEATS, and Doorbell Dining. Visit kiantis.com/virtual-fun for Kids Pizza Making Videos and more! Visit Kiantis.com/curbsidetogo for Kianti’s rockin’ curbside specials.

be proud of. Limited availability for the summer – book your special sea lion summer now!

SUMMER HEALTH

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Nannette Benedict DDS & Associates

5015 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley 831.440.9214 ScottsValleyDentist.com Babies, toddlers, teenagers and their parents will enjoy our newly opened up space. We are very family oriented: I even practice with my son!

We have the latest in high-tech instruments which we enjoy showing to everybody, including CAD/CAM crowns with 3-D imagery and a 3-D printer. We offer Invisalign to teenagers and adults. You can bring your own playlist and can use our headphones or watch programs on the IPAD mounted over the chair. To better accommodate families, we are open 5 days a week and have two specialists: a periodontist and an endodontist. Go to our website and you can book your next appointment online.

Ultraderm | California Skin Institute

Address: 3311 Mission Dr., Santa Cruz 95065 Phone: (831) 272-0936 californiaskininstitute.com/locations/ ultraderm-santa-cruz/ As the days get longer, sunnier and filled with outdoor activities you need to protect your family’s skin from UVA/UVB rays.

Remember to apply/reapply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. If you have any concerns about the health of your child’s skin, California Skin Institute is a premier dermatology practice in Santa Cruz, Freedom, & Monterey with board-certified dermatologists and specialists helping families with their skin health. Visit our website or call to make an appointment and ask us about our teledermatology options.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT Animal Training & Research International

Science, Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing (831) 771-4191 animaltraining.us/junior-trainer Exclusive Jr. Trainer experiences including handson discovery with sea lions for ages 9-16 (or as young as 7 with a parent)! Come have fun and learn with our rescued animal ambassadors at Moss Landing Marine Labs. Participants receive one-on-one personalized attention designed to give them a feel for what it’s like to actually care for, work with, and train sea lions and other animals. Available 7 days/week and year-round, kids learn animal care, feeding, husbandry skills, and much more. Nurture your child’s love of animals with the animal professionals you can

The Bookakery

BookakeryBoxes.com Looking for activities to do with your kids at home? Have a kid that always wants to help in the kitchen? The Bookakery has just the thing: Bookakery Boxes, a monthly subscription box for kids aimed towards fostering a love of reading and baking. Each Bookakery Box comes with a hardback picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, baking item and activity, all based around a theme of the month. Order yours today! Use code GUISE10 for 10% off any subscription length (renews at standard rate). Expires 12/31/2020 886 Cannery Row, Monterey montereybayaquarium.org Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.

831-647-6886 or toll-free in the U.S. and Canada 866-963-9645 montereybayaquarium.org/visit/ admission-tickets/tours/aquariumadventures-information Come dive with us! Underwater Explorers in a unique program (summer only) where kids ages 8-13 are introduced to the underwater world through surface scuba diving. Kids are safely guided by Aquarium leadership level dive staff in our Great Tide Pool, where they’ll meet amazing animals while getting a fishes’ eye view of the wonders of the bay. No experience or wet suit is necessary, only a sense of adventure! montereybayaquarium.org/ underwaterexplorers Music Together & Canta y Baila Conmigo w/MusicalMe, Inc.

Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County 831.438.3514 MusicalMe.com Join us online for both Music Together & Canta y Baila Conmigo. Our classes offer the very best in Early Childhood Music Enrichment for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and the Adults who love them. Families are loving our new online option: "We are LOVING the Zoom classes.

They are the perfect amount of time with great flow. We love that we don't have to do anything but turn the computer on and sing. We wish online classes were always an option!" We’re also including lots of extra content, including Unlimited Bonus classes, extra online content, and unique virtual birthday parties. Contact us today for a free class – you just might be surprised at how fun and engaging our classes are for the whole family!

Santa Cruz Public Libraries

224 Church St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-427-7713 santacruzpl.org Imagine Your Story, the SCPL Summer Reading Program for all ages, has gone virtual!

You can earn books, attend virtual events, and win prizes. Reading just 5 books over the summer helps prevent learning loss in students.

Kids can continue learning while having fun at virtual programs such as storytimes, craft and other STEAM activities. Amazing performers will present virtual shows all summer long. Sign up at any branch or online at santacruzpl.org\ srp starting June 1st.

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

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COLORING PAGE

Color this crafty drawing and send us your entries to editor@growingupsc.com. You could win day passes to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, when it opens.

26 JUNE 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Experts in matters of the heart.

At Dominican Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Program, our cardiology experts have your best interests at heart. From education, prevention, and diagnostic procedures to advanced treatment and rehabilitation, we consider your heart from every angle. Find out if yours may be at risk for cardiovascular disease by taking our online heart assessment at DignityHealth.org/Dominican/Hearts. Or find the cardiologist for you by calling 831.999.8439.

GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2020

DH_DOM_GUSCM6.1_CARDIAC_HEALTH_10X12.625_AD.PDF

CLIENT: DIGNITY HEALTH

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COVER PHOTO CONTEST Send your cutest picture of your kid(s) and their pet for a chance to be on the July cover!

Email christy@growingupsc.com

by June 12 to be entered.

Voting begins June 15.

Follow Us @GrowingUpSC