Growing Up in Santa Cruz

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may 2018 always free

INSIDE:

5 Summer Camp 12 for Life The Future 9 of Bikes Mother’s 8 Best Day Ever

secrets of blue ball park


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what’s inside...

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ann Fitts

DiSTRiBuTiON & SuBSCRiPTiONS susan Bernstein

WEBSiTE diana Fitts

we asKed

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Karen Kefauver, Bob langseth, Jennifer mahal, laura maxson, Bryan miller, ann carin niland, Jan pierce, peg smith, michelle spence, nicole m. Young

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Electric Bikes for All

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Editor’s Note Calendar Blue Ball Park Boys & Girls Club First Camp Experience Summer Camp for Life Learning a Second Language Hands On Birth Matters Kids Read Around Town ABOuT THE COvER:

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not only does just about every santa cruzan know about “Blue Ball park,” but it brings visitors from all over the state. Kid’s love this piece of public art that its creators designed to be different from everything else in 1981. pictured in front of the “skyball" are parker Kava, camrynn Ford, sophie pursley, Ben Ford and andrew pursley. Jennifer Ford

DESiGN/iLLuSTRATOR ADDiTiONAL AD DESiGN

asK nicole

Mother’s Day

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Brad Kava, Jennifer Ford, steve dinnen ashley Girres

Preventing Parent Burnout

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ann Fitts linda Kay sophie Veniel

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editor@growingupsc.com 831.239.3444 p.o. Box 3505, santa cruz, ca 95063

May 2018 • Vol. 21 • No. 3 Growing up in santa cruz copyright 2018. printed in the united states. the contents of this publication are meant as information only and should not take the place of a medical doctor’s recommendations. all views expressed represent those of the individual authors. all rights reserved. reproduction in whole or in part, in any form, electronic or otherwise is prohibited without permission. this publication does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading advertising. Guisc is printed on recycled paper and uses all soy based inks.

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s ’ r o t i ed note Dear Readers, Kim Allen has been a largely unheralded santa Cruz hero. two decades ago she started Growing Up in Santa Cruz, providing countless resources to parents and their kids who are growing up in the most wonderful county on earth. she was one of only a few women at the top of the publishing industry and put together a successful monthly free newspaper overcoming great odds and

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rs dito e e th from challenges. she’s helped two generations of kids, some of them grown up and now working for her paper. she donated to area nonprofits, letting people know about their work. she sponsored local events, including the Cabrillo music festival and Kid’s day downtown, of which she was one of the founders. she’s a bright spot, known all over the community. that’s why we were lucky when she decided to turn over her baby to us. having two kids grow up with Growing Up and now, with our 2-year-old son, we wanted to quit working for other people and devote ourselves to our main priorities, family and kids, and sharing the information every family needs about raising children here in santa Cruz. Brad has been a lifelong journalist, going from his first job at Good Times to the San Jose Mercury News and the Gilroy Dispatch. he also teaches journalism at Cabrillo College. Jennifer wrote for the successful online publication, Santa Cruz Patch. she has worked as a children’s photographer and has steadily helped in classrooms throughout the years with both her grade school kids. We’re looking to continue Kim’s work and hoping to move it into the future. We’ll make the paper more colorful and more local, hoping to encourage your letters, freelance stories and photos. You’ll see already we’ve brought in some popular local writers. We’ve also brought in a new web designer, diana fitts, who built a new site, www.growingupsc.com. We are building a stronger presence on instagram and facebook. We’re looking for parents and teachers who want to blog on our site. We’d love some from every school in town. We also want your letters and ideas for columns and articles. send them to editor@growingupsc.com thanks for your support and we’re looking forward to growing with everyone in santa Cruz. Brad Kava Jennifer Ford Steve Dinnen


Preventing Parental Burnout By Nicole M. young, MSW

Being a parent is hard work, even when you love your kids deeply. in some ways, parenting has gotten easier as my kids have grown older. the days and sleepless nights filled with dirty diapers, tantrums, and shopping-tripsgone-wild are long-gone. i have more energy to enjoy being their mom. in other ways, parenting has gotten harder as they’ve grown older. the exhaustion from constantly being “on” when they were little has been replaced by exhaustion from constantly negotiating family rules and trying to figure out when it’s time to be involved in their business and when it’s time to stay on the sidelines. there have been times over the years when the exhaustion has left me feeling frustrated, ineffective and burnt out as a parent. in those moments, i’ve had to remind myself it’s ok to take a step back and take care of my own needs so that i can step back in and be a positive parent. this monthly column provides tips for anyone who is raising children, based on the world-renowned triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in santa Cruz County. if you have questions for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Nicole, I enjoy being a mother...most of the time. I work full-time and have three kids under age 10. They’re great kids but need a lot from me. My husband is also wonderful, but when he’s not working, he just wants to watch TV. Most of the time, I just keep going because I have to. But sometimes I get stressed and lose my temper, and then I feel like a terrible parent, which makes me more stressed and angry and then no one wants to be around me. What can I do to break this cycle? – Luz dear Luz, i think you just described the daily life of many parents! Being a parent can be extremely rewarding, and it can be extremely demanding, exhausting, and

get through this.” if you lose your temper, give yourself permission to take a “time out” away from the stressful situation. take a few deep breaths and tell yourself, “i’m doing the best i can. i will try again.”

ask nicole

stressful. many parents experience “parental burnout,” especially when they feel a lack of control, overloaded, underappreciated, or isolated. here are some tips to try:

Develop a self-care routine. this might seem impossible or impractical, but taking care of your needs will make it easier to be calm, patient, and present. think about activities that make you feel content, relaxed, relieved, or energized – perhaps it’s exercising, listening to music, sitting in silence, cooking, or socializing with friends. try building in time to do at least one of those things every day, even if it’s for five minutes at a time. focus on making it part of your daily routine so that it becomes a habit, like getting dressed or brushing your teeth.

dressed, feed themselves, help with chores, or cooperate with each other, but the reward will be worth it when these and other daily tasks require less of your time. teaching children these skills early in life will also build their confidence and ability to learn new skills and behaviors throughout their lives. Have realistic expectations and be kind to yourself. recognize when you’re feeling overloaded and resist the temptation to say yes to everything. remember there’s no such thing as a perfect parent or partner, and it’s exhausting to try to be everything for everyone. When you’re feeling stressed, take some deep breaths and say, “i’ve got this,” or “i will

final thoughts: Parental burnout is a real thing. this is why taking care of yourself is one of the core principles of positive parenting. if it feels foreign to put your needs first, start with something small and do it consistently so that taking care of yourself becomes as natural as breathing air. Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 14 and 18, 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 http://triplep.first5scc.org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

Ask your partner for support. talk to your husband about the stress you’re experiencing. Give him some examples of ways he could support you – helping with chores, watching the kids while you take time for yourself, or helping with morning or nighttime routines – then ask if he’s willing to support you in this way. Let him know that getting this type of support is important for your physical and emotional health and will help you be fully present and available for the whole family. Teach your children to do things independently. it might feel like extra work to teach children how to get

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A Park By Any Other Name the secrets Of ANNA jeAN cummiNgs PArk By Ann Carin Niland the Anna Jean Cummings Park is one of the most recognizable in santa Cruz County, but some don’t even know its real name, still more people don’t know about everything the park has to offer, and almost no one knows about some of the interesting things that have happened at the park known locally as Blue Ball Park. if you only drive by, you would never now that the park is 96.7 acres divided into three uses. The park’s name Anna Jean Cummings was the founder and executive director of the Land trust of santa Cruz County. she was also a leading member of the save soquel group that advocated for the preservation and protection of the o’Neill ranch for public use and the residents of soquel. from purchasing the land to the grand opening of the Anna Jean Cummings Park, 20 years passed. Cummings died of cancer before she could see the completion of the park she worked so hard to create. to honor her hard work, the park was named after her. the lower level of the park that can be seen from the road provides a large playground that is split into two age groups so younger children can safely enjoy the structures without being underfoot of the faster moving older kids. there are also large covered pavilion spaces with multiple picnic tables for gathering, as well as smaller picnic tables, some of which are shaded and others let you sit in the sun. there is also a large grassy field that people use to play active games, lounge, fly kites and throw a frisbee around. this field also provides the park with a buffer against the busy street which helps the park feel safe without having to put up fencing. on the day i visited the park, for danae miller 31 and her son Brayden, 3 the field was the perfect place to shoot off a small air compression rocket. But the rocket was temporarily forgotten once he caught sight of the slide. “Both my kids love the slides,” said miller. she also has a daughter reese, 5, and she has been bringing her children to the park for years and watching them grow to enjoy more of what the park has to offer. The slide the slide has gone through three incarnations so far. A hillside slide is never something that rolls off an assembly line, it must be custom made to fit the landscape. the first was a single 5-foot-wide bright yellow fiberglass slide that moved people so fast it had to be closed a week after it opened. “When you got to the bottom and you hit that curve, it semi-ejected you out into the sand,” said the superintendent of the Parks department 6 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

the skyballs were installed in pieces with a giant crane in 2001.

Gretchen iliff. it also didn’t help that the bright yellow color left its mark on the back side of anyone brave enough to go down it. “i was the first one down it,” said iliff. “my butt was completely yellow from the paint on the fiberglass.” After only one week all the yellow had been rubbed off the slide, and was no doubt destined for washing machines all over the county. “the skateboarders loved it,” said iliff. But a lot of safety regulations go into any park structure and after numerous complaints it was clear the first slide had to be replaced. the second incarnation was plastic. Like the slide of today it had the little bumps that slowed riders as they went down. But after only a couple years the plastic was so warped it too needed to be replaced. thankfully, the Parks department stuck with the idea of having a slide, and they installed the two metal slides that the park still has today. metal is long lasting, but they quickly discovered the slides would get extremely hot, so the current large shade structure was added to protect riders from superheated metal. Heart Attack Hill the big hill that’s home to the slides has been nick named Heart Attack Hill. because as you climb the staircase that leads to the upper fields you might feel as if you’re going to be taking a trip to the hospital. it is thought that the hill used to be less steep before construction of soquel Wish school. the contractors moved a lot of fill dirt into the space making the hill much steeper. if you can brave the staircase you will

find two large ball fields for softball, baseball and soccer, surrounded by a level walking path. Beyond the ball fields there is a large greenway with a looping trail that nature lovers use to enjoy light hiking, spring flowers and wildlife. The first on the field the first group to ever use the ball field was Gal’s softball, and now, nearly 20 years later, a generation of mothers that played for the team as children are bringing their own little Gals to the field to learn not only good sportsmanship, but good stewardship of the field and surrounding park they play on. The Road to Recovery if you’ve ever walked the track surrounding the ball fields, you might have missed the brick sized plaques nestled along the edge of the grass. the plaques display words of encouragement from young people that have struggled with addiction and have been successfully rehabilitated. in 2001, a group of parents approached the parks department in about installing The Road to Recovery. the young people that participated in the project wrote short poems or statements in an attempt to persuade other young people not to get involved with drugs or alcohol and to make healthier choices. the parent group raised all the funds necessary for the project. Birds at the park Late one night, soon after the park’s grand opening, people living around the park called iliff to tell her there was an owl stuck in the soccer net. she rushed to the park and called animal control. “they asked ‘what kind of owl is it?’”

recalled iliff. “And i said ‘Well i don’t know. A really mad one.’” When the park first opened the groundskeepers left the soccer nets up all night; now the nets are taken down every evening. Not only does the Parks department want the owls to be safe, they need the owls’ help to keep the gopher population in check. the superintendent might not have been able to identify the owl’s genus, but there are many people dedicated to the hobby of birding that might have. When they spot a bird they take photographs, log dates and locations. Along with a local favorite the Pygmy Nuthatch, there have been well over 100 birds identified at the park - not to mention three owls. the list of bird sightings can be found here: ebird.org/hotspot/L1805571 The Artists behind the Sky Balls each ball is 6,000 pounds, nine feet in diameter, hollow, constructed out of rebar and cement and they all cost $50,000. “the sky Balls as we try, and try, and try to call them are a focal point for the park,” said iliff. soon after they were installed people started adding their own touches to the art. someone, somehow, got one of the Green Waste recycling bins up on top of the highest sphere. A few members of the community have tried to add their art to the highest one by painting different things on it. on the list are a man’s genitals, the trucking thumb and the world. iliff says that she was dismayed to have to paint over the world. “it was cool. But that wasn’t the intent of the installation,” she said. the Parks department has a large bucket of blue paint and a brush ready


and waiting for any such occasion. “for some reason it’s always the top one,” said iliff. And it has been that way since the very first night the sky Balls were installed when someone tried to break off the highest ball. “somebody thought it would be a good idea to roll one of those suckers down the hill,” said steve Gillman, 72. “Wouldn’t that be fun?” Gillman and Katherine Keefer, 71, are the creators of the towering public art. What we see today used to be eight individual half spheres. these massive objects had a very active life before coming to live on heart Attack hill. hauled from the san francisco Bay Area, dangled precariously from a crane, after carefully threading the pole through holes in each of the 3,000-pound half spheres was quite a project. the round molds weren’t perfectly round either and they needed to be aligned exactly right as well. “it was a long process,” said Gillman. the next day the artist came back for finishing touches. “i remember coming back to paint them and someone–probably kids, boys–i’m sure it was boys, had set up a fulcrum and a pry bar, and they had bent the pry bar,” said Gillman. “But of course they couldn’t move it because–i don’t even know what it would take to move it… more than a pry bar.” thankfully the stunt wasn’t successful. “that was a tricky installation,” said Gillman. “steve is absolutely fabulous at figuring out how to do stuff,” said Keefer. the two artists, respectively, have a large body of work. that art is highly stylized, what’s called signature art. But when Keefer and Gillman produce public works, they remove their styles from their artistic expression. “We didn’t do signature art,” says Keefer. Gillman recalls the process of finding inspiration for the Sky Balls. “Katherine had a bunch of these ceramic balls around another sculpture. they were glazed sky blue.” Gillman asked Keefer, “What are those little blue balls that you put around your sculptures?” Keefer responded “i don’t know. they’re sky balls” Gillman chuckled as he remembered envisioning them on

the hill “Wouldn’t that be fanciful.” “it is your vision, but it’s not about you,” says Keefer. “one thing i like about public art is that it’s big, and when you walk into it it’s visceral. hopefully you’re going to become a part of that whole experience. it’s still a human scale, but it’s not. Your whole body is in relationship to it.” “We try to make things that don’t look like art,” says Gillman. “the first thing the brain does is label it. ‘that’s art’ and then you don’t look at it any more because the brain has already seen art and you don’t have to deal with it any more.” When the art is right for the space Keefer says, “it energize, and calms, and informs an entire space.” it is important to both artists that the work they do is in harmony with the landscape they are working with. the history of the space, the people that live near by, the way the space is used, and the budget are among the considerations. “You can do anything you can think of if you can do it in a budget,” says Keefer “And that is really fun if you can find people that can do really high quality beautiful work that can make it come true.” Keefer enjoys working with everyone involved in the process. there are landscape architects, committee officials, and sometimes the public gets involved. But the most important part of the project is respecting the space. “We both really like to work with the land,” said Keefer. “so that it fits into the place, and becomes part of the place. sky Balls was successful that way.” says Gillman, “You follow where the sight suggests you go, and something happens. A kind of collaboration between the sight and the artist. Although usually the sight isn’t consciously aware of that, or maybe it is. Who knows? Who am i to say?” “i learned a long time ago that if you try to please everybody you please nobody,” says Gillman. “if people own it, if the neighborhood owns it and it becomes theirs then that is successful,” said Keefer Ann Carin Niland is a feminist, mother, student, introspective egalitarian and dedicated consumer of popcorn. Reach her at consientiouscog@gmail.com May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 7


we Asked, you Answered By Ann Carin Niland

whAt is yOur fAvOrite mOther’s dAy memOry? Jennifer Martinez 24, of Watsonville, with children, Luna, 5, and Andy, 2: “my first mother’s day, my partner actually paid for my tattoo. that’s really special to me. i got Luna’s name on my back.”

Miranda Myhre 38, Soquel, with Gianna,13, Gavin, 11, and Vienna, 6: “the kids get into it. they climb in bed and we get to hang out. my favorite part is the kids’ proj-

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ects from school. they’re always pretty special.”

Kate Stark 43, with Olive, 9: “olive was born in march, and my very first mother’s day my husband let me sleep in which like doesn’t happen - and my cat peed on me at 8:50am so… the best memory i have is working in the garden all day, and planting when she was three.”

Jessi Danenhauer 30, of Felton, with Austin, 15, Danny, 10, Lia, 5, Ellie, 3: “for the very first time as i was tucking her into bed that night, Lia said ‘i love you’. it was when she was first learning how to talk.”

Kai Parker 34, Live Oak, with Elijah, 15, Zev, 5, and Isla, 9 months: “i went with my family, my step son elija would have been ten at the time, we went to the Chaminade for

their mother’s day brunch. i just got to eat so much and i was pregnant so it was perfect. And they had someone doing balloon animals there and we made a day out of it.”

Shanae Dunn, 33, of Live Oak with Jasmine, 8: “Going to the beach with my daughter for the first time. right down on 26 Ave.”


e-bikes: Love ‘em or hate ‘em they’re here to stay the Newest cycLe tech LeveLs the PLAyiNg fieLd fOr ALL Ages By Karen Kefauver i admit i was a snob when it came to electric bikes. for years, i thought people who rode ewere bikes generally lazy, out of shape and worst of all, a potential danger to those of us who knew how to ride “real” bikes. As friends started buying e-bikes and raving about what fun they were, i quietly dismissed them as lost souls, former cyclists who were abandoning fitness for trendiness. then, suddenly last fall, my feelings shifted when i finally rode an e-bike for the first time in Big sur. throughout the summer, i’d seen glorious photos of friends cycling that world-famous coastline, thrilled to have miles of stunning, car-free highway 1 to themselves after winter storms had destroyed nearly all vehicle access and the road was closed during months of repairs. When my friend Chelsea suggested we rent e-bikes for a Big sur day trip, i seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. though it hurt my ego, i agreed to rent an e-bike, rationalizing that my pal probably wasn’t in shape for the 18-mile ride. At the rental shop, i climbed astride a radmini e-bike, sporting 20-inch fat tires and weighing a little over 60 pounds. this wasn’t a bike, it was a beast! After a tutorial, i finally understood the difference between throttle and pedal assist. my rental bike, like many e-bikes, had both. the throttle mode is similar to how a motorcycle or scooter operates. When the throttle is engaged, the motor provides power and propels you and the bike forward. A throttle allows you to pedal or just relax and enjoy a “free” ride. With pedal assist, there is only power when you are pedaling. As our adventure unfolded over the next few hours, i was stunned, not just by sweeping vistas of jagged cliffs plunging into the Pacific, but by how much fun i was having zipping along on the e-bike. i was pedaling steadily, even working up a sweat at times, but also savoring breaks by using the throttle to help me up hills, far more hills than i had remembered. e-bikes weren’t just for sissies after all! By the end of the afternoon, the most humbling realization was that i was not nearly as fit as i had thought. in fact, i wouldn’t have reached our

Photo Credit: Ivo Obregon crystal obregon pedals her two kids, carolina, 4, and sean, 1, in santa cruz, on her Xtracycle brand electric bike in santa cruz in 2007, on the way up to ride trails in uc santa cruz.

destination of the beautiful mcWay waterfall had i not been on an ebike. i returned to santa Cruz a changed woman and eager to revisit the topic of e-bikes with friends. When they were just becoming popular, i had snickered with my fellow mountain biker david Giannini about e-bikes. “i thought if you can’t ride your bike, take up another sport or hobby,” recalled the 71-year-old santa Cruz resident. “that was my position until i rode an e-bike. then i was like, ‘Wow this is a total game changer!’” his change of heart happened when he could no longer keep up with the high school mountain bikers he’d been coaching since 2007. during their three-hour trail rides at Wilder ranch, he noticed the fun and purpose were fading. But the ebike leveled the playing field. “i could keep up with all of the kids,” he said. “it was amazing. All of the sudden, my ability to mentor young riders was restored.” While david was chasing teens on his e-bike, my friend Crystal obregon was hauling kids. We reminisced about how she had bundled her daughter, Carolina, and son, sean, then about 4 and a half and 1 respectively, on an e-bike for trips to the farmer’s market, swim lessons and pre-school. “With the e-bike, i could get some exercise and fresh air and not be stuck in the car with the kids,” said Crystal, whose husband ivo bought the bike to keep them all pedaling together. “it’s not fun to get little kids in and out of the car. it’s easier on the bike and more exciting for them too.” While Crystal’s days of schlepping kids are long gone, dieter ramaekers

Photo Credit: Dieter Ramaekers susie Kavanagh ramaekers rides alongside her toddler, esme, on west cliff drive while her husband, dieter ramaekers pedals the ebike. the family rides there several times a week for fun in the summer.

is gearing up for a new cyclist in the family. the Belgian native rides a pedal-assist e-bike with esme, almost 3, strapped in front while his wife susie rides alongside on her bike. they’re expecting a daughter this summer and their massive, 7-speed, wooden-framed “dutch Bakery Bike” has ample space for two passengers with what looks like a massive wheelbarrow in the front. esme can sit inside it on a bench equipped with safety straps and eventually the baby will have her car seat secured inside. for added fitness, dieter refrains from using the motor except when climbing the steepest hills. “We ride along West Cliff,

through Natural Bridges state Park, to the farmer’s market, downtown, pick her up at school,” said dieter. “if you’re mindful and careful of traffic and the weather is nice, it’s great. it feels safe for her seated in front of me. the air is nice here, you get some sun, Vitamin d. Life slows down. the kids love it.” While i’m now officially an e-bike fan and especially love seeing families biking together, i still believe there are many valid concerns about the safety of e-bikes on roads and trails. As the global market for e-bikes surges towards a multi-billion dollar business, these issues will move to the forefront. meanwhile, i don’t look forward to the day when an impatient e-biker wants to pass me while i’m huffing and puffing up a single-track trail. What’s changed my attitude towards e-bikes is how they open up a world of possibilities for biking for those who couldn’t or wouldn’t have cycled otherwise. And to those folks, i say, more power to you! Bike Share Program Launches in Santa Cruz the City of santa Cruz, in partnership with Jump Bicycles, will roll out its new bike sharing program during santa Cruz Bike Week, may 4-12, with a ribbon cutting at noon, may 22, at City hall. the fleet of 250 orange e-bikes will be available to the public at 27 locations citywide. the 8-speed JUmP brand bikes are electric assist, meaning they are powered only when pedaling. City of santa Cruz transportation Planner Amelia Conlen said that Uber’s announcement last month that it is buying Jump Bikes, (for a rumored $200 million) “does not affect the santa Cruz program – same staff, launch timeline,” said Conlen. “they’re excited about the potential to launch in more cities with Uber’s support.” “We see this as an opportunity to introduce people to biking who haven’t biked before,” Conlen said, noting that the bike share program is designed for short trips around town and ideal for beating rush hour traffic. there are monthly passes and pay-as-you-go options — $2 for 30 minutes and after that, about $.07 per minute. riders must be 18 years old. for details, visit www.cityof santacruz.com/government/citydepartments/public-works/trafficengineering/bike-share. Karen Kefauver is a freelance writer, social media coach and avid cyclist who has lived in Santa Cruz since 1993. Visit: www.karenkefauver.com. May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 9


New Boys & girls clubhouse Opens the LArge jOe ANd LiNdA ALiBerti cLuBhOuse wiLL serve kids ANd teeNs iN scOtts vALLey ANd sAN LOreNzO vALLey By Bob Langseth

starting in April 2018, families in scotts Valley and san Lorenzo Valley now have a new after-school and summer option for their kids. ideal for children of working parents, and open to all children, the new Joe & Linda Aliberti Clubhouse in scotts Valley offers a broad range of educational, enrichment and recreation activities to provide quality programming for a child’s “out-ofschool” time. memberships are $75 per year. Boys & Girls Clubs of santa Cruz County (BGCsCC), the largest yearround youth development organization in santa Cruz County, serves more than 2,000 youth members ages 6-18 through academic, art, teen and recreation programs. the new Joe & Linda Aliberti Clubhouse is the third Clubhouse of the BGCsCC, which also operates clubs in downtown santa Cruz and Live oak. BGCsCC offers affordable, safe and thriving community hubs with skilled, caring professionals who understand where youth are coming from and work with them to shape their path towards a great future.

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the Joe & Linda Aliberti Clubhouse features a 3,000 square foot building and 12,000 square foot outside play area. A “walking bus,” with Club staff

escorting students from Vine hill elementary school and scotts Valley middle school to the Club, will be available each day after school. Clubhouse programs and activities will include homework help and tutoring, computer and technology programs, arts and crafts projects, sports games and activities. special program opportunities are also planned for youth 13 years and over. the new Clubhouse is open for afterschool programming from 2:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. (m, t, th, f) and 12:30p.m. - 7:00p.m. on Wednesdays. summer programs will take place 7:30a.m. - 6:00 p.m. weekdays beginning June 11. “the Joe & Linda Aliberti Clubhouse will be an important community resource and asset for scotts Valley and san Lorenzo Valley families,” said Bruce mcPherson, santa

Cruz County 5th district supervisor. “Now working parents and families will have an affordable, safe, fun and supported option for their children during out of school time.” “We’re thrilled that Joe and Linda Aliberti’s vision to provide a safe and supportive place for kids and teenagers is now a reality. their unwavering belief in the project and what it will mean for kids has been inspirational,” said BGCsCC executive director Bob Langseth. “We’re looking forward to positively impacting the lives of children and the community throughout scotts Valley and san Lorenzo Valley.” Learn more at 831-423-3138, www.boysandgirlsclub.info or facebook.com/BoysAndGirlsClub SantaCruz.


coping with first-time camp experiences By Peg Smith for thousands, the camp experience has been a long-standing family tradition. for others, the camp experience seems almost counterintuitive. send your child off to camp for maybe weeks at a time? “As parents, recognizing that you and your child are growing and learning on a journey together is key to adequately preparing yourself and your child for any type of separation, including going to camp for the first time,” states Peg smith, former chief executive officer of the American Camp Association (ACA)*. following are helpful tips to consider as you ask yourself, “Who’s going through separation anxiety, me or my child?” separation is a part of growing up. find opportunities to give your child independence in safe, structured surroundings with caring adults such as the camp environment. Understanding that healthy separation prepares your child to be a confident, productive adult, sometimes makes the process more successful. Understand that separation is natural and necessary; remember your baby’s first crawl, the first time your child stepped onto a school bus, and the overnight at a friend’s or relative’s – these memories are all important developmental phases you and your child suc-

recognize their strengths. “As children prepare to eventually leave home permanently, i often wonder who is being prepared during each separation experience throughout a child’s life – the growing child or the maturing adult,” comments smith. “i think it proves learning is a lifelong process.” *Peg Smith retired as CEO of the American Camp Association on January 1, 2015. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. ©2018, American Camping Association, Inc.

cessfully encountered. each successful separation gives your child confidence for the next challenge. recognize and expect success. implement steps to help prepare you and your child to have a smooth transition to camp by using the tips in “Preparing Children for the summer Camp experience.” Both parents and children benefit from these recommendations. share the experience. Ask the right questions about the camp you are choosing for your child

and be sure to match your child’s interest and age to the appropriate camp atmosphere. “making the most of the interview“ can give you helpful ideas about what questions to ask. Gathering information about the camp will make you feel better about your decisions. recognize separating from your child may be just as difficult for you as for your child, maybe even more so. opportunities for children to experience healthy, successful separation help your child discover who they are and to

About ACA: The American Camp Association® (ACA) is a national organization with more than 11,000 individual members and 3,000 member camps. ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in quality camp and outdoor experiences for children, youth, and adults. ACA provides advocacy and evidencebased education and professional development, and is the only national accrediting body for the organized camp experience. ACA accredits approximately 2,400 diverse camps nationally. Accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s voluntary commitment to the health, safety, and overall well-being of both campers and staff. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 11


One step at a time summer camp can Lead to a Lifelong Path By Bryan Miller

the stairs at Pepperdine University were too big for me. they twisted themselves against the large hills of the college, climbing across the terrain for what felt like miles. Back then, scaling the stairs felt unwieldy and improbable, a feat meant for older, more experienced people. A feat for college students. i was not a college student. i was 12 years old. i was there playing tennis for five days as part of a summer camp. it was the first time i remember being exposed to a college campus, and i found it overwhelming. i slept in the dorm rooms at night and had breakfast at the cafeteria in the morning. the days were for playing tennis, the sound of skittering feet and jolted tennis balls filling the air. there was a loose freedom in what i was doing. there were also a lot of stairs, and many of them needed to be climbed. As the years passed, college failed to materialize in the way i thought it would. my collegiate career happened in fits and starts, like a car that wouldn’t turn over properly. finally, at twenty-nine, i can safely say the engine is rumbling and the finish line is within my reach.

12 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

the finish line is UCsC. Before that, the race took me through the creative writing program at Cabrillo College. But i’d like to say the race started when i was 12 College, to me, was a place situated along the ocean, a blue sky unfurling above. i’ve been working towards that image that school left me with ever since. santa Cruz County doesn’t have a private university like Pepperdine, but i don’t think it needs one—it has

Cabrillo College. After hearing about underwater robotics programs and a Kuumbwa jazz camp, i found it interesting these programs weren’t geared for college students. they were geared for youth—Cabrillo wants to create future college students. i sat down with them to learn more. i discovered Cabrillo extension offers a summer youth program with dozens of summer camps fostering curiosity in steAm fields, creative arts, sports, and other careers catering to the burgeoning scientist as much as the novice athlete. “summer camps like the ones at Cabrillo give students an opportunity to explore things they don’t often have in their mainstream school,” said marco Lucadano, who teaches the Cabrillo extension camp Creative Visual design and illustration. “they may discover they have a special talent and then keep exploring it for the rest of their lives.” i stopped playing tennis sophomore year in high-school. Growing up, my interests were not athletic interests. At twelve years old, i was more invested in reading comic books and imagining

myself flying an X-Wing. i thought of planets and stars and the life cycle of our galaxy. Looking back on it, i wonder how my life would’ve turned out had i gone to one of Cabrillo’s week-long summer camps that taught kids about space or how to draw comic books. the fact that three of Cabrillo’s camps have the word “Jedi” in their title reinforces my point. Back then, if i had


to choose between tennis and star Wars, i would’ve fought darth Vader to get off the court. had i gone to one of the extension’s Jedi-themed camps, i would’ve explored my love of star Wars while learning about key engineering concepts. i can’t definitively say going to the camp would’ve automatically unleashed a hidden passion for engineering, but i can say the camp would’ve met my passion for star Wars on my terms, in a way that took it seriously. the program would’ve helped me articulate why i’m passionate about certain things and found ways to express them. it would have reinforced the fact that college was fun and welcoming. “College is often portrayed by adults and in media as this monolithic,

challenging, intimidating thing,” said Alicia Bierson, who teaches coding, video game design and other technology and science camps through Cabrillo extension summer Youth Program. “By attending summer camps on campus, students get to break down some of those myths and actually see the campus and the classrooms.” the Cabrillo extension’s summer Youth Program is in the business of putting kids on a college campus to help them find their passion early on in life, and to make sure they feel at home on their campus. it supports the future athlete as much as it supports the future paleontologist or electrical engineer or farm-to-table chef. At Cabrillo, there are fewer stairs

to climb, and there are so many people to help you along the way. it took me a long time to figure out i loved writing, and even longer to realize i loved space. Who knows what would’ve happened if my love of astronomy was nourished at a young age in the same way tennis was. i probably would’ve thought about college sooner—i would’ve realized my passion could be properly conceived and supported by getting a degree. i don’t regret graduating college later than most of my peers. Part of that was because of Cabrillo—they met me where i was and helped me figure out what i was passionate about. i learned you can start your journey early. You can be on a college

campus at nine years old, building and programming robots using LeGos. or you can walk onto the campus at forty with no idea of what you want to do. regardless, Cabrillo will meet you. You just have to be willing to take the first few steps. trust me, in the end—it’s worth it. When Bryan miller isn’t working in corporate film, he’s hammering away at his novel or reading a good book. he’s very excited to be graduating UCsC in June. You can follow him on twitter @bmiller808. To learn more about Cabrillo Extension go to cabrillo-extension.org or call them at 831-479-6331

May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 13


MAy 2018

cALeNdAr

photo: Brad Kava AFTER 60 yEARS, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is closing its Ferris wheel this year.Daredevil Nik Wallenda put on a show during the park’s 2011 season. The Boardwalk will celebrate a “Deaf Fest” May 12 with rides and a sign language comedy show.

tuesday, may 1 exploring Big Basin 9am. Learn about the magical redwoods, forest plants, fires, geology, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with docent diane shaw. hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We hike rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. meet at Big Basin redwoods state Park headquarters. event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10. Big Basin redwoods state Park. Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. 338-8883 New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 months 10am-11:30am. ongoing tuesdays. All groups are held in the sutter room at sutter maternity and surgery Center. Classes are drop-in (no pre-reg required) donations accepted (no required fee). Questions? Call sutter Lactation Center 4772229. sutter maternity and surgery Center. 2900 Chanticleer Ave, santa Cruz. tumble-on-tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. ongoing open Gym on tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym. Ages: walking to 7 years. Parents may leave children over 3 yrs. Need a break from the kids, go out to lunch, or just relax? the solution is JuneBugs Gym! Cost is $10/hr with open gym punch14 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

card for $60 (with paid membership). Call 464-BUGs (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola dr. ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure Point-santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm. ongoing tuesdays. orchard school. includes juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, and more. with rock Lerum at orchard school. drop-in basis. Please contact the school at 688-1074, or www.orchardschoolaptos.org for more info. orchard school K-6. 2288 trout Gulch road, Aptos. 688-1074. www.orchardschoolaptos.org/ Youth Coalition meeting 5pm6:30pm. free. ongoing tuesdays. Ages 13-21. Get involved, get educated & become a community youth leader. Youth-designed & led group. Call first. resource Center for NonViolence, 515 Broadway, sC. 4275066 the 10th Annual eddy Awards 5:30pm. the museum of Art and history. An event where the community can recognize the outstanding commitment made daily by the dedicated educators, staff and volunteers of santa Cruz City schools. every year we recognize excellence in public education–our teachers, parent volunteers, educational programs, individual

schools and unsung heroes. in addition, the roseann Coonerty Layne inspiring teaching Award recognizes 7th through 12th grade teachers who teach writing, history, social studies, government, civics or any other writing-intensive course. Come celebrate with us at the museum of Art and history. Join us for hors d’oeuvres and desserts in the secret Garden at 5:30. the award ceremony begins at 6:30pm. tickets $25 https://www.brownpapertickets.com/e vent/3353979 triple P seminar: Getting teens Connected 5:30pm-7pm first 5 santa Cruz County, s.h. Cowell Conference room, 4450 Capitola rd, suite 106, Capitola Attend this parenting seminar to learn strategies to encourage your teen to form positive connections with others. seminar participants will learn ways to help teens: Be confident; develop social skills; Plan ahead; Keep their commitments; and take care of others. this triple P seminar is free and open to the public. free childcare is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for children and adults. Presented in english by sandra rodelo, Community Bridges – La manzana Community resources Lo-

cation: to register: Contact sandra rodelo at (831) 724-2997 x211 or sandrar@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parenttrainings Birth Center tour 6:30pm. free. ongoing tuesdays. Call to register. dominican hospital, 1555 soquel dr, sC. 462-7709 divorced fathers Network 7:308:30pm. ongoing tuesdays. dfN provides non-adversarial techniques to achieve healthy co-parenting through a support group network. Aptos La selva fire dept, 6934 soquel dr. 2345578

wednesday, may 2 All together Now! 9am-11am, ongoing Wednesdays. sessions incorporate the principles of Positive discipline and are great for kids 0-5 years old. share the joys and challenges of parenting as we grow and learn together. drop-in classes in english. Classes facilitated by experienced and friendly teachers. recommended fee of $3-$7 for those able to pay. Live oak family resource Center, 1740 17th Ave, santa Cruz. 476-7284 Bookshop santa Cruz story time


MAy 2018 10am. Bookshop invites any toddler or pre-school age children to listen to stories read by mamoura slike. mamoura is a wonderful reader and she will be sharing fantastic books! 460-3251 New moms support Group 10:30am12:30pm, ongoing Wednesdays. free for babies 0-6 months old and their moms to discuss common concerns with other new moms. dominican edu Center, rm C, 1555 soquel dr, sC. 462-7709 sLV together in the Park Playgroup 10:30am-12pm. Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and their infantpreschool children meet for play and group activities. free. Come enjoy snacks, parenting resources, crafts, music, and stories with the community. Call for meeting location. 3356600 (english) or 246-2061 (spanish). Breastfeeding support Group 10:30am-12:30pm. free. ongoing Wednesdays. discuss joys & challenges of breastfeeding. dominican edu Center, rm d, 1555 soquel dr, sC. 462-7709 triple P @ together in the Park (dropin playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. Parent education is offered as part of the together in the Park drop-in playgroup led by mountain Community resources every Wednesday, April through october. triple P Positive Parenting tip sheets are covered with all participants or in brief, one-on-one consultations. triple P at together in the Park is offered in english or spanish by rosa reyes, Community Bridges – mountain Community resources. All children and parents/caregivers are welcome. Light snacks will be provided. Location: felton Covered Bridge Park, corner of Graham hill rd and mt. hermon rd (across from safeway)

child crawl, creep and explore their motor skills in a fun and stimulating environment. music, parachute and more!! Cost is $10/hr with open gym punch card for $60 (with paid membership). Call 464-BUGs (2847) or drop by at 3910 Portola drive. ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure Point, santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym.com female survivor support Group 6pm7:30pm. ongoing Wednesdays. is your partner violent or controlling? have you survived a sexual assault? monarch services~servicios monarca offers a safe, supportive space. free. Childcare activities provided. 1685 Commercial Way, santa Cruz. 4254030. 24hr: 888 900-4232. wcsddm.org foster Parent orientation meeting 6pm-8pm. first Wednesday of each month. there is a need for loving, stable families to care for children of all age groups all over santa Cruz County. Be an adoptive or foster parent to a child, adolescent or teen. Learn more at our monthly orientation meeting. Live oak family resource Center, 1740 17th Ave., santa Cruz. for information or to sign up for an orientation, please go to www.fostercare4kids.com or call 3452700.

thursday, may 3 food Addicts Anonymous meeting 9am. ongoing thursdays. A 12-step group that helps people not eat addictively one day at a time. many parents and teens (and of course others) struggle to lose weight. there are no dues or fees. A desire to stop eating addictively is all that is needed. Please go to foodaddicts.com for more information. trinity Presbyterian Church on 420 melrose. entrance is through the yellow gate to the library.

el Patio de mi Casa 12pm-2pm. ongoing Wednesdays. inspiring playgroups for moms, dads, caregivers and children 0-5 years old. Join us to sing, play, and tend a garden along with our children. sessions incorporate the principles of Positive discipline. share the joys and challenges of parenting as we grow and learn together. instructor: Yolanda Provoste-fuentes. recommended fee of $3-$7 for those able to pay. drop-in. Classes facilitated in spanish. Live oak family resource Center, 1740 17th Ave., santa Cruz. 476-7284

music together demonstration Class 9:30am &10:30 am. Learn about the award winning, research-based music program music together! music together fosters an environment in which the joys of music making and the powerful benefits of having music in your young child’s life can be shared. each child’s natural musicality is nurtured, & grownups learn together with their children. our curriculum supports grownups to use our music & home materials to further engage children & experience the fun too! demo class will be held at the Native sons’ hall, 239 high street, santa Cruz.

Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday. AKA inchWorm Class is designed for the child that is crawling through early walkers. Come join the fun and let your young

New Parents with Babies 4 months to 9 months 10am-11:30am. ongoing thursdays. All groups are held in the sutter room at sutter maternity and surgery Center. Classes are drop-in (no pre-reg required) donations ac-

cepted (no required fee). Questions? Call sutter Lactation Center 4772229. sutter maternity and surgery Center. 2900 Chanticleer Ave, santa Cruz. Preschool Crafts at dream maker Creative 10am-12pm. ongoing thursdays. Bring your preschoolers, ages 3-6 for some crafting fun where you don’t have to clean up! $10 admission includes three age appropriate craft projects, each taking 10-20 minutes. Craft themes will be posted on facebook and instagram one week in advance. An adult must stay with child - this is not childcare. No registration required. Just show up. 508-1012. 1001 Center st. #2, santa Cruz (in the santa Cruz Arts Center) http://dreammakercreative.com Grupo estila de Vida triple P Cada jueves, del 3 de mayo al 5 de julio, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm el programa estila de Vida triple P ofrece herramientas para ayudar a padres y niños a llevar una vida más saludable y activa. Asista a este grupo de crianza de 10 sesiones GrAtis para aprender: Guías para saber cómo comer saludable, tomar decisiones saludables y ser activos; maneras fáciles y simples para enseñarle a los niños a ser más activos; Cómo establecer límites cuando se trata de video juegos, celulares, computadoras y televisión; maneras para hacer cambios saludables como familia. este Grupo es gratis y abierto al público. inscríbase para reservar su lugar y obtener el cuidado de sus niños GrAtis. se proporcionarán bocadillos ligeros para niños y adultos. ¡Asista cada semana para participar en una rifa para ganar un premio! Presentado en español por: Gladys Gómez, Puentes de la Comunidad – La manzana recursos Comunitarios Ubicación: La manzana recursos Comunitarios, 18 W. Lake Ave, sala e, Watsonville Para inscribirse: Comuníquese con Gladys Gómez al (831) 724-2997 x220 o gladysg@cbridges.org o vea el calendario en http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2. Challah making/Baking 3:30pm New Leaf market. With temple Beth el’s Young families Project at New Leaf market’s West side location at 1101 fair Avenue in santa Cruz Bring your little chef(s) and your appetites! We will supply the recipe, ingredients, and adult helpers. YUmmmm! rsVP’s are appreciated to sclarkson@tbeaptos.org Lifestyle triple P Group: tools to help

parents and children lead healthy, active lives. thursdays, may 3 – July 26 (no class June 14 & July 5), 6 – 7:30 pm Lifestyle Triple P Group teaches families positive parenting strategies to increase children’s healthy eating and physical activity. Attend this group to learn: Guidelines for healthy eating, healthier food choices, and being active; fun, simple ways to teach children to be more active; how to set limits about video games, phones, computers, and tV; and Ways to make healthy changes as a family. this Lifestyle Group is free and open to the public. register to reserve your spot and get free child care. Light snacks will be provided for children and adults. Attend each week to be entered into a raffle drawing to win a prize at the last class! Presented in english by: Cori Burt, Community Bridges – mountain Community resources Location: mountain Community resources, 6134 highway 9, felton to register: Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-6600, ext 6605 or corib@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings

friday, may 4 free first friday 11am-4pm. enjoy the museum for free with your family on the first friday of every month. enjoy our intertidal touch pool and large-screen microscope. PLUs get a sneak-peek at our annual Art of Nature exhibit. Natural history museum, 1305 east Cliff dr, santa Cruz. 4206115 steAm into the Galaxy 3pm-5pm. downtown Library 224 Church st, santa Cruz. Beware Vader’s fist! members of the Golden Gate Garrison will be invading the downtown Library for steAm into the Galaxy. the purpose of this event is to demonstrate the wide array of steAm programming happening throughout the library system during the school year ANd during the summer reading program. may the 4th be with you - star Wars crafts at dream maker Creative 5pm 9pm. Kids ages 5+ and adult fans of star Wars, drop-in for craft projects inspired by the beloved saga. several projects available, priced $5 - $10 each. Available projects will be posted on facebook and instagram one week in advance. No registration required. Just show up. 831-508-1012. 1001 Center st. #2, santa Cruz (in the santa Cruz Arts Center) http:// dreammakercreative.com redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. how do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? so tall? how are they important to humans? Join us for May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 15


MAy 2018 this fun and informative guided halfmile stroll through a magnificent oldgrowth redwood forest. meet the famous mother tree, the father of the forest and the incredible Chimney tree on this 90-minute walk. stroller and wheelchair accessible. meet at Big Basin redwoods state Park headquarters. event is free. day-use vehicle fee is $10. Big Basin redwoods state Park. Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. 338-8883 fun n’ tumble open Gym 12pm3pm. ongoing open Gym on fridays at JuneBugs Gym. Ages: walking to 7 years. Parents may leave children over 3 yrs. Need a break from the kids, go out to lunch...the solution is JuneBugs Gym. Parents can drop off their children for 1, 2 or all 3 hours for tumbling fun! Cost is $10/hr with open gym punchcard for $60 (with paid membership). Call 464-BUGs (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola dr. ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure Point-santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym

saturday, may 5 Artisan Craft faire, 9am-2pm, red Apple Café. in its 6th year and growing! Come support the local artists and crafters. You’ll find, jewelry, knitted items, handmade greeting cards, soaps, jams, and so much more! scott’s Valley farmer’s market 9 am- 1 pm. ongoing saturdays. sV Community Center parking lot. the scotts Valley farmers’ market is celebrating opening day with free blueberry short cake and an array of festivities. Pick up a serving of blueberries and whipped cream on top of a sweet Companion Bakeshop biscuit. stop in at the mountain feed and farm supply diY workshop on healthful blueberry soda making, join the sV Public Library for story time in the market, enjoy some live music, get your face painted and do some grocery shopping while you’re at it. facebook: scotts Valley farmers’ market instagram: santa Cruz Community farmers’ markets open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym saturdays, 9am-12 pm. Ages walking to 8 years old (or 80 lbs.). Parents may leave children over 3 years of age. if you need a break from the children, go out to lunch or go on a run, then the solution is JuneBug’s Gym. Parents can drop off for 1, 2, or all 3 hours for tumbling fun! Cost is $10/hr with open gym punchcard for $60 (with paid membership). Call 464-BUGs (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola dr. ste. 2 & 3, Pleasure Pointsanta Cruz. www.junebugsgym.com 15th annual Bagel Brunch and silent Auction by the the santa 16 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

Cruz toddler Care Center 10 am12:30 pm restaurant, entertainment, services, sports events, gift baskets available for bidding at the santa Cruz toddler Care Center silent auction! enjoy African group drumming lead by ibou N’gom, face painting, and a delicious brunch featuring a Bagelry bagel bar, an array of fresh organic fruit, sweet treats, Peet’s coffee, juice, and teas. extremely toddler friendly. Admission is $12.00 per adult $6.00 for children 4-12 years old and children 3 and under are free! (rain cancels) third Annual santa Cruz mini maker faire, 10am-5pm, Cabrillo College a celebration of making featuring interactive experiences with rockets, robots, 3d printers, hands-on crafting, food trucks and more. Visit santacruz.makerfaire.com for tickets and information. redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4. felling the Giants 11am. Big Basin state Park. how did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chainsaws! You get to use some tools too! rain cancels. meet at Big Basin redwoods state Park headquarters. event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10. free Guided hikes 10am -12pm. ongoing saturdays. explore the san Lorenzo river with free guided hikes led by wildlife and biology experts. for locations and walk topics visit sanlorenzoriver.org/explore. Natural history museum, 1305 east Cliff dr, santa Cruz. 420-6115 Wildflower Weekend, 10 am- 4 pm with guided hikes at 10 am and 1 pm at rancho del oso Big Basin redwoods state Park. rancho del oso’s annual Wildflower Weekend event displays over 80 plants in bloom including species found in the Waddell Valley, the coastal portion of Big Basin redwoods state Park. Botanist-led Wildflower Walks are offered at 10am and 1pm on both saturday and sunday. the 10am hike is a moderately paced 4.5-mile hike along the marsh trail to the skyline to the sea Bypass trail. the 1pm hike is a 1-mile wildflower excursion through multiple habitats along the hoover Nature trail. the rancho del oso Nature and history Center is located 17 miles north of santa Cruz, at 3600 Highway 1 in Davenport. for more information, please call (831) 427-2288, or emailparksRDOPIS@parks.ca.gov. event made possible by Waddell Creek Association and California state Parks.

A Walk in the Past 10am. No safeway? No home depot? No Pharmacy? how did the ohlone indians survive? take a walk with docent eva fewel and learn about some of the plants the ohlones used for food, tools and medicine. this is a 4-mile, 2.5hour walk. meet at Big Basin redwoods state Park headquarters. event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10. 3388883 spring Art market at the tannery is may 5-6, 11 am- 5 pm the tannery Arts Center hosts its spring Art market on tannery studio Artists will open their doors to sell directly from their creative spaces, and two-dozen outdoor pop-ups along the campus promenade will house a variety of vendors including jewelry and ceramics, oils and acrylics, textiles and leather, glass and photography. While visiting over the weekend, enjoy live music from ellie mabanza and friends on saturday, and the Great morgani on sunday. Bring your kids to meet Kermit and check out books from the santa Cruz Public Library’s Bike mobile on saturday, and to experience the Puppetry institute’s Petting Zoo on sunday, featuring a dragon and mythical creatures. there will be face painting, ping-pong, and a treasure hunt for kids of all ages. the event is free and open to the public. free parking. the tannery Arts Center is located at 1050 river street, santa Cruz, CA 95060 find out more on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/749 973215206243/ orchard school may faire and open house Celebration, 11am-4pm Come tour our 14-acre campus, meet our extraordinary faculty, and celebrate spring with us at our annual may faire celebration. enjoy live music, a may Pole dance at 1:30, face painting, kids’ crafts & activities, local artisans, a big water slide (bring swim clothes and a towel). tickets for food, drinks, and activities will be available for purchase or you may bring your own picnic. school tours every 1/2 hour. Come for a tour and stay for the day! orchard school K-6, 2288 trout Gulch road, Aptos. 688-1074 www.orchardschoolaptos.org the Afe sPriNG festiVAL 11am-2pm. Westside Circle Church. there will be entertainment (music and comedy), food and drinks, games and craft activities, a petting zoo, a raffle and a variety of things for sale. We are middle school students at a local homeschool program called Afe (Alternative family education) and have been working on this community service project through organizing an event to fundraise money for the

homeless Garden Project and the teenage parent program (tAPP) at santa Cruz high. Please come and support our cause and efforts. redwood tours 11am & 2pm. how do redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? how important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Why are there so few old growth trees left? Answer these questions and more every saturday on our redwood Grove Walks. one of our knowledgeable docents will lead you through our magnificent old growth forest and answer any questions you may have. meet at the Visitors Center in the day-use area of henry Cowell redwoods state Park located off highway 9 in felton. tour is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10. 3357077 Guided Adobe tour 1pm. Join us at the santa Cruz mission state historic Park for a guided tour of the oldest building in town. Learn about the many families who have called this 180-year-old mission adobe their home. event is free. the santa Cruz mission state historic Park is located at 144 school street in santa Cruz. for more information, please call 4255849. Coast Nature Walks 11am. on these two-hour natural history excursions, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the spectacular coastal bluffs. meet at the Wilder ranch interpretive Center. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Binoculars are available to borrow. event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $10. Wilder ranch state Park. Located two miles north of santa Cruz, on highway 1. 426-0505 tidepool tours. 11:30 am,.Natural Bridges state Park. explore our spectacular tidepools on this 1.5 hour guided tour. meet at the Natural Bridges state Beach Visitor Center. Bring layered clothing and good walking shoes. event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $10. for more information, please call (831) 423-4609 ext. 8. event made possible by friends of santa Cruz state Parks and California state Parks. summer Camp open house, 12pm4pm, seascape sports Club, free swim Lessons 1-2pm, and free tennis Lessons 2-3pm. 20% off full session registration fee if registered by may 5. 1505 seascape Blvd, Aptos 831.688.1993 http://www.seascapesportsclub.com ranch tours 1pm. discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. this hour-long tour includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1859 Gothic revival farmhouse, 1896


May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 17


MAy 2018 water-powered machine shop, barns and other historic buildings. event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at 426-0505. Wilder ranch state Park. Located two miles north of santa Cruz, on highway 1

sunday, may 6 march for moms rally to improve Birth, 10am-12pm, Anna Jean Cummings Park. 461 old san Jose rd, soquel, California 95073 hosted by improvingBirth.org and Birth Network of santa Cruz County. Join us as we march for moms and rally to improve birth here in santa Cruz county! Bring your pen for a letter writing campaign to thank our local providers for the strides made in improving maternity care and to advocate for the adoption and further implementation of ACoG and CmQCC’s guidelines to limit unnecessary intervention in birth. While consumers, health care professionals and diverse stakeholders gather in the nation’s capital for the march for moms, the annual rally to improve Birth will take place simultaneously in states and communities across the country. one in every three Americans is born through major surgery and we have the highest rates of maternal death and injury, the lowest birth weights, and the widest disparities in

the entire developed world. We believe that birth can be better and that it matters for the lifelong mental health and well-being of the entire family. We believe that women are the ultimate decisions makers in childbirth, and they have the right to be treated with dignity and compassion. We believe that the U.s. maternity care system is decades behind what we know is best for mothers and babies and that there is no real motivation for the system to change. But most importantly, we believe that when consumers and health care professionals have the tools to inspire change, they will take action. overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. ongoing sundays. do you have a problem with food? Come join us for a friendly, free, 12-step support group with the solution. teens and adults welcome. includes compulsive overeating, anorexia and bulimia. sutter maternity & surgical Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, santa Cruz. 429 7906 or santacruzoa.org Wildflower Weekend, 10 am- 4 pm with guided hikes at 10 am and 1 pm at rancho del oso Big Basin redwoods state Park. see may 5. spring Art market at the tannery 11 am- 5 pm the tannery Arts Center.

see may 5.

5849.

Guided Adobe tour 1pm. santa Cruz mission state historic Park. see may 5.

Nar-Anon family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. ongoing sundays. A 12-step program/support group for friends and families who have been affected by the addiction or drug problem of another. Nar-Anon members share their experience, strength and hope at a weekly meeting. scotts Valley meets in Bison Center, the Camp recovery Center, 3192 Glen Canyon road. (Park in lower lot, walk up driveway and turn right at sign.) find other meetings: www.nar-anon.org

tidepool tours, 11:30 am. Natural Bridges state Park. see may 5. discover Big Basin redwoods hike! 12pm. explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with docent Barry Grimm. this moderately paced hike will be tailored to your group. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we will choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. meet at Big Basin redwoods state Park headquarters. event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10. spring festival fundraiser to benefit mount hermon Play school’s scholarship fund. Carnival games! silent Auction! Vendors! 1:00 - 6:00 on the mount hermon meadow, 15 Conference drive, felton. for more information call 831-335-9420. homebirth midwives & families Picnic 12pm-3pm. Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 old san Jose rd, soquel, CA 95073 santa Cruz County has a rich history of providing homebirth midwifery care to thousands of families over the last 40+ years. more that50 midwives have practiced here! (and still counting!) some are no longer with us but live on through our children. Where you birthed or were born in 2018 or 1970, and whether your baby was born at home or hospital, if you received care from a homebrith midwife, (or just love them) please come represent the amazing midwifery care lineage of santa Cruz County. Be part of the largest midwife & family gathering of the year. Group photo at 1:30 sharp - don’t miss being part of it! show your support and have some fun in the sun. music, fun, kid friendly. it’s a picnic - Bring your lunch a blanket and your sunscreen! https://www.facebook.com/events/155 8140484269418/

Wellness Group 10am-11:30am. ongoing mondays. supporting mothers’ emotional health in the postpartum period. All groups are held in the sutter room at sutter maternity and surgery Center. Classes are drop-in (no pre-reg required) donations accepted (no required fee). Questions? Call sutter Lactation Center 477-2229. sutter maternity and surgery Center. 2900 Chanticleer Ave, santa Cruz. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2.

ranch tours 1pm. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5

taller de triple P para familias con niños con necesidades especiales: enseñando destrezas sociales a los niños 5pm – 6:30pm el programa Triple P Pasos para el Éxito ofrece apoyo de crianza para padres y proveedores de cuidado para niños con necesidades especiales, tales como Adhd, trastorno del espectro Autista, síndrome de down y otros retrasos en el desarrollo. Asista a este taller GrAtis de crianza para aprender sugerencias para: Cómo el juego les ayuda a los niños a aprender destrezas de comunicación; estrategias para enseñarles a los niños a compartir y tomar turnos; Consejos para tener visitas para jugar exitosas; Qué hacer si las conductas repetitivas se vuelven problemáticas. Presentado en español por: Liliana Zamora, Puentes de la Comunidad – La manzana recursos Comunitarios Ubicación: Nueva Vista recursos Comunitarios, 711 e. Cliff dr, santa Cruz Para inscribirse: Comuníquese con Liliana Zamora al (831) 724-2997 x212 o lilianaz@cbridges.org o vea el calendario en http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainingss

Guided Adobe tour 1pm. Join us at the santa Cruz mission state historic Park for a guided tour of the oldest building in town. Learn about the many families who have called this 180-year-old mission adobe their home. event is free. the santa Cruz mission state historic Park is located at 144 school street in santa Cruz. for more information, please call 425-

Lisa matison Garrigues, mother’s Voices, 7pm, Bookshop santa Cruz, Join us for an evening of conversation, storytelling, and writing. in an era when our notions of family and parenting are rapidly changing, more and more women are sharing their stories of motherhood.Author Lisa matison Garrigues invites you to pick up a pen and join the conversation. for more

redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4.

18 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

monday, may 7


MAy 2018 information, please contact: Lisa matison Garrigues | (831) 479-6331

tumble-on-tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. see may 1.

10am. Bookshop santa Cruz. see may 2.

divorced fathers Network 7:308:30pm. dominican hospital. ongoing mondays. dfN provides non-adversarial techniques to achieve healthy co-parenting through a support group network. Aptos La selva fire dept, 6934 soquel dr. 234-5578

Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm. ongoing tuesdays. orchard school. see may 1.

New moms support Group 10:30am. ongoing Wednesdays. domincan education Center room C.see may 2.

Youth Coalition meeting 5-6:30pm. resources Center for Non-Violence. see may 1.

sLV together in the Park Playgroup 10:30am. see may 2.

tuesday, may 8

Birth Center tour 6:30pm. free. ongoing tuesdays. dominican hospital. see may 1.

exploring Big Basin 9am. Big Basin state Park. see may 1. Preschool Crafts at dream maker Creative - 10am – 12pm. Bring your preschoolers, ages 3-6 for some crafting fun where you don’t have to clean up! $10 admission includes 2 or 3 age appropriate craft projects, each taking 10-20 minutes. Craft themes will be posted on facebook and instagram one week in advance. An adult must stay with child - this is not childcare. No registration required. Just show up. 831-508-1012. 1001 Center st. #2, santa Cruz (in the santa Cruz Arts Center) http:// dreammakercreative.com New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 months 10-11:30am. see may 1.

Christopher moore, Noir, 7pm, Bookshop santa Cruz moore is in true madcap form with this zany noir set on the mean streets of post-World War ii san francisco, featuring a diverse cast of characters, including a hapless bartender; his Chinese sidekick; a doll with sharp angles and dangerous curves; a tight-lipped Air force general; a wisecracking waif; Petey, a black mamba “who knows things”; and many others.

wednesday, may 9 All together Now! 9-11am. ongoing Wednesdays. Live oak family resource Center. see April 2. Bookshop santa Cruz story time

Breastfeeding support Group 10:30am. ongoing Wednesdays. dominican education Center room d. see may 2. triple P @ together in the Park (dropin playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. ongoing Wednesdays. felton Covered Bridge Park. see may 2. el Patio de mi Casa 12pm-2pm. ongoing Wednesdays. Live oak family resource Center. see may 2. dance for Parkinson’s, 1pm, motion Pacific dance, santa Cruz. every Wednesday except the first Wednesday of the month. our classes are based on the innovative and internationally renowned dance for Pd® program designed by the mark morris dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Using this method, professional dancers draw on their unique expertise and artistic ex-

perience to support people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers to engage sight, sound, touch, thought, and imagination to inspire movement, expression and community. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s no matter how advanced. movement modifications will be made available. No dance experience is required. No Charge to Participate. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2. female survivor support Group 6pm7:30pm. see may 2. thursday, may 10 thursday step Parents support Group Join us on the second thursday of each month for a free, drop-in support group for anyone in the step-parenting role. We meet at various locations. email hannah mommystub@gmail.com for more details. food Addicts Anonymous meeting 9am. trinity Presbyterian Church. see may 3.

May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 19


MAy 2018 New Parents with Babies 4 months to 9 months 10am-11:30am. sutter maternity and surgery Center. see may 3. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2. open house, 1pm-3pm, ocean Alternative. Come and meet our wonderful community of homeschoolers. Learn about homeschooling at ocean, explore ocean online, and be entertained by some of the creative presentations of our students. Come when you can and stay as long as you please. 984-6 Bostwick Lane santa Cruz (831) 475-0767 http://oc-losdca.schoolloop.com/ Lifestyle triple P Group: tools to help parents and children lead healthy, active lives, thursdays may 3 – July 26 (no class June 14 & July 5), 6 – 7:30 pm. see may 3rd Grupo estila de Vida triple P 10:30 am-12 pm Ver 3 del mayo Preschool Crafts at dream maker Creative 10am-12pm. ongoing thursdays. see may 3.

20 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

Lanai financial solutions, LLC Proudly Presents LUNAfest santa Cruz 7 pm. rio theatre in santa Cruz LUNAfest is a traveling film festival of award-winning short films by, for and about women. this unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. the films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. each year, various organizations bring LUNAfests to their communities and raise funds for their local non-profits as well as Chicken & egg Pictures, a nonprofit organization that supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change. Benefitting WomenCAre locally. Join us at our Pre-show reception at rio theatre from 6 - 7 pm, featuring a no-host cash wine bar, beer and light appetizers. Beverages donated by santa Cruz mountain Vineyard, hallcrest Vineyards, scrumpy santa Cruz, discretion Brewing and ralph maltese and sheila Peck, . All proceeds will be donated to WomenCAre! tickets are available at lunafestsc2018.brownpaperti ckets.com

friday, may 11 New moms Crafting Group at dream maker Creative 2nd and 4th fridays. 10am-Noon. New moms, dropin for some therapeutic creative time and meet other new moms. Bring your non-mobile babies and make a baby keepsake in our comfortable and relaxing studio, or choose from a variety of other craft projects. $10 admission includes tea and snacks plus adult coloring books and supplies. A featured project (additional fee) will be posted on facebook and instagram one week in advance. this is not a children’s class - it is a chance for moms to connect with each other in a baby-friendly space. No registration required. Just show up. 5081012. 1001 Center st. #2, santa Cruz (in the santa Cruz Arts Center) http://dreammakercreative.com redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4. fun n’ tumble open Gym 12-3pm. JuneBugs Gymsee may 4. Pete souza, obama: An intimate Portrait, 7pm, Civic Auditorium. relive the extraordinary Presidency of Barack obama through White house photographer Pete souza’s behind-the-

scenes images and stories, at a presentation and Q&A. the event is cosponsored by the UC santa Cruz Arts division. Pete souza will showcase his award-winning photographs and describe what it was like to be with the President during so many crucial moments of his presidency. tickets are available for purchase through the santa Cruz Civic Auditorium in person at the Civic Box office, by phone at (831) 420-5260 during Box office hours, and online via www.santaCruztickets.com. “13 the musical” by All About theatre, 7pm, Louden Community Center. A hilarious, coming-of-age musical about discovering that “cool” is sometimes where we least expect it. Geek. Poser. Jock. Beauty Queen. Wannabe. these are the labels that can last a lifetime. 13 is a musical about fitting in – and standing out! evan Goldman is plucked from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy indiana town following his parents divorce. surrounded by an array of simple-minded middle school students, he needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. Can he situate himself on a comfortable link of the food chain... or will he dangle at the end


MAy 2018 with the outcasts?!?

saturday, may 12 the human race for Leo’s haven, registration 8 am- 8:45 am run 9:00 am the beautiful walk starts at 2300 delaware Ave, and continues along West Cliff drive to the Light house Park, ending back at 2300 delaware where a BBQ lunch awaits you. Join the 38th Annual human race to walk, roll, wheel, or run for Leo’s haven! Let’s celebrate together while enjoying a light breakfast and lunch, free t-shirt, live music, and a beautiful ocean walk along West Cliff drive. We are so close to reaching our capital campaign goal for the playground! Your participation in this event will help our community reach the final funding finish line. in addition, we have a matching challenge! Ginny solari mazry is very generously offering to mAtCh all funds raised by those participating in this walkathon. so every dollar raised through the human race actually translates to $2 for Leo’s haven. What are you waiting for? Come join the fun! Go to the human race Leo’s haven fundraising Page (https://humanracesc.org/npo/leos-haven) and sign up! You can register as an individual or recruit a team. You easily custom design your own human race page through the website and use it to raise funds for Leo’s haven. (or if walkathons aren’t your thing, you can also make a donation to help us reach our matching fund goals.) We are asking those who wish to do the walkathon to commit to raising at least $35, but the experience of supporting inclusive play for our santa Cruz county children is truly priceless. for more information on the human race visit: humanracesc.org or call the Volunteer Center at 831.427.5075. scott’s Valley farmer’s market 9 am- 1 pm ongoing saturdays, sV Community Center parking lot. open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym saturdays, 9am-12 pm. see may 5. mom’s Wellness day with triple P – Positive Parenting / dÍA de BieNestAr PArA LAs mAmÁs 10 am – 12 pm Come relax and be pampered at the east West free Natural Wellness Clinic with a warm drink, acupuncture, herbs, and cupping, all while you have free, on-site childcare and triple P Positive Parenting tips! this mom’s Wellness day is free and open to the public. donations for the clinic are kindly accepted. register to reserve your spot and get free child care! Light snacks will be provided for adults and children. hosted by: Cori Burt & rosa reyes, Community

Bridges – mountain Community resources Location: mountain Community resources, 6134 highway 9, felton to register in english: Contact Cori at (831) 335-6600, ext 6605 or corib@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parenttrainings Aromas Garden tour, 10am-4pm, Aromas County Grange. Nine lovely gardens will be open to the public. take pictures, buy handmade art from artists stationed in each garden, and enjoy a day in the country. tickets sell for $15 and $!0 for sensiors. redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4. seeds of Knowledge Workshop by the santa Cruz museum of Natural history, 10am-1pm, santa Cruz museum of Natural history Join us in our native plant demonstration garden to get hands-on experience with seed-saving, studying plant life-cycles, and habitat restoration. Create scientific illustrations alongside an artist featured in the Art of Nature, and go home with a silk-screened bandana and seeds to start your own native garden. river health day save the san Lorenzo river from 9:30am - noon meet at the santa Cruz riverwalk (exact meeting Location tBd - project site between soquel and Laurel street Bridge) revitalize river habitat in the heart of santa Cruz at Coastal Watershed Council’s monthly volunteer event. As a volunteer you will enhance the ecosystem that surrounds the san Lorenzo river by planting beneficial native plants and removing invasive plant competitors. You will explore and learn about the riparian, or riverside, ecosystem. Join us in making the san Lorenzo river ecosystem better for the fish, birds and bugs, and for our community. events occur along the banks of the lower san Lorenzo river near the santa Cruz riverwalk. equipment, gloves and refreshments are provided. Website: https://coastal-watershed.org/event/river-health-day-16 facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ events/978562028967684/ international migratory Bird day, 10 am- 3 pm Guided Bird Walks on the hour starting at 8am California state Parks and the santa Cruz Bird Club invite you to fly, walk, bike, or drive to the first international migratory Bird day at Natural Bridges state Beach. Celebrate the amazing journey of flying future mothers and their mates as they migrate across the country. Activities include guided bird walks, birding by ear tutorials, educational booths, workshops, native landscape designs, and kid’s crafts and activities. event is May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 21


MAy 2018 free; day use fee for vehicles is $10. for more information, please call (831) 423-4609. event made possible by santa Cruz Bird Club, friends of santa Cruz state Parks, and California state Parks.

Coast Nature Walks 11am. ongoing saturdays. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5.

free Guided hikes 10am-12pm. ongoing saturdays. Natural history museum. see may 5.

13 the musical by All About theatre, 2pm, Louden Community Center. see may 11.

meteor trail hike 10:30am. ongoing saturdays. see may 5.

the Little Craft Pop-up showcases the best in locally made gifts for mother’s day at Luma Yoga. 2 pm- 6 pm

redwood tours 11am & 2pm. see may 5.

ranch tours 1pm. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5

stop by for some last minute mother’s day shopping and find some locally handmade treats for yourself! there will be swag bags for the first 25 mamas! free eNtrYhttps://www.littlecraftpopup.c om/events Luma Yoga, 1010 Center street, santa Cruz

sunday, may 13 overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. ongoing sundays. sutter maternity & surgical Center. see may 6. redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4. discover Big Basin redwoods hike!

12pm. ongoing sundays see may 6. ranch tours 1pm. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5 tidepool tours, 2 pm, Natural Bridges state Park. see may 5. Nar-Anon family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. ongoing sundays.

monday, may 14 Wellness Group 10am-11:30am. sutter maternity and surgery Center. see may 7. New mommy musical meet Up, 12:30pm-2pm, Native sons’ hall.. held every 2nd monday each month. Bring your little ones and join the free santa Cruz New mommy musical meet Up to mingle with other new mommies and learn how to integrate music making in your baby’s life from a certified music together teacher. every 2nd monday, 12:30-2 pm, at the Native sons’ hall, 239 high street, santa Cruz. http://www.musicalme.com/ hides and tallow at the santa Cruz mission 1pm. discover how mission santa Cruz participated in a world economy back in the early 1800’s. We

will look at some of the major products of the mission; leather and tallow, and demonstrate how they were used. You will see how a branding iron works and get to make your own candle. event is free. rain cancels. the santa Cruz mission state historic Park is located at 144 school street in santa Cruz. for more information, please call 425-5849. Bill Petrocelli, through the Bookstore Window, 7pm, Bookshop santa Cruz. Through the Bookstore Window grapples with the grim effects of war and violence while exploring how love can transcend age, gender, background, and—perhaps—the readers’ expectations. for press inquiries, please contact: Gregory henry, director of Publicity | rare Bird Books ghenry@rarebirdlit.com | (917) 2820095 Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2. triple P Workshop: taming Power struggles & tantrums 5 – 6:30 pm triple P Workshops are brief classes that provide quick tips for handling everyday parenting issues. Attend this free parenting workshop to learn: What your child might be trying to communicate through their behavior; how to handle disobedience without getting stuck in a power struggle; effective ways to prevent and manage tantrums. this triple P Workshop is free and open to the public. free child care is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for adults and children. Presented in english by: Liliana Zamora, Community Bridges – La manzana Community resources Location: Live oak Community resources, 1740 17th Ave, santa Cruz to register: Contact Liliana Zamora at (831) 7242997 x212 or lilianaz@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parenttrainings divorced fathers Network 7:308:30pm. ongoing mondays. dominican hospital.

tuesday, may 15 exploring Big Basin 9am. Big Basin state Park. see may 1. New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 months 10am-11:30am. see may 1. tumble-on-tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. see may 1. Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm. ongoing tuesdays. orchard school. see may 1. 22 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018


MAy 2018 Youth Coalition meeting 5-6:30pm. resources Center for Non-Violence. see may 1. triple P Workshop: helping teens Cope With Anxiety 6 – 7:30 pm triple P Workshops are brief classes that provide quick tips for handling everyday parenting issues. Attend this free workshop for parents of teens to learn: Common causes and signs of anxiety in teens; What to do if your teen is anxious; tips for helping teens develop healthy coping skills. this triple P Workshop is free and open to the public. free child care is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for adults and children. Presented in english by: Cori Burt, Community Bridges – mountain Community resources Location: mountain Community resources, 6134 highway 9, felton to register: Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-6600, ext 6605 or corib@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings Birth Center tour 6:30pm. free. ongoing tuesdays. dominican hospital. see may 1.

wednesday, may 16 All together Now! 9-11am. ongoing Wednesdays. Live oak family re-

source Center. see April 2. Bookshop santa Cruz story time 10am. Bookshop santa Cruz. see may 2. New moms support Group 10:30am. ongoing Wednesdays. domincan education Center room C.see may 2. sLV together in the Park Playgroup 10:30am. see may 2. Breastfeeding support Group 10:30am. ongoing Wednesdays. dominican education Center room d. see may 2. triple P @ together in the Park (dropin playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. ongoing Wednesdays. felton Covered Bridge Park. see may 2. el Patio de mi Casa 12pm-2pm. ongoing Wednesdays. Live oak family resource Center. see may 2. dance for Parkinson’s, 1pm, motion Pacific dance, santa Cruz. see may 9. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2.

seminario de triple P: Criando Adolescentes responsables 6pm – 7:30 pm Los seminarios de triple P ofrecen consejos para padres generales que se pueden utilizar en una amplia gama de situaciones. este seminario es el primero en una serie de tres para familias con adolescentes 13 – 16 años. Puede asistir a uno, dos o los tres de los seminarios de la serie. Criando adolescentes responsables ofrece estrategias crianza para ayudar a los adolescentes a: Participar en las decisiones familiares; ser respetuoso y considerado; ser involucrarse en las actividades familiares; desarrollar un estilo de vida saludable; ser confiable; y ser asertivo. este seminario es gratis y abierto al público. inscríbase para reservar su lugar y obtener el cuidado de sus niños gratis. se proporcionarán bocadillos ligeros para niños y adultos. Presentado por: Gladys Gómez, Puentes de la Comunidad – La manzana recursos Comunitarios Ubicación: La manzana recursos Comunitarios, 18 W. Lake Ave, sala e, Watsonville Para inscribirse: Comuníquese con Gladys Gómez al (831) 724-2997 x220 o gladysg@cbridges.org o vea el calendario en http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings female survivor support Group 6pm7:30pm. see may 2.

thursday, may 17 food Addicts Anonymous meeting 9am. trinity Presbyterian Church. see may 3. New Parents with Babies 4 months to 9 months 10am-11:30am. sutter maternity and surgery Center. see may 3. Grupo estila de Vida triple P 10:30 am-12 pm Ver 3 del mayo Preschool Crafts at dream maker Creative 10am-12pm. ongoing thursdays. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. See May 2. Lifestyle triple P Group: tools to help parents and children lead healthy, active lives 6 – 7:30 pm. See May 3rd. tales from the Brink, 7pm-9pm, rio theater. this panel at the rio theatre will tell three different tales of recovering species from the brink of extinction. southern sea otters, California Condors, and salmon are each at a different point in their journeys toward recovery, and each face a unique set of challenges and solutions. through this panel we will discover

May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 23


MAy 2018 how their survival is in all of our hands.

see may 5.

831-476-4000.

friday, may 18

redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4.

Nar-Anon family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. ongoing sundays.

redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4.

tidepool tours, 11:30 am, Natural Bridges state Park. see may 5.

monday, may 21

fun n’ tumble open Gym 12-3pm. JuneBugs Gymsee may 4.

ranch tours 1pm. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5

family Barn dance every 3rd friday, 6:30-8:00 pm host and Caller, Andy Wilson. at Live oak Grange 1900 17th Avenue, santa Cruz CA 95062. music lead by deby Benton Grosjean and her multigenerational students, “the Ginormous string Band”. dances occur monthly on the 3rd friday with exception of summer months. No experience needed. Andy patiently walks thru dances beforehand. fun for the whole family!

13 the musical by All About theatre, 2pm and 7pm, Louden Community Center. see may 11.

13 the musical by All About theatre, 7pm, Louden Community Center. See May 11. michael Chabon in conversation with david Bienenstock, Pops: fatherhood in Pieces, 7pm, Bookshop santa Cruz, With the GQ story as its centerpiece, and featuring six additional essays plus an introduction, PoPs illuminates the meaning, magic, and mysteries of fatherhood as only michael Chabon can. for press inquiries, please contact: tracy Locke, director of Publicity | harperCollins Publishers tracy.locke@harpercollins.com | (212) 207-7620

saturday, may 19 scott’s Valley farmer’s market 9 am- 1 pm ongoing saturdays, sV Community Center parking lot. open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym saturdays, 9am-12 pm. see may 5. free Breastfeeding Class with Nursing mothers Counsel 9am-12 pm. Classes are held the third saturday of the month at the east Cliff family health Center, east Cliff Village shopping Center, 21507 east Cliff drive, in santa Cruz (the metro Bus 66 stops in front of the center). Please register at: scspeakers@nursingmothers.org or call 688-3954 free Guided hikes 10am-12pm. ongoing saturdays. Natural history museum. see may 5. meteor trail hike 10:30am. ongoing saturdays. see may 5. redwood tours 11am & 2pm. see may 5. Coast Nature Walks 11am. ongoing saturdays. Wilder ranch state Park. 24 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

Parent’s Night out at dream maker Creative, 6pm - 9pm. Ages 6 - 12. enjoy an evening out while we entertain your kids. We’ll have crafts, board games, and legos, plus a movie on our big screen with popcorn and snacks. Please pack a sack dinner or feed your child before they arrive. for Pre-registration required by may 16th. this is not a drop-in event. Cost is $10/hr per child. 831-508-1012. 1001 Center st. #2, santa Cruz (in the santa Cruz Arts Center) http:// dreammakercreative.com

sunday, may 20 overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. ongoing sundays. sutter maternity & surgical Center. see may 6. redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4. Cherryvale Art farm, 11am-1pm. Come visit our inspirational environment, meet our sweet farm animals and pick up a paintbrush! 4900 Cherryvale Ave. soquel, CA 95073 831.462.2524 www.CherryvaleArtfarm.com fB: Cherryvale Art farm Guided Adobe tour 1pm. santa Cruz mission state historic Park. see may 5. tidepool tours, 11:30 am, Natural Bridges state Park. see may 5. ranch tours 1pm. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5 13 the musical by All About theatre, 2pm, Louden Community Center. see may 11. free screenagers screening, 2pm, dignity dominican hospital education Center. Good shepherd is excited to offer a free viewing of a highly-acclaimed documentary exploring how teens interact with each other using electronic devices and looks at whether parents should try to limit or control this behavior. A panel of experts, will also be available after the screening to answer questions. Visit www.gsschool.org for more information or call

Wellness Group 10am-11:30am. sutter maternity and surgery Center. see may 7. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2. divorced fathers Network 7:308:30pm. ongoing mondays. dominican hospital.

tuesday, may 22 exploring Big Basin 9am. Big Basin state Park. see may 1. New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 months 10-11:30am. see may 1. Preschool Crafts at dream maker Creative - 10am –12pm. see may 8. tumble-on-tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. see may 1. Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm. ongoing tuesdays. orchard school. see may 1. Youth Coalition meeting 5-6:30pm. resources Center for Non-Violence. see may 1. triple P Workshop: friends & Peer relationships 6 – 7:30 pm triple P Workshops are brief classes that provide quick tips for handling everyday parenting issues. Attend this free parenting workshop to learn: how friendships help teens learn important social skills; how to encourage teens to develop positive relationships with friends and peers; What to do if teens have difficulty making friends or getting along with peers. this triple P Workshop is free and open to the public. free child care is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for adults and children. Presented in english by: Cori Burt, Community Bridges – mountain Community resources Location: mountain Community resources, 6134 highway 9, felton. to register: Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-6600, ext 6605 or corib@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings Birth Center tour 6:30pm. free. ongoing tuesdays. dominican hospital. see may 1. Young Writer’s Program end of Year reading, 7pm, Bookshop santa Cruz.

the Young Writers Program presents its fifth annual end-of-year reading featuring student writers who have participated in the program. student writing is professionally published and made available at Bookshop santa Cruz and other local bookstores. for event inquiries, please contact: Chorel Centers, events Coordinator | Bookshop santa Cruz bookshopevents@gmail.com, (831) 423-3232

wednesday, may 23 All together Now! 9-11am. ongoing Wednesdays. Live oak family resource Center. see April 2. Bookshop santa Cruz story time 10am. Bookshop santa Cruz. see may 2. New moms support Group 10:30am. ongoing Wednesdays. domincan education Center room C.see may 2. sLV together in the Park Playgroup 10:30am. see may 2. Breastfeeding support Group 10:30am. ongoing Wednesdays. dominican education Center room d. see may 2. triple P @ together in the Park (dropin playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. ongoing Wednesdays. felton Covered Bridge Park. see may 2. el Patio de mi Casa 12pm-2pm. ongoing Wednesdays. Live oak family resource Center. see may 2. dance for Parkinson’s, 1pm, motion Pacific dance, santa Cruz. see may 9. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2. female survivor support Group 6pm7:30pm. see may 2. triple P Workshop: Pathways to Positive Parenting 6:30 – 8:30 pm ever feel like you’re a parent on a hamster wheel? You get angry and stuck on the same issues with your children time and again? Learn how to avoid common parenting traps including putting into practice triple P parenting strategies. this class will help you identify some of the thoughts and patterns that keep you stuck and move you towards parenting from a place of love and acceptance versus a place of perpetual anger. this triple P Workshop is offered through the dominican hospital Personal enrichment Program (PeP) and is open to the public. Cost is $30/participant or $45/couple. Please note: child care is not available at this


MAy 2018 location. Presented in english by: Natalie hanneman, triple P practitioner Location: dominican rehab Lifestyle education room, 610 frederick st, santa Cruz register through dominican hospital Personal enrichment Program (PeP) at least two days prior to the workshop by phone (831) 4577099 or register online at www.dignityhealth.org/dominican/pep. dominican PeP is unable to accommodate walk-ins. Adults with Adhd meeting 6:308pm. fourth Wednesday of the month. the santa Cruz/monterey Bay Branch of ChAdd hosts monthly support group meetings. held at the Aptos fire station, 6934 soquel drive, Aptos. for more information contact Judy Brenis at jbbrenis@comcast.net or call 8189619. spring Book Group mixer, 7pm, Bookshop santa Cruz. Get ideas and recommendations from Bookshop staffers and alums that cut through the buzz to help your book group find its next favorite. everyone who attends will be entered in a raffle, get free giveaways, and receive a 20%-off coupon for paperback titles, good for that night only. And, yes, there will be wine and cheese! for event inquiries, please contact: Chorel Centers, events Coordinator | Bookshop santa Cruz bookshopevents@gmail.com | (831) 423-3232

redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4.

monday, may 28

months 10am-11:30am. see may 1.

saturday, may 26

Wellness Group 10am-11:30am. sutter maternity and surgery Center. see may 7.

tumble-on-tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. see may 1.

scott’s Valley farmer’s market 9 am- 1 pm ongoing saturdays, sV Community Center parking lot. open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym saturdays, 9am-12 pm. see may 5. rockin’ Pop Up, 10am-5pm, santa Cruz Natural history museum. free with admission. have a rock that needs identifying? Want to learn more about the geology of santa Cruz? Like digging for fossils? every fourth saturday of the month, geologists will be at the museum, ready to id your local (or not-so-local) geologic finds, as well as show off a rotating collection of specimens. so get ready to talk shop with these rock jocks!

Wool, spinning, and Weaving 1pm. how did an isolated settlement clothe the hundreds of people who lived there? take an in depth look at the cloth industry of mission santa Cruz. We will follow the path of wool from the sheep to the shirt. try your hand at a drop spindle and spin your own wool. event is free. the santa Cruz mission state historic Park is located at 144 school street in santa Cruz. for more information, please call 4255849.

free Guided hikes 10am-12pm. ongoing saturdays. Natural history museum. see may 5.

divorced fathers Network 7:308:30pm. ongoing mondays. dominican hospital.

meteor trail hike 10:30am. ongoing saturdays. see may 5.

tuesday, may 29

redwood tours 11am & 2pm. see may 5. Coast Nature Walks 11am. ongoing saturdays. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5.

thursday, may 24

redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4.

food Addicts Anonymous meeting 9am. trinity Presbyterian Church. see may 3.

ranch tours 1pm. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5

New Parents with Babies 4 months to 9 months 10am-11:30am. sutter maternity and surgery Center. see may 3. Preschool Crafts at dream maker Creative 10am-12pm. Grupo estila de Vida triple P 10:30 am-12 pm Ver 3 del mayo Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2. Lifestyle triple P Group: tools to help parents and children lead healthy, active lives 6 – 7:30 pm. see may 3rd.

friday, may 25

Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2.

Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm. ongoing tuesdays. orchard school. see may 1. Youth Coalition meeting 5-6:30pm. resources Center for Non-Violence. see may 1. Birth Center tour 6:30pm. free. ongoing tuesdays. dominican hospital. see may 1.

exploring Big Basin 9am. Big Basin state Park. see may 1.

2018 short story Concert Winners radio event, 7pm. tune in to Bruce Bratton’s Universal Grapevine radio show on KZsC 88.1 fm (available live online at www.KZsC.org) to hear Bookshop’s short story contest winners read their stories! You will be able to read this year’s winning short stories online once they are announced in April, and read the first Place winner in our 2018 summer edition of our newsletter. for event inquiries, please contact: Chorel Centers, events Coordinator, Bookshop santa Cruz bookshopevents@gmail.com, (831) 423-3232

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4

wednesday, may 30

meet the doulas, 4pm-6pm, Pacific Cultural Center. Pregnant? Considering a doula on your birth team? Wondering what a postpartum doula does? meet the doulas is a great opportunity to learn about birth and postpartum doulas. Join us at this free event for an informative afternoon. this event is open to everyone- no matter where they plan to birth - home or hospital or birth center, in santa Cruz, Watsonville, monterey, or san Jose area. register here: www.mtdmay2018.eventbrite.com

sunday, may 27 overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. ongoing sundays. sutter maternity and surgery Center. redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Big Basin state Park. see may 4.

New moms Crafting Group at dream maker Creative 10am-12pm. see may 11.

ranch tours 1pm. Wilder ranch state Park. see may 5

fun n’ tumble open Gym 12-3pm. JuneBugs Gymsee may 4.

Nar-Anon family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. ongoing sundays. May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 25


MAy 2018 All together Now! 9-11am. ongoing Wednesdays. Live oak family resource Center. see April 2. Bookshop santa Cruz story time 10am. Bookshop santa Cruz. see may 2. New moms support Group 10:30am. ongoing Wednesdays. domincan education Center room C.see may 2. sLV together in the Park Playgroup 10:30am. see may 2. Breastfeeding support Group 10:30am. ongoing Wednesdays. dominican education Center room d. see may 2. triple P @ together in the Park (dropin playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. ongoing Wednesdays. felton Covered Bridge Park. see may 2. el Patio de mi Casa 12pm-2pm. ongoing Wednesdays. Live oak family resource Center. see may 2. dance for Parkinson’s, 1pm, motion Pacific dance, santa Cruz. see may 9. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:15-

26 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

1:15pm. see may 2.

rent-trainings

female survivor support Group 6pm7:30pm. see may 2.

Adults with Adhd meeting 6:308pm. fourth Wednesday of the month. the santa Cruz/monterey Bay Branch of ChAdd hosts monthly support group meetings. held at the Aptos fire station, 6934 soquel drive, Aptos. for more information contact Judy Brenis at jbbrenis@comcast.net or call 8189619.

seminario de triple P: Conectando a los Adolescentes 6 – 7:30 pm Los seminarios de triple P ofrecen consejos para padres generales que se pueden utilizar en una amplia gama de situaciones. este seminario es el tercero de una serie de tres para familias con adolescentes 13 – 16 años. Puede asistir a uno, dos o los tres de los seminarios de la serie. Conectando a los adolescentes ofrece estrategias crianza para ayudar a los adolescentes a: establecer conexiones positivas con las demás; tener confianza; ser socialmente hábil; Planificar el futuro; mantener compromisos; mantenerse en contacto; y Cuidar a los demás. este seminario es gratis y abierto al público. inscríbase para reservar su lugar y obtener el cuidado de sus niños gratis. se proporcionarán bocadillos ligeros para niños y adultos. Presentado por: Gladys Gómez, Puentes de la Comunidad – La manzana recursos Comunitarios Ubicación: La manzana recursos Comunitarios, 18 W. Lake Ave, sala e, Watsonville Para inscribirse: Comuníquese con Gladys Gómez al (831) 724-2997 x220 o gladysg@cbridges.org o vea el calendario en http://first5scc.org/calendar/pa-

robin Coste Lewis, Voyage of the sable Venus and other Poems, 7pm, Bookshop santa Cruz. robin Coste Lewis’s electrifying collection is a triptych that begins and ends with lyric poems meditating on the roles desire and race play in the construction of the self. The Voyage of the Sable Venus won the National Book Award, and robin Coste Lewis is the poet laureate of Los Angeles. Lewis’s book is a thrilling aesthetic anthem to the complexity of race—a full embrace of its pleasure and horror, in equal parts. for event inquiries, please contact: Chorel Centers, events Coordinator, Bookshop santa Cruz bookshopevents@gmail.com, (831) 460-3232

thursday, may 31

food Addicts Anonymous meeting 9am. trinity Presbyterian Church. see may 3. New Parents with Babies 4 months to 9 months 10am-11:30am. sutter maternity and surgery Center. see may 3. Preschool Crafts at dream maker Creative 10am-12pm. Grupo estila de Vida triple P 10:30 am-12 pm Ver 3 del mayo. Baby happy hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15-1:15pm. every monday, Wednesday, & thursday from 12:151:15pm. see may 2. Lifestyle triple P Group: tools to help parents and children lead healthy, active lives 6 – 7:30 pm. see may 3rd.


your child and the Benefits of Learning a second Language By Jan Pierce, M. Ed. We hear so much these days about a “globally diverse community” and well we should because our children will have the opportunity to travel more than we ever did and will be exposed to many diverse cultures in their lifetime. one way to help prepare young children for their future in the adult world is to expose them to a second language at an early age. studies show that there are optimal times for the brain to “hear” and be able to duplicate correctly the sounds of a second language. the earlier the exposure begins, the better to achieve native-like grammar and pronunciation. they also show that immersion in a language is far better than introducing a new language in several lessons a week. the learner needs opportunities to hear, imitate sounds and absorb grammatical patterns. While there is a lot of ongoing discussion on how and when to learn a second language, scholars agree there are definite benefits. Benefits of Learning a Second Language enjoyment of communication increases with development of several languages a greater appreciation of diversity is developed success in english is also increased the brain is able to “compartmentalize” different languages with no confusions

articles on-line: Communication and Culture: The Benefits of Beginning Foreign Language Study Early by Katherine Hannes Foreign Language Instruction: Implementing the Best Teaching Methods by the american educational research association

don’t you join in the fun and begin to learn a new language right along with your kids!

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net.

The Benefits of Teaching Multiple Languages in Daycare or Preschool by carla snuggs.

those knowing several languages score higher on standardized tests such as the sat

Another way to approach instruction of a second language is the use of various pre-packaged programs for use at home. they usually include a combination of books, workbooks along with dVd’s or Cd’s. here are some of the best:

math scores and problem solving abilities are increased

muzzy: comes in French, spanish, German, italian and chinese

those knowing several languages will be prepared to find jobs in business, politics, the military and other global spheres.

language adventure: comes in spanish, French, Japanese, italian and German

some children will have a greater aptitude for language learning than others. this aptitude is broken down into skills which include sensitivity to sound and structure for learning pronunciation and grammar, and memory for learning new words and meanings. if your local schools are offering second languages, that’s wonderful. if they aren’t, perhaps you can find local language centers or schools specializing in immersion language instruction. for more in-depth information on children and second language learning you can find the following

component to a child’s life. so give your children or grandchildren a boost in their overall learning and open doors to future travel, careers and love of communication in our ever-expanding global community. expose them to a second or third language, and here’s a great idea, why

eazyspeak: comes in French, spanish and German Jumpstart: comes in French, Japanese and spanish Kidspeak: comes in spanish, French, German, italian and Hebrew Language Learning Websites for children are a wonderful way to gain language exposure. try Chillola, duolingo, Kids Web Japan or Voyage Kids. And finally, even selective television watching can offer a bilingual May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 27


hANds ON

cork Boats By Jennifer K. Mahal

Look out upon monterey Bay on any given day and you are likely to see a boat floating in the water. sail boats, row boats, fishing boats, even large Coast Guard cutters all float. But if you throw a rock in the water, it will sink! so how does a large boat made of heavy steel stay afloat while a small pebble ends up in davy Jones’ locker? in ancient Greece, a scientist and mathematician named Archimedes discovered why things float. he wrote what is known as the Archimedes Principle, which says that when a solid object is placed in fluid, it experiences an upward force (buoyancy) that is equal to the weight of the fluid that the object pushes aside (displaces). if you’ve ever seen the water in your bathtub rise when get into it, you’ve seen Archimedes’ Principle in action. A large steel ship might weigh a lot, but the weight of the water it pushes aside is greater. in part, that’s because ships are built with hollow hulls. Because the water it displaces weighs more than the ship, the ship will float. A solid rock may not weigh much, but the water it pushes aside weighs even less, so it sinks. there is a rock that floats — pumice. that’s because pumice, which is lava that cooled very quickly, has many tiny bubbles of gas trapped in it. Pumice has been known to float for years before sinking. Cork, usually made from the bark of a tree called a cork oak, is also riddled with lots of tiny air pockets. the air in the holes help make cork lighter than the water it displaces. the weight of the cork pushing down is less than the force of the water pushing up. Boats may float with Archimedes Principle, but they also need stability if they want to avoid tipping over. on big boats, how one person moves won’t affect whether the boat capsizes (tips over). in a rowboat, however, where you place your weight changes the cen-

28 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

ter of the boat’s gravity . that’s why sitting or standing on the side of a small boat is a sure way to get you and your gear all wet. Using three corks of the same size (wine corks work well), place them next to each other lengthwise. the corks should make a rectangle, like a raft. fasten them together by * three corks, same size stretching a rub* two rubber Bands ber band around * toothpick one of the out* construction paper or side edges. Use a cardstock second rubber * scissors band to secure * optional: crayons, the other side. markers or paint this is the most difficult part of the project, as the corks like to slip. if the rubber band is too long, double it up. one rubber band may be enough, just make sure the corks are tightly together. Cut a small rectangle out of construction paper or cardstock. decorate it with crayon, marker or paint, if you like. Gently bend (do not fold) the paper lengthwise. thread the toothpick from one side to the other. With the paper sail on the toothpick, firmly stick the toothpick into the middle cork. Now your boat is ready to sail on the high seas, or at least the local water table. discover more science and art at the santa Cruz Children’s museum of discovery in the Capitola mall. Learn more at www.sccmod.org.

what you need:

* Jennifer K Mahal, who writes children’s books under the name Jenni Kaye, is a volunteer with the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery. She lives in Santa Cruz with her husband and two children.


Birth Network of Santa Cruz County Recommends 5 Books !

Birth Bir th

We W e believe that birth is a powerful experience for women and that books pr ovide the "voice" that projects projects that power. power ." provide power." "

birthatters m Birth Happens Reading Can Help Birth Happens Womens’ W omens’ V Voices oices #

birthhappenssantacru@gmail.com " http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/womens-voices"" http://www

APPeNs Birth h CAN heLP G reAdiN

By Laura Maxson, LM

irth Happens-Reading Can Help one of a series of ongoing, colb islaborative projects from Birth

Happens Santa Cruz. Posters of recommended books for expectant parents will be featured on a monthly basis, with the first poster featuring recommendations by Birth Network of santa Cruz County. eir poster of five recommended books can be seen during the month of may at Bookshop santa Cruz. Birth Happens is a series of ongoing projects organized by three local midwives, elizabeth Yznaga, Linda Walsh and Kate Bowland. e three, with the help of other volunteers, have brought us Midwives at the MAH, an interactive exhibit on the history of birth in santa Cruz County and “tell us a Good Birth story” a chance to share and learn from the stories and experiences of others around birth. e Birth Happens group has plans for an exhibit on the history of birth in the santa Cruz mountains at the san Lorenzo Valley museum, more tell Us a Good Birth story opportunities, and the anticipation of a book (or two) resulting from these collaborations. Birth Network of santa Cruz

County’s recommended book list is certainly not all-inclusive at just five. ere are many options and opinions out there for navigating the journey to parenthood – so many, in fact, that it can be a bit overwhelming. Preparing for childbirth is a process that can benefit greatly from a few good books and Birth Network has given parents a place to begin. e Birth Partner, A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions by Penny simkin, is newly updated in the 2017 version. simkin is a well-known childbirth educator and doula who has written many books on birth in her 50 years involved in childbirth. e Birth Partner is a unique resource in that it is perfectly suited for the birth bag. Anyone helping to support at a labor can pick up this book and find helpful tips for just about any scenario. A must read as preparation by parentsto-be, it can also be handed to a sister or friend at a birth to quickly find ways to be supportive or troubleshoot a specific problem. Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation, by Pam england and rob horowitz, comes from the childbirth classes of the same name. ere are many small chapters featuring stories, projects and

information for the expecting parent. from ancient wisdom to high-tech interventions, Birthing From Within helps with exploration of options and feelings as opposed to instructing what to do. e Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by sheila Kitzinger is a classic. Although Kitzinger is no longer with us, her words and expertise live on to educate and inspire new generation of families. While the recommendation could easily read “anything by sheila Kitzinger” e Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth is a great place to start. filled with photos, diagrams and words of wisdom, parents will find reassurance and a clear understanding of the process of childbirth. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by midwife ina may Gaskin is an important read. Pulling from decades of experience as a midwife on a commune

more info: Birth Happens group Book shop santa cruz www.bookshopsantacruz.com/ womens-voices meet the doulas – saturday may 26th 4-6pm Happy mothers day, may 13

in rural tennessee, Gaskin knows how bodies work in nature to give birth. recognizing that most births are not taking place on a commune, she offers parents a mix of birth stories, science and healthy appreciation of the birth process. With a focus on the oftenunderestimated role of hormones and the environment on childbirth, parents are given tools to begin to shape plans for decisions about care provider, place of birth, and other important options. sweet sleep: Nighttime and Naptime strategies for the Breastfeeding family by La Leche League international, diane Wiessinger, diana West, Linda J. smith, and teresa Pitman. Sweet Sleep recognizes that the breastfed baby and parent have specific sleep considerations. Presenting current research, along with La Leche League’s decades of experience with breastfeeding families, this book offers a close look at different sleeping arrangements and sleep expectations. Parents, bombarded with “never ever” safe sleep messages, can end up in unintentionally dangerous sleep situations. this book provides the reasoning behind current recommendations, along with ways to evaluate each individual family’s risk. Parents can feel better informed about making sleep decisions. Books play an important role in opening a dialog and creating conversation around childbirth.

May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 29


kids read

in celebration of may flowers By Michelle Spence

the old english proverb “April showers bring may flowers” provides an anchor for this month’s book recommendations and an excuse to peruse seed catalogs, regardless of whether or not you will be planting a garden this spring. here is a smattering of old and new gardening stories to share and inspire your gardening dreams or realities.

Bulb planting in the fall and seed sowing in the spring set the stage for a colorful flower garden all summer long. in the deceptively simple board book Planting a Rainbow, we discover the pace of a garden, the names of over 20 common flowers, and the progression of colors in a rainbow. for a more technical exploration of seeds and their grand diversity, the picture book A Seed

Is Sleepy expands the botanical world from flowers to flowering plants. sylvia Long’s beautiful ink-and-watercolor illustrations take us inside the spectacularly varied seed pods as well as underground to witness the seed become a sprout.

to the big city while her parents secure work back in their rural town. Along with the hope that things will improve for her family, Lydia Grace brings with her a suitcase full of seeds and dreams of a garden. david small’s full-bleed illustrations read like those of a graphic novel, filling in the fine details of each letter while propelling the story forward. Gardening and good intentions abound.

Planting a Rainbow by lois ehlert A Seed Is Sleepy written by dianna Hutts aston illustrated by sylvia long

The Rose in My Garden written by arnold lobel illustrated by anita lobel in this cumulative tale, we start with a single rose and travel along the garden path as the border grows hollyhocks interwoven with marigolds that lean over the daisies and nod to the pansies that are tucked under the tall sunflowers. And all of this setup before the action truly begins! sort of like the act of gardening itself. Lovely to listen to, and really fun to read.

The Gardener written by sarah stewart illustrated by david small Lydia Grace’s letters to Uncle Jim, in preparation for her arrival, and to her mom, dad, and Grandma, in anticipation of her return, describe the emotional journey of a young girl sent 30 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018

Tokyo Digs a Garden written by Jon-erik lappano illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka this modern-day fairy tale begins with a familiar trope. on a sunny spring day, a young boy named tokyo is gifted with three magical seeds and instructed to “Plant these seeds…and they will grow into whatever you wish.” tokyo, his parents, and a cat named Kevin live with his grandfather in a small house that has been dwarfed by the skyscrapers and billboards of their city. Lifting up a brick in his barren backyard, tokyo sows the seeds in a smidgeon of soil and dreams of the forest that used to surround his grandfather’s house. he wakes to find three flowering plants, followed quickly (in hours!) by spongy moss, dense shrubs, and tall trees that grow up and over and through the buildings until the entire landscape is transformed into a lush and wild place. his father asks, “What are we going to do?” and tokyo wisely responds, “i think that we will just have to get used to it.” Kellen hatanaka’s mesmerizing illustrations combine ink, watercolor, and collage to stunning effect. What are we going to do? Michelle Spence is a children’s bookseller at Bookshop Santa Cruz. Her favorite books are the ones her kids can quote by heart.


around town...

21st Annual Queer youth Leadership Awards the Queer Youth task force of santa Cruz County is proud to honor local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBtQ) youth and their allies at the 2018 Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA)! honorees are those who have shown outstanding leadership, academic excellence, or community engagement as an LGBtQ youth under the age of 18, or as an ally to LGBtQ youth in the 3 following awards categories: • Queer Youth Leadership Award: for LGBtQ youth, • Ally to Queer Youth Award: for non-LGBtQ youth or any adult who identifies as an ally to LGBtQ youth, • organizational Ally to Queer Youth Award: for local organizations that support or actively organize on behalf of LGBtQ youth.

stormtroopers to Appear at the downtown santa cruz Library on star wars day Golden Gate Garrison Invades Downtown Beware Vader’s fist! members of the Golden Gate Garrison will be invading the downtown Library for steAm into the Galaxy. the purpose of this event is to demonstrate the wide array of steAm programming happening throughout the library system during the school year ANd during the summer reading program. “star Wars is the perfect example of steAm thinking- creativity, critical thinking, storytelling, and the technological know-how to take us all to a new galaxy,” said Laura Whaley, Librarian. “events such as “steAm into the Galaxy” allow us to partner with the community and expand our mission of Bad Guys doing Good,” said Kyle Beagle, Commanding officer of the Golden Gate Garrison. in addition to stormtroopers

and mandalorian Bounty hunters, r2d2 is scheduled to make an appearance. Cosplay is encouraged. steAm into the Galaxy Wednesday • may 4 • 3 – 5 p.m. downtown Library, 224 Church st., santa Cruz ABoUt the GoLdeN GAte GArrisoN the Golden Gate Garrison is a unit of the 501st Legion assigned to cover northern California. the main area of operations for the group is the greater san francisco Bay area. the Legion is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to recreating movie-accurate costumes such as stormtroopers and darth Vader. As Bad Guys doing Good, members of the Legion have helped raise millions of dollars for charity. for more information, contactinfo@goldengategarrison.com.

QYLA recognitions help end isolation and fuel the passion, advocacy and activism needed for youth to be out, proud, and true to themselves. Queer Youth Awardees receive a $250 cash award as well as a $500 award to donate to an organization of their choosing. All nominees will be honored. tickets available at www.QYLA.org

21st Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards saturday, may 12th soquel high school, soquel 5:30 pm resource fair 6:00 pm Catered Buffet dinner 7:00 pm Awards Ceremony sponsor or host a table at QYLA Whether you’re a group of friends, a business or community organization, consider attending QYLA as a group and sponsoring a table. each table seats 10 persons. You’ll be able to sit together and enjoy the dinner and awards ceremony together. each table will be listed as a co-sponsor at the event. Volunteer opportunities the QYLA is looking for dynamic volunteers to help on the day of the event. if your school or organization would like to take on a shift or help decorate, contact us. Be part of QYLA and get involved! Contact Us for more information, visit www.QYLA.org or call (831) 427-4004 or email us at info@QYLA.org QYLA is produced by the Queer Youth task force (QYtf), a fiscally sponsored agent of the diversity Center, and co-sponsored, in part, by the soquel high school Queerstraight Alliance (QsA), soquel high school, and santa Cruz City schools (sCCs).

santa cruz trolley to resume running memorial day weekend Connecting downtown santa Cruz to the Beach and Wharf Area 25¢, eXACt ChANGe PLeAse the trolley is the best way to get back and forth between the beach and downtown and avoid parking and traffic. the santa Cruz trolley is convenient, AdAaccessible, and an enjoyable way to experience what santa Cruz has to offer for all ages. trolley riders can park downtown and easily get to the monterey Bay exploration Center,

the santa Cruz Wharf, main Beach, and the Boardwalk and still have time to shop and dine in the downtown. Use the Parker app on your iPhone or Android device to make searching for parking easy. You can also use the Parkmobile app to locate and pay for parking from your smartphone. Access the beach and Wharf with our stop at the sanctuary exploration Center at 35 Pacific Avenue. the first trolley pick is at 12:15 with the final pickup at 7:50 Pm. the santa Cruz trolley is the best value transportation in the County!

May 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 31


32 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • May 2018


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