M Magazine June Los Gatos

Landscapes for Living

Beautiful Gardens • Custom Stonework • Quality Woodworking • Pool & Spa “Working with Lifescape was seamless. We’re constantly astounded at its transformation from a typical suburban backyard to an absolute oasis.”

- Megan Blitzer

650.948.4485 www.LifescapeWeb.com LIC 913269 — LIC 1073878 Licensed, Insured & Bonded

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june calendar

T H I N GS TO DO

1th – 6th

Ragtime the Musical

Check for times; Mountain View Center for Performing Arts This timeless musical masterpiece celebrates the soaring sounds and hopeful spirit of America at the dawn of the last century. To the syncopated rhythms of a hopeful new age, this unforgettable theatrical tapestry interweaves the delights of vaudeville, baseball, and nickelodeon with the hurly-burly of labor rallies and racial unrest, tracing the lives of an enterprising Jewish immigrant, a courageous Harlem pianist, and a conflicted upperclass wife in a jubilant, inclusive tribute to the American Dream. Tickets & Information: 650-903-6000 or mvcpa.com

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th Proud of My Family

9:30 am – 4:30 pm Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose

Visitors will enjoy activities designed to celebrate all types of families, especially LGBTQ+ parents, relatives, and friends.

The museum’s Proud of My Family event is one of the few Pride events that is held every year for young children and their families. The event fosters understanding and builds awareness of family diversity while recognizing that families come in all configurations and what binds

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people together are the shared hopes and dreams for their children and their futures.

4th, 5th & 8th

Cinderella (in Russian)

Check for times; Mountain View Center for Performing Arts This fairytale world may seem familiar, but this version has a twist. Audiences will be drawn together with characters in the play and asked to think about the priceless values of kindness, sincerity, and integrity. Tickets & Information: 650-903-6000 or mvcpa.com

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th San Jose Taco And Margarita Festival

12 pm – 4 pm SAP Center, San Jose

The first-ever San Jose Taco and Margarita Festival will be a day filled with food, drink, and live entertainment. This true familyfriendly event features professional wrestling, a DJ and arts and crafts from more than 20 local vendors. Children ages 12 and under are FREE with a paid adult!

Don't miss out on this unrivaled taco festival! VIP & Ultimate VIP Packages Available! Purchase tickets online.

Theatre in the Park Peninsula Youth Theatre and the City of Mountain View present FREE children’s theatre in the park all summer long on the Center’s outdoor ParkStage (located adjacent to Pioneer Park). You’ll see fairy tales and other children’s stories—a different 45-minute production each week performed by the children from Peninsula Youth Theatre’s “Theatre in the Park” summer camp program.

Bring the kids, a snack and a blanket to sit on for a fun way to end the week for the whole family.

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th Crashed in Camelot 3 pm

A student finds themselves transported from their boring history class back to Camelot!

It turns out King Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and all the knights are real – and so are the swords! Can they find their way back, or should they get used to jousts, sorcery and running for their lives?

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th The Giant with No Heart 3 pm

In order to save his brothers, a young prince must defeat a giant. But how can you defeat someone that doesn’t have a heart?

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18th – 19th

SF’s 2022 North Beach Festival 10 am – 6 pm Columbus & Grant, San Francisco

Visitors will enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages, browse the offerings of fine art and crafts and enjoy gourmet food and beverages. North Beach is considered by locals and visitors alike as San Francisco’s Little Italy.

FREE.

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th Juneteenth Community Celebration 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose

Watch a variety of animated short films, find your rhythm during a drumming workshop, and catch the beat by making your very own drum to practice at home. Discover the vast richness of the African Diaspora through a mix of shorts created for children by seasoned and emerging filmmakers that will run throughout the day.

The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein

2:30 pm; Mountain View Center for Performing Arts When a handsome young soldier catches the eye of the most powerful woman in Gerolstein, he goes from Private to General in a flash! Now he’ll need a war to win—count on the Grand Duchess to make that happen. As ever, Offenbach’s lively score is a Pocket Opera specialty.

Tickets & Information: 650-903-6000 or mvcpa.com

th Socially Inept: Roast

of Silicon Valley

8 pm; Mountain View Center for Performing Arts Watch ex-tech rogue comics roast whimpering techies in front of a live crowd. This show sells out every time.

We don’t even need you. But we’ll kindly allow you to be there because we know it’s your one chance to experience fun. This performance is 90 minutes long and is appropriate for ages 18+. Anyone under 18 will not be admitted into the auditorium regardless of ticket purchase.

Tickets & Information: 650-903-6000 or mvcpa.com

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IN THE GARDEN

by EMILIE THORBURN

I have always loved gardening. I spent a lot of time at my grandparents' farm growing up and have fond memories of picking vegetables to prepare for dinner.

That said, to say I have a green thumb is a stretch, so I will take all the help I can get! Here are some gardening products I tried to help my thumb grow greener!

Plant Knight

These recycled plastic plant guards are meant for use outside to protect trees and other plants from lawn mowers, weed whackers and all manner of pests and critters looking to take one tiny bite of that tomato you’ve been waiting for. I used my Green Knights inside to protect my expensive houseplants from my live-in pests – my cats. My only complaint is that these only come in the one size, so while the circumference can be adjusted with the little stakes that come with it, the height cannot. Packs are available from $24.95 on Amazon, Home Depot, and Target, with a 4.8star review on Amazon.

Plant Traps

Plant Traps is a tool-free railing plant shelf that extends your outer balcony or deck ledge into a shelf suitable for planters. There is literally no set-up and the elegant attractive railing can be moved around, switched between plants, and lined up to get that cute European townhome look. Plant traps work best with railings that less that 4 inches to all the metal rods to secure the planter in place without being crooked and they are available in only one size. $29.99 at planttraps.com.

GardInnovations Seed-in

This an all-in-one tool that allows gardeners to simultaneously create seventeen evenly spaced holes in the soil for planting seeds and seedlings. I didn't feel like "digging in" to gardening work but had seeds that needed to get into the ground, so I used this soil digger and spacer to loosen and turn over the soil in one of my outdoor planters before using it to make perfectly measured holes. I made my first horizontal line of holes, then rotated it to make the first holes for each vertical line- so each seed is properly spaced and there's less chance I will have to "thin" the seedlings. $24.95 at Amazon with a 4.6-star overall review.

Sky Pots

Clever, pretty, and glamorous Everyone loves a bright, well-placed hanging plant for their indoor garden! The Sky Pot hanging planters have a modern-minimalist look, which can be added to with whichever planter or pot you use with it. The sturdy hardware can be customized with attachable drainage dishes and grow chains to create a vertical garden.

The stainless-steel rod is the only part that cannot be customized – the small hook won’t fit a curtain rod or a nail close to the wall and is only as secure and weight-bearing as the wall hardware used with it. Shop at skypots.com.

Daisy Rain Garden Systems

The Daisy Rain Garden System is great for someone who is busy or forgets to water plants. It comes with three nicely sized planters + all equipment needed, and the hose releases a good flow but not so much that delicate flowers or vegetables will be damaged. The only thing is your garden must be arranged to accommodate the length of the hose and the pots must be connected to each other. However, you can order a custom system to fit your needs.

Products can be purchased as individual items, and custom quotes to fit project can be requested. Find a retail location at daisyraingarden.com.

DealZook Disrupts the Deal Business What if the businesses got 100%?

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know what you're thinking.

Who needs another deal site?

That’s what I thought when I sat down with Jeff Muhleman, the founder of Silicon Valley Start Up DealZook.

Katherine So why did you start DealZook?

Jeff I saw a huge opportunity to help local businesses. I have been in advertising for over 20 years and I knew from client discussions that “the other deal site” worked - It drives new clients to businesses. But I was shocked to learn that they take 50% of the deal revenue. How does it make sense to offer a great deal then lose 50% of the already discounted offer?

For most businesses, it does not.

Katherine How is DealZook different?

Jeff Our goal is to support local businesses and simplify the entire deal process. Users find a deal then show it to the business and pay them directly.

The business keeps 100% of the deal instead of 50%.

Because there is no “pre-paying” for a deal, users are not concerned about a deal expiring, or worried that your uncle Bob might not show up for the dinner or activity or whatever if you bought a deal for the group.

Katherine So it’s a win-win for everyone.

Jeff Exactly. People live fluid lifestyles these days. By eliminating prepaying for deals, it’s easier to find a deal right before you want to use it. If you have a group, one person can tell the business

“we are all taking this deal” and point to the deal on their phone.

But the huge change is businesses keeping 100% of the deal. Now a business can do new promotions every week as a part of their normal marketing without fear of it breaking them. Restaurants can promote new items, spas can promote new treatments or combinations of treatments, etc. Nearly any small business can promote on DealZook and they should. It’s free advertising, eyeballs, branding, etc.

People love a deal.

Plus DealZook is self serve.

Businesses create their own deals and can edit them, delete them, or add new ones. They have control of a FREE marketing tool.

Katherine Sounds great but how does DealZook pay the bills?

Jeff That’s the first question every business asks! Running a highly trafficked site has costs but not “take 50% of the deal” costs. DealZook is a freemium model. Businesses can place deals for free on the site. But if they want a little extra promotion and response, we offer them better position for more deal views, and we promote their deal in our social media ads. The cost is very low and way less than taking 50%. And it’s completely optional.

Silicon Valley. Once we prove out this business model, we hope to launch across the nation.

Katherine Your timing looks good as the economy is a bit shaky and local businesses could use some support.

Jeff I hope so. The internet was an amazing place to promote early on. But greed has driven all online ad costs up. That other deal company hit a wall for growth.

And now they are moving away from small businesses to find new revenue. But there are 31 million US small businesses and less than 1% use that “other deal site.” They fail to understand that small business is still the biggest opportunity and their predatory business model is the problem.

Let’s change the deal business!᯽

Place Your Deal on DealZook Now Use our easy self serve tool.

Takes just 5 minutes.

Go to DealZook.com and click on “Free - Place Your Deal on DealZook” In the top right corner.

IT’S FREE!

Katherine So what’s next?

Jeff We are finalizing the website, and our Apple / Android app as we speak and loading the site with deals for our end of June Launch in

DealZook.com Jeff@dealzook.com ● 408-834-5434

Dream Vacations Do Come True

IN TAHITI

By R O B E R T Q U I H U I S

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omehow, through miraculous fortune, I found myself in French Polynesia. I came here not really knowing what to expect beyond the bright blue lagoons and towering coconut trees you see in the pictures. What I found was unfathomable beauty and a way of life I thought only existed in history books. The people here have a symbiotic relationship with the land, and they take only what they need from the islands' precious resources.

Their contentment and love of land shows in their hospitality and general demeanor. You can't go down a street without someone giving a smile and a nod or saying “la Orana” (Hello). Everyone is friendly and seems to share a common love for one another. It truly is a paradise.

My trip began in the best way possible, a premium blue flight via French Bee. Formerly French Blue, this airline is relatively new and up-and-coming. Admittedly, I did not know about French Bee until I took this trip, but I think their current low-key reputation means shorter lines and wait times. Upon boarding, I was so well taken care of that the vacation relaxation kicked in before we left the ground. As a “premium blue” guest, I was greeted with champagne and hot towels. I then began to explore the entertainment options in preparation for the 7-hour direct flight to Tahiti. The stewardess handed me a tablet with a range of popular magazines and, in front of me, there was a touch screen with a selection of movies, music, games and food and drinks. A unique little feature I stumbled upon were

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the live cams on the tail, hull, and nose. I always find it exciting when I take off to new destinations and to actually watch us leave the runway in real time was a bonus. After watching us take off, I dabbled with the music options. After listening to a bit of French pop music, I moved on to the movies and, like every predictable nerd, I settled on the latest Spiderman.

When my eyes began to get a bit heavy I got into the sleep kit that was provided. The kit contained pillows, a blanket, ear plugs, an eye mask, toothbrush and even a pair of cozy blue socks. I reclined in my seat and stretched out using every bit of the extra leg room and tucked myself in. Once I was nice and snug I wanted to put on some nice relaxing music to whisk me off to sleep. Fortunately, there was a remote built into the armrest just for this occasion. I woke up just in time for dinner. The entree was a beef stew with macaroni and cheese, accompanied by California rolls, brie and grapes, cheesecake, and a bread roll. I felt like I was at an international buffet. Even though it was an almost eight-hour flight the time just flew by (no pun intended). Before I knew it we were landing in Tahiti.

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immediately noticed the architecture and decor at the airport.

I've been on a bit of a tiki bar kick lately so this was right up my alley. Since I took a late flight around 11 PM, I arrived around 5 AM, just in time to be welcomed by a beautiful sunrise and a ukulele band that had way too much energy to be playing that early. I made my way to the front of the airport and received a lovely jasmine lei from the driver before being whisked off to the Te Moana Tahiti Resort. A lovely resort

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with an awesome open water swimming area. Right next to the infinity pool there is a section of coral reef teeming with tropical fish. I had to jump in for a snorkel but honestly the water is so clear you can just watch the fish from the overpassing bridge. I joined the resort manager for a couple of drinks and enjoyed a performance by former French “The Voice'' contestant Teiva LC. I was told that the people here rise and sleep with the sun which I'm guessing is why I left the hotel at 5 AM to catch a flight to Huahine. This island has a very traditional, holistic vibe to it. I stayed at the Moana Lodge, a charming naturecentric beachfront lodge. Think high-end glamping meets bed and breakfast on a white sands beach. It's a place to get away from everything and get Zen while sharing home-cooked family style meals with the owners and other guests. There are only a handful of bungalows so the experience feels very intimate and mealtimes offer a sort of bonding experience with the other guests and owners. Dinner was charming but there was a bit of a language barrier so be sure to brush up on your French. Between meals they offer bicycles and kayaks so you can explore the island by land or sea with zero emissions while getting a real feel for the mana of the land.

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low price. They may not be worth much due to small indentations or a lack of luster but I couldn't wait to bring back Tahitian pearls as a gift to my friends.

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he next day it was back to traveling. This time to the island of Moorea. After a five-minute ride from the airport, I arrived at The Sofitel. This is the luxury resort that people dream about when they think of French Polynesia. The crystal-clear waters, the palm trees on white sand beaches, the overwater bungalows, it's all

On Huahine I took a cultural tour with Romain, a local mountain/aspiring medicine man. He had so much information and passion for this island it was impossible not to be enthralled. He taught me that life around here is based around

here! I made my way down to the beach hut where there are complimentary rentals on kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. I picked up a pair of flippers and it was back to the water. Within five minutes of jumping in I was chasing a five-foot manta ray with my underwater camera. The amenities, staff and snorkeling here are top notch. It's no wonder they have a five-star rating.

what the land provides. The land has been cultivated over centuries to provide every tropical fruit imaginable. The saying is “If you have feet, you can eat.” Meaning there's always something delicious within walking distance. Romain’s mystic tour was a barefoot optional venture through the mountains where I explored ancient ritualistic sites and saw sacrificial stones and monuments once used to intimidate invaders. It was a great informative hike with great company. Also, be sure to visit the local pearl farms while on Huahine. There, I got a demonstration of how Tahitian pearls are curated. I was able to pick up a small satchel of misshapen pearls for a surprisingly

During this trip I had spent hours enamored by the tropical fish, corals, and rays I had spotted, however, I had really been hoping to swim with some sharks. Corallina Tours provided a trip that fulfilled and surpassed that dream. We saw swarms of nurse sharks feeding on the chum from that morning's catch. We swam with a school of eagle rays, snapped pictures with sea turtles and 6-foot sting rays, and enjoyed drinks while encircled by black tip sharks. When I had first arrived, I hoped to do a little scuba diving but as it turns out all the species I wanted to see were visible via snorkeling on this tour. This was easily one of my favorite parts of the trip.

This adventure with Carollina Tours is a must!

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inally, as my trip ended, I hopped on a ferry back to Tahiti. There, I rented a car and headed out for a self-guided adventure. I made my way down to the Maraa Grotto. The shallow cave was much larger than I expected and the perfect place for a dip. It was the first swim I’d had in sub eighty-degree water all week. As cool as it was, the real treasure was the steep hike up to the rope swing atop the mountain. The pictures you take up there M

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will be worth the hike but I wouldn't recommend it to the faint of heart as it is quite a workout going up and not any easier getting down. Just a little further down the road I stopped at the Vaipahi Water Gardens. This is a beautifully curated, easily accessible garden loop built around a gorgeous waterfall. If you're up for it there's some hiking trails that lead you up the stream to some amazing lookout points.

This was a trip beyond comparison. It seemed like every experience I had was only surpassed by the next. There is nowhere to hide from the transcendent beauty around every corner, be it the translucent blue reefs or the indescribable sunrises and sunsets. I have to thank French Bee for such a comfortable and hospitable flight and Tahiti Tourism for planning these excursions in the perfect order. Every driver, resort staff, and especially the tour guides gave these islands a story and a soul like nowhere else I've been. If you're ever fortunate enough to have the opportunity, don't miss out.

Tahiti is truly a unique and magical experience.᯽

Robert Quihuis is an instructional aide at a school for autism in San Jose.

When he’s not teaching, he enjoys drawing, watching movies, going to museums, and spending time with his wife. He will jump on any opportunity to travel, especially if it involves writing!

delicous summer fare Create healthy and delicious summer dishes from The Ranch at Live Oak Cookbook.

Grain-free Tabbouleh Salad We’ve reimagined tabbouleh, creating a beautiful, nutrient-rich dish that retains all the flavor and satisfaction of the classic, without all those carbs and calories. The bulgur wheat has been replaced with raw grated cauliflower for a delicate, elegant tabbouleh that’s lightly sweet in flavor. Try it—this salad is delicious, and never fails to win over the hearts and minds of even the most hardline tabbouleh fans.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 garlic clove 3 Persian cucumbers, stems removed, diced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered Leaves and tender stems from 1 bunch Flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped ½ cup fresh mint leaves and tender stems, Finely chopped 3 scallions, minced 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped Juice of 1 lemon, plus more as needed 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, Plus more as needed 1 medium head cauliflower 18

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Preparation

Crush the garlic clove into a large bowl with a garlic press. Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, mint, scallions, and olives along with the lemon juice, oil, and pepper. Toss well to combine.

Using the coarse side of a box grater, grate the cauliflower florets onto a cutting board (you should have about 3½ cups grated cauliflower).

Wrap the leaves and stems and refrigerate for another use.

Mix the grated cauliflower into the salad. Taste and adjust the lemon juice and black pepper before serving.

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Eggplant Cannelloni with Spicy TomatoBasil Sauce and Caramelized Onions and Kale This is a good dish for entertaining as it can be made completely ahead. Try the mildly spicy tomato sauce on whole grain gluten-free pasta and sautéed kale if you are running short on time.

Makes 4 to 6 servings (12 rolls)

Ingredients

For the Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ½ red onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons chopped basil leaves Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Eggplant Rolls

2 large eggplants (about 18 ounces each), cut lengthwise into ¼-inch-thick slices ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil Sea salt 1 cup diced zucchini or yellow squash 1 cup diced red bell pepper 4 garlic cloves, minced Freshly ground black pepper 2 cups cooked quinoa ¼ cup pine nuts ½ teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth

For the Caramelized Onions and Kale

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup thinly sliced onions ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 4 cups firmly packed torn kale leaves (about 4 ounces) 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

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2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon unfiltered apple cider vinegar Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Make the Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce: Heat the oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and half of the basil and simmer until reduced to about 3 cups, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Let cool, and then stir in the remaining basil. (The sauce can be made up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate.)

Make the Eggplant Rolls: Preheat the broiler. Arrange the eggplant slices on two large baking sheets in a single layer. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat

the eggplant slices with ¼ cup of the oil. Sprinkle with salt.

Broil without turning until the eggplant is soft and slightly browned, watching carefully to prevent burning, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and garlic and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Mix in the quinoa, pine nuts, and oregano.

Stir in the broth, remove from the heat, and let cool. Using your hands, knead the quinoa stuffing mixture until all the ingredients are well moistened.

Season to taste with more salt and black pepper.

On a work surface, place 1 eggplant slice, browned side facing down, with the wide, rounded end closest to you.

Place 2 tablespoons of the stuffing on the rounded end and roll the eggplant up and away from you. Place the roll seam-side down on a large heavy baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining eggplant and stuffing. (The rolls can be made up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate.)

Make the Caramelized Onions and Kale: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and crushed red pepper and cook until the onions are golden brown, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Add the kale, broth, and garlic and cook until the kale is tender and the mixture is caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.

Add the vinegar and cook for 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. (The kale and onions can be made up to 2 hours ahead. Set aside at room temperature.)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the eggplant rolls, if refrigerated, and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes. Bring the tomato M

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sauce to a simmer. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the sauce onto each serving plate and top each pool of sauce with 2 or 3 eggplant rolls. Spoon the caramelized onions and kale over the rolls and serve.

Watermelon, Lime, and Hibiscus Ice Pops Dried hibiscus flowers produce a lovely crimson-colored tea that makes an amazing refresher poured over ice on a summer day.

It’s super tart (and packed with vitamin C). Here we mellowed it with watermelon and turned it into ice pops that are fun for kids and adults.

Makes about 6 ice pops

Ingredients

¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers (see Note) 2½ cups watermelon chunks (from about 1¼ pounds watermelon or

½ mini watermelon) ¼ cup raw agave nectar ½ teaspoon lime zest 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Preparation

In a small saucepan, bring ¾ cup water and the dried hibiscus flowers to a simmer. Turn off the heat and let stand until cool. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.

In a food processor, blend the watermelon chunks until liquefied. Strain through a finemesh sieve lined with muslin into a pitcher; discard any solids.

(You should have about 1½ cups watermelon juice.)

Stir the hibiscus water, agave nectar, and lime zest and juice into the watermelon juice. Pour the juice mixture into ice pop molds and freeze until firm, about 7 hours.

Ingredient Note: You can buy dried hibiscus flowers (also known as sorrel) in Indian, Latin, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern markets.᯽

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summer reading adventures for kids The hot summer weather is here, and what better a way to beat the heat and keep kids entertained than with a fun new story! Start those summer adventures off right with these fresh new titles from Brown Books Kids. From roly-poly armadillos that romp and play all night long to mermaids, summer camp, and teen siblings uncovering a magic mythological conspiracy, there is something on this list for every child from ages three to fifteen.

Let's Play Ddakji

by Im Seo-Ha Illustrated by Jang Joon-Young

It's vacation time! Woo is ready to visit his aunt, because that means he gets to play ddakji with his friends. Woo spent all year practicing and making the best ddakji-a bright, golden one. He made sure his was hard and heavy so he could beat Gorin, the reigning champion. With this vibrant story about friendly competition, Let's Play Ddajki inspires kids to try a new game through Woo and Gorin's love of ddakji. Complete with colorful illustrations and detailed instructions on how to fold a ddakji, anyone can learn how to play this traditional Korean game from start to finish. Ages 6 – 10.

Armadillo Antics

by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson

Piggie Bear's Power of Happiness

Illustrated by Nathalie Beauvois

Join the armadillo on his nightly romp! Children will love the rhythm and rhyme that are hallmarks of the beloved author duo of Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 as they follow the adventurous armadillo through nighttime fun as dawn approaches. Ages 4 – 8.

by Mara James Illustrated by Matthew Mew

The newest addition to the Piggie Bear book series helps teach young children to identify their emotions, release extra energy, and perform deep belly breathing and self-hugs. Piggie Bear is there to encourage kids through every feeling. A necessary SEL tool by Mara James, founder of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation. Ages 3 – 5.

Hurricamp!

by Steph Katzovi

Laura "Noodle" Newman had high hopes for sleepaway camp but things go from bad to worse. With a menacing hurricane heading up the coast Noodle realizes that the only person that can make her feel better is herself! Told in Noodle's witty, distinctive voice Hurricamp! emulates the quirkiness of Beverly Cleary's Ramona books combined with Judy Blume's relatable dialogue. Ages 7 – 10.

That Fat Cat Who Changed His Ways

by Daniel Walten Illustrated by Jo-Anne Button

He can't even see his toes anymore. He loves food and sleeping too much! He eats biscuits and pies, sausage and peas. He simply gorges on milk and cheese.

All that eating makes him sleepy, so much so that he can't even do his only job, to chase away the mice. The other household pets know something must be done!

While That Fat Cat naps, the mice take away all the food in the house.

Butch the Dog, a retired champion racing greyhound, takes it upon himself to train That Fat Cat to live a healthier lifestyle. That Fat Cat must change his ways! Ages 4 – 8.

Bubbles

by Mark Huffman Illustrated by Dawn Davidson

Mermaids, body positivity and bodily function positivity are just a few hallmark themes to be found in Bubbles by award-winning author Mark Huffman. Bubbles is the perfect summer read, guaranteed to make storytime full of laughter and fun. Ages 4 – 8.

Ashur's Tears

by Bill Riley

Percy Jackson meets Ender's Game in award-winning author Bill Riley's action-packed upper middlegrade debut. Gifted siblings Toby and Katie are drawn into the dizzying world of their father’s secret work with the government—a world of untold danger and profound betrayal, of conspiracy, magic, and gods, where the two siblings will need all their wits just to survive. Ages 12 – 15.

Unmatched Academic Results!

Visit ChallengerSchool.com to learn more.

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.

Almaden (408) 927-5771 19950 McKean Rd., San Jose

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Strawberry Park (408) 213-0083 730 Camina Escuela, San Jose

Middlefield (650) 213-8245 3880 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto

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An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade © 2022, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Licenses: 434400459, 013412399, 434400467, 434408059, 434403575, 010212301, 430700130, 434408058, 434404888, 430710539

Is your cell phone dangerous?

7 Steps to Reducing Wireless Radiation Exposure in Your Home

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Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular, and HotSpot antennas are toggled off as they also emit wireless. If your children watch shows on a phone or iPad, download the program and then let the child watch while the device is in airplane mode. The more you use Airplane Mode with wireless antennas off, the less you and your children are exposed.

5. Protect your and your child’s sleep. Remove TV’s, screens, and electronics

from the bedroom. Try turning Wi-Fi and wireless off at night to ensure 8 hours of healthier sleep. Do not sleep with a cell phone under your pillow or a cordless phone base on your nightstand. Power cell phones off at night and use a battery powered alarm clock.

6. Replace your cordless phone with a corded phone. Just like cell phones, cordless phones also emit wireless radiation. The cordless phone base emits wireless radiation continuously. Corded phones with the curly handset cords do not emit wireless radiation.

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he Environmental Health Trust has compiled a list of the latest research studies that have linked wireless radiation to numerous health effects including impacts on memory damage, emotional problems, headaches, brain damage and reproduction issues, as well as increased thyroid and brain tumor risk. Numerous recent, peer-reviewed studies indicate a connection between wireless radiation and a variety of illnesses and symptoms and doctors conclude that children are “more vulnerable.”

The Federal Communications Commission is the U.S. agency in charge of regulating wireless exposures but it is still using science from 1996, when most phones were flip phones.

EHT recently won a lawsuit against the FCC that demanded the FCC re-examine the growing body of scientific evidence on their record indicating health risks from the wireless radiation of cell phones, smart speakers, and Wi-Fi. The court specifically mandated the FCC to address issues of children's vulnerability, long term exposure and modernday technologies.

While the FCC contemplates how it will meet the court order, the Environmental Health Trust recommends the following to reduce wireless radiation exposure at home:

1. Limit use, especially with and around children. Cell phones are not

toys. Instead of handing your child a cell phone or Wi-Fi connected iPad, choose a real toy. Minimizing your use around children as well as children’s use of cell phones and wireless devices greatly reduces their exposure.

7. Used corded tech instead of everything wireless. You can easily swap out 2. Distance wireless connected devices away from the body. The

closer a wireless device is, the more wireless is absorbed into body tissue. Be aware that if you are holding your child with your cell phone nearby, some of the radiation from your phone is absorbed into their brain. Do not use a cell phone or wireless device while nursing or holding an infant in your lap. Do not hold your child on your lap in front of a Wi-Fi laptop or tablet. Is your child’s highchair near the smart speaker? Wi-Fi routers should not be near places where adults work or anywhere where children sleep and play.

3. Know the fine print warnings. All cell phones and wireless devices have fine print manufacturer instructions in their user manuals warning consumers to keep the phone or Wi-Fi device at a specific distance from the body. For instance, the minimum distance for the Apple iPhone 13 is 5 mm; for the Amazon Echo Dot recommended minimum distance is 20 cm and Wi-Fi printers are 20 cm. If a cell phone or device is held at body contact, the absorption of wireless radiation can be so high it exceeds even the government’s outdated safety limits, in some cases by up to 11 times the FCC limit.

4. Pre-download and use airplane mode as often as possible. The

airplane mode setting turns wireless antennas off on your cell phone, tablet, or laptop. You can play pre downloaded music and videos and even take pictures with airplane mode. Be sure to ensure

most wireless tech in your home for safer corded non-wireless technology. Use a wired keyboard and mouse. Ditch the wireless smart speaker for wired computer speakers. Replace Wi-Fi with hardwired ethernet as much as possible. In fact, you can still connect to the internet, stream music and videos and social media–all with an ethernet corded connection. By choosing safer technology at home, parents can also greatly reduce their children's exposure.

EHT warns that children are especially vulnerable to wireless radiation due to the fact that their brains are still developing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Children are not little adults and are disproportionately impacted by all environmental exposures, including cell phone radiation.” The American Academy of Pediatrics along with numerous medical organizations and health professionals worldwide recommend reducing children’s cell phone radiation exposure to protect their health.

For more information, visit www.ehtrust.org.᯽

About Environmental Health Trust Founded in 2007, Environmental Health Trust, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is a think tank that promotes a healthier environment through research, education, and policy. EHT conducts cutting edge research on environmental health hazards and works with communities, health, education professionals and policymakers to understand and mitigate these hazards.

Currently, EHT works with scientists, policymakers, teachers, parents, and students to promote awareness on how to practice safe technology.

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FUN IN THE SUN ·

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Summer is here and it’s time to PLAY! Gather up your friends, neighbors, family, and get into some outdoor fun. Here’s a list of cool games and summer survival goodies to kick off the season.

OLITA ORGANIC MINERAL SUNSCREEN OLITA organic sunscreen was voted Parent Magazine’s Safest Sunscreen for Kids in 2021 and contains a variety of kid-friendly sun and sand products: scented powder-based sand remover, after sun products, lip balm and good old sunscreen in lotion and stick version. Made with high-performing vitamins and age-defying antioxidants, plus non-toxic: safe for skin and safe for the environment. olitashop.com, $42.99

POPDARTS Popdarts are made with little suction cups that stick to smooth surfaces, and they’re small enough to bring anywhere! You can play it bocce style on a tabletop and try to get closest to the orange marker; you can do traditional target style dart throwing; and you can even get creative and bring them on airplanes to entertain little ones at their window seat. A fun indoor/outdoor game for backyard BBQs, vacation down time, etc.! amazon.com, $31.99

STOMP ROCKETS DUELING This is a fun game that never goes out of style. Set up two rockets at a time and with one big STOMP, shoot them up to 200 feet in the air! A great way to burn energy while learning about gravity, motion and force and letting the imagination fly.

From little kids to grandparents, the game is ready to go in seconds and a great screen-free option. target.com, $19.99

POOLCANDY RAINBOW GLITTER UNICORN Nothing says summer fun like a big, colorful floatie! PoolCandy is known as a trendsetter in inflatable pool toys and more, with innovative designs from adorable to glamorous. The gold glitter on this one is super sparkly and definitely a hit at the pool! amazon.com, $29.99

INPOWERED LIGHTS California’s summer heat waves can sometimes trigger rolling blackouts and power outages making inPOWERED Lights a must for your home. These stylish lamps switch on automatically when the power goes out, and even better can continue to charge your devices with no electricity! Certified women-owned, this company donates a percentage of profits to programs committed to helping women entrepreneurs. amazon.com, $49.99

FUNKINS LUNCH BAGS The Funkins brand new Very Hungry Caterpillar line is an adorable addition to their already awesome line of lunch bags, reusable napkins and placements, gel ice packs, and other lunchbox accessories. Made from washable material, they are also eco-friendly, durable and made from low-impact materials with non-toxic days and fabrics. We truly have a blast packing our lunches, picnics, and park snacks in these bright and colorful bags, with handy handles and plenty of space. amazon.com, $19.95