Growing Up in Santa Cruz July 2023

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Come See Us!

DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN AND TEENS

DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN AND TEENS

New patients welcome!

DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN AND TEENS

New patients welcome!

SUpport Young Musicians

Dr. Jackson likes to see children early to help assure healthy smiles later on. In fact, we recommend a first visit around the time of your child’s first birthday.

Dr. Jackson likes to see children early to help assure healthy smiles later on. In fact, we recommend a first visit around the time of your child’s first birthday.

New patients welcome!

Dr. Jackson likes to see children early to help assure healthy smiles later on. In fact, we recommend a first visit around the time of your child’s first birthday.

Call Us!

Call Us!

Call Us!

EDITOR | PUBLISHER

Brad Kava and Steve Dinnen

ART DIRECTOR | MANAGING EDITOR

Nathan Mixter

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Susan Bernstein

CONTRIBUTORS

Nicole M.Young, Laura Maxson, Jaime Mcfaden, Sarah Savasky, Suki Wessling, Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy , Laura Maxson,Addie Mahmassani

AD REPRESENTATIVES

Ann Fitts BobbiJo Palmer Meghan Gruss Sophie Veniel Advertising@GrowingUpSC.com

Even small changes can make a BIG difference.

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

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

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

Symphony a Great Night Out for Kids

I took my 7-year-old to his first symphony last month and he loved it. So did I.

Our first was the Santa Cruz Symphony’s pop concert, which was devoted to music from the movies. I was worried he wouldn’t have the patience to sit through long, complicated classical pieces.

You can tell by the smile on Parker’s face in the picture–this music lit up both of our hearts. Keep in mind, the program was kid friendly, consisting of music from Up, The Pink Panther, James Bond, Mission Impossible, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, Batman and more.

Conductor Danny Stewart brought the songs to life in his explanations, but the thing that really did it for us was hearing music played live by 72 extraordinary musicians. This was nothing like hearing songs at a movie theater, the radio or even a very good stereo. There were so many intricate details brought to life, from the tingle of a triangle to the thundering kettle drums and gongs.

“The violins bring out the light and the drums bring out the darkness,” said Parker. He got it. He really got it. He even got up and danced. He was the only one in the crowd in a city known for people who will dance to anything.

The bad thing about this Saturday night show was that the Civic Auditorium was only about three fourths full and there were only a few kids there. There should have been hundreds of children learning the joys of real music played on real instruments.

My message here is that I implore you: bring your kids to the next family-friendly symphony concert. I promise you all will love it.

Also, I suggest the symphony add videos to the showcase. They did have one, an old Charlie Chaplin clip from Modern Times, but if you want to entice a generation brought up on videos and movies, give them something to use their other senses.

They are kids, after all, and hearing great music will change their lives forever. We are so lucky to have a symphony like this. I read somewhere that many local symphonies are an inch away from sounding like the best ones in the world. I’ll say this with enthusiasm – and as a former music critic for the San Jose Mercury News who has heard some of the best in London and New York–this was as good as anything I’ve ever heard.

I would also suggest they do a kids’ version of the same show. Let’s face it, kids are not your normal white-haired symphony audience. Mine kept asking questions and managed to spill his popcorn all over the floor.I know it upset people who like quiet, as do I, and a woman in front of me asked him to only talk between songs, which he eventually did.

Maybe I’m a bad parent, but when he had observations or questions during a piece of music, I couldn’t resist letting him whisper them to me.

That’s why they should do separate shows for adults. That being said, I’ll ask you to support children’s symphony shows. Nothing will breed more of them than selling out the ones they do.

We will feature the symphony’s next series in our September issue and interview a great maestro.

And, preview: the next pops concert is June 8, 2024 with music from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, ET, Jurassic Park and more!

I’m buying my tickets now.

On a totally different subject. We have no fireworks show this July 4 in the county? That’s sad. Scotts Valley didn’t have the money for it, apparently, after doing a great one the past years. That just seems wrong to me.

Thanks for reading.

Letter to the Editor

Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

UCSC Leadership is Lacking in Allowing Hate Speach

Let me compliment you on the great job you are doing with the magazine since you took over a few years ago!

GUISC is close to my heart because they were the first to publish my Fossil Discovery Center article and start me on my article writing career about ten years ago.

I too am appalled that UC Santa Cruz leadership does not take a stronger view of their students’ celebrating Adolph Hitler’s birthday! These young students, and it seems UC leadership, are extremely uneducated and can’t possibly know what Hitler and the Nazis did to millions of Jews and others in WWII.

Time for REAL history to be taught in high schools and colleges?

Edita McQuary

P.S. If Hitler had had Jewish DNA testing, I with my two percent Jewish would not be writing this letter.

Highlands Park Early Education Center is Now Enrolling

Nestled in the magnificent redwoods and adjacent to the San Lorenzo River, our center serves infants through TK. Built from the foundational dreams of local early childhood legends, we extend our vision with an emphasis on the importance of play, equity and social emotional learning as key foundations for academic skill and the development of a lifelong love of learning. As the only Quality Counts program in SLV, we are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space to ensure access to outstanding early learning opportunities for all. Like the redwoods that surround, we invite you to stand tall and thrive with us!

This program offers low teacher-to-child ratios of 1:8 for preschoolers and 1:4 for toddlers.

Visit communitybridges.org/eed

CAMPS

DAY CAMP

Kennolyn Day Camps

kennolyncamps.com

Runners up

Henry Cowell Girl Scout Day Camp

Farm Discovery at Live Oak

RESIDENTIAL CAMP

Kennolyn

kennolyncamps.com

Runners up

Mount Hermon

Mission Springs

DINING

BAKERY

Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria

504 Bay Avenue, Capitola

831.462.1200

gaylesbakery.com/

Runners up

Companion Bakeshop

The Buttery

COFFEE SHOP

Verve Coffee

Vervecoffee.com

4 Santa Cruz locations

Runners up

Lula Carpenter’s Cat & Cloud

BREAKFAST

Zachary’s Restaurant

819 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

831.427.0646

Runners up

Harbor Cafe

Walnut Street Cafe

DELI

Zoccoli’s Delicatessen

831.423.1711

1534 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz zoccolis.com

Runner up Erik’s DeliCafé

Many locations

order.EriksDeliCafe.com

Thank you for voting Erik’s as Runner up for Best Deli and Best Lunch Place! Our sandwiches, soups, and salads are made with fresh, quality ingredients and are full of “character”. We’re proud to celebrate our 50 th anniversary and can’t wait to continue serving you time and time again.

DINNER

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.469.4400 kiantis.com

Thank you Santa Cruz for Kianti’s Best Of wins: Dinner, Lunch, To Go, Pizza, Kid Friendly, Celebrating Kids Birthdays and Adult Milestones.Order at kiantis. com. Patio, curbside and delivery for our entire menu and drinks including Kianti’s Signature Cocktails, Bottles of Kianti’s Wine and Kianti’s Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey or Tequila.

Runners up Otoro

Cowboy Bar & Grill

FINE DINING

Shadowbrook Restaurant

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola 831.475.1511

shadowbrook-capitola.com

Runners up Vim

Lali’s

GROCERY STORE

New Leaf

Locations in Santa Cruz, Capitola and Aptos newleaf.com

Runners up Shoppers Corner Staff of Life

ICE CREAM

The Penny Ice Creamery Locations in Santa Cruz, Aptos and Scotts Valley 831.204.2523

thepennyicecreamery.com

Runner up Marianne’s

LUNCH

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.469.4400 kiantis.com

Runners up Erik’s DeliCafé

Many locations order.EriksDeliCafe.com

Gayle’s

PIZZA

Pizza My Heart

1116 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz 831.426.2511 pizzamyheart.com

Runners up Kianti’s Boulder Creek Pizza and Pub

SUSHI

Akira

Locations in Santa Cruz and Aptos akirasantacruz.com akiraaptos.com

Runners up Mobo Sushi Otoro Sushi

EXTRA CURRICULAR

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Boys and Girls Club

Locations in Santa Cruz and Live Oak boysandgirlsclub.info

Runners up Campus Kids Connection Coastal Community Preschool

ART

Seven Directions Creative Learning Center 831.713.9392

sevendirectionsinfo@gmail.com Sevendirections.org

Seven Directions is Santa Cruz’s premiere creative center for kids and teens! Offering instruction in various arts, sciences and more in a lively studio with over 30 live exotic animals. We are committed to helping to nurture students’ selfesteem, building lasting friendships and empowering them as artists, learners and creative thinkers.

Runners up Mon Ami Studio Sprouts

TAQUERIA

Taqueria Vallarta

Locations in Santa Cruz and Felton Enjoytaqueriavallarta.com

Runner up Los Pericos Tacos Morenos

TO GO

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.469.4400

kiantis.com

Runner up Charlie Hong Kong Poke House

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.469.4400 kiantis.com

Runners up Carpo’s Dharmas

DANCE

International Dance Academy (IAD) 320 Encinal Street Santa Cruz 831.466.0458 info@iadance.com iadance.com

Dance for JOY! IAD provides professional instruction for all ages in an encouraging atmosphere. Our studio trains students to develop their artistry, technique, balance, strength and flexibility, while honing style, focus, agility and energy… bringing joy to every class and performance! We can’t wait to see you in the studio!

Runners up The Tannery Pacific Arts Complex

We asked you to share your favorite places to take your kids and places you enjoy as a family. We wanted to know what businesses you consider the Best in Santa Cruz, and man, did you ever respond! Thanks to everyone who answered our survey.

MUSIC

MusicalMe

MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™

Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County 831.332.9002

registrar@musicalme.com musicalme.com

MusicalMe is overjoyed to be voted #1! Now in our 27th year, made possible with the loving support of our incredible community of families and teachers.

Thank you for choosing us as your favorite music school!

Runners up Be Natural Moe’s Alley

SPORT

Santa Cruz County Lacrosse Association

scclax.org

Runners up SLV Soccer Santa Cruz Little League

SWIMMING

Simpkins Family Swim Center

979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.454.7960

scparks.com

Runners up Adventure Sports Unlimited

303 Potrero St., Suite 15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com

Thank you Santa Cruz families, we are so honored! We love teaching the children of this beautiful community how to swim and love the water! Come play with us! SLV Swim Center

THEATRE

All About Theater Santa Cruz 831.345.6340 allabouttheatre.org

Runners up CYT West Performing Arts

GYMNASTICS

June Bug’s Gym

3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz 831.464.BUGS (2847)

JuneBugsGym.com

June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in

their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up their imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.

Runners up Santa Cruz Gymnastics Vargas

FAMILY SERVICES

BANK

Bay Federal Credit Union bayfed.com

Runners up Chase Santa Cruz County Bank

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Twin Lakes Church 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos 831.465.3300 tlc.org

Runners up Vintage Faith

Holy Cross

INSURANCE

AAA

4400 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz 800.922.8228 mwg.aaa.com

Runners up Farmer’s State Farm

PHOTOGRAPHER

Alicia Telfer aliciatelfer.com

REALTOR

(tie)

Bailey Properties

Four locations in Santa Cruz County baileyproperties.com/

Shannon Shaffer - Coldwell 831.566.3866 coldwellbanker.com

DENTIST

Alison Jackson, Children’s Dentistry 7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos 831.662.2900

santacruzkidsdentist.com

Thank you for voting us your favorite dentist for the second year in a row! We will always do everything we can to keep your kids healthy and happy. We are preventivedentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for

all of our patients. Call us and schedule an appointment soon!

Runner ups:

Capitola Kids Dentistry, Seth Reder SC Children’s Dental Group

ORTHODONTIST

Hedrick Orthodotics

550 Water St, Santa Cruz 831.427.2822 hedrickorthodontics.com

Runner up Hulme

FITNESS

Toadal Fitness

Downtown: 831.423.3764

Live Oak: 831.464.3764

Cabrillo: 831.475.5979

Scotts Valley: 831.430.9200 Westside: 831.466.3764 Watsonville/Freedom:831.337.8623 information@toadalfitness.com toadalfitness.com

Runners up In-Shape Spenga

HOSPITAL

Dominican Hospital

1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz 877.917.0343 bayarea.dignityhealth.org/dominicanhospital

Runner up Sutter Health

PEDIATRICIAN

Raelene Walker 21507 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz 831.427.3500 schealthcenters.org

Runner up Casey Schirmer

REPRODUCTIVE (tie)

Dana Ramsay

5161 Soquel Drive, Suite C, Soquel 831.515.7078 nurturesantacruz.com

Sienna Titen

1505 Soquel Dr Ste 1, Santa Cruz 831.465.5440 dignityhealth.org

MIDWIFE/DOULA

Nora Yerena 559.287.8934 centralcoastdoulaservices.com

THERAPIST

Therapy Works

Locations in Capitola and Scotts Valley mytherapyworks.com

SPECIALIST

Santa Cruz Allergy 3035 North Main Street, Soquel 831.423.4111 sutterhealth.org

OUTDOORS

BEACH PARK

Seabright State Beach

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

Runners up Seacliff

Twin Lakes

PARK

Leo’s Haven 1975 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz

Runners up Henry Cowell Sky Park

HIKING

Nisene Marks parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666

Runners up Henry Cowell Pogonip

PERSONAL CARE

HAIR SALON

Faust Salon

Locations in Santa Cruz and Soquel 831.420.0701 faustdowntownsc.com/ Runners up Alchemy

The Nook

SPA

Well Within Spa 417 Cedar St, Santa Cruz 831.458.9355 wellwithinspa.com

Runners up

Yoso Wellness

Kalani Day Spa

MESSAGE THERAPIST

Well Within Spa

417 Cedar St, Santa Cruz 831.458.9355 wellwithinspa.com

NAIL

SALON

Tracy’s Nails 1420 41st Ave. Capitola 831.462-2292

Runner up

Bella Nails

PETS KENNEL

Bed & Biscuits Groomingdales

2625 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz 831.475.1580

1hotelfordogs@gmail.com

bedandbiscuits.com

Runners up

Heritage

Your Furry Godmother

RESOURCES

PET SUPPLIES

Pet Pals

3660 Soquel Dr Ste. A, Soquel 831.464.8775

petpals.net

Runners up

Mountain Feed

Aptos Pet Feed

VETERINARIAN

Chanticleer Veterinary Hospital 2701 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz 831.475.1479 chanticleervethospital.com

Runner up South Valley Veterinary Hospital

LANDSCAPE/GARDENING

K&D Landscape

62c Hangar Way, Watsonville 831.728.4018 kndlandscaping.com

Runner up San Lorenzo Lumber

RADIO STATION

KZSC

1156 High Street, Santa Cruz 831.459.2811 KZSC.org

Runner up KPIG KAZA

HOUSE CLEANING (tie)

Christie’s Green Cleaning 831.676.1271

Maxima’s Cleaners 520 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831.430.8499

AUTOMOTIVE

Pristine Dent Repair

1025 Water St Suite B, Santa Cruz 831.261.7977 pristinedentrepair.com

HOME REPAIR

Travis Martin Plumbing 831.461.4300

santacruzcaplumber.com

RETAIL

ART SUPPLIES

Palace Art & Office Supply 1501 41st Ave K, Capitola 831.464.2700 palaceartsupply.com

Runner up Lenz Arts

Beverly’s BABY

Mini Mint 808 41st Ave, Santa Cruz 831.902.1899 minimintstudio.com

Runners up Hope’s Closet

BIKE SHOP (tie)

Another Bike Shop 2361 Mission St, Santa Cruz 831.427.2232

anotherbikeshop.com

Santa Cruz Cycle Sport

914 41st Ave, Santa Cruz 831.475.3883 cyclesport.com

Runner up Bike Trip

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Hope’s Closet 2555-2557 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz 831.462.6700

hopesclosetsc.com

Runners up Little Trends Mini Mint

GIFT SHOP

Zinnia’s Gift Boutique 219 Mt Hermon Rd C, Scotts Valley 831.430.9466

zinniasgiftboutique.com

Runners up Outside In Botanic and Luxe

HOME DECOR

Zinnia’s Gift Boutique

219 Mt Hermon Rd C, Scotts Valley 831.430.9466

zinniasgiftboutique.com

Runner up The Warmth Company

Dig Garden

NURSERY/GARDEN

Mountain Feed & Farm Supply 9550 CA-9, Ben Lomond 831.336.8876

mountainfeed.com

Runners up Dig Gardens

San Lorenzo Gardens

SKATE/SURF

O’Neill Surf Shop

110 Cooper St #100d 831.469.4377 us.oneill.com

Runner up

Bill’s Wheels

Santa Cruz Boardroom

TEEN CLOTHING

Forever 21

1200 Pacific Ave Suite 100, Santa Cruz 831.824.9811 forever21.com

TOYS

Childish Toy Shop

127 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831.454.8208

childishsantacruz.com

Runner up

Wonderland Toys

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Pacific Trading Co.

Santa Cruz and Capitola Santa Cruz : 831.423.3349

Capitola: 831.476.6109

info@pacific-trading-co.com pacific-trading-co.com

SCHOOLS

CHARTER SCHOOL

San Lorenzo Valley Charter School 305 Marion Ave, Ben Lomond 831.335.0932 charter.slvusd.org/

Runners up Pacific Collegiate School Nature Academy

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

San Lorenzo Valley Elementary slvusd.org

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

Runners up Delaveaga Elementary Rio Del Mar

MIDDLE SCHOOL

San Lorenzo Valley Middle School slvusd.org

Runner up Mission Hill Nature Academy

HIGH SCHOOL

San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District (SLVUSD) slvusd.org

Runner up Pacific Collegiate School

PRESCHOOL

Coastal Community Preschool 900 High Street, Santa Cruz 831.462.5437 coastalcommunitypreschool.org

Runners up Simcha Preschool

Mount Madonna

Lic #440709549

491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna 408.847.2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org

The Montessori-inspired program provides a loving, safe and stimulating learning community where children are encouraged to problem-solve, develop at their own pace and engage in outdoor exploration. We nurture each child’s innate sense of curiosity, trust, goodness and wonder; while developing kindness and respect for self and others.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Spring Hill School

250 California St, Santa Cruz 831.427.2641

springhillschool.org

Runners up Santa Cruz Montessori

Ages 18 months - 14 years

Main Campus (Primary and Elementary)

6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Winston Campus (Young Children’s Community and Jr. High)

244 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel 831.476.1646

scms.org

Santa Cruz Montessori serves children 18 months to 14 years. Based on a deep understanding of child through adolescent development, our programs meet the interests and needs of our students, engaging and challenging them to do their best and inspiring a life long love of learning through the Montessori curriculum. Baymonte

PLACE TO CELEBRATE KID’S BIRTHDAY

(tie)

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.469.4400

kiantis.com

June Bug’s Gym

3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz 831.464.BUGS (2847)

JuneBugsGym.com

Runner up The Beach Boardwalk

PLACE TO CELEBRATE ADULT BIRTHDAY OR MILESTONE

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.469.4400

kiantis.com

Runners up Shadowbrook

Crow’s Nest

Building a Foundation for Resilience

BY SUKI WESSLING

These days you might find Ginhee Rancourt, 38, owner of Young Art in Santa Clara, jetting around the world bringing art lessons for free to kids in developing nations. Or maybe you saw her win this year’s Minority Women Lead award for entrepreneurs or YWCA Silicon Valley’s Tribute to Women Award.

But that’s not where she expected to be at 16 when her youngest sibling was born and she was planning a career in ballet. And her successes are definitely not what she wants you to take away from this story.

Ginhee founded Young Art as a forprofit art studio in 2013 in Oregon, and she opened studios in California soon after. Originally, it was a traditional mallbased art studio for kids. Parents would drop kids off for an hour of creative fun while they shopped – a service parents happily paid for.

What sets Ginhee apart from most business owners is her intense focus on what she calls her mission, to bring art and innovative thinking to children who can’t pay. Her mission has taken on huge proportions now, but she says that her philanthropy started just like any other small business.

“We would get asked by some lowincome neighborhoods that had Title I schools to do donations just to their school,” she remembers. “Obviously as a startup you don’t have a lot of free cash to give but you have services.”

The for-profit business was thriving when the pandemic hit, and like other educational outlets, the studio went online. Used to providing hands-on fun for any random kid who walked through the door, Young Art had to make deep changes in their educational model.

That’s when Ginhee realized that although art is hands-on, video would allow her to expand access to her lessons. She started by offering video lessons to American public schools that had little or no funding for art. The classes were a success.

That success led her to cast her view more widely.

Going International

“Our dream is to connect the children here in the Western world with kids like their peers in the developing world,” Ginhee says, and she’s not one to let dreams lie still. In fact, she’s moving so fast that she hasn’t yet finished setting up the nonprofit to back the philanthropic efforts funded by Young Art.

She used her wide connections in the U.S. to find the first locations for setting up what she hopes to be a model to be replicated in any developing nation. Her first connection was with an American whose church does outreach in the

Philippines.

Her connection introduced Ginhee to Analiza Palaran, 43, of Catanico CDO City, Mindanao. Analiza, known as Ann, is a widow with five children who has dedicated herself to running Young Art’s free program on Sunday afternoons at her church. A teacher in the U.S. teaches the classes remotely, and not only are the students learning artistic skills, but Ann says they are also learning the principles of commerce.

“They put art in the frame and you sell it like a museum…in the public market in the city,” she explains. “I’m happy that the children are learning online so that when they grow up, the talent will help them to make money.”

Ginhee explains that her approach uses art to introduce children to design thinking and technology.

“When we are there visiting, we try to inject as much joy into that community with art supplies, art workshops, and really celebrate the joy of creativity with them. But then with the right pieces of technology they can continue their learning, so we [bring] some basic projectors and computers so we can do live classes with them each week.”

Ginhee hires local teachers on a California pay scale, which raises their standard of living, and students attend the classes in person or online for free. Another connection she made was with Dr. Sara Safari, founder and president of Climb Your Everest, a foundation that works to raise awareness of marginalized girls and victims of sex trafficking around

the world. Ginhee joined the board of Sara’s nonprofit, and this spring she made the first of trips they plan to take every six months to Nepal. Sara refers to them as “a team,” Climb Your Everest working with women to help them define goals and improve their lives, and Young Art offering children art lessons that have larger life lessons embedded in them.

“In one of the classes,” Sara remembers, “I was asking the kids, ‘What is the biggest problem you’re dealing with and how do you want to solve it? Create art, draw something, paint something.’ She was encouraging, engaging, inclusive.”

Sonam Gurung Sherpa, 36, who runs I.A.M. Trekking and Expedition with her husband in Kathmandu, Nepal, helped start classes in her local school after connecting with Ginhee through Dr. Safari.

“It helps them to know about the color mixing techniques, and the way to express your feeling through art,” Sonam explains. “Kids really enjoyed such programs; also they get refreshed.”

Madan Jung Shah, 43, runs schools and social services for poor children in Kailali, in far west Nepal. His work is funded by Marian and Suzie Noronha of New Hampshire, another couple driven by their faith to promote learning around the world, who are family friends of Ginhee’s. When Madan visited the Noronhas in the U.S., he met Ginhee and invited her to offer lessons in Nepal.

Madan’s work focuses mostly on girls, who he said have few prospects in

western Nepal. “[The girls leave school to] help in their family, look after their goats, cows, buffalo, and look after the children. Especially in that particular culture, they think that a girl is going to get married to another family, so she doesn’t need education.”

Ginhee started by providing video training to teachers in the school. Madan says that he was initially skeptical about whether art had any value past personal fulfillment. “When I came to know Ginhee and Ginhee told us all about innovation I was blown away. We were amazed to see art has so much influence among the people. We talk about innovation, how our children can think and solve problems and come up with different ideas.”

The children in Madan’s school meet online with American children to talk about problems that they face, especially environmental issues. Madan believes that this interconnection is important because the children on both sides of the world will grow up to focus on solving problems together.

This year Ginhee visited the site in person with her younger sister Rubee. The photos of Ginhee’s visit include beaming children holding up their artwork. Ginhee, who was raised in a religious household but is not currently a churchgoer, mixes faith-based and business terms when she describes her charitable work. It is clear that she uses the word “mission” with a meaning deeper than a business’s mission statement.

“For me, that’s the most inspiring part of our model right now,” Ginhee explains. “The studios in California where parents pay to drop off their child for an experience funds the goodness to these children on the other side of the world.”

Work ethic

Ginhee was born in Massachusetts to entrepreneurial parents. When Ginhee was small, her Korean-American mother instilled a sense of work ethic and goalsetting.

“She gave me an appetite for getting things done so she’d make me long checklists. I would have to do those chores and I used to like checking off the boxes!”

The eldest in her family, by the time Ginhee was sixteen she was living in the Pacific Northwest and had seven siblings under the age of eight. She remembers her parents running a series of small businesses, from selling Korean pot stickers at a fair to house painting. Starting from when she was eighteen, she realized that her intended career as a ballet dancer would have to take a backseat to her family obligations. She ran her parents’ small chain of boutique stores while caring for her large family, her parents were increasingly unable to provide for them. Barely out of childhood herself, she became surrogate mom and main breadwinner.

In 2013, now living in California and getting ready to leave the family business and start Young Art, Ginhee went to court and applied to be the guardian of all of her five minor siblings.

Ginhee hesitates to be specific about what led to her eventually being awarded custody, only referring obliquely to her own parents’ trauma which led them to not be able to care for the younger siblings.

“I have a lot of compassion because we all make wrong choices,” Ginhee says. “We didn’t have the traditional structure of parents anymore, but the good news is that we drew a lot of power and love and strength from one another.”

She acknowledges that she now knows how hard parenting is, and is happy that some of her siblings—the youngest of whom just graduated from high school—

have reached out to their estranged parents.

“Like they say, hindsight’s 20-20 and I probably was ill-equipped for the task but I had good intent. So my business started with the intent of just doing what I could with what I had so I was able to take care of my siblings.”

Experiential learning

Perhaps the design of Young Art has more than a little to do with Ginhee’s experience learning to care for her siblings. The curriculum leans heavily on the idea of experiential learning, in which children learn by trying, failing, and trying again. Instead of lessons to teach them what is right before they start, the teachers help the students build a sense of adventure and exploration.

With traditional art as a foundation, the lessons now include components of engineering and design, especially in the developing nations that they serve. Led by local professionals in their native language or by video from California, students make art while learning to identify a problem and come up with solutions. Ann’s group in Mindanao, for example, realized that they could bring

electricity to their village by harnessing the power of the river. They are working with their American peers to develop designs for simple water turbines. Madan’s students in Nepal are trying to solve their trash problem with the help of American kids.

But at the same time as the kids overseas benefit, Ginhee says, the Americans working with them learn sobering lessons about need. “It really does something to your heart and you just realize they’re growing up with no running water, no electricity. When we tried to face paint some of the children’s faces they would say, ‘Do you have bread?’”

Adversity breeds strength

On every measure, Ginhee is a success story. This month she is celebrating her youngest sibling’s graduation from high school, making her an “empty nester” who has no children of her own. Nevertheless, Ginhee says she has regrets about her improvised parenting. She wishes she’d known how to help her siblings build the sort of strength that comes from facing obstacles.

“I was just a well-meaning older sister. Now seeing them as young adults I do see

a lot of gaps. We did the best we could with what we knew.”

She says she definitely sees the contrast between her American students, who are compassionate but face few challenges in their lives, and her students in developing nations.

“Sometimes adversity creates a sense of being anti-fragile—it stems from just having challenges and obstacles in your way.”

Sara Safari says that Ginhee is an example of what people can do to improve their lives when they identify their own Mount Everest to climb.

“I compare it to mountain climbing. On the mountain, every single difficulty that happens you have to keep rising above that, you have to keep staying in the moment. You have to keep being okay with fears and failures. You have to be so present to your own power and believing in yourself. I think these women—like Ginhee—have been an example of that. There is a lot of hardship but they rise above every second, and that makes them resilient and strong.”

Ginhee says she takes an important lesson from superheroes. “They really take ownership of critical responsibility for mass preservation of humanity. So I never worry if Thor’s going to recover or if Superman’s going to make it. Their focus is always others-centric.”

Ginhee doesn’t want readers to leave with a sense of awe of her accomplishments, but rather a sense of how facing adversity, whether it’s caring for your siblings or climbing the mountain ahead of you, can make you a stronger, more productive, and more fulfilled person.

“They say that adversity produces character,” Ginhee reflects. “In comparison to the adversity I’ve seen, perseverance in Nepal and the Philippines, I don’t think that my adversity was particularly significant.”

Suki Wessling is a Santa Cruz-based writer, teacher, and podcaster. Her podcast, The Babblery, can be found at www.Babblery.com.

EDUCATION

Students Receive Scholarships

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union is thrilled to announce the winners of its three inaugural scholarship recipients for 2023. Each scholarship is for $1,000 and was available to graduating seniors in the Pajaro Valley School District.

The following are the recipients of the SCCCU scholarships:

• Nicole Bettencourt, Aptos High School: Plans to attend Stanford University and pursue a teaching credential with a minor in Portuguese Studies

• Teresa Vasquez, Pajaro Valley High School: Plans to attend Chico State to pursue a degree in Nursing

• Andrew Alvarado, Watsonville High School: Plans to attend Stanford University and pursue a degree in Economics

“This is the first of many years that Santa Cruz Community Credit Union will provide scholarships to exceptional graduating seniors in our community. We were privileged to attend the three ceremonies and present these outstanding students with a scholarship to help them further their educational journey,” stated Beth Carr, President/CEO of SCCCU.

The Credit Union scholarships were awarded to deserving students who did not have a previous scholarship, carried a 3.5 grade point average or higher, and planned to continue their educational career.

*valid on any 3, 6, or 12-month subscrip�on

Don’t Forget to Breathe

BY JAIME MCFADEN

Summer is a time families can enjoy quality time together; BBQ’s, adventures and it can also come with a lot of stress for busy working parents trying to juggle it all. Which means we can be wrapped in chaos and forget to take a moment to breathe…and enjoy all the fun!

Most of us on average spend over six hours per day on technology devices. In order to lead by example, we parents need to work on limiting our screen time so we can support our kids doing the same. In addition to that, focus on one of the simplest ways we can calm our stress.

What if there was a way to manage that stress in a matter of minutes? In recent years a phenomenal wellness modality has become very popular and with great reason. The best part – it is FREE! And we ALL have access to it. Can you guess what this is? BREATHWORK.

Yup - that’s correct, we can change from a stress state to a calm state in a matter of minutes when focusing on conscious breathing. And the more we raise awareness to our breathing patterns, the easier it is to regulate our nervous system. (Even on a busy summer vacay.)

Breathing is part of our autonomic nervous system, meaning we breathe all day long, whether we are aware of it or not. It is imperative for keeping our body functioning and we take roughly 20,000 breaths per day.

According to a recent study at Stanford University, Dr. Andrew Huberman describes a simple breathwork technique as a “kill switch for stress”.

What is breathwork?

Breathwork is a technique used to help with mental, spiritual and physical health. It involves regulating breathing patterns and changing to regulate our nervous system. There are a number of benefits in using breathing exercises and the two most popular are lower stress and anxiety.

When we inhale we are contracting parts of our body and it is activating. When we exhale, we are relaxing and activating a calming sense. The most simple breathing technique is to inhale and as you exhale extend the length of the exhale to fully activate the parasympathetic, AKA rest and digest part of our nervous system.

Excercises

Here are two other simple breathwork practices you can include in your day in under five minutes to activate calm and feel more present:

4-7-8 breath. Dr. Andrew Weil made this breathwork modality popular and it includes breathing in through the nose for a count of 4, holding breath for 7 seconds and then releasing through

pursed lips for eight seconds. Repeat this cycle four times and watch yourself instantly calm down

Box breathing is another method that is very simple and effective. Inhale through the nose for count of four, hold four seconds, exhale four seconds and hold four seconds. Repeat this cycle 4-8 times and focus on how present you feel after.

Breathwork is nothing NEW, but it is rapidly growing in popularity due to the high stress, cortisol, go-go-go lifestyle many of us are living in today’s society.

Controlled breathing can lower blood pressure, reduces levels of stress hormones in the blood and can give us an almost immediate sense of inner peace.

If you don’t yet have a breathwork

practice built into your life, no better time than right now to get started.

Best part

It is something you can do with the entire family. When anyone feels stress or tension in my house, we use the word PINEAPPLE as a reminder to focus on three deep breaths to calm our nervous system and guess what? It works!

Instead of rushing through the summer packing all the things in and ending up feeling like you are going through the motions, why not give breathwork a try!!

Once you’ve explored some of the basic breathing exercises and want to deepen your practice, you can learn deeper breathing styles with a trained

breathwork facilitator.

Jaime McFaden is an international self-care specialist focusing on raising awareness of what self-care really means. She is a best-selling author of WAVES of Self-Care: It Takes a Village, and works with busy burnt out mamas supporting them on sustainable selfcare. Host of Self-Care secrets podcast. In her free time she spends time with her family playing at the beach. You can connect with her on social media @ jaimemcfaden or jaimemcfaden.com

BIRTH MATTERS Sharing Our Stories

BY LAURA MAXSON, LM

Giving birth is often considered a rite of passage. Feelings after giving birth can range from empowered, exhilarated, triumphant, in love with the baby, and “amazed at the power of my birthing body”; to violated, discouraged, shocked, traumatized, and “afraid of my baby.” Others fall somewhere in between. How is it that the same event can result in such a diversity of feelings?

Surprisingly, it’s not the birth outcome alone that forms these feelings, but rather it’s often related to feelings of power and control, as well as access to accurate information, that can make the difference.

Ideally, birth is attended by care providers who have an appreciation of the body’s ability to give birth, an understanding of how empowering birth can be, as well as a respect for how tenderly newborns can enter this world. This mindset can set the stage for kind, and respectful management of a birth that deviates from its original plan. When decisions

are made preserving the birthing person’s power and control, needed interventions can take place without negative experiences. A laboring parent may encounter an extremely difficult turn of events and still be empowered by their experience. Unfortunately, many expectant parents may inadvertently give their choices and power to others. “I’m not worried, my care provider knows what’s best for me, and will be there for me in labor.” “If I feel any pain my epidural will take care of it.” What happens when that trusted care provider isn’t available for labor? Are parents prepared for the possibility of an epidural that doesn’t work to take away the pain?

Many parents get information that glosses over facts. They may be told that epidurals don’t have risks, that the electronic fetal monitor makes the baby safer, that labor is too hard, that there is no value in a laboring body working hard to give birth. How wonderful would it be if everybody providing care

during labor, birth and postpartum respected the process of birth, acknowledged the inherent strength and wisdom of each birthing body, and shared the power and control in decision making?

Decisions are based on the knowledge at hand in any given moment. As time passes after a birth, many parents may look back on their experience and know that they would make different decisions now. While there is nothing that can change the past, parents do have an opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences with others in a healing way.

Instead of unloading everything that didn’t go as planned, parents can reframe their birth stories to focus on how things might have been improved. Encourage others to fully explore their options. Someone might acknowledge their regret in never booking an interview with a homebirth midwife. Another person might emphasize the importance of looking into a

birth or postpartum doula even if their partner is sure they’ll have everything under control. Remind pregnant friends that there are other options for childbirth classes besides those included with their insurance. It can help to be reminded that giving birth is an extraordinary time of life, not just a medical event to be ruled by insurance coverage.

Don’t be that person who shares a sketchy birth story at the baby shower. Instead share about specific services that were critical to the success of your experience. Whether it’s a prenatal pelvic floor therapist, lactation support, postpartum doula help, or a support group for new parents, planting the seeds of empowerment is a generous gift.

Local childbirth classes, doulas, midwives, body workers and more are listed at www.birthnet.org.

Why Are Students Taking So Many AP Classes?

BY SUSAN TATSUI-D’ARCY

Parents and students mistakenly believe that taking AP classes is equivalent to taking college courses, and that taking a full load of them will improve their chances of getting into selective colleges. People hear rumors and spread inaccurate information. Here is the real scoop on AP courses and how to get into top colleges:

Problem with AP Courses:

AP Classes are NOT college-level: Some students believe that by taking AP classes in high school they will be able to skip the same subject introductory courses in college. While this may sound good, AP classes only cover about a third or a half of what is taught in college classes. When entering freshmen use AP classes to skip college courses, they are pushed into classes that they may not be prepared to take.

Other students in those upper division college courses took the college’s introductory courses and they’re much better prepared to succeed. They’ll get better grades and be more competitive for grad school admissions. Many colleges do NOT allow AP courses to replace intro courses, and for those that do, most don’t include the high school AP grades in the college GPA.

Memorizing facts for the May AP exam is brain numbing:

Students across the nation study for eight months to take the same standardized AP exam in May. The “good” AP teachers understand exactly what the students need to learn to receive a “5” (1-5 scale) on this high-stakes exam. They prepare detailed worksheets and study guides, and they give the students dozens of practice AP exams. Classes are organized to cover every aspect of the specific concepts.

Students memorize facts, write annotated notes (which takes hours each day), and take practice exams until they consistently score 5s. Unfortunately, these teachers don’t have time to explore the concepts or delve into meaningful conversations with the students. Learning how to write research papers is scraped in lieu of cramming facts into the minds of otherwise curious teens. Students don’t have the opportunity to explore subjects and possible careers.

Wealthy students have an unfair advantage:

AP classes quickly cover lots of material. Many wealthy students have the luxury of tutors who review the concepts and give tips on acing the exam. Poor students certainly can’t afford private tutors, expensive workbooks and flashcards. AP teachers in high schools for disadvantaged students often don’t have the resources or networks to offer students quality AP guidebooks. Many students in these schools don’t pass the

AP exams and as a result, they don’t apply to college. So the “haves” get better teachers, more resources and go to college, while the “have-nots” don’t have AP course support to succeed and aren’t college bound.

Colleges want students who take the most challenging courses:

When colleges have single-digit admit rates, naturally they will choose students who have taken and succeeded in difficult classes. Unfortunately, most high schools only offer AP, honors and regular classes. So to be competitive high schools started offering more AP courses. When students have the opportunity to enroll in 20+ AP classes, many take 4-5 AP classes every semester.

Doing well in 20 AP classes requires a ridiculous number of hours to study each day, which eliminates opportunities for high school students to explore their interests and develop interpersonal skills.

So the more AP classes taken, the less interesting their college application is because they aren’t standing out among their peers and they certainly are not demonstrating their intellectual prowess. If not AP classes, how to stand out?

Community College classes:

Instead of getting weighed down by fact-memorizing courses, students can enroll in college classes at local community colleges that are taught by teachers who aren’t bound by AP

study guidelines. Students learn to take good notes because they’ll need them for midterms and final exams. They’ll demonstrate their comprehension and share their thoughts by writing essays. Every college class grade is weighted and most colleges will accept community college courses for credit. These community college transcripts will be submitted to all higher education admissions (grad schools) in the future unlike AP exams that only count for freshman admission.

Projects:

The best way to stand out to college admissions officers is to focus on something unique that shows intellectual curiosity, unwavering tenacity, and personal drive. Start and complete a project outside of school and clubs that demonstrates grit and integrity. Colleges are intrigued when students do something that is not a class assignment or club requirement.

Start a project early in high school so there’s plenty of time for mistakes, changes, and success. Check out Merit’s student projects.

Take Away:

Many colleges are discouraging students from overloading on AP classes. They’re seeing the negative effects of this trend as students hope to enter college at a sophomore or junior level with their transcripts filled with AP classes. They know that these students are not

as prepared as other students who take the college’s introductory courses during their freshman year.

Colleges are looking for innovative students who focus on their personal interests and reach their goals. These types of students do well in elite colleges because they engage with their professors, don’t ask for or need study guides, and dive into research and innovative ideas.

Only take AP classes that are genuinely interesting and then follow up with college courses in the same areas to learn more. Start independent projects to discover solutions and do it with passion. Colleges don’t want robots trained to memorize and regurgitate facts, they’re looking for students who will come ready to network with other brilliant students.

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy is the founder of Merit Academy (one-on-one classes) and Merit Educational Consultants (college and educational advisory). She has written books on projects, free child care, education, and parenting. Susan hosts TEDxMeritAcademy for students to present their innovative projects and solutions. In 2019, she was California Mother of the Year.meritworld.com

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• Low teacher-to-child ratios of 1:8 for preschoolers and 1:4 for toddlers

One Over the Top Grandmother

BY SARAH SAVASKY

As I write this, I have:

• One 9-month-old granddaughter.

• Two doll houses, both undergoing extensive remodels.

• One charming wooden kitchen mixer with equally charming accessories for making pretend baked goods. (Appropriate for ages three or older, though I’m pretty sure my very advanced granddaughter will be pretend baking by age 2.)

• Another enchanting toy espresso machine in my Amazon cart because every make-believe slice of cake needs a tiny cup of imaginary espresso.

• One oh-so-cute dress that will be a perfect fit in five years, if she keeps growing at her current rate.

• Several piles of children’s books. (If she starts now, she can finish reading them by the time she’s fifteen.)

I’m pretty sure this makes me one over-the-top grandmother.

I didn’t even mention the things I’ve found for free. Was I supposed to leave the hand-crafted doll bed and highchair on the side of the road just because I don’t know if my granddaughter will

like dolls or even be tall enough to play with them for another three years?

My husband thought so. There is also the abandoned Radio Flyer rocking horse, almost as big as a real-life pony, currently living in my garage. Every

time I walk by, it whinnies at me, as if to remind me how ridiculous I am.

Am I trying to win a competition? Do I think Amazon will be out of business in two years, and I will have missed my chance to buy all the cute things in the world? Of course not, Amazon will always be here. I, however, will not. And there it is: I’m afraid I will die before I get a chance to buy all the things and she will forget about me forever.

On the other (less dark) hand, it could be a simple matter of “wherever you go, there you are.” I’ve always been a collector and lover of little things, so I guess it’s only natural for me to stockpile for the next generation.

I was hoping by this age I would have stopped trying to be different than I am-that I would have embraced my quirks. But here I am still wondering why I do what I do and if I’m going to die an untimely death (most likely a slip and fall, involving a small toy).

addition to the toy basket is a collection of magnetic shapes, some with faces showing different expressions: one happy, one sad, one surprised, one I’m not sure, queasy, maybe? The very helpful saleswoman explained that the faces help babies learn about emotions. And here I thought babies learned about emotions from having them and seeing other people have them. At any rate, all my exceptionally smart grandchild wants to do is eat them.

I would keep writing but I need to get going on her birthday present. Her first birthday is right around the corner, but I’ve been so busy planning her high school graduation party that I’m way behind on what is actually right in front of me.

If you are enjoying my column or have a topic you’d like me to write about, I’d love to hear from you at sarahsavasky@ gmail.com.

BY ADDIE MAHMASSANI

Birthdays—especially in this town of beautiful vistas and welcoming community— are a great moment to reflect on all the good in a child’s life and all the hope of another year despite the worries that swirl around us. A birthday also provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special things that make each kid tick and share their unique spirit with friends and family. (As an October baby myself, my many pumpkinfilled costume parties through the nineties—Casper and corn mazes galore!— cemented a lifelong love of spooky season.) There’s something distinctly uplifting about launching another trip around the sun and having a festive day that’s all about YOU, these days more than ever. We’ve corralled some of the kindest, most energetic party people in Santa Cruz County to help you curate the bash of a lifetime. Whether you need a bubble (or several) to escape into, a mermaid to sing to you, or a heap of baby blue cotton candy, Santa Cruz has got you covered.

Community Mountain Gym

San Lorenzo Valley

831.824.7750

communitymountaingym@gmail.com

communitymountaingym.com

Looking for that little extra to make your party pop, but don’t want to be restrained by location? Don’t stress, we got you!

Community Mountain Gym is a mobile fitness gym bringing the fun to wherever you may be. So whether you want to party in your backyard at home, a local park or a business facility somewhere in town, we’ll be there. Let us worry about keeping the kids busy while you enjoy the party! Reach out to see how Community Mountain Gym can help customize your event to make your kid’s next party the talk of the town!

The Foam Crew

thefoamcrew.com

Your driveway or lawn (public parks not an option)

Ages: All

Rates: $650-750 for the average-scale party, one hour

408.444.6921

You really do have to see this one to believe it. Within thirty-five minutes of the Foam Crew’s arrival, your space will be filled with about four feet of environmentally friendly foam. It’s the perfect, wild activity for a sunny afternoon party outdoors. Everything needed for this immersive play experience is provided from the foam cannons to a professional sound system. The Foam Crew will be on hand to make sure everyone knows exactly how much fun dancing and prancing around through walls of foam can be. Best of all, the foam is completely biodegradable and evaporates by the end of the day. It’s also safe for pets, so bring an eager pup to jump into the frothy fun!

Happily Every Laughter happilyeverlaughter.com

These performers can meet you all around Santa Cruz and beyond

Ages: All, curated in age brackets from first birthdays through 9+

Rates: Packages start at $375 for a 1.5 hour celebration with a character 831.346.0002 / findthemagic@ happilyeverlaughter.com

Imagine surprising your birthday kid with a visit from a one-of-a-kind fairytale character. That present is possible with Happily Ever Laughter! Since 2006, this family favorite has enchanted a whopping 500,000 children and counting. They offer an array of customized Magical Experiences—obstacle courses, outdoor games, puppet shows, balloon twisting, cake cutting, and even more—all of which are led by performers of your choice. (Sunny, a member of the squad, informs us that the most popular character lately is the Sparkling Celebration Leader.) There is no “typical” party in the Happily Ever Laughter world, but the lively structure usually includes thirty-minute blocks of different activities.

JuneBug’s Gym

junebugsgym.com

3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2 & 3, Santa Cruz

Ages: Maximum 8 years old or 80 lbs. for safety reasons

Availability: Saturdays & Sundays

Rates: Start at $255

831.464.2847

There’s nothing like some calisthenics to combat aging! Kids don’t have to think that way yet, but they still won’t be able to resist the fun June Bug’s Gym offers. Against the beautiful backdrop of Pleasure Point, this gym and fitness center for kids creates a safe environment for all kinds of buoyant movement. A coach (or two, depending on the size of your party) leads the group through an hour of music, dance, obstacle courses, parachute play, and even ziplining. After, the intrepid gymnasts can reward themselves with cake and hydration in the gym’s party room. This is the party for future Olympians! JuneBug’s Gym is a perfect place to have a birthday party for your active child. The gym offers 5 birthday parties each weekend for children ages 1-8 years. Parties include one hour of supervised gym play and 45 minutes of party room time (inside or outside). The birthday child receives a special birthday t-shirt. Please call 831.464.2847 for more information or check out the website www. junebugsgym.com All parties are booked through the portal found on the website.

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.469.4400 kiantis.com

ranch where all kinds of furry and feathered friends roam. This party often involves horse or pony rides as well as lots of time to interact with the goats, ducks, and chickens. Barn Manager Katie Reyes says, “Kids love to ride the ponies but their favorite farm animal is always Pickles the pig.” There are also swings, slides, and tractors to climb— and for the parents, picnic tables on which to lounge. Be sure to ask about the farm’s special “U-cut” lavender weeks (July-early August) as a sweet-smelling add-on to your party.

Mermaid Memories Santa Cruz mermaidmemoriessc.com

Indoor or outdoor spot of your choice (land or sea!)

Ages: All

Rates: $190 for a photoshoot for one, $50 for each additional person

Julie Lefmann at 408.529.8031 / jules@ mermaidmemoriessc.com

Imaginative birthday kids will delight in meeting a mythical creature who calls Santa Cruz’s shores her home. Mermaid Jules travels to your party with her camera and custom mermaid/merman accessories in tow. After exploring her colorful collection of 75 swimmable mermaid tails, crowns, tritons, face jewels, and more, children transform into merfolk for a photoshoot— with underwater photography possible! For groups that may be a bit hesitant to get into full costume, Mermaid Jules is happy just to mingle and perform to add a whimsical splash to any party. She loves to sing her siren songs, plays ukulele, and can tell countless stories from the depths of the Pacific. For the beach kids of this beach town, she is a sparkling catch.

MM Jumperz mmjumperz.com/santa-cruz-bouncehouse-rentals

Delivers all around Santa Cruz County

Availability: Any day with 24/7 online ordering

Ages: All

Jim

Booth Swim School jimboothswimschool.com/

Duncan Holbert Pool, 140 Herman Ave, Watsonville

Ages: All

Availability: Saturdays

Rates: $248 for two hours, $125 for each additional hour

831.722.3500

An indoor pool kept at a balmy 94 degrees? Its waters all to yourself? That just about beats the Pacific! Sign your birthday kid up for the pool party of a lifetime with Jim Booth Swim School. The longest running swim school in Santa Cruz County, these folks are known for their gentle and encouraging technique teaching children as young as 4-months old how to brave the immersive experience of water. Whether your birthday person needs a calm and quiet paddle around the shallow end or an epic match of sharks and minnows, Jim Booth has you covered. Parents may get splashed or dunked, depending on the vibe.

Party with Kianti’s! Kids Pizza Parties include all you can eat pizza, kitchen tour, learn to spin dough and watch a pizza spinning performance. Let us cater at your event or order at kiantis.com for curbside and delivery of our entire menu and drinks including Kianti’s Signature Cocktails, Kianti’s Handcrafted Liquor and Kianti’s Wine. Dine-in offers a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. Our unique menu has the option of family style dining either indoors or cozied up on one of our heated patios. On Friday and Saturday evenings see the pizza spinning team, accompanied by dancing servers and a flame-raising kitchen.

Los Gatos Farms losgatosfarms.com/parties.html

21000 Los Gatos Farms Road, Los Gatos

Availability: Weekends only

Ages: 3-9 (but keep an eye out for new teen and adult party activities coming this fall, including BB guns, art classes, and hatchet throwing!)

Rates: Start at $495 for up to 12 children, $10 for a bunch of lavender Barn Manager Katie Reyes at 408.382.9148 / entireequinesolutions@gmail.com

Do you have a future farmer, gardener, or barn animal lover in your family? Birthday kids get to live out their farm-life fantasies at Los Gatos Farms, a picturesque mountain

Rates: Varies, but a basic bounce house starts at $155 831.262.6939 / mmjumpers2rent@gmail.com

Have a particularly energetic bunch of kids? Set them up with an enormous, blow-up obstacle course! MM Jumperz has an astounding array of inflatable bounce houses, water slides, and more. They can also hook the party up with carnival games, cotton candy makers, and many other fun concession machines. Skip the decision making and check out their party packages for preselected combos matching various themes: Mega Palms for the tropical party, the School Bus Combo for the kids who really miss terrorizing the bus driver, the multicolored Mega Castle for those interested in slaying some dragons, and countless others.

MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™

Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County 831.332.9002 registrar@musicalme.com musicalme.com

If your child loves to sing, dance, and play, they will LOVE how special they feel with a MusicalMe party! 45 minutes of music making fun to celebrate your special child that invites EVERYONE to participate, from ages Birth to 100 – really! A trained MusicalMe teacher will tailor the party to include your child’s favorite songs & instruments, plus bring a special musical gift. Contact us today and bring the joy of music into your family’s celebration!

Redwood Ops Outdoor Laser Tag @ Koinonia redwoodops.com

1605 Eureka Canyon Rd, Corralitos

Availability: Most days possible, weather

permitting

Ages: Minimum age to play is 10

Rates: Minimum $400 for 10 players for 2 hours ($40 per additional person) Daryl at 831.722.1472 / daryl@gotocamp.org

Redwood Ops is not your grandma’s laser tag. Take a trail through the redwoods to a two-acre forest setting where a team-based

laser tag mission like no other will begin. The cutting-edge technology kids will get use allows for a first-person, tactical laser tag game that’s like playing Call of Duty live. Each tagger produces 18,000 different sound effects, and medic boxes and mystery boxes are incorporated into the mission. This activity takes strategy, skill, and an adventurous spirit. As the managers explain, “Tactical laser tag is live gaming at its best.” Folks come from all over the state to experience this unique game.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery sccmod.org/birthdayparties

1855 41st Ave C-10, Capitola

Ages: All

Availability: Saturdays & Sundays

Rates: Starting at $324 for 18 kids Paige at PaigeRoberts@sccmod.org

The only thing more fun than a day at the museum is a party at the museum! Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery throws the best parties around, and you’ll get to learn a lot while you’re at it. Volcano demos to dino bones are in store for these birthday people. The starting rate gets up to eighteen kids into the museum for a visit on Saturday, with the bonus of a party room for cake and gifts. For additional fees, the possibilities are endless. On Sundays, for example, groups can enter the museum when it’s closed to the public for a private

party. And while you are welcome to “bring your own theme,” why not take advantage of all the ideas the mad scientists of MoD have devised? There’s a new Slime Factory party for those who want to concoct some custom slime, the Prehistoric Party for time travelers, and so much more.

SevenDirections.org

831.713.9392 sevendirectionsinfo.org

Seven Directions Art Parties are a creative option for celebrations of all kinds! Each participant paints their own canvas with the help of our trained staff and our many inspiring 3D models. After painting is Animal Time where we meet and hold one of the exotic animals who live at our studio!

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz 831.459.3800 visitseymour@ucsc.edu seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Host your next event at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, a perfect place for weddings and birthdays. Enjoy a private experience with breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind marine exhibits with your loved ones. A hidden gem on the Santa Cruz coastline, it is the perfect venue for any event.

The Surfing Magician Doug can set up all around the Bay, from public parks to living rooms!

Availability: All days of the week

Ages: Usually 4-10, but also note Doug caters to older groups as well

Rates: $280 for an hour-long show 831.251.1525

What do you get when you cross a surfer with a magician? Don’t overthink it, Duuude! You get a surfing magician! Santa Cruz native Doug Hofkins started both of his favorite activities, doing magic and riding waves, at age ten. Since then, he’s been perfecting a magic show like no other. He says, “There’s lots of audience participation, lots of comedy, and I magically cause my rabbit to appear from thin air—and it’s alive…I hope!” He’s totally mobile, with a surfboard-table on wheels and a go-with-the-flow attitude to match. He also makes a point of giving the birthday person a special role in the show, empowering kids with some tricks of his mystical trade. (He might throw in some surf tips as well!) For some great gift ideas before the big day, stop by Doug’s magic shop on the boardwalk inside Neptune’s Kingdom at 400 Beach Street.

A new name, new owners, a new menu and even new decorating await visitors to Szechwan-style Four Streams Kitchen at 7960 Soquel Drive in Aptos. Four Streams uses fresh, organic ingredients. The menu includes family favorites young kids will enjoy like sweet and sour chicken. They’ll even serve up their dishes in the roundtable canzhuo zhuanpan table style popular with family style Chinese dining.

The restaurant is owned by Mei Miller, Peiwen Chen and Yilin Cui. Chen was trained at a chef school in China. Cui operates a organic herb and vegetable farm near Monterey, and many of the ingredients that Chen blends into his dishes come from that farm.

“We have established close partnerships with local farmers in Santa Cruz County who share our commitment to sustainability and exceptional produce. From crisp greens and succulent meats to aromatic spices and delicate sauces, our menu features the best that local farms have to offer,” Miller said.

Friendly and attentive hosts are dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with a heartfelt desire to ensure that every member of your family has a memorable experience. They understand the importance of catering to families (Miller served for many years as leader of a kindergarten), and the staff goes above and beyond to make sure children are comfortable and well taken care of.

So, come on over – they’re in Aptos Village Square. And while you wait for some Mushu pork or cashew chicken make sure to enjoy the interior paintings – walls and all – that were painted by Mai’s daughter Wu Junzi.

Simple Summertime Ideas for Kids and Families

BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

When I was a child, Summer. Lasted. For. Ever. I remember long days that usually began with picking beans and then weeds in the hot sun, followed by endless hours of playing (and bickering) with my siblings in the hot sun. By the end of the summer, I was ready for school to start.

Now that I’m an adult, it seems like summer is over in the blink of an eye. I’m enjoying having both of my young adult kids living in my house for the summer – I know that one day I will truly have an empty nest, so I’m trying to remind myself to pause, enjoy the longer days, and be present for and with my family.

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

Dear Nicole,

My family’s life is hectic during the school year, but summer break is also hard, in a different way. I’m a single parent and work full time, so my kids (5 and 9) have to be in camps or child care every day. I wish I could spend more time with them during their summer break, but I just got a new job and can’t request time off yet. Sometimes our schedules feel just as hectic and tiring as during the school year. What tips do you have for getting through the summer and having fun? ~Melanie

Dear Melanie,

Many parents have the same dilemma – kids get a welcome break from the school schedule, but parents still have to work every day! It sounds like you already know the importance of arranging safe, interesting, engaging places for your children to be while you’re at work, which is a great starting point. Here are a few other tips to try.

Focus on simple ways to connect every day

For many families, summer means a break from the hectic routine of school, homework, sports, or other after school activities.

This often creates more free time in the evening or on weekends, or can make it easier for some children to have later bedtimes. Use these opportunities to spend quality time together and add variety to your daily routines. The simplest ideas are often the best, like having a “picnic” on the floor or outdoors instead of eating at the table, or going on walks or playing games after dinner instead of watching TV.

Plan family outings, even if they are just for a few hours or in your hometown

Build a wish list with your kids and encourage them to be creative about where and how you can explore something new

together. Again, simple and inexpensive activities are often the ones that create happy memories that last a lifetime. Visit a local museum, go to a park or beach you’ve never been to, attend free outdoor concerts or movies, try a new ice cream or frozen yogurt shop, or visit the library or local bookstore. The possibilities for creating happy memories while strengthening your relationships with your children are endless.

Encourage your children to develop new skills and interests

Talk to your children about what they’re interested in learning or trying, then find activities in the community or things you could do at home. Keep it simple enough that it’s fun for your children and realistic for you. Even teaching your children to make something besides cereal for breakfast can be a positive learning experience and provide them with lifelong skills.

Maintain a routine

Although summertime routines are often more flexible, maintaining some consistency will make life more predictable and easier, especially with work, camp, and child care schedules.

It can also help your children get enough sleep and good nutrition, teach your children about time, or give them something to look forward to – e.g., go to the library every Thursday or call a relative every Sunday. It will also help everyone ease back into the school routine once summer is over.

Final Thoughts

Many families look forward to summer during the entire school year, only to find that managing everyone’s schedules and spending time together can be more complicated than keeping up with school work!

The good news is that there are many ways to be positive parents during

the summer that meet our children’s needs. Just remember it doesn’t have to be complicated or cost anything to be effective– keep it small and simple!

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 19 and 23, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc.org, facebook.com/ triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

Submit your coloring entry to editor@growingupsc.com for a chance to be in our next issue! You can also mail them to Box 3505, Santa Cruz, 95063 Submissions due by July 15. Please include the child’s name, age and address so we can send out a prize.

Word Scramble

Kids Activities : Children'...https://www.woojr.com/4th-of-july-activity-pages-for-kids/july-word-pu...

America Colonies Flag July

Barbeque Fireworks Freedom Liberty

Answers

For more puzzles, visit woojr.com

Abigail Age 4

Brianna Age 4

Aidyn Age 5

Conrad Age 5

Aaroh Age 6

Ellie Age 4

Ayden Age 7

Gabriel Age 7

Harlan Age 6

Melia Age 7

Isla Age 4

Miles Age 9

Luna Age 6

Ryan Age 4

Luna Age 6

Sophia Age 8

Sophia Age 9 Johnie Age 6

Emma Age 7

Taylor and Sydney Age 8

SAT 1

UCSC Arboretum Tour 11am-12:30pm

The first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Tour plants from around the world. Tour length varies depending on what’s in bloom and what the participants request. arboretum.ucsc.edu.

TUES 4

Firecracker Race Runners on the 10K will be treated the the challenging “Thrill of the Hill” in Pogonip Park before topping out on the Spring Trail that winds through the beautiful meadow by UCSC before dropping down into the neighborhoods before returning to Harvey West Park. 5K Runners will face a flat and fast course contained completely in the Harvey West Business Park Area. Everyone ends up in Harvey West Park for great music, post-race burritos and awards. runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/ SantaCruzFIrecracker10Kand5K

Parade and Block Party 10am-2pm

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Boulder Creek. Enjoy a parade, a block party with vendors, barbecue and live music! bcba. net/events-1/july-4th-parade-and-blockparty

Old-Fashioned Celebration at Wilder Ranch 11am-4pm. All are welcome to join in an early 1900s-style Independence Day celebration. Join the parade through the ranch at high noon. Ongoing events include lawn games, and machine shop and blacksmith demos. There will be live music throughout the day, fresh baked goods and hand-cranked ice cream, living history demos, crafts, sing-along and more. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10 parks.ca.gov/Events/

the Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade and Flyover. The parade starts at 1pm. ADA Parking and Viewing is located at 5007 Scotts Valley Drive. There are no fireworks

Watsonville Parade 12-3pm.The Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July parade proceeds down Main Street from St. Patrick’s Church to First Street. For a front row seat, bring chairs and set along the route early in the morning. cityofwatsonville.org/1124/ Spirit-of-Watsonville-4th-of-July-Parade

Party in the Park 11-4pm.Enjoy live music by The Lost Boys, support local vendors and enjoy yummy food at Aptos Village Park. There will be activities for the whole family. The world’s shortest parade begins at 10am at the intersection of State Park Drive and Soquel Drive and ends at the Trout Gulch and Soquel Drive Intersection. facebook.com/ AptosChamberOfCommerce

FRI 7

First Friday Santa Cruz 5-8pm On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. firstfridaysantacruz.com/event

SAT 8

West Cliff Outdoor Market 10am6pm Come enjoy our outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one of a kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. The market will feature hand crafted gifts and admission is free. brotherspromotions.com/product/ west-cliff-outdoor-market-2023

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival 1-4pm Preston Boomer’s unique Chapel Royale in the Bonny Doon redwoods houses a large Baroque-style, tracker-action pipe organ, on which expert organists perform their art. Inquisitive minds can satisfy their curiosity about the organ’s workings with our ‘organ crawl’ into the depths of the beast while in full play. Delicious snacks and fine wines round out the festivities. scbaroque.org

Photography exhibit and talk

A wide array of photographs by Marc Shargel will be on view at the Scotts Valley Library, beginning July 1. On July 8 from 2-4pm, the photographer, who is also author of four books and a long-time marine conservationist, will present an illustrated talk in the library’s Fireside Room. santacruzpl.org

SUN 9

Downtown Antiques Faire 8am-5pm Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar. downtownsantacruz.com/see/ downtown-antique-faire

SAT 15

Bargetto Winery’s 34th Annual Art & Wine Festival 11am-5pm Enjoy a weekend filled with art, wine and live music! Shop over 30+ local artists and food vendors. bargetto.com

Hop & Barley Beer Festival 11am-5pm This family and dog friendly beer festival is celebrating fun in the sun with craft brews from far and wide Bring the whole family and enjoy amazing live music, fantastic food and more than 50 breweries hopnbarley.org

SUN 16

Downtown Makers Market 10am5pm Visit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers and artists in downtown Santa Cruz on Pacific Ave. every third Sunday. scmmakersmarket.com

WED 19

Mount Madonna Campus Tour 9:30-11am Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the views in the redwood forest. This is a family friendly event. Now enrolling preschool through high school. mountmadonnaschool.org

SUN 23

Meet the Doulas 6-7:30pm Meet and talk with birth and postpartum doulas as you learn how they work with families at the Circle Family Center in Aptos. Sponsored by Birth Network of Santa Cruz County, this free event is open to those planning to birth in Santa Cruz, and surrounding counties. mtdJULY2023.

WE THANK OUR COMMUNITY FOR KEEPING US SLV STRONG!