Growing Up in Santa Cruz, Dec. 18

DECEMBER 2018 always fREE visit us at www.growingupsc.com

INSIDE:

7 BEST BIKE 8 GIFTS VIDEO  GAME 15 GUIDE HEALTH & 17 FITNESS GUIDE Living grEEn

2 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

what’s inside...

WWW. GrOWinGUpsc . cOm

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EDITor/puBLIsHEr

Brad Kava, Jennifer Ford, steve dinnen

DEsIGN/ILLusTrATor ashley Girres

ADDITIoNAL AD DEsIGN ann Fitts

cOlUmn

Best Thrill rides

DIsTrIBuTIoN & suBsCrIpTIoNs susan Bernstein

WEBsITE diana Fitts

CoNTrIBuTors

article

Think Holiday, Buy Local

erik chalhoub, ricky chavez, dr. mojden Faraz, Zach Friend, elaine ingalls, Jordy Hyman, chris Jackson, Karen Kefauver, John Koenig, Jennifer mahal, laura maxson, ann carin niland, Bob pursley, ramona pursley, michelle spence, suki Wessling, nicole m. Young

Holiday Calendar

pHoToGrApHEr Kevin painchaud

departments

Editor’s Note Around Town articles

Ask Nicole Letters to the Editor Green Living Bicyclist Gift Ideas Dentist Column Birth Matters Gift Ideas for the Video Gamer Health & Fitness Guide About the Cover:

4 18 5 6 7 8 11 13 15 17

the giant model train exhibition has been a highlight of the holiday season at the museum of art and History downtown. this year it opens from dec. 21Jan. 6. trains run: sunday - thursday: 10am-7pm; Friday: 10am-8pm and saturday: 10-6pm. they close at 3 p.m. christmas eve and new Years eve and stay open until 9 p.m. Jan. 4

ADVErTIsING rEprEsENTATIVEs

ann Fitts ann@growingupsc.com linda Kay linda@growingupsc.com sophie Veniel sophie@growingupsc.com

CoNTACT us

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

December 2018 • Vol. 21 • No. 10 Growing Up in santa cruz copyright 2018. printed in the United states. the contents of this publication are meant as information only and should not take the place of a medical doctor’s recommendations. all views expressed represent those of the individual authors. all rights reserved. reproduction in whole or in part, in any form, electronic or otherwise is prohibited without permission. this publication does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading advertising. GUisc is printed on recycled paper and uses all soy based inks.

December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 3

from the editors Dear readers, We know it’s early, but we’re starting to think about New Year’s resolutions beyond the usual cutting down on sugar and carbs, getting lots of exercise, making sure the kids are getting the best educations and after school activities.

This year’s biggest resolution is to focus more on the planet. Yeah, it sounds like some hippy-dippy stuff, but the federal environmental report that came out on Black Friday, was truly frightening. Not to mention watching natural disasters explode in our faces in the state and across the country as homes burn and floods ravage.

It’s easy to forget about being green, especially when you are squiring a household of kids around, running from one event to another. If only there was some good advice and an easier way, we find ourselves thinking.

Well, coincidentally, two great writers proposed green family columns for Growing Up in Santa Cruz and we are taking them both.

They have tips with little and big things we can do to be more careful

4 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

with the Earth. One even has a business called Zero that promotes cutting waste. We love it. The other is gathering input from Santa Cruzans about how we can be more environmental. We know California, and particularly Santa Cruz have long been on the cutting edge of environmentalism.

Check them out, let us know what you think, and send in your advice to editor@growingupsc.com. We’ll print it.

We’ve also got a new family law column starting this month, with advice for how to handle divorce at this joyful time. Our video game writer celebrates the best of the year and gives gift ideas. We’ve got local gift suggestions, places that sell handmade goods and places to see the Nutcracker.

Thanks for reading and making this a great 2018. All the best for a peaceful, prosperous and educational 2019.

Brad Kava Jennifer Ford

advice

Time for a Digital Health Check-Up

By Nicole M. Young, MsW

Before my son left for college, I deleted the settings on his phone that limited late-night use and access to certain apps and web sites. I’d set those limits so many years ago (when it was necessary for my sanity) that I’d forgotten about them. Changing the settings was a small task but huge reminder of the new life he was beginning. I still have my teenage daughter ask permission before downloading apps so we can talk about what they are and why she wants them. I usually say yes, but often ask, “Why?” repeatedly.

As in, “Why would anyone want an app that mimics slime?” I still don’t undersand her answer, but I like knowing what goes on in her digital world.

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

Dear Nicole, My kids (8, 14) are obsessed with their electronic devices. We have rules about screen time and social media, but sometimes it’s easier to let things go instead of getting into a fight. I’m worried about what they’re seeing (and doing) online, though. What can I do?

– Ismael Dear Ismael, Great question! Technology and digital media (web sites, apps, social media, online video games, video streaming, etc.) have become a central part of many people’s lives – for better or worse. This is a good time to do a “digital health check-up” with your kids. Here are some tips: Talk with your kids about the digital media they’re viewing and using.

Ask your kids to describe – or even show you – the videos, games, apps, and web sites on their devices and how they’re using them. Tell them you want to learn about their interests and make sure they’re being safe and responsible.

Keep the conversation casual to encourage honesty. If you see something that seems unsafe or inappropriate for their ages, ask questions to understand what they’re viewing or using, then share your concerns. If needed, tell them you want to learn more about it on your own, and that content that’s clearly unsafe or inappropriate will need to be removed or blocked.

Revisit the family rules. It’s great that you have family rules – that’s an important step! If the rules aren’t being

often hard for kids to understand or believe this concept, but it’s important to talk about. final thoughts: Using technology and digital media safely and responsibly are important skills for kids to develop. And, as we teach our kids these skills, they could probably teach us a lot about using technology in new and interesting ways.

ask nicole followed, it’s possible they’re too hard to remember or enforce consistently.

Family rules work best when they’re limited to a few simple things that focus on what to do instead of what not to do – for example, “Finish homework before screen time,” “Turn off screens at mealtimes and bedtime,” or “Ask before downloading.” If the family rules are reasonable but you’re hesitant to hold your kids responsible for following them, try starting with one rule. Let your kids know you’ve been relaxed about the rules and are working on being consistent. Review the rules together and see if they have questions or suggestions. Talk about what will happen if they don’t follow the rules, such as losing screen time privileges. Make sure the action is something you’re willing and able to do.

they create each time they share things online. Remind them that photos, texts, and comments could still be saved or used to hurt or embarrass them (or others), even years later. It’s

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 14 and 18, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit http://triplep.first5scc.org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

Talk about safe and respectful online behavior. Your kids might roll their eyes or say that nothing bad has happened (or will happen) to them online – i.e. you’re overreacting. If this happens, tell them that reviewing privacy settings and guidelines for online behavior is a “digital health check-up,” like visiting a doctor before health problems occur.

Review the privacy settings on their devices and talk about the benefits and risks of different settings. For instance, many apps can share the location of a mobile device, which is helpful when locating a lost phone or fun when posting on social media, but risky if kids unintentionally share their location online with strangers. Adjust the settings as needed and teach your kids to do this on their own.

Talk about the “digital footprint” December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 5

community voices

Your Letters and Thoughts please send YOUr OpiniOns tO editOr@GrOWinGUpsc.cOm Or Visit OUr FaceBOOK paGe ing Up in Santa Cruz and you can lies, meaning that this rule would do Thank you!

Help Immigrant Kids help prevent the rule from coming deep harm to families that make up Colleen Kinstler into existence. Any member of the the very fabric of California. It will the children’s movement The Children’s Movement wanted public can leave a comment, so we enforce families to choose between proto share with you and Growing Up in courage you and the team members of viding basic needs for their children Thoughts on the Santa Cruz a proposed new rule made your organization to leave a comment! and keeping their families together.

Loss of Toys R Us by the Trump Administration that The Children’s Movement wants to Right now, we have an opportunity could penalize families in their immihelp you leave a comment online. to oppose this rule by submitting Local stores like Bookshop Santa gration proceedings if they use critical Help us stop this proposed rule from comments through an official noticeCruz have fun and creative toy selecpublic benefits, such as Medicaid for hurting the well-being of children in and-comment period. By leaving a tions! It’s not the same as having big food-stamps. Nearly half of Califorimmigrant families! comment on the proposed rule, Growaisles of every model to choose from, nia’s children live in immigrant famibut maybe we can shop local when possible and order online when we can’t.

Sarah Harmon, on the Growing Up in santa cruz Facebook page How Do You Handle Political Differences at the Holiday Table?

My family is half and half... (cue Harry Potter music) & we agree not to talk politics at family gatherings. We talk about everything else.

Charlotte Thornbrugh, via Facebook Don’t talk politics. I voted for Trump and my brother thinks all Republicans are the devil and Obama was the greatest president ever. We don’t talk politics or his obvious mental condition.

Bryan Logie, via Facebook We do not talk politics in my home, I don’t have a problem with faith because we are Italian so the majority of them are Catholic and I’m Baptist so we still pray for dinner And I would like a peaceful holiday together so we just don’t talk politics. We decided this as a family.

Keri LeeAnn Bridges, via Facebook Decide as a family not to talk politics. It’s divisive at the best of times, let alone during a family gathering that’s supposed to be quality time. Just enjoy spending time together.

Ian Arthur, via Facebook Speak your truth respectfully and without judgment. Start from a loving place and imagine your family also has good intentions. We don’t need to censor ourselves. Especially around loved ones. I’m used to my family walking out of the room on me.

They are frustrated. They disagree with me and think I’m too out there, but I know my stuff, so I just let it be.

I know they’ll still love me regardlessthey’re family so they have to. Haha.

The only person I hold back on is my dad. He has a fragile heart, and I don’t want to upset/disappoint him too much. I love that man, even though our politics are opposite.

Beth Giuffre, via Facebook 6 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

go green Green Tips

refuse

Our busy lifestyles often make is hard to “be green”. We each do what we can. One of the simplest things we can all do, no matter our pace of life or budget, is to simply refuse to allow single-use plastics or other easily disposable items to enter into our lives.

Plastic is a miraculous material- it lasts thousands of years and costs almost nothing to make. But sadly, the vast majority of plastic waste actually can’t be recycled, including straws, coffee cups and lids, and most food packaging. This is a recipe for disaster for our landfills and oceans, which are being filled with plastic and other trash that started out as freebies. The cost of those freebies ends up being so much greater.

No planning or preparation is required to say no to a plastic straw, cheap giveaways or handouts. At the dentist you don’t have to take that plastic baggie filled with floss, toothbrushes and travel-sized toothpaste.

Pens, business cards or other items being given away at conferences or fairs can also be refused. The next time someone hands you something, ask yourself if it’s something you actu-

ally need. What will you do with it?

Where will it end up when you’re done with it? It’s ok to say, “No thank you” and hand it right back.

Ready to do even more? Refuse to let easily disposable items into your life by refusing to purchase produce wrapped in plastic or goods packaged in non-recyclable packaging. If you can’t imagine how you would dispose of that item other than in a landfill, then just refuse to bring it into your life.

Green Living By suki Wessling neW mOntHlY FeatUre! Green Family Living is Growing Up in Santa Cruz’s new monthly feature—and we need you to help us out. We will feature tips each month to help families do their part to live responsibly in a warming planet.

• What does your family do to save gas?

• What do you do to bring down your utility bills?

• Do you have a great water conservation tip?

• How about a tip on how to get your kids to turn off lights when they leave the room?

Please email your tips to editor@growingupsc.com. We would also like to feature businesses that help families make green choices so please contact us about your business.

This month: Q: I recycle, but it’s always better to reuse. Do you have some cool ideas for how to reuse newspaper?

A: Ideas? Do we have ideas? Well…

• “Use them to wrap presents.”

(Tami Huntley) • “Make homemade paper by putting it in a blender with water.” (Suki Wessling)

• “Liners for pet cages.” (Heddi Craft) • “Papier mâché!” (Rebecca Coakley) • “We often use the funnies for wrapping paper, and we lay old newspaper down on the ground or the table when we do messy projects.”

(Meredith Allen) • “Fire starter out here in rural Nevada.” (Lura Hooper Camp) • “We made a piñata covering cardboard with glue paste and strips of newspapers.” (Amy Raedeke) • “Under mulch in the garden as weed barrier.” (Monica Pielage and Ken Foster) • “Compost!” (Valerie Morgan) • “Donate it to a teacher! I use it to cover tables and wrap clay projects.”

(Barb Matessa) • More uses for teachers: “Rolling into wands to make projects like engineering bridges or tables.. Or papier mâché covering balloons with liquid starch or flour and water and paper ripped into small bits.” (Darlene Wilcox) • “Make gowns! This photo of Alternative Family Education students was taken at a Project Runway workshop at Southern Oregon University.”

(Jasmin Gerer) December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 7

fitness Holiday Gift Guide for the Cyclists in Your Life During my 20+ years of cycling in Santa Cruz, our local bikes shops have earned a special place in my heart — and in my social life. In addition to providing bike maintenance, repairs and advice on new products and where to ride, local shops have hosted movie nights, bike skills clinics, showcased authors, sponsored bike teams and developed programs for kids. I rarely miss a fun event at a bike shop!

Our bike shops support us, so let’s support them this holiday season.

Whether you are buying an e-bike, which tops many lists, or a bike bell, shop in Santa Cruz County and check out these fun gift ideas from local experts!

Keep Your Phone Handy Spokesman Bicycles, Wade Hall, Owner Our phones don’t have to be stuffed

8 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

By Karen Kefauver into our pockets. Mobile phone storspeed! Ranging from a basic tune up age bags, (EXP Series Toptube Bag) ($60), to full tune up ($90) to pro tune up ($150), getting your chain, tires, mounted on the bike’s top tube, are bebrakes, tubes and cables (and more) coming more popular. Handlebar will make you more confident in your phone mounts (XL Smartphone riding. Or get a bike fitting, an inHolder) are also useful for tracking depth, hands-on analysis of how your GPS and Strava data while riding. bike fits and what to do to make it betMore ideas: ter.

• Micro tools; “They’re always a hit!”

• Gloves and socks; “Every cyclist Eyes on the Prize goes through them.”

Epicenter Cycling, Shawn Wilson, Owner Be Seen and Heard Eyewear for cyclists is a great form Bicycle Trip, of safety protection. Consider the lens Mike Moore, General Manager quality and color, (a clear lens can be Bike bells can be fun and make cyhandy for nighttime protection) frame cling safer especially if you’re shy about style and whether the frame is designed shouting on a bike path. Check out to swap out multiple lenses. And of different styles of the Knog Oi Bike course you want to look stylish!

Bell.

More ideas: Super Stocking Stuffers Light up the night: Dayblazer 800 Scotts Valley Cycle Sport, Front + Dayblazer 65 Rear Light Set. Brittany Cavaletto, Owner • Head Thingy by Castelli. Warms Get on a roll with gift ideas: Water your head, neck or face warm. bottles, nutrition/energy gels, spare tubes, flat repair kits, tire pressure Tune Up Your Bike gauge, arm and leg warmers and tires, Family Cycling Center, (check tire size!).

John Brown, Owner More ideas: Tune-ups will restore your bike to its • Bike lock (perfect to use at home original glory or at least get it up to

or in garage): Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1016 Integrated Chain • Repair stand, Feedback Sports ProUltralight Repair Stand Fun Odds and Ends Watsonville Cyclery suggests a few things that may not have come to mind, like a tubeless tackle kit, $11.00, lock-on grips for handlebars, $25.00, and a bicycle saddle bag with CO2 and multi-tool, $50.00. At Another Bike Shop or Current eBikes, gift a rental of a high performance bike. Check for availability of same day, overnight or a two-day rentals.

Last But Not Least Memberships to Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Cycling Club or a donation to Trips for Kids are ideal gifts! For a full list of local shops, visit www.santacruzcycling.org.

Karen Kefauver is a freelance journalist, social media coach and cycling-obsessed Santa Cruzan since 1993. Read her adventure cycling stories: www.karenkefauver.com

entertainment aLwaYs amUseD

a Look Back at 2018’s new rides & Holiday events on Tap for December

By Erik Chalhoub As 2018 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect back on the new rides I experienced this year at California theme parks, while also get excited for the new-for-2019 attractions that are right around the corner.

Instead of a traditional “top five new rides list,” I’m doing something slightly different. Even though I have a clear favorite coaster and worst coaster, ranking rides, for me, has become too muddy and constantly changes as the years, and sometimes weeks, go on.

Here are my “awards” for 2018: BEST NEW OLD RIDE: What’s old is new is a popular trend in the theme park industry today, namely the conversion of old wooden roller coasters into modern steel beasts, as well as the return of classic attractions.

I rode two new “old” rides this year: Dino Island 4-D at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and Jammin’ Bumpers at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Dino Island originally ran at the Vallejo park in the early 1990s, showing in the Iwerks Theater, complete with moving seats and water effects. Jammin’ Bumpers, meanwhile, is an update of Magic Mountain’s original 1970s-era Sandblasters bumper cars, adding new vehicles, blasting music and strobe light effects.

I’m giving the edge to Dino Island.

Ever since the Iwerks Theater reopened in 2016 following years of inactivity, the horribly outdated theater has struggled to draw riders and show a film that takes full advantage of all the theater’s built-in effects. Dino Island constantly filled the theater with guests during my late October visit, and I’ve never felt such a wide range of movements from the aging seats.

Jammin’ Bumpers, like all modernday bumper cars, just doesn’t have the “oomph” the retro rides have (see Rue Le Dodge at California’s Great America).

NO LONGER A MAZE: When I learned that Gilroy Gardens was removing its rock maze to expand its

water park, I was disappointed. Yes, the rock maze was extremely easy to get through (I could get through both forwards and backwards), but it was one of the few attractions at the park that appealed to adults as well.

But after seeing the new slides and other water features the park added this year, I am excited for this park’s future. Adding new attractions on an annual basis is key to building this park’s attendance, and when attendance grows, we all win, children and adults. Now, how about adding a wooden roller coaster, Gilroy Gardens?

BETTER TO WATCH THAN RIDE: Some rides you prefer to watch rather than take on yourself. Green Lantern at Magic Mountain comes to mind (remember earlier when I said I had a least favorite coaster?).

This year, I added another of those rides to my list: Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster at Discovery Kingdom.

The prototype ride, known as a Skywarp, pits two 16-person trains, with riders facing each other, as they travel through twin Immelmann inversions.

Being the first of its kind, the ride has been plagued with issues, causing its opening to be delayed a number of times before quietly opening in late July, nearly the end of the summer season.

While I enjoyed my one ride on it this year, it is a tad rough, and I nearly felt a headache coming on before the cycle was over. An interesting, unique ride, but it’s not making my “mustride” list whenever I visit Discovery Kingdom.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: Coming into the year, I thought for sure RailBlazer at Great America was going to be my top new ride of 2018. A brand new, first-of-its-kind coaster at one of my top parks will always jump to number one for me.

But RailBlazer’s awkward shoulder restraints, and the fact that HangTime at Knott’s Berry Farm was just that good, pushed the ride to second on my top 2018 rides list.

HangTime, billed as the first dive coaster on the West Coast, sends riders up a vertical lift hill before it reaches a height of 150 feet. Then, the train dangles over the edge for what seems like forever, before taking you facefirst down a beyond-vertical first drop and into a twisted mess of track.

I did not expect to ride HangTime this year. During a four-day Southern California trip in May to Magic Mountain and Knott’s, HangTime was not yet open to the public. It just so happened the park announced a special season passholder preview day for the ride, and it also just so happened that it would be the day I was there.

To make it even better? My first ride on HangTime was in the front row. Incredible.

now open with festive displays and millions of lights, as well as an ice skating rink in front of Columbia Carousel. For information, visit www.cagreatamerica.com/winterfest.

MOST ANTICIPATED NEW RIDE OF 2019: West Coast Racers at Magic Mountain will give the park not one, but two “racing” coasters in the park.

And this one has four launches. I can’t wait.

But wait, 2018 is far from over.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Holiday Ice runs through Jan. 6, and promises to be bigger than before in its second year.

The star attraction is a covered skating rink. Holiday Ice also includes displays of holiday lights and decorations, fire pits, holiday photo ops, a kids’ craft corner, classic holiday movies, photos with Santa, seasonal games, treats and more.

“This year’s Holiday Ice event is bigger and better than last year,” said event director Karley Pope. “The rink is a little larger and we’ve added more decorations, more fire pits, new fun photo ops, and more games and activities for kids. Even if you don’t skate, it’s exciting to check out all the festivities.”

For information and online skating reservations, visit beachboardwalk.com/Boardwalk-Holiday-Ice. Gardens@Night Holiday at Gilroy Gardens opened earlier this year, on Nov. 24, and runs select days through Dec. 31.

At the event, families can take pictures with Santa Claus, go ice skating and feast on roast turkey, baked ham and all the trimmings. A live show, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” will also be shown in the amphitheater.

Most rides will be open at night as well, and Santa will be at the park through Dec. 23. For information and times, visit www.gilroygardens.org/holiday.

Great America’s WinterFest is expanding this year, with the entire park December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 9

10 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

health

Children’s Teeth

wHY Do some moLars Grow sofT?

By Dr. Megan

Normally our teeth are protected by a very strong layer called enamel that protects the pulp tissue or nerve inside the tooth.

Enamel owes its qualities to the significant amount of calcium phosphate and hydroxyapetite.

Hypomineralization or hypocalcification is a tooth condition where enamel and dentine (the outer and middle layers of the tooth) are softer than normal. The condition is notable at eruption of these teeth. It may affect one to four molars, and in some cases the incisors (front teeth), could be affected. Unfortunately, this condition can make it more likely for the tooth to get dental decay or caries, because the tooth is more porous.

Occasionally, it may make it more difficult for dentists to numb these teeth with a local anaesthetic for dental treatment.

Hypocalcification of the enamel is the most common developmental disorder observed in teeth, and it occurs in about 10-19 percent of the population.

Sometimes these teeth are referred to as “cheese molars,” because the surface of these teeth look like cheese in color and

consistency. Some people may have a mild form and not even realize it, others could have a more severe form of the condition.

If we were to look at these teeth under microscope, you would see areas of porosity of varying degrees. The affected teeth can be very sensitive to air, cold, warm and mechanical stimuli.

Some people complain of toothache when tooth brushing.

Why cheese molars?

It is not easy to determine the exact cause behind these undermineralized teeth. Complications involving oxygen shortages during birth or respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis and pneumonia could contribute to this condition. Renal insufficiency, hypoparothyroidism, diarrhoea, malabsorption and malnutrition and high-fever diseases can be other reasons for the occurrence of these defects.

How to treat?

In milder cases a prevention plan should be established staring with consistent check-up by dentist. In most cases, if no decay or caries is noted on these teeth, sealants may be advised.

Sealant is a white “coating” placed on teeth, mostly molars, to prevent the deep groves present on these teeth against cavities.

If caries are noted by dentist, the tooth could be restored by a composite restoration (drilling followed by a white filling). Regardless of whether caries are present or not, I usually tell parents that these teeth should remain under watch for future decay or recurrence of decay.

If the tooth has no symptom of pain or sensitivity, and is not bothering the patient, it could be monitored until patient is older (around 17 or 18) when a white crown could be placed for better coverage of the tooth. Some argue that a “temporary” stainless steel crown

could be placed meanwhile until patient is older and ready for a more cosmetic treatment. Sometimes it’s best to remove these teeth. If this route is taken when the tooth behind (2nd molar) has not erupted yet, there is a good possibility that the 2nd molar will shift forward and replace the missing tooth.

I am Dr. Mojdeh Faraz, AKA Dr. Megan :) I am a Board-certified pediatric dentist at Pajaro Valley Childrens Dental Group.

I received my DDS at NYU followed by my speciatly training at Jacobi Medical Center in affiliation with Albert Einstein School of Medicine. My passion in working with children and to be part of their innocent world led me to this fun and fabulous field.

I am proud to work with an amazing crew who are so seasoned when it comes to working with children. They are the reason for the excellent reviews and feedbacks we’ve receive over the years. Please Feel free to come by and visit our fun and childfriendly practice at 230 Green Valley Rd, Freedom, CA 95019.

December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 11

12 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

www.Birthnet.org is Breastfeeding linked to tooth decay? www.kellymom.com/ages/ older-infant/tooth-decay age at and reasons for the first dental visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/21462893 avoiding tooth decay in toddlers www.breastfeeding.support/ avoiding-tooth-decay-toddlers

birthatters m

By Laura Maxson, LM

parent blindsided by a toddler’s a nyunexpected need for extensive dental

work knows how shocking this news can be. But it happens more often than most parents know. It’s good to start learning about those baby teeth before they appear.

Get to the dentist before there is a problem. is provides an opportunity to discuss good dental health habits and troubleshoot issues specific to your child. e American Dental Association recommends a first visit six months after the

T EET H TODDLER first tooth appears or by age one. According to the study, Age at and reasons for the first dental visit (link below), parents can receive mixed messages about when children should see the dentist for the first time, with some dentists suggesting to wait until age 2 or 3. e study also found that the majority of first visits actually happened between ages 3 to 6 and were due to cavities - most parents are missing the initial early visit. ere are a variety of factors that can influence vulnerability to tooth decay.

Obviously, neglecting brushing is a big risk factor, but some kids never brush well

and still don’t get cavities. is can be because one of the culprits in dental caries is a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). is bacteria is responsible for causing tooth decay in about 20% of the population. Present in saliva, the bacteria is passed to babies through saliva to saliva exchanges such as wet kisses, sharing chewed foods, or putting pacifiers in adult mouths to clean them.

Some baby teeth can have defects in their enamel before they even break through the gums. Damage can take place in pregnancy as teeth are developing, due to maternal illnesses or medications, and after the baby is born related to antibiotics given to the baby in the first year of life for illnesses such as ear infections. Teeth with both enamel defects and the presence of S. mutans bacteria can be the most vulnerable. e bacteria make saliva higher in acid, interacting with foods/sugars to hasten decay. Food on teeth mixed with breastmilk is not a good situation. is makes a strong case for good brushing before bed and no snacks after brushing. Breastmilk alone is not a cause of decay; in fact, components in breastmilk actually kill the S.mutans bacteria.

Weaning from breastfeeding often means feedings are replaced by another food or liquid that does not have the amazing and irreplaceable overall health benefits of breastmilk. Some dentists’ recommendations about breastfeeding can cause undue stress about night nursing and push for early weaning. National and global breastfeeding recommendations are for breastfeeding through the second year and beyond. According to Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding, Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman, 2014, p 352 “What dentists don’t see is that the vast majority of children who are nursed

during the night do not get cavities. Since those who do end up at the dentist’s office, the doctor often concludes that this is a common problem for children nursing past the first year of life. It isn’t. Even if the child is brought to the dentist for a routine check, the dentist will not usually ask about night nursing unless the child has cavities. Most dentists probably have no idea that some or even many of their cavity-free 18-month old patients are still breastfeeding at night.”

Make dental health decisions around breastfeeding after considering other information. Recommendations are a basis for decisions. Some dentists may have little or no actual breastfeeding knowledge and parents, of course, know their children best. Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC, (Kellymom.com) helps parents understand why some children seem to suffer with dental problems more than others in her article, Is Breastfeeding Linked to Tooth Decay? (link below). Breastfeeding helps protect teeth. When parents feel pressure to wean from breastfeeding it often means replacing breastfeeds with other foods or liquids that have no protective benefits. Parents going through the pain and expense of weeks or months of dental work on their toddler can feel confused and conflicted about breastfeeding recommendations.

What is your child eating? Kellymom says, “Much research indicates that it’s the other foods in baby’s diet (rather than breastmilk) that tend to be the main problem when it comes to tooth decay.”

Our modern diets can be much higher in sugars and sticky snacks than nature intended.

Check teeth regularly. Parents have the most access to baby’s teeth - don’t forget to check them out. In the article, Avoiding tooth decay in toddlers parents are provided with tips such as checking baby’s teeth for problem areas, brushing ideas and more.

Laura Maxson, LM, CPM, the mother of three grown children, has been working with pregnant and breastfeeding women for over 30 years. Currently she is the executive director of Birth Network of Santa Cruz County and has a homebirth midwifery practice.

Contact her at midwife@scshop.com or postmaster@birthnet.org

December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 13

14 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

entertainment

Gamer Life

worLDs of wonDer for aLL aGes. a viDeo Game GifT GUiDe. By ricky Chavez The holidays are finally here and video game companies are in fierce competition to make into your home and onto your TV screens.

Each company shows off the best parts of its games to make it look fun, but how do you know which game is the right choice? Unfortunately, Fortnite is already free so it’s not going be that easy.

Here are games I enjoyed very much this year and think any person would also enjoy regardless of age.

For kids 6 and under, I recommend Spyro Reignited Trilogy.

The original three Spyro games came out for the original Playstation and instantly become of the gaming icons of the 90s. You play as Spyro, a young dragon trying to prove his worth and save has family. You travel through bright and colorful worlds using his flame breath, and head butt to defeat a cast of enemies. As the name states you get three games for the price of $40.

All three of these games have been completely remade and modernized, while they maintain the sense of magic that the original worlds held.

This is the perfect game for anyone who’s just getting into video games for the first time or anyone who wants to revisit these timeless classics with a new coat of paint.

entertained me for hours with this new game. Mega Man is a platformer where players jump and shoot their way through colorful and cartoony robots. While the default mode is challenging there is an easy mode that is accessible from the start and is beginner friendly. Mega Man 11 brought a smile to my face as I traversed the beautiful environments to the music that fit every stage. With tons of challenges and several difficulty setting it’s a great game for preteen and young teen gamers.

The second game for those ages is possibly the best deal in video game history. Kingdom Hearts - The Story So Far ($40) is a collection of collections. That’s six full games and three movie recaps for a great price. Kingdom Hearts is an incredible kid friendly journey through many Disney Worlds with protagonists Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy. You’ll visit iconic worlds like, Wonderland, Halloween Town, Neverland, and even Pride Rock from the Lion King.

It’s fast combat and the heart warming retellings of Disney movies bring a smile to my face every single time I play, and now that they’re all released for PS4 they are finally in their definitive forms, looking and feeling better than ever.

The game I would choose for the older gamer, ages 17 and up, would be Red Dead Redemption 2. While it has a slow first chapter it soon builds up to something much greater. The game has some of the best visuals I’ve seen in any game and the way the characters interact with the environment is incredible. Leaving footprints and tracks wherever you go shows how much detail was put into the game. The freedom you are given and the amount of interactions with random characters that happen have made it wonderful to explore.

I absolutely loved the first time I was free to hunt where I wanted and harvest plants as I pleased. Red Dead

Redemption 2 has solidified its place as one of my favorite games of the year.

The next best present for your gamer is Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. While at first many people thought it was going to simply be a remake of the Wii U version, Smash Ultimate has proven that it’s so much more. Including every character to ever appear in Smash, such as Solid Snake and Wolf, and new characters like Simon Belmont, and the surprising addition, Piranha Plant from Super Mario.

Nintendo has been using the slogan, “Everyone is here” and with the new spirits mode everyone really is here. Allowing you to fight characters that aren’t in smash by allowing them to possess characters and act in ways that the original characters would. This opens the door to a lot of potential content. Super Smash Brothers Ultimate is easily going to be one of the best games of the year.

For kids 7-10, I suggest Super Mario Party. This is truly a return to form for the Mario Party Series.

After two games and a spinoff that were considered the worst games in the series, playing with friends finally feels like a party again. With tons of unique minigames that take advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s precise gyro controls you can climb poles, cook meat and connect puzzle pieces.

In Super Mario Party they added a new mechanic that changes up the whole game, giving the cast of characters unique dice blocks, allowing you to choose either a normal dice block or a special dice block that has different numbers for each character.

Along with this, during the party mode you can get allies who will give you their dice block to choose from, further expanding your options as each game progresses. Whether you’re playing alone or playing with friends, this really is the peak of the party.

For kids 11-16, first is Mega Man 11. It’s been a long time since Mega Man has been relevant but he made a huge impact on my life as a child and December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 15

gift guide

Think Holiday, Buy Locally

By Delphine Burns

chase a gift card.

Price: Gift cards for any dollar amount may be purchased.

As the holidays approach, it’s tempting to scour Amazon for easy gifts for friends and family. Although online shopping can be enticing, Santa Cruz County is full of unique gift-giving potential. Instead of browsing online this year, support local businesses, find special gifts and explore your community all at once. This gift guide highlights local businesses countywide to help you bring a little piece of Santa Cruz County to your holiday celebrations.

Aptos Warmth Company Boutique Peruse Aptos-based Warmth Company for candles, glassware, books, artwork, body products and more. This boutique is locally owned and frequently updated with quaint gifts.

Price: Prices vary, starting at $5.

Santa Cruz

Watsonville

Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge If you need to get creative in a time crunch, Petroglyph is the place for you. At this local paint-it-yourself pottery studio, simply select a piece of pottery and a few colors to design an art piece tailored to your loved one.

Opt to paint an intricate design with thin-tipped brushes or use a thicker brush to paint something more minimalist.

Price: Studio fee is $9 for children 12 and under and $10 for adults. Each ceramic is individually priced, ranging from $5 to over $50.

Birichino Wines The Birichino tasting room is a new addition to downtown Santa Cruz, but definitely a gem. From bubbly whites to aromatic reds, Birichino’s diverse selections are sure to pique the interest of the wine-lover in your family.

Price: Birichino wines range from $17 to $95 per bottle.

Start Now! You Can Make a Difference

by Chelsea Clinton (Bookshop Santa Cruz) This children’s book is chock-full of solutions to adult problems. For the youngest activists you know, #1 New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Clinton offers tips on how to change the world, regardless of your age. Support local businesses by purchasing at Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Price: $16.99 Seymour Center Membership Give the gift of environmental education this year with a membership to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Children can interact with sharks, sea stars and other nautical friends while learning about ocean conservation at this community-supported marine science education center.

Price: Membership fees vary.

Adult: $40 Student: $20 Senior: $35 UCSC Employees & Alumni: $35 16 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

Gizdich Ranch Many locals say Gizdich Ranch makes the best pies they’re ever tasted.

Gizdich Ranch has been owned and operated by the Gizdich family for four generations. Among highly-recommended Holiday favorites is the apple pie.

Price: Prices vary depending on pie flavor and size.

County-Wide CA State Park Annual Pass Annual passes allow holders access to any state park for a year. Gift a year’s worth of outdoor adventures to your favorite nature enthusiast and allow them to revel in California’s natural beauty year-round, from Big Basin to Joshua Tree.

Price: Annual vehicle pass costs $125.

cracKin’ nUts: the santa cruz dance Guild presents the full length nutcracker Ballet at cabrillo's crocker theater dec 15,16. mother Ginger will be preformed by Krazy George, the famous sports cheerleader. Other nutcrackers include agape dance academy’s performance also at crocker, dec.

22, 23 and santa cruz Ballet theater’s presentation at the civic dec. 21-23.

Downtown Dollars Not sure where your loved ones shop?

Downtown Dollars are redeemable at most shops in downtown Santa Cruz and may be purchased year round at Bookshop Santa Cruz, the Downtown Information Kiosk, or Pacific Cookie Company. Here is a list of businesses currently accepting Downtown Dollars.

Price: Gift cards for any dollar amount may be purchased.

San Lorenzo Valley Mountainside Made Jewelry (Felton) Support Mountainside Made through its first holiday season! Felton’s contemporary general store carries more than just jewelry. From books to art to children’s gifts, you’re bound to find something unique for every member of the family. Shop in store or online at

www.mountainsidemade.com.

Price: Prices vary, starting at $5.

Chocolate Visions (Scotts Valley) This chocolate shop allows customers to print logos and designs on any chocolate, allowing for a customizable gift. Chocolate Vision has over 18 flavors and uses fresh, natural ingredients, Price: Assortments begin at $23.95

Donate to your favorite non-profit in honor of your loved ones. Below are a few recommendations.

Monarch Services Monarch Services is a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. This organization is committed to serving Santa Cruz county, with a special commitment to women, youth, children, Latinas and other under-served groups.

Soquel

Barrios Unidos Barrios Unidos is a youth violence prevention organization dedicated to providing alternatives to at-risk youth and re-entry opportunities to former prisoners.

Beer Thirty Beer Thirty is a taproom, bottle shop and beer garden featuring outdoor games, fire lamps and the finest craft beer. Its dog-friendly atmosphere and extensive menagerie of ciders and beers makes it the perfect setting for holiday gatherings. Take your loved ones out for a relaxing afternoon or simply pur-

Ecology Action Ecology Action seeks to diminish the impacts of climate change by connecting community members with environmentally-sustainable solutions, focusing primarily on energy, water and transportation.

Price: Donation amounts are up to you!

health & fitness guide stay Healthy & active With the end of the year comes winter weather and more time spent inside where the germs hang out.

Many people are focused on keeping themselves and their families healthy and active. From having your home inspected for lead to enjoying indoor gymnastics, these local businesses care about you and your family’s health.

Adventure Sports Unlimited 303 potrero st., #15, santa cruz 831.458.3648 www.asudoit.com Adventure Sports Unlimited (ASU) is the premier school for aquatics instruction in Santa Cruz.

We teach infants through adults the joy of water through our swim program. Learning to swim is a lifetime skill, and it is a beneficial to staying healthy and fit. The ASU Swim School blends comprehensive swim instruction with water play. Our custom-built aquatics facility consists of a tropically heated pool, so classes can take place nearly the entire year whether it’s in the warm sunshine or rain. Our facility also includes a hot tub play space for either before or after class, spacious deck with umbrellas and heaters, and observation room overlooking the pool. We want to make your entry into the water world truly enjoyable.

Come Swim with ASU! Birth Network of Santa Cruz CountySanta Cruz www.birthnet.org Providing information, education, and advocacy for safe, empowering, joyful birth. Visit our website for an extensive listing of “MotherFriendly,” pregnancy, birth and postpartum related service providers and find out how to become an informed healthcare consumer.

Visit Birth Network’s upcoming events page to register for events, such as, Bellies, Birth & Babies (March 23 & Oct 26, 2019 ) and bimonthly Meet the Doulas. Sign up for our newsletter online and look for us on Facebook.

Children’s Dentistry 7545 soquel dr, aptos 831.6622900 www.santacruzkidsdentist.com We provide comprehensive dentistry in a caring environment for children of all ages. We are preventive-dentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. We have a pediatric anesthesiologist on our premises and

are able to treat special, challenging children safely and comfortably under a general anesthesia. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for all of our patients.

Dignity Health Dominican Hospital 1555 soquel drive, santa cruz (831) 462-7700 www.dignityhealth.org/dominican/ Dominican Hospital offers the most advanced care available in the Monterey Bay area, combined with the comforts of home. Our Birth Center provides a welcoming environment for families, advanced technology for new moms and babies, and a commitment to a positive birth experience for you. We are a certified Baby Friendly hospital, which means we offer comprehensive lactation support, and your baby will stay by your side throughout your stay. Should your baby need extra care, we offer a Level 3 NICU through a partnership with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. To schedule a birth center tour, call (844) 849-2099.

speakers alike, CyBC creates a playful, interactive atmosphere where language learning is integrated naturally and organically in the musical experience. Classes are now offered in the Capitola Mall, Los Gatos, Pleasure Point, Watsonville & Westside Santa Cruz.

Rhythm Kids Rhythm Kids® is a new drumming, music, and movement, program for children ages 4–8 years.

Classes naturally support children’s rhythm development and help them prepare for formal music lessons.

Rhythm Kids Level 1 classes are for 4- to 5-year-old preschoolers, and Level 2 classes are for children in kindergarten through second grade.

In both levels of class, children play dynamic musical games, work in ensembles, explore solo singing and drumming, and experiment with conducting and improvisation using a repertoire of well-loved Music Together songs, plus new material adapted from or inspired by drumming traditions from around the world, including Ghana, Ireland, and Bali.

Orchard School K-6 2288 trout Gulch rd, aptos 831.688.1074 www.orchardschoolaptos.org Circus Arts class with Rock Lerum at Orchard School on Wednesdays 3:30 to 4:30, includes juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, and more. Drop-in basis. Please contact the school at 688-1074, or www.orchardschoolaptos.org for more info.

Pajaro Valley Children’s Dental Group 230 Green Valley rd, Freedom 831.722.9202 www.dental4kids.com We give kids something to smile about. Our office works exclusively with infants, children, and teens to make a difference in their lives by creating healthy smiles. Call our office today to schedule your child’s exam and cleaning. We accept and bill most dental insurance plans and are preferred providers with many carriers, including Delta Dental.

Music Together/MusicalMe, Inc. santa cruz county and santa clara county call 831.438.3514 http://www.musicalme.com Offering three different programs: Music Together For more than a generation, the Music Together® program has helped engage adults in supporting their children’s music and overall development. Our songs, movements and teaching practices have been perfected in classrooms and homes around the world for over 25 years.

Our curriculum fosters the integration of joyful music & movement into everyday life – regardless of adults’ music ability. Music Together enhances children’s learning in multiple domains (mentally, physically, socially, etc.), increases family engagement and adds richly to each family’s “toolbox”. Siblings are welcome, especially infants who may attend free if they are 8 months or under. Classes throughout Santa Clara & Santa Cruz Counties. Call now to attend one class for free!

Canta y Baila Conmigo Canta y Baila ConmigoTM is a unique curriculum for young children (ages Birth to 5 years) with dual, complementary goals of music education and language immersion.

Designed for beginners and native December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 17

around town...

Young entrepreneurs Unite!

The Kids Craft fair at the Boys and Girls Club

What if you could find a school that would teach your child applied creativity, organizational skills, project management, math, money skills, entrepreneurship, social skills, and marketing… all in three hours?

Look no further than the annual Kids Craft Fair at the Boys and Girls Club in downtown Santa Cruz the first Saturday of December. Each year this event draws kids from all over the county who make and sell holiday gifts and food.

And if you go as a shopper, don’t think of it as charity. ese kids aren’t kidding when it comes to quality.

“All the bath products are great and really professionally packaged,” points out Rebbie Higgins, Operations Coordinator at the Club. “ere are kids that make bath bombs, lip balms, soaps. ey’re great for presents because they’re really attractive. e hand-dipped beeswax candles are gorgeous and make great gifts.”

“To be honest, things that look like they were made by a child generally don’t sell as well as things that look similar to what you might find at a adult craft fair,” says Heddi Craft, a local homeschool educator and crafter whose daughters have taken part for the last six years. “But there are people who will go around and buy something from every kid that’s there. It’s nice to see them support even the smallest kid.” e parents invest in materials

18 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

and act as support; the kids come up with the ideas, make the crafts, and sell them at the fair.

Heddi Craft describes her daughter’s experience as “a mini-economy, complete with loans.”

“In the beginning I would front her the money, but she makes enough now to set aside money for the following year.”

Kids learn quickly that the successful sellers at the fair have created products that buyers would buy at stores—for higher prices.

“Some of the girls doing little embroidered Christmas tree ornaments—it’s stuff you would totally expect to drop twenty bucks on in one of the fancier artist shops in town!” Higgins says. “e prices are great, the kids know the value of their stuff.”

Crafts include beeswax candles, homemade soaps, bath bugs, potholders, decorative mason jars, handmade greeting cards, custom Lego sets, crystals, succulents in charming pots, seashell magnets, bookmarks, jewelry, sock snowmen, felt creatures, hand-sewn cloth bags, and wallets.

The Kids Craft Fair December 1, 2018 11:00 am–2:00 pm Boys and Girls Club Downtown Clubhouse, 543 Center St., Santa Cruz http://boysandgirlsclub.info/ events/craftfair

“i am Jazz” Community reading This month Santa Cruz families will come together to read a book at the library. Yes, this happens all the time, but not with this book and this message. “I am Jazz” was published in 2014, co-written by 14year-old Jazz Jennings, a transgender activist whose life had been profiled in a television documentary. Each year, communities host readings to foster awareness and acceptance of transgender children. To read the full article about this family-friendly event,

our website visit www.GrowingUpSC.com.

at

Details: national “i am Jazz” community reading Friday, december 7, 3:30-4:30 pm santa cruz public libraries downtown Branch second Floor meeting room Visit our website at www.GrowingUpsc.com for resources

CaLenDar saturday, december 1 Holiday Helper. Through December 7. 104 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz. Many residents don’t have family or friends to visit them during the holidays. We help to make their holiday special! IYou Venture’s Holiday Helper program is now accepting donations and wrapped gifts. Gift suggestions include: New slippers, socks, shirts, lap blankets, scarves, stuffed animals, lotions, puzzle books and calendars.

Please mark the packages male or female, with sizes, ready for delivery to care facility residents.

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa 2018: Living Stories/Historias Vivientes. Through December 9. Pajaro Valley Arts. This year there are 28 altars/installations on display by eleven schools and seventeen community groups and families. Eight individual artists are presenting twoand-three-dimensional work. Guest Curator Mary Tartaro – e-mail: marymaytartaro@gmail.com. PVA Office: 831-722-3062 Pathways Through our Parks: New Art Exhibit Through January 6. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

Featuring over 30 paintings by local artist Ann Thiermann, all of which showcase the many paths and waterways that flow throughout Santa Cruz’s parks, open spaces and beaches.

Aptos Farmers Market 8am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College.

Featuring more than 90 vendors, supplying a variety of fresh produce, prepared goods, items for the home. Live music, coffee, fresh baked goods.

UCSC Garden Tour 9am. 1st Saturday. UCSC Arboretum. Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, or California and Australia.

Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens or the developing World Conifer Collection or Rare Fruit Garden. Requires admission to the Arboretum.

Open Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. JuneBug’s Gym. Ages walking to 8 years old (or 80 lbs.). Parents can drop off for up to 3 hours for tumbling fun! Call 464-BUGS (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola Dr. Ste. 2 & 3, Pleasure Point-Santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym.com Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. Join the SV Public Library for story time, enjoy some live music, get your face painted and get fresh food.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr. Become a Docent Volunteer 10am5pm. Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Join our volunteer team as a docent and lead 30 or 45-minute tours of the Seymour Center and Long Marine Lab research facilities, work at the seawater touch pools, interpret the aquarium, and much more! Applications are due on or before Friday, January 4 and will be reviewed.

Winter Open House 10am-5pm. Natural History Museum. Enjoy FREE ADMISSION to the Museum and join us for crafts and activities celebrating the season. Make gifts for the nature-lovers in your life, sip cider and explore our exhibits, and take advantage of our store-wide sale.

Tales to Tails 10am-11:30am. Downtown Library. Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud.

Children have individual 20-minute time slots to sit with a dog and read.

Call 427-7717 or e-mail tales2tails@santacruzpl.org Holiday Parade 10am-12pm. Downtown Santa Cruz. The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. Bands, Dancers, Classic Cars, Synchronized Librarians, perhaps even a “Rootbeer Float!”

Saturdays in the Soil 10am-12pm.

Natural History Museum. Help us keep our Garden Learning Center thriving for visitors to learn from!

Learn about caring for native plants while helping with general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting. All ages are welcome and no experience necessary.

Community Poetry Circle 10am12pm. 1st Saturday. Downtown Library. Poetry gives rise to the full expression of self. Join the circle for this free monthly workshop on the 1st Saturday of the month. All levels welcome. No preregistration required.

Family Lagoon Watch 10am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Live Oak Library. Learn about the environment and local wildlife with local experts.

Bird watching, examining microscopic creatures, watercolor painting, printing, writing and reading. Not suitable for really young children.

Winter Open House 10am-5pm. Natural History Museum. See Dec 1.

Tales to Tails 10:30am-11:30am.

Aptos Library.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. 338-8883.

Art in the Cellars 11am-5pm. Bargetto Winery. For more details call 831-4752258.

Old Growth Redwood Tours 11am.

Ongoing Saturdays. Henry Cowell State Park. Are there different kinds of redwoods? How do coastal redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? Why are there so few old growth trees left? How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems?

DIY Family Crafts 11am-1pm (Garfield Park Library) 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library). Ongoing Saturdays. A craft will be ready and waiting for families, independent-minded kids!

Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Monarch Butterfly Tours 11am and 2pm. Natural Bridges. View the butterflies in the trees they overwinter in.

Butterfly numbers typically peak between the end of October to mid-November; warm and sunny days are best for viewing.

Novel Writing Workshop 1pm-3pm.

Scotts Valley Library. Developmental editor Anastasia Suen has written and edited books for children, teens, and adults and mentored writers around the globe in her online workshops.

Origami Club 1pm-3pm. First Saturday. Aptos Library. Join our monthly get together to make beautiful creations in this ancient oriental art of paper folding. We will also demonstrate more contemporary arts of book folding and 3-D modular origami.

Smart Path Assessments 2pm-4pm.

Downtown Library. Are you experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz?

Complete an assessment with a qualified volunteer or outreach worker. No appointment necessary. This 30-question survey to ascertain your individual vulnerability and need, forms the backbone of the County’s coordinated entry system, which allocates limited housing resources according to highest need.

DECEMBEr 2018

Hip Hop Night 7:30pm-9:30pm.

Abbot Square. Enjoy DJ Los aka the Nexus, Golden Treez Music and a prolific femcee 1 AM, and JOTA EFFECTUS. sunday, december 2 Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. Come join us for a friendly, FREE, 12-Step support group with the solution. Teens and adults welcome. Includes compulsive overeating, anorexia and bulimia.

2900 Chanticleer Ave 429-7906 santacruzoa.org Chanukah Gift Shop 10am-4pm through December 9th. Temple Beth El. Come find everything you need to decorate, celebrate, bake, read, gift, wrap and enjoy Chanukah! From fairtrade chocolates to artistically created menorahs and candles. Proceeds go right back into Sisterhood’s children and families programming at TBE. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

Play: Holiday Special 11am-2pm.

Santa Cruz MAH. Celebrate the start of the Holidays by playing at the MAH. Sugar cube igloo making, paper snowflakes, igloo fort building and hot cocoa! This event is free and drop in and for all ages.

Monarch Butterfly Tours 11am and 2pm. Natural Bridges. See Dec 1.

Art in the Cellars 11am-5pm. Bargetto Winery. For more details call 831-4752258.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 1pm3pm. Ongoing Sundays. Downtown Library. Trying to play with technology and getting frustrated? A tech savvy librarian will provide instruction in the use of a wide range of technology services DIY Crafts 1pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Live Oak Library.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm-4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing).

Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. Free Bachata dance class, followed by 3 hours of non-stop social dancing! Before the dancing starts we will do a fun Beach Picnic.

December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 19

DECEMBEr 2018 Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm.

Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road).

Come experience the incredible bird life that the Wetlands of Watsonville have to offer. The wetland system of sloughs and their uplands offer breeding and year-round habitat for over 220 species of shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and song birds.

Tour of the UCSC Farm 2pm3:30pm. 1st Sunday. UCSC Hay Barn. Enjoy a free tour of the UCSC Farm.

Origami for Peace with Nate and Drew 3pm-5pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday.

Downtown Library. Folding instruction will be centered around the crane, but other styles will be available for people to learn once they master the crane fold.

First Night of Chanukah Candle Lighting 6:30pm. Temple Beth El. Bring your menorah and candles! We will share in lighting our menorahs together, listen to Chanukah stories, eat traditional Chanukah jelly doughnuts, play many games of dreidel, sing songs and delight in the miracle of this special holiday. Please join us!

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital. A 12-step program/support group for friends and families who have been affected by the addiction or drug problem of another. Meets in Sutter Room. 2900 Chanticleer Avenue. Newcomers, please come 15 minutes early to get acquainted. monday, december 3 Toddler Time 10am-11am. 1st and 3rd Mondays. Live Oak Library. Children ages 0-3 years old. Join us for early literacy practices involving music, movement, stories, rhymes and more for your child and you.

Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Mondays. Garfield Park Library.

We’ll read books, sing songs and make a simple craft! Ages 3-6.

Age Well, Drive Smart 10am-12pm.

Aptos Library. Designed to provide mature drivers with the keys to driving safer and driving longer.

Live Oak Knitters 11:15am-1pm. Live Oak Library. Ongoing Mondays. Get together with other knitters to knit, chat, and make new friends. No registration required.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. Explore the world of early motor skill development and support visual and auditory development through ramps, rocker balls, parachute play, music, and more. $12 drop in $10 with Inchworm punch card.

ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. Open to women with Advanced, Recurrent, or Metastatic cancer. Pre-registration (office intake and a conversation with the group facilitator) is required. Please call 831-457-2273 to provide us with necessary client information.

Knitting in the Library 3pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome. For more info call 831-4277712.

Tales to Tails 3:30pm-4:30pm. Aptos Library. See Dec 1.

Code Combat 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library. We use online, game-based coding to learn Python and JavaScript. CodeCombat is a real game that teaches learners of all ages to code by playing through levels and quickly mastering programming concepts.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 4pm6pm. Ongoing Mondays. Downtown Library. See Dec 2.

Word Church 4pm-8pm. Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz MAH. A community of local poets who recognize and value the power of spoken word as a means of healing, growing, and empowering ourselves and each other. We gather to write together in an open writing workshop from 4-5pm, then host an open mic followed by a featured poet starting at 5:30pm.

Cuéntame un Cuento 5:30pm6:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. Acompáñanos para una hora de cuentos, actividades y canciones en español. Este programa es para niños de 0-8 y sus familias.

ESL Conversation Group 5:30pm6:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. Any level of English welcome.

We’ll have discussion topics, games, and other activities to get the conversation rolling.

Adult Arts and Crafts 6pm-7pm.

Aptos Library. Build community through art and supporting each other in our creative activities. Attendants are encouraged to bring their own

20 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

portable projects to work on, though something will be provided if you don’t bring something. tuesday, december 4 December School Day Tours 9am11am. Gateway School. Visit our dynamic classrooms in action. We hope you will join us on December 4th as we open our campus for school day tours led by current Gateway parents.

Register at www.gatewaysc.org UCSC Arboretum: Community Day 9am-5pm. UCSC Arboretum. 1st Tuesday. The Arboretum is open without charge to visitors.

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Branciforte Library.

See Dec 3.

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. Classes are drop-in (no pre-reg required) donations accepted (no required fee). 4772229. 2900 Chanticleer Ave. Playbies Parenting Infant/Toddler Helpful Happy Hour 10am-1pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Coffee Lounge in Temple Beth El Aptos. Join us to play, socialize and talk babies. Have baby worries or parenting dilemmas? Wondering if you are doing this “right”?

Get the answers you need to be a confident, joyful parent. Share strategies and get help from early parenting educators. Bring vegetarian snacks to share and all your parenting struggles and triumphs. Contact Shira at info@playbies.com or facebook.com/Playbies for more information. $10/family.

Downtown Tuesdays 10am-10pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Santa Cruz. Featuring specials all day throughout Downtown – come relax and meet your friends in your Downtown.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. La Selva Beach Library. See Dec 3.

Preschool Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Scotts Valley Library.

See Dec 3.

Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Ages walking to 7 years. Parents may leave children over 3 yrs. Call 464BUGS (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola Dr. Ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure Point-Santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym

Cancer Support Group 12:30pm2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. Open to newly diagnosed women throughout the course of their treatment and up to 46 months post-treatment. Pre-registration (office intake and a conversation with the group facilitator) is required.

Please call 831-457-2273.

Healthy Holidays 1pm-2pm and 6pm-7pm. Westside New Leaf Market. Madia will give you ideas on how to navigate gluten-free, dairy-free and anti-inflammatory diets during the holidays. Sample some of the recipes provided at the end of class!

Ask Us: Downtown Outreach Worker Office Hours 1pm-3pm. Downtown Library. Jordan Boyer can help with; connecting you or someone in need to health, wellness, or housing resources, a fee-free California ID application, a homeward bound bus ticket, a mailing address via the Homeless Services Center (HSC), a SmartPATH assessment, housing search job application and more.

DIY Crafts 2:30pm-4pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Library. A DoIt-Yourself craft will be ready and waiting for families, independent-minded kids! Children 8 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Homework Help 3pm-5pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Live Oak Library, Branciforte Library and La Selva Beach Library. Supervised by a California-credentialed teacher. No appointment is necessary. Open to students grade 12 and under. Bilingual assistance available.

Lego Club 3:15pm-4:45pm (Scotts Valley Library). 3:30pm-5pm (Boulder Creek). Ongoing Tuesdays. Directed LEGO construction for kids 6 and older. Each week we will construct models based on a common theme.

Youth Chess Club 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos Library.

Learn from a master and practice with your peers! Ages 6-18 yrs.

Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for Non-Violence. Ages 13-21.

Get involved, get educated & become a community youth leader. Youth-designed & led group. Call first. 515 Broadway, SC. 427-5066 Chanukah Story Hour with Billie Harris 5:30pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Beloved storyteller, Billie Harris will delight young and old with her Chanukah tales! Please join Temple Beth El’s Young Families Project for this wonderful free yearly tradition.

DECEMBEr 2018 Family and Friends Cancer Support Group 5:30pm-7pm. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. Open to friends and loved ones of people with cancer. Preregistration (office intake and a conversation with the group facilitator) is required. 831-457-2273 Grupo de apoyo femenino del superviviente 6pm-7:30pm. Martes en curso. En Espanol. Monarch Services ~ Servicios Monarca ofrece un espacio seguro y de apoyo. Gratis. Actividades de cuidado de niños proporcionadas.

1685 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz.

425-4030. 24hr: 888 900-4232.

Wcs-ddm.org Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Call to register. Dominican Hospital, 1555 Soquel Dr, SC. 462-7709 Christmas with Dickens 7pm-8pm.

Aptos Library. An original piece presented by Willing Suspension Armchair Theater & The Dickens Project Charles Dickens just wants to talk about his book, A Christmas Carol, but what happens when Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Mrs. Catherine Dickens, and the Ghost of Christmas Present show up?

Chaos, confusion, conflict, and complaints, just like a normal holiday gathering.

Divorced Fathers Network 7:308:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept. DFN provides nonadversarial techniques to achieve healthy co-parenting through a support group network. 6934 Soquel Dr. 234-5578 wednesday, december 5 All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. Share the joys and challenges of parenting as we grow and learn together. Drop-in classes in English for kids 0-5 years old. Recommended fee of $3-$7 for those able to pay. 1740 17th Ave. 476-7284.

Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. Receive personalized, one-on-one breastfeeding support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

A Baby Weigh® scale is also available.

Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Bookshop invites any toddler or pre-school age children to listen to stories read by Mamoura Slike. 460-3251 Capitola Book Discussion Club 10am-11am. 1st Wednesday. Aptos Library. We will be reading Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler in September.

Ribbon Arts Guild 10am-1pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Scotts Valley Library. Join Roxanne Langan for ribbon work and hand sewing.

Triple P @ Together in the Park (dropin playgroup) 10:30am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Felton Covered Bridge Park, corner of Graham Hill Rd and Mt. Hermon Rd (across from Safeway). Parent education is offered as part of the Together in the Park drop-in playgroup led by Mountain Community Resources every Wednesday, April through October. Triple P Positive Parenting tip sheets are covered with all participants or in brief, one-on-one consultations. Offered in English or Spanish by Rosa Reyes, Community Bridges – Mountain Community Resources. All children and parents/caregivers are welcome.

Light snacks will be provided.

Preschool Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Library.

See Dec 3.

Family Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Boulder Creek Library. Stories and songs, art activities, games and play for families with children of all ages.

New Moms Support Group 11:30am1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Free for babies 0-6 months old and their moms to discuss common concerns with other new moms. Dominican Rehab Yoga/Pilates Room. 610 Frederick St. One-On-One Tech Tutoring 12pm1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. Trying to play with technology and getting frustrated? A tech savvy librarian will provide instruction in the use of a wide range of technology services El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. Inspiring playgroups for moms, dads, caregivers and children 0-5 years old. Instructor: Yolanda Provoste-Fuentes. Recommended fee of $3-$7 for those able to pay. Drop-in. Classes facilitated in Spanish. 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz.

476-7284 Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Oct 1.

Genealogical Society Lecture Series 1pm-3pm. 1st Wednesday. Downtown Library. Learn about a variety of resources, strategies, and tools in the field of family research.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market with Holiday Fair 1pm-6pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. For this unique event we host a select group of local artists and their work. In addition to the usual variety of gifts one can find at the market, more than a dozen artisans, highly skilled in their trade, will offer a fine selection of handmade goods. If you are looking to support local businesses, find a distinct, rare gift and enjoy the experience of shopping, the Downtown Market is a great place to lean into.

Keep your eye out for the unpredictable gift, the sentimental token, or the present that always hits the spot.

Code Combat 1:30pm-3pm (Live Oak Library) 2pm-4pm (Downtown Library). Ongoing Wednesdays. See Dec 3.

Family Fun Night 3pm-5pm. 1st Wednesday. Capitola Mall.

R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail 3pm-5pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

La Selva Beach Library and Downtown Library. Individualized reading comprehension instruction with a California credentialed teacher. Open to students grades 2nd to 12th. Appointment required. For more information or to schedule a 25 minute session, contact Programs 831.427.7717 or email pro@santacruzpl.org Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm4:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Orchard School. Includes juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, and more with Rock Lerum. Drop-in basis.

Please contact the school at 688-1074, or www.orchardschoolaptos.org for more info.

Digital Skills Workshop 4:30pm5:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

Downtown Library. YouTube: Discover how to find, save, and share YouTube videos.

Adult Arts and Crafts 6pm-7pm. 1st Wednesday. Aptos Library. Attendants are encouraged to bring their own portable projects to work on, though something will be provided if you don’t bring something. Let’s have some fun while also helping each other learn and grow as artists and crafters!

Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

Monarch Services. Safe, supportive space for survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence. Childcare provided.1685 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. 425-4030. 24hr: 888 900-4232.

Wcs-ddm.org

Indie/Documentary Movie 6pm7:30pm. 1st Wednesday. La Selva Beach Library. Join us at the La Selva Beach Library for an evening of documentaries, independent and foreign movies.

Foster Parent Orientation Meeting 6pm-8pm. Live Oak Family Resource Center. There is a need for loving, stable families to care for children of all age groups all over Santa Cruz County.

Be an adoptive or foster parent to a child, adolescent or teen. 1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. For information or to sign up for an orientation, please go to www.fostercare4kids.com or call 345-2700.

Reading in the Redwoods 6:15pm7:30pm. Felton Library. Book is Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann.

Board in the Library 6:30pm-8:30pm.

1st and 3rd Wednesday. Scotts Valley Library. Adults need playtime too! Join this program for hours of tabletop gaming fun.

Jewish Heritage Night at the Santa Cruz Warriors Game 7pm. 140 Front St. The Santa Cruz Warriors will be celebrating a Jewish Heritage Night at the game vs. the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

There will be free Jewish heritage tshirts and other fun stuff planned. thursday, december 6 Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am. Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. A 12-step group that helps people not eat addictively one day at a time. There are no fees. www.foodaddicts.com. 420 Melrose.

Entrance is through the yellow gate to the library.

Coffee Talk Social Hour 9am-10am.

Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. FREE coffee, FREE talk; social support and information services for all. This program is designed to serve people experiencing homelessness, however it is an open space for all.

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Thursdays. Scotts Valley Library and Aptos Library. 0-3 years and their parents or caregivers. Join us for music, stories & play!

Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library.

Join us at the Downtown Library for our weekly Preschool Story Time.

We’ll read books, sing songs and make a simple craft! Suggested ages 3-6.

December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 21

DECEMBEr 2018 New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. Classes are drop-in (no pre-reg required). 4772229.

Thursday. Downtown Library. SCPL is partnering with the Children’s Museum of Discovery (MOD), UCSC and The Natural History Museum to present a science series for adults and teens.

Working Together: Information Navigation 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. Work with an information advocate on any information problem, application, resume or access issue of your choice.

friday, december 7

Armchair Travel Adventures 10:30am12pm. 1st Thursday. La Selva Beach Library. Local residents sharing their travel adventures. Program includes photos and personal travel logs.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

Code Combat 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 3.

Tales to Tails 3:30pm-4:30pm. Live Oak Library. See Dec 1.

LEGO 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Garfield Park Library. Directed LEGO construction for kids 7 and older. Each week we will construct models based on a common theme.

Spanish Conversation Group 4pm5pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Aptos Library. Trying to work on your Spanish? Facilitator-led discussion and activities. All levels are welcome, including beginners. For more information contact Ivan Llamas at llamasi@santacruzpl.org or 831-427-7702 Art Walk 5:30pm-8pm. 1st Thursday.

Capitola Mall (Macy’s Wing). Local artists, a featured charity every month and live entertainment. Support your local artists!

Entre Nosotras 6pm-8pm. 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. WomenCARE’s Watsonville Office. Open to Spanish-speaking women with all kinds of cancer. Groups are led in Spanish and meet at our Watsonville office. Please call 831-761-3973 for details.

Trivia on Tap 6pm-7:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Steel Bonnet Brewing Company. Join Santa Cruz Public Libraries for trivia night. Form a team (or take it on solo), and compete against other groups to win the grand prize.

Citizen Science 6:30pm-8pm. 1st

22 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Library. Program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. It includes music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, songs and fun for your child and you as well as social time with other children and their caregivers.

Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays. Aptos Library. We’ll read books, sing songs and make a simple craft! Suggested ages 3-6.

Ask Us: Downtown Outreach Worker Office Hours 10am-12pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 4 The MAKE Lab 10am-5pm. 1st and 3rd Fridays. Downtown Library. Offering a variety of tools for STEAMbased projects including: 3D printers, vinyl cutter, woodburning tool, soldering tool, pinback button machine, book binding machine, and a virtual reality-based sculpting and painting program.

Free First Friday 10am-10pm. Santa Cruz MAH. Explore three floors of exhibitions for free and dig into a handson activity that’s great for all ages Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

Canta y Baila Conmigo 11am11:45am. MOD in Capitola Mall.

Join this Music Together demo class for kids ages 0-6 that creates a playful, interactive atmosphere where language-learning is natural and organically integrated into the musical experience.

Free First Friday 11am-4pm. 1st Friday. Natural History Museum. Enjoy the Museum for FREE with your family on the first Friday of every month.

Enjoy our intertidal touch pool and large-screen microscope. PLUS get a sneak-peek at our annual Art of Nature exhibit.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm3pm. Ongoing Fridays. JuneBugs Gym. Ages: walking to 7 years. Parents may leave children over 3 yrs. Parents can drop off their children for 1, 2 or all 3 hours for tumbling fun! Call 464BUGS (2847) to sign up or drop by at

3910 Portola Dr. Ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure Point-Santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym National “I Am Jazz” Community Reading 3:30-4:30 pm, Santa Cruz Public Libraries Downtown Branch, second floor meeting room. A discussion of an all-ages book by a 14-yearold transgender activist.

Make and Explore at the Capitola Mall 2pm-4pm. Ongoing Fridays.

Children’s MOD. We will be in their Tinkerlab room. The program is free, and most suitable for 6-12 year olds.

Parents will need to remain available throughout the program, and will be helping children under 8. We provide materials to explore their creativity, build things, make art and make discoveries.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza. This market is in the heart of the famously bountiful Pajaro Valley. Peaceful and family-oriented, the Hispanic heritage of this community gives this market a “mercado” feel. You’ll find a large variety of Latin American treats, including some lesser known dishes such as pambasos, huarache and chicharrones.

Tales to Tails 3pm-4pm. Live Oak Library. See Dec 1.

Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program 4:15pm-5:30pm. Ongoing Fridays. Cabrillo VAPA5137 and VAPA5141. Classes are offered in violin, viola, and cello for ages 7 to 18.

Students must provide their own instruments. (831) 479-6101.

Be Natural Music Youth Rock Concerts and Fundraisers 5pm. 740 Water St., Santa Cruz. Bands Performing: Full Disclosure, Faceplant, Toast, Fuzz, MEH., Common Cents, Afternight, & Space Monkeys. Proceeds and donations from these family-friendly events will go to the Be Natural Music Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to kids in the music program.

Frosty Fun Fest 5pm-7pm. Louden Nelson Community Center. Enjoy a night of creative crafting of First Friday! Transform the Art Gallery into a winter wonderland at our Snowflake Create Station. Candy coat your dream home in the Team Gingerbread House contest. Wear your favorite holiday sweater while sipping on hot chocolate. Let the Fun Fest begin!

FREE! Call to sign up in advance for the Team Gingerbread House Contest at 831-420-6177 Sesquicentennial Celebration 5:30pm8pm. Downtown Library. Save the

date for the biggest bash of the year!

SCPL is celebrating 150 years as a library system! Live music with Joshua Lowe & the Juncos, a very special cake from Edith Meyer, mulled cider, memorabilia, and the work of local artists. celebrating the written word.

DTA’s Holiday Movies 5:30pm-10pm.

Library Parking Lot (behind Birichino Tasting Room) 200 Block of Church Street, Santa Cruz. What brings out the holiday spirit more than a holiday movie night?

Nightmare Before Christmas 6pm and 8pm. Every Friday and Saturday in December. Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. Kianti’s brings “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to life. We assure you our show will be full of Halloween frights and Christmas delights. For more information call 831-469-4400.

Rock of Ages Rock Shabbat Chanukah Service 7pm. Temple Beth El. Bring your menorahs and candles for a community-wide candle lighting followed by inspirational music and prayers, dancing and celebration of religious freedom! Oneg following with lots and lots of goodies to eat. saturday, december 8 Aptos Farmers Market 8am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College.

See Dec 1.

Open Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. JuneBug’s Gym. See Dec 1.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See Dec 1.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr. River Health Day 9:30am-12pm. San Lorenzo River. We recommend that all volunteers dress in comfortable gardening clothes, include long pants, socks and sturdy shoes. Bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (831) 464 9200 with any questions before the event.

Weekend Wellness 10am-11am. 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Scotts Valley Library. Join us the 2nd and 4th Saturday morning of each month for some gentle yin yoga and stretches. BYO yoga mat or towel. Good for all ages and abilities.

Tales to Tails 10am-11am. Downtown Library. See Dec 1.

DECEMBEr 2018 Family Lagoon Watch 10am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Live Oak Library. See Dec 1.

DIY Family Crafts 11am-1pm (Garfield Park Library) 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library). Ongoing Saturdays. See Dec 1.

Monarch Butterfly Tours 11am and 2pm. Natural Bridges. See Dec 1.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Dec 1.

Old Growth Redwood Tours 11am.

Ongoing Saturdays. Henry Cowell State Park. See Dec 1.

The Little Craft Pop-Up 11am-3pm.

Mini Mint, 3912 Portola Drive, Suite 1, Santa Cruz. Showcases the best in locally made gifts for babies and children this Holiday season. Featuring mini portrait photography by Alicia Telfer, face painting by Brenda Leach and a craft table hosted by Kaiwa Art & Play. There will be swag bags for the first 25 attendees! https://www.littlecraftpopup.com/events Holidays on the Ranch 11am-3pm.

Wilder Ranch. We’ll busy your hands with holiday wreath-making, invite you to join in an old-fashioned singalong around the player piano, and provide you with materials to make Victorian and Mexican holiday crafts.

Board in the Library 12pm-5pm.

Scotts Valley Library. See Dec 5th, Community Poetry Circle 1pm-3pm.

2nd Saturday. Aptos Library. Create your poems in a friendly supportive atmosphere.

Tales to Tails 2pm-3pm. Felton Library. See Dec 1.

Spanish Speaking Cancer Support Group 3pm-4:30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. Open to Spanishspeaking women with all kinds of cancer. Provides emotional support, education, and referrals to other social services. Group is led in Spanish.

Please call 831-336-8662 to register.

Nightmare Before Christmas 6pm and 8pm. Every Friday and Saturday in December. Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. See Dec 7.

Live Music by Pan Dulce 7:30pm9pm. Santa Cruz MAH. “Five people who love making music and putting on a great show! We are all bakers in this band, giving us a blend of diverse sounds and styles. Our music is rock with reggae, funk, punk, metal, ska, and latin influences - a sweet variety!” sunday, december 9 The Cost of Freedom 9am-11:30am.

Mount Madonna School. A panel discussion with United States service veterans. The discussion will focus on war and service through the lens of WWII to present day.The public is welcome with free admission.

Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center.

See Dec 2.

Mazel Tots Celebrates Chanukah 9:45am-11:15am. Temple Beth El. Mazel Tots is a wonderful free program for children 5 years and younger and their families. We have crafts, stories, music, fun activities and a lot of fun together! Please bring a healthy snack to share. Open to all!

Honk! Jr 2pm. Mount Madonna School. When the sadly-named swan cygnet “Ugly,” is mistaken for a homely duckling, he is rejected by most of the barnyard characters, except his mother, Ida, and a sly, hungry cat, and flees the farm and to discover his true beauty and place in the world.

Get tickets at http://mmshonk.brownpapertickets.com

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Dec 1.

Chess Instruction 2pm-3pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the first. Downtown Library. Children’s chess instruction with full time teacher and master, Gjon Feinstein, for students up to 18 years old. Parents and/or other relatives are welcome to participate.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm-4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing).

Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See Dec 2.

Smart Path Assessments 2pm-4pm.

Downtown Library. See Dec 1.

Monarch Butterfly Tours 11am and 2pm. Natural Bridges. See Dec 1.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 1pm3pm. Ongoing Sundays. Downtown Library. See Dec 2.

DIY Crafts 1pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Live Oak Library.

Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm.

Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See Dec 2.

Honk! Jr 2pm. Mount Madonna School. See Dec 8.

Community Read of the Book of Joy by his Holiness The Dalai Lama 2pm4pm. Temple Beth El. Join Book of Joy author Doug Abrams, in partnership with Bookshop Santa Cruz, The Humanities Institute at UCSC, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, and Temple Beth El, for a community-wide discussion and celebration around the themes of kindness and joy.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital. See Dec 2.

Cuéntame un Cuento 5:30pm6:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Dec 3.

ESL Conversation Group 5:30pm6:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Dec 3. tuesday, december 11 Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Branciforte Library. See Dec 3.

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Dec 4.

Playbies Parenting Infant/Toddler Helpful Happy Hour 10am-1pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Coffee Lounge in Temple Beth El Aptos. See Dec 4.

monday, december 10

Downtown Tuesdays 10am-10pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Santa Cruz. See Dec 4.

Preschool Storytime 10:00am11:00am. Ongoing Mondays. Garfield Park Library. See Dec 3.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. La Selva Beach Library. See Dec 3.

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Dec 3.

Preschool Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Scotts Valley Library.

See Dec 3.

Live Oak Knitters 11:15am-1pm. Live Oak Library. Ongoing Mondays.

See Dec 3.

Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

See Dec 4.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

Cancer Support Group 12:30pm2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. See Dec 4.

ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office.

See Dec 3.

New Mommy Musical MeetUp 12:30pm-2pm. Every 2nd Monday.

Native Sons’ Hall. Bring your baby (birth to 1 year) to meet & build community with other new mommies, sing & dance with your baby, and to learn some fun ways to integrate enriching musical activities in your baby’s life from a certified Music Together® teacher. www.musicalme.com Knitting in the Library 3pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library. See Dec 3.

Code Combat 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library.

See Dec 3.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 4pm6pm. Ongoing Mondays. Downtown Library. See Dec 2.

Optimizing Digestion 1pm-2pm.

Westside New Leaf Market. Learn about what foods and supplements help support digestion, (and which habits impair it). Madia will start the class with a quick overview of the digestive system, and will end with a tasting of some of the recommended foods.

Ask Us: Downtown Outreach Worker Office Hours 1pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 4.

Lego and Duplo Fun 1:30pm3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Branciforte Library. See Dec 4.

DIY Crafts 2:30pm-4pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 4.

Homework Help 3pm-5pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Live Oak Library, Branciforte Library and La Selva Beach Library. See Dec 4.

December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 23

DECEMBEr 2018 Lego Club 3:15pm-4:45pm (Scotts Valley Library). 3:30pm-5pm (Boulder Creek). Ongoing Tuesdays.

See Dec 4.

Youth Chess Club 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos Library.

See Dec 4.

Word Church 4pm-8pm. Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz MAH. See Dec 3.

Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for Non-Violence. See Dec 4.

Stress and Your Hormones 6pm-7pm.

Westside New Leaf Market. Come learn how stress , of all kinds, can literally leave your hormones - period, mood, sleep, libido etc- not functioning properly! Walk away with a better understanding of how managing your stress can help you achieve happy hormones!

Grupo de apoyo femenino del superviviente 6pm-7:30pm. Martes en curso. En Espanol. Monarch Services.

Ver Dec 4.

Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Dominican Hospital.

See Dec 4.

Aptos Library Renovation 7pm-8pm.

Aptos Library. You’re invited to a series of community meetings to kick off the process for renovation and expansion of the Aptos Branch Library. Learn about the process and become part of a new change at your library!

Divorced Fathers Network 7:308:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept. See Dec 4. wednesday, december 12 All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Dec 5 Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See Dec 5.

Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am. Ongoing Wednesdays.

See Dec 5.

Triple P @ Together in the Park (dropin playgroup) 10:30am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Felton Covered Bridge Park, corner of Graham Hill Rd and Mt. Hermon Rd (across from Safeway). See Dec 5.

Preschool Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Library.

See Dec 3.

24 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

Family Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Boulder Creek Library.See Dec 5.

New Moms Support Group 11:30am1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. See Dec 5.

One-On-One Tech Tutoring 12pm1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 5.

El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Dec 5.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays.

See Dec 3.

Dance for Parkinson’s 1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays except the first Wednesday of the month. Motion Pacific Dance. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s no matter how advanced. No Dance Experience is Required. Free.

thursday, december 13 Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am. Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See Dec 6.

Coffee Talk Social Hour 9am-10am.

Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library.

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Thursdays. Scotts Valley Library and Aptos Library. See Dec 3.

Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 3.

New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Dec 6.

Working Together: Information Navigation 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 6.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market with Holiday Fair 1pm-6pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. See Dec 5.

Adult Book Discussion Group 10:30am-11:30am. 2nd Thursday. La Selva Beach Library. For information on upcoming books to discuss call 831-427-7710

Code Combat 1:30pm-3pm (Live Oak Library) 2pm-4pm (Downtown Library). Ongoing Wednesdays. See Dec 3.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

CASE Art Club 2pm-4pm. Scotts Valley Library. For kids ages 6-10. Come craft with Anna and learn about the relationship between art and science.

The goal is to involve kids in art using their own creativity.

Aptos Library Book Discussion Group 1pm-2:30pm. 2nd Thursday. Aptos Library. We will be reading The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery

R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail 3pm-5pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

La Selva Beach Library and Downtown Library. See Dec 5.

Code Combat 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 3.

Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm4:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Orchard School. See Dec 5.

Digital Skills Workshop 4:30pm5:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

Downtown Library. Google Sheets: Learn spreadsheet basics by creating an example monthly budget.

Take a Selfie with Santa 5pm-8pm.

Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. Plus kids eat free with the purchase of an individual entree. For more information call 831-469-4400 Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

Monarch Services. See Dec 5.

LEGO 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Garfield Park Library. See Dec 6. friday, december 14 Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 3.

Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays. Aptos Library.

See Dec 3.

Ask Us: Downtown Outreach Worker Office Hours 10am-12pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 4 Financial Fridays with Aaron Brandt 10:30am-11:30am. Boulder Creek Library. Topic: Estate Planning.

Canta y Baila Conmigo 11am11:45am. MOD in Capitola Mall.

See Dec 7.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm3pm. Ongoing Fridays. JuneBugs Gym. See Dec 7.

Live Oak Library Book Group 2pm3pm. 2nd Friday. Live Oak Library.

Check with the front desk staff for the current month’s book selection.

Make and Explore at the Capitola Mall 2pm-4pm. Ongoing Fridays.

Children’s MOD. See Dec 7.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza. See Dec 7.

Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program 4:15pm-5:30pm. Ongoing Fridays. Cabrillo VAPA5137 and VAPA5141. See Dec 7.

Night Market at Food Lounge 4pm9pm. 2nd Friday. 1001 Center St., Ste. 1, Santa Cruz. Come out for this deliciously exciting evening of LOCAL food, craft cocktails and live music.

Confirmed Vendors: Moles & Oaxacan Cuisine, Areperia 831, Akebulan African Cuisine, Moles & Oaxacan Tamales, The Open Hearth, Wildstone Bakery Bagels and Baked Goods, Il Biscotto Italian Sweets, and more.

And local musician Patrick Maguire playing live music!

DTA’s Holiday Movies 5:30pm-10pm.

Library Parking Lot (behind Birichino Tasting Room) 200 Block of Church Street, Santa Cruz.

Nightmare Before Christmas 6pm and 8pm. Every Friday and Saturday in December. Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. See Dec 7. saturday, december 15 Aptos Farmers Market 8am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College.

See Dec 1.

Open Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. JuneBug’s Gym. See Dec 1.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See Dec 1.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr.

DECEMBEr 2018 Money Matters Financial Literacy Series 10am-11am. Scotts Valley Library.

The ABC’s of Annuities.

Winter Magic Show 10am-11am (Downtown Library), 12:30pm1:30pm (Scotts Valley Library), 3pm4pm (Aptos Library). Inspired by the most magical season of the year, a time of shorter days, colder nights, and annual celebrations of light. Magician Mike Della Penna will warm the season with a little fun and a whole lot of wonder!

Tales to Tails 10am-11:30am. Downtown Library. See Dec 1.

Saturdays in the Soil 10am-12pm.

Natural History Museum. See Dec 1.

Family Lagoon Watch 10am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Live Oak Library.

See Dec 1.

Monarch Butterfly Tours 11am and 2pm. Natural Bridges. See Dec 1.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

DIY Family Crafts 11am-1pm (Garfield Park Library) 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library). Ongoing Saturdays. See Dec 1.

Old Growth Redwood Tours 11am.

Ongoing Saturdays. Henry Cowell State Park.

Chess Instruction 2pm-3pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the first. Downtown Library. See Dec 8.

Community Poetry Circle 2pm-4pm.

Scotts Valley Library. All levels welcome. No preregistration required.

Smart Path Assessments 2pm-4pm.

Downtown Library. See Dec 1.

Nightmare Before Christmas 6pm and 8pm. Every Friday and Saturday in December. Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. See Dec 7.

Live Music by Judo No 7:30pm9:30pm. Santa Cruz MAH. A high energy crew of multi-disciplinary multi-instrumentalists, sunday, december 16 Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center.

See Dec 2.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 1pm3pm. Ongoing Sundays. Downtown Library. See Dec 2.

DIY Crafts 1pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Live Oak Library.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm-4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing).

Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See Dec 2.

Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm.

Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See Dec 2.

Science Sunday 1:30pm-2:30pm.

Every 3rd Sunday. Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Lectures are designed to make science interesting and “user-friendly” for everyone. Free with membership, admission, or valid UCSC student ID.

Live Oak Knitters 11:15am-1pm. Live Oak Library. Ongoing Mondays. See Dec 3.

Cancer Support Group 12:30pm2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. See Dec 4.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

Movie Discussion Club 1pm-2pm. La Selva Beach Library. Are you a movie lover? Join our group to discuss films currently in the theaters.

ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. See Dec 3.

Ask Us: Downtown Outreach Worker Office Hours 1pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Library. See Dec 4.

Knitting in the Library 3pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library. See Dec 3.

Youth Chess Club 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 4.

Seasonal Craft Days 3pm-4:30pm.

Downtown Library. We will get messy so dress accordingly. Ages 3 and older.

We will be using permanent paints and markers as well as small objects like beads and pins. Always fun and always free!

Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for Non-Violence. See Dec 4.

Tales to Tails 3:30pm-4:30pm. Aptos Library. See Dec 1.

Code Combat 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library. See Dec 3.

Family and Friends Cancer Support Group 5:30pm-7pm. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. See Dec 4.

Grupo de apoyo femenino del superviviente 6pm-7:30pm. Martes en curso. En Espanol. Monarch Services.

Ver Dec 4.

Womb Song 2pm-3:30pm. Every 3rd Sunday. The Pacific Cultural Center.

Prepare for labor and life through vocal toning and breathing exercises.

Circles are open to all mothers, mothers-to-be, those trying to conceive, birth workers and women who love to sing. No musical experience necessary, drop-ins welcome. More info and details at: www.wombsong.com

Word Church 4pm-8pm. Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz MAH. See Dec 3.

Origami for Peace with Nate and Drew 3pm-5pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday.

Downtown Library. See Dec 2.

Cuéntame un Cuento 5:30pm6:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Dec 3.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital. See Dec 2.

ESL Conversation Group 6:30pm7:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Dec 3.

wednesday, december 19

monday, december 17

tuesday, december 18

All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Dec 5.

Music Together—Mixed Age Demo Class 9:30am-10:15am and 10:30am11:15am. MOD in Capitola Mall.

Demo the essential Music Together class that a child can attend from birth through age six - and through all nine song collections. Register at https://musicalme.com

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Dec 4.

Toddler Time 10am-11am. 1st and 3rd Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Dec 3.

Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Mondays. Garfield Park Library.

See Dec 1.

Medicare Explained Series 11am12pm. Scotts Valley Library. Topic: Medicare and Outpatient Services

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 4pm6pm. Ongoing Mondays. Downtown Library. See Dec 3.

Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Dominican Hospital. See Dec 4.

Reach for the Stars 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Scotts Valley Library. Calling all stargazers! This program will explore the ins and outs of all facets of astronomy for adults and families.

Divorced Fathers Network 7:308:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept. See Dec 4.

Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See Dec 5.

Playbies Parenting Infant/Toddler Helpful Happy Hour 10am-1pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Coffee Lounge in Temple Beth El Aptos. See Dec 4.

Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am. Ongoing Wednesdays.

See Dec 5.

Downtown Tuesdays 10am-10pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Santa Cruz. See Dec 4.

Ribbon Arts Guild 10am-1pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Scotts Valley Library. See Dec 5.

Preschool Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Scotts Valley Library.

See Dec 3.

Triple P @ Together in the Park (dropin playgroup) 10:30am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Felton Covered Bridge Park, corner of Graham Hill Rd and Mt. Hermon Rd (across from Safeway). See Dec 5.

Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

See Dec 4.

December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 25

DECEMBEr 2018 friday, december 21

Genealogical Research Group 10:30am-12pm. 3rd Wednesday. La Selva Library. Hands-on research using the library’s databases and internet resources.

Board in the Library 6:30pm-8:30pm.

1st and 3rd Wednesday. Scotts Valley Library. See Dec 5. thursday, december 20

Canta y Baila Conmigo 9:30am10:15am and 10:30am-11:15am.

MOD in Capitola Mall. See Dec 7.

New Moms Support Group 11:30am1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

See Dec 5.

Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am. Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See Dec 6.

Ask Us: Downtown Outreach Worker Office Hours 10am-12pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Library. See Dec 4

One-On-One Tech Tutoring 12pm1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 5.

Coffee Talk Social Hour 9am-10am.

Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library.

The MAKE Lab 10am-5pm. 1st and 3rd Fridays. Downtown Library. See Dec 7.

El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Dec 5.

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Thursdays. Scotts Valley Library and Aptos Library. See Dec 3.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays.

See Dec 3.

New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Dec 6.

Dance for Parkinson’s 1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays except the first Wednesday of the month. Motion Pacific Dance. See Dec 12.

Working Together: Information Navigation 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Dec 6.

Aptos Writing Group 1pm-3pm.

Aptos Library. Peer-led, communitybased, on-going writing group. Those interested in: sharing their writing; improving and developing their writing; or trying their hand at writing for the first time, are welcome. No experience is necessary and all writing formats are considered.

Passionate Readers Book Discussion Group 10:30am-11:30am. La Selva Beach Library. Join us by dropping by, or call (831) 427-7710 for more information.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market with Holiday Fair 1pm-6pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. See Dec 5.

Boulder Creek Library Book Club 11am-12pm. 3rd Thursday. Boulder Creek Library. We discuss the book of the month, watch short videos highlighting authors and interesting side notes about the current book, and share personal insights.

Book Discussion Group 1:30pm2:30pm. Branciforte Library. We are reading Motherless Brooklyn.

Munching with Mozart 12pm-1pm.

3rd Thursday. Downtown Library.

Hear local musicians play your favorite classical pieces.

Code Combat 1:30pm-3pm (Live Oak Library) 2pm-4pm (Downtown Library). Ongoing Wednesdays. See Dec 3.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail 3pm-5pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

La Selva Beach Library and Downtown Library. See Dec 5.

Code Combat 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 3.

Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm4:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Orchard School. See Dec 5.

Digital Skills Workshop 4:30pm5:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

Downtown Library. Online Research: Explore library databases and access academic journals, reference materials and newspapers online.

Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

Monarch Services. See Dec 5.

26 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018

LEGO 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Garfield Park Library. See Dec 6.

Spanish Conversation Group 4pm5pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 6.

Entre Nosotras 6pm-8pm. 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. WomenCARE’s Watsonville Office. See Dec 6.

Trivia on Tap 6pm-7:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Steel Bonnet Brewing Company. See Dec 6.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm3pm. Ongoing Fridays. JuneBugs Gym. See Dec 7.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza. See Dec 7.

Tales to Tails 3pm-3:30pm. La Selva Beach Library. See Dec 1.

Tales to Tails 3pm-4pm. Felton Library. See Dec 1.

DIY Family Crafts 11am-1pm (Garfield Park Library) 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library). Ongoing Saturdays. See Dec 1.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

Board in the Library 12pm-5pm.

Scotts Valley Library, See Dec 5.

Agape Dance Nutcracker 2pm and 7pm. Cabrillo Crocker Theater. Audiences will be amazed by both the superb quality of The Agape Dance Academy 2018 Nutcracker and the spirit of the dancers and the surrounding community. They will be touched not only with the beauty of snow scenes, Tchaikovsky’s timeless musical score, costumes and choreography, but also the special touch of ballerinas that dance for great purposes and in doing so lift the human hearts of many! Get tickets at https://agapedance.com/ Chess Instruction 2pm-3pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the first. Downtown Library. See Dec 8.

Tales to Tails 2pm-3pm. Felton Library. See Dec 1.

Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program 4:15pm-5:30pm. Ongoing Fridays. Cabrillo VAPA5137 and VAPA5141. See Dec 7.

Smart Path Assessments 2pm-4pm.

Downtown Library. See Dec 1.

DTA’s Holiday Movies 5:30pm-10pm.

Library Parking Lot (behind Birichino Tasting Room) 200 Block of Church Street, Santa Cruz.

Spanish Speaking Cancer Support Group 3pm-4:30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. See Dec 8.

Nightmare Before Christmas 6pm and 8pm. Every Friday and Saturday in December. Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. See Dec 7.

Nightmare Before Christmas 6pm and 8pm. Every Friday and Saturday in December. Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. See Dec 7.

saturday, december 22

sunday, december 23

Aptos Farmers Market 8am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College.

See Dec 1.

Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr.

Open Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. JuneBug’s Gym. See Dec 1.

Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center.

See Dec 2.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See Dec 1.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr. Weekend Wellness 10am-11am. 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Scotts Valley Library. See Dec 8.

Family Lagoon Watch 10am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Live Oak Library. See Dec 1.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 1pm3pm. Ongoing Sundays. Downtown Library. See Dec 2.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm-4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing).

Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See Dec 2.

DECEMBEr 2018 Agape Dance Nutcracker 1:30pm and 4:30pm. Cabrillo Crocker Theater.

See Dec 22.

Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road).

See Dec 2.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital. See Dec 2.

Contra Dance 7pm-10pm. Live Oak Grange. Claire Takemori calls to tunes played by Battle Mountain String Band (Mike Lewenski, Chris Jong, Mathew Harmon). No previous experience or partner needed. New dancers are encouraged to attend a free lesson at 6:40 p.m. Suggested admission donation is $12 regular, $20 supporters, $8 for fulltime students with ID card. monday, december 24 Live Oak Knitters 11:15am-1pm. Live Oak Library. Ongoing Mondays. See Dec 3.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays.

WomenCARE Office. See Dec 3.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 4pm-6pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 3.

Word Church 4pm-8pm. Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz MAH. See Dec 3. tuesday, december 25

New Moms Support Group 11:30am1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

One-On-One Tech Tutoring 12pm1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 5.

El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Dec 5.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

friday, december 28

4th Friday Movie 10am-12pm. 4th Friday. La Selva Beach Library. Wake up to a great movie.

Code Combat 1:30pm-3pm (Live Oak Library) 2pm-4pm (Downtown Library). Ongoing Wednesdays.

See Dec 3.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays.

Monarch Services. See Dec 5.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm.

Ongoing Fridays. JuneBugs Gym. See Dec 7.

Adults with ADHD Meeting 6:30-8pm.

4th Wednesdays. Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos. The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts monthly support group meetings. Contact Judy Brenis at jbbrenis@comcast.net or call 818-9619.

Make and Explore at the Capitola Mall 2pm-4pm. Ongoing Fridays. Children’s MOD. See Dec 7.

thursday, december 27

Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program 4:15pm-5:30pm. Ongoing Fridays. Cabrillo VAPA5137 and VAPA5141. See Dec 7.

Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am. Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See Dec 6.

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Thursdays. Scotts Valley Library and Aptos Library. See Dec 3.

Triple P @ Together in the Park (drop-in playgroup) 10:30am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Felton Covered Bridge Park, corner of Graham Hill Rd and Mt. Hermon Rd (across from Safeway). See Dec 5.

Scotts Valley Genre Book Discussion Group 7pm-8:30pm. Last Thursday.

Scotts Valley Library.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-6pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St.

wednesday, december 26

Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am.

Ongoing Wednesdays.

See Dec 5.

LEGO 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Garfield Park Library. See Dec 3.

Ask Us: Downtown Outreach Worker Office Hours 10am-12pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Library. See Dec 4

Happy Holidays!

Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See Dec 5.

Code Combat 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Aptos Library. See Dec 3.

Dance for Parkinson’s 1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays except the first Wednesday of the month. Motion Pacific Dance.

See Dec 12.

Coffee Talk Social Hour 9am-10am.

Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Dec 6.

All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Dec 5.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 3.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza. See Dec 7.

Nightmare Before Christmas 6pm and 8pm. Every Friday and Saturday in December. Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. See Dec 7. saturday, december 29 Aptos Farmers Market 8am-12pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College.

See Dec 1.

Open Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. JuneBug’s Gym. See Dec 1.

New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Dec 6.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See Dec 1.

Working Together: Information Navigation 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Dec 6.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr.

Passionate Readers Book Discussion Group 10:30am-11:30am. La Selva Beach Library. Join us by dropping by, or call (831) 427-7710 for more information.

Family Lagoon Watch 10am-12pm.

Ongoing Saturdays. Live Oak Library.

See Dec 1.

Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 1.

DIY Family Crafts 11am-1pm (Garfield Park Library) 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library). Ongoing Saturdays. See Dec 1.

Chess Instruction 2pm-3pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the first. Downtown Library. See Dec 8.

Smart Path Assessments 2pm-4pm.

Downtown Library. See Dec 1.

Nightmare Before Christmas 6pm and 8pm. Every Friday and Saturday in December. Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar. See Dec 7. sunday, december 30 Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm.

Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. See Dec 2.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park.

See Dec 2.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 1pm-3pm.

Ongoing Sundays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 2.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm-4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing).

Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See Dec 2.

Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road).

See Dec 2.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital. See Dec 2. monday, december 31 Live Oak Knitters 11:15am-1pm. Live Oak Library. Ongoing Mondays.

See Dec 3.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Dec 3.

ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays.

WomenCARE Office. See Dec 3.

One-on-One Tech Tutoring 4pm-6pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Downtown Library.

See Dec 3.

Word Church 4pm-8pm. Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz MAH. See Dec 3.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and December 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 27

28 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • December 2018