Growing Up February 2019

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EDIToR/PuBLISHER

Brad Kava, Jennifer Ford, steve dinnen

DESIGN/ILLuSTRAToR ashley Girres

ADDITIoNAL AD DESIGN ann Fitts

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February 2019 • Vol. 21 • No. 12 Growing Up in santa cruz copyright 2019. 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.

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 3

from the editors Dear Readers, It’s almost a reflex: we see a couple with a toddler and the question pops out. Where are you going to send them to preschool?

We feel like ants, rubbing antennae to exchange information. Are they nice? What do they teach? Are they strict? Are they fun? Do the kids love it? Do they enjoy it? Is there food? Is there diversity? Is it multilingual?

We’ve heard tales of one preschool where the owner never looked up from a cell phone during the entire drop off.

That one is out of business, to no one’s surprise. Then, there’s one where the teacher has the kids make a video for absent students. So much information, so many questions, so many great schools to choose from.

We asked educator Jan Pierce to narrow down what we should be looking for and she gave us an article and a checklist and explained so many of the philosophies behind various preschools. Don’t miss that story.

We’ve also got our annual preschool guide, which features listings from many of the best schools in the area.

Art teacher Kathleen Crocetti will go down in Santa Cruz history as the woman who got middle school students to put permanent artwork on the bridges into Santa Cruz. They

should be a tourist attraction for the way they make the city stand out.

She’s taken creativity so far out of the classroom. She’s also doing her next fashionTEEN show at the Civic Auditorium April 19. That’s one not to be missed.

Music in the schools has been slowly dying…or so we thought. In an article about middle and high school teacher Nick Bianchini, writer Suki Wessling shows a great music revival he has championed. There’s no trouble in this river city.

Community radio has also been slowly dying…or so we thought. Now, with more than 100 volunteers led by the passionate Rachel Anne Goodman, Santa Cruz will have a new signal, KSQD at 90.7 FM. The station will feature shows for all ages, including kids and families. Check out the story and schedule inside. And, yes, Growing Up in Santa Cruz will have a presence there.

There are plenty of more reasons to feel positive this month, student art, a fun dentist, how to stay safe in amusement parks and a bicycle love story.

Check them out inside.

Thanks for reading.

Brad Kava Jennifer Ford

about the cover Willa and Alex are two of Natural Bridges Children’s Center’s first students. In this photo, you can see a true friendship that has been fostered as they enjoy their second year at NBCC. Together they’ve had countless hours of learning through play, collaboration, and discovery of the world around them. ey enjoy curriculum developed around their personal interests, and the freedom to explore their nature-based learning environment.

4 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

e friendships that are cultivated at NBCC will surely stand the test of time. is photo captures just a glimpse of what it’s like to be a part of Natural Bridges Children’s Center’s family-like community. naturalbridgescc.org facebook.com/naturalbridgescc.org Photograph by Allie Maffei, Program Director

ask nicole

Teaching Kids Healthy Habits My family loves food. Our activities revolve around where and what we plan to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all the snacks in between. We try to eat healthy foods more often than not, but we have our guilty pleasures – the foods we love and shouldn’t eat too much of but end up overdoing it anyway. Mine is cheese. Most of the time it’s not an issue, but when my kids were on a recent break from school, we all spent more time eating, looking at screens, and lounging around. It was fun while it lasted, but now that we’re back to our regular routines, we’ve had to press the reset button on our eating and exercise habits. It’s less fun than eating cheese all day, but I have to remind myself that healthy habits help lead to a longer life (and more opportunities to eat cheese).

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

Dear Nicole, Our pediatrician suggested making some changes so that my 5-year old daughter can

By Nicole M. Young, MSW ity. An active game can be as mellow as be a healthy weight for her age. It will be bouncing a ball back-and-forth, or somehard to try the doctor’s suggestions, like not thing more physically demanding, like buying sugary drinks (my daughter loves dancing, playing tag, or playing a sport. juice!), encouraging more physical activity, Start with something she’s interested in and limiting screen time to one hour per day. and make it fun. This will increase the I’m expecting a huge battle. Do you have any chances she’ll want to do more of it. suggestions?

Revisit the family rules. Meet as a fam– Reina ily and create a few simple rules to help Dear Reina, you make these lifestyle changes. For exTeaching children about healthy eatample, talk about how much screen time ing and active living can feel hard, espeis considered healthy for kids her age, and cially if kids prefer or are used to certain let her know that part of your job as a parfoods, loose rules about screen time, and ent is to help her be as healthy as possible. inactivity. At times, it can seem easiest to Introduce the new rule or limit you’re setjust give in – “One soda won’t hurt” – or ting and involve your daughter in decidgive up – “I’d rather deal with too much ing how she wants to use her daily screen screen time than deal with tantrums.” time. This can help by giving her control And it’s not always realistic for families to over a limited set of choices while adjustcompletely eliminate certain foods, ing to the new rule. drinks, or activities from their lives. But Start with small, realistic steps. If it there’s a benefit to teaching children how seems impossible to make immediate or to make healthy choices so that they learn drastic changes, identify a goal to work to take care of their own health as they toward and start with small steps. For exgrow older. Here are some tips to try: ample, if you’re trying to have your Try new things as a family. Your daughter drink water, milk or other nondaughter may be more willing to try new sugary drink instead of juice, start by foods, drinks, or activities if you’re doing gradually reducing the amount of juice it together. It can also be a great way to you give your daughter each time, while spend quality time together. For example, offering water throughout the day. Or, if try going on walks or playing active you’re trying to limit screen time to one games to encourage more physical activ-

hour per day, try reducing the amount of screen time by 5 minutes the first day or week (depending on how quickly you want to reach your goal), then 10 minutes the next day or week, then 15 minutes, etc.

Acknowledge positive changes. Give descriptive praise when your daughter follows the new rules or tries new things.

This lets her know you notice and appreciate her efforts and encourages her to continue. final thoughts: Teaching children to make healthy choices isn’t always easy, especially when it requires us (the adults) to change our own habits, too. Making lifestyle changes as a family, one step at a time, can make it feel easier and benefits everyone.

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. 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.

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 5

education

Student Artwork Goes Public

KATHleen croceTTi And Her STudenTS collAborATe on Public ArT ProjecTS

By Elaine Ingalls

The Water Street and Soquel Avenue Bridges are more than a route of travel, thanks to Kathleen Crocetti and her students. They are art.

Crocetti has been the lead artist for 20 public art projects in Santa Cruz, including mosaics on the Water Street Bridge and the Soquel Avenue Bridge.

Her students have worked on 16 of these projects. The Water Street Bridge features endangered species of the San Lorenzo River. She made mosaics with her students in class and took walking field trips to install them.

Crocetti teaches sixth, seventh and eighth grade art at Mission Hill Middle School. This fall will mark her 15th year.

In the fall, she teaches ceramics and 2D design. She teaches stained glass and multimedia in the spring. Crocetti previously taught fifth grade at Main Street Elementary School.

She said her love of art came from her mom and grandmother, both painters. Crocetti prefers to work in

6 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

3D mediums, including fiber, paper and metal.

“I always knew I’d be an artist too, but it was not until I went to college to study art did I discover that I’m an artist who prefers to work in 3D mediums,” she said.

Crocetti has also completed public art projects with students at the Barson Street Stairs, the Mission State Historic Park, the levee wall behind Trader Joe’s and the “New Day” and “Hope” mosaics at the Homeless Services Center.

Crocetti said that her favorite piece of public work that she’s done is “Ebb & Flow” at the Tannery Arts Center.

Her favorite studio works are “San Lorenzo River” reflections and “California Oaks,” which are both glass mosaics.

Crocetti is the producer/director of fashionTEENS Santa Cruz, a fashion show for middle and high school students in the county. Over two hundred teenagers participated in last

Photo by Neil Simmons WEARABLE ART Kathleen crocetti’s students design clothes for a show called fashionteens. aspen s. struts the catwalk.

year’s event.

“I just like fashion as a communication outlet for wearing your ideas,” she said.

This year, Crocetti is fundraising for her “big idea.”

Under the Willie Brown Act, Crocetti will teach part-time and open an after-school mosaic art center for teenagers in Watsonville. She will hold workshops with professional mosaic artists from around the country. Crocetti hopes to cover Watsonville’s Civic Plaza building parking structure from top to bottom with mosaics from her students and other community members.

Her advice for artists? “Keep stretching, keep growing, don’t let your work get stagnant!” she said. “If you don’t fail once in a while it’s a sign that you are not pushing yourself hard enough.”

The Act allows teachers in the last five years of their career to work parttime and still receive full-time com-

education

Photo contributed.

ART FOR THE PEOPLE art teacher Kathleen crocetti takes student art out of the classroom and onto bridges, walls, and fashion shows. pensation. Crocetti plans to open an after-school mosaic art center for teenagers in Watsonville and teach part-time at Mission Hill.

She hopes that in five years, her students will have covered the downtown

parking garage behind the Civic building in the style of Goudy.

She needs to raise one million dollars and train two teenagers to serve as assistants. Watsonville will provide the space for the studio. Â

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 7

community

new Squid on the block

THe new rAdio STATion KSqd will HAve ProGrAmminG for KidS And PArenTS By omar Guzman

After years of work, a group of community volunteers is about to fulfill their dream of starting a new, local community radio station. KSQD at 90.7-FM, nicknamed K-Squid, with some staff who were previously at the much heralded and long defunct

Photo contributed.

NEW WAVES after years of work, more than 100 volunteers have put together a community radio station that will open Feb. 15 at 90.7 Fm. Billie Harris loves reading stories to KUSP. Megan plans to highlight several children. She did so on a weekly basis The long-awaited ribbon cutting topics that are import to her generathrough her Saturday morning radio will be Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. at 399 Encition. For example, local and large scale show on KUSP where she read chilnal. There will be cake and local diggovernment, housing, college and redren’s stories from 1976–2005 and as nitaries including state rep Mark lationships. “By the end of each show the storytime reader for Capitola Book Stone, Mayor Martine Watkins and I hope that every listener will gain a bit Café for many years. An actress with school board chief Faris Sabah. of insight into the world of a young both Shakespeare Santa Cruz and KSQD’s mission is to offer pro20-something.”

Cabrillo Stage, Billie combines her gramming that consistently cover local theatrical training, soothing voice and topics by local programmers, accord“Inside Education” love for children to create a memoing to Board Chairman Rachel Anne Host: Les Forster rable storytelling experience for all Goodman. There will be 100 proTimeslot: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM ages. grams, ranging from music to news Monday Biweekly talk. Goodman, a longtime devotee of When it comes to education there “Katz on Dogs” the public airwaves who teaches is so much information that parents Host: Lori Katz broadcasting at Cabrillo College, was and children may not know. ThankTimeslot: TBA the spearhead in raising $83,000 to get fully, Les Forster, will give listeners inWhen it comes to training your dog the station going. side look into the education system. it may seem like it is an impossible “Community radio is more com“My goal is to have guests in-studio task. Lori Katz, host of Katz on Dogs munity than radio, sometimes, and it who can highlight what’s happening is planning on changing that. “My allows somewhat less slick delivery, but their particular areas (e.g. County Ofshow offers an insights on both ends it is also real,” Goodman said. “Santa fice of Education staff, Alternative Ed, of the leash.” Her guest will include Cruz is not this slick place. We’re not etc.)” She plans on having current stufirst-class behavior and trainers. She Silicon Valley.” dents as her guest as well. also plans on having the staff and volWhen asked why she thinks her unteers of the Santa Cruz Animal “Generation Z” program would benefit families she Shelter come on her show.

Host: Megan Campos states “I know that most community At the same time she plans to highTimeslot: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Thursday members know very little about the light local resources. For example, pet When people think of Generation local education environment unless 1) groomers, pet photographers, local pet Z they tend to think of a generation they are currently students themselves, stores. Lori welcomes people from the that is complicated. Megan believes or 2) they have a child, niece/nephew, community to listen in for interviews that there is a lack of understanding foster child, or grandchild attending a and call in with questions they may between generations, such as the Baby local school.” Inside Education will have about their canine. She hopes Boomers and her own, and she hopes provide information on topics such as this show will have owners be more to bridge that gap.When asked why charter schools, Special Education and open to increase communication beshe wanted to have a show dedicated college & career readiness. She hopes tween them and there canine. to the younger generation she said families will listen and call if they have Additionally, there are many differquestions about that weeks topic.

“This show is important as my generent music programs that KSQD plans ation is beginning to quickly make big to air from folk music to Salsa. Check “Saturday’s Child” changes in the world. It is important out www.ksqd.org or our Facebook Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to shine light on the work that is being for updates. done.”

8 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

community voices

Your letters and Thoughts please send YOUr OpiniOns tO editOr@GrOWinGUpsc.cOm Square pegs, round holes As a parent of three teenage children, one graduating high school this year and two others closely following, our family has been navigating the world of standardized testing SATs, PSATs, ACTs, subject tests and more. I am glad to see some thoughtful research and attention being given to what the results of these test mean.

After my elder son’s last planned SAT he expressed relief that the “testing” was over now. That started an interesting family discussion about how in many careers and jobs the testing will not be over. Standardized testing has always been part of an attempt to ensure a basic knowledge of, and proficiency in, the subject you are testing for. But how well do these tests reflect how we actually apply our knowledge to achieve a desired outcome?

Not so well it appears. We’ve known that in creating the tests we’ve erred in the past in creating a tool that did not clearly predict the skills and success depending on the population writing the test, and the population taking it, due to a number of biases, nuanced and not-so-nuanced issues It’s also clear that some of us are very good “test takers” while others, for multiple reasons, will perform poorly on these, while demonstrating exceptional ability in applying knowledge in real-life situations.

I am one of those people.

Throughout my educational endeavors I have had to explain why my test scores did not match my grades, letters of recommendation, performance reviews, work experience and feedback. As a physician my job requires repeated certifications and necessary and valuable checks that I have the knowledge base I need to do the work I do.

In my work world there is a recognition that standardized testing and prior exam structures do not address the fact that although a base of knowledge is very important, how we are able to apply that knowledge, and use readily available resources, is more a prediction of our success and skill. My last recertification exam was dramatically different, essentially allowing an open book format to access electronic resources I use on a daily basis. This format redesign was a much better test of my skills, than prior exams, as was the intent with this redesign.

So, to my graduating high school senior I must say congratulations on your last SAT, BUT, you are likely to have many more standardized tests regardless of what you choose to pursue. Take them in stride and relegate them to the position they deserve.

Although these tests in my opinion can be helpful in many ways, I am very glad to see a new attention and awareness of their limitations as well.

Very sincerely, Beth Brennan

There must be a more creative way to measure talent I’m a mother of three. All three have gone through the SAT/ACT drill. As harsh as the connotation implies, I always felt like I was dropping off my kids at a mental torture chamber for almost four hours, when I brought them to their test centers. A timed chamber where their mental stamina would be slowly and painstakingly sapped out of them by the end of the session, supposedly measuring their intellectual capacities in the areas of math, English, reading, science and writing. Their scores will determine the hierarchy of colleges that would accept them. A redundant practice that never made sense to me.

In this day and age, surely educationists can come up with better and creative ways to measure a child’s individual talents and skills?

Sahana Lakka

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 9

education

A band revival

led bY one enerGeTic TeAcHer, THe brAnciforTe middle And HArbor HiGH bAndS come bAcK from THe brinK

By Suki Wessling

Nick Bianchini, band teacher at Branciforte Middle and Harbor High School in Santa Cruz, stands to the side as his band students perform. The Multi-Purpose Room at Harbor is filled to capacity. At the front of the room, horns, woodwinds, percussion, and strings cram into a space built for much smaller gatherings. An enthusiastic audience perches on chairs and benches and applauds each of the combos from Harbor and Branciforte.

Someone who stumbled in from the outside might think that the bands were part of a long-running tradition.

But it hasn’t always been this way.

“When I first started it was around 19-20 students in the Harbor band,” remembers Bianchini, who started a full-time position split between the two schools four years ago. “If you looked at the musical literacy of the students, how they understand theory, their technical ability, some students could play but the musicianship was not high. At B40 there were about 25 kids in the advanced band. There was just chaos in the classroom, middle school chaos!”

Four years later, both programs have tripled in size, and the energetic young teacher hasn’t stopped there. Altogether, he leads Beginning and Advanced Bands at Branciforte, Concert Band at Harbor, and after-school Jazz Band at Harbor.

“He’s got two schools, all these students,” says Shondra, whose son Casey is in the Harbor Concert and Jazz Bands. “I have no idea how he keeps it straight! Somehow he finds a way to keep the kids having fun but also giving them enough technique so they can improve on the instrument they’re taking.”

Music education in Santa Cruz County was strong in the Seventies, remembers Soquel High band teacher Jim Stewart, who himself graduated from Soquel High. “Soquel had a big band—all the schools had big band programs then. When I came back to Soquel in 96, the Harbor program had been struggling for a while and Soquel’s was shrinking. When I took it over we had 30 kids.”

One of Stewart’s students was a young Nick Bianchini, who distinguished himself from the pack.

“He was a really hard worker—I remember him complaining that he didn’t have enough time to practice and he needed to practice more,” Stewart says.

“He was one of the best players I’ve ever had but he was also one of the most humble.”

10 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

Photo contributed.

SWINGIN’ Band teacher nick Bianchini has grateful students back in bands at Branciforte middle school and Harbor High school.

Stewart wasn’t surprised when Bianchini left for Los Angeles to continue his music education and become a jazz performer. That said, he isn’t surprised, either, that a person like Bianchini would come back and blossom as an educator.

“It’s the impact that you have on people,” Stewart explains. “If you’re really a people person, it’s not so much about music as it is about being with people and having an impact on their lives. Performing music is awesome and fun and fulfilling in its own way, but teaching has that deeper impact on other humans.”

Other humans are clearly responding on the musical level. Not only has enrollment in the bands exploded, but Bianchini was thrilled to announce that this year a record number of students from one school had qualified for the Central Coast Honor Band— 18 students from Branciforte.

The reason for that is not private music instruction—95% of the students do not take private lessons. Bian-

chini’s focus on musicianship has paid off.

“Almost all the kids come in not knowing what music is, not having any inspiration to play music,” Bianchini explains. “Then they find out music is really hard, and the challenge is to help them push through to find the right motivation. You need to get them to see that if they work hard, music can be an enjoyable and rewarding thing to pursue.”

On the personal side, Shondra’s son Casey says that despite the large number, students feel valued as individuals.

“From my understanding compared to a lot about other band directors, they care about the band as a whole rather than the students—Nick cares about both,” Casey says. “He had a student having a bad day, they didn’t come to jazz band, and he called them and said, Hey, what’s up?”

Clearly, music education in Santa Cruz is something built by—or neglected by—the community. Bianchini points out that after arts instruction in

the schools was decimated first by funding cuts and then by No Child Left Behind’s emphasis on academics, it was the community that brought back the money and the support. Generations of musicians learn in our schools, then return to teach a new generation.

Ironically, hard research supporting the connection between arts education and student success started to pour out during those dark days when school performance was only measured by a multiple choice test.

Bianchini remembers himself as one data point.

“I had many challenges in elementary school academically. I had trouble reading and writing, and some trouble in math. After a couple of years playing music, when I got to middle school, my comprehension level and all my academic test scores and grades—my ability to understand the information I was being given—improved. I feel that music taught me so many skills, helped to develop my brain.”

The moral of the story is that a life trajectory like Nick Bianchini’s is what comes of well-rounded schools that support education of the whole child.

School funding in California remains low compared to other states, and arts programs are always the first to to be discussed when cuts need to be made.

Some schools in the county still lack the comprehensive music programs they lost in the 90s and early 2000s.

Branciforte and Harbor are basking in the success, not of one teacher who decided to come back home, but of generations of support of music for all.

When any student can walk into the band room on the first day of school, pick up an instrument that their family may not be able to afford, and gain a free education in a discipline that helps open their mind to all kinds of academic learning, that’s when our public schools are succeeding.

“I’ve found so much love and goodness and fun playing music myself, so I thought, let’s see if I can give some of that to the next generation in Santa Cruz,” Bianchini explains.

He seems to be succeeding.

Suki Wessling is a local writer and parent. Her free public school music education led to a lifelong pursuit of music, currently with the local jazz ensemble Persephone. She has written books on homeschooling and blogs about parenting and education. Learn more at www.SukiWessling.com.

fitness

valentine’s day Special How i fell in love wiTH biKinG

By Karen Kefauver I enjoy seeing kids’ fascination with bikes. Sometimes when I’m downtown locking my sparkly purple bike to the rack, I’ll spot a toddler tugging on a parent’s hand, veering towards me on the sidewalk, trying to get a closer look at my mysterious, two-wheeled contraption. While they’re transfixed, I’ll spin the wheel and ring the bell for their added delight. Makes me smile every time.

I was once that little kid. Although I can’t remember precisely when I fell in love with cycling, it’s been decades. This month, I’m celebrating my passion for cycling and sending a special Valentine to the Santa Cruz cycling community.

Long before landing in Santa Cruz in 1993, I grew up riding in my hometown of Bethesda, Maryland. I followed in my mom’s tracks, riding my bike instead of driving whenever I could. (She’s still an avid cyclist at 76). My bike was my ticket to freedom, cruising the neighborhood with friends until dusk. Later, as a teen, I discovered bike touring thanks to two trips with the American Youth Hostel Association. At the University of Vermont, I even learned to ride on snow and ice.

But it wasn’t until I settled in Santa Cruz that I evolved into a true cyclist. In fact, the sport has steered the course of my life at nearly every juncture during my 26 years here, both personally and professionally.

My years of freelance writing are bracketed by bicycling; starting with writing about cycling as an editor for Good Times newspaper, volunteering with Bike to Work; then later, years of freelance travel writing led to cycling adventures in Mexico, China and Peru. More recently, I wrote a bicycle column for eight years for the Santa Cruz Sentinel and now I’m thrilled have this bike column with Growing Up in Santa Cruz — and publisher Brad Kava is a fellow cyclist!

Socially, the bicycle community became my hub and some of my closest friends are those same cyclists I met when I moved here in ‘93. I also raced cyclo-cross, cross-country mountain biking and triathlons. And yes, romance blossomed on the bike scene, too.

Trips for Kids Santa Cruz Kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity for mountain biking are provided with equipment, transportation, mentoring and skills instruction to have fun outdoors and tackle challenges. tripsforkidssantacruz.org And a few more…

Little Bellas, empowers girls to mountain bike with mentors, littlebellas.com Project Bike Tech, for high school students to learn on the job skills, projectbiketech.org and Girls Rock Ride, mountain biking for women, girlsrock-mtb.com

photo contributed.

RIDIN’ ROMANCe riding with a pack of friends in the santa cruz Bike party, a monthly rolling party, is always a thrill for cycling columnist Karen Kefauver. all ages are welcome: santacruzbikeparty.org.

Karen Kefauver is a freelance journalist and social media coach based in Santa Cruz since 1993. She’s an avid mountain biker and bicycle commuter. www.karenkefauver.com

I love how cycling continues to shape my life and encourage you to embrace bicycling if you haven’t already. Here are some fantastic local resources to get you rolling. Happy trails!

Santa Cruz County Cycling Club The club offers regular rides of different lengths, plus clinics for adults new or wanting to brush up on their cycling. Signature event: Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge, July 20, with four routes ranging from 45 to 127 miles. santacruzcycling.org Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz MBOSC supports, preserves and expands trail access and promotes responsible mountain biking in Santa Cruz County through advocacy and trail building. Signature event: Santa Cruz Old Cabin Classic mountain bike race at Wilder Ranch State Park, May 4. mbosc.org Cyclists for Cultural Exchange CCE’s goal is furthering peace and international understanding through exchanges between people with a shared interest in cycling. Tours, programs and grants available. Signature event: 30th Strawberry Fields Forever, May 19, with three routes, from 30 to 100 miles. cyclistsforculturalexchange.org February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 11

family law

Stay civil How To GeT A judGe To iSSue An order You liKe

By Bob Derber The feedback from last month’s column was incredible. There are divorced parents who do collaborate! It’s so important for the kids. We welcome Judge Paul Marigonda, one of our two Family Court judges, to the column.

He will contribute information from the other side of the bench.

Last month we stressed that it is best to reach a parenting agreement with your ex rather than ask the court for a decision. That is critical. But, if you must ask a judge for help, be careful!

Our judges have hundreds of cases every month. Santa Cruz has only two judges for family matters. Judge Marigonda, and his counterpart Judge Baskett, are both very able, but they have limited time for each case. They are seasoned veterans and have ‘seen it all’ before. You must persuade them that you

12 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

need the orders you request.

When you request court orders, you will likely submit a statement on why you need your order, and why you cannot agree on the matter with your ex.

Some words of advice for your statement: Ask only for what you need. Parents hurt their credibility by seeking orders that reflect anger rather than need. Take care before you ask the court to keep children away from the ex. Think of alternatives, perhaps limited visits or asking that another person to be present for visits: either a professional or a trusted friend.

Be tempered, brief and to the point.

Your judge is not going to appreciate a 10-page rant. Keep your statement short, factual and to the point; Present only issues you cannot agree upon. Reach agreement where you can.

Perhaps the kids need therapy and your ex agrees. You won’t need an order for this, so don’t ask for one. The judge will appreciate that you both limited the issues to areas where you could not find a middle ground.

Consider the emotional impact your statement will have on your ex. Your

statement can affect co-parenting well into the future. Mean-spirited words can result in years of future conflict. You will be co-parenting for many years to come.

For your children’s sake, consider the impact of continued conflict.

Your statement is a public document. People, whom you never imagined would do so, may see your statement. It may be a future employer or a public official. The FBI accesses divorce records for security clearances. Reporters access files to ‘get dirt’ on public officials. Even worse, your children may get a copy of this document years later if they do a family history. Your statemen can last forever.

The world your children had was shattered by the divorce. Long-term effects of this are well studied by psychologists. Divorce is hard for them, and co-parenting can make all the difference.

Keep them feeling safe, loved and sheltered by both parents. If this is lost, children often become emotionally challenged, fall-behind in school, or even worse, turn to unhealthy alternatives, like poor relationships or drugs and alcohol.

You come to the court for help, not to

‘get back’ or ‘ruin’ your ex. Protect the kids and find a healthy balance. Your anger will show, and not look well for you. You might ‘get back’ at the other parent, but in the process, you might also harm your child.

Bottom line: stay civil.

From the Bench “Children are our most important asset,” says Judge Paul Marigonda. “I am dedicated to them first and foremost. When you need my help, ask and I will do my best. But if you try to use the court to punish your ex, it will show and you may likely be unhappy with the result.”

Bob Derber is a local attorney practicing family law. He served as a State appointed Guardian ad Litem in high conflict matters in the State of Utah before returning to his home in Santa Cruz four years ago. Your situation may differ and the above is not intended to be legal advice to you in your own custodial matters. Be sure to consult with your family law attorney as appropriate if you need help in this area. Have questions for him to answer? Send them to editor@growingupsc.com

education

Some Tips for finding the right Preschool for Your family

By Jan Pierce When it’s time to search for the perfect preschool for your little one, you want to be sure you’re making the right decision. If you’re lucky enough to have friends who’ve done their research and are happy with their choice, you’re fortunate. You’ll have first-hand recommendations.

Be aware of the difference between daycare and a functioning preschool.

Daycare facilities provide custodial care, but don’t usually offer an educational curriculum. Daycares often take children of all ages and offer extended hours. A preschool usually has limited hours and may or may not offer before and after school care. In a daycare children of all ages may be grouped together while a pre-school offers segregated age groups.

Where to Begin?

There are many considerations before choosing, but be sure you start your search early. Many excellent preschools have long waiting lists. In general you’ll be looking for a school that provides the following: The convenience of proximity to your home and/or your workplace.

A solid reputation and up-to-date accreditation and licensing. The state has approved the school.

Clear rules and regulations, health/illness policies, pickup and drop-off times.

Clean, well-kept facilities with adequate indoor and outdoor play areas.

Qualified, caring staff.

Stimulating curriculum and age appropriate toys.

A philosophy and climate pleasing to you and right for your child’s temperament.

The NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) has a database of accredited preschools you can access at families.naeyc.org/find-quality-childcare. This site lists currently accredited day cares and schools all across the nation and is updated weekly. Spend a little time on their website for topnotch thinking about early childhood education.

Questions to Ask You’ll want to do your homework to find the right school for your family. Here are some questions to ask before narrowing your search and visiting several schools: Is there currently room for my child? Is there a waiting list?

What are the fees? How and when are we billed?

How do you communicate with parents? (phone calls, e-mails, newsletters, website, etc.)

the school. Do you feel welcome? Are the children busy and engaged in work or play? Is the facility pleasing to the eye and orderly? Do you get the sense that you’d feel comfortable leaving your child in this school’s care. Are the children happy?

Jot down your first impressions and any new information you find during the visit. You may want to use the Preschool Visit Checklist provided below.

If for any reason, you don’t feel comfortable with the school environment, trust your instincts and look for another school. It might be preferable to find a safe daycare situation and use that until you can locate a preschool of the highest standards.

You want the perfect preschool and your child deserves it. All the time and effort you put into your search will pay huge dividends in a happy, healthy, and well-cared for child.

photo contributed.

Jan Pierce, M.Ed. is a retired teacher.

She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net.

What is your staff to student ratio?

(NAEYC recommends one adult to every four to nine children as optimal at ages 2-3 and one to eight to ten for ages 4-5.)

Do your staff members have credentials and training? Are they background-checked? Up to date on CPR? Receiving ongoing training?

What is your educational philosophy? (academic-oriented, exploration, faith-based, etc. Some distinct philosophies include Montessori, Waldorf, or Reggio-Emilia.) *See vocabulary list What health/hygiene standards are enforced? (immunizations, sick child rules, hand-washing, etc.)

How do you handle discipline?

Are meals and snacks provided? Are naps taken?

What safety precautions are in place? (strangers on-campus, release policies, sign-in/out) Can you give me a list of references? (be sure to follow up and call them.)

Can you provide a sample of your weekly curriculum and activities? How often do you change the activities?

As you gather information you’ll be able to narrow your list down to two or three good choices. When you’re ready, go ahead and schedule a visit to the school. Decide whether you want to do this with your child or on your own.

You’ll be looking for all of the above qualities of a good school, but more than that you want to get a “feel” for February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 13

education Preschool Search checklist and vocabulary

By Jan Pierce

Pre-school Visit Checklist (answer yes or no) Quality pre-schools will have printed material for you to study in making your school choice.

Do the stated learning goals match mine?

Do the goals address all areas of my child’s development including social play, control of emotions, language skills, learning letters and numbers, engaging in science, art and physical development?

Am I comfortable with the school’s discipline policies?

Is the school licensed by the state? Is it accredited by a national association like the NAEYC? Does the lead teacher have a Bachelor’s degree or certification in Early Childhood Education?

Are support workers trained?

Is there one adult for every ten children?

Are there separate learning centers for various activities such as art, reading, dramatic play, writing, etc.?

Does the school use a well-known quality curriculum preparing children for kindergarten later on?

Does the class follow a daily routine that offers a variety of activities? Do the children play both outdoors and inside?

Are parents free to drop in without making an appointment?

Does the school have a means of regularly

14 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

communicating with parents? Do they report the activities of the past week or month?

Do you feel welcome?

Are the teachers warm and caring with the children? Do they have conversations with the children as they work or play?

Are the children happy and engaged?

Do children have the opportunity to choose their activities part of the time?

Are the children talking and interacting with each other?

Are books and read-alouds a regular part of the day?

Is children’s art work and other work samples displayed?

Are the furniture, equipment and toys age appropriate? In good working condition?

As you check yes or no to each of these questions, decide which of them are deal-breakers for your family and which are not as important. Jot down notes as they occur to you and feel free to ask more questions of the staff and administrators.

Pre-school Vocabulary Becoming familiar with the following terms may help you make your pre-school decision.

The Montessori Method focuses on maintaining the individuality of each child in the learning process. Each child learns at his or her own pace and students are not compared. Teachers are specially trained at Montessori institutes.

The Reggio Emilia Approach focuses on providing opportunities for problem solving through creative thinking and exploration.

The Waldorf Approach places an emphasis on imagination in learning providing students with opportunities to explore their world through their senses, participation and analytical thought.

The Bank Street Approach places emphasis on learning through multiple perspectives, both in the classroom setting and out of doors.

The High/Scope Approach allows children to be in charge of their own learning. They’re taught to make a plan for each day’s activities and participate in review sessions as they plan and brainstorm for the next day’s work.

Child-centered: This term describes a method that takes the children’s interests into account when planning activities. The child is allowed to choose.

Teacher-led: is the opposite of child centered as the adult selects lessons and leads them. It is a more structured type of learning.

Child-led: This method believes that children learn best when they are engaged and interested. It allows for a high degree of child initiation and allows individualized learning experiences rather than group work.

Faith-based: This term describes pre-school programs run by faith organizations such as churches and synagogues.

Co-operative: These settings ask parents and families to assist in the running of the pro-

gram. They may sign up to volunteer sometime during the week.

Developmentally Appropriate: This term means the school plans the curriculum and activities based on ones appropriate to the age of the children in the class.

Pre-kindergarten: This term may be used interchangeably with pre-school. It means the program that has a class enrolled in the year before kindergarten, usually age four. These settings may be more structured to ensure the child is ready for the educational rigors of kindergarten.

Signs of a Quality Pre-school vs. Danger Signs Quality a good reputation established ground rules stimulating curriculum clean, safe facilities Qualified, caring staff a current state license Danger Signs Just “so-so” reputation lax rules, poorly enforced Questionable curriculum, may rely on: Videos, screen time rather than lessons dirty, broken materials, furniture, equipment poorly-trained staff who don’t engage with children positively lapsed license or never applied for one

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 15

career

career Pathways

By Mary Gaukel Forester

How often were you asked, or did you ask a young person, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” From the time he was 2 ½ my own grandson, answered, “a firefighter”. How did he come to that decision at that young age? Curious, I began to think that choosing a career is like choosing a travel destination and finding the path there. How did I decide that I wanted to climb Half Dome? Was it pictures, a friend’s story, a documentary, seeing the massive granite hump on a family visit to Yosemite? How would I get there? Where could I get a map? Did I need a guide? Did I need special skills or equipment?

Exploring career choices involves the same elements.

While this column starts with many questions, each month the Career Pathways article will provide information, ideas, opportunities, inspiration for you to help a young person growing up in Santa Cruz to explore career options.

Back to my grandson, and more questions, why did he choose firefighter? We walk by the firehouse with the shiny red engine, the firefighters came and helped him when he was having an allergic reaction and then let him sit in the their truck. He sees and

16 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

Photo by Brad Kava HAMMERIN’ san lorenzo Valley students learn carpentry from the ground up as they build a tiny house. hears the engines go by with lights with a hose at his house. He has seen, flashing and sirens wailing, we talk met, experienced, and “tried on the career” of firefighters. Opportunities for about how firefighters are helpers, and he has met firefighter at the Capitola exploration are readily available for the Neighborhood Night. He was given his careers that are visible to and experiown miniature fire hat and fire jacket enced by children: nurses, doctors, firewhich he uses to put out pretend fires fighters, police, teachers, or athletes.

But how can we be career guides for our children for the over 800 different jobs that are identified at this time, how do we guide children to be curious and prepared for the careers that don’t yet exist? How does career exploration differ from preschool through high school?

All of these questions have been a part of my life since I was first asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, then I began teaching elementary school, had my own children, taught in middle school and high school, became a high school principal, finally a grandparent, and currently the executive director for the non-profit organization, Your Future Is Our Business. I now focus on fulfilling our mission of providing all youth in our county with career explorations, funded by the County Office of Education in partnership with University of Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and Cal State University Monterey Bay. In the months to come, articles will include explorations of career pathways, work based learning experiences, choosing careers guided by interests, values, and skills, and interviews with inspiring people in our county.

go green Green TiPS

what is Precycling?

By Meredith Keet, founder of the Zero shop I’m calling it now...Precycling is going to be the new buzzword of 2019, to sit alongside single-use as the word of the year from 2018. So what is it? Well, instead of purchasing an item and then figuring out whether it belongs in the recycling or the ol’ landfill bin, precycling is the act of considering where that item will end up before you’ve purchased it.

While grocery shopping, you may be faced with two different types of packaging for the same item. As someone who precycles, you may pick up each item and search for that little recycling symbol or think about which type of recycling your local recycling facility accepts. One of those items doesn’t have that symbol or can’t be recycled by your

recycling service? Choose the one that can be recycled and leave the other on the shelf. You might consider two different types of egg cartons, one plastic and one paper. Current recycling trends and market availability would encourage you to choose paper and forget the plastic. You can avoid packaging altogether when you shop in bulk or choose those items that don’t have any packaging!

First, you may need to get to know your local recycling facility to gain a better sense of what they can and cannot recycle. You may be surprised to find that many items you thought were recyclable are actually sorted out at the recycling facility and sent to the landfill.

Check out your area’s recycling facility: Santa Cruz County: www.greenwaste.com, City of Santa Cruz: www.cityofsantacruz.com Consider taking a tour. You’ll never view recycling in quite the same way! Monterey Peninsula Area: www.greenwaste.com

PLASTIC BAN the panttaja family decided to take serious steps to stop using plastic. the result shown here is one year’s worth of waste. imagine if we all did this.

Green living

By Suki Wessling Taking the plastic-free challenge When my kids were young homeschoolers, we spent a lot of time with a group of families that did activities together. One of the families that immediately caught my attention was the Panttaja family of Santa Cruz—mom Melody, dad Jonathan, and kids Gloria and Corey. Not only were Melody and the kids doing car-free homeschooling (quite a challenge in our spread-out county), but the family had taken a challenge to live life as free of disposable plastic as possible. In this age of Amazon.com and triple-wrapped everything, that’s quite a challenge.

What follows is a conversation I had with Melody recently about how they reduce plastic use then and now.

Suki: How did this start?

Melody: Several years ago we got excited about trying to reduce plastic, or maybe I did and I just dragged the kids through it!

S: What are some of the simplest things you did that any family could do?

M: We had water bottles that we refilled rather than buying bottled. We bought cloth bags we could use at the bulk bin—we got granola, oats, cornmeal, rice, popcorn, chocolate chips.

We used to get whole wheat macaroni noodles until they rearranged and got rid of them! If you plan ahead a little more and bring a jar, there’s honey and fresh ground peanut butter and other butters like cashew and almond.

S: I’d also advise people to put a

sticker with the tare weight on their jars!

What are some items that you tried to do in bulk but changed your mind?

M: Staff of Life has a small bulk section for things like shampoo and liquid soap. For a while we were bringing bottles and refilling there. We discovered it was a nuisance to stand there and refill so we order the gallon size there and bring it home. I think it still saves a little plastic and we’re saving the mess of trying to refill in the store.

S: You started this when your kids are little. What has changed?

M: As I get busier working on my business, I’ve had to modify. One of the things I figured out is that some of the things when I was a stay-at-home mom with small children seemed so easy— why shouldn’t you do this? But if you’re working full-time, it is extra work to have to make your own tortillas. It is so convenient just to be able to open a package.

S: But every bit helps, right? So now that you have busy teens, what’s an example of something anyone can do?

M: The kids and I each have bamboo silverware that we carry with us. In those situations where you’re out somewhere, you can just use those rather than picking up plastic.

S: Right, and I’ve found that most cafes have non-disposable cups for drinks if you ask to have it “for here.”

Thanks to Melody for her input!

Check out her new educational apps store, TreesIntheGround.com.

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 17

community

county Scoop rePorTinG iSSueS To THe counTY from Your SmArTPHone

By Zach Friend, county supervisor

With the recent rains, roadway issues (including potholes) are starting to pop back up. Additionally, nonemergency tree trimming needs, sign damage and more become more common.

Did you know that many of these issues, and more, can be reported directly from your smartphone through the County’s free Citizen Connect mobile app?

Available for download on iTunes and Google Play (or right from the county’s website - santacruzcounty.us), the app connects residents to their government through smart phones and other mobile devices, allowing you to report issues and receive updates on the status of these reported issues.

18 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

What can be reported?

Here is a list of the many things you can report directly from your phone: Potholes (allows you to take a photo to show Public Works the severity) Street sign issues (down, missing or damaged street signs) Tree trimming or brush clearing needs Abandoned vehicles (vehicles parked on streets for more than 72 hours) Dead deer or birds Encampments Illegal dumping (trash on roadways) Sewer spills Stagnant water (pooling of water, ditches) Pests (rodents, ticks, mosquitoes) Environmental health concerns and food borne illnesses Illegal cannabis grows Grafitti Storm damage

What else is available on the app?

The app can be used for more than just reporting issues to the County. For example, Citizen Connect has elections information including election results, polling place lookup information, the ability to register to vote or confirm that you are registered. The County’s new strategic plan is also available through the app.

Here is a list of additional things you can do: Locate locate nearby parks including all of their available amenities Look up parcel information Obtain restaurant inspection reports Schedule a building inspection Check your Planning Department application status Check out employment opportunities with the County View/pay tax bills Check vacation rental contacts (for local vacation rentals)

The system is designed to allow for greater interactivity between the County and our residents - so when you report a pothole, for example, you will receive updates about the status of your report so you that the request has been received and know when it has been filled. It also allows you to submit photos so that the County can triage issues and also catalog issues for proactive work. When I brought forward an item a few years ago to the Board of Supervisors to create the app it was in response to requests from constituents that wanted a simpler way to access County services - especially during non-work hours.

As always, if there is a road issue/hazard that needs to be addressed immediately, you can call the 24 hour Public Works Dispatch line at 477-3999. If an issue is an emergency you can also call 911. The app should be used for nonemergency needs.

The County is continuing to expand features. If you have suggestions for additional features please feel free to call me at 454-2200.

entertainment AlwAYS AmuSed

dangers imagined and real

By Erik Chalhoub You’ve loaded the family in the car, driven a few hours, and you’ve gotten through the main gate. All that built-up excitement and anticipation upon entering a theme park can be overwhelming, especially for younger children: which ride do you hit first? What time do the shows start? Where should we get lunch?

But, you should be focusing on one thing above all else: safety first. Sorry to be a buzzkill.

From all my years visiting theme parks, I’ve seen some crazy things, all of which were the fault of the guest, not the park. I’ve seen kids dive into fountains to retrieve lost items, adults trying to climb over fences clearly marked “Do Not Enter” just to get

that one photo, and riders unbuckling seatbelts mid-ride. We’ve also heard the stories of park guests losing limbs (or their lives) because they refused to follow the rules.

The rules are there for a reason: to ensure you have a fun, and safe, day.

Thanks to the sophisticated safety measures in place at theme parks (excluding carnivals, but that is another story), a visit to a theme park is one of the safest activities you can enjoy with your family.

According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)’s 2017 Ride Incident Survey Report, about 370 million guests enjoyed 1.7 billion rides at 400 theme parks in the United States.

The chance of being seriously injured on a ride is 1 in 18 million. That is considerably less of a chance than the freak accident of being struck by lightning, which is 1 in 775,000, according to the National Weather Service.

Here are some safety tips listed by

Photo by Erik Chalhoub SCARY FOR REAL don’t underestimate the dangers at theme parks. most fears are there to amuse you, but if you break the rules there can be serious consequences. the IAAPA, along with some of my observations: Obey listed age, height, weight and health restrictions — Every ride has a large, visible sign posted at its entrance, advising potential riders of its intensity level (typically on a 1 to 5 scale). Only you know your limitations; the park does not. All rides also have a height limit, and most allow small children to measure their height at the ride’s entrance before entering the line to see if they are tall enough.

(On a side note, I still remember when I just barely missed the height requirement to ride Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland during its opening year in 1995. It was devastating).

Observe all posted ride safety rules, and follow all verbal instructions given by ride operators or provided by recorded announcements — Do not sit or stand on the handrails, buckle your seatbelt, and stay out of employees-only areas. Ride operators will shut the ride down mid-cycle if you ignore their warnings. Don’t be that person that ruins the ride for everyone else.

Keep hands, arms, legs and feet inside the ride at all times — While all rides are designed to have enough room around them to prevent riders n

n

n

from hitting their hands or feet on their surroundings, don’t risk it.

Secure all loose articles, including wallets, change, sunglasses, cell phones and hats — I’ve seen so many cell phones come crashing down to the pavement. I’ve also caught a few hats mid-ride. While traveling at high speeds, loose articles can become projectiles and cause serious injuries to not only your fellow riders, but for those waiting in line. Also, never try to film an on-ride video with your phone or GoPro camera. It can get you ejected from the park.

Never force anyone, especially children, to ride attractions they don’t want to ride — I’ve also witnessed so many parents try to force their scared and hysterical children on rides they are too terrified to ride. Not only does this make them seem like bad parents, but it also holds up the line for other guests as they witness the cruel scene.

If you see any unsafe behavior or condition on a ride, report it to a supervisor or manager immediately.

Like anything else, you can get the most enjoyment at a theme park by practicing safety. The next time you visit a park, keep these tips in mind, and if you are traveling with younger children, make sure they are aware of them as well. n

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n

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 19

information: www.Birthnet.org for information, resources and a list of local birth related service providers

birthatters m

By Laura Maxson, LM

is nothing more basic than t here breathing. We’ve been breathing all

our lives mostly without giving it a second thought. That can change as pregnancy progresses.

Even in the early weeks, the body demands more oxygen and begins to make room with some changes in the lungs. The diaphragm moves up a bit right away and some women can experience shortness of breath at this early stage. As the weeks progresses, the rib cage widens and almost like wings, the rib cage spreads itself up and out from the sternum. This gives the lungs more room as the baby grows and the uterus invades usual breathing space. Some women might feel discomfort as the ribs move and stretch, especially when there is a little foot up there helping stretch things out.

Since a pregnant person is breathing for both themselves and their baby, the body changes in several ways to help the breathing process be more effective.

From dilated bronchi to more efficient chemical exchanges in the alveoli of the lungs, the pregnant person breathes more efficiently. Breaths per minute might increase slightly, but most of the increase is provided by other changes in her body.

20 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

EATH TAKE A BR Although a person might feel short of breath at times, the amount of air that is moved with breathing is actually increased in pregnancy. Sometimes this can cause a person to suddenly feel more conscious of their breathing, leading to anxious feelings. If this happens, change position – sit up in bed or stand up, walk around, open a window and get some fresh air. Lifting the arms can also help lift the diaphragm and open the chest to give the feeling of a little more room.

Another cause of shortness of breath is the normal hemodilution that takes place around 28 to 32 weeks as the body increases its blood supply. Plasma quickly increases, but red blood cells take a month or so to grow, so for a few weeks there are proportionally fewer oxygen-carrying red blood cells in the blood supply. Shortness of breath upon exertion can also be a sign of anemia.

Anytime there is pronounced shortness of breath or chest pain a care provider should be seen immediately to rule out rare but serious issues.

The same hormones of pregnancy that are busy helping grow a baby can cause an increased vascularity and general swelling of the tissues in the nasal passages. The chronic stuffy nose that results can be annoying and cause snoring and restless sleep. Nosebleeds can be common, too. A humidifier can be

a helpful addition for sleep and can be useful after birth to ease stuffy noses for babies, as well.

Breathing is a big part of most labor coping techniques. Breath control and conscious breathing are a focus of almost all childbirth preparation. Some breathing methods are more involved than others, but most aim for a slow relaxing breath. Long, slow exhalations, often accompanied by a toning/ohm-ing sound can make contractions much more manageable.

Deep cleansing breaths at the end of each contraction can help release any leftover tension in the body. When breathing becomes too fast, hyperventilation can result with tingling of the face and feeling faint. Temporarily decreasing oxygen intake by re-breathing exhaled air will take care of this problem. If the classic paper bag isn’t available, breathing into cupped hands placed around the nose and mouth, for several breaths usually works. During labor, many find that focusing on breathing is their number one coping mechanism for labor’s pain.

Any labor support person needing

to deal with a momentarily panicked person in labor can usually help by simply getting in their face, eye-to-eye and modeling slow deep breaths. Soon they’re breathing along more slowly and the contraction is ending and everyone can regroup for the next contraction. When it comes time to push – soft, spontaneous grunts or bellowing roars – breath is important. Often quick and shallow pants can help ease out a crowning head.

When a person gets up for the first time after birth, they may suddenly become aware of their breath once again, as the lungs and diaphragm that have felt the firm pressure of a pregnant uterus for months are suddenly left unsupported. This change can leave a person feeling as though they can’t breathe properly, when in fact they are breathing just fine. Being prepared for this can help lessen the odd feeling.

That slow, deep labor breathing technique can also work wonders when coping with sore nipples, colic, teething, tantrums and teenagers.

Breathing is powerful – keep it up!

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

parenting when Soap Gets in Their eyes

By Brad Kava

Photo by Brad Kava Despite the claims of baby shampoos not to irritate children’s eyes, bath time was a horror for our 2-year-old until we discovered the baby bath visor.

Whatever we did, he wanted nothing to do with having his head shampooed.

Soap always got in his eyes and he hated it.

Now, with the visor, he loves baths and doesn’t mind the once-annoying shampoo. As much as we wish we could get everything we need locally, we got this on Amazon, made by Danyoun and sold for a whopping $2.22. There are others listed there that are more expensive, but this one has been fine.

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 21

NOW isthe time A to D V E R T I S E

advertising@guisc.com 831.464.7863

22 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

entertainment color this Page and win Pj masks Tickets Growing Up in Santa Cruz is having it’s first coloring contest with a BIG PRIZE: A family pack of four tickets to see the live PJ MASKS show in San Jose on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.

Have your kid color the page and submit it one of two ways: either scan it and email to Editor@growingupsc.com or mail it to Growing Up in Santa Cruz, Box 3505,

Santa Cruz, CA 95063.

We’ll have a drawing to pick the winner, but you have to send in a colored page to win. We will also ask the winners to take a picture of their fam-

ily at the concert for everyone to see.

Growing Up will be there too.

Fill in the blank for extra credit: “Bedtime is the right time to ----- ----.”

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 23

health KeePinG denTiSTrY weird

How does a Pediatric dentist Keep His fingers and Sanity?

By Patrice Keet

How do you keep your cool and your huge, winning smile when you have little kids screaming; plus parents that are anxious, and all the usual demands that go with running a business?

I wanted to find out what makes pediatric dentist Seth Reder tick and why he and his wife, Andrea, teamed up to start their own local business, Capitola Kids Dentistry off 40 th Avenue. Andrea and Seth moved to Santa Cruz seven years ago. They have two daughters: Norah, 2, and Maeve, 1.

“I come from a long line of dentists and ended up following in my father’s footsteps,” he says. “I always knew I wanted to do something that helps people and I’m fascinated by how kids think — what makes them act the way they do? How they learn so much, so fast? My own childhood had the unusual challenge of being an identical twin. We had red hair and were twins so we stuck out in a crowd, and sometimes that wasn’t a good thing. I struggled to understand why I was being teased. I wanted to connect, not be pushed away. But I’ve since realized that I’ve grown into a better person due to this experience and it has allowed me to relate to kids who may also feel alone or scared for whatever reason.”

“As an identical twin, it took me time to realize that I could be an individual; that I could stand alone and even be a leader,” he continues.

“I think this challenge has made me more aware of individual needs, especially in my practice. Each family comes in with its own particular set of ideas about what they want for their child’s oral healthcare. Listening, and listening some more, is the way I get to know the children and families. Dentistry is all about teamwork and trust; oh, and having fun.

“I use my puppets, Happy and Excited, to break the ice sometimes and to show how to brush correctly.

My office motto is: ‘We treat your family like our family and friends; we have fun and like to be a little weird at the same time.’ We try to be playful when we can, which helps relieve some of the stress.”

Seth, 40, finds joy being in nature. He’s on his surfboard as often as possible. Asked why he chose Capitola for his family after living most of his life in Southern Califor24 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

nia, Seth poetically describes his love of the pace of the slow coast.

“It suits me. I resonate with the smell of docks and a fresh catch— and I love a mushroom foraging adventure in the mysterious redwood forests. This area has it all, but I’m not just interested in playing.

“I want to give back to my community. Capitola is small enough that you can make a difference here.

Last year I joined the Board of the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery. And I do a quarterly presentation for Early Childhood Education students at Cabrillo College about nutrition, developing emergency plans and creating partnerships with families around healthy habits. I learned a lot from my dad who taught me that my word is the main currency I have; that being on time means being early, and that if I give 100 percent

to my commitments, I will never be regretful.”

His toughest challenge is treating cavities in kids younger than 3. He sings to them, plays with puppets,

has toys for them to play with, but still, even his own daughter cries on the chair.

“That’s why I focus strongly on prevention,” he says.

annual preschool guide aptos

capitola/soquel

north county

Rose Blossom Nursery School lic #444403616 6401 Freedom Blvd, aptos 831.662.8458 www.roseblossom.org Preschool, TK, & Kindergarten for boys and girls. Rose Blossom is outstanding in teaching social and academic skills in a safe, peaceful, and enriching environment. Phonics/reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and creative drama integrated with music, art and games, organized into a daily schedule with monthly themes.

Circle time, group and individualized instruction, free play, and conflict resolution. Rose Blossom is an NVC-based s c h o o l .

See https://www.cnvc.org. Beautiful country setting, large play yard.

Seewebsitewww.roseblossom.org for introductory video. Call Sharon Rose, Director for tour and registration info.

Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool lic #444400117 4134 Fairway dr., soquel 831.462.2702 Rocking Horse Ranch is a playbased preschool located on 3 beautiful acres in sunny Soquel. We are open from 9-5:30 and offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions. Our outdoor space offers lots of room to explore, including our gardens and many different kinds of animals.

Come visit us!

Pacific Preschool at Pacific Elementary School lic #440702049 50 Ocean st, davenport 831.425.7002 www.pacificesd.org/preschool Pacific Preschool offers a rich hands-on learning environment, including music, gardening, dramatic play, practical life skills, art, climbing wall, reading buddies, pre-K skills, social development, and more for ages 35. Breakfast and lunch daily; award-winning food program features nutritious, local, organic food. 8:3012:30; extended care until 2:40. Flexible 3-, 4-, or 5-day schedules. Two experienced teachers and bilingual aide. Typical student-to-adult ratio of 5:1. FREE tuition for income-qualified families. Preschoolers have priority for enrollment in Pacific Elementary School kindergarten. Start your child at a small public school with quality programs and a close, diverse community from around the county.

Santa Cruz Montessori ages 18 months – 15 years main campus (primary and elementary) 6230 soquel drive, aptos 831.476.1646, enrollment: ext. 12 www.scms.org Winston Campus (Young children’s community and Jr. High) 244 cabrillo college drive, soquel 831.476.1646, enrollment: ext. 12 www.scms.org Santa Cruz Montessori is a nonprofit, independent school founded in 1964 serving children ages 18 months to 15 years. Our programs include the arts, sciences, mathematics, literature, language, social studies and music. Our beautiful Montessori classrooms are designed to engage all of the child’s senses and create a life-long love of learning.

Our mission: as a Montessori learning community, we inspire life-long learning and a more peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child.

Simcha Preschool lic #440710119 3055 porter Gulch road, aptos 831-479-3449 Come see our nurturing, play-based program that features an emergent curriculum tailored to your children’s passions and interests! Simcha Preschool is known for its dedicated teachers who foster children’s social emotional skills, independence, and creative ideas.

Everyone loves our beautiful outdoor and indoor facilities. Full-day and halfday schedules, low child/teacher ratios, and part-time and full-time attendance is offered for children ages 2-5. Welcoming to all, we are proud of our over 40-year tradition of sharing Jewish values. Come join our Simcha Preschool family today! Open 7:30am-5:30pm

Soquel Parent Education Nursery School 397 Old san Jose road soquel 831.429.3464 www.soquelpens.org soquel pens celebrating 69-70 years Soquel PENS provides a high-quality preschool experience for children ages 2.5 to 5 while simultaneously providing parent education. Both children and parents are provided a rich learning environment to explore, question, gain information, observe, discuss, develop friendships and establish a place of acceptance within our community. Parent’s develop skills in supporting their child’s school success in the years ahead and gain invaluable skills in establishing life-long healthy family relationships. Our school’s teaching philosophy is based in open, creative, child-driven exploration of curriculum materials in art, science, cooking, literacy, numbers, and physical skills balanced with structured participation in group and snack time. This is all guided by veteran teachers well trained in the arts of child development, communication and parenting skills, and human psychology. Soquel PENS is a part of Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz/Adult School under the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Tara Redwood School 5810 prescott road, soquel 831.462.9632 www.tararedwoodschool.org Tara Redwood School provides a preschool curriculum that nurtures the innate positive qualities within each child. It is a model school for the international program, Creating Compassionate Cultures (CCC) and incorporates the Montessori pedagogy. Our theme-oriented, interdisciplinary program includes play, art, science, nature exploration, and social studies while cultivating empathy, mindfulness and social-emotional skills. We offer mixed-ages, small size, and open classroom settings for children 24 months to 5 years old. Situated in 108 acres of forest and sunny open spaces, the Redwood Campus is located just 5 minutes from Soquel Village.

santa cruz Coastal Community Preschool lic #444408854 900 High street, santa cruz 831.462.5437 coastalcommunitypreschool.org CCP serves children ages 2 1⁄2 through 5 years with a safe, stimulating, and caring learning atmosphere.

We have a curriculum that encourages development at each child’s own pace.

Among our program highlights, we offer flexible year-round schedules, a highly experienced teaching staff, and a bright, secure West side location overlooking the Monterey Bay. Join us as we continue working with parents and caregivers to raise a community of strong, confident and happy children.

Good Shepherd Catholic School 2727 mattison ln, santa cruz 831.476.4000 www.gsschool.org license #44079682 Good Shepherd Catholic School, located in Santa Cruz, offers two child-centered preschool programs; a preschool program for children between age two and nine months and three years of age potty trained and a pre-kindergarten program for children four and five years of age. Full-time and part-time enrollment opportunities are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in both programs.

Spanish, art, science, and religion are taught as part of the school’s integrated curriculum. Both programs offer developmentally appropriate language arts and math instruction, including hands-on lessons in the school’s Life Lab. Students in the pre-

kindergarten program are given priority registration for the school’s outstanding kindergarten program. For more information, ask for Good Shepherd’s Preschool Director, Mrs. Kristen Barkman.

Holy Cross Preschool 170a High street, santa cruz 831.425.1782 www.holycsc.org At Holy Cross Preschool we offer engaging preschool and pre-kindergarten programs that support your child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual development. The curriculum stretches your child’s imagination through culturally-rich and developmentally-appropriate learning, and we offer a healthy balance of play and academics.

Our curriculum includes “Handwriting Without Tears”, which fosters learning within a fun and positive environment. Spanish, Life Lab, movement classes including Yoga and Zumba and themed project days also enrich the learning environment. Flexible schedules are available between 7:30am-5:30pm Monday throug h Friday. Please call for more information and to schedule a personal tour.

Little Acorns Montessori lic #444413867 1215 chanticleer ave., santa cruz 831.464.1400 www.littleacornsmontessori.com Little Acorns Montessori provides a warm and caring environment, encouraging children to develop selfconfidence and social and academic skills. Our beautiful Live Oak location has been completely remodeled and updated. Our Montessori trained teachers provide a unique, individualized learning program for children 6 months through 6 years old.

Live Oak School DistrictChild Development del mar lic #444400352 Green acres lic #444403585 live Oak lic #440710379 984-5 Bostwick lane, santa cruz 831.462.1116 www.losd.ca (click on departments and then child development) The Live Oak School DistrictChild Development Program offers families a Free Quality State-Funded Preschool program for 3-4 year olds at the Del Mar, Green Acres and Live Oak Elementary School sites. We provide morning (8:30-11:30) and afternoon (12:30-3:30) preschool classes to approximately 110 children districtwide, 186 days per year. The States new higher income guidelines allow so many more families to qualify. Registration begins in late May, you may come by our office or call us to begin the process for enrollment. If space is still available we enroll year-round.

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 25

annual preschool guide Midtown Montessori lic #444408886 818 north Branciforte avenue, santa cruz Between Water street and soquel avenue 831.423.2273 www.midtownmontessori.com Midtown Montessori, helping to care for what you care about most. Midtown Montessori is a certified green business Montessori preschool/kindergarten centrally located in Santa Cruz on North Branciforte Avenue. We offer a unique educational experience for families and Montessori child care for their children ages 2 1/2 to 6 years old. We are open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM. School life consists of lessons in communal social graces and courtesies, daily living activities and all academic areas, each presented with warmth, humor, and LOVE; further demonstrating that learning is fun!

ORGANIC morning snack provided.

Mrs. Bus Stop Preschool lic #444411906 3215 axford road, santa cruz (near capitola mall) 831.476.8659 www.mrsbusstop.com Come join us at Mrs. Bus Stop Preschool! Your child will experience the joy of making new friends as they explore, learn, and grow together.

Our relaxed setting naturally promotes a sense of community and the well being of every child. Ages 2-5 years. Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Flexible schedules.

Natural Bridges Children’s Center 255 swift st, santa cruz www.naturalbridgescc.org 831.429.6222 Natural Bridges Children’s Center is an inquiry and play-based preschool located on the beautiful Westside of Santa Cruz. We are honored to have been voted ‘Best Preschool in Santa Cruz’ by the Reader’s Choice Awards two years in a row! Our teachers are trained in mindfulness education, positive discipline, and are skilled at developing curriculum based on current education brain-research. NBCC is a farm-to-table, all organic campus. Our enrichments include Spanish, yoga, and life lab. Our wonderful team provides support for individual learning styles, and we also offer child development education for parents. Give us a call to schedule a tour at 831.429.NBCC Santa Cruz Waldorf School, Preschool-8th 2190 empire Grade, santa cruz 831.425.0519 www.santacruzwaldorf.org enrollment@santacruzwaldorf.org We offer both a Preschool and Par26 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

ent-Child program. Our Parent-Child program is a wonderful way to introduce the young child to the classroom experience and for parents to learn more about the rich developmental approach of Waldorf education. Classes are offered in Fall and Winter. Children may begin Preschool at age 2 1/2 and are nurtured in a warm, beautiful and loving home-like environment.

Children engage in meaningful life activities like baking, cooking, gardening, cleaning and of course, playing. Amidst stories, puppet shows and singing daily, the children spend a wealth of time outdoors, playing imaginatively under the big trees.

Spring Hill Preschool/Junior Kindergarten lic #444414394 250 california street, santa cruz 831.427.2958 springhillschool.org Spring Hill Preschool appreciates that your child is one of a kind. Reggio Emilia inspired, our play-based learning builds deeper understanding, creative expression and social emotional growth with a small student-toteacher ratio (7 to 1). Life Lab, Spanish, and Music & Movement classes are part of our curriculum. scotts valley and mountain communities Coast Redwoods Montessori lic #444403546 255B mt. Hermon rd., scotts Valley 831.461.9330 www.coastredwoodsmontessori.com Coast Redwoods Montessori provides infant, toddler and preschool learning environments utilizing Montessori principles of education.

Our curriculum includes language, math, science, culture, geography, courtesy, practical life, art and music.

Our convenient location includes a 7000 square foot yard with a park quality climbing structure and garden.

We offer programs for children 6 months through 6 years old.

Quail Hollow Montessori lic #444408893 187 laurel dr., Felton 831.335.4710 www.quailhollowmontessori.com Quail Hollow Montessori offers an excellent, individualized learning experience for your child with a solid foundation in both academic and social skills in a beautiful, neighborhood setting. Our goal is to help children blossom into self-confident, compassionate, inquisitive, and respectful individuals with a life-long love of learning.

south county Mount Madonna School lic #440709549 491 summit rd., mount madonna 408.847.2717 www.mountmadonnaschool.org Our Montessori-based program provides a loving, safe and stimulating learning environment where children, three to six years old, are encouraged to develop at their own pace. We strive to nurture a child’s innate sense of trust, goodness and wonder. At Mount Madonna School, we focus on developing kindness and respect towards ourselves and others. We offer a developmentally appropriate indoor environment fostering curiosity, confidence and creativity in all aspects of the learning process. This, combined with our 355-acre outdoor classroom, invites and empowers children to fully engage in their education. By including abundant time for imaginative free play, children are inspired in all areas of their development.

Pajaro Valley Child Development 831.786.8270 www.childdevelopmentonline.org With over 50 years of service, PVUSD offers quality early care and education through a variety of programs. Half day state preschools classes can be found across the district with a focus on school readiness and social-emotional development. Child Development also provides full-day state preschool services in both centers and family childcare homes to income-eligible families working or school. We are here to help you and your child become life long learners!

Call us to find out how to enroll.

Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School 411 roxas street, santa cruz 831.425.4495 www.scpens.org A Community Treasure Since 1975. Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School (SCPENS), is a parent participation preschool which serves children from 1 to 5 years of age.

Santa Cruz PENS celebrating 42-43 years SCPENS provides affordable, highquality toddler and preschool programs. A parent education co-op preschool, SCPENS offers an opportunity for parents to develop their parenting skills and meet other families in a supportive environment. Children and their parents participate in a developmental toddler or preschool program emphasizing children’s expression, ideas and creativity. The instructors provide training in child development and effective parenting techniques via seminars, observation

and discussion. Positive guidance and problem-solving strategies are emphasized. SCPENS is a part of Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Schools and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Westside Parent Education Nursery School 1231 Bay st. santa cruz est 831.429.3995 www.wpens.org Westside PENS celebrating 47-48 years WPENS is located on the Westside on the Bay View Elementary campus.

Preschoolers and their parents play, learn and grow together. This exceptional preschool program brings out children’s ideas and creativity. Adults develop their parenting skills and build friendships with other families.

Thrive in a supportive environment at this much-loved parent co-op, a part of the Santa Cruz community since 1970. Its award-winning teachers inspire a passion for learning. Westside Parent Education Nursery School was the 2016 Santa Cruz Sentinel’s Readers’ Choice for Best Preschool! WPENS is a part of Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz/Adult School under the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. preschool enrichment Adventure Sports Swim 303 potrero street #15, santa cruz 831.458.3648 www.asudoit.com Learning to swim is a new and exciting experience for children. For the past 35 years Adventure Sports has taught over 25,000 children to swim in a positive, warm environment. Our instructors strive to develop a trusting special relationship with each child, encouraging them in a gentle, but firm manner to stretch their limits as their abilities grow. The Adventure Sports swim program seeks to provides a high quality and individual accomplishment through small group lessons. We want your potential swimmers to have confidence in the water. In the end, this means technique, safety, and happy smiles for everyone.

The Bookakery www.BookakeryBoxes.com Looking for activities to do with your kids at home? Have a kid that always wants to help you in the kitchen or curl up on your lap to hear a good book?

Love getting packages? The Bookakery has just the thing: Bookakery Boxes, a monthly subscription box for kids aimed towards fostering a love of reading and baking. Each Bookakery Box comes with a hardback picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, baking item and other fun item based around a theme of the month. Order yours today!

annual preschool guide Jim Booth Swim School Harvey West pool in santa cruz and Watsonville 831.722.3500 www.jimboothswimschool.com Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth swim school.

Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!

Junebug’s Gym 3910 portola drive, suite 2, santa cruz 831.464.BUGs (2847) www.junebugsgym.com June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.

MusicalMe, Inc. Music Together • Canta y Baila Conmigo • Rhythm Kids Locations throughout Santa Cruz and santa clara county www.musicalme.com 831.438.3514 Bringing your family the best in Early Childhood Music Programs: the award-winning Music Together® - Early Childhood Music & Movement program and Canta y Baila Conmigo® Spanish Music & Language Immersion program.

We’ve just added Rhythm Kids™ for ages 4-8 years! We’re doing our part to make the world a better place by making it more musical for everyone – one child, one family, one community at a time. Our curriculum fosters the integration of music into everyday life – regardless of adults’ music ability. Our programs enhance children’s learning in multiple domains, 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. Contact us today to attend any one of our classes for free.

Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center 2750 B soquel ave, santa cruz 831.462.0655 scgym.com We at Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center understand how important physical movement is to develop a healthy brain in children. Healthy brain development leads to proficiency in learning and overall confidence to lead a successful life. Our fun and friendly gymnastics instructors take pride in offering meaningful movement experiences packed with a lot of fun to your children in every class. Each lesson offers a wide range of sensory integration activities through the usage of our gymnastics equipment and props such as trampolines, balance beams, parallel bars, ladders, slides, a huge foam pit, tunnels, balls, hoops and much more! Music and movement are incorporated to ensure a well-rounded movement experience.

We offer a wide range of classes and special activities to the new walking toddlers through kindergarten age girls and boys. Check out our website to see what is available for your children today.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 east cliff drive, santa cruz 831.420.1135 www.santacruzmuseums.org The Museum of Natural History is the perfect destination for little explorers! Preschoolers love to learn from our interactive exhibits. Climb on a life-sized grey whale, get your hands wet with sea stars in our intertidal touch pool, listen to the buzz of live honeybees, grind up acorns in a real mortar and pestle, examine nature specimens in a microscope and get up close with the native animals of Santa Cruz County. healthcare providers for preschoolers Nannette Benedict DDS and Associates Devin Bernhardt DDS Tina DerTorossian DDS 5015 scotts Valley dr. a, scotts Valley 831.440.9214 scottsValleydentist.com We love kids and start seeing them their first year, so we can address: pacifiers, thumb sucking, teething, nursing, tooth brushing and other questions. We want to establish a fun, friendly environment to get children off on a positive start with the dentist.

I believe in prevention and need to start young.

Dientes Community Dental Care main: 1830 commercial Way, santa cruz 831.464.5409 Beach Flats: 302 riverside ave, santa cruz 831.464.5411 Watsonville: 1430 Freedom Blvd., suite c, Watsonville 831.621.2560 www.dientes.org Dientes Community Dental Care is a full-service dental clinic with three locations: two in Santa Cruz and one in Watsonville. We practice whole family dentistry including kids, adults, and seniors; but children hold a special place in our heart – half of our patients are kids seen by our experienced pediatric dentists in our main Santa Cruz Clinic. As a non-profit dental clinic, our focus is on high-quality, low-cost dental services, including exams, x-rays, fillings, sealants, and root canals. We accept Medi-Cal and have sliding scale fees for uninsured patients. We offer bilingual services – Se habla Español!

“Dignity Health Medical Group” Visit us at dhmf.org/dominican santa cruz pediatrics: 831.476.3000 aptos pediatrics: 831.612.6264 Dignity Health Medical Group is dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of the Santa Cruz community.

Our board-certified pediatricians, OB/GYNs and midwives focus on delivering comprehensive care for infants, children and adolescents, offering a range of services from preventative health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Our Urgent Care Center is open seven days a week (365 days per year, including holidays) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Conveniently located on 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz (right next door to our Pediatrics Care Center), we offer same-day treatment for nonemergency medical conditions such as flu, colds, cuts, and fractures.

First 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217 triplep.first5scc.org First 5 Santa Cruz County promotes the healthy development of children from birth to age 5. Parents and caregivers of newborns can contact First 5 to receive a free “Kit for New Parents” with parenting videos, children’s books, information on caring for babies and local resources. First 5 also offers parenting support through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, a world-renowned program that strengthens families by building positive relationships. To find Triple P classes or quick tips, visit www.triplep.first5scc.org or www.facebook.com/triplepscc

Alison K. Jackson, DDS Children’s Dentistry 7545 soquel dr, aptos 831.662.2900 www.santacruzkidsdentist.com Dr. Jackson and her staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth and, just as important, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun. 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.

Pajaro Valley Children’s Dental Group 230 Green Valley rd, Freedom 831-722-9202 www.dental4kids.com We love working with pre-school aged patients. It is the perfect time to teach them the right way to brush and floss to establish a lifelong habit of good oral hygiene. Our office works exclusively with infants, children, and teens. 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.

Santa Cruz County Oral Health Program 831-454-7558 www.healthysmilesscc.org The Santa Cruz County Oral Health Program in collaboration with local community partners invite you to view our website focusing on the importance of having your child see a dentist when they receive their first tooth or when they have their first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association agree: children should see a dentist by the time they get their first tooth or celebrate their first birthday.

Healthy baby teeth lead to healthy adult teeth, and a healthy smile helps kids feel good so they can focus in school, eat healthy foods, and feel confident.

This is by no means a complete list of all the Child Care and Preschool Programs in Santa Cruz County. GUiSC is not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor does inclusion in this listing constitute our endorsement of a program. Listings were written by each organization and GUiSC has not confirmed the accuracy of the information provided.

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 27

28 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

cAlendAr

FEBRuARY 2019

Photo by Kevin Painchaud LoCAL GLoW Yes, locals know the best sunsets are in the winter here. Photographer Kevin Painchaud defies the preconception that you can’t capture a sunset with a photo.

friday, february 1 Free First Friday 10am-10pm. Santa Cruz MAH. Explore three floors of exhibitions for free and dig into a hands-on activity that’s great for all ages Free First Friday 11am-4pm. SC Museum of Natural History. Enjoy the Museum for FREE with your family. Enjoy our intertidal touch pool, large-screen microscope, and the return of our geology and paleontolgy exhibits and fossil dig pit Preschool Storytime 10am. Ongoing Fridays.

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

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Fridays.

Downtown Library. For families with children ages 0-3 years old. Join us for early literacy practices involving music, movement, stories, rhymes and more for your child and you.

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. 3388883.

Infant/Toddler Workshop 11am-11:45am.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. Your young child (ages 0-3) will have the opportunity to explore light and shadows and open-ended materials in a safe space while developing skills and exploring cognitive concepts such as cause and effect.

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.

Sack Puppet Making 11:45am-12:15pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. Join Puppet Master, Ricki Vincent and his staff and create imagination-inspired Sack Puppets.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Fridays. JuneBugs Gym. Walking to 7 years. Parents may leave kids over 3 yrs.

Drop off your kids for 1, 2 or all 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 Make and Explore at the Capitola Mall 2pm4pm. Ongoing Fridays. Children’s MOD. Suitable for 6-12 year olds, with parents available for kids under 8. We provide materials to explore their creativity, build things, make art and make discoveries.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza.

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!

Art and Science at the MOD 3pm-4pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. Each week our staff combines the

worlds of art and science through fun projects. Come and see what fun activity is offered today.

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.

Storytelling Night 6:30pm-8:30pm. Santa Cruz Mission. Come gather around the campfire as storyteller Jim Cockrell and friends spin tales of adventure, mystery, and comedy. Bundle up! We’ll provide the Mexican hot chocolate. saturday, february 2 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. 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 9am-1pm.

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. Saturdays in the Soil 10am-12pm. SC Museum of Natural History. Come and help our garden grow! You bring the people power, we’ll show you all there is to know about native plants and sustainable gardening. All ages welcome, no experience necessary.

Pine Needle Basket Making Workshop 10am-12pm. Henry Cowell State Park. A marvelous family workshop learning how to make a basket from local ponderosa pine needles. Children 10 and older may attend if accompanied by an adult.

A Morning in Early Childhood 10am-12pm.

Waldorf School. Experience our Early Childhood program. Parents will meet our teachers and learn about our approach as the children experience a morning in the preschool or kindergarten. RSVP by calling 831-4250519 or emailing enrollment@santacruzwaldorf.org K-8th Grade Gateway Open House 10am1pm. Gateway School. You will meet our talented faculty, co-curricular specialist teachers and our Head of School. You will be treated

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 29

FEBRuARY 2019 to a musical performance, interactive lessons, a guided tour and lunch. We look forward to meeting you and sharing all that Gateway has to offer your family.

Old Cove Landing Trail 11am-1pm. Wilder Ranch (Interpretive Center). On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, and layered clothing. Rain cancels.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

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?

Ranch Tours 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Wilder Ranch. Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. Includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse, 1896 water-powered machine shop, barns and other historic buildings.

DIY Crafts 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library); 1:30pm-4:30pm (La Selva Beach Library).

Ongoing Saturdays. Time to get crafty. A Do-It-Yourself craft will be ready and waiting for families, independent-minded kids! Children 8 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

“Downtown Pre-Am” Mini Golf Art Festival 11am-8pm. Downtown Info Kiosk 1130 Pacific Ave. Putter around Downtown and play the uniquely designed mini golf course located in your favorite Downtown Locations.

Sign up your fab foursome and play to win.

Senior Tech Support 12pm-3pm. Louden Nelson Community Center. Volunteers will show seniors how to use social media, electronics, or answer any other technical questions. All workshops are led by local teens with an adult supervisor to answer any advanced questions.

Open Art at the MOD 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. There is no coloring within the lines during Open Art. We let the children’s imaginations soar through art projects.

Archaeology Demonstration 1pm. Santa Cruz Mission. How do artifacts give us clues to the past? Follow the archaeological process from the dig to the display, and participate in hands-on activities to discover the stories told by the artifacts. sunday, february 3 Low Impact Stretching Exercise Class 8:30am-9:30am. Ongoing Sundays. Health Education Center 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville. Promotes circulation. Decreases muscle stiffness. Improves posture.

Helps manage or reduce stress. Improves balance. Increases range of motion. Instructor— Ace Martinez, a PA with over 16 years of Weight and Balance Training. (831) 3527993.

Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am.

Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. Come join us for a friendly,

30 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

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 The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk 9:30am-11:30am. Ongoing Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. On this 3-mile walk, We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We’ll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

“Downtown Pre-Am” Mini Golf Art Festival 11am-8pm. Downtown Info Kiosk 1130 Pacific Ave. See Feb 2.

Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike 12pm.

Big Basin State Park. Based on group size, experience level, and weather conditions, we will choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas.

Open Art at the MOD 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 2.

Ranch Tours 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Wilder Ranch. See Feb 2.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (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.

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.

Tour of the UCSC Farm 2pm-3:30pm. 1st Sunday. UCSC Hay Barn. Enjoy a free tour of the UCSC Farm.

How Thinking Can Defeat Depression 3pm4pm. 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville. Using natural methods, attendees will learn how to make lifestyle changes that will help remove the negative symptoms of depression and anxiety. After each class a plant based brain fueled recipe will be ready to taste. Call/Text Trish at 831.325.7993.

Or, Email: ReversingNegativity@yahoo.com.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm.

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, february 4 Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Mondays.

Live Oak Library. See Feb 1.

Preschool Storytime 10am. Ongoing Mondays. Garfield Park Library. See Feb 1.

Make Art Monday 11am-12pm; 3pm-4pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. All projects incorporate aspects of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). Children will paint, sketch, sculpt, design and assemble as they make new discoveries.

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.

Word Church 4pm-8pm. Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz MAH. A community of local poets who recognize and value the power of spoken word. 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 5:30pm. 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. tuesday, february 5 UCSC Arboretum: Community Day 9am5pm. UCSC Arboretum. 1st Tuesday. The Arboretum is open without charge to visitors.

Exploring Big Basin 9:30am-2:30pm. Big Basin State Park. Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, geology, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles.

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).

477-2229. 2900 Chanticleer Ave. Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Branciforte Library. See Feb 1.

Downtown Tuesdays 10am-10pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Santa Cruz. Featuring specials all day throughout Downtown – come relax and meet your friends in your Downtown.

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

Chess Club 3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Aptos Library. Ages 6-18 learn from a master and practice with peers.

Lego Club 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Boulder Creek Library. Directed LEGO construction for kids 7 and older. Each week we will construct models based on a common theme.

Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm-6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for NonViolence. Ages 13-21. Get involved, get educated & become a community youth leader. Youth-designed & led group. Call first. 515 Broadway, SC. 427-5066 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.

Pre-registration (office intake and a conversation with the group facilitator) is required.

831-457-2273 Optimizing Your Routine 6pm-7pm. Westside New Leaf Market. This class shows you simple, actionable changes that when implemented throughout the course of a day can change the course of your life. Register at the New Leaf website.

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. 4254030. 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 Madeleine Albright: Fascism: A Warning 7pm. The Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave. Tickets on sale at the Bookshop Santa Cruz website.

Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-8:30pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept.

DFN provides non-adversarial techniques to achieve healthy co-parenting through a support group network. 6934 Soquel Dr. 2345578 wednesday, february 6

Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Ages walking to 7 years. Parents may leave children over 3 yrs. Call 464-BUGS (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola Dr. Ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure Point-Santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym

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. Dropin classes in English for kids 0-5 years old.

Recommended fee of $3-$7 for those able to pay. 1740 17th Ave. 476-7284.

Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office.

Open to newly diagnosed women throughout the course of their treatment and up to 4-6 months post-treatment. Pre-registration (office intake and a conversation with the group facilitator) is required. Please call 831-4572273.

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

A Baby Weigh® scale is also available.

Achieving Sound Sleep 1pm-2pm. Westside New Leaf Market. Find out which foods, supplements and daily habits will help you snooze. Register at the New Leaf website.

Lego and Duplo Fun 1:30pm-3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Branciforte Library. Build, learn and play (agres 3+).

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 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). Parent education is offered as part of the Together in the Park

FEBRuARY 2019

THE WHoLE CLASS at Rose Blossom Preschool worked on this dinosaur mural together. 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.

Mini Mint Mamas Meet Up 10:30am-12pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. Mini Mint. Join us for a fun walking mom group! We will meet at Mini Mint then head out along East Cliff for a walk along the ocean with our babes.

Join our community of Mamas and enjoy the sunshine! Free

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 Feb 4.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-5pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St.

Family Stories and Activities 11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Boulder Creek Library. Songs, stories, art, games, and play for families with children of all ages.

Nature Art with Sue 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. Sue introduces new projects that explore art in nature and nature in art. The classes are aligned to STEAM objectives (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) objectives.

Preschool Storytime 11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Library. See Feb 1.

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

What If Wednesday 11am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. A combination of science and art that prompts the wonder and discovery of “what if?” Example “ we add salt to watercolor, or “what if ” vegetable oil is put of the paper first, with the watercolor mix with it? Wednesday is when weird wacky science becomes wonderfully wild while art and science are brought together.

Afternoon STEM 3:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. Projects alternate—call library branch for more information.

New Moms Support Group 11:30am-1pm.

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.

Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm.

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.

Female Survivor Support Group 6pm-7:30pm.

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

Foster Parent Orientation Meeting 6pm8pm. 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.

Poetry Out Loud 6:30pm-8:30pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. This free high school program encourages young people to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This is the county-level competition, and the selected student will be going to the state level in Sacramento in late March. thursday, february 7 A Walk Through the Grades 8:30am10:30am. Waldorf School. Join us for a guided tour of the 1st through 8th grade classrooms followed by time for questions.

Adults only please. RSVP by calling 831425-0519 or emailing enrollment@santacruzwaldorf.org 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.

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 prereg required). 477-2229.

Photo contributed.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Thursdays.

Aptos Library. See Feb 1.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Feb 1.

Younger Reserve Lagoon Tour 10:30am12pm. Seymour Marine Discovery Center.

Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. Ages 10+, reservations required.

Creative Exploration 12pm-1pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. Children may let their natural curiosity flow as they explore how art and science materials work together. Some of the best child projects are related to some or all of STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

Afternoon STEM 3pm (La Selva Beach Library); 3:30pm (Garfield Park Library). Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

Sensory Art with Brooke 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. Each week Sensory Art encourages children to apply all their senses in art projects.

DIY Crafts 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Boulder Creek Library. See Feb 2.

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!

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 31

FEBRuARY 2019 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.

Make and Explore at the Capitola Mall 2pm4pm. Ongoing Fridays. Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Triple P 8-Week Group: For families with children 2-12 years old 6pm-8pm. Ongoing Thursdays through Feb 28. San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School Library, 7155 Highway 9, Felton. Attend this 8-week Triple P Group to meet other families and learn simple strategies to help you: Strengthen relationships in your family; Encourage positive behaviors; Teach your child new skills & behaviors; Handle disruptive or challenging behaviors with greater confidence; Take care of yourself as a parent.This Triple P Group is FREE and open to the public. Free child care is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for adults and children. Presented in English by: Cori Burt, Community Bridges – Mountain Community Resources.To register: Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-6600 x6605 or corib@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent trainings

Art and Science at the MOD 3pm-4pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza.

See Feb 1.

Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program 4:15pm-5:30pm. Ongoing Fridays.

Cabrillo VAPA5137 and VAPA5141.

See Feb 1. saturday, february 9 Aptos Farmers Market 8am-12pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College. See Feb 2.

Open Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays.

JuneBug’s Gym. See Feb 2.

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

Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See Feb 2.

Ranch Tours 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Wilder Ranch. See Feb 2.

Chess Club 2pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the 1st. Downtown Library. See Feb 5.

Photography Hike 2pm. Henry Cowell State Park. Beginners to advanced photographers and nature enthusiasts alike are invited on a 5-mile hike through towering redwoods and rare ancient marine deposits discovering panoramic views along the way.

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

Group is led in Spanish. Please call 831-3368662 to register. sunday, february 10 Low Impact Stretching Exercise Class 8:30am-9:30am. Ongoing Sundays. Health Education Center 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville. See Feb 3.

Film Screening of “The Test and the Art of Thinking” 6:30pm. Resource Center for Non-Violence. $5, tickets available at MMS-FilmScreening.bpt.me. Each year more than three million high school students take college entrance exams. There have been questions about exactly what these tests measure, what role they play in the admissions process and how predictive they are of academic success.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr.

The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk 9:30am-11:30am. Ongoing Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 3.

Ohlone Plant Use 10am-12pm. Big Basin State Park. How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Docent Eva Fewel will have plant samples and tools that the local Native Californians used. Learn how they collected, processed and used the local plants.

Mazel Tots 9:45am-11:15am. Temple Beth El. Our theme is SHABBAT! We will have lots of music, singing, arts and crafts, storytime and fun activities. A fun and engaging program for children 5 years and younger with their families!

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

Free Exploring the San Lorenzo River Walk Series 10pm-12pm. Take a stroll with experts who will lead you along the river and help you learn about our plant and animal neighbors, geology, history, and science.

Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr.

Pam Houston: Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. Tells the remarkable story of “that girl who dared herself to buy a ranch, dared herself to dig in and care for it, to work hard enough to pay for it, to figure out what other people meant when they used the world ‘home.”’ friday, february 8 Birdwatching for Beginners 9am. Wilder Ranch. Be prepared to hike two miles on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Fridays.

Downtown Library. See Feb 1.

Preschool Storytime 10am. Ongoing Fridays.

Aptos Library. See Feb 1.

Infant/Toddler Workshop 11am-11:45am.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

Sack Puppet Making 11:45am-12:15pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Fridays. JuneBugs Gym. See Feb 1.

32 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

Old Growth Redwood Tours 11am. Ongoing Saturdays. Henry Cowell State Park. See Feb 2.

Migration Festival 11am-4pm. Natural Bridges State Park. The park will host migratory animal talks, active kids’ games, crafts, skits, live music by the nature-loving 5M’s Band, educational booths and displays, along with the now-famous free habitat-cake served at the end of the event.

Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am.

Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. See Feb 3.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike 12pm.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 3.

Open Art at the MOD 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 2.

Ranch Tours 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Wilder Ranch. See Feb 2.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital.

See Feb 3.

Ocean Robbins: 31-Day Food Revolution: Heal Your Body, Feel Great, and Transform Your World 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Your guide to liberation from a toxic food world. Author Ocean Robbins reveals the secrets the industrialized food industry doesn’t want you to know, how specific ingredients and methods could be making you sick-and what to do about it. monday, february 11 Preschool Storytime 10am. Ongoing Mondays. Garfield Park Library. See Feb 1.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Mondays.

Live Oak Library. See Feb 1.

Make Art Monday 11am-12pm; 3pm-4pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 4.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. See Feb 4.

New Mommy Musical MeetUp 12:30pm2pm. Held every 2nd Monday each month.

Native Sons’ Hall, 239 High Street, Santa Cruz. 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. $10 per family. http://www.musicalme.com/ Cuéntame un Cuento 5:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Feb 4.

Word Church 4pm-8pm. Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz MAH. See Feb 4. tuesday, february 12 Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Branciforte Library. See Feb 1.

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Feb 5.

DIY Crafts 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library); 1:30pm-4:30pm (La Selva Beach Library).

Ongoing Saturdays. See Feb 2.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing). Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See Feb 3.

Downtown Tuesdays 10am-10pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Santa Cruz. See Feb 5.

Felling the Giants 11:30am. Big Basin State Park. Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants— without chainsaws! You get to use some tools too!

DIY Crafts 1pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays.

Live Oak Library. See Feb 2.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. La Selva Beach Library and Scotts Valley Library. See Feb 1.

Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See Feb 3.

Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. See Feb 5.

Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike 12pm.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 3.

Hides and Tallows 1pm. Santa Cruz Mission.

We will look at some of the major products of the mission, leather and tallow, and demonstrate how they were used. You will see how a branding iron works and get to make your own candle. Rain cancels.

Open Art at the MOD 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 2.

Lifestyle Choices, Making Changes, Addictions 3pm-4pm. 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville. See Feb 3.

Valentines Day Plant Based Cooking Food Demonstration 4pm-6pm. 700 Green Valley Road, Health Education Center below church. Tasting and Recipes. Join mother daughter duo Sally and Kali, as they demonstrate how to make some of their favorite “LOVE” inspired vegan recipes. Call 831 325-7993 to reserve a free spot.

Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. See Feb 5.

Lego and Duplo Fun 1:30pm-3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. See Feb 5.

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

Chess Club 3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Aptos Library. See Feb 5.

FEBRuARY 2019 Lego Club 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Boulder Creek Library. See Feb 5.

Word Church 4pm-8pm. Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz MAH. See Feb 5.

Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm-6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for NonViolence. See Feb 5.

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

Monarch Services. Ver Feb 5.

Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Dominican Hospital. See Feb 5.

Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-8:30pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept.

See Feb 5. wednesday, february 13 All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Feb 6.

Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See Feb 6.

Art & Play in Pre & K! 9:30am. Mount Madonna School Preschool and Kindergarten. Parents of toddlers, preschool, and kindergarten age children can come for activities and fun experiences with your child(ren). RSVPs encouraged. Contact Benna Dimig at 408-846-4042 or admissions@mountmadonnaschool.org.

Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am.

Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

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 Feb 6.

Mini Mint Mamas Meet Up 10:30am-12pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. Mini Mint. See Feb 6.

Family Stories and Activities 11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Boulder Creek Library.

See Feb 6.

What If Wednesday 11am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 6.

Preschool Storytime 11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Library. See Feb 1.

Nature Art with Sue 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 6.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza.

See Feb 1.

The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk 9:30am-11:30am. Ongoing Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 3.

Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. Orchard School. See Feb 6.

Art and Science at the MOD 3pm-4pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Afternoon STEM 3:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Feb 6.

Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program 4:15pm-5:30pm. Ongoing Fridays.

Cabrillo VAPA5137 and VAPA5141.

See Feb 1.

Salamander Safari 10am. Henry Cowell State Park. Learn all about salamander life cycles, behaviors, adaptations, and the current threats facing these astounding amphibians on a 2 mile excursion to Eagle Creek.

Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Monarch Services. See Feb 6.

Tara Conklin: The Last Romantics 7pm.

Bookshop Santa Cruz. A sweeping yet intimate epic about one American family.

Aptos Farmers Market 8am-12pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College. See Feb 2.

Open Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays.

JuneBug’s Gym. See Feb 2.

Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am.

Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See Feb 7.

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

Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See Feb 2.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Thursdays.

Aptos Library and Scotts Valley Library. See Feb 1.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Feb 1.

Saturdays in the Soil 10am-12pm. SC Museum of Natural History. See Feb 2.

New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Feb 7.

Hidden Gems: Flowers of Big Basin 10am1pm. Big Basin State Park. There are many less-famous, yet still beautiful, plants in the redwood forest. On this 4-mile walk, meet some of the hidden gems of Big Basin! Bring water and lunch. Heavy rain cancels.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

Afternoon STEM 3pm (La Selva Beach Library); 3:30pm (Garfield Park Library). Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

Sensory Art with Brooke 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 7.

DIY Crafts 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Boulder Creek Library. See Feb 2.

Triple P 8-Week Group: For families with children 2-12 years old 6pm-8pm. Ongoing Thursdays through Feb 28. San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School Library, 7155 Highway 9, Felton. See Feb 7. friday, february 15

New Moms Support Group 11:30am-1pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

saturday, february 16

thursday, february 14

Creative Exploration 12pm-1pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 7.

Preschool Storytime 10am. Ongoing Fridays.

Aptos Library. See Feb 1.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See See Feb 1.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

Old Growth Redwood Tours 11am. Ongoing Saturdays. Henry Cowell State Park. See Feb 2.

Old Cove Landing Trail 11am-1pm. Wilder Ranch (Interpretive Center). See Feb 2.

DIY Crafts 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library); 1:30pm-4:30pm (La Selva Beach Library).

Ongoing Saturdays. See Feb 2.

Guided Adobe Tour 1pm. Santa Cruz Mission. Join us for a guided tour of the oldest building in Santa Cruz. Come learn about the many families who have called this 180year-old mission adobe their home.

Open Art at the MOD 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 2.

Ranch Tours 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Wilder Ranch. See Feb 2.

DIY Crafts 1pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays.

Live Oak Library. See Feb 2.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing). Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See Feb 3.

Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See Feb 3.

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. 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, dropins welcome. More info and details at: www.wombsong.com

Romance in the Redwoods 11:30am1:30pm. Big Basin State Park. Join us and discover how banana slugs, redwood trees and more celebrate love in the wild!

Stress Without Distress, Wounds, Loneliness 3pm-4pm. 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville. See Feb 3.

Senior Tech Support 12pm-3pm. Louden Nelson Community Center. See Feb 2.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital.

See Feb 3.

Open Art at the MOD 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 2.

Ranch Tours 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Wilder Ranch. See Feb 2.

monday, february 18 Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Mondays.

Live Oak Library. See Feb 1.

El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Feb 6.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Fridays.

Downtown Library. See Feb 1.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

Infant/Toddler Workshop 11am-11:45am.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

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.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

Low Impact Stretching Exercise Class 8:30am-9:30am. Ongoing Sundays. Health Education Center 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville. See Feb 3.

Sack Puppet Making 11:45am-12:15pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr.

Make Art Monday 11am-12pm; 3pm-4pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 4.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Fridays. JuneBugs Gym. See Feb 1.

Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am.

Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. See See Feb 3.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-5pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St.

Chess Club 2pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the 1st. Downtown Library. See Feb 5. sunday, february 17

Preschool Storytime 10am. Ongoing Mondays. Garfield Park Library. See Feb 1.

Mission Strategy Game 11am-12:30pm.

Santa Cruz Mission. Gather round the table and play a board game set in the 18th century. Spend Spanish real coins and roll the sheep’s knucklebone to determine the fate of your mission. Geared for ages 8 and older.

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 33

FEBRuARY 2019 ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. See JFeb 4.

Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-8:30pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept.

See Feb 5.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Thursdays.

Aptos Library and Scotts Valley Library. See Feb 1.

Art and Science at the MOD 3pm-4pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

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

wednesday, february 20

New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Feb 7.

Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program 4:15pm-5:30pm. Ongoing Fridays.

Cabrillo VAPA5137 and VAPA5141.

See Feb 1.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Feb 1.

saturday, february 23

Cuéntame un Cuento 5:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Feb 4.

All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Feb 6.

Marlon James: Black Leopard, Red Wolf 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. The stunning first novel in Marlon James’s Dark Star trilogy. Myth, fantasy, and history come together to explore what happens when a mercenary is hired to find a missing child.

Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See Feb 6.

tuesday, february 19

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 Feb 6.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Branciforte Library. See Feb 1.

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Feb 5.

Downtown Tuesdays 10am-10pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Santa Cruz. See Feb 5.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. La Selva Beach Library and Scotts Valley Library. See Feb 1.

Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. See Feb 5.

Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. See Feb 5.

Demystifying Omegas 1pm-2pm. Westside New Leaf Market. Find out more about the different types of omegas, (3, 6, 7 & 9) their health benefits, as well as the best dietary sources.

Lego and Duplo Fun 1:30pm-3:30pm.Ongoing Tuesdays. Branciforte Library.

See Fen 5.

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

Lego Club 3:15pm (1st and 3rd Tuesdays— Scotts Valley Library); 3:30pm (Ongoing Tuesdays—Boulder Creek Library).

See Feb 5.

Chess Club 3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Aptos Library. See Feb 5.

Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm-6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for NonViolence. See Feb 5.

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

Optimizing Your Environment 6pm-7pm.

Westside New Leaf Market. Chemicals in our food, water and the products we use every day can make us sick. Figuring out what to do about this can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!

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

Monarch Services. Ver Feb 5.

Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Dominican Hospital. See Feb 5.

34 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019

Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am.

Ongoing Wednesdays. See See Feb 6.

Mini Mint Mamas Meet Up 10:30am-12pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. Mini Mint. See Feb 6.

Family Stories and Activities 11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Boulder Creek Library.

See Feb 6.

Preschool Storytime 11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Library. See Feb 1.

What If Wednesday 11am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 6.

New Moms Support Group 11:30am-1pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Feb 6.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

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

See Feb 13.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-5pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. CASE Art 2pm. 3rd Wednesday. Scotts Valley Library. Ages 6-10 explore art and science through creative projects.

Nature Art with Sue 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 6.

Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. Orchard School. See Feb 6.

Afternoon STEM 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Feb 6.

Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Monarch Services. See Feb 6.

PJ MASKS LIVE The popular kids TV show does a live appearance with music, dancing and robots at the San Jose Civic. Check Ticketmaster for tickets. thursday, february 21 Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am.

Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See Feb 7.

Creative Exploration 12pm-1pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 7.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

Afternoon STEM 3pm (La Selva Beach Library); 3:30pm (Garfield Park Library). Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

Aptos Farmers Market 8am-12pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College. See Feb 2.

Open Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays.

JuneBug’s Gym. See Feb 2.

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

Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See Jan 5.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr.

Sensory Art with Brooke 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Jan 3.

Free Exploring the San Lorenzo River Walk Series 10pm-12pm. See Feb 9.

DIY Crafts 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Boulder Creek Library. See Feb 2.

Pine Needle Basket Making Workshop 10am-12pm. Henry Cowell. See Feb 2.

Challah Making and Baking for Kids 3:30pm. West Side New Leaf Market. With Temple Beth El’s Young Families Project. We will supply the recipe, ingredients, and adult helpers. YUMMMM! RSVP’s are appreciated to: sclarkson@tbeaptos.org

Clam Chowder Cook-Off 10am-4pm. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Join the delicious festivities as amateur and professional chefs prepare their finest clam chowder recipes along the Boardwalk.

Pizza My Heart Fundraiser for Orchard School 4pm-9pm. 41st Ave. Mention “Orchard School” to the cashier, and 30% of your purchase will be donated to our school.

Pajaro Valley Quilt Association 41st Annual Quilt Show and Auction 10am-5pm. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville. Displaying over 300 Quilts and wearable art.

Entre Nosotras 6pm-8pm. 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. WomenCARE’s Watsonville Office. See Feb 7.

Old Growth Redwood Tours 11am. Ongoing Saturdays. Henry Cowell State Park. See Feb 2.

Triple P 8-Week Group: For families with children 2-12 years old 6pm-8pm. Ongoing Thursdays through Feb 28. San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School Library, 7155 Highway 9, Felton. See Feb 7.

Old Cove Landing Trail 11am-1pm. Wilder Ranch (Interpretive Center). See Feb 2.

friday, february 22 Preschool Storytime 10am. Ongoing Fridays.

Aptos Library. See Feb 1.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Fridays.

Downtown Library. See Feb 1.

DIY Crafts 11am-1pm (Garfield Park Library); 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library); 1:30pm-4:30pm (La Selva Beach Library).

Ongoing Saturdays. See Feb 2.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

Infant/Toddler Workshop 11am-11:45am.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Snakes Alive! 12pm-3pm. Big Basin State Park. Come to the Sempervirens Room at park headquarters, meet docent Diane Shaw and her snake, and learn about the fascinating world of snakes.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

DIY Crafts 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library); 1:30pm-4:30pm (La Selva Beach Library).

Ongoing Saturdays. See Feb 2.

Sack Puppet Making 11:45am-12:15pm.

Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Skill and Luck 1pm. Santa Cruz Mission.

What kind of games did the Ohlone play?

When the Spanish came did they bring games? Did the Ohlone still play their games during the missions? Come and find the answers to these questions about games at the mission. Make a game to take home!

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Fridays. JuneBugs Gym. See Feb 1.

Make and Explore at the Capitola Mall 2pm4pm. Ongoing Fridays. Children’s MOD. See Feb 1.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza.

See Feb 1.

Open Art at the MOD 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 2.

Ranch Tours 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Wilder Ranch. See Feb 2.

Chess Club 2pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the 1st. Downtown Library. See Feb 5.

FEBRuARY 2019 Spanish Speaking Cancer Support Group 3pm-4:30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. See Feb 9.

Make Art Monday 11am-12pm; 3pm-4pm.

Ongoing Mondays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 4.

Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-8:30pm.

Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept.

See Feb 5.

Casino Night: Simcha Preschool Fundraiser 7pm-10pm. Temple Beth El. Adults only.

There will be great food, lively music, an open bar with beer and wine, and raffle and casino style gaming! Tickets are $55.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

wednesday, february 27

sunday, february 24 Low Impact Stretching Exercise Class 8:30am-9:30am. Ongoing Sundays. Health Education Center 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville. See Feb 3.

Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am.

Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. See Feb 3.

The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk 9:30am-11:30am. Ongoing Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 3.

Coffee Talk and Crafts 9:30am-12:30pm.

Big Basin State Park. Come to the Sempervirens Room next to park headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! And bring the kids for a fun craft activity!

Clam Chowder Cook-Off 10am-4pm. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. See Feb 23.

Pajaro Valley Quilt Association 41st Annual Quilt Show and Auction 10am-4pm. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville. Auction at 12pm. See Feb 23.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm.

Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 1.

Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike 12pm.

Big Basin State Park. See Feb 3.

Open Art at the MOD 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 2.

Ranch Tours 1pm-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Wilder Ranch. See Feb 2.

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing). Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See Feb 3.

DIY Crafts 1pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays.

Live Oak Library. See Feb 2.

Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See Feb 3.

Loss, Tasks of Mourning, Stages of Grief 3pm-4pm. 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville. See Feb 3.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital.

See Feb 3. monday, february 25 Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Mondays.

Live Oak Library. See Feb 1.

Preschool Storytime 10am. Ongoing Mondays. Garfield Park Library. See Feb 1.

All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Feb 6.

Campus Tour 9:30am. Mount Madonna School. Small classes, Montessori-influenced Pre/K and college prep 1st–12th grades. Featuring hands-on science labs, outdoor adventure and travel, marine biology studies on Catalina Island, buddy program, visual and performing arts. Contact Benna Dimig at 408-846-4042 oradmissions@mountmadonna.org

Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See Feb 6.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Thursdays.

Aptos Library and Scotts Valley Library. See Feb 1.

Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am.

Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Feb 1.

Exploring Big Basin 9:30am-2:30pm. Big Basin State Park. See Feb 5.

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 Feb 6.

New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Feb 3.

Toddler Time 10am. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Branciforte Library. See Feb 1.

Mini Mint Mamas Meet Up 10:30am-12pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. Mini Mint. See Feb 6.

Creative Exploration 12pm-1pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 3.

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Feb 5.

Family Stories and Activities 11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Boulder Creek Library.

See Feb 6.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

Preschool Storytime 11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Library. See Feb 1.

Afternoon STEM 3pm (La Selva Beach Library); 3:30pm (Garfield Park Library). Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. See Feb 4.

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

Cuéntame un Cuento 5:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Live Oak Library. See Feb 4. tuesday, february 26

Downtown Tuesdays 10am-10pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Downtown Santa Cruz. See Feb 5.

Preschool Storytime 10:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. La Selva Beach Library and Scotts Valley Library. See Feb 1.

Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. See Feb 5.

Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. See Feb 5.

Lego and Duplo Fun 1:30pm-3:30pm.Ongoing Tuesdays. Branciforte Library.

See Feb 5.

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

Chess Club 3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Aptos Library. See Feb 5.

Lego Club 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Tuesdays.

Boulder Creek Library. See Feb 5.

Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm-6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for NonViolence. See Feb 5.

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

Monarch Services. Ver Feb 5.

PMS Solutions: Balance Your Hormones 6pm-7:30pm. Westside New Leaf Market.

Walk away with a better understanding of your hormones, your menstrual cycle and tools to support your feminine body during this time.

Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Dominican Hospital. See Feb 5.

Andrea Nguyen: Vietnamese Food Any Day 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. Award-winning author Andrea Nguyen draws on decades of experience, as well as the cooking hacks her mom adopted after fleeing from Vietnam to America to show you how to use easy-to-find ingredients to create true Vietnamese flavors at home—fast.

What If Wednesday 11am-12pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 6.

New Moms Support Group 11:30am-1pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. See Feb 6.

El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See Feb 6.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!!

12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See Feb 4.

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

See Feb 13.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-5pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. Nature Art with Sue 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 6.

Sensory Art with Brooke 3pm-4pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Santa Cruz Children’s MOD. See Feb 7.

DIY Crafts 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Boulder Creek Library. See Feb 2.

Triple P 8-Week Group: For families with children 2-12 years old 6pm-8pm. Ongoing Thursdays through Feb 28. San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School Library, 7155 Highway 9, Felton. See Feb 7.

save the date: Gateway School’s Kindergarten Visit Day March 2, 10am - 12pm and School Day Tours March 5, 9 - 11am Gateway School, K-8126 Eucalyptus Ave, Santa Cruz 95060 831.423.0341 ext 302 www.gatewaysc.org

Afternoon STEM 3:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Feb 6.

Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Ongoing Wednesdays. Orchard School. See Feb 6.

Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Monarch Services. See Feb 6.

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. thursday, february 28 Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am.

Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See Feb 7.

GUiSC will attempt to update calendar listings as needed; however, it is the responsibility of the organization listed to provide updated information.

GUiSC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Readers are encouraged to check the accuracy of the information provided.

Events that are free or cost less than $10 can be submitted for inclusion in the calendar. GUiSC does not guarantee that a submitted event will automatically be included. Preference is given for events of interest to children and/or parents.

Calendar entries must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the event. Send calendar entries via email to calendar@growingupsc.com.

Photos can also be emailed to be considered for inclusion in the calendar.

Calendar entries and photos will be selected by the Calendar Editor.

February 2019 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 35

36 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • February 2019