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OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
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Tech Talk.......................................................................... 5 Your Home....................................................................... 6 Ask Nicole........................................................................ 7 Your Comments............................................................... 8 Issues & Debates............................................................... 8 Something....................................................................... 9 Teacher's Desk.................................................................. 10 Get Organized.................................................................. 11 Halloween........................................................................ 12 Good Stuff....................................................................... 14 Parenting......................................................................... 16 Parenting......................................................................... 17 Parenting......................................................................... 19 Local News....................................................................... 20 Local News....................................................................... 21 Local News ...................................................................... 22 Birth Matters.................................................................... 23 Pregnancy and Baby Guide.............................................. 24 Coloring Page................................................................... 26
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Editors’ Note Even small changes can make a BIG difference. Triple P is a scientifically-proven, world-renowned positive parenting program available to families in Santa Cruz County. Triple P strategies address a wide range of parenting challenges by providing a toolbox of easy-to-use tips. Find a full schedule of Triple P tips and classes at triplep.first5scc.org.
We’ve been eating out more during the pandemic than we did in the past. Why? Well, let’s face it, when you are schooling and working at home all day, getting a meal out and seeing fellow humans in the flesh is the bright spot of the day. And when I say eating out, I mean that literally. We are going to restaurants with outdoor seating. Over the past months, we’ve noticed some restaurants have no clue how to serve families with kids. Maybe their usual clientele is mostly college students or people out to socialize and drink with friends, but families are a different beast.
We’ve got some tips for serving these sometimes motley crews. 1.
This program is made possible through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (MHSA – Prop 63 funds) & Santa Cruz County Human Services Department.
I n f o r m at I o n : first 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217 triplep@first5scc.org • triplep.first5scc.org
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Tuesday | November 3 | 2020 CALIFORNIA OFFERS VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE
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OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
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If they bring a toddler, treat them like they have a grenade with a loose pin. At any moment the kid could go off, ruining the meal not just for the table but for the whole place. Have the bill handy, or as handy as can be. In good times, wait people like to pump out a last dessert or round of drinks. No way, Renee. Be prepared to get them out fast in the event of a meltdown. Your understanding will keep them coming back. Napkins and more napkins. Think of your clients with toddlers and teens as if they were drunks eating after a frat party. They are going to make an almost inconceivable mess and if you prepare like a sanitation crew at a football game, you will make clean up faster and easier. Hell, they will do it for you, if you give them plenty of tools. We know restaurants are no longer handing out crayons so we bring our own with drawing paper. But
if you still have paper menus with cute things to color, dinnertime will be a lot quieter. 4. Don’t be afraid to keep checking in. Older diners may not need you to shadow them, but families have so many different needs and kids have the patience of a gnat. If you can be close, especially toward the end of the meal, they will be so appreciative. Diners…what’s been your experience during COVID? Good, bad or the same? We so appreciate servers and staff, who are truly on the front lines and we click the highest tip choice every time. Hope you do too. Heck, we even tried to tip the checkout person at Safeway, but they weren’t allowed to take it. We feel we have to give back more than ever these days and we can see it around the community, making Santa Cruz Great Again, always. That said, this issue celebrates two of our favorite things: newborns and Halloween with important stories on both. We also delve into the real estate market, with families moving in and out and struggling to afford rising prices. We’ve got a huge public service article about how you can help build affordable housing and make a good return on your investment! Doing good can help you do well. How can you empower kids when you can barely empower yourself? You’ve got questions, we have answers. Is it too early to start organizing holiday decorations? Nope, says our organizing expert. How do teachers deal with climate change and diversity? Read our column called Rebirth. Brad Kava, Jennifer Ford and Steve Dinnen
About the Cover In October we feature our Baby Cover Photo Contest, and wow do we have some cute babies in Santa Cruz County! We recieved thirteen submissions and over two-thousand voters. Baby Leo came in the lead and was the perfect
cover for our October issue full of Halloween fun. In the end they were all just too adorable to only put one baby on our cover, so you will find all of the babies on our back cover, looking cute as can be.
TECH TALK Save Money and Keep Your Computer Humming BY LUIGI OPPIDO
School is back in but your machine’s not running right! What can you do? Let’s go over these few steps that you can take on both your Mac and your PC to make sure that things are in the right place! That way when you start your machine, it’ll be there when you need it.
One of the first things you can do is make sure the machine has not been asleep.
This goes for both Mac and PC. This includes closing the screen and opening the screen (1 sleep cycle) or not going to the shut down button on your machine before stepping away (the sleep feature
can start automatically). Sleep doesn’t allow the programs to let go of the processes that the computer is expecting. The sleep “feature” will actually change some of the operating procedures and cause the machine to think one thing when it’s actually doing another. Long story short don’t put it to sleep! If you can, always shut down. WINDOWS One of the best things you can do before you start any big process is to check for updates. start menu --> settings gear/cog --> updates. It sounds silly, but with Windows 10 updates are one of the most important steps you can take before running any software on your machine. Why? Because Microsoft has decided that the updates are more important than user functions and give updates a priority over everything else. So try to make it a habit of checking for updates when you first
sit down. Do it before you start any other process. Your Microsoft computing world will be much happier. MACS Head up to the apple --> app store --> check for updates. If your machine needs an operating system upGRADE, hold off until you know you have time to process the update. Another tip for this week is to not pay Microsoft for their expensive software! If you use Microsoft Word PowerPoint or XL and don’t have $130 at the moment, you can download a piece of software called libre office. Libre office is a free fully functional Microsoft Office replacement. With this software you can write, read, and save in Microsoft formats and no one would know you’re not using a Microsoft program. It’s free and downloadable right now. Computers are designed to allow us to do work faster and enjoy life. Use these tips to get back to life quicker! until next time, stay positively charged! Visit Luigi Oppido at 1824 Soquel Ave, Suite B. Call him at (831)464-2220. Email at PleasurePointComputers. com or visit his website at pleasurepointcomputers.com. Listen to his radio show every Tuesday at 7 p.m. on KSQD-FM (90.7) and KSQD.org
Empowering Students to Shape Their Futures with Confidence.
Kirby School is an independent college preparatory day school in Santa Cruz for grades 6-12. We offer a Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing distance learning opportunities. Visit kirby.org to learn more or to register for one of our upcoming Admissions events. GrowingUpSC.com | OCTOBER 2020
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YOUR HOME The State of the Santa Cruz Real Estate Market BY SEBASTIAN FREY
Dusty and Myriah McKenzie, of Aptos, want to sell one home and buy another and things have proven more difficult than they imagined. Photo by Brad Kava 2020 has proven to be a year like none in living memory, and with a contentious presidential election right around the corner, you know it’s going to get stranger. Yet in the midst of a global pandemic, nationwide civil unrest, and the sudden loss of many millions of jobs…a strange thing has happened to the Santa Cruz real estate market. The year started off strong. The fourth quarter of 2019 saw a market that was
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Normally, the spring market sees a cresting wave of homes coming on the market, but this year, the tide went out and took the inventory with it.
flagging--homes were taking longer to sell, and many sellers were making painful price reductions to get their homes sold before the holidays. But just as we flipped the page of the calendar into a new year in January, the market abruptly turned a corner and came to life. Buyers were out and homes were selling, often with multiple offers. It looked as though 2020 would turn out to be a strong year for real estate sales-- and then, the pandemic hit. The market literally ground to a halt, until the infamous “shelter in place” ordinances were revised to allow real estate agents to show homes again. But showing real estate in the pandemic, with strict protocols to protect
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everyone’s health and safety, looks much different than in pre-pandemic times. Despite all the precautions the industry now follows when selling property, many would-be home sellers decided they didn’t want the risk and pulled their homes off the market. Normally, the spring market sees a cresting wave of homes coming on the market, but this year, the tide went out and took the inventory with it. The Santa
Cruz real estate market has long been characterized as one difficult to buy in, with too many buyers chasing too few properties. Today, inventory is far lower than normal for this time of year - yet buyer demand is exceptionally strong. Homes in Santa Cruz are flying off the shelf. The number of homes sold in June and July was about 30-50 percent higher in 2020 vs. 2019-- even with painfully few homes for sale. The pundits tell you that people are moving to Santa Cruz because they’re working from home now and will probably be able to continue working from home, much of the time at least, for the foreseeable future. If you can work from home--why not make it a home near the beach?
OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
This boom in demand for Santa Cruz real estate has really put the hurt on many would-be homebuyers, especially local Santa Cruz residents competing for a small pool of properties against many well-funded high-income buyers from points north. Today’s market is characterized by homes selling quickly after receiving multiple offers, and often selling far in excess of asking price. Dusty and Myriah McKenzie are two of many homeowners who pulled their property from the market when the pandemic shut down the market in March. He’s an anthropology professor at Cabrillo and she’s an esthetician. Since then, they’ve watched the market from the sidelines as homes come onto the market and are quickly snatched up in spectacular bidding wars. Their own home, before they pulled it from the market, had been well-received; it was a Redfin “Hot Home” which is all but a guarantee of multiple offers and a sale over asking price. They’re sure they could sell their home today in a New York minute. But then what? They still need a place to live. Selling in today’s market is easy--but selling, and buying? There’s a very limited number of homes to choose from, with the best homes selling at nosebleed prices. Might it not be better to wait until the market actually cools off, before proceeding with their plans to upsize? They remain on the fence – like many would-be home buyers and sellers in
Santa Cruz. There’s no shortage of desire to make a move, but the market – never easy to navigate – is tougher than ever. The accompanying charts tell the tale of this market in stark relief. The first chart shows the “months of inventory” for the past two years. As you can see, Santa Cruz is far below normal inventory for this time of year – below six weeks. A six month supply is considered a market that is balanced between buyers and sellers, and this market is nowhere near that. The second chart shows closed sales in Santa Cruz county in 2020 vs. 2019. You can see the dramatic spike in sales from May to June and shooting up sharply higher in June. This is especially noteworthy as you can see that in July 2019, there were fewer sales than in June 2019, which is what typically happens as we enter the summer – but in 2020, July sales in Santa Cruz took off like a rocket These certainly are unprecedented times - the pandemic, civil unrest, a high-stakes Presidential election…and a real estate market that, despite all the uncertainty, is setting records for sales and prices. It’s a challenging market for the McKenzie family, and for many other Santa Cruz families just like them. Of course, every family’s wants, needs, resources and timelines are different, but with a good mindset, fortitude, and a little luck, buying a home in Santa Cruz is possible for many. As those charts show, hundreds of families are doing so, every month. Maybe it will be your turn next! Sebastian “Seb” Frey | Lic. 01369847 | REALTOR® - Compass | (831) 704-6873 | sebfrey@ sebfrey.com | SebFrey.com | SantaCruz. RealEstate
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ASK NICOLE Tips for Supporting Distance Learning BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW When I was in college, I would not have enjoyed living and learning at my parents’ house. Even when I was in high school, I would’ve been miserable if all my classes were online since school was my social lifeline. Now, my house is a home/office/high school/college campus for two working parents, two students, two cats, and a never-ending pile of dirty dishes and laundry. I’m fortunate that my kids don’t need constant supervision, and they’ve learned to manage their own schedules and schoolwork. If you read my articles from several years ago, you’d know this was not always the case! This month’s article is for everyone who is juggling work, family, and distance learning. Stay strong! This monthly column provides tips for raising children, based on the worldrenowned 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, This school year is so stressful. My kids (5, 8, and 15 years old) are doing distance learning, and it’s so hard! They get bored, distracted, and take forever to do their schoolwork. I work during the day, and my husband works at night. We take turns watching the kids, but we’re totally overwhelmed. What can we do? - Susannah Dear Susannah, So many families are experiencing this! Here are some tips to try:
Be gentle with yourselves.
Having realistic expectations (of both children and parents) is a key principle of positive parenting. Although parents and caregivers have more responsibility for their kids’ learning at home, most aren’t trained (or expected) to be teachers – and many don’t even understand what their kids are learning! So, start by saying positive, calming statements like, “We’re doing the best we can,” “There isn’t one ‘right’ way to parent,” or “We’ll get through this together.” And remember to breathe.
Involve your kids in creating daily routines and family rules.
Look at the space they each use for distance learning (even if it’s a shared desk or table) and identify what they can do to make it more special, interesting, or unique to them. They might want to do this periodically to keep their learning space interesting and engaging.
Follow a consistent routine as much as possible. Most schools have a daily schedule for live instruction and individual work time. Have your kids follow the routine as though they’re going to school on campus – i.e. get up, eat breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, log into class on
time, etc. Some kids find it helpful to have their schedule written or printed so they have a visual reminder of what each day looks like, including classes, breaks (very important!), due dates for assignments, mealtimes, playtime, homework time, bedtime, etc.
If your kids need to share devices or take turns being online, involve them in creating agreements about how they’ll do that.
Talk about family and school rules about online learning, like being respectful, responsible, and using the devices appropriately. This is also a good time to create or update family rules about when it’s learning time (vs free time), when it’s OK to interrupt a parent (vs when they need to wait), and how much recreational screen time they can have (separate from school-related screen time).
Offer “just enough” help.
Stay close by and check on their progress but avoid nagging them (giving too many reminders) or doing work for them. Give descriptive praise and encourage their efforts – “You finished two assignments already. Keep it up!” If they want help, ask questions that teach problem-solving, such as “What do you think?” or “How could you find out?” If they can’t answer after a couple prompts, help them find the answer so they stay engaged in the learning process instead of giving up. If they’re overwhelmed by the amount of schoolwork, help them break it down into smaller “chunks” that feel more manageable. Let them have a small reward after finishing each chunk, like playing a short game or listening to a song. When they’ve finished their schoolwork for the day, let them do something they enjoy so they experience the reward of free time after working hard.
We Teach Kindness!
Final Thoughts
Distance learning is challenging for everyone, so we all have to do the best we can and support each other. If your kids are struggling with learning at home, reach out to their teachers and ask what resources and supports the school can provide to your kids – and to you. Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 16 and 20, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, triplep.first5scc.org, facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.
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On September 12th, I was overwhelmed with emotion when I saw parents with young children coming into the library to gather in a place that offered a sense of community, symbolized certainty and normalcy, and provided comfort.
The New Downtown Library is a Win For Children, Teens, and Students
BY MARTÍN GÓMEZ, FRIENDS OF THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES As a library professional, I’ve seen, (and have had a hand in helping), public libraries evolve into places that build and foster civic pride, support community engagement and serve as a safe place for children, teens, and families. On September 11, 2001, I was the director of the Brooklyn Public Library. That day brings back difficult, but also inspiring memories that affirmed my understanding about the important value public libraries play during difficult times. Those of us who ran public institutions in New York City were faced with the difficult decision of remaining open or close because of rumors that cultural institutions may be targets of the next terrorist attack. I made the decision to close on September 11th, but that we would re-open the main library the next day. It was the right decision. On September 12th, I was overwhelmed with emotion when I saw parents with young children coming into the library to gather in a place that offered a sense of community, symbolized certainty and normalcy, and provided comfort. It was
I liked the rail + trail article because it gives more freedom to our children. A safe place to ride their bikes or take the train to schools or parks. Benefiting children counts double, as enabling them to make their own trips eliminates double car trips—once to drop them off and once to pick them up. Younger children might get dropped off at school on the back of a bicycle rather than driven in a SUV. The rail line is close to more than a dozen schools and even more parks. And rail + trail benefits adults also - A household might need one less car, bike trips can count as exercise and longer rail trips allow people to do other things than pay attention to the jammed road, so commute time can become productive and rewarding. Rail + trail is an investment in our quality of life for all generations. -Bruce Sawhill, Santa Cruz
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a place for families to find solace and reassure their children that things would be better. It was one of the best days in my professional career. Fast forward to September 2020…who would have thought that plans to replace an aging, outdated public library could be so controversial? A small, but vocal, handful of opponents to this project have argued that a new public library structure should not be part of a multipurpose facility that includes affordable housing, retail space and public parking. In my professional opinion, this project is an effective, efficient use of the limited public bond funds that were approved by the voters in 2016. Over the past 2 ½ years, plans for this project have been reviewed, studied, vetted, and recommended for approval by the Downtown Library Advisory Committee, a special committee of the City Council, a group of downtown business interests and was ultimately approved by the Santa Cruz City Council earlier this year. This project will create a new 40,000 square foot
I liked the article about the rail and trail. It's exciting the trail is being built and we will be able to use it soon. Living in Aptos close to the rail corridor my family and I talk about how we would love to ride our bikes to the Boardwalk. The kids always enjoy the rides and then we could wheel our bikes onto passenger rail and come back home. That would be a fun day! -Tina Andreatta Future Use Of The Rail Corridor In the coming weeks the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is expected to share the draft report from the Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis (TCAA) - the $1M study to determine if bus or train service should be implemented in the rail corridor to provide high capacity public transit. Should it be a bus? Or a train? - Or neither, with focus on a trail?
OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
library that will serve as an anchor for Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ 10 branch library system. It will be a destination for the growing community of downtown families, businesses, and shoppers. More importantly, this project will add easily accessible dedicated library space for children and teens…something not available at the current downtown library. The downtown library, current located on Church Street, between Center and Cedar Streets, was built over 50 years ago. Recent studies presented to the City Council have confirmed that the library’s systems and infrastructure would be extremely costly to replace and, in the end, would not improve or increase the public space needed to function as a modern 21st century library. Is this what voters expected when they voted to approve the $67 million bond to improve, renovate, repair and replace libraries throughout the county? Modern, public libraries are energy efficient, and offer inviting spaces for teens, children and families, and students of all ages to access information in print
and online. They are places that foster community engagement through public programs, such as lectures and storytimes for preschoolers. They are places that house community history, the written works of new and time-tested writers. I hope that we never have to go through another 9/11. But for me, a public library will always be a place that offers parents the opportunity to introduce their children to the joys of reading, a space for teens to congregate safely after-school, and for communities to celebrate the value of civic pride. Those who argue differently don’t seeing the big picture. Some are too quick to condemn a library that hasn’t even been designed yet! We’ve seen some beautiful conceptual schematics from architects who specialize in public libraries. But these are not final plans. They are studies that show what might be possible. Each of those possibilities offer parents and children in Santa Cruz a new public library that we can all be proud of!
Many have already shared their perspective, and I could (again) do likewise, but perhaps a better approach at this moment would be to: • Review the TCAA draft report when it becomes available. What do you think of the recommendations and why? • Engage in discussion with others you know and trust. What do they think and why? And as you encounter others in your circles who have not yet examined this subject, encourage them to do so. • Before finalizing your position, seek out others with different points of view. What do they think and why? Maybe you missed something. Share your perspective with the RTC via the TCAA online open house survey. If the survey questions and available answers do not capture your point of view, please send them an email with your comments.
I was very excited almost two years ago to hear that the plan for the trail alongside electric battery rail was approved unanimously by the Regional Transportation Commission (which has members from all over the county). Construction on the 32 mile trail started a few months later and should be finished in most of the populated areas in less than 7 years. Some segments are already being used by families and neighbors! I don’t understand why some people started a campaign against the plan. Why would we stop construction, tear up the tracks (eliminating any future passenger rail), and let private landowners along the corridor fight over easements (delaying a trail for many years)? Our children and future generations will be very glad we planned for clean, quiet, right-sized rail transit across our county, which everyone can use. -Dianne
The bottom line: Many voices are needed to best guide such enormous decisions - and this needs to include YOUR voice! Better outcomes will be achieved with more voices and not simply the loudest voices in the room. Follow developments on the SCC RTC website: sccrtc.org/ -Keith Otto, La Selva
Send your comments to editor@growingupsc.com on this month's debate regarding building a new library downtown. We've heard one side, what's your opinion?
LOCAL ARTIST Bree Karpavage Local artist, Bree Karpavage uses the timeless art form of cut and paste collage as a way to process life. She fondly calls it her “soul work” and uses collage as a way to empower, heal and express her personal growth. Using mostly magazines both vintage and new, she cuts images that resonate with her and later combines them to create simple yet powerful artwork. “When I collage, I get in a zone...it’s hard to describe, I’m able to check out for a bit and tap into a more spiritual, heart centered space. That for me is empowering.” Bree lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is mother of three and works as a local event coordinator, producing
the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market on the third Sunday of every month on Pacific Ave. and the SCM Makers Market in Felton several times a year. She also recently took over the director position at First Friday Santa Cruz. “Working in the arts is at my core. I love creating spaces for local artists and makers to show and sell their work. Bringing community together with art and music is so important...we need the lighter, creative side of life to keep us grounded and sane, especially in difficult times like these.” Find all of the details about her events and art on the web & social media.
Breekarpavage.com | @bree.karpavage on Instagram Scmmakersmarket.com | @scmmakersmarket on Facebook & Instagram Firstfridaysantacruz.com | @firstfridaysantacruz on Facebook & Instagram
GrowingUpSC.com | OCTOBER 2020
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TEACHER'S DESK Rebirth BY LISA CATTERALL Every particle in the universe was once contained in an infinitesimal speck...a theoretical point in the void with no measurement. It must have been very heavy. After an explosion, the particles of the current universe moved rapidly outwards, gathering into tiny molecules then forming and reforming into more organized forms. In the smallest split second, the tiniest moment of this timeline, life on Earth existed and evolved and became the now, 2020. Some say it is the worst number yet. A complete disaster. A slowly filling “bingo card” of horrific and chaotic events. Yes, and… If you are a human being, like me, for whom the reality and horror of systemic racism roils your belly and fills you with anger, fear, sadness, or perhaps depression, this year has become a relief. Finally you see your feelings expressed by the people in your town and all around you, and you know you are not alone, that you can speak up and that the world will change. It may be reborn. If you are a teacher, and you’ve wept as you give everything you have to your students and some still tell you you’re not good enough, this year made you laugh inside, just a little bit. Finally you know
you might just be appreciated, and the world will perhaps change for the better. If you are a climate scientist who has known the defeat and depression of understanding what was becoming inevitable before your eyes, and felt that you were shouting into the void, the void answered. The apocalyptic orange skies of the West Coast said to you, “nature will now insist on change. You are not crazy.” If you were struggling to manage very young children, while keeping your job and paying your mortgage, and no one believed you could do both and work from home, you finally got to prove them wrong. And you spent your lunch breaks with your babies in your arms. By now, those babies have grown up with their parents more present than ever. If you were a healthcare worker and felt invisible because you are not a doctor, this year, you became visible. In the eyes of the world, you were finally seen as the hero you have always been. Perhaps, rather than trudging through the dark tunnel of 2020, we can see that we have, in fact, been trudging through a much longer, darker tunnel. We’ve been walking on and on, for many years, trying to believe the story that says over and over, “everything is fine.” This may be the year we finally emerge into the light. This may be the year we come out wiping away the tears, cleaning up the mud, holding our neighbors’ hands,
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OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
stronger, kinder and more resilient, removing barriers for everyone in our world, caring deeply for the planet we live on, and quieting fear. This is a year to be reborn. This is a column about teaching that went far astray. But all of it is part of returning to school. Teachers have new resolve to celebrate diversity and difference and to teach children how to care for the Earth. Teachers and students have new technology tools that will crack open much of what has been hidden. This year, the silo of a classroom or a single subject can reach across the entire World Wide Web, and it can do that for more people than ever before. Parents and communities have a new appreciation of the highly evolved operation that is a school, from how a playground works to how much education it takes to teach a room full of children to read.
Nothing stays the same. Every school year is an experiment. This is a historic one. If we hold change in our hearts with humor and companionship, we will walk out into the light this year, and find joy in our uprooting. Dreams that have died at the hands of misunderstanding and hate will be resurrected in hearts built from undying hope. Consciousness will evolve. Collectively, teachers are reborn every September; this year we emerge with a Chromebook in one hand containing hopeful faces in tiny lighted squares, and a phoenix rising from ashes in the other hand. Welcome back to school. Lisa Catterall teaches STEAM, math, science, and art at Mount Madonna School and is a senior associate of the Centers for Research on Creativity. She lectures and trains teachers and administrators on innovation in education in Beijing, China. Lisa has five children and lives in Santa Cruz County.
GET ORGANIZED Organize Your Holiday Decorations BY JHONEÉ FILLMORE 5.
If you like things exactly where you like them and nobody can convince you otherwise…. consider making a container of items that you are willing to let others help you with. This is a great idea for kids who like to help decorate. Maybe the kids have their own tree and their own decorations that they can decorate exactly as they wish. It’s a win-win.
Put It Back Tidy
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It is that time of the year that we listen to the holiday spirit within us, put on our game faces and prepare to transform our homes both inside and outside with decorations of all kinds. Decorating can be so much fun for the family but lets also mention that it takes some work.
Game Plan
Make a list of any supplies that you need to purchase or maybe something you need to rearrange or prepare ahead of time.
Prepare The Space
For me, I like to have a clean and tidy space before upheaving the many items from storage. Any items in my house or yard that need to be temporarily removed get placed together. Once my decoration containers are empty, I put these items inside to store for the season.
Labels
Labeling is the most crucial part of organizing your holiday decorations. Putting a label on every bin you store your items in is key to finding what you need. You can put a label as simple as “Halloween” or you can get more specific like “Halloween Lights”. Folks, sticks a label on it!
Choosing The Right Container
You have options when it comes to storage containers; however, I always encourage an airtight bin to keep the dust and critters out. You can choose to use the same color containers for all of your decorations or you can color code the holidays. For example, Halloween = orange, Thanksgiving = green, Christmas = red. Beyond that, you can choose to go with a clear or colored transparent
Label the ends of your cords so you know what you are plugging in and which cord goes to whom. As you are taking down decorations, make a list of any items that need replaced for next season. Then record these items in your planner a couple months in advance of next year’s holiday so you can purchase them before you need them and before they are sold out. You might even be able to find them on sale after the season. Never pack up lights or items that don’t work anymore. Save yourself the frustration next year.
Impress yourself the next time you open a holiday bin. Even when you are rushed and wanting to just cram decorations back into a container, try so hard to place them neatly. Neatly includes wrapping breakables carefully, wrapping cords neatly, placing similar items together, removing items no longer wanted or working, etc. Enjoy! Need a more specific suggestion? Email me at hello@thedavenportcompany.com Be well. Best, Jhoneé Jhoneé Fillmore, Owner, Missplaced Organizing | thedavenportcompany. com/missplaced
container so that you can get a visual of what is inside of your labeled bin. Others will choose a solid container, as that is more visually pleasing.
Lists On Containers
Another method to get organized in addition to labeling the containers is the list. The list gets created when items are put away for the season. While you are neatly putting away decorations into a bin, you jot down on a list exactly what is going into the bin. You can put items of the same theme in the same bin or maybe you want all breakables together, etc. The point is that when next season comes, you don’t have to open a container to know what is inside. You can simply look at the list that you have taped to the bin. You will really appreciate the extra minute you took when packing up.
Each themed box comes with: Hardback Picture Book + Kid-friendly Recipe Card Baking Tool + Project
Wreath, Bulb & Wrapping Paper Containers There are some awesome containers out there for awkward shaped items such as wreaths, wrapping paper, bulbs, etc. These are not only efficient storage means but they really keep your items safe and in good shape.
Rotating Storage
Store your containers for each holiday together. When you are finished with a holiday, scoot the next holidays to easier access and place the just finished holiday toward the back.
Hacks 1.
No more tangled cords!!! When taking down lights, wrap them neatly around a rubber banded newspaper or a paper towel roll.
Come see what we’re mixing up!
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GrowingUpSC.com | OCTOBER 2020
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COVID-19: Holiday Celebrations CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Lower risk activities
Moderate risk activities
These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives:
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Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends Decorating your house, apartment, or living space Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance Having a virtual Halloween costume contest Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
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Higher risk activities Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19: • • • • • • •
Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots Attending crowded costume parties held indoors Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-lifecoping/holidays.html
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Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard) If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 second before and after preparing the bags. Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn't leave gaps around the face. Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask. Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus. Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus. Lower your risk by following CDC's recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.
Halloween Movie
Countdown 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.
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OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
The Witches Ghostbusters (1988 & 2016) Labrynth Gremlins Monster House The House With a Clock in Its Walls Mary and the Witch's Flower Room on the Broom Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit The Haunted Mansion The Witches The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad Addam's Family Beetlejuice Book of Life Box Trolls Casper Coco Coraline Edward Scissorhands Corpse Bride Goonies Goosebumps Halloween Town Hotel Transylvania It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown Frankenweenie Nightmare Before Christmas Paranorman Hocus Pocus
HALLOWEEN FUN & EVENTS
Join growing up's virtual Parade!
Send us your decorated front yards, your carved pumpkins, and of course, your costumes! We will post all of the pictures on our Facebook and Instagram stories October 30-November 1. Email Christy@GrowingUpSC.com
Is Halloween Really Canceled? BY CHRISTY SHULTS Online neighborhood groups are filled with Halloween protest post. Has Halloween really been canceled? It is not. Like everything else this year, Halloween will look different from usual. Large groups are still not allowed, and this will dramatically affect parties and trick-or-treating. We posed the question to our readers and received a wide range of responses, along with some great suggestions on how to keep the magic alive. I think this year is for decorations! Let people walk or drive by and enjoy whatever spooky or fun creationsyou can put together. I’m so sad, I love Halloween and I love trick-or-treating with my kids and hanging out with other families and friends. I just cannot do it in good conscience with COVID. I personally am going to decorate my front yard, put on a costume and eat and drink with my family on Halloween! How great would it be if neighborhoods decorated their yards for people to drive through like during Christmas time.
We’ve been hearing from a lot of families about their plans this year. A big one has been to set up an outside area that has interactive elements (lights, spooky stuff) so people can walk by. A lot of parents said they are going to just give candy to their children as they walk around. We’re excited to have been invited to some of these front yards. It’s a new experience for us! Happily Ever After We’re thinking about having a few specific houses to visit - neighbors we know are comfortable with it, friends from kids’ preschool, etc. our kids are young and they’d be happy just to visit a few houses. I think it would be very easy to do socially distant trick or treating if the people giving out candy don’t mind being outdoors and setting up a table or something like that. No ringing doorbells. If my son wants to trick or treat thats fine. We’re having a very small outdoor gathering at our friends house, 3 families. The kids will hunt for candy easter egg style.
If my son wants to trick-or-treat I am inclined to let him. Maybe have hand saniters out on tables so people can sanitize before taking candy.
If people are willing to hand out candy, we will be there with kids in costume! They've been through too much and everyone being careful outdoors with masks on can't be worse than me having to take them grocery shopping on a regular basis. Which I have to do, because they're 6 year old twins.
I won't protest the cancellation of Halloween because you cannot cancel Halloween. I will however protect your lives by making Halloween safe and fun for my family AND YOURS by staying home.
We plan to set up a Halloween table in our driveway for a COVIDappropriate expierence.
pumpkin picking Sunnside Produce Pumpkin Patch 2831 Daubenbiss ave, Soquel Arata 185 Verde Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Post Street Farm 122 Post St., Santa Cruz Capitola Produce Pumpkin Patch 700 Bay Ave., Capitola Rodoni Farms 4444 Coast Road (Highway 1) Crystal Bay Farm 40 Zils Road, Watsonville Gizdich Ranch 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Live Earth 1275 Green Valley Road, Watsonville GrowingUpSC.com | OCTOBER 2020
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Do you have an uplifting story to share? We want to hear it! Send us your inspiring stories and images and we will post them on our website's Good Stuff page and maybe even in an upcoming print issue! We could all use some heartwarming tales and imagery right now. Send 200-300 words plus your pictures to christy@growingupsc.com.
Santa Cruz Honors RBG PHOTOS BY KEVIN PAINCHAUD
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If you want to be a true professional, you'll do something outside of yourself. Something that makes life better for people less fortunate than you. ďƒŞRuth Bader Ginsburg
Generosity is Love in Action Growing Up put out the call to action to collect items to donate to the schools most affected by the CZU Lightning fires, and you answered! The love shown by Growing Up readers for the communities in Santa Cruz County was breathtaking. Thanks to the generosity of the Owners of Kiantis and their employees, Palace Art Supply, Salesian School, Growing Up Staff, Debbie Conroy, the Grethers, Theresa Shula and many individual monetary contributions, we could fill
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over 800 bags of goodies. These bags went to San Lorenzo Valley Elementary, Boulder Creek Elementary, Bonny Doon Elementary, and Pacific Elementary schools. Each bag included pencils, pens, crayons, markers, colored pencils, paper, highlighters, erasers, squishies, and earbuds. We had so many supplies that we could donate earbuds, folders, and paper to SLV High School. A huge thank you once again to all who helped make this happen!
OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
THE GOOD STUFF Free Music School for Fire Victims The music school called Musical Me is offering free online classes for the rest of 2020 to families who lost their homes in last month’s CZU Lightning Complex fire. MusicalMe, Inc. is a local, womanowned and led business with deep ties to the community. Generations of musicians got their start there. MusicalMe offers Music Together® and Rhythm Kids® Online classes are for families with children ages birth through eight. Parents with little ones throughout Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties can now experience the same high-quality music and movement curriculum taught by MusicalMe since 1996—from the
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safety and comfort of their homes or wherever they may be sheltering. “Both my sister and her husband in Ben Lomond plus my dad in Scotts Valley had to evacuate, says Director Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch, “It was a scary time but thank goodness neither of their homes were lost. Our hearts go out to everyone who lost their homes in last month’s fire, especially to families with young children. We know that our classes bring families together and can offer joyful and healing respite from harsh reality.” “At this challenging time we know that parents are searching for educational
Music Together & Rhythm Kids Online are designed to teach the way young children learn: through play.
and fun activities for their children. Making music is something the whole family can enjoy doing together, and it naturally supports children’s development.,“ she added. Music Together & Rhythm Kids Online are designed to teach the way young children learn: through play. During each live online music class, teachers lead activities for the whole family to sing, dance, and jam along to and demonstrate how to make everyday items like dish towels, pots, and stuffies into musical props. Even though the teacher is on the screen, each class is an interactive music-making experience for young children and their grownups. Families receive an illustrated songbook, CD and a code to download the award-winning music through Music Together’s Hello Everybody app, plus an invitation to a private online community for MusicalMe families. The entire
family is welcome (and encouraged!) to participate in the musical fun. Registration for MusicalMe Online is now open, and families are welcome to join at any time. Visit www.musicalme. com to learn more and register. Families are also welcome to a free preview class – just contact their office to schedule yours.
Any family who lost their home is invited to join a class TUITION FREE. There is a required $50 lab fee per family (waived for the first 20 families). Just call 831-438-3514 to enroll in any of MMI’s classes: Music Together, Canta y Baila Conmigo (Spanish emersion), or Rhythm Kids (for children 5 to 8). MusicalMe, Inc. has sung and danced with over 50,000 local families since the fall of 1996.
Art Proceeds for Fire Victims San Lorenzo Valley High School's Cougar Club has created a Gofund Me for those families that have lost their home to the fires. They recieved a large donation of over $1200 from local artist Nicole Cromwell. Cromwell sold some paintings that were inspired by the fires, and donated the proceeds.
You can view her art by visiting her website at nicolecromellart.com and following her on Instagram @ nicolecromwellart If you would like to donate to SLVHS Cougar Club Gogund Me visit https:// gf.me/u/yx42n3
GrowingUpSC.com | OCTOBER 2020
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PARENTING Empowering Our Kids
When we’re having trouble empowering ourselves! BY SUKI WESSLING These are tough times to be a human on earth. And parenting magnifies all of our challenges. Not only do we have to figure out how to get ourselves through pandemic, fire, and corrosive politics— we’ve got our kids to think of as well. If you’ve found yourself descending into despair for the future, you’re not alone. Santa Cruz County is a hard place to be right now if you aren’t the world’s most stubborn optimist. But parents have the responsibility to raise kids who will be ready to tackle the problems they’re faced with. And that means our kids need to feel empowered.
Back to the basics
I asked a bunch of moms to shoot out their best ideas about how to empower kids in these times. The striking thing is that they all seemed to focus on the very basics of existence. Each of them focused on how we support our children’s health, kindness, and connections.
Start small
“We set small goals and build on them,” explains Jenn Schacher of Watsonville, who is 46 and mom to five and eight-year-old girls. “We teach life skills—cooking, putting things together,
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gardening, self-care, etc.” “When we had to evacuate, we gave our eight-year-old one of the huge tupperware boxes we were packing things in and told him he could fill it with whatever he wanted,” remembers Amanda Mehl West of Felton, a local mother and musical artist, who also has a 2-year-old. “When we thankfully got to go home again and unpack it, it was of course full of things that had no value to us as adults, but I think it really helped him have that feeling of control in the moment.” Rebecca Picker, 41, of Santa Cruz is mom to a ten-year-old son. She points out that brain research backs up focusing on the simplest of life’s pleasures. “[We give] tons of physical contact, aka snuggles, hugs, kisses and/or wrestling,” she explains. “Our kids are not getting the subliminal or overt intimacy and contact they normally would—they are no longer playing tag, holding hands with friends, sitting hip to hip on benches, hugging, hanging on and leaning against each other at recess, sitting in laps, brushing up against each other.”
Enjoy nature and sports
Right now when it seems that nature is our enemy is the time to embrace it, moms say. Midori Tetreault, 44, mom boys, 5 and 9 years old in Felton, points out that sports build confidence, which is sorely needed in this world. “Nature immersion, skateboarding, and being in the ocean. I absolutely see them stand up taller after pushing their limits.” “Anytime we get outside and move (walk/run/bike) the mood of everyone is improved,” says Jessica Hassani
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The striking thing is that parents seemed to focus on the very basics of existence. Each of them focused on how we support our children’s health, kindness, and connections.
of Soquel, owner of FIT4MOM and mom to a seven-year-old daughter. “The She.Is.Beautiful 10k and 5k kids challenge was a great motivator for us this last month, and we are looking forward to their October and November challenges, too.”
Positive action
Jenn Schacher’s family takes enjoyment of nature one step further. “We also talk about things like plastics in the ocean and on the beach and how they can change those things. It brings out creativity and problem-solving. My little one says she is going to invent a robot that will rid the ocean of all the plastic!” Vaiva Bichnevicius, 49, of Santa Cruz has kids 20, 17, and 11. She points out
OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
that activism can take many forms. “Hazel is making BLM signs to post,” she says of her 11-year-old. “I have one in my office window, which faces the street. It gets a lot of attention. Ily (17) and I sewed several hundred cloth masks to donate. We ‘sold’ each mask for a donation to a food bank or to Delaveaga Elementary school. We raised a gob of money!” “We sprung into action to give supplies to the animals that were at the fairgrounds,” explains Yvette Contois, 49, who has kids 17 and 20 and owns The Art Factory in Aptos. “That took the feeling of helplessness away and generated feelings of empowerment and purposeful work.”
Focus on achievable educational goals
In these trying times, mom-teachers are definitely getting back to basics (and humor). Vaiva Bichnevicius had multiple students at Ocean Grove Charter School who were evacuated or lost their homes. “For my students that are displaced right now—one has thrown most curriculum out the window (or would have if they had a window) and they are photo journaling and writing narrative of what they see in their neighborhood,” she explains. “Some students lost all their curriculum and have to start from scratch, so, for this year, I’m asking them to think about what they really want to learn about right now and rebuild their curriculum around that.”
“Children can set goals for themselves, whether it’s to improve their handwriting, their drawing, their math facts,” says Yvette Contois. “They can take charge of when and where they ‘practice’ on a regular basis.”
Remember that you are the role model
“I feel like a lot of the work is in myself, trying to find a positive spin to put on things,” Amanda Mehl West reminds us. “Today when the skies were so dark, I tried to minimize my ‘oh my gosh this is SO weird!’ expressions, and instead made it a fun, winter-like day. We baked and made popcorn, watched a movie together. Empowering kids means we have to empower ourselves—find ways to see the silver linings, and do our best to offer rhythm and stability.” “I remind them there are always silver linings, there is always hope and happiness, health, fulfillment and joy come from multiple avenues,” says Kierstin Cummings, a self-employed bookkeeper in Aptos and mom to kids 11 and 14. “I also remind them that their best is absolutely good enough because they are the ones blazing a new trail into the future.”
More than anything, empowerment is learning to forgive ourselves and move on.
“It is okay to make mistakes but we grow from them and move on to our next lesson in life,” says Jenn Schacher. “Compassion is not weakness. It gives us fortitude and strength to change what we see and do. Self-esteem, self-reliance, critical thinking (exploring the outcomes of scenarios) is what we believe empower our children.” Suki Wessling is a local writer, musician, and teacher and mom of two grown children. Read more at SukiWessling.com and at Suki Wessling’s Parenting and Education Facebook page.
PARENTING Giving Birth in a COVID World BY JEANETTE PRATHER months everything picked back up again and now it feels normal. Although we’ve never said that patients can’t have anyone in the room with them, we have limited it to one person in a room with the patient unless there’s some type of extenuating circumstance that has been cleared by administration.” Berg mentioned that despite the rarity of her department to encounter anyone exhibiting Covid symptoms, the hospital-wide policy is to test everyone before entry. “We do a Covid test for women in active labor where
“ To avoid Covid-ravished American hospitals, multiple news outlets, medical professionals, and online databases have reported a surge in home births amid a questionable medical future, especially in the beginning of this pandemic. “Mostly the conversations [with expecting parents] have been limited to how to switch to home birth in order to avoid the hospital setting during Covid,” said one local furloughed doula, mother, and Childbirth Educator for Sutter Health, Kaili Reynolds. “They’re upset that doulas aren’t allowed at their births and they feel like more professionals can provide the continuous support they know they need in the home setting.” Reynolds, who mentioned the increase in parent contact regarding birthing location, also referenced the shortage that Santa Cruz is experiencing in homebirth midwives. “Unfortunately, many homebirth midwives in Santa Cruz aren’t practicing anymore, so the options of who to hire are much more limited,” said Reynolds. “That said there are great midwives practicing so parents can feel good about the homebirth option if they’re worried about being exposed to too many people in a more public setting. I haven’t supported many parents who stayed with the hospital option for birth.” According to an article published in 2019 by the US National Library of Medicine, there was a steady incline with preference to home births from 2004 – 2017 among expecting families, especially in California where numbers reached multiples in comparison to some other states (referenced article available here: ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6642827/). Today, although it is too early to find solid statistical data on the ever-evolving current pandemic, it is safe to assume that, at least in the beginning of 2020, these numbers will jump and may even continue to jump depending on multiple factors. In April, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published an article
by Alyson Sulaski Wyckoff titled, “AAP does not recommend home births, but offers guidance,” which clearly advises against home births. Kristi L. Watterberg, M.D., FAAP, and the lead author of the AAP policy statement released to pediatricians in why home births are not ideal, references the potential of emergency vehicle shortages due to Covid as a possible deterrent to expecting parents. “Dr. Watterberg also said that while the Academy does not recommend planned home birth, women retain their right of autonomy,” wrote Sulaski. Watterberg goes on to say that “recognizing this, we provide guidance about factors that increase the risk of home birth, required care for the newborn and support systems that should be in place to decrease risk for the newborn.” Reynolds references the rule of no extra bodies in delivery rooms as another issue among hospital births. “Any extra, non-essential staff are not allowed [in delivery rooms],” said Reynolds, stressing the urgency of the presence of qualified professionals at the time of the birth. “To me, this is the glaring issue with birth in general. I do think in-person childbirth education is essential to a healthy labor experience. I also think in-person doula support is even more essential! It’s sad that these things aren’t valued in that way.” “For a spouse or partner not to be at the birth of a child, honestly, just feels so wrong,” one New York City woman named Karla Vitrone told the New York Times last April. As a result, her and her husband decided to home birth their second child. Although virus fear has mellowed out since April, somewhat, there is still a climate of uncertainty. “The first three months (back in March, April and May), we had a tremendous drop in patients coming in for anything, not just labor,” said the Charge Nurse at Dominican Hospital, Karen Berg. “After those first three
their website, but Sutter Health has a detailed FAQ on their website available at https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/ pregnancy-childbirth/covid-19-labordelivery-patient-information. According to the page, “Providers are altering prenatal appointment schedules so you dwon’t need to leave home as often.” “The mothers I have supported during Covid have been very resilient and respectful of the need to adapt to what is happening right now,” said Reynolds. “They’re making informed decisions to birth where they feel comfortable.”
For a spouse or partner not to be at the birth of a child, honestly, just feels so wrong. Karla Vitrone
the test result is rapid and ready within an hour,” said Berg. “For scheduled c-sections, we have patients take a Covid test a couple days prior so that we have the result by the time they come in for their appointment.” Watsonville Community Hospital does not have guidelines listed on
Whether home birthing or choosing the hospital method, it’s always best to be prepared. WhattoExpect.com has a page on its website dedicated solely to expecting parents looking to weigh their birthing options. That page can be accessed here: hattoexpect.com/ pregnancy/home-birth/
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Lunch-break care. With the largest health system in Santa Cruz County, you can get expert care your way. CalPERS members—sign up for an insurance plan that includes Dignity Health this Open Enrollment. We have more physician locations across Santa Cruz County than any other provider, so it’s easy to find a doctor close by—even if the only time you can squeeze in an appointment is during your lunch break.
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OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
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INSIDE EDUCATION Inside Education Monthly BY SUKI WESSLING
September’s virtual presentation included: Teachers presented from their classrooms in Watsonville and Live Oak, showing how two teachers are coping with—and thriving in— distance learning Jennifer Buesing, Director of School Safety, spoke in-depth about how schools are preparing for inperson learning and all the various contingencies they are juggling Stephanie Sumarna and Jason Borgen spoke about the educational technology that our local districts are using Michele Chaney from Youth N.O.W., a nonprofit that provides academic support for at-risk youth in PVUSD, spoke movingly about her nonprofit’s struggle to continue serving their increasingly fragile population, especially the children of farmworkers
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• Every year, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education welcomes a diverse group of locals—businesspeople, educators, government employees—to come together monthly and learn about education in Santa Cruz County. The program serves as a bridge between public education and the wider community, promoting understanding and connections to benefit both sides. Like our local schools, this year Inside Education has gone virtual. This year’s participants represent a wide variety of business and public sectors, including the public library, for-profit family-focused businesses (including two representatives from Growing Up), local museums, Cabrillo College, and social services. Inside Education explores the whole child from an educational perspective, with student equity playing a major role in their presentations.
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Join us starting next month for in-depth interviews and reports about what is happening in local education. Growing Up is excited to take part in this school/ community partnership!
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Inside Education explores the whole child from an educational perspective, with student equity playing a major role in their presentations.
Distance Learning Resources SANTA CRUZ COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Temporary Free Internet Service Programs Watsonville Area Spectrum Internet Assist
sccoe.link/spectrum Available to qualified households. Cruzio
See PVUSD’s form : https://sccoe.link/cruziopv Offering Free Service for qualified families. Asking district to verify and collect initial information Rest of Santa Cruz County Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone
Visit Xfinity.com/wifi https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/ disable-xfinity-wifi-home-hotspot -This means if neighbors have Xfinity they can turn on the hotspot and make it available to families next door! Here is how to direct families to turn it on: Will not affect home network and home network is safe! Xfinity Home Internet: Low income families - Free home Internet
internetessentials.com/covid19
Cruzio
https://sccoe.link/cruzio Offering Free Service for qualified families. Asking district to verify and collect initial information. Useful Links Distance Learning
dlearning.santacruzcoe.org/families/aboutdistance-learning Mental Health & Wellness for Families
dlearning.santacruzcoe.org/families/mentalhealth-and-wellness-for-families Structuring the Day
dlearning.santacruzcoe.org/families/ structuring-the-day Digital Citizenship
dlearning.santacruzcoe.org/families/digitalcitizenship Food Distribution Locations
dlearning.santacruzcoe.org/families/fooddistribution Home Activities
dlearning.santacruzcoe.org/families/ home-activities
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LOCAL NEWS Preparing for Fire Season BY ZACH FRIEND
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California State law requires that you maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your home and other buildings on your property. This is a minimum recommended amount and should be increased if your home is on a steep slope.
Given the recent devastation in our county it’s important to review some of ways you can prepare and protect your home and business from wildfire. One of the first things is to ensure that you have a home emergency and evacuation action plan - and practice it with your family. Cal Fire has a program called Ready, Set, Go! to help you create your own action plan. Here are some key elements:
Get Ready
Create a family disaster plan that includes meeting locations and communication plans - including how to evacuate large animals. Create an emergency supply kit (more info on that below) and be sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well as fire extinguishers on hand and train your family how to use
them. Additionally, ensure that your family knows where your gas, electric and water shut-off controls are and how to properly turn them on/off. One of the most important things it to create a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and the vegetation that surrounds them to prevent these structures from catching fire. California State law requires that you maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your home and other buildings on your property. This is a minimum recommended amount and should be increased if your home is on a steep slope. You can create a defensible space by ensuring that trees are the furthest from your home and elements that are less likely to burn (or burn at lower temperatures) such as lawns, small
plants/beddings/high water content plants etc are closer to the home.
For the first 30 feet from all buildings, decks and structures you should:
leave the lights on, and remove any flammable items that are adjacent to the home and turn off any propane tanks that could be connected.
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For the next 70+ feet from your home (extending to at least 100 feet from your home) you should: • •
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Remove or mow all dead plants, grass, or weeds. Create paved or gravel driveways, walkways, patios as firebreaks Remove dead or dry leaves and needles from yard, roof, and gutters. Trim trees regularly and maintain a minimum of 10’ between canopies. Remove branches that overhang your roof and any dead branches close to chimney. Remove flammable items near any structure
• •
Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4� Maintain 10 ft clearance around woodpiles Thin trees and shrubs and leave big gaps between plants Remove dead or dry leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and branches from ground.
Get Set
Evacuate and alert family and neighbors that you are evacuating. Stay tuned to local media and official/ governmental alerts and information for the latest updates. For example, you can sign up for emergency notices, such as Code Red at www.scr911.org to learn about possible evacuations or changes in conditions. Inside your house be sure to shut windows and doors (leave them unlocked for first responder access), remove flammable items away from windows and doors, shut off gas and the air conditioning. Outside your home
Cal Fire recommends you leave as early as possible to help firefighters keep the roads clear and give you the best opportunity to stay safe. Take your emergency supply kit (which you created above) which would have the following items: essential papers, phone numbers and other important documents, prescriptions such as medications and eyeglasses, pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia, your personal computer and cell phone (and chargers) and any credit cards or cash on hand. You will leave to a predetermined location in a low-risk area and be prepared to evacuate using more than one route if needed.
How can you get more information?
The Aptos/La Selva Department website - www.aptosfire.com - contains preparedness information on defensible space, general fire prevention and even the power shutoffs that have occurred. Fire Safe Santa Cruz County also maintains a comprehensive site with downloadable fact sheets and videos on how to prepare your home or business firesafesantacruz.org. As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at facebook. com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting regular tele-townhalls with County and community leaders on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384# - you are welcome to speak about this issue during the town halls or you can always call me at 454-2200.
LOCAL NEWS Local Nonprofit Launches a Crowdfunding Raise Everyone Can Invest to Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis BY JEANNE HOWARD
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If the subject is affordable housing in Santa Cruz County, the news is not usually good and not usually new. Now, there is a new strategy in town for creating more affordable housing, according to New Way Homes, a local nonprofit. New Way Homes (NWH) was founded in 2015, and has been jumping through hoops for the past four years to bring its first two projects through the design and planning approval phase. One has begun construction, and one will begin this fall. There are several innovative tactics to the “new way.” One is to work in partnership with other nonprofits that own land where housing can be developed. These are often churches, but also include organizations such as Housing Matters in Santa Cruz, where the cost savings on land can be significant. To finance the projects through the first phase, which is conception through permitting, NWH funds its work by a growing area of raising capital called “impact
investment,” where a community, or anyone anywhere, invests to solve a social problem. Investments, small and large, are made by folks who would like to create more affordable housing in their communities, as well as by other investors who can now provide capital for community projects—thanks to changing federal regulations. The method NWH uses to raise money has been given a boost by the federal government. The regulations for crowdfunding were changed a few years ago so that anyone can invest in organizations, and receive a return on their investment. It used to be that only individuals with significant resources (“accredited investors” with a high minimum of assets) could invest. Now, small amounts can be invested by anyone. Governments at all levels subsidize the building of affordable housing, but support from the public coffers is shrinking. “California needs millions of units of housing that we don’t have,
In Santa Cruz County, construction will begin this month on seven units of “permanent supportive housing” at 801 River Street, Santa Cruz.
and only creates 100,000 units per year,” says Sibley Simon, a former tech entrepreneur and the founder of NWH, “so, we’re falling further behind.” NWH’s projects receive no government subsidies for construction. NWH recently launched a crowdfunding “raise” on Wefunder.com. Securities and Exchange Commission rules limit the details that can be published, but the full lowdown can be found on the Wefunder page, including a list of current and future projects. More than 300 housing units are planned, with 19 under construction now. “Our goal is to build thousands of units in the greater Bay Area in the next decade, and help seed a new part of the housing industry that is not limited by the amount of public subsidy, and focuses on increased affordability,” says Simon. Once the homes are built, a traditional mortgage takes over and pays back the investors. (See the amount on the Wefunder profile.) Costs are lowered in several ways, but include environmentally sustainable building, taking advantage of new state laws that allow for increased housing density in certain locations, and new laws that require less parking for developments near public transportation. In most cases, the nonprofits will own 100 percent of the housing, will take on the mortgage, and be able to pay it from rental income. Housing geeks — they are now as cool as tech nerds, if you didn’t know — get into the nuance of terminology such as permanent supportive housing, mixed-income housing, and affordable housing, which have differences when
it comes to development. NWH is working on a range of housing types that includes all of these, and the goal is to create only housing in these categories. Occasionally a project may require that market-rate units are included to finance the lower-priced housing, but 95 percent of the units in NWH’s projects are below-market-rate homes of one kind or another. (Cities often require developments to include 10-20 percent affordable housing and assume the rest are market rate.) In Santa Cruz County, construction will begin this month on seven units of “permanent supportive housing” at 801 River Street, Santa Cruz. It will be owned by the nonprofit Housing Matters. This long-vacant historic Victorian home will serve chronically homeless individuals with high medical needs to be met by support services across the street at the Housing Matters campus. In addition, NWH has two projects in planning: 120 units of new housing on that same campus and 30-plus units on a site in Santa Cruz called Peace Village. Families will be welcome at Peace Village, and children will have well-designed, new construction and a built-in community.
And now, you can help to make it happen. For more on New Way Homes’ work, see the investment profile at: wefunder.com/new.way. homes or go to NewWayHomes.org.
Full disclosure: Jeanne Howard founded the nonprofit fundraising campaign Santa Cruz Gives, and supports nonprofits in achieving their missions. She is currently helping New Way Homes get the word out about their first crowdfunding launch.
VHM is open for in-person, small cohort classes. GrowingUpSC.com | OCTOBER 2020
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LOCAL NEWS Babies Truly Are Blessings BY CHRISTY SHULTS If having a baby during a pandemic wasn't stressful enough, add being evacuated during an unprecedented fire. Moms have an inherently unique strength, and giving birth during crazy times is no match. In the middle of August, both Kristin and Mayya were preparing to have their babies, and then the lighting storms hit, lighting the mountains on fire, then the entire San Lorenzo Valley was evacuated. Kristin Mattoch was due with her
second child on September 11, her birthday. After being evacuated from her home in Boulder Creek they moved around from hotel to Airbnb to couch surfing at friends' houses. On August 22, at 37 weeks, Kristin went into early labor and delivered Scarlett Ember. She had expected a quick evacuation and only packed a few things. But who can resist spoiling a new baby? Kristin's sisters came to the rescue and sent care packages for baby Scarlett and her two brothers, Wyatt
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22 OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
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Moms have an inherently unique strength, and giving birth during crazy times is no match.
and Garrett. After 22 days away from home, they returned to find their house still standing; however, the fire had made it into their backyard. After everything they had been through, Kristin said, "We are blessed all the way around." Mayya Sokr and her husband Scott were expecting their first baby. Mayya is from Lebanon, where her parents still live. They had recently arrived after evacuating following the bombing in Beirut, only to be evacuated once more a week later.
The chaos creating instability was very stressful, but Mayya pushed through and stayed strong, delivering her son, Faris, right on time on August 29. Mayya says, "She can't focus on anything other than the blessing that Faris is healthy and happy." Babies sure do thrive with loving parents, grandparents, and two doggy sisters. It has been a strange year, full of challenges. We must count our blessings wherever they may be. Welcoming new life into the world is a blessing indeed.
Mayya and Faris
BIRTH MATTERS You’re Already Ready BY LAURA MAXSON LM
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The simplest things are often what have the most profound effect on how a person copes with labor.
an epidural, but it often does. A birth doula suggests and facilitates techniques such as those mentioned above, while promoting privacy and intimacy between the laboring couple. She helps create a trusting, calm labor situation that helps labor progress in a very natural and manageable way. Some birth doulas are providing virtual labor guidance during the pandemic’s hospital visitor restrictions.Position Preference ~ Not many make a plan to give birth on hands and knees, but it is one of the most instinctual and comfortable positions for birth. Side-lying and squatting are some other favorites. Sometimes the birth position unintentionally ends up to be flat on the back or semi-reclined in the hospital bed because the need for the bed to be broken down (the bottom taken off) for the delivery takes precedence. A care provider may receive an unexpected opportunity to practice alternative delivery positions when the suggestion to roll over to the back for delivery is declined. Babies can come out in just about any position a person can assume, and unless there is a medical need the Most of the resources needed to cope with labor already exist within the pregnant body. Be open to the flexibility of whatever might work in the moment works best when surrounded by those who can help along this journey. Preparing for labor is often more about a mindset of trust than an elaborate plan. Simple can still be powerful.
Sound
It is expected that labor will hurt. What might be unexpected is that by giving into the process, the pain can become a song in the body and the voice becomes a powerful instrument, taking the intensity of labor and channeling it down deep and through the body. The simple act of making a controlled noise during contractions can be an extremely powerful tool to express the body’s resonance with the forces of labor.
Movement
Often serving the same purpose as sound, movement provides an outlet for the power of labor. With each contraction, a simple repetitive motion such as rocking the body, nodding the head, swaying the hips or dancing the hands releases tension. It provides a sense of timing or predictability that unconsciously counts down each contraction. The act of not moving, of being completely still and relaxed, can allow the powerful current of a contraction’s energy to pass through the body, as electricity passes through high tension wires. Changing positions can feel disruptive in the moment - but
surprisingly, after a few contractions settled into a new position, labor can seem more manageable.
Checking out
There is timelessness to labor that puts most into labor-land. One minute can last an eternity, and yet, the hours can fly by. Covering clocks, putting down the cell phone and ignoring the passage of time can help labor flow without a watchedpot feeling.
position of comfort should win out.
An Open Mind
It is not expected that someone will ask for the very things they have requested not to have. Planning to avoid a routine IV is fine, but someone who finds they can’t keep anything down in labor may discover that an IV is the perfect medicine. Declining early rupture of membranes doesn’t mean breaking the bag is out of the question when hovering at 8 centimeters and considering Pitocin. A plan to avoid continuous fetal monitoring might end up with a baby showing signs of distress, necessitating continuous monitoring. These can be welcomed as the appropriate application of technology in her labor. The simplest things are often what have the most profound effect on how a person copes with labor. BirthNetSantaCruz.eventbrite.com - Virtual Meet the Doulas – Nov. 21, 2020 Birthnet.org - information on safe, joyful and empowering birth, and an online searchable database of birth doulas, childbirth educators, lactation support and other care providers.
Breast milk is the best first nutrition for all babies! If you are a parent in need of pasteurized donor breast milk for your medically vulnerable baby or a new lactating mother in need of a breast pump, we are here to help.
Water
Warm water can provide relief from a strong labor. A shower or bath helps muscles relax, stress recede, and oxytocin (the contraction hormone) flow more easily. Surrounded and embraced by warm water, a laboring person’s skin is stimulated all over, reducing the sensation of contractions. Being joined by their partner, either fully in the tub or shower or just close by, can help to more completely let go. Getting in the tub can remove gravity and allow buoyancy, allowing for easier movement . In the shower comfort positions can include sitting in the spray on a labor ball or the shower bench, holding the support bar while squatting, or just leaning into someone else. Most find privacy, warmth and unexpected respite in the shower – especially enjoying the hospital’s unending flow of hot water. At times a bath isn’t safe, check with your care provider.
Birth Doula
One might not think the presence of a birth doula could take the place of
Call us at 877.375.6645 or visit mothersmilk.org
FREE EVENT
Virtual Meet the Doulas Saturday, November 21, 4pm
Learn about how doulas support families though the birth and postpartum experience during our current COVID19 situation. Preregister to join our free live zoom event: BirthNetSantaCruz.EventBrite.com
One-stop-shopping for pregnancy, birth & parenting services
www.BirthNet.org GrowingUpSC.com | OCTOBER 2020
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PREGNANCY AND BABIES GUIDE BABY’S HEALTH Alison K. Jackson, DDS
Children’s Dentistry 7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos 831.662.2900 santacruzkidsdentist.com We provide comprehensive dentistry in a caring environment for children of all ages. We are preventive-dentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. We have a pediatric anesthesiologist on our premises and are able to treat special, challenging children safely and comfortably under a general anesthesia. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for all of our patients.
BIRTH PREPARATIONS & RESOURCES Beth Lilienthal
SantaCruzBabyDoula.com 831-588-7367 Postpartum doula care for the whole family. Being able to bridge the time of pregnancy with parenthood is key to developing love in the home; this love spreads both into the family and the greater community. Trained as an infant care specialist, I help families transition comfortably into parenthood, during the first few days, weeks and months.I am also committed to continuing education. This allows me to offer a variety of resources to you and your family. I am certified through Doulas of North America (DONA) in postpartum care. Birth Network of Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz birthnet.org We provide parents and professionals with information, education, and advocacy for safe, empowering, joyful birth. Visit birthnet. org for an extensive listing of pregnancy, birth and postpartum related service providers. Learn about the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative and become a more informed healthcare consumer. Find registration information on our Upcoming Events webpage for Meet the Doulas and other virtual events. Due to COVID19 recommendations, events such as Bellies, Birth & Babies will be delayed until in-person events are safe. Keep in touch with our local birth and parenting community with Birth Network Santa Cruz on Facebook and Instagram.
Breastfeeding and Lactation Support
La Leche League 831.425.3088 Do you need help with a breastfeeding question? La Leche League has many sources of breastfeeding information. All women interested in breastfeeding are encouraged to attend group meetings and babies are always welcome. La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. If you would like breastfeeding help, please contact La Leche League. Dignity Health Dominican Hospital
1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 831-462-7700 dignityhealth.org/dominicanbirthcenter Dominican Hospital offers the most advanced maternity care available in the Monterey Bay area, combined with the comforts of home. Our Birth Center provides a welcoming environment for families, advanced technology for new moms and babies, and a commitment to a positive birth experience for you. We are a certified BabyFriendly® hospital, which means we offer comprehensive lactation support, and your baby will remain by your side throughout your stay. And through our partnership with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Dominican offers a Level III NICU, so families can rest assured they have access to the highest level of care available in the area. Financial Assistance
Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) 800.433.2611 www.mcap.dhcs.ca.gov You have a baby on the way! The State of California wants to help you get good health care during your pregnancy. Going without prenatal care can cause many problems for you and your baby. Studies show that women who do not get prenatal care often have more complicated (and expensive) births. If you don’t have insurance to cover your pregnancy and you are not receiving no-cost MediCal or Medicare Part A and Part B, the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) may be the helping hand you and your baby need. MCAP can also help if you have other health insurance that doesn’t cover maternity services or with a maternityonly deductible or co-payment greater than $500. Check with your other health insurance plan to see if your deductible or co-payment is for maternity-only services.
24 OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
It’s not just newborns entering a brave new world— their parents are too. And they are faced with all kinds of questions as they take on their biggest adventure. Where can I get breastfeeding advice? What do I do about vaccines? Can I find a quality day care? What about kids’ teeth? What kind of classes can we take together? Does playing music in the womb really help? Is a two-monthold ready to start applying to Ivy League colleges? We can’t answer all of them, but our local providers sure can help. Our focus in the yearly Pregnancy & Birth Guide is to hook you up with professionals who can help guide you along the best path for your children’s and your future. Luckily, we have many great providers in Santa Cruz County who will help your kids grow up.
NEW PARENT SUPPORT & SERVICES First 5 Santa Cruz County
831.465.2217 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 triplep.first5scc.org or facebook.com/ triplepscc Mothers’ Milk Bank
Valley Medical Center, San Jose 877.375.6645 Mothers’ Milk Bank helps fragile babies thrive by making donated breastmilk safe in cases when a mother’s own milk is not available. Contact us, if you are a parent or legal guardian in need of breastmilk, a new mother needing an electric breast-pump or a lactating mother with extra breastmilk. Monarch Services
1.888.900.4232 24-Hour Bilingual Crisis Line Offers immediate crisis response to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through a 24-hour crisis line, including emergency response to law enforcement or medical facilities, and accompaniment to forensic rape examinations. Support services include emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their children, peer counseling, advocacy, information, referrals, dropin support groups, and assistance with restraining order applications.
SPORTS, PLAY & FUN Adventure Sports Unlimited
303 Potrero St, Suite 15 Santa Cruz, CA 831-458-3648 Adventure Sports Swim Babies Swim Babies at Adventure Sports is a parent/infant class for swimmers aged 4 months to 2.5 years. We use subtle and
comfortable techniques to introduce your little one to the wonders of water. Classes run from January to December in our 90^ pool 4 times per week. Come play with us! Jim Booth Swim School
Harvey West pool in Santa Cruz and Watsonville 831.722.3500 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 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
831.464.BUGS (2847) 3910 Portola Dr., Stes. 2 & 3, Santa Cruz junebugsgym.com Did you know? Activities for babies and toddlers that stimulate balance, movement, and core strength activate the brain for higher learning concepts and lead to later success in school. Join us at June Bug’s Gym for Inchworms — our baby development classes — for crawlers to wobbly walkers. Music Together / MusicalMe, Inc.
Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County 831.438.3514 MusicalMe.com Our online classes offer the best in early childhood music learning for ages Birth to 6 years. In the special Babies class, for parents with babies under nine months old, you’ll learn lots of fun, interactive music activities that will support your child’s growth in so many areas, including their physical, socio-emotional, language, and early brain development. Your expert teacher will also share ideas for how music can help you get through your day. And you’ll join a community of other parents who are just as sleep-deprived as you! The best part? There is no screen time for your little one, your teacher will guide you to position your infant so they are looking at YOU, not the screen. You follow the teacher while your baby watches you, and you leave each class inspired to make each day more musical. Contact us today to try a free class and bring the joy of music into your family’s life.
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COLORING PAGE
26 OCTOBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
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We couldn’t choose just one. They are all too cute! Sponsored by Beth Lillienthal | Postpartum Doula
Rae - Photo By Elisha Lopez | Caissan - Sara Pope Photography | Vivienne - Soil & Sea Photography
Cl int on
Rae
Ar ius
Micah
Caissan
Ar lo
Vivienne
Vaughn
Magno lia
Jonas
Ruby
Zojak