Growing Up in Santa Cruz March 2025

Redwood Music Camps

learn and perform the folk music of Ireland, Scotland, and more. Open to players of fiddle, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, penny whistle, recorder, guitar, Irish tenor banjo, mandolin, harp, dulcimer, and keyboards.

January 14

February 11

March 11

April 22

May 6

• January 14

February 11

February 11

March 11

March 11

April 22

April 22

May 6

May 6

EDITOR | PUBLISHER

Brad Kava and Steve Dinnen

ART DIRECTOR | MANAGING EDITOR

Nathan Mixter

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Susan Bernstein

CONTRIBUTORS

Coco Kettmann, Joanna Jenkins, DNA, Todd Guild, Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy, Sarah Krummel, Richard Stockton, Sarah Nofi, Steven Weiss, Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Bobbi Jo Palmer

AD REPRESENTATIVES

Ann Fitts  Sophie Veniel  Bob Pursley advertising@growingupsc.com

CONTACT US

408.656.1519 editor@growingupsc.com

P.O. Box 3505, Santa Cruz, CA 95063

MARCH 2025 | VOL. 29 NO. 3 Printed by Folger Graphics.

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.

School Budgets in Trouble

The Pajaro Valley Unified School Board made a bold and some say careless decision last month, choosing not to layoff teachers, aides and vice principals to save $5 million from a budget that is headed toward deficit spending.

Four of the seven board members voted to hold off on the cuts, which Superintendent Heather Contreras warned could make the problem significantly worse next year.

This is one of the toughest challenges for the county’s largest school district with 27,000 students. Contreras explained to the board that the district was shrinking by 600 students over the next year and funding that was given to support schools during the pandemic has been cut.

Still, the four members who held off the cuts said they wanted to consider further options other than dropping needed staff.

The ideas of cutting teachers and mental health aides is chilling at a time when students are in dire need of support.

Catch the Social Media Wave

Don’t miss the Growing Up in Santa Cruz videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. To promote your business to thousands of viewers in the area each week, email editor@growingupsc.com or call (408) 656-1519.

vandalized.

As one TV station reported: “A Sheriff’s Office spokesperson confirmed to KION that they are investigating the incident as a vandalism/break-in and no arrests have been made yet.”

First trigger: why no mention of explosives?

Second trigger: with so much violence in our schools, why would we think of cutting the people who can most help troubled students?

Growing Up is in the process of investigating reports of violence in the schools and publishing a report in a future issue. There are big questions to be answered about how to keep the schools safer and to ensure that every student gets the education they are entitled to. More on this coming up in the months ahead. There’s an important article inside this issue on the vote.

It’s so chilling that Aptos’s principal wrote a column in the Aptos Times asking for counselors to be saved.

“A student attempted to blow up my office last May,’ Alison Hanks-Sloan wrote, arguing against the cuts.

Now, this triggered more than a few red flags.

First: Why wasn’t this reported by both the sheriff’s office and the school district.

The only release from the sheriff was that the office was

On the lighter side, we want to remind you that Kids Day is coming up May 3 in downtown Santa Cruz, noon to 4pm. It’s our favorite day downtown, when schools, after school activities, arts, dance, music programs strut their stuff. Santa Cruz comes alive that day, so don’t forget to mark your calendars.

Our next issues will focus on summer camps, some of our most-read magazines of the year. It’s getting time to make those plans.

Write us at editor@growingupsc.com

Thanks for reading.

Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

A Review of School Lunch

BY COCO KETTMANN

Some of the meals they serve us at Live Oak Elementary School, where I’m a fourth-grader, are kind of simple, like bagels with cream cheese, which they serve us almost every day, sometimes with apples (like in the picture below).

My favorite foods at school all start with the letter “P.” I like the pizza, of course, because pizza is my favorite food, and the pizza at Live Oak is pretty good quality and has enough cheese.

I also like the pesto pasta, especially the pesto part; I used to make pesto at home when I was eight with basil I picked in our garden, olive oil and parmesan cheese, and some nuts, I think maybe walnuts. It was pretty good. To me it tasted better when I made it myself.

My other favorite food at school is the bean-and-cheese pupusas, the national food of El Salvador. See, all those foods start with the letter “P.”

The staff at Live Oak try really hard to give us healthy food. “All meals come with organic 1 percent milk or nonfat milk, fresh fruit & vegetables,” according to the school website. They also make sure to do fun things like having “Chocolate Milk Day!” and “Cookie Day”

(my favorite) and “Chips & Salsa Day!” and “Fortune Cookie Day” (when they also serve Chicken Potstickers and Veggie Fried Rice with Egg). Cheesy Bread Sticks are also fun. I like to make cheesy bread for myself at home.

But don’t even talk to me about the corn dogs. A lot of kids like the corn dogs, but I tried them back in second grade and have never had one again. Not my thing. I don’t like corn dogs in general. On Tuesdays we usually have Orange Chicken With Rice, which is also not my favorite.

My little sister Anaïs, who is in third grade, doesn’t like the pasta alfredo--she

says the noodles are pretty good, but she doesn’t like the cheese. At home our favorite cheese is gruyere, which we usually buy at Costco.

My favorite snacks are the maple waffles, the Cinnamon Swirl Bread, and the chocolate muffins (like in the other picture below).

Thursday is the day for Seasonal Chocolate Beet Muffins. They might sound gross, but actually they are really good. So are the pumpkin muffins-and the parfaits, which have yogurt and granola and fruit, like peach or nectarine, which is my favorite.

I have no complaints about the food at Live Oak Elementary, but I have some suggestions for food I’d like to have more. Here in this area, they grow a lot of beautiful strawberries, and every once in a while at school we have some strawberries. I wish we had them more often.

And maybe mango now and then. I’m glad they have pineapple guava from the garden at school sometimes--we have a tree at home that grows them, but we never seem to get enough.

Coco Kettmann is a fourth grader at Live Oak Elementary School, who loves drawing and painting, sleepovers with her friends and Taylor Swift.

HEY KIDS!

Tyrrel Robinson and Avery Schultz

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE

CAMPS

Camp Gateway

255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz

831.423.0341 gatewaysc.org/campgateway

Unplug and Engage at Camp Gateway! Gateway School Santa Cruz is hosting a screen-free interactive summer camp for rising 1st - 5th graders. Campers will engage in counselor-led activities and enrichment classes. Learn, explore, and play at Camp Gateway! June 16 - July 18th. Register now (QR code - see our ad in the March issue). For more information, visit gatewaysc.org.

Camp Kayetz

831.479.3444

tbeaptos.org/camp-kayetz.html

Now 5 weeks! Camp Kayetz offers a wholesome, inclusive, Jewish day camp experience to campers ages 6-15. June 16-July 18, 2025 9am3pm. Camp meets at Temple Beth El in Aptos with weekly field trips including Skyzone Trampoline Park, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, beach trips and camping in the redwoods at Henry Cowell. Come for the summer fun; stay for the friendships! Email Jess Mitchell with questions: JMitchell@tbeaptos.org

International Academy of Dance IADance.com | NutcrackerSantaCruz.com info@IADance.com

831.466.0458

International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Jazz. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio! Come see us on stage in Coppél-ai, at the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center, June 5-8th! Into the Heart of Nature

Tara Redwood School Campus, 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel 831.462.9632

office@tararedwoodschool.org tararedwoodschool.org/summer-camp/

Located on 108 acres of Redwoods, oaks, and sunny meadows bordered by bubbling creeks, our big playground, a sunny clearing in the woods, will be the center of our camp activities of fun games, nature exploration, and nature-themed art. Each week we will focus on one of the essential elements that support

all life; earth, water, air, and heat; explored through themes of the forest, ocean, earth, and the universe. As we learn more about the interconnectedness of our world, children will develop friendships, practice mindfulness, and learn how to care for each other, animals, bugs, and the environment we all share. 9am – 3pm, ages 4 - 8.

Kennolyn Day Camps

8205 Hacienda Lane, Soquel 831.479.6714

kennolyncamps.com/santa-cruz-day/

Ready to get your child away from technology and into a nourishing community in the great outdoors?

On 450 acres of privately owned redwood forest only 4 miles from town Kennolyn Day Camp is just a short bus ride away. Your child will thrive in this fun, active, supportive environment. And after a day of exploring the fields, pond, and miles of trails, they’ll be happy-tired after each fun day! Nowhere else in the local region will you find a more complete, authentic summer day camp experience. Just ask your friends and neighbors.

Mountain of Fun,

Mount Madonna School 491 Summit Road, Watsonville 408.847.2717

mountmadonnaschool.org/summer

Summer day camps on Mount Madonna School’s redwoodforested campus, offering weekly unplugged, outdoors and active summer camps: Nature explorers age 3-6 June16-August 1, Mountain Explorers 6-9 July 7-August 1, Redwood Explorers 9-15 July 14-August 1, and Outdoor Survival Camp. Outdoor Wilderness Survival Camp with a low ropes course, martial arts, hiking, astronomy, team-building and an overnight campout. Forest play, nature crafts, friends and more – unplugged, outdoors and active! Camps are Monday through Friday, 9am3:30 pm. Transportation is available. Details and registration online at www.mountmadonnaschool. org/summer.

Redwood Music Camps info@CommunityMusicSchool.org CommunityMusicSchool.org

Young musicians explore the music of Ireland, Scotland, and more! For players of violin, viola, flute, penny whistle, recorder, harp, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion, small keyboards, and cello. Students practice in instrument-specific groups, and with the entire ensemble. Crafts include making your own bamboo flute! Teen Camp (June 16-21) is a one-week sleepover camp for ages 12-18 in Aptos. Kid Camp (July 21-Aug 1) is a two-week day camp for ages 7-13 in Scotts Valley; a family concert is on Saturday, August 2nd at 10am. Information and registration is online at CommunityMusicSchool.org.

Santa Cruz Gymnastics

831.462.0655 scgym.com info@scgym.com

Beginning June 3rd, we will be offering Gymnastics Camps for ages 5–12! Come FLIP WITH US at our weekly themed camps. Camps include gymnastics lessons on all Olympic events, supervised open gym time, group games, crafts and time in our foam pit! Full and half day options are available for each weekly camp. Check scgym.com for more information and to register Santa Cruz Waldorf Redwood Summer Camp 2025 Santa Cruz Waldorf School, PreK-8 2190 Empire Grade Santa Cruz 831.425.0519

santacruzwaldorf.org

Redwood Sprouts Camp (Age 5 by Jan 1, 2026 and entering Kinder and entering 1st grade) is capped at 15 campers per session. Redwood Explorers Camp (entering 2nd - 5th grades) is capped at 20 campers per session. Weekly session between June 16 and June 27th; July 7th through July 25th and special dates in August from the 18th to the 29th.

June 16- 20 M-F 8:30-3:30 weekly $425

June 23-27 M-F 8:30-3:30 weekly $425

July 7-11 M-F 8:30-3:30 $425

July 14-18 M-F 8:30-3:30 $425

July 21-25 M-F 8:30-3:30 $425

August 18-22 M-F 8:30-3:30 $425

August 25-29 M-F 8:30-3:30 $425

ENRICHMENT

Growing Social 408.914.0552

Growingsocial.org info@growingsocial.org

Growing Social serves neurodivergent students ages 5-young adults, who could benefit from support with social emotional learning (including perspective taking, emotional regulation, problem solving, flexible thinking, etc). Serving those with Social Communication Disorder, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, social anxiety, and those without a formal diagnosis. Small, age and skill matched groups are led by Speech-Language Pathologists who specialize in teaching Social Thinking®. Farm animals, gardening, cooking and other creative group activities are utilized to teach and practice social learning concepts. Social vocational and camp counselor opportunities for teens and young adults. Weekly school year sessions and summer camps available.

Drawn2Art Studios

19C Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos 831.661.5652

Aptos@Drawn2ArtStudios.com drawn2artclasses.com

SIGN-UP NOW - OFFERING REALLY FUN SUMMER CAMPS!

Sign-up by or before April 30th, Receive - $40.00 OFF each camp. New Students ONLY Pay the Registration Fee. Here are some of our summer camps, each camp is themed! Anime & Cartooning Camp: Learn to draw traditional style Anime, make your own Anime self-portrait. Cartoon Clay Camp: Learn sculpting and painting methods, create landscapes, characters and more. Portraiture: Learn the fundamentals of drawing different portraits, learning different techniques and working in media, such as graphite charcoal, colored pencils and pastels. Come Join Us for a Fun-Filled Day! Offering a Free Class for our studio art classes!

Jim Booth Swim School

Watsonville

831.722.3500

Jimboothswimschool.com

Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to our adult beginner class. The whole family can splash together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree indoor pool 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. Developmental swim team and advanced swim lessons will be offered at our outdoor pool located in Watsonville at Toadal fitness. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!

Junebug’s Gym

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

JuneBugsGym.com

June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful staff that encourages every child to grow at their own pace while supporting social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goal is to promote confidence and self-esteem in our students, open up their imaginations, and help them experience the joy of movement in an ever-changing environment designed to test their skills.

Music Together/MusicalMe, Inc. ogether/MusicalMe, Inc.

Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County Call/Text: 831.332.9002 registrar@musicalme.com musicalme.com

Come join the fun at our Music Together classes – where magical moments happen through playful, rich, and engaging music experiences! Let your little ones, from babies to preschoolers, explore their inner music maker alongside you, their favorite grown-up. Our music and movement classes are not only a blast but also provide essential support for your child’s early development. Summer-only special: Unlimited Bonus Classes! Join us now and create beautiful memories together.

SCHOOLS WITH SUMMER PROGRAMS

Chartwell School 2511 Numa Watson Road, Seaside 831.394.3468

www.chartwell.org/

Summer Chartwell School, located on 60 acres in Seaside, CA, serves students with dyslexia and other related learning differences who are not currently reaching their full potential. We do this in grades 1-12 by providing targeted and direct instruction to empower learners with the skills, strategies, tools, and social-emotional mindset they need to thrive in college and beyond. Summer@Chartwell is a three-week program that emphasizes literacy, math, STEAM, and enrichment skills.

“Before we found Chartwell, our son was struggling every night with homework, his confidence shattered because he couldn’t understand why learning was so difficult for him. At Chartwell, he gained the tools and skills to support his learning profile, and now he confidently advocates for himself and is excelling in high school. I can’t express enough how profoundly Chartwell changed our son’s life—and ours.”

EDUCATION

Parents Not Thrilled About School Starting in August

BY JOANNA JENKINS

Some Santa Cruz parents say summer is getting shorter and shorter for their kids, seriously cutting down their childhood because school is starting earlier and earlier.

Parents at Santa Cruz and Pajaro Valley school districts are distributing a petition titled, “Bring Back August to SCCS Students”. These parents are concerned that students are losing prime summer vacation time in August, and believe that starting in September is ideal so families can thoroughly enjoy summer break.

For years, the debate over the ideal time for students to start the school year has been a controversial topic nationwide. In Santa Cruz County, SCCS 2025-2026 school starting date is August 7, and PVUSD schools start August 13. These earlier start dates have sparked disagreements amongst some students and families.

Sam Rolens, a spokesman for the Santa Cruz City Schools says the current calendar this in favor of an earlier start date, “addresses more concerns than it creates.” Some of those concerns include giving students enough time to prepare for Advanced Placement or AP tests

Rolens is the chief of communications and community engagement for SCCS. which includes running websites, producing print publications, videos, and communication in general.

Growing Up: Who’s idea was it to start the school year earlier?

SR: The campaign, which was going for a while, was led by students and families primarily, and the primary reasons for this were:

Winter Finals: There was a big push to start the year earlier, especially for secondary students so that they could take their final exams before winter break. If they start school later in September, they have to take their finals after winter break–which students have expressed is stressful. Students expressed that studying during winter break is stressful.

Winter Break: Students desired an earlier school start so that they could go on winter break without worrying about finals. This way, students can be completely free and actually enjoy their break.

AP Testing: This was pushed to the Board of Trustees and head of curriculum by students and parents to have as much instruction as possible before AP testing in May. These tests have a huge impact on college admission and potential to receive college credit so they can take fewer

general education classes in college. They did not want instruction during AP exams–this was detrimental. Teaching staff also supported these ideas for students and want to reduce stress on these students.

We have student representative trustees from each high school who sit in on the board and serve as a conduit for student interest. More students reach out to their representatives to advocate for their needs. Student trustees make reports of concerns from their campus.

Nationwide, this earlier start date is being adopted more and more especially to accommodate secondary students.

Growing Up: Who agreed to start the school year earlier? Was this a mutual agreement amongst teachers, parents, and faculty and the board?

SR: Yes, it was a mutual agreement amongst many students, staff, and parents after being brought to the board and the superintendent. Staff and students were able to deliver comments to the board and argue for the new changes and the board approved of these changes.

Growing Up: Will school end earlier in June/May now?

SR: Yes they end at the end of May now.

Growing Up: Have you seen the petition some parents put together in protest of the school year starting earlier? What do you think of their concerns?

SR: Yes, it made the rounds at the start of the school year.

Democratic process is difficult because one side will get what they want and the other side won’t. Any calendar is going to be contentious, any schedule is going to be contentious. We regularly hear both sides of the issue and understand it affects some people positively and some negatively.

We listened to the adamant desires of the students and parents who voiced their concerns and desires for change. We are constantly refining what we’re doing, but this is at least an issue where there’s a significant group of parents for this early start date.

We do read through and discuss these comments. We want a calendar that works best for everyone. We still believe that we have a calendar that addresses more concerns than it creates. But it changed the nature of education and public service.

Growing Up: Parents are concerned that students starting the school year in the hot

month of August has a negative impact on them? What are your thoughts?

SR: I grew up in Santa Cruz and anyone in Santa Cruz will tell you that the hottest time of year is the end of September and early October. We have a late summer instead of a traditional summer. June and July tend to be quite cool, and August tends to be a cooler month as well. As we shift into fall, Santa Cruz experiences a bulk of heat.

Regardless of how we move the calendar, the students will experience heat in September/October. HVAC improvements are a top priority for the district. Dealing with the hot time of the year has become a high priority for all of our campuses.

In the next few years, we will be building AC into all indoor spaces. We are now in a time where our years are hotter, so this will have a huge impact on the comfort of the learning conditions of students than the calendar does.

Growing Up: Parents are concerned that this early school start prevents students from enjoying the longest days of the year and limits their opportunities to enjoy traveling

and the outdoors programs in the area. What are your thoughts on this?

SR: I do have sympathy for students and families that have summer programs that are impacted by this. They do have the same amount of summer break, just different days. I sympathize with the fact that it is hard to build a summer schedule but I want to remind everyone that students are still getting the same amount of summer vacation.

Growing Up: Do you have plans to reach out to these parents who made this petition?

SR: We personally haven’t heard from these concerned parents. I think a lot more people at the moment are talking to each other on social media versus bringing up the concern with us directly. Based on other student and families requests, we strongly believe that this schedule is working better and will be more beneficial for students’ educational needs. However, we will continue to listen to and care for both sides. We will do our best to accommodate everyone as best we can.

TEEN RESOURCE GUIDE

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!

Community Bridges Family Resource Collective

Communitybridges.org/FRC

La Manzana Community Resources

521 Main Street, Ste. Y, Watsonville

Live Oak Community Resources

1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz

Mountain Community Resources

6134 Highway 9, Felton

Nueva Vista Community Resources

711 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

The Family Resource Collective works with individuals and families in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley to build safe, healthy, and compassionate communities through education, resources, and advocacy. We offer a variety of bi-lingual, bi-cultural services to meet each family and individual’s needs. Our programs and services include food distribution, mental health counseling, parent education workshops, youth tutoring, and more.

Dientes Community Dental Care

1830 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

1500 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz

100 Pioneer Street, Suite D, Santa Cruz 1430 Freedom Blvd., Suite C, Watsonville dientes.org

Dientes Community Dental Care is a full-service dental provider located throughout Santa Cruz County. We practice whole family dentistry including children, teens, adults, and seniors. Our patients are cared for by experienced pediatric and general dentists. As a non-profit dental service, our focus is on high-quality, affordable dental services, including exams, x-rays, fillings, sealants, and root canals. We accept Medi-Cal and we have affordable sliding scale fees for uninsured patients. We offer bi-lingual services. Se habla Español! Dientes, creating healthy smiles for over 30 years.

Gateway School K-8th grade

255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz

831.423.0341

GatewaySC.org

Gateway School has provided students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade with an exemplary education for over 50 years. Our Middle School offers a dynamic, challenging education that prepares teens for the fast-changing world by focusing on scholarship, citizenship, and compassion. The Kindergarten through 8th grade model allows students to become leaders and engage in age-appropriate activities which leads to higher levels of self-esteem and academic achievement.

Jim Booth Swim School

Harvey West pool in Santa Cruz and Watsonville

831.722.3500

Jimboothswimschool.com

Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! 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

Mount Madonna School Preschool-12th grade 491 Summit Road, Watsonville 408.847.2717

MountMadonnaSchool.org

Mount Madonna School (MMS) prioritizes the social, emotional, and physical well-being of its students, while emphasizing academic excellence, positive character development and creative self-expression. MMS strives to prepare well-rounded human beings who succeed in college, value collaboration, form meaningful relationships and engage with their communities, nation and the world. MMS does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, gender identity or gender expression.

Redwood Music Camps info@CommunityMusicSchool.org CommunityMusicSchool.org

Young musicians explore the music of Ireland, Scotland, and more! For players of violin, viola, flute, penny whistle, recorder, harp, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion, small keyboards, and cello. Students practice in instrument-specific groups, and with the entire ensemble. Crafts include making your own bamboo flute! Teen Camp (June 16-21) is a one-week sleepover camp for ages 12-18 in Aptos. Kid Camp (July 21-Aug 1) is a two-week day camp for ages 7-13

in Scotts Valley; a family concert is on Saturday, August 2nd at 10am. Information and registration is online at CommunityMusicSchool.org.

Santa Cruz City Schools

Sam Rolens

samuelrolens@sccs.net 831.419.2927

sccs.net/enroll

At Santa Cruz City Schools, students find belonging, room to explore & high expectations. In Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten, students are welcomed into education with a play-centric, curiosity-driven experience. In Elementary, students learn in classrooms, gardens, kitchens, art studios, and in the field–and in our after-school enrichment programs. In Middle School, we encourage independence and emotional development as students push themselves academically. In High School, we provide countless opportunities: more AP classes, more athletics, more artistic and performance outlets, more leadership opportunities, more community connections and more supports to launch students into their next adventure in college or career excellence

Santa Cruz Waldorf School, PreK-8 2190 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz 831.425.0519

enrollment@santacruzwaldorf.org santacruzwaldorf.org

Our middle school program serves as a vital bridge into high school, where students not only expand their academic, physical, organizational, and social skills but also develop the capacity to enthusiastically and empathetically engage with the world around them. In addition to our foundational curriculum, Spanish, art, physical education, handwork, gardening, music, drama, and cyber civics are taught. Students partake in adventure-filled overnight field trips, a diverse array of electives.

MUSIC

Banana Slug String Band Celebrates 40 Years at Rio

BY DNA

They are no different than any other band, except for the fact that The Banana Slug String Band has endured for 40 years. Four men, with four dynamic characters. Doug “Dirt” Greenfield, “Airy” Larry Graff, “Solar” Steve Van Zandt, and “Marine” Mark Nolan. Each inhabiting a precise image, like TinkyWinky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po, but more elemental (earth, air, sun and water).

The Banana Slug String Band has toured the world, and been heard by millions, but what keeps them going after four decades? Doug Dirt explains, “How do we sustain this? All the children and families who have supported us. For 40 years we have seen positive changes in our fans. We hear about teachers that use the music in their classrooms. It’s just amazing. The impact that we’ve had, and the breadth and depth of that impact on children and families, for decades - for generations. It’s the people that keep us going through the darkness.”

While trees, clean water and air aren’t getting a lot of attention these days, this is nothing new. “Back in the 1980s when we first started, there were a lot of gloom and doom songs about the planet,” says Airy Larry. “We even wrote a few ourselves. But, we made a conscious decision that we weren’t going to go that route. I remember us even discussing it, that we wanted to keep our message upbeat and positive and focused not on the problems, but more on the appreciation of the natural world.”

The Banana Slug String Band integrates as many different parts of movement, and theatre, and costumes and puppets and interactive sing alongs, truly flooding the zone, and soon the kids, around the world, are spontaneously adding their own flourish and spin. “The kids,” Airy Larry says, “are the fire that keeps us going. You can see it in their eyes. Children naturally love the earth. It brings them such joy. It’s a natural, beautiful thing about being a human that’s given the right amount of love and attention, people can move out of feeling fear all the time. That’s the space we try to create. Granted, we act very silly and present it to them in the way that we do. Kids get it, they get it all. And they respond in such a way that is fueling me. It fuels me and makes my heart sore and it just recharges me.” Marine Mark, as well as all the members, have been involved in teaching about environmentalism to children and parents since their early days. “Looking at tide pools, watching sunsets, going whale watching, and going bird watching. We talk to kids about things like that.

We like to sing about things that are inspiring. The most radical thing we do is encourage young people to go outside and discover the beauty of our planet. Then, they can decide what they want to do with it,” says Marine Mark.

Anyone who watches the Banana Slug String Band gets caught up in their engaging lyrics, melodies and costumes. Solar Steve understands that the best way to get a message across is to not be afraid to be silly. “We always sing with humor and its evident that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We will dress in crab costumes, the kids will dress like crabs and we make fun of everything,” says Solar Steve. If there is one quality about the Banana Slug String Band that shines brighter than the others, it’s authenticity.

“Authenticity is a great word and I’m glad you used that word because I try to,” says Marine Mark. “I use that word when I’m doing workshops with naturalists. It works best if you’re authentic. Then the spark of creativity can come through our music. We try to create unity through the messages in our songs.”

The band’s new CD is called Pollinator Nation and will be available at this special, early, 4pm show.

The Banana Slug String Band will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary on Saturday, March 29 at 4pm at The Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. Tickets at snazzy productions.com

BANANA SLUG STRING BAND

PG&E Offers College Scholarships

The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) is inviting applicants for its annual Better Together STEM Scholarship Program for students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines.

The PG&E Foundation will provide $350,000 in total funding for 60 scholarships in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 awards for eligible students.

Better Together STEM Scholarships are designed to give the next generation of Californians an opportunity to learn and succeed in higher education and support students who have made an impact in their community or who have overcome personal challenges.

“For more than a decade, The PG&E Corporation Foundation has had the honor of helping students pursue careers as scientists, engineers and innovators powering California’s clean energy progress and future. It is our privilege to play a part in helping these young people grow and succeed in their academic and professional endeavors,” said Carla Peterman, PG&E Corporation Executive

Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer, and Chair of the Board of The Foundation.

The Better Together STEM Scholarship program has evolved over the years to help lessen the financial burden of attending college for more students and their families.

In 2023, The PG&E Foundation added a new $5,000 scholarship that expanded the program to 20 additional students — up from 40 to 60 student recipients. In 2022, responding to a trend in applications from students admitted to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), eligibility expanded to students planning to attend HBCUs anywhere in the United States, in addition to California colleges and universities.

Since 2012, the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has awarded $7.45 million to accomplished students based on a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.

Deadline to apply is March 14, 2025. Scholarships will be awarded by August. Scholarships will be awarded based on

academic achievement, demonstrated participation and leadership in school and community activities, and financial need. Students must pursue qualifying degrees in STEM disciplines include engineering, computer science/ information systems, cybersecurity, environmental sciences, math and physics. Apply at bit.ly/4h03YDg

Awkward Art Exhibit Features Professional Pet Photos and Student Art

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation invites the community to experience a delightful mix of humor, creativity, and compassion at the Awkward Art Exhibit, a one-of-akind showcase of pet portraits created by students, professional artists and community members celebrating the bond between people and animals.

The exhibit will be held on Saturday, March 9, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the SCCAS Annex, located at 2200 Seventh Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. The event is free and open to the public.

The Awkward Art Exhibit is the culmination of the Awkward Pet Portraits Fundraiser, where local

artists of all skill levels—ranging from enthusiastic doodlers to professional illustrators—volunteered their time to create unique renditions of cherished pets. Each portrait was commissioned through a donation supporting the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s lifesaving programs.

The exhibit will feature student artwork from young artists across Santa Cruz County, showcasing their creative interpretations of animals and the human-animal bond. Participating schools include:

Soquel High School

Soquel Elementary

Bonny Doon Elementary

Cesar Chavez Middle School

Alianza Charter School

Scotts Valley High School

Santa Cruz High School

Live Oak Boys and Girls Club

H.A. Hyde Elementary School

Amesti Elementary

For more information about the exhibit or to learn how to get involved with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation, visit www.scanimalshelterfoundation.

EDUCATION

PVUSD Rejects Layoff Plans

BY TODD GUILD

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees rejected a pair of staff recommendations to cut roughly 100 teacher and school employee positions, after hours of public comment at a Feb. 12 meeting, during which dozens of teachers, students and community members spoke, It’s a move officials in the county’s largest district of 27,000 students, say will cause greater financial peril in the future.

Opponents of the cuts disagreed, saying the district should look for different ways to reduce the budget and keep cuts away from employees and the classroom.

Trustees Gabriel Medina, Daniel Dodge, Jr., Jessica Carrasco and new member Joy Flynn voted the proposals down.

On the table were two proposals, the first of which called for cutting roughly 19 classified positions, including 10

instructional assistants.

The second called for cuts to about 80 certificated positions, including 12 elementary release teachers, eight elementary intervention teachers, four high school science teachers and two visual and performing arts teachers.

Some of those cuts were expected. During a meeting on Jan. 15, the board followed a recommendation by the Sustainable Budget Team to cut more than $5 million to help the district “rightsize” its budget after the loss of one-time funding that came from the state during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This included a $750,000 cut to the District Office and $600,000 to academic coordinator positions, also called assistant principals. It also included a $1.3 million cut to elementary school release teacher positions, teachers who fill in while regular teachers are doing paperwork.

The trustees made separate $500,000 cuts to intervention teachers, mental health clinicians and socio-emotional counselors.

“We added positions with dollars that no longer exist,” PVUSD Superintendent Heather Contreras told reporters during a press conference the day before the meeting. “So technically we can no longer

afford those positions.”

But the cuts on the table Feb. 12 far exceeded those recommended by the budget team, a fact that drew hundreds of people to a rally in front of the Watsonville government building. Many packed into the City Council Chambers for the board meeting, which lasted past midnight.

“If this is something that needed to be considered because of declining enrollment, it would have been nice to have that clearly articulated and represented,” said Cesar Chavez Middle School teacher Katie Crockett. “I think there are a lot of other cuts that can happen before you cut teacher positions.”

Contreras said that many of the additional recommended cuts were necessary due to declining enrollment, a statewide problem with an average annual 8% decline.

The problem is far worse in Santa Cruz County, which is facing a 16% decline, she said. PVUSD is expected to lose 600 students next year.

Because funding from the state is directly tied to the number of students, that amounts to a loss of millions of dollars from the general fund.

“That’s a lot of students, and that equates to quite a bit in funding,” she said. “That’s the budget we need to run our

program on.”

But Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers Negotiations Chair Brandon Diniz was skeptical of those claims, saying that the district is projected to have a $30 million budget reserve at the end of the three-year budget cycle.

“The state doesn’t take over school districts that have a healthy reserve like we do, which is a reserve on top of a reserve,” he said. “That’s what school districts look at to make sure, ‘are we making fiscally responsible decisions?’ and I think there’s room to do that without such stark layoffs,” he said.

PVUSD Chief Business Officer Jenny Im acknowledged that the first interim budget report in December showed a $56 million reserve, which is 17% of the overall $326 million budget.

While that is above the minimum 3% reserve set by state law, Im cautioned that the district needs a cushion to help navigate financial crises.

She pointed out that the Local Control Funding Formula—which the state uses to fund schools—saw a $10 million reduction from last year.

“Everyone up here…especially Dr. Contreras, needs to be looking three, five, 10 years down the road,” Im said.

minimum of 5 years of high school science for all graduates

oding class for 6th-7th grade students

echnology, engineering and art (T.E.A.) for 8th-9th grade students

full series of 9th-11th grade engineering courses in addition to the traditional science cannon and

Heather Contreras, PVUSD Superintendent

Modest Proposal From Your 2024 Teacher of the Year

BY RUSSELL LOVE

For starters, and without a doubt, being recognized as Santa Cruz County’s Teacher of the Year by our County Office of Education for 2024 was the second highest honor that’s ever happened to this kid. The first being the hand of Mrs. Kimberly Dawn Love (ne; Kim Wells) which, similarly, caused everyone who knows me to question all the known laws of the universe and how things should work. I served Bill Murray a beer at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am one year. My children and grandchildren, all blessings too, yadda yadda yadda, I digress. Santa Cruz County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year is a very big deal!

As I said on the day I was given the award, teachers work hard and there are hundreds of teachers in our county who deserve to be recognized as I was, many of whom are much more fundamentally sound in their practice than me. I know there isn’t a teacher working today who doesn’t imagine, vividly, like kids accepting Oscars in their bathroom mirrors, how richly they deserve to be standing in front of the county’s board of education as I was last April. The whole thing was a peak experience in my life! So, please, dear reader, do not

misunderstand or underestimate my gratitude during any interpretation of this missive.

I am not writing for me, for my time has now passed, I am writing for all future TOTYs, to our community as a whole, and ultimately, for all teachers.

For as my tour as Santa Cruz County’s TOTY for 2024 comes to an end, I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed by the number of parade marshall, talk show guest or VIP invitations I received. As a teacher I most certainly would not have had time for any such frivolities but the engagements should have lined up for me to decline! My speaking engagement

calendar remains open and I can’t tell you how many concerts and events I attended where featured acts and keynote speakers failed to single me out in the crowd. I even had to put in precalls to both my chiropractic and general practitioner’s offices regarding how I should be announced when I arrived for my appointments. And no one ever asked me what I wanted my walk up music to be, at work or at home! (Joe Walsh’s “Life’s Been Good” or Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” depending on the intent of my appearance, would have been just fine by the way).

I’m not saying money should be attached to such a prestigious award, though many, many, TOTY awards around the country are tarnished with such gaucherie, but a pass to the County Fair would have been nice, (with a parking pass). A ceremonial cutting to the front of the line on the Big Dipper? Some sort of public humiliation from Mav’Rik at center court of a Santa Cruz Warriors game? A throne at Nerdville? Rickshaw through the Wharf to Wharf?

All I’m saying is that our next Teacher of the Year should have their schedule so dramatically inconvenienced and be faced with such a multitude of

responsibilities and photo ops that they will be relieved when their term ends and fiendishly invested in campaigning for the next candidate. Crowned, princess waving, processions through each and every district. Required assemblies for them to have to explain themselves. Give them the cover of the Good Times for cryin’ out loud!

These are my outgoing wishes for our entire, countywide community. Let’s step up and embarrass our next awardee with all the riches and possibilities of our county! Conspire together, for the next TOTY, named and otherwise. Hell, let’s do it for every teacher every day, why not? If you know one, any one, let’s give’em all we got! Teaching is a famously underappreciated profession in our country, let’s at least change that here in our idealized bubble of the world. Go out of your way to honor a teacher, today, in some goofy way.

(Slogan?)

Humbly and with the most sincere gratitude,

Russell Bryan Love, Lead Teacher, New School Community Day School, Pajaro Valley Unified School District, your outgoing, lame-duck, 2024 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year.

Russell Love

Healing the heart. With heart.

We all have something that makes our hearts beat a little faster—a love for family, a fulfilling career, a favorite hobby. At Dominican Hospital, our cardiovascular team shares that passion, and we put it into caring for our patients every day. Our nationally recognized program offers advanced diagnostics, innovative treatment options and comprehensive rehabilitation services. From routine cardiac checkups to lifesaving procedures, we have the expertise and dedication to care for your heart—to help keep it beating strong for all the people and activities you love. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/DominicanHearts

Empowering Your Child’s Financial Future with a Local Credit Union INFORM

As parents, we teach our children the value of sharing, kindness, and responsibility. But what about financial responsibility? One of the best ways to set your child up for success is by introducing them to financial wellness habits early on.

That starts with where they keep their money. While banks and credit unions may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences, and choosing a credit union could be one of the best financial decisions for your family.

CREDIT UNION VS. BANK: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Both banks and credit unions offer checking and savings accounts, loans, and financial services, but their structure and purpose set them apart. Banks are for-profit institutions that operate to generate returns for shareholders. They often charge higher fees and focus on maximizing profits.

On the other hand, credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by their members, the people who bank with them. This means that instead of profits going to outside investors, earnings are returned to members through lower loan rates, higher savings yields, and fewer fees. While Credit unions also maximize profits, they do so with the interest of their member-owners at the forefront rather than outside shareholders. That local, people-first philosophy makes a big difference, especially when it comes to young savers.

Founded on the principle of people helping people, credit unions were established to serve a specific group of individuals with a common bond—such as employees of a particular company, residents of a specific community, or members of an organization.

This structure is defined through a credit union charter, which outlines who is eligible for membership and ensures the institution remains focused on serving the financial interests of its members. Over time, credit unions have expanded their reach but continue to operate with a strong focus on their members’ best interests and community needs.

3. A Community-Focused Approach

BUILDING A STRONG FINANCIAL FUTURE

1. Lower Fees and Better Savings Rates

Kids are often more motivated to save when their money works in their favor.

Credit unions typically offer higher interest rates on savings accounts and lower fees, allowing children to watch their money grow. Many also offer special youth accounts with no minimum balance requirements, making starting simple and affordable.

2. Financial Education from the Start

Credit unions prioritize financial wellness and provide educational resources for young savers. Many offer workshops, interactive tools, and programs to teach kids how to manage money responsibly. By starting early, children develop lifelong habits that help them make smart financial decisions in the future.

Credit unions, like Santa Cruz County’s own Bay Federal Credit Union, are deeply invested in the communities they serve. They support local schools and athletic programs, sponsor familyfriendly events, and provide scholarships. When your child banks at a credit union, they are part of something bigger—a financial institution that reinvests in their membership rather than one focused solely on profit.

4. Personalized Service

As a member-owned institution, credit unions pride themselves on personalized service. Whether your child is depositing birthday money or learning to manage their first debit card, they’ll receive friendly, local support from people who genuinely care about their financial success.

Choosing a credit union for your child’s first savings account gives them a foundation for a lifetime of financial confidence. As they grow, they’ll have access to tailored products, financial guidance, and the support of a community-focused institution that puts their needs first.

Bay Federal Credit Union proudly serves families in Santa Cruz County and along the Central Coast, offering savings and checking solutions that grow with your child. With just five dollars, you can open an account with no monthly fees and easy-to-use mobile banking, making it simple to teach financial wellness habits. Visit a local branch today to learn more about how we can help set your child on a path to a bright financial future.

WHY FAMILIES TRUST CREDIT UNIONS TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL GOALS:

FAMILY FIRST

There’s No Such Thing as Multi-Tasking While Studying

BY SUSAN TATSUI-D’ARCY

Back in the day, parents laid down rules, and whether or not we agreed with them, we obeyed.

TV hours were limited, curfews set, and homework was done before going outside to play. Period. After all, our parents knew best, right?

Tweens and teens neither have the maturity nor the foresight to make important decisions. But with today’s immediategratification mode of living, parents have lost control over their children.

Technology has consumed every aspect of our very existence.  We no longer leave voice messages and wait for responses; we text questions or statements and the recipient gets it within seconds.

We no longer look forward to watching our favorite TV show with the family on Sunday night; we watch the whole season on our phones – by ourselves.

We no longer play board games for family entertainment; we play video games with people we don’t know or see.  And all of this takes place on our handy phones that we carry with us 24/7.

That said, when our kids tell us that they’re “doing their homework,” what that

the motions of doing their homework but barely learning anything.  Ever wonder why your child has “potential” but doesn’t quite make the mark?

Here’s why. To really learn a concept, they need to read about it, ponder its meaning, do the exercises or write their reflections, and sit with it so it can get into their long-term memory. It really takes this deep-thinking process to fully understand the concept so they can apply it to the real world or answer difficult questions on a test or final exam.

But if your child is like most, they NEVER really have the opportunity to absorb information and to learn. Their thought processes are interrupted about every 20 seconds by checking their phones for messages or

interruption, they need to restart the thinking process again, and that in itself takes another 5 seconds. See where I’m going with this?

Our kids, like ourselves, are addicted to social media. They NEED to know what their friends are doing and who is having fun without them. Their self esteem is probably wrapped around how many “likes” they got on Instagram, and what people are saying about them. That’s why THEY CANNOT MULTITASK WHILE DOING HOMEWORK! Just because they tell you they’re doing their homework or studying for a test doesn’t mean that they are doing it well or efficiently.

No kid will admit to their parents that their social media is disrupting their grades and possible future because they are addicted to it.

So parents, put on your big boy or girl pants and be the parent.  Give them social media curfews and set down rules about when they have access to their phones or computers. Bring down the social media hammer. You can collect all cell phones until the homework and studying for tests is done each day, or when grades are where they need to be. If they need to use the

computer to do research or to download homework assignments, have them use a family computer.

Check the history tab on your child’s computer to make sure they aren’t using social media when they aren’t supposed to. What they’ll soon discover is that they can actually get their homework done in half the time when they don’t have distractions and they’ll get better scores on tests and ultimately better grades. As their parent, flex your power by giving them the guidance they need to succeed.

Remember, their brains aren’t fully developed until they’re 25 years old, so don’t let them tell you how to do your job as the parent. Call a family meeting and set up new rules that they’ll thank you for someday. But don’t hold your breath – just know that you’re in charge and you’re giving them important life skills.

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

Teaching Kids to Speak Pet

BY SARAH KRUMMEL

Kids and pets share a special kind of magic, and like any relationship, communication is key. Understanding body language can help kids know when their pet is happy, playful, or in need of some space. Teaching kids to recognize a pet’s body language strengthens the bond between them and fosters empathy and respect –skills transferable to any relationship.

It’s similar to teaching kids how to navigate social cues with a new friend. Just as they learn when to crack a joke or when to back off, they can learn to read the signs that say, “Pet me!” or “Please, not now.”

PET BODY LANGUAGE 101

Before kids can interact confidently with pets, they need to understand the basics of body language. Different species express themselves in unique ways:

For Dogs:

Happy and Relaxed: A wagging tail, soft eyes, and a slightly open mouth are signs of contentment.

Playful: A “play bow” (front legs stretched out, rear end up) signals a ready-for-fun attitude.

Anxious: A yawn, pacing, panting, and licking with their ears back can indicate discomfort and anxiety.

Uncomfortable or Scared: A tucked

tail, flattened ears, or lip licking can indicate stress or fear.

Angry or Ready to Bite: Growling, bared teeth, or stiff posture means “Back off.”

For Cats:

Happy and Relaxed: Slow blinking with forward-facing ears shows a content kitty.

Playful: A twitching tail and pouncing movements mean it’s time to play.

Uncomfortable or Scared: A puffed-up tail, arched back, or hissing indicates fear.

Overstimulated or Annoyed: A swishing tail or flattened ears means “I’ve had enough.”

For Rabbits:

Happy and Relaxed: A rabbit lounging

Saint Pitties Party Adoption Special

on its side or belly with stretched-out legs feels safe and content.

Playful: Zooming around, binkies (joyful jumps and twists in the air), and nudging objects show excitement.

Uncomfortable or Scared: Ears pinned back, wide eyes, and crouching low mean they feel threatened.

Angry or Annoyed: Stomping their back foot, grunting, or flicking their feet as they hop away signals frustration.

For Guinea Pigs:

Happy and Relaxed: Popcorning (tiny jumps in the air) and soft purring show excitement and contentment.

Playful: Running around their enclosure, exploring tunnels, and wheeking (highpitched squeaks) signal fun.

Uncomfortable or Scared: Freezing in place, chattering teeth, or hiding means they feel nervous or unsafe.

Annoyed: A raised head, rumbling noises, or a swaying body can indicate dominance or irritation.

MAKE LEARNING FUN

Teaching your kids to read body language can be as fun as it is educational. Try these activities to help them understand what their pet is “saying”: “What’s Bailey Saying?” Observe your pet’s behavior during different activities

like eating, playing, or resting. Ask your kids, “What do you think Bailey’s tail is telling us right now?” or “Is Coco happy, or does she want some space?”

Body Language Charades: Have your kids act out different pet body language (like wagging tails or crouching) and see who can guess the emotion.

Draw What You See: Encourage your kids to sketch their interpretation of a happy, scared, or playful pet.

Want to continue exploring ways to help your child build a meaningful relationship with animals? Check out Kind News, a kidfriendly magazine full of fun and educational content about pets and animal welfare. Or, consider enrolling them in the Santa Cruz SPCA’s summer camp, where kids can learn about pet care, behavior, and advocacy—all while interacting with adoptable animals. By helping kids understand the subtle ways animals communicate, we equip them with skills that extend beyond pet care - enhancing their ability to listen, empathize, and build meaningful connections.

Sarah Krummel is a Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation board member and a Program Specialist for Santa Cruz City Schools. Connect with her at sarah@ scanimalshelterfoundation.org

TAKE A HIKE

Pretending to be Gandalf

How to use trekking poles and walking sticks

BY RICHARD STOCKTON

On the Fall Creek Trail in Henry Cowell State Park, I am passed by an older guy who is using trekking poles. He could be a thru-hiker, his tee shirt says, “Bring a compass, it’s awkward when you have to eat your friends.” He deftly glides over the roughest part of the trail, planting his right pole in the earth as his left foot touches the dirt. His arms are bent to form right angles with his forearms level to the ground, his pole straps come up over his wrists. You can see him use the straps to push harder down through the pole and he appears to float over an eroded section of trail. I try to catch him, but he is gone.

He used the trekking pole form I saw demonstrated by REI trekking pole salesman Steve, who shows me how to use the walking pole strap. Steve says, “Bringing your hand up from the bottom lets you press more of your body weight down through the strap, rather than maintaining a death grip on the pole.” Using this grip on trekking poles is like doing high rep sets of upper body workout; 10,000 steps might lead to 5,000 reps of lat pull downs. You too can have

perfect pecs like Steve.

Nordic Walking UK founder Martin Christie says that when we walk with poles, we use 90% of our muscles, including latissimus dorsi, the large muscle that runs from the armpit down the back, muscles in the shoulders, muscles in the chest, along with rotator cuff and bicep muscles. Christie says, “…a simple hike can give an all-over workout.”

The right-hand grip in the photo, with the hand inserted from the bottom up, lets you put a lot more weight on the pole, and will help relieve your left knee. Not only will trekking poles save your knees, they can keep you from falling. Hiking challenges you to move against gravity. If you’re just starting out or prefer exercise options that are low-impact – walking with trekking poles makes it easier on your joints.

The 93-year-old in the photo is legendary marathon runner and hiker Katherine Beiirs, who is walking with me on Pipeline Road in Nisene Marks State Park. She can keep up with everyone in our hiking group and can walk away from most.

STAIRS, INCLINES AND DECLINES

When walking the longevity trail and you encounter stairs that have a handrail, use it. Verywellfit.com says that to use trekking poles on stairs, place the poles on the step below you and step down, or put the poles next to your feet to step up. Keep the poles in front of you and push your weight through the poles. When you go downhill, lengthen the poles by 5 to 10 centimeters and plant the poles slightly ahead for a braking action. Go down with small steps, keeping your knees soft. Verywell.com says that trekking poles are a standard hiking accessory for anyone who needs more balance and stability. Maybe that will be the epitaph on my tombstone, “Balanced and stable at last.” Poles or a staff will help absorb the impact of the body with each step as they shift the weight to the upper body.

Trekking poles are adjustable, usually aluminum, but some higher-end designs are made with carbon fiber. I use a wooden staff carved by a Vietnam Vet would who not let me pay him for it.

POLES VERSUS STAFF

I was loaned two poles for a hike on

a steep mountain trail, and they made me more stable around rocks and roots. The poles were a little lighter than my staff and I could adjust the poles to different lengths (longer going downhill, shorter uphill). They did not have a rubber tip like my staff, they had spikes, and both hands had straps for reducing grip strain. At the end of the day, they folded together in two-foot sections.

So, why do I continue to use my staff when in the mountains? One reason I stay with my single wooden staff is because I’m trying to keep my credit card in my pants at REI. Costco has some cheaper trekking poles that look sturdy enough.

The main reason I continue to use my staff is the Wizard Effect – with my staff I get to pretend to be Gandalf from J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. My staff is mostly white, just like his. “The staff of Gandalf the White is of Elvish design, given to him by Galadriel in Lothlorien and enhanced his powers” (lotr.fandom.com/). Gandalf, largely credited with having the brains to tap into spirit to save Middle Earth, used his staff to illuminate dark places, like

Gateway School Summer Camp

June 16 - July 18

in the Mines of Moria.

He could channel magical energies to attack his enemies with a blast of light. Gandalf’s staff had a nail in the bottom, it is more like a trekking pole in that regard, but overall, I am just more Gandalf with my staff.

Like Gandalf, I hike to overcome darkness, in my case the darkness of my own demons. And the staff helps me embody Gandalf’s role as the deus ex machina to resolve hopeless situations. “Walk it off” may sound like the hook of a Taylor Swift song, but moving to clear my head is what this is all about.

Hippocrates, the father of scientific medicine, said: “If you are in a bad

mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another one.”

I was not given my staff by an elf, but by a crusty Vietnam Vet who said he made walking sticks for Vets. I told him I’m not a Vet, but he wanted me to have it anyway. The pole is light and strong, with a rubber foot on the bottom. He said, “You can use it to fight a dog, a person, a coyote or a mountain lion, but don’t use it to fight a bear.” There are black bears in the Santa Cruz Mountains, some wander north from Big Sur (California Department of Fish and Wildlife). They don’t seem to bother us much, but you are not going to outfight them, outrun them, or outsmart them. Try not to annoy them.

If you have issues with your left knee, put your staff in your right hand and plant the staff when you step with your left foot.

I also like pulling myself up with two hands on the staff when the going gets steep. As I lift my left foot forward, I push the staff into the ground to my right. My left hand pushes down on the top of the staff and my right hand grips the staff about two feet down. This low-profile pole vault takes a lot of weight off my left knee. I am slow, but even when my left knee is screaming at me, I can scrabble up a steep incline like a three-legged crab. I’m not cranky, I’m crabby.

The woman in the blue coat with one pole is 93 years old. She has loaned her second pole to the guy in the red sweater in front of her, who is 85 years old.

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE PARENTING Understanding Consequences the Positive Discipline Way

BY SARAH NOFI AND STEVEN WEISS

The well-being of children is entrusted to every adult, and we parents, caregivers, and educators have to be very mindful of the decisions that we make to protect and teach children. Having a developmentally appropriate understanding of consequences as a parenting tool is essential to using them in ways that support children’s positive relationships and guide their positive behaviors.

PSYCHOLOGY AND SCIENCE

The Positive Discipline idea that children do better when they feel better is supported by renowned psychologists Alfred Adler, Rudolph Dreikurs, and Abraham Maslow and informed by the study of neuroscience and traumainformed care.

Positive Discipline helps children experience belonging and significance, is mutually respectful and encouraging through kindness and firmness, teaches social and life skills, is effective over the long-term, and helps children discover how capable they are. Using consequences the Positive Discipline way fulfills all of those goals.

The prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain that governs our ability to anticipate the consequences of our actions) also needs to be taken into consideration, in large part due to the fact that it isn’t fully developed until a person is about 25. Given that children have a limited ability to consider the implications of their actions, it’s unreasonable for adults to expect them to make well-thought-out choices, especially since adults also make all kinds of bad choices!

NATURAL CONSEQUENCES

Natural consequences are basically a matter of cause and effect and happen naturally (without the intervention of others). As one example, someone who wakes up late might not have time to shower before school. Natural consequences teach children life skills, including helping them to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. For young children, a natural consequence could be spilling milk on the table and helping to clean it up. Another is an older child becoming cold if they go outside without wearing warm clothing. Adults can ask children questions both to get them exploring their sense of autonomy and to stir their thinking.

One possible question an adult could ask a child is “What do you need to wear to stay warm and dry outside in the rain?” Sometimes a young child doesn’t know the answer and/or doesn’t respond appropriately to natural consequences, and adults can then gently guide them to a solution. An example of a natural consequence that an older child might experience is a teenager who doesn’t fold

Whether with younger or older children, adults should try to be patient and not intervene unless absolutely necessary. Such is the case for older children who are generally much more capable than young children when it comes to things like planning, learning lessons, and handling the disappointment that often accompanies consequences. Perhaps most importantly, natural consequences should never supersede or endanger the safety of a child or anyone else.

ALTERNATIVES TO “LOGICAL” CONSEQUENCES

Logical consequences are essentially actions/decisions that adults take when children make poor choices and either fail to recognize them as such or continue to make those choices. While logical consequences can be favorable when implemented correctly, they are often instead thinly veiled punishments that are coercive in nature (often through the use of punishments or rewards). For that reason, employing the use of Positive Discipline tools such as connection before correction, discovering beliefs behind behaviors, and solution-oriented communication is far more favorable when it comes to addressing concerning behavior. Further, logical consequences are better replaced by routines and/or agreements whenever possible. Being able to rely on those tools depersonalizes the adultchild expectations.

GUIDELINES/CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONSEQUENCES

Everyone’s safety (physical and emotional health and well-being) must be ensured so as to prevent children from being harmed and/or harming others.

Consequences should never be punitive. Learning is stifled when a child is discouraged, upset, or frightened.

Logical consequences should always be Related (applicable to whatever happened), Respectful (non punitive and the message of love gets through), Reasonable (proportionate and context-specific), and Helpful (supportive and educative). Developmental appropriateness must be taken into account, especially when it comes to very young children who need additional adult intervention (supervision, training, and things being done for them).

Avoid engaging in piggy-backing (i.e., “I told you so!”) as doing so is tantamount to blaming and shaming. When children make mistakes, they already experience guilt, regret, embarrassment, sadness, and frustration. Adults can instead reframe children’s mistakes as teachable moments. “This is actually a helpful thing to learn.”

Avoid rescuing, fixing, and nagging. Doing so robs children from experiencing the feelings and learnings that emanate from consequences. Along with

developing capabilities, children need to build their “disappointment muscles” so as to develop resilience. Adults can show empathy, understanding, and care in those situations to help children process and overcome their discouragement. “I know that was difficult.” “I love you, and I’m sorry that happened.” “Would you like to talk about it?”

Logical consequences aren’t very effective with adolescents, especially since one of their developmental tasks is to individuate, which often leads to some rebellion. Also, teens are more likely to perceive imposed consequences as punishment.

Ultimately, natural consequences can teach children valuable skills and lessons, complement structure and routines, and promote critical thinking, intrinsic motivation, and accountability. At the end of the day, life is our greatest teacher.

Sarah Nofi and Steven Weiss are Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educators

their clean clothes and therefore goes to school with wrinkles.

Understanding the Impact of the Moss Landing Fire

BY BY, LISA CATTERALL

“We urgently need an end to these false assurances, to the sugar coating of unpalatable facts.” –Rachel Carson

Deep inside my childrens’ bodies lies a labyrinth of soft tissues and spongelike surfaces that give them life. Air is filtered through all of the liquids and tiny tentacles within their nostrils, then it travels down into the vessels and fabrics inside the lungs, where blood absorbs the oxygen that nourishes the well being of each child and allows them to live, run, play, and grow.

Their bodies, like mine, are the product of thousands of years of evolving to keep the air that enters them clean, but it would take many generations to adapt to the brand new environment growing up around us in today’s world.

view from the back of a station wagon and seeing the brown air hanging low over the city. I remember the way the city lights sparkled differently on smoggy days, when we drove back up after dark. I also remember exactly how the headache felt any time I was in that cloud for a few hours.

Sometimes, environmental pollution events that are extreme carry an “acute” effect. Many of the residents surrounding the Moss Landing battery plant fire that burned in Monterey County last week reported acute effects. People have undergone testing with their doctors for the origin of nausea, headaches, and metal taste in their mouths in the days since the fire broke out.

We will know soon if their acute symptoms are linked to the fire. The

reassurance.

I am no expert on public health or on firefighting. I am just a concerned citizen and a high school science teacher. I can perhaps connect the scientific dots a little better than some people, and of course, I made an effort to do so.

The things I could find that seemed unique to this type of fire seemed to be things that would only fly far from the fire if they were connected to smoke, so I took a measured view of the idea that the air was safe during the worst of the fire. But I also elected to keep my children indoors. Because it seemed to me that if this is the largest battery plant in the world, and this is the largest battery fire we’ve ever seen in history, well, honestly, how can we assert that we know everything about what might happen as

system in your backyard and everyone could power their own home. When I look at a project like massive battery storage, I do not accept that “we need these facilities.” I know that we do not. So why do they exist? How was the decision made to use something that relies on advanced engineering, new technology with barely enough research, large quantities of toxic materials, industrial production and shipping on a huge scale, and holds an enormous risk for environmental damage? Who was selfish and greedy enough to award this company from Texas a contract to put this here?

These are the questions I am asking. I call on our leaders to be accountable for the decision to place this plant here, or to encourage it to exist in the first place. I

Miraya Age 4

Kieran Age 7

McKenna Age 7

Mirah Age 7

Wyatt 6, Hudson 2

Gia Age 5

Jackson Age 4

Jade Age 4

Kenzie Age 8

Ayla Age 4

Bailey Age 7

Bodhi Age 4

Ella Age 7

Paige Age 6

Shasta Age 10

Taylor Age 10

Zoe Age 11

SAT 1

Arboretum Tour 11am-12:30pm The first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, California, or Australia. Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens, the developing World Conifer Collection, or Rare Fruit Garden. arboretum.ucsc.edu/ index.html

Saint Patrick’s Outdoor Market 10am5pm Just in time for some St. Patrick’s treats, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. cityofsantacruz.com

SUN 2

Peter and The Wolf 2-4pm The Santa Cruz Symphony is again partnering with Carnegie Hall for its Link Up Program, in which students learn to sing and play an instrument and then perform with a professional orchestra at a culminating concert. Bring the family to see this and Prokofiev’s famed “Peter and the Wolf” performed professionally. This is an engaging and exciting way to learn and appreciate

orchestral music. santacruzsymphony.org/ concerts-events-schedule

Baroque Festival 4-6pm This season will include enchanting performances led by our Artist-in-Residence, Jörg Reddin. Maistro Reddin is a distinguished Baroque organist, vocalist, and conductor who has held J. S. Bach’s old job in Arnstadt, Germany.

WED 5

Santa Cruz Vineyard Mystery

Author 7-8pm At the Mortal Zin Mystery Series launch event, you will meet the author and a longtime resident of Santa Cruz County, Diane Schaffer. The Mortal Zin Mystery Series is rooted in her summer work in a Santa Cruz County zinfandel winery, where she became fascinated with the unique history of zinfandel, California’s mystery grape. bookshopsantacruz.com/ diane-schaffer

THUR 6

Sesnon Salons noon-5pm Check out the UC Santa Cruz Arts division at this salon-style gathering presenting the work of UCSC’s History of Art and Visual Culture Free and open to the public with light refreshments as available.

GUiSC will attempt to update the calendar listings as needed; however, it is the responsibility of the organization listed to provide updated information. GUiSC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Readers are encouraged to check the accuracy of the information provided. Events that are free or cost less than $10 can be submitted for inclusion in the calendar. GUiSC does not guarantee that a submitted event will automatically be included. Preference is given for events of interest to children and/or parents. Submit entries at growingupsc.com/events/ community/add. Calendar entries must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the event. To find out more about promoting your event further or including a paid event, email advertising@growingupsc.com.

THUR-SAT 6-8

Watsonville Film Festival The Watsonville Film Festival promotes Latin and indigenous cultural traditions with free events for the community throughout the year. The 13th annual festival officially begins with cinema for the people by the people. watsonvillefilmfest.org

FRI 7

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

First Friday Boulder Creek 5-8pm Enjoy a free monthly mountain street fair in the name of creation and community. There will be local art, music and food lining the sidewalks of downtown Boulder Creek. firstfridaybouldercreek.org

SAT 8

Second Saturday on the Farm 11am-3pm The Agricultural History Project’s 2nd Saturday events are like taking a step back in time. Grab your cowboy hat and put on your boots and come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon on the farm! In addition to special activities, you’ll be able to milk a “cow”, drive-a-tractor, and enjoy crafts, hayrides, puppet show, antique engines and museum exhibits. aghistoryproject. org/2nd-saturday-on-the-farm

Swing Dancing 2-5:30pm You will find music, friends, and food while you improve your dancing digs. All levels, and various styles plus a social dance with great ambiance are welcome! Go Join the fun on the Second Saturday evening of each month at the Santa Cruz Wharf stage. cityofsantacruz.com

SUN 9

Antiques Faire 8am-6pm The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more. Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.

MINDY ABRAHAM

Artisan Faire noon-4pm Head to Abbott Square every second Sunday of the month for free live music while you browse handmade jewelry, soap, clothing, and much more! There is always something at these events that has your name on it! abbottsquaremarket.com/events

TUES 11

Gateway Tour 9-11am Visit the school on one of the monthly Tuesday tours and see why Gateway was voted Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz. Hang with our kindergartners on Kindy Island, see what’s growing in the Life Lab outdoor classroom, join the middle schoolers for a science experiment, and see first hand the unique benefits of a K - 8 education. gatewaysc.org

THUR 13

Women’s History Celebration 5:307pm Celebrate Women’s History month here in Santa Cruz by attending this free event paying tribute to the stories of remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on Santa Cruz County. There will be guest speakers, hands-on activities, Performances, and much more santacruzcoe.my.canva.site/herstory

SUN 16

Downtown Makers Market 10am-5pm Visit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers & artists every third Sunday of the month on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln streets. scmmakersmarket.com

Acton Academy Open House 1-3pm

Curious about an education alternative that puts your learner in the driver’s seat and helps them discover their passion to change the world? Come to the Open House and see what they’re all about. Meet the owners and guides, and take a tour of the studios. Acton Academy Santa Cruz is a Socratic, learner-driven program for ages 5-18. 7979 Soquel Drive, Aptos.

SAT 22

Castro Adobe Open House 10:30am3:30pm This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville.

Top Dog Film Festival 7-9:30pm Enjoy Yappy Hour at Sante Adairius Midtown Portal, a 5 minute walk from the Theatre with a dog friendly patio. The Top Dog Film Festival, a showcase of the best dog-themed movies from around the world, comes to Santa Cruz to celebrate the passion of dog lovers. The festival will bring a curated selection of hilarious, heartwarming, and delightfully dog-centric films. riotheatre.com/events-2/2025/3/22/topdog

Basket Weaving Workshop 10am-2pm

During this program at Henry Cowell, you will be introduced to a craft used by indigenous peoples around the world: coiled basketry. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, and this opportunity will pique your interest in learning more about, and supporting traditional arts. This 2-hour workshop will teach you how to weave your very own basket out of local Ponderosa Pine needles! Not recommended for children under the age of 12.

SUN 23

Intro to Plein Air Painting 10am-1pm

Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach the techniques necessary to capture environmental perspectives through the creative use of negative space, layering, various stroke techniques, and more. At the Museum of History. santacruzmuseum. org/3-23-intro-to-plein-air-painting-sandhills

Qingming Festival 9am-2pm Join local historian Traci Bliss and others as you celebrate Qing Ming or Tomb-Sweeping Day. Begin by gathering at the MAH for some light refreshments and announcements. Then, head across the street to the Chinatown Dragon Archway for a historical talk. Folks are invited to walk to Evergreen Cemetery to commemorate Qing Ming and clean the gravesites while making ritual offerings. santacruzmah.org/events/qingmingfestival-2025/2025/03/29

SAT 29

Fun Run Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this familyfriendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Run a 1k or a 5k, on this flat course and then enjoy what the boardwalk has to offer, including rides, games, & the beach. beachboardwalk.com/Fun-Run.

SAT-SUN 29-30

Symphonic Shakespeare Charles Pasternak, the Artistic Director of Santa Cruz Shakespeare joins the Santa Cruz Symphony for Symphonic Shakespeare. Hear dramatic great music inspired by dramatic great plays and perhaps find inspiration of your own. On March 29, they will be performing at the Civic Auditorium at 7:30pm, and on March 30, they will be performing at the Henry J. Mello Center at 2pm. santacruztickets.com/Online/default.

Delta High School

“Going to Delta was the greatest decision I have ever made in my life.”

~ Trevor

Delta serves students whose needs have not been met by a traditional school model. Through strong relationships, Delta builds a safe, inclusive, and caring academic community.

• Small classes, varied programs, and engaging curriculum

• Support for dual enrollment through Cabrillo

• College and career preparation through our Grad Skills

We are located on the Cabrillo College Campus next to the track, soccer fields and Sheriff’s Station.

6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos | 831.477.5212 | deltaschool.org

Jen Gebbie Ra’anan, Superintendent/Principal jraanan@deltaschool.org | 831.477.5213

DANCE SUMMER CAMPS

Storybook Camps for Ages 4-8

Choreography Camps for Ages 9-12

7 Weeks, 7 Themes! Mini Performance at the end of each Camp! Mon - Fri 9 am - 12 pm*

*Early/Late Options Available IADANCE.COM

THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DANCE PRESENTS: DANCE FOR JOY!

Parenting During Uncertain Times

So much has happened this year already – how is it already March, and yet, how is it only just March? The news these days can be overwhelming and, at times, heartwrenching. In these uncertain times, it is no wonder that we’re all experiencing such a wide range of emotions, from overwhelm, sadness, worry to anger, anxiety and fear. It’s easy to feel emotionally drained, like we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.

As parents, we are juggling our own mental well-being and supporting our children through their confusion and worries. Many of us are finding it difficult to talk to our children about what is happening in the world, unsure of how to process or explain in a way that doesn’t add to their fears.

The truth is, we are all in this together, please know you are not alone. It is challenging to balance your own emotions while also being the source of comfort for those around you. Some days the fear and anxiety can feel paralyzing. But I am here to say, it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings and admit it is hard. For me, I’ve given myself permission to feel all the emotions, to rest and recharge. Now, more than ever, is the time to take care of ourselves, our families, and our community.

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

Dear Yesenia,

I’m a single mom of 10-year-old and 12-year-old. With everything happening in the world right now, I’m feeling overwhelmed, and I’m not sure how to support them through all of this uncertainty. They’re quiet and seem anxious, but they don’t want to talk about it. How can I be there for them? ~

Gabriela

Dear Gabriela,

I’m sure many parents can relate! The uncertainty about this time has left many children, teens, and adults feeling anxious, frustrated, scared, and even angry. Your children are probably trying to make sense of the uncertainty in their lives. This is a good time to provide support, even if it doesn’t seem like they want it. Here are some tips to try:

Take care of yourself. It’s like putting on your oxygen mask before helping others. Notice your own thoughts and feelings and take small breaks when

you’re feeling stretched to your limits. Walk away from the stressful situation if you can. Take deep breaths, exercise, listen to music, or talk to someone supportive. Doing something you enjoy – even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time throughout the day – can help reduce your own stress and worries so that you the emotional energy to support your teens.

Let your children know you’re there for them. Some kids want to ask questions or talk about their feelings, while others need more time or encouragement before they’re ready to talk. And still others would rather express themselves through art, music, writing, cooking, playing games, or physical activity instead of talking. Even if your teens don’t want to have a deep discussion, acknowledge that with this uncertain time, it’s natural to have many thoughts and feelings. Let them know you’re available if they ever have questions or want to talk, then follow their lead.

Have casual conversations about their interests. Ask what they want to eat, or ask them to tell you about a video they watched or the latest game they’re playing. This shows you value their opinions and interests – and most importantly, it keeps the lines of communication open.

Provide support when they’re ready. If your child asks a question or wants to talk, give them your full attention. Listen and ask open-ended questions to find out what they already know and how they feel about it (“What have you heard?” or “How do you feel about that?”). Acknowledge and normalize their feelings (“It’s natural to be worried. A lot of people feel the same way.”). Then give them praise and encouragement to keep sharing what’s on their minds (“That’s a good question. I’m glad you asked it.”).

FINAL THOUGHTS: The best thing we can do for our families is take care of our physical and emotional well-being and support each other. If your children’s behaviors become more concerning (not sleeping or eating, more withdrawn or aggressive), reach out for additional support. Contact First 5 Santa Cruz at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org for Triple P parenting support or dial 211 (or text your zip code to 898-211) to find counseling and other resources.

Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo is the mother of a 2-year-old daughter and the Triple P Program Manager for First 5 Santa Cruz County. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc.org,facebook. com/triplepscc, or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 831.465.2217 ortriplep@ first5scc.org.

Taking Trash in a New Direction

BY TODD GUILD

More than 30 students at Bradley Elementary School in Corralitos took on a new direction in an art assignment with repurposing bits of recyclable trash into creative artworks. Elise Jacobs fifth-grade class cut up bits of plastic of varying textures and colors, and glued them into into mosaic compositions of orcas, flowers, fish and birds.

And while the glue and a small handful of supplies were purchased for the lesson, the plastic was virtually free after the students collected it themselves from beaches, parks and recycle bins.

That was precisely the lesson artist Shannon McCarthy was hoping to get across: something as pernicious and persistent as plastic pollution can be turned into something beautiful.

“During the process there is such a connection with holding the material and seeing it change from a piece of trash to this almost treasure.”

In learning that lesson, McCarthy hopes to teach young people to be aware of the amount of plastic they use, and hopefully to reduce it.

“Art is such a powerful way to communicate what’s happening on our planet,” she said. “It also empowers individuals that they have power over their environment, and can change things for the positive when things seem so negative, and to use art to spread the word that plastic doesn’t have to have a single use and be thrown away.”

McCarthy, who led similar lessons

Growing Social Summer Camps

in Hawaii, has become known for her intricate artwork featuring tiny bits of plastic she finds on beaches.

Paisley Bloomstrand chose to create an image of a chicken with colorful bits of plastic in her first such project.

“I like it because it is creative and it is a good way of recycling all this stuff

that we world normally throw away,” she said. “I think this is a good project.”

That was the inspiration for her Sustainable Environmental Art (SEA) lessons.

Jacobs said that the activity fit perfectly into her day, since the class normally studies either science or social studies during that time slot.

“Since this covers both, it’s perfect,” she said.

When Corralitos Woman’s Club member Judy Stephenson saw McCarthy’s work during an Open Studios Tour late last year, she knew she wanted the organization to sponsor a project.

Stephenson pitched her idea, and the club gave her a modest amount of money to make it happen. Then she reached out to McCarthy.

“I said, ‘this is going to sound weird, but I only have $1,000. Can we work together?’” Stephenson said.

After seeing how engaged the students were, Stephenson hopes to see the lesson expand to more classrooms and schools.

“This is the hope,” she said. “This is the dream.”

Fitness, Food & Fun Camp

2 mornings a week (Tues & Thurs) 9am-noon (1pm extended stay)

• session 1 June 10-26 • session 2 July 1-17 • session 3 July 22-Aug 7

Paisley Bloomstrand (center) and other fifth graders create artwork out of recyclable material at Bradley Elementary School in Corralitos. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

5 Visionary Initiatives Shaping Universal Destinations & Experiences in 2025 COMMUNITY

DNBCUniversal is expanding its theme park portfolio worldwide by introducing thrilling attractions, immersive experiences, and entirely new theme parks and resorts. Discover some of the most eagerly awaited projects that Universal Destinations & Experiences will unveil in 2025.

1. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FOURTH THEME PARK

UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE OPENS

The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created.

Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic.

Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations.

2. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Introduces Inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce guests to Universal Fan Fest Nights, an all-new interactive and immersive separately ticketed event that brings the most compelling worlds of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime to life from the creators of its highly-acclaimed Halloween Horror Nights event.

Featuring a slate of all-new, thrilling and unique fan favorite experiences, the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood will debut these with Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and more.

3.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE

Unveils Illumination’s Minion Land Illumination’s Minion Land will open at Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in 2025, transporting guests in Southeast Asia into an immersive, new land inspired by Illumination’s beloved Despicable Me and Minions franchise. The highly anticipated land will feature multiple rides, including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and an all-new carousel exclusive to Universal Studios Singapore, Buggie Boogie, which features dance music remixed by the Minions, as well as a variety of themed retail and dining experiences.

The land will take guests into the world of Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions movies where they will be able to experience three distinct areas: Minion Marketplace, Gru’s Neighbourhood, and Super Silly Fun Land.

4. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ AREA EXPANSION…DONKEY KONG COUNTRY™ IS NOW OPEN AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Universal Studios Japan recently expanded the popular SUPER NINTENDO WORLD area of the park, which has been visited by many guests every day since its opening in March of 2021.

The world’s first-ever “Donkey Kong Country” area, themed on the world of Donkey Kong, enhances and deepens the experiential value of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. With the addition of this new area, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD expanded by 70% with new experiences full of innovation and creativity that take the guest experience to an even higher level.

5. UNIVERSAL HORROR UNLEASHED OPENS ITS DOORS

Universal Destinations &Experiences (UDX), creator of the global phenomenon Halloween Horror Nights, announced that Universal Horror Unleashed – the company’s first-ever year- round horror experience – is coming to Las Vegas in 2025. In a darkened warehouse on the edge of Las Vegas, a relentless spectacle of horror is rising: Universal Horror Unleashed.

Now guests can experience it all in a year-round, fully immersive horror experience. The fears only felt in movies will come to bone-chilling life.

Enter the evils of four haunted houses, each with its own terrifying story: Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: The Reaping, and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer. These haunted houses aren’t for the faint of heart – they are intense and feature elevated moments where the horror surrounds guests in unimaginable ways.

This artist’s rendering shows the vision for Universal’s Epic Universe

It’s All Horseplay on Ranch

BY RICHARD STOCKTON

On his Spanish style ranch in Aromas, the horse trainer looks down the row of stalls. His horses lean their heads out and look back at him with body language that mirrors his. The man whispers, “They teach me so much. They don’t lie. Ever.”

I’m touring the ranch homebase for Horseplay Youth, Todd and Darlene Azevedo’s Expanded Learning Program where they present a safe space for “all species learn to play.” They are on a mission to show children how to be courageous and strong through playing with horses and performing endurance activities for the mind and body.

Horses have been healing humans for five thousand years; the emotional intelligence of a horse may make it the greatest bio-feedback tool on earth. With many times the number of mirror neurons as humans, horse neurons fire when it acts and when it observes the same action in you. The Horseplay Youth ranch uses their horses as emotional barometers so kids can authentically project what they feel on the inside. Kids attend classes at the ranch to learn their own brand of emotional intelligence. They learn to be strong and to find their own happiness by learning about and taking care of horses.

THE PLAY IS THE THING Horseplay Youth is informed by the work of Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute of Play (nifplay.org). Brown believes that by the time children are in the classroom, they’ve been taught to suppress their natural play-based curiosity. He says schools reinforce this when they eliminate recess and the arts to make more time for academics. Brown contends this can lead to depression, lack of empathy, addictive predilections, mood swings, and the full neurodivergent spectrum. He says the drive to play is as fundamental as our drive for food and sleep.

Todd Azevedo works hand in hand with his wife Darlene, who worked with Dr. Brown for 15 years, and who brings her knowledge of horsemanship, play and nutrition. She is a certified nutritionist from Hawthorn University.

Todd and Darlene are answering a call, they feel they were born “to enhance the lives of our youth, to shift behavior patterns, to develop motor skills, and increase emotional congruence and authenticity.” Todd says, “I am a creator of physical places where people and animals can feel safe unconditionally. Cutting through surface appearances to what truly matters to man and beast, and kids can get a complete understanding of who they are and want to be.”

A TIME TO BE WILD AND

A TIME TO BE COMPOSED

Darlene says they provide an experience where children can do something that’s bigger than themselves. “They have to pay attention and control their body around these animals. We don’t put them

in danger, but we let them know, ‘Hey, you guys gotta behave yourself in certain situations.’ And then in other situations, we let them go wild.”

One hot afternoon, Darlene told the 20 kids at the ranch, “Yes, horses take baths. Who likes taking baths?” Some of the kids did and some of them didn’t. Darlene said, “What happens when I spray you guys with water?” She sprayed them all and they went wild.

Darlene says, “Then I told them, ‘I’ll do it again, but now you have to be composed.’ And they were like, ‘Oh no!’ We went through exercises where they can be wild and crazy and then I’m like, ‘Okay, now you’ve got to be composed.’”

TWO SECOND-GENERATION HORSE

PEOPLE FIND THEIR CALLING TOGETHER

Todd’s dad was a trucker, his mother was a horsewoman, and Todd says he was just in the right place at the right time. Born in Santa Rosa, CA, Todd says that they were gypsies, “I was just traveling around with a saddle in my truck, training, training, training, wherever I could.” Todd’s dad delivered shavings to the big horse ranches in the area and got Todd a job where he became the assistant trainer to a national champion. His mentor, Jeff Juanell, told him that to make it in the horse business you either need to become a judge or get your own ranch. “I was delivering horses down in the Santa Cruz area for some friends and they found this ranch for me. I figured out a way to buy it.”

for the horse’s body language first.” Todd says when you walk around a horse, you touch their shoulder first, much like you would do a human, and that you stay close to the horse. “We are horse trainers, and we make sure any horse that gets near the kids is safe.”

Todd teaches a light history lesson about Arabians and then Darlene comes out in a native costume, tapestries, headdress and all. The session may start with a worldview about horses, shift to American and then into California equine history and Hispanic culture, where the western saddle was created.

Then their program moves into a “farm strong fitness program.” The kids are moving around 40-pound bags of grain. Larger groups are non-mounted, but small groups get to ride. “They learn the terminology, to name the gaits and how to use a saddle.”

THE CLASSES

Todd says he met Darlene when he was working for a high-end ranch in Carmel. “She was just amazing,” and he started leaning forward. Darlene was raised on a ranch in Merced and one morning she saw Todd cooking a ranch breakfast. It reminded her of her upbringing, and she started leaning too. They’ve been married for twelve years.

Her work in real estate mortgages helped Todd save his ranch from a very bad advisor. He says, “I had been a horse trainer all my life, didn’t know anything about finances, and she came in and saved my ranch from foreclosure. She is my muse, my financial advisor, the love of my life.”

THE PROGRAM

Todd says that Covid hit with a profound disconnect for kids, and that’s when they came up with the idea for Horseplay Youth. “Kids are in trouble. They don’t look at you, they stare at their phones.” So, the first thing Todd and Darlene show kids is that when they walk up to a thousand-pound animal they must determine what attitude it has. “See what body language it’s throwing out to you.”

Next, they address nutrition. “We have kids who are obese now. And we have horses that have a weight problem as well, if they eat too much sugar. The kids can learn about diet through taking care of the horses’ weight. Green grasses are loaded with sugar and that problem goes to the horse’s feet. The kids learn about nutrition by taking care of the horse.” Todd reports that some kids come in morbidly obese as fourth graders and three years later they turn it around on their own, just by taking care of the horse’s diet.

THE SARSAPARILLA SALOON

“The kids come in on buses, they get off and we take them to the Sarsaparilla Saloon here, to give them a bit of a western backdrop. We start with the history of horses and then tie in the body language right off the bat, you look

They have four groups with approximately 20 kids per group, coming in 4 different times per year. “We don’t have a problem with bringing large amounts of people in here. Our staff is four, and we like to keep it around 20 kids. They feel like our kids, and we treat them like our kids. When the parents come, they are amazed.” The classes run for a half-day and cost about $50 per kid, the ranch funds the school bus. They prefer fourth grade students, but Todd and Darlene will take their program to any school within a 30-mile radius. “We’d like to get funded so we can bring this program to at-risk kids.” They note that disadvantaged schools (DAC) have more funding for programs like this. Their 501c3 non-profit was founded a couple of years ago to get funding.

“We want to get kids here to experience the ranch, to touch a horse, to expand their minds. To get these kids connected with everything. You learn how to see a horse’s body language and then you can see your own. You’re going to stop, look, discover can I work with this animal? It’s the same when we meet a human.”

Todd says, “Once in a while we have kids that come through that you can tell are on the spectrum of autism and they are the ones who connect with the horse the most. The neurodivergent kids connect the best. They may have problems at school, but they don’t have problems here. It’s about connecting with horses and these kids are brilliant.”

A horse can hear your heartbeat from four feet away. A horse can smell when you’re afraid, sad, or mad. More people every day are discovering that this interspecies feedback loop can be a way to self-discovery. Todd and Darlene Azevedo are eager to talk to families about how to get involved with Horseplay Youth, where kids learn about themselves through playing and working with horses.

For more infor visitHorseplayyouth.org or contact info@horseplayyouth.org or 831.207.2189

ABOVE: Todd Azevedo driving the little white pony, one of the children’s favorites.

Photo by Darlene Azevedo. LEFT: Todd and Darlene Azevedo check on the horses in their stalls. Photo by Richard Stockton.

Thomas Farm Films is back in Summer 2025 with 4 weeks of filmmaking camps! Each week-long, fun-filled camp session will wrap production of a short film. The films will then be edited and scored for the big screen and premiere at the Thomas Farm Films Summer Camp Film Festival at a local movie theater.