Growing Up in Santa Cruz December 2021 by Growing Up in Santa Cruz

DEC 2021

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Editor's Note.......................................4 Ask Nicole...........................................5 County Scoop.....................................6 Always Amused...................................7 Moms Who Make a Difference............9 Youth Writer.......................................10 Local News: Cruzin' in a Santa Cruz...11 Tech Talk.............................................13 Holiday Activities................................14 Give a Gift, Give a Class......................15 Winning Awards.................................17 Your Home.........................................18 Local Artist: Tony Hernandez.............19 The Apple Container..........................20 Your Future is Their Business.............22 What the Kids are Saying....................23 Coloring Page.....................................24 Coloring Submissions.........................25 December Calendar............................26 Family Guide......................................30 Adventures in Momming...................31

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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. This program is made possible through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (MHSA – Prop 63 funds) & Santa Cruz County Human Services Department.

I n f o r m at I o n : first 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217 triplep@first5scc.org • triplep.first5scc.org

DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Editors’ Note We’re about to flip the page on 2021 and while it’s been a tough year for many, there are some good things to celebrate. We love those little libraries sprouting up all over town outside people’s homes. It’s such a great way to give back. We also love the food libraries we’ve seen at places such as Leo’s Haven. Left to their own devices people will do good works and that’s reason to celebrate. Over in Scotts Valley we caught a plant library! “Need a plant? Take a Plant. Have a Plant? Leaf a Plant,” it says. “Sharing is caring,” my kindergartner says. The holidays are filled with giving and we love that. The organization called Santa Cruz Gives is hitting record numbers, ensuring that those who need help the most will get it. Stories we’ve printed over the year show just how much people are doing for each other. We have a story this month paying tribute to one kindergarten teacher, but we’d like to salute all teachers, who frankly risk their lives to be in a room with unvaccinated kids. Luckily now the kids will get the shots that can save lives, but these underpaid, under-appreciated workers put aside their fears and fought through classes that could have hurt them in order to be there in person for the kids and we really appreciate that. We appreciate everyone who has stepped up to get a vaccine, not just for themselves, but to protect those around them. We can’t imagine a time in history where foolish naysayers would fight against a proven medical breakthrough, but they are out there in force. One of them even stuffed fake information

sheets in copies of our magazine. If you see them, know we had nothing to do with it and are disgusted by their actions. Some cities, like San Jose, have to hire street performers to entertain them. Santa Cruz has some of the greatest free musicians on the planet, some of whom have gone onto fame, such as Gillian Welch. Kudos to them, particularly the costumed accordionist known as the Great Morgani and all the cool bands, including some who played on the street for free before paying gigs. Thanks for the smiles. We celebrate the people at KSQD-FM, the newest community radio station where hundreds of volunteers bring us information and entertainment for no reward but wanting to help the community. Same goes for KZSC, the UCSC station. We thank everyone who has given back to the community. What the misinformed mistakenly call socialism with no understanding of the concept, we call social-ism, helping those around us. Plain and simple. On another celebratory note for us, Growing Up in Santa Cruz won four national awards last month, including for best humor column (the insightful cartoons by Patty Benson); best column (Behind the Teacher’s Desk by Lisa Catterall); best column (high school student Grace Timan on going back to class during the pandemic) and best Table of Contents (laid out by designer Christy Shults). We want to thank them for their work and you for reading and keeping print journalism alive.

ASK NICOLE Supporting Mental Wellness BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW I’m grateful for the little moments that start to feel like pre-pandemic life. Before 2020, I never thought that going to a grocery store or a friend’s house without being afraid to touch things or breathe air was cause for a celebration. But after nearly two years of the pandemic, these “small” things make a big difference. While I’m hopeful that the worst of the pandemic is over, I’m deeply concerned about the extent of the pandemicrelated emotional and behavioral health challenges faced by many children, youth, and adults. The holidays can be a challenging time anyway for mental health, so it’s even more important that we care for ourselves and each other at this time of year. 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 for a future column, please email triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Nicole, I’m worried about my children’s mental health (they’re 8 and 13). They used to enjoy being around people at home and school, but now they isolate themselves in their rooms and don’t want to go anywhere, especially school. It’s a daily struggle to get them to go to school. I’ve tried talking with them to find out whether there’s a problem with teachers, other kids, or their schoolwork, but they don’t want to open up to me. Do you have any suggestions? - Priya

Dear Priya, YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

The emotional and behavioral health of children and teens was of concern before COVID, but the pandemic-related stress, fear, grief, and uncertainty has intensified mental health challenges for kids of all ages. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, emergency department visits for mental health emergencies increased between March and October 2020 by 24% for children ages 5-11 and 31% for children ages 12-17. In early 2021, there was more than a 50% increase in emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts among girls ages 12-17, compared to 2019. As a result, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and children’s hospitals recently declared a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health. So you are wise to pay attention to changes in your children’s moods and behaviors. Here are some tips that may help your family:

CONTINUE CHECKING IN WITH YOUR KIDS. Have “casual conversations” about things your children are interested in—food, sports, clothing, music, social media, their friends, or other hobbies. Keep the lines of communication open, ask questions, and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings. This can lead to more in-depth discussions about their moods, eating and sleeping patterns, changes in social relationships, difficulties at school, or other issues that are weighing on their minds.

VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS

If your kids open up, then listen, acknowledge their feelings, and thank them for sharing—even if you don’t share the same interests or agree with their opinions. Hold off on trying to reassure them that everything will be fine or telling them the situation is not as bad as it seems. Remember that kids are more likely to believe those words once they feel someone believes them. Simply saying, “I can see you feel strongly about that,” or, “That’s a big emotional weight to carry,” can have a calming effect. Do “family stress busters” together. Go on a walk, spend time in nature, have a family game night, watch a movie, exercise, read, play music, take naps, or do mindfulness exercises together. Do things that make you laugh or just appreciate being with each other. Spending quality time together is a Triple P parenting strategy that builds positive, loving family relationships, which helps “buffer” kids from the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Seek help and support from other sources. Schedule a health check-up for your kids with their medical provider. This

can help identify any physical, mental, or behavioral health concerns and connect your children to helpful resources such as counseling. Many schools also offer counseling and other resources that teach children and teens tools to manage stress and other emotions. Remember to seek support for your own mental health, too.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Life is stressful, even overwhelming at times. If you or your children find that these tips aren’t enough to cope with mental health challenges, contact professionals in your community for additional support. If someone is in immediate distress or in danger of hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741).

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 Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 18 and 21, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit http://triplep.first5scc.org, www. facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.  https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/ news-releases/aap/2021/pediatricians-childand-adolescent-psychiatrists-and-childrenshospitals-declare-national-emergency-forchildrens-mental-health/

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COUNTY SCOOP Supporting Local Businesses This Holiday Season BY ZACH FRIEND, SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERVISOR

The holiday season is traditionally one of the largest sales times for many retailers. Over the last year and a half, local businesses have been facing additional pressures as a result of the pandemic and subsequent economic downturn. Many have faced declines in sales as online retailing has increased and others are having staffing challenges that have required hours to change or owners to work multiple shifts. As a community

we have a unique opportunity to show support for our small, locally-owned businesses as they compete with national online retailers - especially during the holiday season. In Santa Cruz County, 82 percent of local businesses have less than 9 employees. Many in the mid and south county work for locally-owned businesses and our local economy is dependent upon a robust small business sector.

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DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Some of the local businesses offer online ordering (with same day pick-up) and there are many options (from traditional retail items, to bakery items to hardware) that you can order locally online and pick up straight from the local business. Many in our area are working with local Chambers of Commerce to advertise extended holiday specials that extend beyond the traditional Black Friday or Small Business Saturday events. According to an analysis by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, “locally owned businesses play a central role in healthy communities and are among the best engines that cities and towns have for advancing economic opportunity and building resilient places.” Specifically, they note work from an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta that showed that counties with larger shares of local small businesses outperform their peers on three critical economic indicators: they have stronger per capita income growth, faster employment growth and lower poverty rates. Additionally, an analysis from the Government Finance Review, found that smaller-local businesses (versus box stores) provide more tax revenue on the aggregate while costing less in government services.

We have many locally-owned businesses that provide a variety of options for our holiday shopping including kid’s stores, restaurant gift certificates, great coffee shops, clothing stores, jewelers, locallyowned hotel getaway options and more. Some of these small businesses have been recognized nationally for their unique options and all of these businesses employ local residents and many are owned by residents right here in the mid and south county. A number of these businesses are now offering shipping options to you or to those you are purchasing gifts for to save you a trip out and provide an extra layer of safety this holiday season. For example, you can use a local photo store to print your holiday cards or pick up wine at one of our many local wineries as gifts. If you’d like additional information, the Aptos Chamber of Commerce has a businesses directory and holiday specials at www.aptoschamber. com or the Capitola/Soquel Chamber at www.capitolachamber.com and the Pajaro Valley Chamber at www. pajarovalleychamber.com. As always, I appreciate hearing from you. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200.

ALWAYS AMUSED ‘Tis the Season for Coasters Holiday events are back and more festive than ever BY ERIK CHALHOUB For most of November, theme parks are a strange hodgepodge of jacko-lanterns, zombie heads, colorful ornaments and twinkling lights. The transition from Halloween to the holiday season doesn’t happen overnight. It takes many months of planning, and weeks of hands-on labor, to transform the parks from spooky nightmares to festive wonderlands.

Let’s check out what our local parks have planned for 2021. SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

The Boardwalk’s Winter Wonderland returns select days through Jan. 2. The seaside amusement park will be decked out with holiday flair in this annual tradition, featuring lights and decorations throughout the walk. A three-story-tall Christmas tree, centered in the main entrance, is a highlight of the event. Guests can also see who can pedal the fastest with the return of Boardwalk Racers in the main plaza, and sample traditional Boardwalk fare with a holiday twist and take photos with Santa Claus. Classic holiday movies will also be screened on Neptune’s Stage. A series of special events are also planned throughout Winter Wonderland’s run. Mini Nutcracker performances will take place on Dec. 4 and 5, followed by school choir/band performances the following weekend. The Jingle Bell Rock Run is also on tap for Dec. 12. For hours and information, visit beachboardwalk.com/Winter-Wonderland.

CALIFORNIA’S GREAT AMERICA

WinterFest, billed as the Bay Area’s “most immersive holiday event,” returns to Santa Clara on select nights through Jan. 9. Expect to take part in the festive activities that have become a staple of this relatively new event, such as ice skating in front of the world’s tallest carousel, sending letters to the North Pole, and strolling through themed areas inbetween coaster thrills in the chilling winter night. For information, visit cagreatamerica.com/events/winterfest.

GILROY GARDENS

The horticultural themed park’s Holiday event is back on select nights through Dec. 31, where after ice skating, visitors can settle down to a feast before catching the Charlie Brown Christmas Show. Gilroy Gardens will also be decked out in festive lights, which are even more spectacular than displays elsewhere thanks to the park’s beautiful setting. For information, visit gilroygardens. org/holiday.

Time to renew those season passes

The end of the year is usually the season pass … well … season, and this year is no different. But what I’ve noticed in recent years is the rise of options theme parks are offering when it comes to their passes. It’s always nice to have options, but things are now getting complicated and downright confusing in some cases. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has the simplest option, with season passes for all of 2022 priced at $89.95. New this year, the Boardwalk is taking a Disney approach and offering cheaper, “restricted” season passes at $64.95, but with “blackout” dates. This pass restricts members from visiting on the busy summer weekends and holidays. It’s a good deal for those who avoid the packed weekends anyway and visit on the lesscrowded weekdays. Great America offers three different types of passes, in addition to the free Pre-K pass: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each have their own perks and are priced differently. I always go with the Gold

pass, since it includes parking as well as admission to Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. You can also pay the entire price of the pass up front or in monthly installments. It’s fairly straightforward. However, Six Flags passes are a different story. The Season Pass at Discovery Kingdom will get you access to the Vallejo park as well as Hurricane Harbor Concord. I was disappointed, however, to see that the season passes no longer allow you to visit all Six Flags parks throughout the country, which was an incredible value at just under $60. Six Flags offers memberships that are paid by monthly installments, with four different levels: Gold Plus, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Elite. There are various benefits that come with each level, and Six Flags does a good job at breaking all of them down on their website: sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/ store/memberships. If you don’t care about food and merchandise discounts and skip-theline passes for every visit, I recommend going with the least expensive Gold Plus

option, since it includes admission and parking at all Six Flags parks. Take the time to research all the different options and choose the one that fits best for your family, so there are no surprises when you arrive at the gate.

Strike Out Hunger returns

The Boardwalk Bowl’s Strike Out Hunger, benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank, is back from its one-year hiatus through Jan. 2. Those who bring a can of food to the Boardwalk Bowl get to bowl for free during the dates of the event. Participants who make a $100 cash donation to Second Harvest during the Strike out Hunger dates will receive 25 free bowling passes for use during future visits. Now in its 14th year, Strike Out Hunger provided 21,334 meals to local families in need in 2019, according to the Boardwalk. For information, visit boardwalkbowl.com/ strike-out-hunger.

GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

JOIN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY’S HOLIDAY GIVING CAMPAIGN 80 LOCAL NONPROFITS CONTRIBUTE WITH CONFIDENCE IT’S EASY TO DONATE ONLINE (OR BY MAIL OR CASH DELIVERY)

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DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

NEW THIS YEAR!

ALL DONORS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO MATCHING FUNDS SHARED BY ALL ORGANIZATIONS. SIMPLY GO TO THE SHOPPING CART AND ENTER ANY AMOUNT IN THE FIELD TITLED:

MATCHING FUNDS.

“ BY SUKI WESSLING

 Suki Wessling is a local writer and teacher. Read more at SukiWessling.com.

Welcome back to our monthly feature of moms who have faced the task of pandemic parenting while also continuing their work in our community. Research has shown that women have suffered greater economic and personal fallout from the pandemic, losing jobs or having to work while also caring for children.

Mrs. Victory, Kinder Superhero

Robin Victory is one of the rare teachers in Santa Cruz County who shepherded three of her own children through the school where she teaches. “I wanted to be here at Rio del Mar Elementary with my kids,” she explains. “I live in the community and I got [the job teaching kindergarten] when my oldest was in fourth grade. It was so much fun! My son would come and get gummy bears, my oldest would come with her friends and help.” Living in the community, her job often overlaps with her private life when students and graduates see her at the grocery store or the gym. She describes them as tickled by the experience, and occasionally floored— especially at Halloween. “It’s the utter shock of seeing their teacher at her house. I remember this one kid Martin—I open the door and he just absolutely did not know what to think!”

Mrs. Victory’s warmth and enthusiasm draws children in immediately. “She is nice and smiles lots, and she lets us do fun things in free play,” explains Laura Mottram’s children. Laura, as a parent, has been amazed at one thing that Robin hasn’t taught her children: fear. “Our kids have no idea that their entry into school life has been so unusual. All the crazy that COVID has brought to school, like online learning and masks, seems like the normal way to start kinder.” Robin was nominated by Growing Up’s editor Brad Kava, who as a first-time parent was amazed at the outsize influence a kinder teacher can have. “I realized she is one of the most important people in my five-year-old’s life. Every day he recounts what he learned and teaches it to me, acting it out as if he were her.” Although parents give Robin high

marks for her coping skills during distance learning, she says that she’ll follow any other restriction just to keep kids in the classroom. She explains that learning through screens has clear drawbacks for younger kids. “Kindergarten is such an important part of learning to interact with others,” she explains. “They didn’t know how to get along with each other!” Last year, her own children did their distance learning from home with their father while Robin taught via screen from her empty classroom. It was a lonely way to teach, she said, and she depended on parents and siblings to support her students at home. She has some empathy for the

students she passed on to the firstgrade teachers, who are “picking up the pieces.” But she says that things are going extremely well this year, and the students even reminded her when she forgot to put on her own mask before reentering the school after recess. “They’re my little teachers!” Although most things are back to normal, there is one big difference for Mrs. Victory: Robin’s youngest graduated from Rio during distance learning, so she’s at school for the first time in years without one of her own. But she powers on, bringing energy and enthusiasm for a job that she “loveloveloves!” *Photo by Kevin Painchaud

If you know of a mom who has made a difference, please email us at editor@growingupsc.com GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

YOUTH WRITER It's the Small Things That Matter BY ZACH LIVINSTON

Let's talk about Minecraft. Whether you play it, your kids play it, you know some people who play it, you've somehow never even heard of it; I think we can all agree that it's nice when a community in some way or another contributes to a good cause. Making Minecraft as suitable as possible to as many people as possible is what user StitchyYYT decided was needed. He made a texture pack dedicated to making Minecraft suitable for those with Protan Color Blindness, Deutan Color Blindness,

Tritan Color Blindness, Monochrome Color Blindness, Dyslexia, Moderate Arachnophobia, and Tryphobia. In order to understand why he did this, or what I'm even talking about, we need to understand textures. In Minecraft, the game is made up of pixel art that gets upscaled and then placed onto a cube, or several smaller cubes plopped together to create an object. These pixel art pieces (textures) are then moved into a folder in the game's files. In an earlier version of Minecraft (the game updates over time

to add new content and keep the game refreshing), they originally added texture packs, which were a way to change the game's style. To create one of these files, you would open Minecraft, enter the versions folder, download the version of Minecraft you wish to edit the textures from, convert it into a .zip file, extract all, then delete the majority of the files apart from the textures folder, then open each individual texture within an editing software of some sort, and modify it as you wish. And at the end, just drag and drop it into your resource pack folder, and use it. There's also the question of why he did this? Well, you see, in Minecraft, due to the sheer amount of blocks and textures, it takes quite a while to do all of that work, resulting in re-sprites. A re-sprite is when a piece of art is recolored or slightly altered in order to save time making new stuff, which, to the average consumer, is fine. However, to color blind people, it's much harder to differentiate different colors. And it becomes even more difficult when you have Monochrome Color Blindness where your only signal at what a color is or isn't comes down to the precise saturation, which is automatically

irrelevant considering that has nothing to do with hue, making it extremely difficult for people to differentiate stuff. So, how does this texture pack counter it? With completely individual sprites. Each sword, food type, block, log, piece of dirt, it's all unique. For example, in the base game, with the normal textures, the only difference between an iron and stone sword is the color of the blade, pommel, and guard. By making unique textures, players can memorize those textures, and know what they're using and when. He's shown some true dedication putting over 8 months into this texture pack, and making it as nice as possible. The pack style is sort of similar to a game like celest, embracing the warm tones, and high saturation. I'd highly recommend using this pack due to how much work was put into it and how welcoming it feels. It's just an overall wonderful texture pack, and a wonderful cause. You can download it at https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/ texture-packs/faithless.  My name is Zach, and I am 11 years old, I play a lot of minecraft, and I love technology.

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DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

LOCAL NEWS Cruzin’ in a Santa Cruz BY BRAD KAVA

If you are going to name a car for our beloved surf city, it sure as heck better be cool. Hyundai’s new adventure vehicle, the Santa Cruz, really is. I got to spend a week with one, the high-end model that lists for $38,000, and I fell in love. (The base model is a more affordable $24,000.) They call it an SAV, Sports Adventure Vehicle, rather than a Sport Utility Vehicle. It’s got a pickup bed that seals with a lockable cover, perfect for surfboards, bikes, and camping gear. But, here’s a big surprise, it drives as smooth as a top-of-the-line Lexus and has acceleration and handles curves like a sports car.

And the features! There are mounts above the wheel wells for a GoPro camera; if you need to get the party started, there’s a built-in ice chest under the truck bed and a power inverter so you can plug in your boom box or whatever musical device you use. Bose speakers, leather seats, and a fantastic hack that lets you start the engine from your cell phone. One of the most impressive things was how computerized it is without being distracting. When you make a turn, a circular screen on the dash shows you what’s on your side. The whole dash is a digital screen, built-in nicer and more accessible to see than that in a Tesla.

“

You may have seen some of the commercials for it, which feature locals, including skateboard artist Jimbo Phillips, surfer Matt Rockhold, and the Lady Lurkers skate crew

You don’t find yourself distracted from the road while getting multiple layers of information about what’s going on around you. It even has a feature that lets you know what the car ahead of you is doing if you are following someone straight out of James Bond. It’s a four-door with a roomy interior that is more luxurious than what you would expect from something that looks pretty much like a pickup truck; only the Korean company styled it to look way cooler than your basic pickup. The low-end models can haul 3,500 pounds, and the higher end reaches 5,000 for those taking long camping trips or hauling your sports equipment. Negatives? It’s not electric, which something named for our eco-forward town should be. They say they may make an electric version in the future. It gets around 21 miles a gallon in the city and 27 on the highway, not numbers to jump for joy on, but it’s as good or better than comparable trucks. The Santa Cruz is made in America, in Montgomery, AL. We like that. You may have seen some of the commercials for it, which feature

locals, including skateboard artist Jimbo Phillips, surfer Matt Rockhold, and the Lady Lurkers skate crew (check it out here: youtube.com/ watch?v=kjlnYOhxgKo). One of the people behind the marketing of the adventure vehicle is Felton native Jamin Duncan, who put together the ad with famed surf and skate director Stacy Peralta. “We didn’t want to approach it by how can we use the town to sell this vehicle,” he says. “We wanted to create an ode to this beautiful place and the people who live there and grew up there. We found people who live there rather than using actors. The last thing we wanted to do was be inauthentic or fake.” It took the company 10 years to bring the Santa Cruz to market, says Kate Fabian, Hyundai’s marketing director. “If trucks are like tools for work, the Santa Cruz enables adventure and equipment to play. You have the mountains, the ocean, you can be surfing, skating. It’s what this car’s about and what your community stands for.” After a week with it, I wanted more time. It really lives up to the marketing and is a go-to for any sport I can think of.

GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

TECH TALK TechGifts: Whats Great for 2021? BY LUIGI OPPIDOI One of the hardest things about the holiday season is buying for someone who is tech-minded. There are so many items and things that exist in the tech world right now, it’s hard to keep up! They say we are innovating at 3x the speed. Meaning if you love a technology, and want to stay on top with the latest and greatest, you’ll only catch every 3rd iteration of your product! Let us dive into what 2021 has to offer!

NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S TYPEWRITER

If you know someone who spends time building or tweaking PC’s, ask them about mechanical keyboards. An entire art form has been created around these input methods including custom keys and specific feeling button-clicks. This is the main input method for a computer, always nice to have a better keyboard. Mechanical keyboards start around $89 and go up for more in depth kits with lights and quirky styling.

SUPER CLICKY

A nice input method is the best way to have a good experience on your computer, and a good quality Logitech gaming mouse will always be exactly that. You really cannot go wrong with a Logitech mouse, no matter which model you choose. Wireless or wired, these mice will always be among the best of the peripherals. Always an awesome gift. Starting around $29

BIRDS EYE VIEW

The world of drones has exploded into first person versions to racing versions, to photography based models. DJI is one of the largest producers of commercial and consumer drones. Drones are usually a small plastic bodied, remote control flying menace. They consist of 4 propellers and sometimes come with a controller but most times you use a cell phone linked to an app. Drones can be as inexpensive as $39 for a small 4” model or $699 and up for a larger camera packed, feature filled models. They take little to no skill and can be used directly on day one from the box. Super fun!

favorite brands that works with almost anything. A nice Anker wireless (or wired) charger will quickly allow an Apple or android phone user to set their phone down to power up (or any wireless charging compatible device!) should run around $30 and is super handy to have. Speaking of chargers, power is something we all run out of. Why not give the gift of power? A powerbank charging module (also produced by Anker) will allow you to charge all sorts of devices. Depending on the size you purchase, all will charge a phone or an iPod, most will charge iPads and larger tablets, and some of the higher end versions will charge laptops and MacBooks. Usually the device will speak of which devices its designed for, and prices run anywhere from $25 - $129

HASSLE FREE LISTENING

Headphones have come a crazy long way, and if your loved one has an iPhone, get them a set of Airpods. Better yet, get them the Airpods Pro. Noise canceling features, wireless charging case, spacial audio and they work really well. If you’re good, you can find the few left of the Airpod pros before they switched to the new magsafe case and save yourself about $50. Still awesome, either generation.

LIGHT IT UP

The internet of things (IoT) has also been evolving by the day into all sorts of connected devices to do conventional things in a different way. One could be the Hue system from Philips. They take an LED light bulb and put a multi color LED array as well as Bluetooth, smart device connection and app control to turn a normal room into party central or the ultimate light accompaniment

to movie night. There are a ton of companies that make smart lights, HUE lights are not cheap but they will last for years. My current set has been running over 6 years, and they’re still as fun as the first day. Kits start around $99, and the add on bulbs run $19 and up. Speaking of lighting, Accent Studio came out with a northern lights aurora projector. This device turns any room into another world full of calmly moving light and sound (with its built in Bluetooth speaker). It has a timer so you can fall asleep to it (1 hour or 2) and a remote control to have it across the room for the extra comfy. They’re currently on sale and a very cool gift that virtually no one has. Around $59 and you’re in another world.

STALK YOUR DEVICES

I misplace a lot of stuff. People also take a lot of stuff. Apple came out with a product that allows you to track your lost stuff. They’re called Airtags ($29/ each) and they allow you to ping this tiny coin attached to your not-lost item. They come in single packs or 4 packs ($99). If you’re into the Apple world, they work fantastic with all Apple devices to help you locate your lost stuff. The Tile company produced the first tag, and were the trackers that dominated this idea for years. They didn’t have the infrastructure and enough people running the protocols to make them work well. Apple phones are everywhere, and for that reason, the Airtags work better than any tracking system before it.

A MILLION TITLES AT YOUR FINGER TIPS

Maybe your loved one wants to watch streaming services or even play certain mobile games on a television. A streaming device allows more and more

everyday with expanded software beyond watching TV. Roku players ($39-$99) turn the controller into a gaming remote as well as the nVidia shield ($99). Apple also is in the game with their Apple TV ($199). Streaming devices allow you to mirror your phone onto your TV, and quickly share something on your phone to the room, as well as the original intended use of a streaming device… streaming! Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, CBS. These players will do it all. More storage means more apps, but also more cost. Basic players usually will do everything you would need.

DIGITAL SECURITY

Smart devices also allow a vocal doorway in to the internet. A Google home (starting at $39) or Amazon echo device (starting at $39) allows the user to ask a virtual assistant questions about the world around them from the weather and time, to setting alarms, appointments, order food and groceries, or even tell a joke. They require an internet connection to work, and can be a fun way to get an internet reluctant person into the world of computing and the world wide web. I hope this holiday season is full of non-frustration and love. From your favorite tech guy, Have a wonderful relaxing holiday season. We’ll see you next time!  Luigi Oppido is the Owner/ Technician at Pleasure Point Computers. Luigi@ PleasurePointComputers.com PleasurePointComputers.com Listen to the Computer Man Show! Every Tuesday night from 6-7pm on 90.7 FM KSQD, and KSQD.org

DIGITAL AGE LIBRARY

If you have a book reader in your life, an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-reader is an awesome gift to liberate the literate. This device can store 1,100 books at once, and is easy on the eyes. Paperwhites run about $129 and use an e-ink display that can be read outside easily and with their variable backlight, it won’t disturb your partner even in the darkest rooms. I really enjoy mine, and the battery life is awesome.

CHARGING STATION

Chargers are always nice to have. We ALL have things to charge. Wired chargers have been the norm for 50 years. If you own an Android or Apple, most of us now have the capability to wirelessly charge. Anker is one of my GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

HOLIDAY BY RELIGION CHRISTIAN 4 SUNDAYS Advent During the season of Advent, Christians across the world prepare for the celebration of the arrival of the Lord into the world through the birth of his Son Jesus Christ. Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is also a time to look forward to when Jesus will come a second time.

DECEMBER 6 Saint Nicholas Day recognizes the thirdcentury saint who became an inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. St. Nicholas is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor.

DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day a day for spending time with family, observing observing the birth of Jesus, an important Christian holiday, partaking in lighthearted traditions, or just spreading some holiday cheer! Christmas has evolved over several millennia into a worldwide celebration that’s both religious and secular and chock full of fun-filled, family activities.

HINDUISM DECEMBER 21-25 Pancha Ganapati a five-day Hindu festival celebrated from December 21 through 25 in honor of Lord Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture. During this festival, each family creates a shrine in their main living area with a statue or picture of Lord Ganesha

HUMANIST DECEMBER 23 Human Light a holiday that focuses on the "positive, secular human values of reason, compassion, humanity and hope." The use of candles to symbolize reason, hope, compassion, and humanity has become widespread among those celebrating.

JUDAISM NOVEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 6 Hanukkah A Jewish festival that reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival.

PERSIAN DECEMBER 21 Yalda Considered the longest night of the year, Yalda eve is the night when ancient Iranians celebrated the birth of Mithra, the goddess of light. Yalda, which means birth, is a Syriac word imported into the Persian language.

PRE-CHRISTIAN DECEMBER 6

CHRISTMAS | YULE TREE

Gingerbread House Day National Poinsettia Day

Four Winds Ranch

MONDAY 13

Mountain Charlie Christmas Tree Ranch

National Cocoa Day

TUESDAY 14 Roast Chestnuts Day

FRIDAY 17 National Ugly Sweater Day

Krampusnacht In Alpine Austria and some parts of Germany, this day was known as Krampusnacht, or “Krampus night,” when adults might dress up as Krampus to frighten children at their homes.

SATURDAY 18

SECULAR DECEMBER 26 - JANUARY 1

Look for an Evergreen Day

Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage.

National Wreaths Across America Day

SUNDAY 19

19679 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos

23100 Mountain Charlie Rd, Los Gatos

Peacock Tree Farm 17950 Mountain Charlie Rd., Los Gatos

Mountain Feed 9550 CA-9, Ben Lomond

Crest Ranch 12200 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz

Post Street Farm 122 Post St, Santa Cruz

MONDAY 20

San Lorenzo Garden Center

Go Caroling Day

235 River St, Santa Cruz

TUESDAY 21

Capitola Village Produce Market

Humbug Day

700 Bay Ave, Capitola

DECEMBER 21

THURSDAY 23

Corrigan Christmas Trees

Winer Soltice the shortest day of the year, happens when the Earth's North Pole is tilted farthest from the Sun. The light of the Sun begins a new solar cycle at Winter Solstice. ... In winter everything lies dormant in the silent earth, it is a sacred time of rest and reflection before the awakening and the slow build toward brighter days. The energy of winter is that of going within.

National Christmas Movie Marathon Day

DECEMBER 31 New Years Eve In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve (also known as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day in many countries), the last day of the year, is on 31 December. In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated at evening parties, where many people dance, eat, drink, and watch or light fireworks.

FUN EVENTS WEDNESDAY 1 National Christmas Lights Day Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Peppermint Bark Day

Christmas Eve National Eggnog Day

SATURDAY 25 Christmas National Pumpkin Pie Day

SUNDAY 26 National Thank You Note Day National Candy Cane Day

MONDAY 27 Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day National Fruitcake Day

TUESDAY 28 National Chocolate Candy Day National Call a Friend Day

THURSDAY 30 National Resolution Planning Day

FRIDAY 31

Make a Gift Day

Make Up Your Mind Day National Champagne Day New Year’s Eve

SATURDAY 4

12 Days of Yule During the twelve days of Yule, crops are harvested to make a meal, trees are decorated with pinecones, foliage, and candles and gifts are exchanged with love ones.

THURSDAY 9

Tree Dressing Day Santa’s List Day

Christmas Card Day

DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

966 E Lake Ave, Watsonville

FRIDAY 24

FRIDAY 3

PAGANISM DECEMBER 21 - JANUARY 1

SUNDAY 12

HOLIDAY MOVIES A Charlie Brown Christmas A Christmas Story Babes in Toyland Elf Elliot the Littlest Reindeer Frozen Home Alone How the Grinch Stole Christmas It's a Wonderful Life Jack Frost Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey Klaus Meet Me in St. Louis Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Prancer Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer The Christmas Candle The Christmas Chronicles The Muppet Christmas Carol The Polar Express The Preacher's Wide The Santa Clause The Year Without Santa Clause

BY BRAD KAVA

The Best Gift This Holiday Season is a Class Maybe all those ships stacked up from San Diego to Los Angeles is a good thing. Perhaps it’s time to wake up and realize there’s something more valuable than all that plastic junk manufactured in China. The ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus counseled. “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” We seem to have forgotten that the joy of celebrating the holidays is the joy of being together—for a good time—but there’s something else we suggest this season. What about giving your loved ones time to learn something new. There are so many great classes in Santa Cruz, where anyone can learn all sorts of new things. Here are some of our suggestions.

ADVENTURE SPORTS UNLIMITED Learning to SCUBA before you take that trip down to southern beaches? Adventure Sports Unlimited at 303 Portrero St. can teach you here so that you can devote your vacation to exploring reefs without having to take lessons down there. The school also teaches basic swimming and has taught 28,000 kids to swim over the past 36 years. Asudoit.com

“

Imagine yourself exploring a beautiful underwater world surrounded by brightly colored anemones, sponges, corals, and fish,” the school says. “You hover weightlessly underwater surrounded by vivid bright colors and abundant life. By learning to SCUBA dive, you learn how to explore a new world that is visited by only a few select people.

BE NATURAL MUSIC If you loved the movie “School of Rock,” then you know what goes on at Be Natural Music. The kids learn to play instruments and then put on a show. We caught one recently and were blown away at kids’ sheer talent and energy as young as 9. They rawked! BeNaturalMusic.live

“

Be Natural Music is a Jazz & Rock music school based in Santa Cruz, California,. Directed by Matthew D Pinck AKA “yoga Matt” on stage. Our school offers private music lessons, Real Rock Band classes, workshops, group classes, and music camps.

SANTA CRUZ GYMNASTICS What about giving a kid gymnastics classes so they can fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Not only does Santa Cruz Gymnastics offer regular classes all year round, but they offer special three-hour winter camps during the winter holidays. That might be a nice way to work off the sugar holiday high and get them away from the tablet. Not only does the gymnastics program offer classes for kids as young as 3, but it takes them through their teens and trains them for serious competition. ScGym.com

Music Together/Musical Me has made a successful career bringing the joy of music and dance to the youngest kids, from birth to 5. The grownups who love them enhance children’s learning in multiple domains (mentally, physically, socially, etc.), increase family engagement, and add richly to each family’s “toolbox.” Siblings are welcome, especially infants who may attend free if they are eight months or under. Its Canta y Baila Conmigo is a unique curriculum for young children (ages birth to 5 years) with dual, complementary goals of music education and language immersion. Designed for beginners and native speakers alike, CyBC creates a playful, interactive atmosphere where language learning is integrated naturally and organically into the musical experience. And the Rhythm Kids is a drumming, music, and movement program for children ages 4–8 years. Classes naturally support children’s rhythm development and help them prepare for formal music lessons. Contact them today to try a free class and bring the joy of music into your family’s life. Give your little ones you. Time with you. Time spent singing, dancing, and playing together in their research-based, music-filled, playful classes, whether outdoors or online. Gift certificates are available! MusicTogether.com

JIM BOOTH SWIM SCHOOL Jim Booth Swim School offers classes year-round to get the youngest kids in the water and the older ones in shape. And if you know someone afraid to swim, they even have a class for them, called Aquaphobics. “A second chance for those adults who have never learned to swim...a fun way to become an aquatic wonder. Classes are available for fearful swimmers up to adults who need stroke work. It’s never too late to learn how to swim!” Don’t worry, the school has classes of all levels for those who already know how to swim and start kids as young as four months old. If you want to gift something for later in the year, the school offers pool parties. JimBoothSwimSchool.com

JUNE BUG'S GYMNASTICS Here’s a gift for both parents and kids. June Bug’s Gymnastics at Pleasure Point gives parents a Saturday night off from the kids with its Parents Night Out, offered every second and fourth Saturday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., including dinner and gymnastics for the young ones, 3-8. The rest of the week, Junebug’s has classes for the youngest kids, called Inchworms, who are just learning to crawl, all the way to Jitterbugs 4-8. The first class is free. JuneBugsGym.com

“

I could not believe how many different activities June Bug’s Gym provided in the 3 hours of camp: gymnastics, cooking, and crafts. The quality was excellent: the recipes were healthy but appealing to the kids, the crafts were imaginative, and the gymnastics program was very well thought out. Overall great!

CROOKED BEAUTY ART

MOUNTAIN MUSIC SHOOL A gift that lasts a lifetime: private music lesson on the instrument of your choice? The former B-Sharp is now the Mountain Music School in Scotts Valley. Its teachers include performing musicians on drums, bass, piano, ukulele and singing. You can buy your favorite person an instrument and a gift certificate to study it. MountainMusicSchoolSV.com

“

MUSIC TOGETHER

We know that music doesn’t just happen in the studio; it involves the whole community. Our teachers are regularly involved with performance opportunities, showcasing their talents and inspiring their students. We also offer plenty of performance opportunities for our students, giving them ample opportunity to grow as musicians and performers.

Are you looking for a place where your child can explore their creativity in a supportive environment? Carmen has everything you need to let your inner artist fly free. There is a wide range of crafts to choose from and fun stations to focus on your work. In addition, to drop-in crafting, they also do fun workshops with local artists, like woodworking and screen printing. Any child or adult would be ecstatic to get a gift card from this mecca of beauty. CrookedBeautyArt.com

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DANCE If dance is the thing, you can’t miss studying at the International Academy of Dance, located near Costco, and the home base for the Santa Cruz Ballet and the annual presentation of the Nutcracker. The IAD Story begins with ballet, as classical ballet training is at the heart of our training curriculum! But they also offer expert classes in Lyrical, HipHop, Tap, Dance Conditioning, and Musical Theater. Because of this, they encourage all dancers to become well-versed in many styles, so they can learn any choreography. IAD dancers are empowered and versatile, strong and powerful—on stage and off. info@iadance.com

GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

Lower Elementary Information Meeting, January 22, 2022

2022-2023 Priority Enrollment now taking place.

Need help with breastfeeding? Call Nursing Mothers Counsel to speak with a trained lactation counselor

All services, including home visits free of charge 831-688-3954 www.nursingmothers.org 16

DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

BY BRAD KAVA

Growing Up in Santa Cruz won four big awards in a national contest sponsored by the Parenting Media Association, a trade group that reaches six million family and parent magazine readers each month in the U.S., Canada and Australia. The competition was judged by the journalism department of the University of Missouri.

Lisa Catterall’s groundbreaking series, “Behind the Teacher’s Desk,” which examines her experience teaching at Mount Madonna School won a silver award:

Our teen writer, Grace Timan, of Mount Madonna School, won a silver award for her article, “Youth Writer on the Pandemic.”

“Written by a high school junior, this essay provides fascinating insight into the painful experience of going to school during the pandemic. But this piece is more than a unique perspective; it also delivers strong, descriptive writing, with the assured style of a natural storyteller.”

We took top honors for humor, with our wonderful monthly cartoon by Patty Benson. Here’s what the judges said:

“This illustrated column uses multiple visual devices as a framework for funny observations that most moms will recognize from their own lives. The approach is hilariously on point as well as entertaining and original.”

“This series gave families and community members a glimpse into the life and challenges of an educator. Each article in the series shed light on a different topic – from creating a place of joy in a classroom, to coaching a student in a math competition, Catterall engaged readers with a behindthe-scenes view of what it means to be a teacher.”

Finally, designer and managing editor Christy Shults was recognized for her layout skills in our Table of Contents:

“The half-page ad forces a minimalist approach. The three lead items include artwork, followed by a long text list. The typography is clean and serves the situation.” We are so proud of our staff and community contributors and look forward to winning more next year!! We are always looking for more content from you!

GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

YOUR HOME Home for the Holidays Why December is the Best Time to Buy a Home BY SEB FREY

Valerie Mishkin Realtor® 831.238.0504 | 831.426.4100 Cal Dre# 02092111 VMishkin@BaileyProperties.com ValerieMishkin.MyHomeHQ.biz

DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

That pain in my neck must be whiplash, because here we are, staring once again at the end of the year, with a new year beckoning right around the corner. It has been one bonkers year for the real estate market, characterized more than anything else by exceedingly strong home price appreciation. I’m not sure if we’re in record territory for a single year’s home price increases, but if not, we must be very close. The market was strong going into December 2020, unusually so for so late in the year, but the pace picked up in January (as it usually does) and slingshotted the market into spring months that were simply mind-blowing in terms of the fierce competition for homes. The summer months (July and August mostly) offered a bit of a reprieve - as they usually do. Like many of you, I spend a fair amount of time on Facebook, but much of that time is spent in real estate related groups. Predictably, many agents from coast to coast were saying over the summer that the market had softened and voiced the opinion that we were shifting into a buyer’s market. But by the middle of September, all that talk faded away and once again the online chatter from agents from coast to coast was about what a hot, hot market it is. Indeed, the fall market has been stellar. True, it hasn’t been as insane as it was during April and May, but by any rational measure, September, October, and November have been amazing months to be selling a home. And not bad for buying, either. Earlier in the year, it was common for homes in Santa Cruz to receive a couple dozen offers. By this fall, most homes for sale were still receiving multiple offers, but fewer - perhaps as few as only two or three, making it much easier for buyers to actually get an offer accepted. But “easier” does a not mean easy. A few weeks ago, I sat through an office meeting where our broker of record went through the sales statistics for our region. Santa Cruz county was a standout, for two reasons: it was the shortest number of “days on market” (13) for homes sold in October that our broker could remember in his 40 years in the business, and more homes sold than were newly listed for sale, which is a very rare phenomenon. But now here we are in December. December has long been my favorite time of year to buy a home. It’s the time of year when people are mostly distracted with the holidays, so buyers face the least competition. At the same time, anyone who is selling their home over the holidays is someone who really wants to sell. They’re motivated, and are more likely to be willing to

make a deal on favorable terms for the buyer in December than at any other time of the year. If you’ve been trying and trying to buy a home, December may be the break you’ve been waiting for! Assuming you can find anything you’d want to buy, in a price range you can afford. But if you can stretch, and an opportunity presents itself, December is not the month to pull your punches - go for it! While you probably won’t be able to move in to it for the holidays this year, buying a home in December will be a gift for you and your family that will keep on giving, for years or decades to come. It’s also at this time of year that I begin to think and plan for the coming year. When I look at what’s happening with the real estate market and the economy in general, I can only come to one conclusion: the market is going to take off like a rocket come January. Job growth has been remarkably strong, incomes are up, mortgage interest rates remain absurdly low, the work-form-home trend shows no sign of dissipating, COVID-19 appears to be coming to heel, and Biden’s infrastructure bill has been signed, sealed, and will be delivered over the coming years. Millennials - the largest generation in America - are finally hitting income levels that allow them to become homeowners, while the second largest generation, Baby Boomers, are downsizing and moving on, spurred on in California by the passage of Proposition 19. It feels to me like we are in the midst of a mega cycle for real estate, and, unbelievable as it may seem, there appears our real estate market has quite a bit of room left to run. While 2021 has been an unreal year for real estate, I think that 2022 will likewise prove to be an incredibly strong real estate market. So, if indeed an opportunity to become a homeowner presents itself this month, my advice is don’t hesitate to pull the trigger and get an offer in! This time next year, you’ll be happily inviting your friends and family to share the magic of the season in a home you’ll be proud to call your own.  Seb Frey was the 2019 President of the Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS. He’s been selling homes locally since 2003 and is the author of Get It Sold! (available at TheSoldBook. com) and stars on his own YouTube channel on SebFrey.TV

LOCAL ARTIST Tony Hernandez Tony is a teen who enjoys the simple things in life. In his short life, he’s experienced quite a bit; however, you wouldn’t be able to tell, given his lighthearted spirit and humor. Tony’s overcome many obstacles, one of those has been learning how to navigate life as an individual diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Although this diagnosis can be quite scary for many, we’ve learned to help Tony find ways to navigate its complexities. One of those ways has been exploring new hobbies. Over the

past couple of years, he’s acquired a passion for the arts. Thanks to his aid, Lou, Tony is now excited to draw. He’s most passionate about drawing cartoons or things he likes, such as Superheros, Scoob, and Sonic. By looking at his artwork, you wouldn’t be able to tell he’s a young man who’s gone through and overcome so much. We are quite proud of his accomplishments, newfound passion and look forward to his continued growth.

Local Artist Sponsored by Crooked Beauty | CrookedBeautyArt.com GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

“

The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment we cannot sustain ourselves. -Wangari Maathai

The time of year has come again when I feel pulled apart by my love of holiday patterns, papers, sparkles and wrappers, and my grief over the impact western lifestyles are having on the natural environment. I want to run out and buy more twinkling reindeer for my front lawn, beautiful wrap and bows that allow me to artistically show my love for people in my life, and of course, a cascade of toys to pour over my darling children. It’s my way. In May, I take my students on a dream of an environmental science learning journey. We travel to a crystal-clear kelp forest full of the giant submarine animals that used to make homes everywhere along the California coast, and we kick along among redwood-tree sized stalks of kelp shot with rays of sun and dotted with bright orange and iridescent blue fish. We go out in the dark and play with tiny creatures so biodiverse that they look like brightly lit rainbow bubbles swirling around our hands and fins. Kelp forests are not like this anywhere else in our state, right now, and they are just coming back to Catalina Island, where my students and I make our home that week in May. Several years ago, a container ship spilled a load of hijiki, a seaweed native to Japan and that is a great delicacy there. Ironically it looks quite a lot like a dollhouse-size giant kelp, with tiny bladders and long lovely blades. But it carries small saws. It wraps itself around the roots of our giant kelp (called the holdfast), and saws through the stalk until the kelp floats up, dead, and washes onto shore strangled by the tiny invader. It’s been a heartbreaking trip for several years thanks to this plant, transplanted by luxury consumption. This year we went in September. My tenth grade students go, but this year my

eleventh and twelfth graders had missed the trip thanks to the pandemic. Last year one of them looked me in the face and said, “nothing we’ve been promised has really happened, Lisa. So we don’t really believe that this will happen.” That was it for me. It didn’t matter that the science center we usually stay at was still closed, or that there was no one available anywhere on the island to help us with anything, or that the channel was littered with anchored container ships. We were going to do the trip, and we were going to do it better than ever. Those kids were going to see an unfettered California kelp forest. I booked tent cabins and went shopping. In the produce section of our local grocery warehouse, I had my hand on a hard-plastic blister package of Fuji apples. It looked like one of those packages of single pills, only the single containers were huge, and had apples you could pop out. I was excited to find something that could make it through the baggage compartment of an airplane, across the Long Beach channel on a ferry boat, and up to camp on a gear haul and still taste fresh and good. But I was horrified about the plastic. It was thick, clear and rigid. Plastic is no longer recycled; anything saved for recycling sits at port or ends up dumped outright into the ocean in Indonesia. Recycling plastic is such a toxic process that we’ve never recycled plastic on U.S. soil, we’ve sent it to China. China has stopped taking it. Even when it was recycled by China, it was usually turned into a sand-like plastic feedstock that was too toxic to recreate into a consumer product the U.S. would allow back in. If you’ve ever seen very cheap plastic toys that degrade easily at a market in Asia or Africa, you’re probably seeing your old recycled plastic bottles.

20 DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

BY LISA CATTERALL

Lisa Catterall teaches STEAM, math, science, and art at Mount Madonna School and is a senior associate of the Centers for Research on Creativity. She lectures and trains teachers and administrators on innovation in education in Beijing, China. Lisa has five children and lives in Santa Cruz County.

This pack of apples I was looking at in its plastic ball-like packaging would never go away, or at least, not in any way I could see. I couldn’t buy it. I could not take my students out to live in view of an intact underwater ecosystem for a week and model carelessness about the very thing that is keeping that ecosystem threatened. I could not display unthinking consumption while leading a program designed to make people think. When it comes to members of Western society doing their part to save the environment, there is an enormous

iceberg of processes working below the surface. At the tip, the part we see every day, there is something I call “greenwashing.” As consumers, we are constantly shown products that are “green.” When we follow the thread of the lifecycle of most of these products from raw materials extraction to end-oflife, they are anything but green. That wonderful new organic cotton T-shirt that says “Be Nice to Your Mother” with a picture of the planet? That cotton took 600 gallons of water to grow! That “bamboo plastic” toy

you’ve been eyeing at the local health food grocer? That’s a composite material of bamboo fibers and plastic. Just like polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride (Bakelite), which never gave a nod to bamboo, but has the same matrix and will most likely take the same amount of time to “go away” when humans are done with it. How about compostable paper plates? They only break down if they get hot; if they make it to a landfill or to the ocean, they stay, just like plastic. The truth is, we just should not be buying very many new things. At all. This is no fun. Certainly not at this time of year when we feel fulfilled by consumption in a way that speaks to our empathy, family, history, and even our spirituality. But we are in a pull system; when we buy something new, we pull towards another one being created. The honest truth is that there are simply enough human-made things, in fact, there are far too many things already on Earth. Back to the iceberg of our circumstances as modern consumers. The visible part is this “greenwashing.” Underneath the visible part of the iceberg where we see “green” products everywhere, there are three layers of truth that humans need to see in order to become part of the solution. The first layer is microdecisions, the ones we make every hour of every day. “Don’t buy those

plastic packaged apples, Lisa” is a good example. The second layer is political activism. We need to understand the laws that allow those apples to come in that packaging with no regard for what happens next, and we need to be empowered to raise our voice, use our vote, and do something about it. The foundation, or the base of all this, is the science that provides the call to act. How do we know the apple container has an effect on our kelp forest? How do we know something is amiss in those kelp forests in the first place? It is critical that every student understands how scientific tools and processes give us facts. Many voters and citizens of our country are wandering around with no understanding of the scientific process, and it’s much, much easier to believe fake information that allows you to purchase that blister pack of apples, that cheap toy, that new tee, etc. without a thought for the consequences. In the re-education that is needed in America and other Western societies around eliminating our harmful environmental impacts, the roots are science, the shoot is an active and engaged political life, and the flower is making good decisions every moment of every day. I bought the apples. I was more concerned about making sure we learned the roots that week. But I did not throw

the blister pack in the trash. I carried the empty plastic package all the way down from our campsites, across the ocean, up into the sky, back to school, and had my fifth grade engineering class turn every apple blister ball into a permanent prop for their dance and theatre program (they are doing a dance with spinning balls on strings; the balls were the apple package). In Nigeria once, someone proudly presented me with a white plastic chair that had been wired together and repaired multiple times. In the U.S., we purchase those chairs for five dollars and throw them away as soon as they have a problem. In Accra, Ghana, there is a huge market place called the “bruni wawuo” which translates to “dead white people,” because they can’t understand why any human would throw away such good items while they are still alive. It’s filled with exactly that, trash thrown away in America and Europe. Even on Catalina Island, some of our students visit a camp that has a workshop dedicated wholly to reworking and remaking broken items that might usually be thrown away. This holiday season, I have a new commitment to making absolutely sure that I remember that any piece of plastic I buy is purchased with the knowledge that I am bringing something permanent into this world that will not go away. Anything that is presented as a new type

of luxury item or food is something I will question; how did this get here? Is the process safe? Or might it spill and eat all the kelp? I’m going to make the time to visit local open markets where artisans sell things they have made from wood or repurposed materials, with no packaging at all. I’m going to take the extra step of finding reusable fabric to cover secret presents. I’m going to be fastidious about repairing and elevating the decorations I already have. I’m going to make new things with my children out of things we find discarded or blowing away on our walks, and I’m going to procure wonderful reused and repurposed things to discover under the tree. I’ll call upon our local farmers for treats and gifts. I will find the spiritual fulfillment of abundance, light, and plenty in the memory of sun-drenched, untouched Kelp forests coming back to full growth for the next generation to feast upon with their eyes. The “feast” is not going to come from the grocery store, but from what is outside, all around us, hoping we will notice it, begging us to protect it by doing the right thing every day. Even during the holidays.

GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

LOCAL NEWS Teens: Your Future Is Their Business BY SUKI WESSLING

We live in a world that tells teens they need to prepare now for college or a career—but according to Morgan Matthias, who’s now a product manager at Roku, many of them have no clue. “Most students start with ‘I don’t know what I want to do but I kinda like

this’,” Morgan says. She would know. As a Cabrillo student with a firm plan for her own future, she became the first intern with local nonprofit Your Future Is Our Business. She and then-director Mary Gaukel Forster took a 20-year-old

Youth & Family Counseling

Just in time to become indispensable.

ROP, the skills education program funded by the state, transitioned to Career and Technical Education (CTE) with local control and funding. Suddenly our school districts needed the knowhow of an organization just like YFIOB.

Just in time for a worldwide pandemic and school shutdown.

Comprehensive mental health counseling

Low-cost services for youth, young adults (age 12-20) and their families Bilingual telehealth and in-person group, individual and family sessions available

Call for your free screening! 831-429-8350 www.encompasscs.org/youth_ services_counseling

22 DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

organization and pulled it into 21stcentury expectations.

CTE and YFIOB had to transition a very hands-on program to distance learning. Donnamarie Stahl, a Certified Medical Assistant, teaches in the CTE medical pathway at Harbor High. “[At school,] they get to see a magnified doctor’s office,” Donna Marie explains. “We have the equipment in there so the students are ready to walk into work in the medical field.” Donna Marie rose to the distance learning challenge, inspiring Kalia Vasquez, a student in her Harbor classroom, to work hard on the skills she learned over video like taking blood pressure. “I practiced on my dad a lot! He liked knowing that I was doing this hands-on even though it was during Covid.” Now that classes are back at school and CTE can be hands-on again, YFIOB underwent another transition. Yvette Brooks, the Mayor of Capitola, took the reins as Executive Director after Mary’s retirement. She says that YFIOB has an important role in helping local districts fulfill the state requirements for CTE. “When you get funding from the state, there’s lots of boxes to check,” Yvette explains diplomatically. “Things such as career speakers, panels, mentorships, internships, and so forth. YFIOB has come in and supplemented those services for the districts.” The organization has extended its partnerships with organizations like

Cabrillo, UCSC, and the Public Libraries. It has also continued to grow the internship program, which allows college students to get needed experience. “A job ad will often say ‘entry level, minimum two years’ experience’,” Yvette explains, pointing out the catch-22 that recent grads face. YFIOB designs their internships to provide hands-on skill building in areas like community outreach and grant writing.

Morgan points out another valuable thing that students gain from YFIOB: CONNECTIONS.

“A student whose parents are a lawyer and a doctor and they have friends in those careers—[the student has] that network of connections,” Morgan explains. “Everyone has something to offer, but maybe they don’t have the exact skill or background that student is interested in.” As a result, the county’s high schools function somewhat like magnet schools, the value of which Yvette knows firsthand as a graduate of one herself. “When we grew up it was just one class, like shop or home ec,” Yvette remembers. “Now there’s so many different careers out there that students are being made aware of through what YFIOB is doing.” For her part, Kalia has decided to pursue Criminal Justice—another career she learned about through CTE. But she says the medical skills she’s learned won’t go to waste. “Often people in the field don’t know much about medical stuff. I feel like I need to be prepared for whatever comes in my career.”

All because some great adults made one teen’s future their business. For more information visit YFIOB. org.

 Suki Wessling is a local writer and teacher. Read more at SukiWessling.com.

BY MIKAYLA SHULTS

JANUARY Independent Schools Guide Sara’s Big Wave Book Review Self Esteem Projects

 My two favorite things are vintage clothes and being an activist; in that order. You can find me reading on the beach or just staring at the same page for an hour. While I’m not doing that, I’m a junior at Oasis. Friday, November 5, 2021 Travis Scott was preparing for his Astroworld concert in Houston. He had encouraged reckless behavior from his fans before, and did the same that night. According to CNN, about 50,000 people attended the concert. People brought their friends and spouses and children. When the crowd broke past the barriers and ran toward the stage, everyone in front of them was pushed, trampled, or crushed. Eight

Grace

Ava

Short answer, yes. While Travis can't directly control the actions of his fans, it's not uncommon for Travis Scott concerts to become out of control, leaving people injured; some examples being the 2015 lollapalooza festival where he was charged with reckless conduct or the 2017 show in Arkansas where he was arrested for telling fans to bypass security and rush the stage. There was even a case where Travis encouraged a man to jump off the upper balcony of one of his shows, leaving the man paralyzed after other fans had shoved him off. So, it's obvious that Travis has the ability to sway the actions of the people in his crowd, he just chooses not to use it to his fans' benefit. In response to what happened at the recent Astroworld festival fatalities, Travis claimed he didn't recognize the severity of the situation he was faced with in the crowd; however there's footage of him pointing out an ambulance and later on pointing out someone unconscious in the crowd after the event had already been declared a "mass casualty event". That apparently didn't register to Travis as being "severe", as he continued the show for 40 minutes after he noticed the ambulance. There have been so many cases of bands stopping shows unprovoked to help fans in the crowd, some examples being Nirvana, Hatebreed and Rage Against the Machine. The fact that Travis continued his set for as long as he did, despite evidence showing at least half of his crowd start yelling "help" or "stop the show'' 30 minutes before he ended, shows me that it wasn't a lack of awareness for what was genuinely going down in the crowd, it was a lack of concern for his fans. If Travis made the conscious decision to stop his set prior to when he did and/or point out the unacceptable behavior going on in the sea of people below him, I can say with 99% confidence that there wouldn't be as many fatalities as what the night ended with and those people would've been able to get the help they deserved.

On November 5, in Houston, Texas, Travis Scott was performing at the Astroworld Festival when a total of 10 people in the crowd died. There were numerous reasons to what happened and what could have caused it, but mainly the fact being that these crowd goers collapsed on the ground after the crowd surged forward towards the stage. In the past, these vigorous attitudes have been encouraged by Travis Scott himself, but only to fulfill the desire of an allaround good time. So the question is, of course, who is responsible for these sudden deaths? Arguably, Scott's fans should take responsibility; they attended the concert in the first place and were prepared to be among people who might not make the best choices. They should know that concerts are not for the weak—they include a number of smokers and mentally ill people as well as music fans. To add on, research from The Wall Street Journal states that Travis Scott himself was not aware of the crowd chaos and that he did not know until well after the show was over. He had headed to an arcade area and was informed then, and reports say that he fled immediately. Had he not encouraged the crowd in this intense behavior, perhaps it wouldn't have acted so lively, but he is not responsible for his fans' actions. Many of the attendees were said to have taken drugs, which was entirely their choice. Scott was simply there to perform, but it was the crowds' bad choices that caused these tragic deaths to occur. There was another instance where Scott had completely paused his show in Housten to inform everyone that a member had gone unconscious, and continued to check on the crowd to make sure everyone was alright. This, in itself, is evidence that Scott cares about his fans on a deeper level. Furthermore, Scott and his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, sent out a post on Instagram informing millions of people that "their thoughts and prayers are with all who lost their lives, and that they are broken and devastated..." She also mentioned just how much Scott cares about his fans, and that "in no world would they have continued performing [in this situation]..." In the future, perhaps Scott could organize his concerts in a safer manner, so as to avoid a recurring situation in the future, such as a bigger area with less tickets, so generally less people would be allowed to come. As it is, concerts are relatively not a safe event, but in order for Scott to continue performing, there are some precautions he could take. Softer speakers, for instance, could be another helpful tip, so that Scott and other security officers are able to hear any possible cries of help from the crowd. In conclusion, in this specific situation, Travis Scott was not responsible for the actions of the crowd. There was no proof of his being guilty, and he did all that he could once informed to send his condolences and concerns.

Age 16

Narissa Age 18

Absolutely. Although much of the responsibility falls on management and the organizers as well, Travis Scott intentionally fostered an unsafe environment. Footage shows that he both encouraged the audience to jump barricades and break safety regulations, and continued the show while people were being seriously harmed. Shows are going to get a bit out of control, that's part of the experience, and typically the artist helps to encourage that. But it also lies with the artist, and the event's organizers, to ensure it doesn't go too far, and to have a plan in case it does. Astroworld had none of those things and that intentional negligence resulted in horrifying deaths and injuries that never should have happened.

Braelyn Age 16

Email us to advertise! Advertising@GrowingUpSC.com

people died; two of which were minors. There were countless injuries and video evidence of people in the crowd trying to get attention from anyone who could help. This went on for 30-40 minutes before the concert was stopped. Travis Scott is a very influential rapper for teens, so I went to them to ask how they felt about the fatal event.

Age 16

I think that he should absolutely take some accountability. Though the events at astroworld were out of his control, he didn’t attempt to stop the concert so he owes it to his fans to take responsibility.

GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

FAMILY GUIDE Adventure Sports Unlimited

303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com We teach infants through adults the joys of water and adventure. Our ocean programs introduce families to our magnificent marine environments with camping trips to Santa Cruz Island and Big Sur. We explore the world-renown underwater landscape of Monterey Bay through our Open Water Scuba courses. Come play with us! Alison K. Jackson, DDS

Children’s Dentistry 7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos 831.662.2900 santacruzkidsdentist.com We provide comprehensive dentistry in a caring environment for children of all ages. We are preventive-dentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. We have a pediatric anesthesiologist on our premises and are able to treat special, challenging children safely and comfortably under a general anesthesia. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for all of our patients. Be Natural Music

740 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 515-8369 BeNaturalMusic.Live Be Natural Music is a Jazz & Rock Music School based in Santa Cruz, with a satellite studio in Corralitos, and a new location in Cupertino serving our community over the hill. Our schools offer private music lessons, Real Rock & Jazz Band classes for youth and teens, workshops, and music camps. We offer musical instruction on voice, piano & keyboard, guitar, bass, drums & percussion, saxophone, clarinet, ukulele, harp & beginning DJ lessons. Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District

13333 Middleton Ave. Boulder Creek, CA 831-338-4144 bcrpd.org Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District’s mission is to provide quality programs and services through the provision of facilities, parks, and activities that enriches and improves the quality of lives of people living in our community. BCRPD runs KBCZ 98.3FM, Community Tool Shed, Bear Creek Community Center, BC Recreation, Junction Park, Garrahan Park, and Barbara Day Dam Park. We strive to create space and community gatherings for people within the surrounding communities through people, parks, and programs. Birth Network of Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz birthnet.org We provide parents and professionals with

teachers play the role of facilitators. We promote an environment where children can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for a successful and meaningful life. A warm, safe, and loving environment, fostering self-confidence, individuality and infused with Jewish values, songs, and crafts. Gateway School, K-8

information, education, and advocacy for safe, empowering, joyful birth. Visit birthnet.org for an extensive listing of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum-related service providers. Learn about the MotherFriendly Childbirth Initiative and become a more informed healthcare consumer. Find registration information on our Upcoming Events webpage for Meet the Doulas and other virtual events. Due to COVID19 recommendations, events such as Bellies, Birth & Babies will be delayed until inperson events are safe. Keep in touch with our local birth and parenting community with Birth Network Santa Cruz on Facebook and Instagram. Encompass Community Services Mental Health Counseling for Youth and Young Adults

831-429-8350 encompasscs.org/youth_services_counseling Health is more than just something we get at the doctor’s office. The path to better health includes nurturing your mental, social, and emotional wellbeing, which can be especially challenging for adolescents and young adults who are already facing so much. If a young person in your life could benefit from counseling, call Encompass Community Services. We offer comprehensive low-cost mental health counseling services to all Santa Cruz County youth and young adults ages 1220 and their families. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to receive professional support at a cost the fits your budget. Our experienced counselors offer group, individual, and family sessions including telehealth and in-person services. First 5 Santa Cruz County

831.465.2217 first5scc.org First 5 Santa Cruz County promotes the healthy development of children from birth to age 5. Parents and caregivers of newborns can contactFirst5 to receive a free “Kit for New Parents” with parenting videos, children’s books, information on caring for babies, and local resources.First5 also offers parenting support through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, a world-renowned program that strengthens families by building positive relationships. To find Triple P classes or quick tips, visit http://triplep.first5scc.org or www.facebook.com/triplepscc The Gan Jewish Preschool

www.ChabadCenterSC.com 831-428-1804 We recognize that each child has an entire world of thoughts and emotions, talents, and interests. Through providing a calm, loving, and joyful environment, we encourage children to express themselves, helping them to learn and grow through their experiences. With our Montessoriinspired curriculum, we believe that

24 DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz 831.423.0341 ext 302 gatewaysc.org Located on the west side of Santa Cruz, Gateway School provides students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade with an exemplary education. Small class sizes and programs in Art and Technology, Music, Spanish, and Life Lab complement a robust academic curriculum grounded in Social Emotional Learning. We value collaboration, creativity, and a love of learning, and encourage our students to become compassionate and responsible citizens. Gateway School is the only K-8 school in Santa Cruz accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Its mission is to inspire children to lead lives of purpose and compassion through scholarship and citizenship, and all are welcome. Learn more by visiting gateways.org. Jim Booth Swim School

Santa Cruz at Harvey West Pool and Watsonville at Duncan Holbert Pool 831.722.3500 jimboothswimschool.com Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters class for parents with babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters beginning at age 4 months is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that 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, wellqualified teachers. The whole family swims at Jim Booth Swim School. Junebug’s Gym

3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz 831.464.BUGS (2847) junebugsgym.com JuneBug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement. International Academy of Dance

320 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: 831.466.0458 info@iadance.com Our studio offers premier dance classes for dancers of all ages and experience levels. Because we are located right here in Santa Cruz, we are conveniently located and easy to access. If you’re interested in dancing with us, you can learn more about our expert instructors, state-of-the-art studios, and our vision, mission, and goals on our about page at iadance.com. Live Oak Acupuncture & Healing Arts

Marcia Connelly 6892B Soquel Avenue

Santa Cruz , CA MarciaConnelly.com (831) 818-7051 mcherbgal@gmail.com Marcia is passionate about helping women and girls find and own their resilience through each stage of life. Relying on various styles and traditions of acupuncture, herbs/ supplements, meditation, and nutritional recommendations, she helps her patients awaken and reconnect with their own sense of healing and vibrant health. Mount Madonna School

Preschool-12th grade 491 Summit Road, Watsonville 408.847.2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org MMS nurtures students’ love of learning and intellectual inquiry while cultivating a sense of belonging. Featuring Montessoriinfluenced preschool and kindergarten classes, an academically vibrant middle and high school, and environmental education on a 375-acre, redwoodforested campus. MMS is CAIS and WASC accredited and offers small, personalized class sizes. Transportation available, with bus stops throughout Santa Cruz County. Courses include life skills, marine biology, oceanography, first through twelfth grade Spanish, music, technology, engineering and art. Since 1979, the school supports its students in becoming caring, selfaware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. Mountain Music School

(Formerly known as B Sharp) 216-A Mt. Herman Rd, Scotts Valley CA 95066 (831)201-9605 (text or call) MountainMusicSchoolSV.com Mountain Music School has brought fun, quality music lessons to the Santa Cruz Mountains since 2017. Learn to play piano, guitar, ukulele, drums, voice, and more! Students and their families enjoy an enthusiastic, lighthearted atmosphere brought by our qualified instructors. Our philosophy is that lessons should be fun! Music Together/MusicalMe, Inc.

Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County Call/Text: 831-332-9002 registrar@musicalme.com musicalme.com Our classes (both outdoors and online) offer the very best in early childhood music learning for ages Birth to 8 years: 1) Music Together®: A music enrichment program for children birth to age 5, and the grownups who love them. Enhancing children’s learning in multiple domains (mentally, physically, socially, etc.), increasing family engagement and, adding richly to each family’s “toolbox”. Siblings are welcome, especially infants who may attend free if they are 8 months or under. 2) Canta y Baila ConmigoTM: A unique curriculum for young children (ages Birth to 5 years) with dual, complementary goals of music education and language immersion. Designed for beginners and native speakers alike, CyBC creates a playful, interactive atmosphere where language learning is integrated naturally and organically in the musical experience. 3) Rhythm Kids®: A drumming, music, and movement, program for children ages 4–8 years. Classes naturally support children’s rhythm development and help them prepare for formal music lessons. Contact us today to try a free class and bring the joy of music into your family’s life.

831.688.3954 (Santa Cruz) 650.327-6455 (Bay Area) NursingMothers.org Nursing Mothers Counsel, Inc. is a nonaffiliated, non-profit organization whose goal is to help mothers and their babies enjoy a relaxed and happy feeding relationship. Our help is provided by telephone, text, Zoom, email, Facebook, FaceTime, and in-home visits. We provide hospital-grade breast pump rentals and grants. NMC services are provided without fee or obligation. Counselors are available from 9:00am – 9:00pm. If you would like to become a certified breastfeeding counselor please register for our trainings. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

831.462.0655 scgym.com We at Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center understand how important physical movement is in developing a healthy brain in children. Healthy brain development leads to proficiency in learning and overall confidence to lead a successful life. Our gymnastics instructors take pride in offering gymnastics training packed with a lot of fun in every class! Each lesson offers a wide range of sensory integration activities through the usage of our gymnastics equipment on the floor, bars, balance beam, vault, trampolines, and foam pit. We offer a range of classes from preschool to competitive teams. Check our website to see what is available for your child today.

Orchard School K-6

Santa Cruz Montessori

Nursing Mothers Counsel

2288 Trout Gulch Road, Aptos 831.688.1074 orchardschoolaptos.org Orchard School, established over 30 years ago, provides a unique, yet comprehensive K-6 education. At Orchard, we weave together the magic of an extraordinary faculty, a 14-acre campus, and a downto-earth philosophy that nourishes and honors the natural growth and development of children. Small class sizes, an organic garden, and an animal farm create enriching “whole child” learning experiences that are hands-on and individualized. We provide Strong Core Academics, Excellent Science Curriculum, Art, Music, Physical Theater/Circus Arts, Electives, Ceramics, Archery, Swimming, Leadership, Field Trips, Drama Productions, and more. Kirby School

831.423.0658 kirby.org/

Grades 6 through 12

Kirby School empowers students to shape their futures with confidence. Our independent, coeducational middle and high school has been preparing students for college and beyond for over 25 years. In classes averaging 12 students, teachers are responsive to each learner’s strengths and interests. Our rigorous academic and arts curriculum, intensive study paths, and inspiring faculty challenge each student based on their interests and readiness, rather than grade level. Kirby graduates go on to attend excellent four-year colleges and universities. REDYPER (Formally EarthBaby):

The World’s First Compostable Diaper Service (650) 641-0975 customerservice@earth-baby.com earth-baby.com REDYPER (formally EarthBaby) is the World’s First Compostable Diaper Service! REDYPER delivers fresh new compostable diapers and wipes right to your doorstep. Soiled diapers are collected weekly, professionally composted, and turned into nutrient-rich topsoil in just 14-16 weeks. Did you know that the average baby will go through 5,500 diapers? Disposable diapers are the 3rd largest contributor to US landfill sites. By using REDYPER, you can enjoy the convenience of disposable diapers without the negative environmental impact. Sign up new and expecting parents within our delivery zone and they will receive 1 pack of compostable diapers, 1 pack of compostable wipes, and 1 month of REDYPER delivery. Pick up, and composting service for FREE! Use code ‘GROWINGUPINSC’ at earth-baby.com Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc.

2750 B Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Submit your coloring page for a chance to win tickets to Gilroy Gardens!

Get your submission in by November 18th to be featured in November's Winners page! SPONSORED BY GILROY GARDENS

Ages 18 months – 14 years Main Campus (Primary and Elementary) 6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos Winston Campus (Young Children’s Community and Jr. High) 244 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel 831.476.1646 scms.org Established in 1964, Santa Cruz Montessori is a non-profit school serving children 18 months to 14 years. Our beautiful classrooms and outdoor environments engage the children’s senses as they learn. Based on a deep understanding of child through adolescent development, our programs meet the interests and needs of our students, engaging and challenging them to do their best. We offer a supportive community of learners and an exciting Montessori curriculum including humanities, math, sciences, and arts. Our mission: as a Montessori learning community, we inspire life-long learning and a more peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child. Spring Hill School

250 California Street, Santa Cruz 831.427.2641 springhillschool.org/ We are a community of educators and families who inspire curiosity and a love of learning by creating a supportive and welcoming school experience. Our approach develops inner confidence and encourages a willingness to risk imperfection. With our small class sizes, each teacher comes to know each student, and we can prioritize effective communication with families. Students leave Spring Hill with a strong preparation for middle school both academically and on a social emotional level. With a focus on developing the tools to take on the world, a Spring Hill experience is designed to last a lifetime. Yoso Wellness Spa

831-600-8053 740 Front St. Suite 110, Santa Cruz, Ca YosoWellness.com We aim to treat our clients with a clinical holistic approach to skin and body care. Yoso, meaning ‘raw elements’ in Japanese, reflects both the organic, eco-friendly products used in our treatments, as well as the diverse spa services offered utilizing natural elements which fits into our whole body well-being philosophy. Yoso is a space you are empowered with internal and external personal wellness so that you exude confidence, radiance and are educated to achieve your skin and body goals. Offering the ultimate client experience from the moment you call, to creating your own custom blueprint at your appointment, to let you know we are fully invested in you as a unique person.

Visit us online to find out who else won! GrowingUpSC.com GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

ALL MONTH

requiere el uso de cubrebocas para todas las personas mayores de 2 años. Cuéntame un Cuento se llevará a cabo en Capitola durante el período de construcción de Live Oak. En caso de mal clima, se cancelará la hora de cuentos. Transgender & Non-Binary Peer Support Group 7:30 PM-9:00 PM Every Wednesday. The support and discussion group is for people (of any age) who identify on the spectrum of trans/nonbinary/ agender/genderfluid and more. The group also welcomes those who want to explore their identity, but who may not need or want to classify themselves. All individuals are encouraged to explore their individual selves, without concern or pressure that the next step need be ‘transitioning,’ and without concern about fitting into other people’s definitions. Visit diversitycenter.org/ community-calendar for more information.

Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterflies 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! The monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park to find out the current population. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www. thatsmypark.org. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

WEDNESDAY 1 National Christmas Lights Day Rockin’ Pop-Up: The Geologic History of Plants 12:00 PM-12:30 PM The history of plants is written in the rock record, from the climactic changes that influenced the plant boom, to the evolutionary changes of plants over time. Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for this month’s Rockin’ Pop-Up Live on Facebook where the Geology Gents will dig into the interplay between plants, climate, and geology. Submit your questions ahead of time by emailing events@ santacruzmuseum.org and feel free to include pictures of rocks you’d like identified! Note: you do not need to have a Facebook account to be able to watch the program live. Felton Toddler Time 11:00 AM Every Wednesday. Join Librarian Julie on our beautiful Felton patio for Toddler Time. Toddler Time is a weekly early literacy program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs are a fun way for your child to learn. Let’s play and learn together! Make sure to bring something to sit on. We ask that adults please wear a mask. Repeats weekly. Cuéntame un Cuento 4:30 PM-5:30 AM Every Wednesday. Acompáñanos para una hora de cuentos, actividades y canciones en español. Este programa es para niños de 0-8 y sus familias. La hora será miércoles a las 4:30pm. Nos reuniremos en el porche exterior. Se

Think Big About Your Future: Career Spotlight for Teens 4:00 PM-5:30 PM Santa Cruz Public Libraries, in collaboration with Your Future is Our Business, are gathering four local professionals to speak and discuss about their respective job sector. This hybrid event will host an online seminar that anybody can access remotely, and at the same time, hold a screening in the Downtown Meeting Room for any interested teen. The event is part of the Santa Cruz Workforce Collaborative grant. For any question, please contact Iván Llamas at llamasi@ santacruzpl.org. Zoom link: https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/89050984916 Celtic Teen Band Program 3:30 PM-5:00 PM Every Wednesday. Teenage musicians ages 12-19 play in an ensemble, developing musicianship, flexibility, and musical creativity. Participants work on music from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Norway, Sweden, and the United States, in addition to modern and more quirky pieces. Students must have at least two years experience on their instrument, and must be able to read sheet music and chord symbols. London Nelson Center with fiddle teacher John Weed. CommunityMusicSchool.org/teenband

26 DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

THURSDAY 2

FRIDAY 3

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery It is about raising awareness and reinforcing global efforts in combatting the scourge of modern slavery. Governments, organizations, and individuals are entreated to take this day specifically as an opportunity to denounce the atrocities of slavery in its modern form that still exist in the world.

Make a Gift Day We love gifts that have a personal touch, and that’s why we love Make a Gift Day so much! This unofficial holiday encourages people to create gifts for their loved ones, instead of relying on ready-made goods. This distinctive touch makes the gift all the more exclusive and adds more significance to the entire giftgiving process. Capitola Children’s STEAM projects 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Every Friday. Projects will include STEAM arts & crafts, model building, and exploration of the environment around us. We will be outdoors, wearing masks, and will be well-spaced on tables. You may have to wait for a turn, so please look for books or play on the equipment while you wait. Please allow at least 30 minutes to complete a project. If it is raining we will try to have the craft materials available for you to complete at home. Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

SATURDAY 4 Stepping Stones Triple P Seminar: Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Attend this seminar to Share your hopes & dreams for your children; Learn 7 principles of positive parenting; Learn strategies to make parenting less stressful & more enjoyable. Presented in English on Zoom by Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources. These Stepping Stones Triple P Seminars are FREE and open to all families in Santa Cruz County. Attend 1, 2, or all 3 of the seminars. You choose! Register to get the Zoom meeting link: https://bit.ly/SSSeminar-Dec2 Got questions? Contact Gladys Gómez at (831) 724-2997 x220 or gladysg@cbridges.org Preschool Storytime on the Felton Patio 11:00 AM Every Thursday. Join Librarian Jackie on our beautiful Felton patio for Preschool Storytime. Preschool Storytime is a weekly early literacy program for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs are a fun way for your child to learn. Let’s play and learn together! Make sure to bring something to sit on. We ask that adults as well as children ages 3 and up please wear a mask Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM-9:00 AM Every Thursday & Friday. If you are able-bodied and love to work FAST, this is for you! Grey Bears could use more help with their brown bag production line on Thursday and Friday mornings. As a token of our thanks, we make you breakfast (be there at 7am!) and give you a bag of food if wanted. Be at the warehouse with mask and gloves at 7am, and we will put you to work until at least 9am! Fun group, we all love working here! Call ahead if you would like to know more.

Winter Art Market at the Tannery Arts Center 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Start your holiday shopping at the Tannery Art Center. The Winter Art Market at the Tannery Arts Center returns the first weekend of December! Find the perfect holiday gift as you peruse one-of-a-kind creations by local artists. Enjoy live music and on-site food truck as you explore the Small Works show at Radius Gallery, art demonstrations, and over 15 open artist studios. Find everything from ceramics, jewelry, and sculpture to painting, prints, and apparel. The Market is on, rain or shine, with plenty of available parking and a family-friendly atmosphere. Nature Club: Pogonip – A Trip Through History 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to explore the trail in Pogonip, the largest open natural space in Santa Cruz. Enjoy beautiful views of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay and learn about our local history. Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. The Museum doesn’t provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, & participants should be dropped off & picked up by parents/guardians.

DECEMBER CALENDAR Historic Wilder Ranch Ground Tour 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Every Saturday and Sunday. Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, barns and other historic buildings. The vehicle dayuse fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Spaces are limited and early pre-registration is recommended. Attendees are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when preregistering. Masks and social distancing are also required at all programs.

TUESDAY 7

the deck to read stories, sing songs, and chant rhymes. There will be an art & craft project to pick up and complete at home. This storytime is for children who can sit and listen to at least one story, and will last about 30 minutes. This event takes place OUTSIDE on Capitola’s porch, so please dress warmly. Children under 2 do not need to wear a mask, however everyone else, including adults, are required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Terrific Tuesdays at Cinnelux Capitola & Scotts Valley See the hottest blockbusters for $5 every Tuesday and enjoy great concession specials too!

children with special needs self-help, social, and life skills; Learn positive parenting strategies for teaching and encouraging new skills. Presented in English on Zoom by Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources. These Stepping Stones Triple P Seminars are FREE and open to all families in Santa Cruz County. Attend 1, 2, or all 3 of the seminars. You choose! Register to get the Zoom meeting link: https://bit.ly/SS-Seminar-Dec9 Preschool Storytime on the Felton Patio 11:00 AM See Dec 02. Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

WEDNESDAY 8

FRIDAY 10 Human Rights Day Remembers the day the General Assembly of the UN adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It is the most translated document around the world and is available in over 500 languages. It has inspired countries and people alike to start treating every person with the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. On Human Rights Day we acknowledge the importance of this document and the importance of human rights.

National Letter Writing Day Today is a great day to get back to basics and handwrite a letter. But isn’t the idea of sitting down for half an hour and hand-writing something to somebody special? We miss it. Don’t you? Write back soon. Love, us.

Queer Youth Meet-up (ALL COUNTY) 1:00 PM-3:30 PM Every Saturday. LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 11 - 18 who want to meet new people, join a welcoming community and learn the tools of activism and leadership, look no further! The Diversity Center’s LGBTQ+ Youth Meetup is the place for you. Join our dynamic team of youth from Santa Cruz County! Bring yourself or bring a friend to this awesome virtual group. Email youth@diversitycenter.org or DM @diversity.youth on Instagram for the invitation to the Discord group.

SUNDAY 5 Taller Triple P: Enseñando a los niños a compartir y cooperar 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Asista a este taller virtual GRATIS de crianza para aprender: Cómo enseñarle a su hijo a compartir con sus hermanos y otras personas; Formas sencillas de fomentar el intercambio y la cooperación; Qué hacer si su hijo no quiere compartir con otras personas. Presentado en ESPAÑOL por Zoom por Sandra Rodelo, Puentes de la Comunidad – La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios. Inscríbase para conseguir la información para participar en este taller por Zoom https://bit.ly/Compartir-15Dic ¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con Sandra Rodelo (831) 724-2997 Ext. 211 o sandrar@cbridges.org Historic Wilder Ranch Ground Tour 1:00 PM-2:00 PM See Dec 04.

MONDAY 6 Knitting at the Felton Library 12:30 PM Join us every Monday afternoon at the Felton Branch for a knitting party. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome.

Gateway School Tours by Appointment 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Gateway School, 255 Swift Street Come and learn how Gateway School inspires curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through innovative education for a fast-changing world. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the health and safety protocols while learning more about our curriculum and touring our campus. Visit www.gatewaysc.org to make an appointment for a personalized, individual tour of our campus. Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum, free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 am-5 pm. Come explore the biodiversity of our gardens, great birdwatching or simply come relax on a bench in the shade. https://arboretum. ucsc.edu/eventscalendar/events/recurringevents/community-day.html La Selva Beach Preschool Storytime 11:00 AM Every Tuesday. Join us for a fun interactive storytime. We’ll read books, sing songs and use rhythm and movement. This event is suitable for children ages 3-6 years. There will be an arts and crafts project to take home. This event will be held outside on the back patio. Please bring something to sit on and dress for the weather. Masks will be required. Preschool Storytime in the Secret Garden 11:00 AM Every Tuesday. Join us in the Secret Garden in Abbott Square at the MAH for storytime! We’ll share stories, songs and rhymes in a safe environment! This 30-40 minute program is intended for children aged 2-6. Do it yourself craft kits will be provided every week. Every other week we will feature STEM-related stories and concepts. $5 Tuesdays at Santa Cruz Cinema 11:00 AM-10:00 PM Every Tuesday is $5 Tuesday! Ticket prices reduced to $5 all day. 3D movies discounted to $7 all day! Bring your friends down and enjoy a movie. Showtimes and Tickets available at santacruzcinema.com. Capitola Storytime 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Every Tuesday. Join us Outside on

THURSDAY 9 Christmas Card Day ’Tis the season for spreading cheer and joyful greetings, so why not grab a recent family photo, a box of cards, or even a tastefully designed e-card and get to writing! Christmas cards have been around for centuries, so there’s no time like the present to send ’em out and keep your loved ones up to date on your life while you wish them good tidings. Stepping Stones Triple P Seminar: Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Attend this seminar to: Learn 6 key steps to teach

Campus Tour at Mount Madonna School. 10:30am. 10:30 AM-12:00 AM Come for a tour and stay for a preview of the Matilda Jr. Small classes and learning that goes beyond the classroom walls, Montessori-influenced preschool and kindergarten and academically vibrant 1st– 12th grades. Featuring hands-on science labs, outdoor adventure and travel, marine science on Catalina Island, buddy program, visual and performing arts. Contact Benna Dimig at 408-846-4042 or admissions@mountmadonnaschool.org Home for Christmas at Monte Vista Christian School 5:30 PM-8:30 PM Join us for a memorable evening of Fine Arts experiences! Guests will enjoy dance, vocal, and theatrical performances beginning at 5:30 pm and a walk through our visual art gallery. The evening will continue with a beautiful Christmas concert in the Don Price Performing Arts Chapel and will conclude with candlelit carol singing under the stars. Guests will enjoy hot cocoa and other Christmas treats. Admission is free. (Cont'd on Page 28) GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

DECEMBER CALENDAR Taller Triple P: Enseñando habitos para comer saludablemente a los adolescentes 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Asista a este taller virtual GRATIS de crianza para aprender: Por qué es importante desarrollar hábitos de comer saludablemente durante la adolescencia; Cómo animar hábitos de comer saludablemente; Cómo identificar y tratar con las preocupaciones sobre los hábitos de comer de los adolescentes. Presentado EN ESPAÑOL por Zoom por Gladys Gómez, Puentes de la Comunidad – La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios Inscríbase para conseguir el enlace de la reunión por Zoom: https://bit.ly/ComerSaludable-Adol-7Dic ¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con Gladys Gómez al (831) 724-2997 x220 o gladysg@cbridges.org Capitola Children’s STEAM projects 2:00 PM-4:00 PM See Dec 03. Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

SATURDAY 11

Stress-Dec2 Got questions? Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-6600 x6605 or corib@ cbridges.org Historic Wilder Ranch Ground Tour 1:00 PM-2:00 PM See Dec 04. Queer Youth Meet-up (ALL COUNTY) 1:00 PM-3:30 PM See Dec 04.

SUNDAY 12 Universal Health Coverage Day Matilda Jr. Onstage at Mount Madonna School 2:00 PM-12:00 AM Kind, clever and precocious, Matilda dreams of a better life even as she navigates a tumultuous childhood in Matilda Jr., a humorous, musical ode to the power of perseverance and imagination. Matinee at 2:00pm on December 11-12. Tickets $10-$15, available at mms-matilda. brownpapertickets.com. Information at www.MountMadonnaSchool.org Triple P Workshop: Enjoying Mealtimes 3:00 PM-4:30 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn: Why mealtimes can be difficult for both parents and children; How to prevent problems at mealtimes and encourage your child to develop healthy eating habits; Tips for creating positive mealtime routines in your family Presented in English on Zoom by Cori Burt, Community Bridges – Mountain Community Resources. Register to get the link for this Zoom workshop https://bit.ly/ Mealtimes-Dec14 Got questions? Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-6600 x6605 or corib@cbridges.org Historic Wilder Ranch Ground Tour 1:00 PM-2:00 PM See Dec 04.

TUESDAY 14

FRIDAY 17

La Selva Beach Preschool Storytime 11:00 AM See Dec 07. Preschool Storytime in the Secret Garden 11:00 AM See Dec 07. $5 Tuesdays at Santa Cruz Cinema 11:00 AM-10:00 PM See Dec 07. Capitola Storytime 10:00 AM-11:00 AM See Dec 07. Terrific Tuesdays at Cinnelux Capitola & Scotts Valley 12:00 AM12:00 AM See Dec 07.

Triple P Workshop: Teaching Children to Share 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn: How to teach your child to share with siblings and others; Simple ways to encourage sharing and cooperation; What to do if your child doesn’t want to share with others. Presented in English on Zoom by Sandra Rodelo, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources. Register to get the information to participate in this workshop on Zoom: https://bit.ly/Sharing-Dec8 Got questions? Contact Sandra Rodelo at (831) 724-2997 Ext. 211 or sandrar@cbridges.org Capitola Children’s STEAM projects 2:00 PM-4:00 PM See Dec 03. Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

WEDNESDAY 15 Felton Toddler Time 11:00 AM See Dec 01. Cuéntame un Cuento 4:30 PM-5:30 AM See Dec 01. Transgender & Non-Binary Peer Support Group 7:30 PM-9:00 PM See Dec 01. Celtic Teen Band Program 3:30 PM5:00 PM See Dec 01.

SATURDAY 18

THURSDAY 16

MONDAY 13 Winter Open House 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a free & festive day celebrating the changing of the seasons. Enjoy complimentary cookies and cider while making nature-inspired crafts — from naturally dyed bandanas to locally foraged wreaths. Give the gift of nature by shopping in our Store and enjoy free admission to the Museum all day. Free nature crafts & gift making from 10 am to 2 pm outdoors in Tyrrell Park. Matilda Jr. Onstage at Mount Madonna School 2:00 PM-12:00 AM Kind, clever and precocious, Matilda dreams of a better life even as she navigates a tumultuous childhood in Matilda Jr., a humorous, musical ode to the power of perseverance and imagination. Matinee at 2:00pm on December 11-12. Tickets $10-$15, available at mms-matilda. brownpapertickets.com. Information at www.MountMadonnaSchool.org Triple P Workshop: Coping with Stress 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn: Common causes of stress, and how stress affects parenting; How to recognize signs of stress; Healthy ways to reduce and manage everyday stress. Presented in English on Zoom by Cori Burt, Community Bridges – Mountain Community Resources. Register to get the Zoom meeting link: https://bit.ly/

National Cocoa Day Chocolate has a long and ancient history. The first origins of cocoa can be traced back to 5000 years. Archaeologists believe that this is only as early as we can trace it. Of course, the chocolate back then was much different from that which we consume now, as sugar was still scarce. The beverage was flavored with vanilla, chili, and was served throughout the year. It was reportedly more popular during the Olmec period, where it was used for spiritual praying. It was once used as a trade currency in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.

28 DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Stepping Stones Triple P Seminar: Turning Challenging Behaviors into Positive Behaviors 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Attend this FREE seminar to: Learn 6 key steps to prevent and handle challenging behaviors; Learn positive parenting strategies to encourage cooperation; Develop a personalized parenting plan. Presented in English on Zoom by Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources These Stepping Stones Triple P Seminars are FREE and open to all families in Santa Cruz County. Attend 1, 2, or all 3 of the seminars. You choose! Register to get the Zoom meeting link:https://bit.ly/SS-Seminar-Dec16 Got questions? Contact Gladys Gómez at (831) 724-2997 x220 or gladysg@cbridges.org Preschool Storytime on the Felton Patio 11:00 AM See Dec 02. Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

Nutcracker Performance by the Santa Cruz City Ballet Join us for our annual Santa Cruz Nutcracker performance! Featuring dancers from all ages and backgrounds, we’ve come together to offer you this spectacular show. Many members of our beloved staff, including Studio Director Shannon Chipman and ballet teacher Vicki Bergland, performed in the original Santa Cruz Nutcracker Production. Even more, they continue to dance and teach to this day. Invite in the holiday spirit and come enjoy Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with our talented dancers, right in Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater. Love Is What We Need 2021 6:00 PM-10:30 PM Benefit Show Featuring Performance by Andy Vargas and special guest performers. Join us for a night of Music and Comedy featuring Watsonville’s own Andy Vargas, vocalist from the legendary band Santana. The evening also includes a special acoustic performance by “AVF students de Javier Vargas” and an amazing night of high energy and dancing with Ozomatli! The evening will also feature Special presentations by Grammynominated artist Pavel Nuñez; comedian Frankie Quinones “Creeper,” world famous percussionists from Santana- Karl Perrazo and other special guests! Saturdays in the Soil 10:00 AM-12:00 PM It’s time to get your hands dirty! Learn

DECEMBER CALENDAR about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History while coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. Email volunteer@ santacruzmuseum.org to RSVP. Historic Wilder Ranch Ground Tour 1:00 PM-2:00 PM See Dec 04. Queer Youth Meet-up (ALL COUNTY) 1:00 PM-3:30 PM See Dec 04.

SUNDAY 19 Nutcracker Performance by the Santa Cruz City Ballet Invite in the holiday spirit and come enjoy Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with our talented dancers, right in Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater. Historic Wilder Ranch Ground Tour 1:00 PM-2:00 PM See Dec 04.

MONDAY 20 Games Day Video games, live games, card games, board games, mobile games, trivia games — everybody loves games! With good reason, too; games are a fun way to bust some stress. And that is just one of the many ways they are good for us.

TUESDAY 21

5:00 PM See Dec 01.

WEDNESDAY 22

THURSDAY 30

Felton Toddler Time 11:00 AM See Dec 01. Cuéntame un Cuento 4:30 PM-5:30 AM See Dec 01. Transgender & Non-Binary Peer Support Group 7:30 PM-9:00 PM See Dec 01. Celtic Teen Band Program 3:30 PM5:00 PM See Dec 01.

Preschool Storytime on the Felton Patio 11:00 AM See Dec 02. Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

FRIDAY 31

THURSDAY 23 Preschool Storytime on the Felton Patio 11:00 AM See Dec 02. Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

FRIDAY 24 Christmas Eve Santa Cruz Bible Christmas Eve Service 4:00 PM-5:00 PM You’re invited! Santa Cruz Bible Church is hosting a safe, family-friendly Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Wednesday, Dec 24th at 4pm. This heart-warming celebration will have hot cider, Christmas carols, special decorations, lights, and more. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event. So, gather your family, invite your friends, bundle up and join us as we usher in the season! Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

SATURDAY 25

Kwanzaa an African American and panAfrican seven-day cultural holiday that celebrates family and community. During the holiday, families celebrate with feasts, music, and dance, and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to the seven principles. Historic Wilder Ranch Ground Tour 1:00 PM-2:00 PM See Dec 04.

MONDAY 27 Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day Take out your foil paper, construction paper, glitters, scissors, and design templates (if you have any), and then just cut out basic shapes or intricate patterns into a beautiful snowflake.

TUESDAY 28 La Selva Beach Preschool Storytime 11:00 AM See Dec 07. Preschool Storytime in the Secret Garden 11:00 AM See Dec 07. $5 Tuesdays at Santa Cruz Cinema 11:00 AM-10:00 PM See Dec 07. Capitola Storytime 10:00 AM-11:00 AM See Dec 07. Terrific Tuesdays at Cinnelux Capitola & Scotts Valley 12:00 AM12:00 AM See Dec 07.

Yule and Winter Solstice It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, as the Sun gets its lowest elevation in the sky. Apart from the marking of a new season, the winter solstice also holds a significant symbol for the Sun. It appears to stand still on this day, it’s believed that the Sun is going through a rebirth. It would then gain momentum after the solstice. La Selva Beach Preschool Storytime 11:00 AM See Dec 07. Preschool Storytime in the Secret Garden 11:00 AM See Dec 07. $5 Tuesdays at Santa Cruz Cinema 11:00 AM-10:00 PM See Dec 07. Capitola Storytime 10:00 AM-11:00 AM See Dec 07. Terrific Tuesdays at Cinnelux Capitola & Scotts Valley 12:00 AM12:00 AM See Dec 07.

WEDNESDAY 29 Christmas a day for spending time with family, observing an important Christian holiday, partaking in lighthearted traditions, or just spreading some holiday cheer! Christmas has evolved over several millennia into a worldwide celebration that’s both religious and secular and chock full of fun-filled, family activities.

SUNDAY 26 National Thank You Note Day

Winter Camp: Pet Sitting 9:30 AM3:30 PM Has your child ever considered offering their services for pet sitting or dog walking but they don’t quite know where to start? We are offering a full day “Camp” to students aged 11-17yrs, to learn how to become safe and competent pet sitters for their friends, family, and neighbors! Camp includes dog and cat handling, training, first aid, marketing and hands-on activities. Registration open now at https://spcasc. org/events/winter-camp-2021-22/ Felton Toddler Time 11:00 AM See Dec 01. Cuéntame un Cuento 4:30 PM-5:30 AM See Dec 01. Transgender & Non-Binary Peer Support Group 7:30 PM-9:00 PM See Dec 01. Celtic Teen Band Program 3:30 PM-

New Year’s Eve Most of us give little thought as to why we ceremoniously say goodbye to one year and hello to a new one on December 31. Triple P Workshop: Teaching Teens Healthy Eating Habits 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn: Why it’s important to develop healthy eating habits during adolescence; How to encourage healthy eating; How to identify and handle concerns about teenagers’ eating habits. Presented in English on Zoom by Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources. Register to get the Zoom meeting link https://bit.ly/TeensHealthy-Eating-Dec13 Got questions? Contact Gladys Gómez at (831) 724-2997 x220 or gladysg@cbridges.org Capitola Children’s STEAM projects 2:00 PM-4:00 PM See Dec 03. Grey Bears Brown Bag Line 7:00 AM9:00 AM See Dec 02.

CALENDAR Do you have an event you want placed in our calendar? Visit our website to submit the details! Photos for the calendar may be submitted by email. Digital images must be high resolution, 200-300dpi. Christy@GrowingUpSc.com

DEADLINE The 15th of the month Prior to publication month. GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

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Submit your coloring entry to editor@growingupsc.com and we will select some for great prizes! You can also mail them to Box 3505, Santa Cruz, 95063 Get your submission in by December 18th to be featured in December's Winners page!

30 DECEMBER 2021 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

GrowingUpSC.com | DECEMBER 2021

Growing Up in Santa Cruz December 2021

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