Growing Up in Santa Cruz February 2022 by Growing Up in Santa Cruz

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FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

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February is Black History Month

Santa Cruz's Youth Bill of Rights

What you need to know about: Pre-K, UPK, TK

Editor's Note.......................................4 Ask Nicole...........................................5 Teacher's Desk....................................7 Black History Month...........................9 Moms Who Make a Difference............11 Birth Matters......................................13 What the Kids Are Saying...................15 County Scoop.....................................16 Local Artist: Liam Bobisuthi...............17 Parenting............................................19 Preschool & Childcare Guide..............20 Valentine's Gift Guide.........................25 Coloring Page.....................................26 Adventures in Momming...................27 EDITOR | PUBLISHER

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Growing Up in Santa Cruz copyright 2022. Printed in the U.S.A. All views expressed represent those of the individual authors. The contents of this publication are meant as information only and should not take the place of a medical doctor’s recommendations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, in any form, electronic or otherwise is prohibited without permission by the publisher. This publication does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading advertising. Growing Up is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

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Editors’ Note

Even small changes can make a BIG difference. Triple P is a scientifically-proven, world-renowned positive parenting program available to families in Santa Cruz County. Triple P strategies address a wide range of parenting challenges by providing a toolbox of easy-to-use tips. Find a full schedule of Triple P tips and classes at triplep.first5scc.org. 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

When I asked my 5-year-old son what he did in his afterschool program the other day, he said he learned about Monet. “Money?” I ask. “No, Monet, he’s a painter,” he replies. I sent him to the Apple Afterschool program, thinking it was just a place for him to play after school, where they even walked him from his half-day kindergarten class to the nearby center and did the usual crafts, games, and child projects. The next day, a different conversation. “Do you think Frida Kahlo was friends with Monet?” he asks me. I was pretty much stumped on that one but knew they lived on different continents in mostly different eras. “I’ll have to ask your teacher,” was the best I could do before we got home to ask Alexa or look it up on the internet. I was intrigued, to say the least. Just before that, I read an article in Psychology Today called “All Work and No Play,” lamenting that kindergarten has become the new first grade, rather than a place for play and not pressure academics. I strongly disagreed with the article, thinking that they have plenty of time to play at home, and for motivated kids with great teachers, play and academics can merge. That’s apparently what’s been happening, not just in his afterschool, but in public schools where volunteers are teaching kids a program called Art Masterpiece, an enrichment program to teach students about the history and wonders of art. I have to confess, as a New York public school student, I didn’t learn about Monet or Kahlo until college. I sort of feel dumber than a 5-year-old. But, I sure appreciated that someone was taking him into the world of culture at a young age. I couldn’t resist meeting his teacher Mallory Meyer, who works with a skilled artist, Anna Luisa Morales, on

the month-long art curriculum, which included helping the kids paint in the styles of the masters. “We try to generate knowledge they might not get in school,” said Meyer, whose program goes from K through 5th grade. “We teach general interest as opposed to things they’d be tested on. We want them to want to remember things rather than have to remember them. And we want to encourage them to go out and learn things on their own.” It’s working with my boy, Parker, who keeps telling me about “obstacle” illusions, although I know, he means “optical.” He made a paper airplane with an obstacle, I mean optical illusion, on it. He painted a Monet-style piece but not with the dots known as pointillism (yeah, my college education kicked in). “Why no pointillism?” I ask. “Too much work,” he replies. “That takes a long time to paint.” Meyer knows about the “Psychology Today” criticisms and considers them. “Kids don’t want to sit here and do math and reading and writing. We do more hands-on activities where they get to make things.” Don’t get me wrong: She strongly believes in books and reads to them every day “to bring imagination to life.” But she also teaches them things for about a half-hour a day, and then they do related activities. This month it’s geology. Next month, Black History followed by women’s history, aviation, and California history. The duo are masters at changing the school space with cardboard boxes. The playhouse has been an art store, a travel agency, a popcorn stand, a hair salon, a fish market, a kitchen. “We’ve learned to create almost anything from a cardboard box,” says Meyer. Do you have a great school program we should write about? Please let us know at editor@growingupsc.com.

About the Cover Oliver, Solen, June, and Adina are throwing up the peace sign, spreading their wings, and staring courageously into the eyes of challenge! No matter the obstacle or new COVID protocol, these kiddos continue to show persistence through change and are doing so with admirable strength & positivity. All of

FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

this, while also doing the important work of a preschooler: playing hard, engaging with others, and having fun with friends. Building community and inspiring children’s learning is our ‘jam’ here at NBCC! Keep ‘rockin-it’ Kiddo’s! Photo credit: Jordan Kirchner, Pre-K Teacher

ASK NICOLE Everyday Acts of Love BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

“

Almost every Saturday morning, my husband cooks breakfast for both of us. He serves me first, bringing a plate (and often a coffee refill) into my home office, where I’ve usually been working for a couple of hours already (yes, even on weekends). We say very few words besides, “Here you go,” and “Yum! Thank you.” This has become part of our weekend routine, without me even asking for it. This means more to me than a big, expensive gift because I know my husband’s unspoken words are, “I’m bringing you food because I know you’re working hard and will probably forget, or convince yourself you don’t have time, to eat. I care about your well-being (and don’t want you to get cranky).” The older I get, the more I value this and other simple, everyday acts of love from my husband, kids, and close friends and family members that make me feel valued and cared for. I hope they feel I do the same for them. This monthly column provides tips for anyone helping raise children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Nicole, The pandemic has disrupted my family’s life. We’ve lost some close friends and family members to COVID, and the constant fear about getting sick and the confusion (and debates) over changing guidelines is wearing me down. I know I’m not as present and available for my kids (3, 7, 10) as I want to be. I’d like to do something special for Valentine’s Day that reminds my kids how much they’re loved, but I don’t have a lot of time, money, or energy to do something big. Can you share any ideas with me? -Alisa Dear Alisa, That’s a good question, and you’re not alone. Everyday acts of love are easy to do and yet can be so easy to forget to do. Here are some ideas for simple ways to show your kids you love them on Valentine’s Day—and every day of the year:

SEND MINI “LOVE LETTERS”

Adults and children often forget to say, “I love you,” or they say these words out of habit without genuine feeling. Write a note, draw a picture, or send a text to each

child with a short message that shows you care. Something as simple as, “I love you,” or “Your laugh makes me smile,” or a heart emoji can go a long way.

EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR EACH OTHER Model how to do this, then have everyone take turns doing the same with you and each other. Describe a quality that makes each child special, such as their creativity, humor, or compassion. Or acknowledge something they’ve done to be kind and helpful, like doing a chore with a cheerful attitude or helping a friend. Remember to be specific and sincere. Over time, expressing appreciation will become a habit.

EAT A MEAL TOGETHER

Research shows that having regular family meals has tremendous benefits for children and youth, including better academic performance, higher selfesteem, and lower risk of substance abuse and depression. Family meals don’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be special. Eating together provides an important opportunity to talk with kids about their interests and what’s going on in their lives. Start a conversation about a topic they’re interested in—their friends, music, favorite toys, or the latest TikTok trend. Ask questions, listen to what they say, and encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions. This teaches valuable communication and social skills to help your children in future relationships.

 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, http:// www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

Give and receive love in each person’s “love language”

Dr. Gary Chapman says that everyone expresses and experiences love in the same five ways – physical touch, receiving gifts, words of affirmation (praise, positive feedback), acts of service, and quality time – but each person has a primary love language that is most meaningful to them. Think about which love language means the most to each child and express your love for them in that way. This shows each child that you really see and understand them, and it also sets a good example for them about how to show others they care.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Simple, everyday acts of love are often the most meaningful. Giving and receiving love makes family life more joyful and satisfying, and it helps families handle stressful, challenging times by strengthening communication and connections.

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FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

TEACHER'S DESK The World is Knocking BY LISA CATTERALL He who has a why to live can bear almost any how. – Friedrich Nietzsche

This week I had the pleasure of teaching in a true N95 mask for the first time. Due to the current escapades of our favorite evil little spike protein, my school thoughtfully gave the teachers each a precious, high-grade mask. I feel cared for and protected, and I also feel as if an anvil is smashing my face all day long. The mask muffles my voice. Many years ago, I got laryngitis but wasn’t ill, and I came to school and taught in silence. It worked oddly well; I can do a lot with body language, writing on the board, pointing at handouts, and video. I think the students were entertained and learned a lot. But using your voice, projecting over the new Hepa filters and the noise that flows through the windows and doors that are flung open for ventilation, and having no one able to hear it, is sort of a miserable experience. My respect for our healthcare workers was already sky high, but now it’s in outer space. These masks are not only uncomfortable, they are isolating. Of course, it is better to have one than not to. The mask stems my worries about taking potentially deadly germs home to my preschool daughters who are too young for the vaccine. My neurons, and my face muscles, hurt.

microphone to work and the meeting has somehow crashed. The new, online Learning Management System pops up a cheerful message that all new work for today has suddenly been lost. I excuse the students to find 14 separate emails about positive cases at the school, each of which involves days of quarantine and myriad new procedures. Is this the bottom? No.

TRY THIS FOR THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO It’s a beautiful day. We are in our classrooms again, wearing comfortable masks, and no one is quarantining. We go for a walk and we are allowed to take our masks off. Everything is perfect and lovely. I excuse the students to find one email. Someone close to our community has died of COVID. Sigh. Both of these scenarios are hypothetical, thank goodness. But I needed the perspective. Yes, all of the testing, the new rules and recommendations that seem to come out daily, the uncomfortable steps we take daily to keep everyone safe are all inconvenient. But there is a worse day that is much more likely to happen if we don’t deal with all of these precautions.

I can’t imagine a teacher or a healthcare worker who has not, at least for one small moment of the pandemic, asked themselves why they go on doing the work. Of course, it is a calling, but do we ever wonder if we just might be called away or called elsewhere? I am lucky to get a moment, each and every day, without fail, that shows me the value of what I do for work. My son is 18, and he has been at my preschool through grade 12 school since he was three. This year, he has a little sister here who is three. She rides the big yellow school bus up from the preschool area of campus to the high school every day to find us. As the littlest, she sits behind the bus driver and is the first off the bus. My son delights in running over from his last class to meet her. He swings her up high into the air, gives her an enormous hug and happily walks her through the long winter sunlight across the meadow to his car. I realized with surprise that he is not the only senior who does this. His best friend from when he was three is also a senior here, and she has a little brother who is three and rides the bus. I get to watch the two teenagers, at the end of a sometimes stressful or dramatic day

(hey…they’re teenagers), get a lilt in their step as they skip across the meadow with their fresh-faced tiny siblings. It’s a beautiful circle, seeing these preschool friends become adults, and become mentors to their little sister and brother. This tiny family reunion reminds me every single day of the privilege I have, whether I’m shouting through a mask or not, of nurturing kids through this time in life where so much is forming and solidifying for them. The span of years during which children unfold like blooming lotuses walks in step before me, the buds and the beautiful full blossoms. They walk confidently, because a school community that cares enough to protect them and stay with them has gathered around them and held them for as long as they can remember. I wish every child in our country could experience the stability, continuity, and love that students in a preschool through grade 12 school are surrounded by. The gratitude I have for it makes my mask feel lighter and my voice feel stronger. We will get through this, and so will our children.

YES, NEURONS

A human sees 300 points of recognition in the face of another human (we see 10-fold fewer in other objects as we take them in). Being hypersensitive to other people was part of our evolutionary niche as we developed as a species; we are wired to be social animals. My primate brain craves a full view of the faces of my colleagues. We have new teachers, staff and students this year, and in January, I still have no real idea of what they look like. And I can’t get anyone’s attention using volume, a key skill, because young students are talkative. I’m heading to our theater department this afternoon to see if they will give me a stage microphone to use when I’m teaching.

SO, HAVE WE HIT BOTTOM YET?

Maybe. Maybe not. I could see a combination of all the inconveniences of the entire pandemic running into each other as the most horrible moment of COVID-tainted teaching ever. It looks like this: the scene plays out at the end of a six-hour day of teaching exclusively outdoors in cold weather. My fingers and toes are frozen, I’m moving slowly, and my jaw also aches from habitually pushing against the N95 mask to get it off my eye sockets when I look down at a student’s work. Half of the students have again become white Arial-font text names in squares of black pixels on a laptop screen, pointed hopefully at the classroom area, but no one can get their GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

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Top Podcast Picks Historically Black Objects hold history. They’re evocative of stories stamped in time. As part of The Washington Post’s coverage of the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture, people submitted dozens of objects that make up their own lived experiences of black history, creating a “people’s museum” of personal objects, family photos and more. The Historically Black podcast brings those objects and their stories to life through interviews, archival sound and music. The Washington Post and APM Reports are proud to collaborate in presenting these rich personal histories, along with hosts Keegan-Michael Key, Roxane Gay, Issa Rae and Another Round hosts Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton. The Nod The Nod tells the stories of Black life that don't get told anywhere else, from an explanation of how purple drink became associated with Black culture to the story of how an interracial drag troupe traveled the nation in the 1940s. We celebrate the genius, the innovation, and the resilience that is so particular to being Black -- in America, and around the world.

Black Artists Aaron Douglas Aaron Douglas was born in 1899 and made art during the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance was a frenzy of art and cultural expression that happened in Harlem, New York that produced new art, music and literature. While the explosion of all this new art took place in the 1920s, Harlem continues to be a center of AfricanAmerican art and culture today. Alma Thomas Alma Thomas was an expressionist painter who was born in 1891. Her early work was representational, but she evolved into her signature of work on canvas that is characterized by shapes, color, rhythm and powerful emotions. Thomas was a black woman in a field dominated by men. Furthermore, she didn't even begin to focus on her painting until she was in her 60s, after retiring as a school teacher. Elizabeth Catlett Elizabeth Catlett was born in 1915 and spent her early years in Washington DC. Both of her grandparents were freed slaves and this narrative would come to play a very central role to her prints and sculptures. Her sculptures are known for their round, intuitive physicality and often depict mothers and their children. Her printmaking usually depicted what she called "ordinary people."

She has said that she wanted to make art for ordinary people to enjoy and discover. All of her artwork had a deeper message of justice, activism, and empowerment for these same ordinary people.

Faith Ringgold You probably know the artwork of Faith Ringgold because of her very popular book Tar Beach. Like Elizabeth Catlett, Faith Ringgold was a teacher and a lot of her work centers on social justice, fighting racism and telling the stories of African-American individuals, families, and communities. She has written almost 20 children's books. Jacob Lawrence Jacob Lawrence was born in 1917 and unlike Alma Thomas was a very young man when his painting career was at its height. He painted both historically significant moments of African American history as well as scenes from the daily life of ordinary people. His painting was representational and even narrative; some of his most famous work is images in a series such as the Great Migration, which tells the story of Black Americans moving from the south to the north after World War I. Source: weareteachers.com/african-americanartists-creativity/

Code Switch What’s Code Switch? It’s the fearless conversations about race that you’ve been waiting for. Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor. We explore how race affects every part of society. From politics and pop culture to history, food and everything in between. This podcast makes all of us part of the conversation, because we’re all part of the story. Code Switch was named Apple Podcasts’ first-ever Show of the Year in 2020.

Black History for White People Our goal is simple—educate white people on black history. #BHforWP is a multiethnic collective dedicated to loving black and brown people by educating, resourcing, and challenging white people to actively participate in racial justice. The highest calling of humanity is to love. Whether you know it or not, the racial disparities in our country hurt us. They train us to protect our advantages rather than love others, and that mentality reduces us. 1619 In August of 1619, a ship carrying more than 20 enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. America was not yet America, but this was the moment it began. No aspect of the country that would be formed here has been untouched by the 250 years of slavery that followed. On the 400th anniversary of this fateful moment, it is time to tell the story. “1619” is a New York Times audio series hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones.

Five Books to Read for Kids BY STEFANI MILLER

 Henry’s Freedom Box A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine Recommended Ages 6 and Up  The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson Recommended Ages 5 and Up  Voice of Freedom: Fannie Hamer The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford

The Black History Buff Heard in over 100 countries the Black History Buff podcast is a fun and thrilling journey through time. Covering the full historical tapestry of the African Diaspora, you'll hear tales covering everything from African Samurai to pistol-wielding poets. More than just a podcast, the show is a bridge that links communities throughout the African diaspora and enlightens and empowers its friends.

 Who Was Rosa Parks? by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Black History Year by PushBlack Learning your history makes you - and your people - stronger. As Black people, we know we're left out of the history books. That the media images are skewed. That we need access to experts, information and ideas so we can advance our people. Black History Year connects you to the history, thinkers, and activists that are left out of the mainstream conversations. You may not agree with everything you hear, but we're always working toward one goal: uniting for the best interest of Black people worldwide. BHY is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company - hit us up at BlackHistoryYear.com.

BY BOBBIJO PALMER

 What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld Recommended Ages 8 and up

Five Books to Read for Adults  To Be Frank and Ernest by David Meyers  Passing by Nella Larson  Born A Crime by Trevor Noah  Grace by Natashia Deon'  Angel of Harlem by Kuwana Haulsey

GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

NBCC is grateful to our Santa Cruz community for recognizing us as one of the ‘Best Preschools’ in town and appreciate you valuing quality early childhood education Why are Families Choosing NBCC? · Degreed Certified Early Childhood Educators ·Monthly Child Development & Family Support Meetings ·Spanish, ASL, & Lifelab Enrichment ·Mindfulness Practice ·Teaching Guided by Neuroscience ·Focus on Social Understanding of Self and Others & Inclusiveness Learning ·AND BECAUSE.. We Inspire Children's Learning~Create Community~Build Bridges

To Schedule a Tour Call 831.429.NBCC (6222)

Photo credit: Jordan Kirchner, Pre-K Teacher

School Location: 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, Ca 95060 Visit our website at NaturalBridgesCC.org or give us a call at 831.429.NBCC (6222) Discover empowering early education at

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Preschoolers have priority for enrollment in Pacific Elementary School kindergarten. Start your child at a small public school with quality programs and a close, diverse community from around the county.

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“ 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 give back to our community while also raising their children. Research shows that even in families where both spouses are involved, women face more obstacles while attempting to juggle parenting and work. We love to celebrate you, moms!

Yvette Brooks, Mom and Problem-Solver Before the start of the pandemic, Yvette Lopez Brooks “had it all.” Not only was she married and mom of a kindergartener, but she worked for the County Office of Education, had successfully run for Capitola City Council, and was starting her term as Mayor. Suddenly adding teacher and full-time caregiver to her list of duties during the lockdown was a shock to the system. “I don’t know that I’ve recovered because I’m still in the middle of survival mode!” Yvette exclaims two years into the pandemic. She describes her husband, an installer for AT&T, as an “amazing dad” who is deeply involved in family life, but as an essential worker, he was out trying to bring internet access to families while Yvette did the heavy lifting of homeschooling. Chatting with other moms is what saved Yvette’s family and ultimately led her to change her life. Women in her neighborhood realized that they couldn't do it alone, so they formed a cohort. Moms would trade childcare duties, opening up time for work. Yvette was still responsible for her daughter’s schooling, but she could focus on her job enough to successfully transition to working at home. When the COE decided to bring everyone back to the office, however, Yvette had to make a choice. “You’ve heard of The Great Resignation?” she asks. With the unreliability of school as childcare, she’d come to realize that her life was leading her away from the job that she’d had since graduation from UCSC, and the people she thought of as “family.” She left the COE, but didn’t go far. As the new Executive Director of Your Future Is Our Business, she is still deeply involved in nurturing public education in Santa Cruz County. (See our January article on YFIOB online at GrowingUpSC.com!) “[The change] offered that sense of breath and ease because I could manage my own time and focus on my kid, my safety, my family,” Yvette explains. “It

continues to be a very nerve-wracking time for so many people.” It’s those other people that Yvette wants to speak to in her role in local government. “We often forget how lucky we are, we have this sense of entitlement. We forget that our Covid numbers were low because we could be outside and not surrounded by thousands of people.” She says this as a mom who saw firsthand how her daughter’s suffering—a loved, housed child with involved

parents—became clear when she went back to school. “She was thriving in a whole different way that made me realize how important it was for children to be around other children. I’ve studied this, but seeing it in real life was a really sad realization of how this pandemic has negatively impacted our kids.” She hopes that everyone will remember who to blame as the pandemic plays out. “It’s the pandemic’s fault—not the system’s fault, not the decisions the

schools made or the teachers or parents or elected officials or government.” She is heartened by the number of women winning seats in local government, supporting mom-friendly legislation. “Moms carry all of that weight, the laundry list of things to be done every single day.” Yvette Brooks’s laundry list is long, but somehow, the clothes come out clean in the end.

If you know of a mom who has made a difference, please email us at editor@growingupsc.com GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

You’ve got a lot of life to live. Beyond cancer. You are more than your diagnosis. At Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital, our nationally recognized cancer program features a comprehensive range of services—from treatment through supportive care and recovery—so you get the plan that best fits your needs. And guiding you every step of the way are our oncology-certified patient navigators, who are here to coach you throughout your cancer journey. Because when advanced, personalized and safe care is close by, you can focus on healing. And living. Don’t delay the important care you need. Learn more and find a cancer care specialist at DignityHealth.org/DominicanCancerCare.

FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

BIRTH MATTERS Pillows: More Than Fluff By Laura Maxson LM

Pillows and relaxation go hand in hand; in fact, a pregnant couple arriving at their first childbirth class with pillows in hand is a classic image of pregnancy. Pillows can make the difference between a few hours of sleep, or tossing and turning all night. So, let’s see… turn on the left side, one pillow under the head, a small flat one under the belly, a nice fat one between the knees, and a firm one for the back - with any luck there’s even one left over for your bed partner. Many swear by a long snakelike body pillow instead of several small pillows. In late pregnancy it's all about finding a combination of pillows to allow for sleeping in a semi-reclined, upright position to help with that “baby sitting in your lungs feeling,” as well as, the symptoms associated with increased nasal congestion and heartburn. A thin pillow or rolled hand towel slipped behind the small of the back can shift pressure and ease the discomfort of an achy back while driving. Others appreciate the extra cushion of a pillow under the tailbone as well. Bodies change over the months of pregnancy and a little fine tuning of the car’s seat position may help as much as a pillow. Hospital pillows are notoriously flat and may be in short supply on a busy day. Bringing a pillow or two from home can be a big help. Keep your own pillows up near your head and use hospital pillows between your knees, on the floor, or any place they might end up getting wet. Place a colorful pillowcase on pillows from home that will stand out so they don’t get mixed in and lost with the hospital pillows. A zippered waterproof pillow cover is under $10 and a good investment if you love your pillow, but a cheaper option is to put your pillow into a small plastic trash bag, squeeze the extra air out, and tie it closed before putting it in a pillowcase. Kneeling on the floor and leaning on to a chair or edge of the bed is a tried and true labor position. Add pillows to cushion the knees on the floor and try leaning into a pillow placed on the lap of someone sitting in the chair. With their head on the pillow and arms wrapped around the support person’s back, their back and shoulders are within easy reach of a soothing rub. When sitting on the birth stool, a partner or doula often sits behind for support. Many find a pillow or two placed behind the laboring person allows them to more easily relax between contractions without needing to lean so far back into the support person. Put a pillow on the back of the toilet tank to lean into while sitting backwards on the toilet. A pillow placed across the open toilet seat with a waterproof pad on top may be more comfortable than sagging into the open toilet seat when sitting for an extended time. This same open legged sitting position can also be achieved by sitting backwards on a chair and leaning into pillows resting on the chair back. Pillows are handy after birth as well. Learning to breastfeed seems to use every pillow in the house, leading to fears about how to ever be able to breastfeed outside the home. However, most seasoned breastfeeders know that once you (and the baby) get the hang of it, you can breastfeed just about anywhere - pillows or not. A breastfeeding pillow that buckles or Velcros behind the back might offer more support than the c-shaped pillows that tend to slide away from the body, creating an awkward space the baby can slip into. In fact, much current advice for breastfeeding encourages using a minimum of pillows, with the baby lying skin-to-skin often at a more upright angle. Often a single pillow tucked under the supporting elbow is all that’s needed. Pro tip - flannel pillowcases help pillows stay put, instead of slipping away.

Find more tips for labor and birth at: Birthnet.org - childbirth education, doulas, midwives & more Mtd2022.eventbrite.com - Meet the Doulas – Wednesday March 16, 7pm,

GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

come visit the new children's boutique in Watsonville! Located at: 1052 South Green Valley Rd. Watsonville, CA 95076 (We are near the Bank of America ATM and Allstate in the Hope Shopping Center)

We carry a vast selection of baby, toddler and kids apparel from small shops all around the U.S. & Canada. Our mama gear is also in-store, from bags, backpacks,clothing, maternity wear and much more!

Shop online: www.littletrendsboutique.com Follow us on instagram: @littletrendsllc

Looking for Child Care?

DISCOVER THE JOY OF LEARNING AT KIRBY SCHOOL.

Ready to choose a preschool program?

Each child and family have unique needs when it comes to child care and preschool. The Child Development Resource Center (CDRC) is here to help you ﬁnd a great match for your child. Kirby School is an independent college preparatory school for grades 6-12.

Our free referral service gives you a customized list, drawn from our database of all licensed programs in Santa Cruz County.

Individual attention and social and emotional well-being are vital to student success. Our caring team is committed to ensuring your child thrives. Now enrolling for 2022-23.

Call us today!

Join us at one of our upcoming in-person or virtual admission events. We offer a test-free application process and Tuition Assistance.

831 466 5820

www.cdrc4info.org

CDRC is a program of the Santa Cruz County Oﬃce of Education

FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Visit KIRBY.ORG to learn more. 425 Encinal St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-423-0658 kirby.org

425 ENCINAL ST. | SANTA CRUZ 95060 | KIRBY.ORG

BY MIKAYLA SHULTS

 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.

This month, I spoke to kids from Green Acres preschool and Natural Bridges Children's Center. Because of COVID, I was worried schools would never be swarming with happy children again. I was pleasantly surprised to see the kids at Green Acres filling the air with laughter. Immersing yourself in little kids' lives is the best way to get to know them. It's also a way to get some perspective when your

communication methods need to be adjusted. While visiting Green Acres preschool, I helped build castles and learned the names of a few dinosaurs, and it did help me connect with these kids. Something was missing, though. Conversation can always be difficult with young children. Still, it's even harder when you don't speak the language they are most comfortable using. I felt like I was not getting

to know who they were because of our language barrier. This trip changed my mindset towards working with kids and made me want to pursue that field in the future as a profession. I have been learning sign language at Cabrillo, but I want to start learning Spanish again. I am so thankful for these kids at Green Acres. They were the sweetest kids, and now readers get to see them in action!

Playing Outside

The Slide

Playing with Spikey-saurus

Adina

Case

Emiliano

Natural Bridges Children's Center

Green Acres Preschool

Play with Stamps

Play and Jump and Run

Art!

Jasmine

Jaxson

June

Green Acres Preschool

Natural Bridges Children's Center

Playing Jurassic Park

Seeing Everyone at School

Playing with My Friends

Maximiliano Green Acres Preschool

Oliver

Natural Bridges Children's Center

Sophie

Green Acres Preschool

GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

COUNTY SCOOP City of Santa Cruz Children & Youth Bill of Rights BY SHEBREH KALANTARI-JOHNSON AND RENEE GOLDER

The Bill of Rights provides the foundation that helps our community make children and youth a top priority so that:  They have a healthy mind, body, and spirit that enables them to maximize their potential.  They develop a healthy attachment to a parent, guardian, or caregiver and an ongoing relationship with a caring and supporting adult.  They have a safe and healthy environment, including homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.  They have access to quality education that promotes future success in school, career, and life.  They have training in life skills that will prepare them to live independently, be self-sufficient, and positively contribute to their community.  They have employment opportunities with protections from unfair labor practices.  They have freedom from mistreatment, abuse, and neglect.  They voice opinions in matters of interest, develop their leadership capacity and engage in their community.  They feel supported by the larger community and maintain a sense of hope for the future.  They are encouraged to explore and express their innate curiosity and creativity.

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If passed, the Bill of Rights will help us promote youth-adult partnership, amplify youth voice and integrate youth voice in City decision making, and foster youth leadership development.

Children and youth well-being is a topic that we can all get behind, right? Each of us has some relationship with children – we have our own grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and caretakers. Yet repeatedly, we as adults, organizations, and the government fails to prioritize youth in our decisions and actions. Case in point-In 2019, the federal government spent only about nine percent of the federal budget on children. This is consistent with the level of spending on children over the last several years. Over the next decade, all spending categories on children except health are projected to decline relative to GDP. The Surgeon General’s Protecting Youth Mental Health Report released in 2021 urges us to proceed differently regarding youth and children. The report highlights recent national surveys of young people have shown alarming

increases in the prevalence of certain mental health challenges. In 2019, one in three high school students and half of the female students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, an overall increase of 40% from 2009. Additionally, the report shares that early estimates from the National Center for Health Statistics suggest more than 6,600 deaths by suicide among the 10-24 age group in 2020. We are not exempt from these numbers here in Santa Cruz County. In 2019, 31% of Santa Cruz County students who participated in a California Healthy Kids Survey said they’d had feelings of chronic depression in the previous 12 months. Among the LGBTQ population, that figure was 64%, and 78% among students who identified as transgender. The Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy, has given us a call to action: “This is

FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

the moment to demand change—with our voices and with our actions. Only when we do will we be able to protect, strengthen, and support the health and safety of all children, adolescents, and young adults—and ensure everyone has a platform to thrive.” As councilmembers and youth advocates, we respond to this call and ask our City to prioritize children and youth through the City of Santa Cruz Children and Youth Bill of Rights. Aligned with similar efforts at the State and across the State, the City of Santa Cruz Children and Youth Bill of Rights will ensure that leaders keep the needs of young people at the forefront of decisions about budgets and government policies. In preparation for this initiative, we reached out to hear the voices of the youth in our City. One student took the time to email us. Hearing from youth via email is few and far between, and stated, “Investing in youth is important to me because it affects me personally as I, myself am a youth and it would benefit my younger sisters in the future. Thank you for prioritizing youth and investing in all of our futures.”

This Bill of Rights was presented to the full Council and the community in partnership with local youth at the December 14th, 2021 City Council meeting. If passed, the Bill of Rights will help us promote youth-adult partnership, amplify youth voice and integrate youth voice in City decision making, and foster youth leadership development. These efforts strengthen youth community connectedness and, ultimately, youth well-being. In fact, the Surgeon General’s report highlights that school, family, and youth connectedness “have been shown to promote positive mental health and reduce the risk for violence, suicide, substance use, and sexual risk during adolescence and well into adulthood.” We have dedicated our professional careers to youth well-being in one form or another-as an educator, a community organizer, and a grant writer. We are bringing this commitment to proactively invest in future generations of leaders in our community. “If we seize this moment, step up for our children and their families in their moment of need, and lead with inclusion, kindness, and respect, we can lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient, and more fulfilled nation.” −Dr. Murthy  Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Santa Cruz City Councilmember, Grant Writer and Co-Founder of Impact Launch and Renee Golder, Santa Cruz City Councilmember, Principal of Bay View Elementary Martine Watkins, Santa Cruz City Councilmember, Senior Community Organizer at Santa Cruz County Office of Education

LOCAL ARTIST Otis Drew-Kuhn A couple of years back, when things got quiet around here, we used to fear the worst. Maybe Otis emptied the cookie jar? Did he give himself a haircut? Worse yet, did he give the cat a haircut?? Thankfully, these days the silence (usually) means he's found some art supplies and is whipping up his next masterpiece. He used to be all about watercolor rainbows and really perfecting that arch; then came "Race Cars in Crayon. A story of life in 2020 from a 5-year-old perspective". What followed was a (thankfully) short-lived "expression through stickers" phase. Lately, Otis eats,

breathes, draws, and paints dinosaurs exclusively! What started as just coloring between the horns and teeth has evolved into pop art and even dino fashion design. We had no idea a love for dinosaurs could be expressed in so many ways! Watching his skills grow and evolve has truly been one of the coolest things to see as a parent. We can't wait to see what he's into next!! We are crossing our fingers for a creative pastime with less roaring and glitter (or at least only one at a time!). Bottom Left Image: Collaboration between Carmen Clark (owner Crooked Beauty) and Otis.

Local Artist Sponsored by Crooked Beauty | CrookedBeautyArt.com GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

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

Take a live Zoom tour! We are following all COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Mention this ad and we will waive the application fee. ($70 value)

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New higher income guidelines allow MANY more to qualify for FREE PRESCHOOL

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FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Quality State Preschool for 3 & 4 Year olds

PARENTING What’s the Difference Between Preschool, UPK and TK? BY JEANETTE PRATHER kindergarten program met only three of them, wrote D'Souza. Class size and specialized teacher training were the key concerns. Experts say that raising the consistency and quality of the programs must go hand in hand with increasing access if children's needs are to be met.

WHAT ABOUT ACADEMICS?

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Many opinions and options surround early childhood education and pre-kindergarten. With the new roll-out of the universal pre-kindergarten program easing strict TK regulations, there will be even more.

Between preschool, transitional kindergarten (TK), and as of last year, universal pre-kindergarten (UPK), California parents have – and will have even more in the coming years – a myriad of pre-kindergarten educational options. And, what the heck is UPK?

UPK is a 2021 early childhood education legislation and pandemic response by Governor Gavin Newsom to make pre-kindergarten more accessible to California parents.

Experts are hailing the new $2.7 billion universal transitional kindergarten program as a gamechanger for families in a state with almost 3 million children under the age of 5. In keeping with President Joe Biden's vision of universal preschool, many experts say that this expansion of the current TK program will create more equity in early education. Increasing access to preschool may be one of the keys to closing the achievement gap since about 90 percent of brain growth happens before kindergarten.

The California Legislature created TK in 2010 as a new grade preceding kindergarten for children who turn 5 years old in September, October, and November. It was later expanded to authorize TK funding to school districts for children whenever they turn 5, incentivizing districts to recruit children mid-year.

"Children are being taken from 4-year-old preschool classrooms and in most cases mixed in with kindergartners and given a kindergarten curriculum," said Nina Buthee, Executive Director

for the California Child Development Administrators Association. "It calls into question whether TK is developmentally appropriate." UPK will address these issues while making early childhood education more accessible to families. It is expected to be rolled out beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, expanding annually until it is available to all the state's 4-year-olds by 2025-2026. The plan is to phase in younger students each year gradually. However, some school districts are ahead of the curve, having expanded TK to most 4-year-olds. TK only reaches around 100,000 California children turning 5 years old in that early fall window, whereas UPK will serve about 400,000 students once the program is rolled out. "The new $2.7 billion universal TK program, by contrast, will gradually be made available to every 4-year-old in California," wrote Karen D'Souza, of Edsource.com. "It will essentially become California's version of a universal preschool program, available to all children regardless of income." UPK is projected to address the financial element of TK or preschool, providing an interim solution between the two. So, the question becomes for prekinder families, to TK or to preschool? "Preschool costs money! TK is free!" said Jennifer Williams, a Santa Cruz mom. "Unfortunately, and likely due to our high cost of, well, everything here, people often wait for free schooling." While California's State Preschool Program met six of the study's 10 benchmarks of quality, the transitional

"I just get concerned about how academic expectations keep creeping down … I don't believe young children need to be getting ready for kindergarten when they are not in kindergarten," said 35-year preschool teaching veteran and local grandmother Nancy Cohen, Director of Rocking Horse Preschool. "And, now kindergarteners are getting ready for first grade by being asked to take on tasks that are not developmentally appropriate… what's the rush?? It's just that there are so many other things that are also important, like being outside, having moments to stop and wonder, dance, play in the mud, climb trees and ride bikes." Said local mom Samantha Petovello: I loved that preschool had a drop-off window to honor our mornings for what they were (bright and early or slow and hard). I also loved our preschool

– Natural Bridges – and their focus on play and a specific and neurobiologicallyaware program for children at the preschool stage of development. I feel TK is more like baby-kindergarten and focuses on a style that tailors to prepping for kinder, grade one and beyond. I want my kids to have the magic for as long as they can." According to former kindergarten teacher and Santa Cruz-based parent Shana McKinnon, TK still incorporates play and developing social skills. "TK isn't about academic skills; it's more about kindergarten readiness," said McKinnon. "Recognizing one's name is a big one. For the first trimester of kindergarten, they're tested on being familiar with the ABCs, knowing the difference between an uppercase and lowercase letter, recognizing numbers zero to 10, and counting to 10." Elementary schools are under the Department of Education, thus, academic. The Department of Social Services regulates preschools, therefore focusing on family wellbeing. What are you doing about early childhood education for your kids? Please send us your suggestions and findings in a letter to editor@ growingupsc.com.

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MARCH Teen Resource Guide Fashion Teens SANTA CRUZ 2022 High School Students DUAL ENROLLMENT

GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE GUIDE SCHOOLS Coast Redwoods Montessori

Lic #444403546 255B Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley 831.461.9330 CoastRedwoodsMontessori.com Coast Redwoods Montessori provides infant, toddler and preschool learning environments utilizing Montessori principles of education. Our curriculum includes language, math, science, culture, geography, courtesy, practical life, art and music. Our convenient location includes a 7000 square foot yard with a park quality climbing structure and garden. We offer programs for children 6 months through 6 years old. Coastal Community Preschool

Lic. #444408854 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-264-5437 coastalcommunitypreschool.org Coastal Community Preschool (CCP) serves children ages 2.3 years through 5 years with a safe, stimulating, and caring learning atmosphere. We have a curriculum that encourages development at each child’s own pace. Among our program highlights, we offer flexible year-round schedules, a highly experienced teaching staff, and a bright, secure West side location overlooking the Monterey Bay. Join us as we continue working with parents and caregivers to raise a community of strong, confident, and happy children. Holy Cross Preschool

Lic #444403570 170 High St # A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 425-1782 holycsc.org For more than 20 years, Holy Cross Preschool has educated children in the heart of Santa Cruz. Our school is located in a spacious, scenic and secure location, and our play-based program enables children ages 2-5 to develop strong social and emotional skills which fosters a love of learning, develops creativity and promotes self-expression. Our nurturing environment respects each child as an individual and fosters spiritual, educational, and physical development in accordance with individual needs and talents. Our whole-child education includes language arts, science, art, math, and physical education, and programs are provided according to age (preschool and pre-kindergarten). Full-time and part-time schedules are available. Little Acorns Montessori

Lic #444413867 1215 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz 831.464.1400 LittleAcornsMontessori.com

Little Acorns Montessori provides a warm and caring environment, encouraging children to develop self-confidence and social and academic skills. We have a beautiful corner lot in Live Oak. Our Montessori trained teachers provide a unique, individualized learning program for children 6 months through 6 years old. Live Oak School DistrictChild Development Del Mar Lic #444400352 Green Acres Lic #444403585 Live Oak Lic #440710379 984-5 Bostwick Lane, Santa Cruz 831.462.1116 losd.ca (click on departments and then Extended Learning) The Live Oak School District- Child Development Program offers families a Free Quality State-Funded Preschool program for 3-4-year-olds at the Del Mar, Green Acres, and Live Oak Elementary School sites. We provide morning (8:30-11:30) and afternoon (12:30-3:30) preschool classes to approximately 110 children districtwide, 186 days per year plus a 4-week summer session. The State’s new higher-income guidelines allow so many more families to qualify. You may come by our office or call us to begin the process for enrollment. If space is still available we enroll yearround. We are following all Covid-19 safety guidance. Mount Madonna School Lic #440709549 491 Summit Rd, Mount Madonna 408.847.2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org Our Montessori and play-based program provides a loving, safe, and stimulating learning environment where children, three to five years old, are encouraged to develop at their own pace. We strive to nurture a child’s innate sense of trust, goodness, and wonder. At Mount Madonna School, we focus on developing kindness and respect towards ourselves and others. We offer a developmentally appropriate indoor environment fostering curiosity, confidence, and creativity in all aspects of the learning process. This, combined with our 375-acre outdoor classroom, invites, and empowers children to fully engage in their education. By including abundant time for imaginative free play, children are inspired in all areas of their development. Natural Bridges Children’s Center Lic #444415467 255 Swift St, Santa Cruz NaturalBridgesCC.org 831.429.6222 Natural Bridges Children’s Center is a child-centered, play & inquiry-based program founded in brain research &

20 FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

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Natural Bridges Children's Center

My son has spent 3 blissful years at NBCC. He walked into school a nervous and shy toddler but has blossomed into a social, creative, and active boy thanks to their program. -From a 2022 Family, Caroline Healy

neuroscience. Our caring NBCC teachers are degreed early childhood educators who are passionate about their work and understand the importance of how strong connections and daily intentional teaching relate to children's successful transition into kindergarten and to their academic success. Every day is filled with fun conversations, lengthy play, and engaged learning. Children deepen their understanding of themselves and of others and acquire social skills that will help them in life. It is NBCC’s mission to 'Inspire Children’s Learning~Create Community~Build Bridges.' Come check out the magic! Call to schedule your tour @ 831.429.NBCC! We look forward to talking to you. Pacific Preschool at Pacific Elementary School in Davenport Lic #440702049 50 Ocean St, Davenport 831.425.7002 pacificesd.org/preschool Pacific Preschool is a child- and familycentered program for ages 3-5, focusing on outside activities – gardening, creative play, social development, practical skills, art, and pre-K skills. 4-hour morning program, extended care or TK option in the afternoons. Flexible 3-, 4-, or 5-day schedules. FREE tuition for incomequalified families. Highly experienced staff and bilingual aides. Fresh, nutritious breakfast and lunch daily. Excellent COVID safety record. Beautiful 10-minute drive from Santa Cruz. Preschoolers have priority for enrollment in Pacific Elementary School. Start your child at a small public school with quality programs and a close, diverse community from around the county. Quail Hollow Montessori Lic #444408893 187 Laurel Dr., Felton 831.335.4710 QuailHollowMontessori.com Voted “Best preschool in San Lorenzo Valley”, Quail Hollow Montessori offers an excellent, individualized learning experience for your child with a solid foundation in both academic and social skills in a beautiful, neighborhood setting. Our goal is to help children blossom into self-confident, compassionate, inquisitive, and respectful individuals with a life-long love of learning. Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool Lic #444400117 4134 Fairway Dr, Soquel 831.462.2702 Rocking Horse Ranch is a play-based preschool located on 3 beautiful acres in sunny Soquel. We offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions. Our outdoor space offers lots of room to explore, including our gardens and many different kinds of animals. Come visit us! Santa Cruz Montessori 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. Tara Redwood School Lic#444417000 Preschool-6th Grade 5810 Prescott Road, CA. Soquel 831.462.9632 tararedwoodschool.org Tara Redwood School offers children a strong academic foundation, rich in the sciences, emotional intelligence, and the arts. Our global curriculum is a blend of Montessori and Creating Compassionate Cultures (CCC), a framework known as the 7 Steps to Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion developed at the school for more than 30 years. The CCC pedagogy provides a unique approach that nurtures the children’s innate positive qualities through critical thinking and contemplative practices, empowering them to have a positive impact on the world through their thoughts and actions. Our integrated approach to learning has a strong focus on environmental studies and exploration of the natural world. Our classrooms extend into the outdoors and our playground is 108 acres of redwood forest and creeks in Soquel. Young Children program ages 20 months to 3 years, Preschool ages 3-5 years.

SERVICES 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. Child Development Resource Center

Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-466-5820 cdrc4info.org At the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the Child Development Resource Center is dedicated to helping families find a suitable child care match or preschool program. Our bilingual services supply a variety of resources for families. We also offer many supports for preschool teachers

and child care providers. Utilizing our referral database which contains all licensed preschools and child care programs in Santa Cruz County, we can work up a free listing based on your family’s needs. Contact us today and get the support you need as you choose a preschool or child care program. First 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217 First5scc.org First 5 Santa Cruz County promotes the healthy development of children from birth to age 5. Parents and caregivers of newborns can contact First 5 to receive a free “Kit for New Parents” with parenting videos, children’s books, information on caring for babies and local resources. First 5 also offers parenting support through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, a world-renowned program that strengthens families by building positive relationships. To find Triple P classes or quick tips, visit triplep. first5scc.org orfacebook.com/triplepscc

ENRICHMENT Adventure Sports Swim

303 Potrero Street #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com/ For the past 35 years, our instructors have strived to develop a special relationship with each child, encouraging them to stretch their limits as their abilities grow. Our swim program seeks to provide high quality and individual accomplishment in each lesson. In the end, this means technique, safety, and smiles for everyone. Jim Booth Swim School

Harvey West pool in Santa Cruz and Watsonville 831.722.3500 JimBoothSwimSchool.com Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth swim school. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School! Junebug’s Gym

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

(Formerly known as B Sharp) 216-A Mt. Herman Rd, Scotts Valley

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(831)201-9605 (text or call) MountainMusicSchoolSV.com Now at Mountain Music School! KiddyKeys is a fresh and innovative approach to teaching piano and music exploration to young children. This engaging preschool program focuses on piano, teaching music concepts and appreciation to young children ages 3 and 4. The perfect step into regular piano classes or music enrichment!

MATCHING GAME

Spanish Nature Club

Santa Cruz 83.818.3093 spanishnatureclub.com Spanish Nature Club is a nature-based program that offers an opportunity for all children, to play, learn, and bond with the natural world and with others, while getting immersed in the Spanish Language. (No prior Spanish experience is necessary.) Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center

2750 B Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831.462.0655 scgym.com Santa Cruz Gymnastics 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, and trampolines. We offer a range of classes from preschool to competitive teams. Check our website to see what is available for your child today. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 831.420.6115 santacruzmuseum.org Preschoolers and their families get their hands-on nature at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Kids can learn and explore the outdoors together through free Family Fun events, and get their hands dirty while learning about native plants at Saturdays in the Soil every 3rd Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The Museum’s interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages in learning about Santa Cruz, from shore to mountain summit, and admission for kids is always FREE! Visit santacruzmuseum.org to learn more. The Bookakery

BookakeryBoxes.com Looking for activities to do with your kids at home? Have a kid that always wants to help in the kitchen or curl up on your lap to hear a good book? Love getting packages? The Bookakery has just the thing: Bookakery Boxes, a monthly subscription box for kids aimed towards fostering a love of reading and baking. Each Bookakery Box comes with a hardback picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, baking item and activity, all based around a theme of the month. Order yours today! Use code GUISE10 for 10% off any subscription length (renews at standard rate). Expires 12/31/2022

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

This was one of the highlights of the year for (my child). Play and socializing is so important for children (and adults) and I am very grateful that she had this opportunity. - Nature Explorers Camp Parent

VISIT US AT

GrowingUpSC.com GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

THURSDAY 3 National Women Physicians Day

ALL MONTH Black History Month As the saying goes, black history is American history — and it’s a varied and rich history. A wise nation honors and learns from its past. It refuses to let the most important facts about our shared and collective memory disappear into the depths of forgotten history. What happened in the past shapes and informs where we are heading in the future, and it’s of paramount importance to set aside a month for learning as much as we can about Black history. Source NationalToday.com National Children’s Dental Health Month Dental hygiene is one of the most important things we can teach our children. Unfortunately, for a lot of parents, getting kids to brush and floss their teeth is like … well, like pulling teeth. But if we want to protect our kids from having their teeth actually pulled at some point in their lives, we’ve got to show them the ins and outs of proper dental health. Source NationalToday.com

Tumble on Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12:15 PM-3:15 PM Drop your child off for 1 to 3 hours in our fun, playful and supervised setting. We have fun activities such as obstacle courses, zip-line, etc. Appropriate for ages 2-8 yrs of age. Call to schedule your time(s) at 831-464-2847 3910 Portola Dr Ste 2 & 3 Santa Cruz www.junebugsgym.com Gateway School Tours 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Come and learn how Gateway School inspires children’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder through daily exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Visit www.gatewaysc.org and schedule a tour to experience all that Gateway has to offer!

WEDNESDAY 2

TUESDAY 1

FRIDAY 4 Fun N’ Tumble on Fridays at JuneBug’s Gym 12:15 PM-3:15 PM Drop your child off for 1 to 3 hours in our fun, playful and supervised setting. We have fun activities such as obstacle courses, zip-line, etc. Appropriate for ages 2-8 yrs of age. Call to schedule your time(s) at 831-4642847 3910 Portola Dr Ste 2 & 3 Santa Cruz www.junebugsgym.com

SATURDAY 5 Saturday Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Drop your child off for 1 to 3 hours in our fun, playful and supervised setting. We have fun activities such as obstacle courses, zip-line, etc. Appropriate for ages 2-8 yrs of age. Call to schedule your time(s) at 831-464-2847 3910 Portola Dr Ste 2 & 3 Santa Cruz www. junebugsgym.com Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga 10:00 AM-12:30 PM Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations. This month we will explore the forests & trails of DeLaveaga Park looking for a kingdom of life best viewed in the winter: fungi! The Museum does not provide transportation, & participants should be dropped off & picked up by parents/ guardians. Masks will be required for all participants, regardless of vaccination status. Prior registration is required for all participants.

Gateway School Tour 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Come and learn how Gateway School inspires children's innate curiosity and sense of wonder through daily exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Visit www.gatewaysc.org and schedule a tour to experience all that Gateway has to offer!

SUNDAY 6 Pay a Compliment Day

MONDAY 7 Taller Virtual Triple P: Promoviendo el comportamiento positivo en la escuela 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Asista a este taller virtual GRATIS de crianza para aprender: Razones comunes del porque comportamientos problemáticos ocurren en la escuela; Cómo involucrar a su hijo o hija a mejorar su conducta en la escuela; Consejos para trabajar con los maestros de sus hijos y promover comportamientos positivos. 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 bit. ly/Comportamiento-Escuela-7Feb

TUESDAY 8 Tumble on Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12:15 PM-3:15 PM See Feb 01. Youth Chess Club @ Capitola Library 3:30 PM-4:30 PM See Feb 01.

WEDNESDAY 9

Groundhog Day Today the great question is answered; are we in for six more weeks of winter?

Chinese New Year Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is a 15-day festival that is celebrated annually depending on the sighting of the new moon. The occasion is also known as the Spring Festival, and an animal is associated with each New Year. The animals rotate and repeat according to a fixed cycle. Youth Chess Club @ Capitola Library 3:30 PM-4:30 PM Come and play chess, one of the world’s oldest and most popular games, against other kids! One-hour meetings include 15 minutes of instruction by chess master Dana Mackenzie. For ages 6-18. We welcome all skill levels, but encourage beginners to at least learn the basic rules (how the pieces move) before coming the first time. Note to parents: Chess is a great way for kids to build sportsmanship, concentration, and reasoning skills, while having a lot of fun!

Afterschool STEAM: Minecraft 3:30 PM-5:30 PM Learn how to survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Ages 8 to 18. Space is limited to 18 on a first-come basis. No advance registration. Wednesdays: Capitola Branch, 2005 Wharf Rd. Gateway School Tours 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Come and learn how Gateway School inspires children’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder through daily exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Visit www.gatewaysc.org and schedule a tour to experience all that Gateway has to offer! Nature Journal Studio 6:30 PM-8:00 PM During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others. We will develop observation skills and awareness of nature, improve sketching skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. Rather than an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities. February’s theme: Mushrooms!

22 FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Exploring the Mushrooms of the Santa Cruz Mountains with Christian Schwarz 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History & Christian Schwarz for a guided exploration of the beauty and biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Mountains with a particular emphasis on the mushrooms of the redwood coast. Hone your observational skills and celebrate the myriad creatures that surround us during this limited capacity walk. Note: We will announce the location a week or so prior to the event. Location will be within Santa Cruz County and determined based on this season’s mushroom crop!

National Pizza Day This cheesy disc went from a niche cultural meal to the star of the show! Afterschool STEAM: Minecraft 3:30 PM-5:30 PM See Feb 02. Taller Virtual Triple P: Enseñando a los niños a limpiar 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Asista a este taller virtual GRATIS de crianza para aprender: Consejos para cómo enseñar a los niños a limpiar por sí mismos; Maneras de hacer de la limpieza una actividad divertida para usted y para su hijo; Estrategias para mantener la calma si su hija

FEBRUARY CALENDAR se rehúsa a limpiar. Presentado EN ESPAÑOL por Zoom por Sandra Rodelo, Puentes de la Comunidad – La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios. Inscríbase para conseguir el enlace de la reunión por Zoom https://bit.ly/ Enseñando-Limpiar-9Feb ¿Necesita ayuda? Comuníquese con Sandra Rodelo al (831) 724-2997 x211 o sandrar@cbridges.org

THURSDAY 10 Spring Hill Virtual Open House 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Join Spring Hill School for an interactive, virtual open house event! You will have the opportunity to meet teachers, ask questions, and experience our approach to education. To attend, register online through our website. springhillschool.org/ open-house-calendar

FRIDAY 11

Andrea will guide us through the steps in her process, from observing and sketching the form of mushrooms to recording the important details needed for identification. Beauty and the Beast 2:00 PM-4:30 PM With an affinity for stories, Belle unexpectedly finds herself immersed in her own adventurous, magical tale after meeting the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of enchantress in Beauty and the Beast., a musical ode to seeing beyond appearances. Hawks' Nest Theater, Mount Madonna School, 491 Summit Rd, Watsonville. Tickets $10-$15 at mmsbeautyandthebeast.brownpapertickets.com

WEDNESDAY 16

Youth Chess Club @ Capitola 3:30 PM4:30 PM See Feb 01.

Afterschool STEAM: Minecraft 3:30 PM-5:30 PM See Feb 02.

WEDNESDAY 23

THURSDAY 17

National Banana Bread Day Afterschool STEAM: Minecraft 3:30 PM-5:30 PM See Feb 02.

THURSDAY 24 Spring Hill Virtual Open House 6:00 PM7:00 PM Join Spring Hill School for an interactive, virtual open house event! You will have the opportunity to meet teachers, ask questions, and experience our approach to education. To attend, register online through our website. springhillschool.org/open-house-calendar

SUNDAY 13 Holy Cross Open House 11:45 AM1:00 PM Come discover the Holy Cross Advantage. Serving children from Preschool - 8th grade. 150 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz HolySC.org ~ 831.423.4447 Beauty and the Beast 2:00 PM-4:30 PM See Feb 12.

FRIDAY 25

MONDAY 14 Valentine’s Day Random Act of Kindness Day Want to change the world? Start with a random act of kindness!

FRIDAY 18 National Caregivers Day Fun N’ Tumble on Fridays at JuneBug’s Gym 12:15 PM-3:15 PM See Feb 04.

SATURDAY 19 International Day of Women and Girls in Science Honor women’s achievements in science and place a much-needed focus on girls entering STEM careers. Fun N’ Tumble on Fridays at JuneBug’s Gym 12:15 PM-3:15 PM See Feb 04. Mount Madonna Campus Tour 10:30 AM-12:30 PM Interested in Mount Madonna School for your preschool to grade 12 student? Join our Campus Tour and Beauty and the Beast preview show. 10:30am tour; 11:30am meet and greet and small bites; 12:30pm preview show. Contact admissions@mountmadonnaschool.org

SATURDAY 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday Saturday Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9:00 AM-12:00 PM See Feb 05. The Art of Fungi Workshop with Andrea Dingeldein 10:00 AM-3:00 PM Join Andrea (science illustrator) & Marisa (fungiphile & Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History staff) for a day full of fungal exploration — from forest foraging to science illustration! We’ll start by exploring mushroom biodiversity in the forest, collecting a few specimens that inspire our creativity. After a quick break for lunch, we’ll gather back at the Museum for a session of illustration (outdoors weather permitting).

National Donor Day By donating organs, you create a legacy of your generosity with the ultimate gift of love. Triple P Virtual Workshop: Teaching Children To Clean Up 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn: Tips for teaching children how to clean up by themselves; Ways to make cleaning up fun for you and your child; Strategies for staying calm if your child refuses to clean up. Presented in English on Zoom by Sandra Rodelo, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources. Register to get the Zoom meeting link bit.ly/Clean-Up-Feb14 Got questions? Contact Sandra Rodelo at (831) 724-2997 x211 or sandrar@cbridges.org

TUESDAY 15 Tumble on Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12:15 PM-3:15 PM See Feb 01. Youth Chess Club @ Capitola Library 3:30 PM-4:30 PM

Fun N’ Tumble on Fridays at JuneBug’s Gym 12:15 PM-3:15 PM See Feb 04. Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour 7:00 PM-10:00 PM Get off the beaten path and explore the edge of believable with exhilarating stories from the 46th Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, coming to the Rio Theatre February 25-27 at 7 pm (3 Shows/3 Programs). Stand on the highest peaks, paddle through the coldest waters, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you in this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Benefits UCSC Adventure Rec Scholarships

SATURDAY 26

Saturday Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9:00 AM-12:00 PM See Feb 05. Mini Fungus Fair 10:00 AM-2:00 PM For nearly 50 years, the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz has welcomed thousands of visitors to explore the fascinating world of mushrooms through the annual Fungus Fair. This year, the event will return to its original home at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, where it launched in 1974, for the first ever Mini Fungus Fair on Saturday, February 19. Join local fungiphiles for a display of dozens of species of local mushrooms outside the Museum in Tyrrell Park, along with familyfriendly activities and community resources.

SUNDAY 20 National Love Your Pet Day

MONDAY 21 Family Day Presidents’ Day

TUESDAY 22 Tumble on Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12:15 PM-3:15 PM See Feb 01.

Clam Chowder Cook Off at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 2-Day Event—Rain or Shine Amateur chefs will compete on Saturday, followed by professional chefs on Sunday. Join the delicious festivities as amateur and professional chefs prepare their finest clam chowder recipes along the Boardwalk. Teams compete in the friendly competition, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights for Best Clam Chowder in the country’s largest and longestrunning clam chowder competition! (Cont'd on Page 24 GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

FEBRUARY CALENDAR influential Amelia Tilford, an upstanding member of Lancet--who also happens to be the indulgent grandmother of Mary) quickly withdraws all of their students, causing a witch hunt that ultimately forces the school to close. Today, it remains a haunting reminder of the horrors of intolerance.

Tell a Fairy Tale Day Chill and enjoy reliving magical moments and moral lessons from the captivating fairy tales! Saturday Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9:00 AM-12:00 PM See Feb 05.

SUNDAY 27 Clam Chowder Cook Off at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM See Feb 26. International Polar Bear Day raises awareness on the issues facing polar bears and the ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint. Climate change is a huge threat to polar bears’ existence and it’s up to us to take action and protect their future. Polar bears are classified as marine mammals, carrying with them a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellent coat to keep them insulated against the icy cold air and water they encounter on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean. With their territory melting away beneath them, International Polar Bear Day is an important opportunity for us to remind ourselves what is at stake here, preserving the future of these magnificent mammals.

MONDAY 28 Floral Design Day All About Theatre presents Lilian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Set in a fictional New England town in the 1930s, The Children’s Hour tells the story of two women who are unjustly accused of homosexual activity by one of their students: one Mary Tilford. The outraged community (prompted by the

Triple P Virtual Workshop: Promoting Positive Behaviors at School 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn: Common reasons why behavior problems occur at school; How to involve your child in improving their behavior at school; Tips for working with your child’s teacher to promote positive behaviors. Presented in English on Zoom by Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources. Register to get the Zoom meeting link https://bit.ly/PositiveSchool-Behavior-Feb28

GUiSC will attempt to update the calendar listings as needed; however, it is the responsibility of the organization listed to provide updated information. GUiSC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Readers are encouraged to check the accuracy of the information provided. Events that are free or cost less than $10 can be submitted for inclusion in the calendar. GUiSC does not guarantee that a submitted event will automatically be included. Preference is given for events of interest to children and/or parents. Calendar entries must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the event. Calendar entries and photos will be selected by the Calendar Editor. Please email visit our website to fill out the calendar form here growingupsc.com/submissions

Additional Sources: NationalToday.com

CALENDAR

Spring Hill School THUR | FEB 10 & 24 | 6 PM 250 California Street, Santa Cruz springhillschool.org/open-house-calendar

Mount Madonna School FRI | FEB 11 | 10:30AM-12:30PM 491 Summit Road, Watsonville (408) 847-2717 | admissions@mountmadonnaschool.org

Santa Cruz Montessori Education SAT | FEB 12 | 10:00AM-12:00PM 6230 Soquel Dr., Aptos (831) 476-1646 | scms.org For parents and children (ages 18 months - 11 years)

Visit www.gatewaysc.org and schedule a tour to experience all that Gateway has to offer!

Come for a campus tour, meet our students, teachers and head of school, and learn about Mount Madonna's approach to education. Guests are invited to stay for a performance of Beauty and the Beast.

ome see our beautiful campus and classrooms, meet our teachers, and learn about our program.

Do you have an event you want placed in our calendar? Visit our website to submit the details!

DEADLINE

Photos for the calendar may be submitted by email. Digital images must be high resolution, 200-300dpi.

The 15th of the month Prior to publication month.

Christy@GrowingUpSc.com 24 FEBRUARY 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Join Spring Hill School for an interactive, virtual open house event! You will have the opportunity to meet teachers, ask questions, and experience our approach to education. To attend, register online through our website.

Our Favorite Places ANN'S PICKS

BOBBIJO'S PICKS

Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop

Little Trends Boutique

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden shopucscarboretum.com/ arboretum@ucsc.edu Offering unique, interesting, and beautiful plants in the outdoor nursery or buy online. Also shop for household items, jewelry, gifts, and more.

1052 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville (831)536-5070 littletrendsboutique.com Shop our selection of adorable tutu’s and cool tees for any little in your life. We offer a variety of adorable and fun wear that your little will be sure to love. Shop online or in-store, we have a little bit of everything for mama’s, babies, toddlers and kids! Order online for in-store pickup or local delivery, call or email if you would like assistance with shopping for a special someone or delivery.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 831.420.6115 santacruzmuseum.org retail@santacruzmuseum.org Unique gifts for all ages celebrating the beauty and nature of Santa Cruz County, including apparel, books and field guides, science, souvenirs, surfing, and more. Woodhouse Blending & Brewing

119 Madrone St. Santa Cruz woodhousebrews.com beer@woodhousebrews.com Offering delicious small-batch traditional & non-traditional beers as well as handcrafted barrel-aged blends. Delicious Brazilian-inspired cuisine by @ sampakitchensc. Live music. Spacious interior and plenty of outdoor heating!

Sacred Tree

831-761-3000 sacredtreenursery.com The greatest gift you will ever give, starts with the Sacred Tree. Whether you are buying 1 olive tree for a dear friend, 25 for a special baby shower, or 100 for an incredible wedding, olive trees are an unforgettable gift. Add in a personalized card and a beautiful planter, and you have a gift unlike any other.

BRAD'S PICKS

If your valentine has a sweet tooth, a sense of humor, and likes nostalgia, you can't go wrong with It's Sugar, the downtown candy store that has a lot of gag gifts as well as crazy treats. There are giant versions of your favorite sweets, Ruth Bader Ginsburg socks, mugs, sample candy boxes from past decades, and plain goofiness, like a box of only the marshmallows from Lucky Charms. Camouflage 1329 Pacific Ave. , Downtown Santa Cruz For a present to share when the kids are gone, we suggest Camouflage, just across Pacific Avenue from It's Sugar. Lingerie and cute outfits are out front; risqué stuff you want to keep in brown paper coverings are in the back of the store. You are sure to find some romantic items there.

CHRISTY'S PICKS Hallcrest Vineyards

379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton | ((831) 335-4441 hallcrestvineyards.com Family run and dog friendly boutique winery established in 1941. Specializing in Pinot Noir, Organic Wines, and Hard Ciders. Open on Thursday-Monday. Simpatico

It's Sugar

10 Cooper St. #100C, Downtown Santa Cruz

THE BEST GIFT YOU WILL EVER GIVE

6223 Hwy 9, Felton | (831) 704-7420

simpatico-ca.com Gifts, artisan goods and treasures for a life well lived. A locally-owned shop nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains supplying style with substance. Wild Roots 6240 Hwy 9, Felton | (831) 335-7322 wildrootsmarket.com Friendly Service, 100% Organic Produce, Natural Groceries, Meats, and Bulk Foods. Full Service Deli, Salad and Soup Bar, Juice Bar, Vitamins, Body Care, Local Beer and Wine.

LINDA'S PICKS Zinnia's Gift Boutique

219 Mt Hermon Rd C, Scotts Valley (831) 430-9466 Offering an assortment of delightful items and gifts for the home and garden; gourmet cooking items, fine furniture, jewelry, clothing, handbags, men's items, an ever expanding children and baby lines, Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery

1420 41st Ave, Capitola | (831) 316-5081 Treat your Valentine to decadent chocolate brownies that have been dusted with powdered sugar and kissed with chocolate ganache or our much loved donuts.

VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

BUY 2, GET ONE 50% OFF

with a Beautiful Message

Olive Trees represent Growth, Peace, Endurance, Resilience Locally grown in Watsonville.

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

GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

COLORING PAGE

Submit your coloring entry to editor@growingupsc.com for a chance to be in our next issue! You can also mail them to Box 3505, Santa Cruz, 95063 Submissions due by February 15.

GrowingUpSC.com | FEBRUARY 2022

Growing Up in Santa Cruz February 2022

Articles inside

Parenting

Valentine's Gift Guide

Birth Matters

Editor's Note

Black History Month

Ask Nicole

Teacher's Desk

Moms Who Make a Difference

County Scoop

Local Artist: Liam Bobisuthi