June 2022 by Growing Up in Santa Cruz

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Editor's Note.......................................4 Ask Nicole...........................................5 Local Profile.......................................6 Always Amused...................................7 What the Kids Are Saying...................8 Parenting............................................9 Dads & Grads......................................11 Birth Matters......................................13 Moms Who Make a Difference............15 Good News.........................................18 Local News..........................................19 Your Home.........................................20 Local Artist.........................................21 Coloring Page.....................................26 Coloring Winners...............................27

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25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2022

EDITOR'S NOTE Yes on Measure D Keep Travel Safe for Kids and Get Them Off the Couch! BY BRAD KAVA

Lots of green to cut down here for a train and path.

The state’s Coastal Commission has denied the rebuilding of this sunken track for train.

On June 7 Santa Cruz voters will have a chance to build something world class that will bring in tourists, cut down pollution and help locals get fit and travel safely. It will be a 32-mile-long bike, walking and wheelchair path that will wind along stunning beaches, majestic forests and picturesque landscapes between Watsonville and Davenport. It will attract tourists, as do similar well-traveled paths in Santa Monica, San Diego, Sacramento and hundreds of counties across the country that have converted useless rails to useful, joyful trails. It will be the most non-polluting way to get to schools, jobs and beaches—a genuine green way to travel—and it will be more affordable than the train proposed by No on D supporters. All you have to do to get started is vote YES on D—the position we enthusiastically support to keep Santa Cruz on the cutting edge of creating a safe and environmentally sound community.

go for reasons few understand today. The two rail lines aren’t comparable. The beach front 32-miles doesn’t go to shopping, schools, downtown or the county’s biggest employers, UCSC and the County itself. For most things you would need to transfer to a bus, which defies the purpose of a train. You’ll still be tied up in traffic. You might as well take the bus now, although too few do. Taking a train to somewhere you need buses will just continue to tie up traffic. No one has answered where they would put stations or parking for the stations in areas that are already crammed full. Can you honestly say you will take a train every day to work or school, for errands and shopping? If so, then vote No and hopefully, someday, you will see a train. But if you aren’t taking a bus now, it’s unlikely you will take a train for anything more than an occasional novelty. They also say that their train comes with a bike path. That’s true in part. However, it’s a very thin path with all the aesthetics of a fenced-in prison yard. It’s more like the paths on West and East Cliff drives, which are hazardous because they don’t have enough room for speeding bikes, wheel chairs and strolling pedestrians. The only way to make a safe 32-mile path is to cover the tracks for now in a process called railbanking and in the future if the County explodes with enough jobs and housing to support an off-the-beaten path mass transit, they can replace the path with tracks, as has been done at least nine times nationwide.

TWO PROBLEMS IT WILL DEFINITELY SOLVE:

It will get kids off the couch and away from their screens in the fight against one of the biggest problems parents face today, childhood obesity (not to mention their own lack of exercise.) What could be a more glorious way for a family to spend a day than biking through the Watsonville Slough or along the Davenport coast? What better way to get to downtown street fairs the redwood forests or to our heavenly beaches? Sitting on the couch isn’t helping anyone. It will encourage more people of all ages and abilities to get out in nature,

safely. The streets of Santa Cruz County are miserable and treacherous for bicyclists. Despite some efforts to build bike lanes we have some of the highest rates of pedestrian and bike injuries and deaths in the state. The roads are filled with potholes and cracks and there isn’t enough separation between motor vehicles and bikes. According to the Lookout Santa Cruz news site, “In 2018, the most recent year for which data is available, the county ranked fourth in such fatalities and injuries among counties of similar size, with 52 killed or injured in accidents involving vehicles.” Statewide, 28 percent of road fatalities involved cyclists and cars.

Is that a statistic you want for families, 52 injuries and deaths? We can save lives right now. This campaign has been the most negative in the county in decades with big money supporting deception about the bike path, which contributors to the train will profit from. Ironically, they call the yes side deceptive. But their arguments defy logic. They claim a train along a one-track route will miraculously cure traffic woes on Highway 1. Anyone who has commuted on that road knows that most of the traffic jam continues on up Highway 17 because most of the drivers are going to work in Silicon Valley. If they proposed a train over the hill as we had last century, we would be all for it, because that would solve the biggest part of the problem. But poor planners let that

JUNE 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

That’s part of the deal if you vote Yes. Not to mention some 20 trestles and crossings that are a century out of date. They will not only take hundreds of millions of dollars to fix, but there is no room for an adjacent bike path. Riders, wheelchairs and walkers will have to get off the path in Capitola, for example, and navigate their way around streets crowded with tourists. That is not a safe path, by any stretch of the imagination. The costs of a rail and trail are unimaginable—in the range of a billion dollars –in a county that can’t even fix potholes or make streets safe (Has anyone biked on the hill from Rio Del Mar along the beach side? It’s a death trap, as are too many of our roads.) If you follow the money, you will see it leads to companies that want to increase profits, not to folks who want safe, free transport. The last county-approved rail line, Progressive, stacked propane tankers in Watsonville, while promising clean transport. They pulled out when they realized there was no money in it. The County has already shown it can do the right thing by building a path through Arana Gulch, which was fought over for 20 years and is now one of the great places for families to exercise, picnic and enjoy nature. By taking a step backward and for the first time favoring non-motorized transportation, Santa Cruz could take a very big leap forward.

ASK NICOLE Adjusting After COVID BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW My oldest child recently graduated from college. I’m grateful he experienced his graduation ceremony in person, but it was surreal to be there with thousands of people. It made me realize how life is definitely different because of COVID but feels more “normal” with each passing day. I’ll admit there are times when I miss the quieter, slower pace of life and the increased family bonding time, especially during the first year of the pandemic. I want to maintain that feeling of peace and family connectedness, even as life takes my kids in new and different directions. I have a feeling I’m not the only one who feels this way. This monthly column provides tips for anyone raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Nicole, I’ve been a stay-at-home dad for two years after losing my job during the pandemic. At first, it was hard to adjust to not going to an office every day, and I was worried about our family’s finances. My stress affected my partner and our young kids — there were a lot of arguments and outbursts. But then we found a new rhythm, and I ended up loving my dad duties and being more present and involved in my kids’ daily activities. Now, I just received a full-time job offer. I want to be employed again but I’ve already had a few emotional breakdowns about spending less time with my kids. It’s making me rethink my priorities. What can I do? - Frank Dear Frank, Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I’ll bet there are other dads and parents who can relate to what you’re feeling. While it’s a relief that childcare, schools, businesses, and other daily activities have resumed, I’ve heard several people describe “bright spots” — like a simpler life and more family time — that they hope will remain in the post-COVID world. Here are some tips to try:

FEEL THE FEELINGS.

It’s natural to feel conflicted about returning to work and spending less time with your children, and it’s healthy that you’re acknowledging the intensity of those feelings. Find ways to express and release your emotions in ways that work for you — whether that’s through physical activity, talking, crying, mindfulness exercises, or some other outlet. This is an important form of selfcare, especially during stressful times.

TALK WITH YOUR FAMILY.

Chances are, your kids (and maybe even your partner) are feeling similar

emotions but might not know how to name or express them. The arguments and outbursts might even return if you accept the job and the whole family experiences another big shift. Talk as a family about what aspects of your daily routines will change and what will stay the same. Share your own mixed feelings about these changes and what you’re doing to handle big emotions. This will set a good example and help your kids build their own emotional resilience.

Make your family’s “bright spots” part of your regular routine.

Identify the things you treasured most about your dad duties during the pandemic, then try to find ways to continue doing them, even if it’s different. If you enjoyed making all their meals, can you prepare at least one snack or meal for them each day? If you loved having time to read, play, or talk together without being rushed, can you create that same quality time in short but frequent amounts of time when you’re home? If you created new routines and rituals during the pandemic that hold special meaning, like a family movie night or parent-child “dates,” can you continue those on a regular schedule, even if it’s less frequently?

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June: Voting June 1 through June 18 July: Results

EXPLORE OPTIONS FOR A FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENT.

This is a good time to talk with your prospective employer about how they support employees to maintain a healthy work-family-life balance. Find out whether the company will accommodate a flexible schedule or even a hybrid work arrangement, if your type of job could be done remotely. Their answer might help you determine whether this job opportunity fits your priorities at this time in your life.

Looking for Child Care? Ready to choose a preschool program?

FINAL THOUGHTS

Living through a global pandemic has been incredibly challenging but has also created positive moments for many families. As everyday routines start to resemble pre-pandemic life more and more, remember to hold on to the bright spots and create a “new normal” that works for your family. Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 18 and 22, 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.

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.

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

831 466 5820

www.cdrc4info.org

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

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2022

LOCAL PROFILE Circus Performer or Mathematician? Why Not Both? BY JEANETTE PRATHER Ryker ultimately seeking out an autism diagnosis. “For a long time, I felt like there was something different about me that was making it hard for me to fit in. I tried to analyze what was different, whether it was in my performance style or how I interacted with other dancers, but I never quite got it right,” said Ryker. “I often felt like an outsider, but then I’d just focused even harder on the things that made more sense to me, like breaking down a difficult skill and developing a training regimine to achieve that skill.” Ryker self-proclaims not being a charismatic person, which was a quality that most people expected of them. “Learning how to emote with my facial expressions was also (and still is) difficult for me,” they said. “I remember being a teenager and trying to study other people’s faces and train myself to make the correct expressions at certain times, but I never really got it right.” The realization that Ryker’s brain simply developed differently, was an enlightening experience for them. “While certain skills such as facial expressions are more difficult for me, I have other advantages from my autism (I can vividly imagine new tricks and combos in my head, for example),” they said. “Learning to lean into my strengths and not be so hard on myself for other things has been really helpful.” Math teacher by day and circus performer by night, Jody Ryker seamlessly closes the chasm between these seemingly different worlds. “I split my time between my two passions, math and circus arts,” said Ryker, who identifies as non-binary and prefers the pronoun “they”. “I teach math part-time at Foothill College, and I teach part-time for various circus and pole studios.”

How did Ryker forge a path of teaching math and performing pole and circus arts?

“I’ve always been interested in many things, and I like always trying something new,” they said. “I’ve always felt that I need something that engages me intellectually, and I need to move.” Ryker said they’ve felt like they’ve simultaneously entertained two different careers, teaching math, and performing and coaching circus. “I don’t really feel like it was ever a choice,” they said. “I don’t really understand people who can just do one thing and be satisfied with that. I also feel grateful that I’ve been given opportunities that allow me to do the things I want to and get paid.”

WHAT’S COMING UP

Currently, Ryker isn’t just teaching math and circus arts, but also putting together a cohesive pole instructor training program about how to reduce injury in the body. “I’ve been studying anatomy and physiology all throughout the pandemic, and I’m excited to

incorporate this into my teaching,” they said. “A lot of injuries happen because our industry doesn’t usually talk about safe joint positions for specific tricks, and I want to change that. I’ve also developed a unique approach to breaking down components of tricks and creating specific drills for each necessary component.” Ryker also added that they’re learning and incorporating information about equity and inclusion, which they plan to add into their training program. Beyond that, they run their own performance group, Pole Diversity, as well as choreograph for the performance group out of Santa Cruz’s local pole studio, Steel and Grace. With a collaborative spirit, Ryker enjoys joining other platforms and outlets that jive with their own mission and purpose. “I’ve got a lot of things coming up!” they said.

THE NONLINEAR PATH

Growing up, Ryker said they’ve always loved doing math. “I couldn’t get enough of it,” they said. “I majored in pure math and eventually was paid to do undergrad research that resulted in a couple papers. I went to grad school at UCSC for pure math.” Despite their passion and excellence in mathematics, Ryker very quickly realized that there was an inequality between the male and non-male students within the UCSC grad school program. “I was warned by a fellow female student who

JUNE 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

had chosen to take a master’s and leave,” said Ryker. “Things just kept getting worse. There were microaggressions, such as a student putting up a sign saying, ‘no girls allowed’ in our grad offices, and a professor announcing during our Friday tea-time that the department had to lower the standards to admit any female students into the program (my scores were the same as my male friends’).” Regardless, Ryker stuck it out, firmly believing that girls do not have the same opportunities to learn math as boys do, and if their scores are on average lower, it’s likely because of that rather than a difference in aptitude. “There were worse things that happened [and] I stuck it out for nearly three years but couldn’t take it anymore,” they said. “I would never be able to do math at the level I was capable of in that environment and my mental health was suffering.” While all of this was going on, Ryker’s circus career was blooming. “I was getting more opportunities to work in circus. I was treated with respect in those circles, and I was allowed to fully participate and grow as an artist,” they said. “I ended up giving up my dream of being a mathematician and instead found a new dream of being a circus professional. I do still do math for myself, but it took quite a while for me to recover from the trauma of grad school and be able to learn new math without having an anxiety response.” Part of this trigger was what led to

SOLID ADVICE IN A COVID WORLD

What would Ryker advise their decadeyounger self if they came face to face? “You don’t have to ‘tough it out’ and let other people treat you poorly, and it’s not your fault,” they said. “Go somewhere and be around people who help you thrive (they exist!). You deserve to be treated with respect and to feel safe.” In fact, they have this piece of advice for anyone out there struggling, especially the youth of today. “There are unlimited options out there, don’t let people and society limit you,” said Ryker. “If the opportunities people give you don’t fit, create your own opportunity. “I think that people have realized [during COVID] that there are more options, more ways to do things. My entire life, I’ve noticed that people tend to just see the options that other people give them, or what culture dictates. I always saw unlimited options and tried to create my own opportunities when what was presented to me didn’t fit my goals.” Ryker, who is walking the walk, emphasizes the exploration of options and figuring out what draws out an individual’s strengths and fulfills them. “I suppose the other side of this is to also not limit other people,” they said. “Don’t expect everyone to be the same; respect and appreciate other people who are different from you.”

ALWAYS AMUSED Changing of the Seasons Boardwalk Unveils New Summer Lineup BY ERIK CHALHOUB But Great America will still be spooky for Halloween in 2022. “Tricks and Treats” will make its debut this year, a family-friendly approach to the more mature-focused Haunt. The park will be transformed into a variety of themed areas from Sept. 23 through Oct. 30, each with their own activities, treats to sample and live entertainment.

FAMILY COASTER OPENS

Summertime is going to look a little different at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk this year. The new Evenings on the Colonnade, announced by the park in late April, will feature live music on Thursday evenings from June 16 through Aug. 11. Gone (at least for now) is Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach with its bigname acts that drew crowds so large that the sand disappeared from the beach. Instead, Bay Area bands will perform Thursday evenings from 8:30-10pm, with local favorites such as Extra Large and Pacific Roots, among others. Movies will also return to the beach every Friday night from June 17 to Aug. 12, but there notably won’t be any familiar vampires in this lineup. “The Lost Boys,” an iconic part of the Boardwalk’s movie series, won’t be shown this year due to licensing restrictions, according to the park. However, don’t throw out those garlic wreaths yet: the film will make its return at the Boardwalk during a yet-to-beannounced Halloween event on Oct. 29. This year’s lineup includes “The Goonies,” “Iron Man” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” as well as a number of new flicks including “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “Sing 2,” screening on the Main Beach in front of the Boardwalk Colonnade at 9pm. “We are thrilled to bring free and fun family entertainment back to the Boardwalk,” said Boardwalk spokesperson Kris Reyes. “Our guests come for the rides and can stay for the entertainment. Guests enjoying these fun bands and great movies can also play in the Casino Arcade, Neptune’s Kingdom,

shop, and enjoy their favorite Boardwalk tasty treats.” The announcement comes with some disappointing news for the bargain hunters. The long-standing Coca-Cola Nights, where guests can get a discount on ride wristbands by bringing a CocaCola-branded drink, and Retro Nights, where rides were only $1.50 each, will not return this year. The summer lineup can be found at beachboardwalk.com/evenings-onthe-colonnade.

Northern California’s first new roller coaster in three years has finally opened. Sidewinder Safari, a spinning wild mouse-type coaster, opened over Memorial Day weekend at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. The ride takes cars of four people through hairpin turns and steep drops through 1,378 feet of track at a maximum height of 43 feet. It’s also the first coaster to feature live rattlesnakes and other scaly reptiles in its queue. Behind glass, of course. Sidewinder Safari fills Discovery Kingdom’s desperate need for a mid-level family coaster, as younger thrill-seekers visiting the park didn’t have much of an option between the kiddy rides and the extreme attractions.

The ride was first announced in 2019 with a 2020 opening date. But when the pandemic forced Discovery Kingdom to close for 2020, Sidewinder Safari resurfaced again in 2021 as a newfor-2022 attraction.

SAVE THE DATES

Father’s Day Camp Night On June 18, Gilroy Gardens is inviting families to camp overnight at the horticultural themed park, with activities taking place at the campgrounds. The next morning, campers can explore the gardens throughout the day. Carnivale at Orleans Place California’s Great America’s annual New Orleans-inspired festival returns July 20-Aug. 7, featuring a parade, Cajun cuisine, live entertainment, fireworks and more. National Carousel Day To celebrate the Loof Carousel’s 111st anniversary, the first 100 riders on the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk attraction will receive a brass souvenir ring on July 25.

GOODBYE, HAUNT

This next bit of news is horrifying, and not in a good way. California’s Great America confirmed recently that its Halloween Haunt, a terrifying tradition at the park since 2008, is officially retired. It’s not entirely unexpected. In my conversations with past employees of the park, I’ve learned that Great America has struggled heavily with staffing in recent years. And it’s shown. Mazes that once had a monster around every corner and under every table were barren the last time I attended Haunt in 2019 (which was the last time the event was held in full operation before being canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic and running in limited fashion in 2021). I can’t blame people for not wanting to sign up as a monster. Guests at these types of Halloween events are notoriously rowdy, and not always gentle with the scare actors, to put it mildly. Coupled with lingering Covid-19 concerns in tight indoor spaces, and the writing was on the wall. 25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2022

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 San Lorenzo Valley High School.

This month, I asked transgender, nonbinary, and cisgender kids what gender means to them. In the past few years, it has become easier for kids to express their gender in the ways that they want freely. To many adults, being trans seems like a trend that children will not be consistent with. In the cases where kids seem to be flip-flopping between being nonbinary and transgender, what is really happening is a kid figuring out how they want to express themself and what feels right. When adults are not well informed, whether that be basic knowledge of the LQBTQ community or how to support their trans children properly, it can be very confusing when their child comes out to them. Even when a parent is understanding, finding out that the person you have raised in a certain way wants to express themselves differently can be hard to grasp. Making mistakes along this journey is completely normal, and everyone appreciates an adult who is willing to learn how to be more accepting of transgender youth. That is why I asked both trans and cis people what gender means to them personally and how they think adults could be more open to trans kids.

“

Gender is a way you express or define yourself. Adults can listen and try to understand instead of shutting them down.

“

Lucille | Age 16 She/Her

“

Gender is a spectrum that's based on self-expression, not sex. Someone's gender expression can be related to their sex, but it's still their personal interpretation of what it means to be that gender.

Audrey | Age 17 She/Her

“

To me, gender is what you identify as. It doesn't matter what you were born as or what you like to wear; if you say that you identify as something, that's what you are. A man wearing a dress doesn't make him any less of a man. Adults can be more accepting by simply listening. Use the name and pronouns that someone tells you to use and be willing to learn when they try to teach you something.

Asher | Age 17 He/Him

“

Jamie | Age 17 They/Them

Being trans is a big part of my identity. I find myself discussing gender pretty often. It's remarkable how much I have to debate my own existence. Adults need to listen to trans youth more instead of talking over them. No one knows more about trans people than trans people, so the best thing is just to let us have a voice. Also, the insensitive "he, they, it, whatever" jokes need to stop for the love of God.

JUNE 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

I think gender is a form of expression between femininity and masculinity. Sometimes, people like to identify with one side more than the other or not even identify with it at all. I feel like acceptance comes from accepting yourself first and finding your own definition of gender. For example, I identify as female, but I understand that gender is just one of those funny human things we created.

Claire | Age 17 She/Her

“

To me gender is a part of identity, largely influenced by social characteristics that our changing culture has created. I think adults can try and modernize their way of thinking when it comes to gender in order to be more accepting of the youth.

Caleb | Age 16 He/Him

“

Gender is how you feel in your head. It doesn't always line up with your sex. Men and women are the most common but it's a spectrum. It's how you feel comfortable identifying/presenting. Listen when we tell you something makes us uncomfortable. Do not ask for someone's dead name. You can probably ask a question, but if you wouldn't ask a cis person the same thing, google it. The internet is full of information.

Sage | Age 17 They/Them

PARENTING Banned in Florida, but Freely Talked About Here Gender Isn’t Always What You Think It Is BY SUKI WESSLING at home for two years in the pandemic, I think it was really easy for my child.” But the widening of the gender spectrum to include nonbinary and other genders has come so quickly that there’s no knowing how many of these teens will stay exactly with the gender they express first. Grey, for example, doesn’t feel that she has any problem with her child’s expression of gender. But because her child seemed content as a girl, Grey wonders if her teen will drift to a more standard gender expression as they mature. “I come from a very liberal family, very supportive of gay rights and trans people, but this idea that there’s a middle, a notmale not-female, has been harder for us to adjust to.”

ACCEPTANCE AND SUPPORT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE

Most of today’s parents grew up with what’s called the gender binary, which assumes the existence of two distinct genders. Most of today’s kids learn about changing gender norms from their peer groups, for whom gender is seen as fluid and as a spectrum.

BUT FOR MANY FAMILIES WHEN THEY’RE AT HOME, GENDER IS SIMPLY NOT AN ISSUE…UNTIL IT IS. “My child is 14 and was assigned female at birth, and that’s how we raised this child—as a female, you know? Because that’s how it’s done.” Goldi’s child came out as nonbinary (neither completely masculine nor feminine) at 13. “He was immediately ready to socially transition” “He wanted me to tell everyone: he wanted the teachers to know on the Zoom, he wanted grandparents to know. It was just like, tell them my name, and there was no ‘I don’t know’.” Isabelle (a pseudonym) had a child who had shown a preference for masculine presentation since first attending transitional kindergarten, but it was during the initial pandemic shutdown at the age of 6 that he asked to be referred to as a boy. “The issue of gender hadn’t occurred to us yet.” “I remember my daughter at the time telling me about one older student who was using they/them pronouns and referring to themselves as nonbinary. I

thought, ‘I don’t even know what that is.’ Two years later my child said, ‘I don’t feel like a girl or a boy and I want to change my name and cut my hair.’ None of it was shocking but it was surprising to me.” Grey (a pseudonym) and her husband had suspected that their child was gay, but were taken by surprise when the teen asserted a nonbinary identity just before high school.

Is it biological or is it cultural? Is it a new binary or a spectrum?

The first question that comes to many adults’ minds is where their child’s wish to change their gender expression comes from. Research shows that young children who persist in asserting a gender identity different from the one assigned at birth almost universally keep that identity through adulthood. In fact, studies of transgender adults’ brains show clear affinities for their gender of preference. “Our real estate agent asked me, ‘Where do you think he got this idea from?’” remembers Isabelle, whose young child has expressed a persistent gender identity. “It definitely felt offensive when she asked.” However, many young children don’t know how to verbalize what they are feeling. These children are more likely to try to fit in and then come out during the tumultuous years of puberty when so many other changes are happening. “My child was able very quickly to start high school with a new gender identity and new name,” Goldi says, remembering how quickly her fears were calmed after her teen’s sudden announcement. “After being

For many parents, acceptance is the default and is non-negotiable. However, parents who find the new gender norms harder to swallow are often swayed by the clarity of mental health research: Children whose families accept and validate their gender expression show much better mental health outcomes. In fact, studies show that around 40% of transgender young adults whose families are not supportive attempt suicide. “I’d much rather have an alive transgender child than a dead daughter, you know?” Goldi says matter-of-factly. “We all just tried to come as quickly as we could to a place of acceptance.” That said, Goldi reminds parents that it isn’t necessarily going to be easy for them. “As I’ve learned more about kids coming out in this way, I think all of the emotions and thoughts and worries and concerns I had were very, very normal for a parent.” “I consider myself to be progressive and supportive, but I still struggled, I cried,” Isabelle remembers. “I loved his name that I gave him; I loved having a daughter.”

Will changing norms foster more acceptance of gender variation?

Goldi laughs when she recounts giving her child a “fancy French name” at birth. Naming aside, she could cite example after example where she and her children’s teachers put huge gender assumptions on the children. Isabelle’s experience with a young trans child has led her to notice all that gender pressure. “The tomboy girls think the girly girls are lame and they’re like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to play with these girly girls.’ Some of that is internalized sexism.” Further, she points out that boys are subject to much stricter demands than girls, who can wear jeans and a t-shirt or a dress as they desire. “Boys are teased or misgendered if they’re wearing pink,

purple, if they have long hair.” Grey criticizes the media for focusing on “sexuality” when reporting on how gender is taught in schools. She points out that young children hear about “love” and “families,” but not sex. “When we hear someone’s gay, people immediately picture them naked, instead of, ‘you’re gay, you love this person’,” Grey points out. “It immediately goes to genitals. That’s making me crazy. [Gender] just can’t be separated from sex for some people.” These moms show that the more adults learn about the gender spectrum, the more they understand where young people’s attitudes are coming from. “My niece just had a gender reveal party and I just laughed,” Grey recounts. “Congratulations on what you think is a boy. You just never know what you’re gonna get!” Resources: Our local TransFamilies Support Group offers support to parents: TransFamiliesCA.org The Diversity Center offers youth groups and information: DiversityCenter.org The Trevor Project offers trustworthy factual information and support for queer young people: TheTrevorProject.org

What is gender? What is sex? What is sexuality? Experts say that gender is what’s between your ears (how you think about yourself), sex is what’s between your legs (usually identied at birth), and sexuality is how you relate to others sexually (which can be fluid). But scientifically speaking, none of these categories is as solid as you might think.

Gender: Although some people stay firmly in one area of gender expression, societies have always included people whose gender expression was harder to define or depended on context. Sex: Biologically speaking, it is an extreme simplification to say that there are two sexes. Intersex people (who have ambiguous genetalia or other hormone-related variances) are as common as redheads. Sexuality: Although a solid percentage of any society is firmly hetero/homosexual, people exist on a continuum and change throughout their lives. There is simply no evidence for all people having a single “sexual preference” throughout their lives.

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2022

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25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2022

What every birthday needs, party planners. Choosing the right foods. Deciding on a safe exercise routine. Creating a birth plan. As a mom-to-be, you have a lot of planning to look forward to. Fortunately, Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital’s Family Birth Center has a whole team of specialists ready to safely guide you throughout your journey—from the support of our midwives to the added security of the only Level III NICU in the Monterey Bay area standing by. We even have live virtual classes to help you prepare for the big day. Learn more about how we’re safely delivering humankindness at DignityHealth.org/DominicanBirthCenter.

JUNE 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

BIRTH MATTERS Postpartum OCD? BY LAURA MAXSON, LM The first months after birth are filled with many new and important babyrelated tasks and broken sleep patterns – a stressful combination for most. Parenting can be overwhelming, and teary moments are common, but most parents and care providers are on the lookout for moods that swing too low or hang on for too long. Postpartum depression is on just about everyone’s radar nowadays. Santa Cruz County’s Perinatal Mental Health Coalition (PMHC) provides information and support to parents, and those who work with parents, around mental health and wellness in the childbearing years. Their website SpeakUpSantaCruz. org provides families and professionals with local information for referrals, as well as links to the amazing resources of Postpartum Support International. Part of the PMHC outreach during Mental Health Month this May, included a continuing education presentation to members about a specific aspect of Postpartum Depression/Postpartum Mood Disorders known as Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or pOCD.

While mental health assessments are taking place at prenatal, postpartum, and well-baby visits to screen for depression, signs of pOCD can be harder to recognize for both the provider and the parent. There are similarities to “regular” OCD where we think of excessive hand washing, checking the burners on the stove etc., but pOCD is a little different. •

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not be notable without knowing that it’s being done in response to intrusive thoughts. What can look like the behavior of any nervous new mother can be masking the panic of someone trying to deal with a horrifying inner dialogue. A normally competent person can be in utter disbelief that this is happening to them. Healthcare professionals who experienced pOCD themselves and had a hard time recognizing and seeking treatment for it, shine a light on the difficulty parents can face including undue pain and delay in seeking help. Good people - really, amazingly wonderful parents - can develop pOCD and not know that it’s happening. Intrusive thoughts or images that persist become more and more problematic. Often the thoughts are so awful the idea of telling someone about them can feel just as scary as the thoughts themselves. A mother might think, “What if they take my baby away or lock me up in a psych ward?” Postpartum psychosis is rare and involves dangerous thoughts that make sense to the parent who feels compelled to carry them out. Psychosis is an emergency that needs immediate intervention. pOCD is different from psychosis in that pOCD thoughts are generally appalling to the parent who then enlists compulsive thoughts and actions to relieve the anxiety brought on by the offending thoughts. Thoughts and feelings are not actions. pOCD does need to be assessed and treated in order to heal.

Obsessive (intrusive) thoughts or images can begin suddenly. These thoughts or images that feel very out of character might be sexual or violent in nature or focus on sanitizing germs or other worries. These thoughts feel horrifying to the person experiencing them.

UNTREATED, POCD CAN RESULT IN:

Compulsive thoughts or actions are then performed to try to control or balance the anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts or images. Repetitive hand washing is more obvious, but compulsivity might look like following rigid rules, checking for signs of harm, avoiding being with the baby, over researching, or seeking reassurance. Disorder means it is life disrupting. Most will need help to bring things back into order.

While just about every new mother has had an occasional bizarre or scary thought - fear of dropping, hurting, or in some way endangering their baby most of these thoughts are fleeting. But for a small percentage of new mothers, these thoughts or images can feel very intense and disturbing, especially as they begin to persist and intrude on normal thoughts and behaviors. pOCD can be harder to recognize because the compulsive behaviors may

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Baby care and feeding problems caused by avoidance of touching, being responsible for, or being alone with the baby.

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Relationship stress caused by extreme anxiety.

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Problems bonding due to avoiding the baby or baby related tasks.

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Signs of depression such as sadness, loss of interest in people and activities, sleep loss or excessive sleepiness, loss of appetite, suicidal thinking, hopelessness, helplessness, and lack of self-care.

There are medications and treatments that can reduce pOCD symptoms. Understanding the issue is the first step for parents, as well as care providers. Finding knowledgeable counselors offering treatment can be a challenge, but the PMHC is helping to bring awareness and resources to this often-hidden form of postpartum mood disorder.

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Resources and Support - Speakupsantacruz.org Prenatal/postpartum support - Birthnet.org Wednesdays 5:30pm online pOCD support group http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup pOCD Handout – https://iocdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ Postpartum-and-Perinatal-OCD.pdf

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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.

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Erin Buchla, like anyone who worked with small children for many years, is good at problem-solving in the moment. Faced with a devastated customer, a boy who had lost his Pokémon cards after leaving them on top of the car, she got to work. “I invited all these parents to come out with their kids and bring a couple Pokémon cards,” Erin recalls. “We put them out on this 14-foot table and the kids all shared a couple cards with the boy that lost them and he was just so happy.” Erin owns Café Cruise in Scotts Valley—a drive-through and a full café—but this second career in coffee wasn’t part of the plan. “Originally I just took the classes because I had a 2-year-old and I wanted to learn how to be a good mom,” Erin says of her first foray into Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo. “And I realized, Oh my gosh, I love kids!” With a small son in tow, Erin got her degree and worked first as a preschool teacher and then as a nanny with an accidental specialization in twins. Erin says that she was drawn to the work because of the big impact her little interactions would have. “Throughout the years, I realized, Wow, you’re really making a difference in the development of this child and you’re creating good humans to go out into the world.” Erin’s focus as a teacher and as a nanny was on helping young children develop the most important skills they would need in life—skills that might surprise potential clients. “When I was getting interviewed for

nanny positions, parents would say, ‘Oh, do you work on their ABCs? Do you work on their 123’s?’ I said, that’s not my style of nannying. I work on conflict resolution, anger management, just basically being a good person!” Erin had to change professions when her doctor said no more carrying kids on her hips. Her son, now 32 and married, helped her. First she started the drivein, and a year ago she expanded to the café location. But there was no way that Erin would move into a world of adults without focusing on the kids. During the Covid lockdowns, she offered fun events at the drive-through such as a donut hole event where families would drive to each station to get their hole and toppings. During Christmas they hosted a hot chocolate day where the kids could drive through and get free hot chocolate and a map of Christmas lights. Her sit-down café features rotating arts and crafts projects, card-making, and special events like flower-arranging—all free for the kids. The café’s one-year anniversary on June 11 will feature facepainting and hula-hoop training. “It keeps me connected to where my heart is. You know, I love coffee. I love my cafe. But I miss my children, so it’s a good compromise, for sure.” Visit Cruise Café at 75 Mount Herman Road in Scotts Valley. Be sure to stop by June 11 for their kid-friendly anniversary event!  Suki Wessling is a local writer, educator, and radio host with two grown children. Read and listen at Babblery.com

If you know of a mom who has made a difference, please email us at editor@growingupsc.com 25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2022

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GOOD NEWS Proving That Anyone Can Make a Difference How a Group of Third Graders is Taking Small Steps to Change the World BY KIM HICKOK

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It’s amazing how all the kids have come together to be a part of Be the Change, and they’re very proud of it

For the most part, Aarav Patel is a typical third grader. He’s a little shy, enjoys playing video games, swimming, and playing tennis. But what makes this 8-year-old stand out from his peers is his unresounding desire to make the world a better place. “I was, and still am, inspired by Gandhi and his passion for wanting to change the world,” Patel said.

So when Patel noticed bullying and unkindness happening at his school, he wanted to do something about it. Instead of being mean, he thought, what if everyone gave compliments to one another?

He brought this idea to his classmates and set up a sheet for them to sign each time they gave a compliment to someone. Patel’s passion for kindness was contagious, and as more and more kids made an effort to give each other compliments, he said, “all the arguments, all the rude comments, all the bullying

automatically stopped.” The movement garnered the interest of all of his classmates, including his close friend Ethan Fritz, 9, who said it makes him feel good to know he is helping make the world a kinder place. “You can make a big difference by inspiring others,” Fritz said. “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” a quote often attributed to Gandhi, inspired Patel and his classmates to continue what they decided to call the “Be the Change” movement. “Our motto is that if we all change ourselves, and try to be the best version of ourselves, the world would change automatically,” Patel said. The kids aimed to spread their good will to the environment next, as they decided to pick up trash around the campus and discourage littering. By doing so, making choices that are good for the environment has become a habit for many

students, Patel said, which has only further motivated these ambitious youngsters. “If we all work together and try harder, we can make the world a better place,” Fritz said, “and everyone will be happy.” Recently, one night as Patel was watching the news with his parents, he learned about the war in Ukraine. Like so many people, he was concerned to hear about the kids who were in danger or were evacuating, sometimes without their parents. “I felt scared and I felt sad for them,” he said. “I knew I couldn’t make that much of a difference but I at least wanted to try.” So Patel and his fellow “Be the Change” leaders initiated a UNICEF donation drive. The students started by setting up a donation booth during drop off and pickup times, and then expanded their efforts by involving every class at the school. “All 18 of us split up and we went grade to grade talking about this

and spreading awareness,” he said. Encouraged by the warm reception they were receiving, the students cast their net into the broader community and set up a donation booth at the Farmers Market on Saturdays. So far, Gateway School’s student-run “Be the Change” movement has raised over $1,000 to aid Ukrainian children. “This was not possible without the help of my friends,” Patel said, “they have a huge passion for this.” “It’s amazing how all the kids have come together to be a part of Be the Change, and they’re very proud of it,” said Patel’s mother, Niyati Patel. The young group of passionate do-gooders doesn’t plan to stop their growing movement anytime soon. “We want to keep going until most of the worldwide problems have been solved.” Patel said, unfettered by such a lofty goal. “We’re very enthusiastic.”

LOCAL NEWS Avoid the Slide BY DIANE COWEN Summer Slide is the term used to describe learning loss that children experience over the summer when they are out of school and away from structured learning activities. Children and teens who do not read over the summer lose some of the achievement gains made during the previous school year. These summer setbacks are particularly problematic because early education serves as the foundation for the achievement, work habits, and perceptions about selfconfidence and schooling that impact performance for years to come. The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) can help with that! The Library Summer Reading Program provides educational, fun enrichment activities, and they're free! The 2022 Summer Reading program kicks off on June 1 and runs through July 31! Throughout June and July, SCPL will be offering a variety of performer events, including circus, magic, and puppet shows, dancers, drumming, and a virtual interactive bilingual presentation featuring Delrita the Elephant. In addition, the Library will provide Summer Reading Outreach Pop-up Programming events through the “Lunch at the Library” grant administered by the

California State Librarian. Library staff will visit six sites that provide summer meals to students throughout the county, with free books, giveaways, and reading logs. The Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries provided additional funds for this program. Santa Cruz Public Libraries partnered with Atlantis Fantasyworld, Penny Ice Creamery, and the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to offer incentives that encourage children and teens to read. Upon signing up, children and teens receive an Atlantis Fantasyworld coupon they can use to select a book. After completing 5 hours of reading, kids ages 11 and under receive a free book to keep, and teens receive a backpack with goodies. After reading 20 hours, kids and teens receive a Free Scoop Coupon from Penny Ice Creamery. They also receive raffle tickets for completing activities incorporating STEAM, outdoor exploration, and creative expression while providing opportunities for practicing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. The Library's extensive collections of print, ebooks, audiobooks, and graphic novels, along with lists of recommended

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with festivities from 12 - 4 p.m. Once threatened with closure and now beautifully renovated to serve the 21st century, Garfield Park is ready to welcome a new generation of visitors! The Scotts Valley branch anticipates reopening in mid-July, the Live Oak branch in August, and Branciforte in September. Aptos Branch Library and the Live Oak Annex are under construction, with openings expected in 2023. The Downtown Santa Cruz Branch Library is the most significant library improvement planned for opening in 2026. Desperately needing replacement, the branch is part of a new mixed-use project combining library services with affordable housing and child care -- a forward-thinking, sustainable opportunity for our community. Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go online. For a complete list of all the Summer Reading Program activities and locations, see the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Summer Reading Program page at SantaCruzpl.org/srp.

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books for all ages, makes it easy to find reading materials of interest. Parents are encouraged to read together with their children and participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Incentives include an SCPL Bookbag and raffle prizes, including a family pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Adults who sign up by June 17 will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to Santa Cruz Shakespeare. The drawing will take place the week of June 21. The Summer Reading Program locations may vary from previous years as Garfield Park, Branciforte, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley branches prepare to reopen and the Aptos Branch Library and Live Oak Annex construction begins. The projects are part of the long-term vision to provide safe, accessible spaces with modern features at all branches, thanks to Measure S, the 2016 library bond act, and fundraising by Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Stunning new library spaces have already become hubs of community life for Felton, La Selva Beach, Capitola, and Boulder Creek. On June 11, the historic Garfield Park branch in Santa Cruz will celebrate its grand opening

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SUMMER READING PROGRAM PROGRAMA DE LECTURA DE VERANO santacruzpl.org/srp

SUMMER READING PROGRAM PROGRAMA DE LECTURA DE VERANO santacruzpl.org/srp June 1 - July 31 • 1 de junio - 31 de julio Earn a book and raffle entries for reading this summer. Complete activities to collect virtual badges and earn extra raffle entries. $10 Atlantis Fantasyworld credit upon sign-up for kids & teens! Adults who sign up before June 17th receive a raffle entry for a chance to see Santa Cruz Shakespeare! Gana un libro y entradas a la rifa por leer este verano. Completa las actividades para colectar medallas virtuales y entradas extras a la rifa. ¡$10 crédito de Atlantis Fantasyworld para niños y adolescentes al registrarse! ¡ Los adultos que se registran antes del 17th de junio reciben una entrada para participar en la rifa y tendrán la oportunidad de ver una actuación en Shakespeare Santa Cruz!

YOUR HOME The Santa Cruz Real Estate Bubble BY SEB FREY The talk of a real estate bubble has been getting louder and louder for the past several years. Lately, it seems to have reached, if not a fevered pitch, something of a dull roar.

Memories of the 2008 mortgage crisis and subsequent collapse of real estate prices linger. Prices are now considerably higher than they were at the prior peak, and housing affordability is as bad as it has ever been, and quite possibly worse. It seems everyone is asking, “Are these prices sustainable?” and “should I wait for the market to correct before I buy a home here?” Those are two very good questions! If you’re looking for answers to them, unfortunately you’re going to have to keep looking, because I can’t pretend to answer them in any way that you should rely on. Whether you should buy, sell, or hold any real estate in Santa Cruz county is a very consequential decision, and getting to that determination is a path for your steps alone. I’m just here to provide some information for you which I hope will be of some value if you are struggling to figure out what to do in today’s Santa Cruz real estate market. I’ll begin by addressing the question of pricing sustainability.

Historically, real estate prices in Santa Cruz have marched inexorably upward… with periods where prices have retreated for brief periods of time. Even in the real estate collapse of 2008-2009, prices really only went down for about 18 months

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before hitting bottom in 2010, and they’ve been climbing (sometimes lurching) upwards ever since. It’s important to also understand that much of the increase in home prices is just garden variety price inflation. A dollar bill you had lying around in 1984 is equivalent to $2.78 in 2022 money. In 1984, California’s median home price was $114,260 - which means that adjusted for inflation, the California median price “should be” around $317,600 today. Yet Zillow reports that the California median home price is about $790,000, more than double the increase that can be attributed to inflation. This does beg the question, how can prices keep up? The answer is simple. Home price increases have exceeded the rise of inflation because income increases have exceeded the rate of inflation. According to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, the median California income in 1984 - in 2021 dollars - was $25,287, and the median income in 2020 was $77,358 - a 300% increase, which is adjusted for inflation. California home prices have grown about 250% greater than inflation over the past 35-40 years…but inflationadjusted incomes have grown 300% in that time. This helps to show how and why home prices have risen to where they are today. Regardless, I am absolutely certain that prices will come down again - but what I can’t tell you is when, by how much, or how long they will stay down. And crucially, I can’t tell you how much more they will rise between today and whenever they do finally retreat. I will say though that I am not expecting that we will see a drop in home prices in Santa Cruz county this year. A lot of people are very incredulous that home prices will continue to rise, given how far they’ve gone up recently, especially in the face of the sharp -

historically sharp, actually - increases in mortgage rates that we have seen over the past couple of months. However, I have yet to see any forecast which predicts that national or California home prices will decrease this year. Just today I read an article that said CoreLogic, a major real estate analytics and data services company, put out a new report predicting that the median U.S. home price will increase 5.9% between March 2022 and March 2023. That same CoreLogic report analyzed 392 U.S. housing markets in April of this year, looking to determine the likelihood that there will be price decrease in them over the next 12 months. In the Bay Area, every county - including Santa Cruz registered a “low” probability (20-40%) chance of a price decrease in that time. However, it should be noted, Monterey county was rated as having a “Medium” chance of home price decreases, in the 40-50% range.

And that leads me to that second question: should you wait to buy, in anticipation of the inevitable correction in Santa Cruz housing prices?

I’m not a big believer in market timing - in most cases, if you’re able to successfully time the market, you owe it to luck. But knowing that real estate prices have tended to rise over the long term, and will likely continue to rise until we reach the Zombie Apocalypse, should help inform your decision. You may want to wait … but you may not want to wait too long.  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 at YouTube.com/SebFreyTV

LOCAL ARTIST Madisyn Huntress Hein

I'm a recent SLVHS graduate attending Cabrillo College. I've lived all over the Santa Cruz Mountain areas. My interest in art started at a young age, and my first art teacher, Lisa Alexander, sparked my passion for creating art. She was encouraging and helped me believe in myself as an artist at a young age. Many of my skills are self-taught, with some instruction from various high school art teachers. I paint mostly plant life and landscapes. I also enjoy focusing on bringing my imagination of fairies and magic to life. I've been oil painting

on and off since my sophomore year of high school. While I am majoring in psychology and not art, it's still a large part of my life. I've started learning ceramics recently, which has been a bit of a learning curve. The people who work at the Santa Cruz Mountain Art Center are helpful and friendly. I've also recently taken up painting classes at the art center. I generally paint from photos taken while out and about at the beach or hiking in the woods. Most of the pieces I've done recently have taken about a month to a month and a half to complete.

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2–5pm 25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2022

WEDNESDAY 1

World Reef Awareness Day helps to create awareness among various business communities and the general public about the fragile biological system of our oceans’ coral reefs. This day unites people belonging to different backgrounds including environmentalists and social activists to come up with various ideas and techniques to protect the ecosystems of our reefs from deteriorating. Dinosaur Day Let’s travel back to prehistoric times to meet the great and amazing dinosaurs. Toddler Time 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Our Bilingual Toddler Storytime features fun songs, rhymes an d books that foster early literacy ~ this program takes place inpersonEn la hora de Cuentos Bilingües para Niños Pequeños cantaremos canciones divert idas y leeremos libros que fomentan la alfabetización temprana. Este prog rama se lleva a cabo en persona cityofwatsonville. org/calend ar.aspx?EID=3456 Año Nuevo State Park: Self-Guided Hikes in Seal Viewing Area 8:30 AM-3:30 PM Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour self-guided trail! Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Bring water. Food, umbrellas, and strollers are not permitted inside the preserve. parks. ca.gov/?page_id=523 Wednesday Night Sailboat Races 6:30 PM-8:00 PM Wednesday Night Sailboat Races begin in April and run through fall ending in October. Harbor restaurants & the beach are great viewing areas to watch the sailboat races against the setting sun. santacruzharbor.org/ Strange Weather 12:00 AM-5:00 PM Strange Weather brings together works by influential artists from the 20th and 21st centuries that creatively illuminate and reframe the boundaries of bodies and the environment. The group exhibition draws from the Jordan Schnitzer Family

Foundation in Portland, Oregon, and is organized by UC Santa Cruz Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) in collaboration with the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH). goodtimes.sc/eventcalendar/#/show/?ser=Porter%20College Celtic Teen Band Program 3:30 PM5:00 PM 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. Instruments welcomed include fiddle, viola, flute, tin whistle, pipes, cello, upright bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer, autoharp, ukulele, Celtic harp, accordion and percussion. Students must have at least two years experience on their instrument, and must be able to read sheet music and chord symbols. The group meets twice a month goodtimes.sc/ event-calendar/#/show/?ser=Louden%20 Nelson%20Community%20Center Vinocruz Live Flamenco Music~ Bobby ‘El Poni de Jerez’ 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Vinocruz Join Bobby ‘El Poni de Jerez’ for some live Flamenco music. Wine, Tapas, Flemenco, Ole’!

THURSDAY 2

National I Love My Dentist Day This day is dedicated to dentists for all the fantastic work they do to keep us smiling. National Leave the Office Early Day A day for those who find themselves living to work instead of working to live. Splashball & Water Polo for Kids 7 to 14 5:00 PM-7:00 PM Splashball & Water Polo for kids 7-14 years old. goodtimes.sc/ event-calendar/#/show/?ser=Harbor%20 HS%20&%20Soquel%20HS%20Pools Vinocruz The Akoustic Band Featuring Michael Lewis on Bass and Sam Nilson on Guitar 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Vinocruz Great music to drink wine to and enjoy amazing food! Strange Weather 12:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jun 01.

22 JUNE 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

FRIDAY 3

SATURDAY 4

National Donut Day We are gearing up to savor our best-loved fried dough confections!

National Hug Your Cat Day Ancient Egyptians worshipped, revered, and spoiled their cats (sound familiar?). They were seen as symbols of grace and poise — traits cats are still associated with today. There’s a lot of cat hugging going on all the time, but make an extra special attempt during National Hug Your Cat Day on June 4. The best way to celebrate? Scoop your regal cat right off the ground and snuggle the heck out of it until it feels the love. Sounds like a pleasant activity we can all get behind, no? So grab your kitty BFF and celebrate with us!

World Cider Day Gather your friends, pour a few pints, and enjoy the familiar crispness of a delicious cider! Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program 4:15 PM-5:30 AM The Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program will begin a 5-Week Session for String Students Ages 8-18, for those with note-reading experience.The classes will be held on consecutive Friday afternoons, May 6-June 3 in the VAPA5000 Music Building. You may register through our website, cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings or through Extension, 479-6331, extension. cabrillo.edu. You may also call us at 4796101. The fee is $175 due before the first day of class. Students must wear masks. A recital will be given on June , 7:00 pm. West Cliff Food Truck Series 4:00 PM-8:00 PM Join us at the West Cliff Lighthouse parking lot and enjoy the beautiful view and local food trucks! It’s a great chance to get outside and soak in the sunshine. This is becoming a locals favorite and tourists love it as well. The parking lot is close to many wonderful picnic areas where you can relax and take in the scenery. Admission is FREE! http://go.evvnt. com/1003988-0?pid=6299 First Friday: The Art of Nature 5:00 PM-8:00 PM First Fridays are back at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Join us for monthly after-hours events on the First Friday of the month. Enjoy free admission 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with special outdoor festivities 5-8 p.m. Food from Areperia 831 and adult drinks will be for sale. Location: Outside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Find out more about this free event on the Santa Cruz Natural History website. santacruzmuseum.org/6-3-first-friday-theart-of-nature Vinocruz Dave D’Oh Classic Rock Music 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Dave D’Oh Dave specializes in classic rock from the 70’s and 80’s. Dave is a trained saxophonist as well as a solid guitar player and talented singer, combining all three instruments in a unique style. Strange Weather 12:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jun 01.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: Nature Club 10:00 AM-12:30 PM Kick-off the beginning of summer with an awesome visit to the Moore Creek Preserve, exploring different communities found in one of our best local habitats during this month’s Nature Club for 6th-8th graders. Birds, deer, coyotes, rabbits, and much more call this place home, and we will learn all about the adaptations they need to survive in this environment. Location: Moore Creek Preserve Ages: 6th-8th grade santacruzmuseum.org Family Fun with Sun Prints! 1:00 PM-4:00 PM As we get closer to the summer solstice, the sun becomes higher in the sky for longer each day, making it the perfect time to play with sun prints! We’ll try out several sun print techniques using cyanotypes, shadows, and construction paper, and we’ll also play with other types of nature prints. Materials will be provided and all are welcome! Swing by Tyrrell Park outside the Museum anytime between 1-4 p.m. to make prints with our Education staff. Free | Donations appreciated Location: Outside the Museum in Tyrrell Park santacruzmuseum.org/6-4-family-funwith-sun-prints/” Nature Club: Moore Creek Preserve and Summer Startup Ages: 6th-8th grade 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 while making discoveries along the way. Kick-off the beginning of summer with an awesome visit to the Moore Creek Preserve, exploring different communities found in one of our best local habitats during this month’s Nature Club for 6th-8th graders. Birds, deer, coyotes, rabbits, and much more call this place home and we will learn all about the adaptations they need to survive in this

JUNE CALENDAR environment. Register on the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History website and get more info. santacruzmuseum.org/64-nature-club-moore-creek-preserve-andsummer-startup

Westside Farmers' Market 9:00 AM1:00 PM The Westside Farmers’ Market is open for business! Come see us at the corner of Hwy 1 & Western Drive for a wide selection of fruits and veggies, medicinal tinctures and salves, tasty breakfast, sustainable seafood, and more! santacruzfarmersmarket.org/ markets/westside/ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: Nature Club 10:00 AM-12:30 PM Kick-off the beginning of summer with an awesome visit to the Moore Creek Preserve, exploring different communities found in one of our best local habitats during this month’s Nature Club for 6th-8th graders. Birds, deer, coyotes, rabbits, and much more call this place home, and we will learn all about the adaptations they need to survive in this environment. santacruzmuseum.org/6-4nature-club-moore-creek-preserve-andsummer-startup/ Redwood Mountain Faire 11:00 AM8:00 PM The annual Redwood Mountain Faire brings together a wide range of music styles on two stages. The Faire benefits a wide range of nonprofit and service organizations and is organized by the Valley Women’s Club of the San Lorenzo Valley. redwoodmountainfaire.com/ You Pick Roses 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Here at Birdsong Orchards, we are growing over 500 roses, deeply fragrant, lush and in every color, and we want to share them with you! Get out of the house and enjoy cutting a bucket of roses for your own pleasure or to share with family and friends. Reservations are required. goodtimes.sc/event-calendar/#/ show/?ser=Birdsong%20Orchards Japanese Cultural Fair 11:00 AM6:00 PM The Japanese Cultural Fair is to provide an opportunity for the community to increase its awareness and understanding of Japanese culture. Come and enjoy performances throughout the day with Japanese music, taiko drummers, lots of food vendors, and arts and crafts booths! goodtimes.sc/event-calendar/#/ show/?ser=Mission%20Plaza%20Park,%20 Santa%20Cruz Strange Weather 12:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jun 01.

SUNDAY 5 World Environment Day is both a global celebration and a platform for public outreach. National Cancer Survivors Day the nonprofit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation rallies its forces and resources to promote National Cancer Survivors Day in the U.S. and worldwide, as it has done since 1988. The NCSD Foundation bills the holiday as a “celebration of life” where survivors — described as anyone who has a history of the disease, from the point of diagnosis through the remainder of life — gather with friends, families, and supporters to raise awareness, spread information, provide services, and honor other survivors, all to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be full and fruitful. Strange Weather 12:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jun 01. You Pick Roses 10:00 AM-4:00 PM See Jun 04.

watercolor painting, and making fun fake stained glass. Each day will be a new project that they complete and take home. All materials included in price. Limited to 8 students. crookedbeautyart.com

TUESDAY 7

MONDAY 6 National Chocolate Ice Cream Day Channel your inner Willy Wonka and pay tribute to this decadently frosty treat.

National Higher Education Day recognizes the importance of education in improving our lives. Did you know the Cabrillo Promise Program covers full-time (12+ units) tuition fees for two years for first-time (former dual enrollment students are eligible) college students attending Cabrillo College. D-Day brings overwhelming memories of the brave men and women who fought a strategically planned and well-executed battle that ultimately led to the end of the Second World War. More than 75 years after the end of World War II, these memories remain fresh to the over 300,000 living U.S. veterans of the war. The rest of us look to their legacy and the rich history of events told through museums and memorials. There is not a more important time than today for us to remember and honor them as we reflect on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Summer Art Class for 8yrs. - 11yrs. 9:00 AM-11:00 AM this class will focus on weaving, hand sewing, acrylic and watercolor painting, and making wind chimes. Each day will be a new project that they complete and take home. crookedbeautyart.com Summer Art Class ofr 12 yrs. and up 11:30 AM-1:30 PM This class will include wood burning, hand sewing, acrylic and

Build & Play Time 4:00 PM-6:00 PM Come join us for some building and play fun activities at the Marina Library. Enjoy building and creative fun with Magnatiles, Keva Planks & building blocks. All ages are welcome. Children under the age of 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. montereycountyfreelibraries.org/events.html Seminario Triple P: El poder de ser padres positivos 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Asista a este seminario virtual GRATIS de crianza para aprender cómo: Brindar entornos de aprendizaje positivos para los niños; Usar una disciplina efectiva; Tener expectativas realistas y a cuidar de usted mismo(a). Inscríbase: bit.ly/PadresPositivos-8Junio Presentado en ESPAÑOL por Zoom. Este seminario es el primero de una serie de tres para familias del condado de Santa Cruz con niños recién nacidos hasta 12 años. Vea próximos seminarios: first5scc.org/calendar ¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con Mayra Martinez al (831) 724-2997 x210 bit.ly/Padres-Positivos8Junio Strange Weather 12:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jun 01. Celtic Teen Band Program 3:30 PM5:00 PM See Jun 01.

THURSDAY 9

Triple P Workshop: Developing Good Bedtime Routines 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Attend this FREE parenting workshop to learn: Common reasons why children have difficulty going to bed and sleeping through the night; How to create peaceful bedtime routines that work for the whole family; Tips to help children develop healthy sleep habits. This workshop will be IN PERSON, register to reserve your spot and get FREE child care! Enrollment is limited and masks are required for anyone over 2 years old (Regardless of vaccination status) Where: Live Oak Community Resources 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz (Live Oak). Register: bit. ly/Bedtime-Routines-June7 bit.ly/BedtimeRoutines-June7 Strange Weather 12:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jun 01.

WEDNESDAY 8 National Best Friends Day Whether they’re near or far, old or new, best friends help to us through our lives. World Oceans Day Dive in and do your part to keep big blue going strong. Nature Journal Studio 6:30 PM-8:00 PM During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions inside the Museum, 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. Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History santacruzmuseum.org/6-8-naturejournal-studio Preschool Storytime 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Join us for stories and a craft for youngsters montereycountyfreelibraries.org/events.html

National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day It’s time to please that sweet tooth as we celebrate this delicious dessert. Vinocruz The Akoustic Band Featuring Michael Lewis on Bass and Sam Nilson on Guitar 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Vinocruz The Akoustic Band Featuring Micheal Lewis on Bass and Sam Nilson on Guitar Great music to drink wine to and enjoy amazing food! Strange Weather 12:00 AM-5:00 PM See Jun 01.

FRIDAY 10 National Black Cow Day the perfect time to celebrate a cold and refreshing beverage when temperatures start getting warmer. Many people also know the black cow as the humble root beer float or ice cream soda. Some people even substitute vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream, making it a “brown cow.” (Cont'd on Page 24

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 2022

JUNE CALENDAR Summer Art Class #2 for 8 yrs - 11yrs. 9:00 AM-11:00 AM This class will include pouring paint, making and racing STEAM cars, making fairy/elf houses, drawing textures and shadow boxes. Each day will be a new project that they will complete and take home. crookedbeautyart.com

TUESDAY 14 National Strawberry Shortcake Day Strawberries are found all year round nowadays but this wasn’t always the case. Previously, it was only harvested in the summer months. Even now, the strawberries that come in the summer months are juicier and tastier. Strawberries are eaten in all sorts of ways during this time by slicing, dicing, mixing, and cutting them and, at times, using them to make something flavorful like strawberry shortcake. National Herbs and Spices Day Try to stop your mouth from watering as we dive headfirst into seasonings and condiments!

SATURDAY 11 National Corn on the Cob Day There's no wrong or right method as long as it stays on that cob. Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Watch these classic beauties cruise the coastline on Saturday morning from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to Capitola. Enjoy a weekend filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and family fun at the beach! capitolacarshow.com West Cliff: Outdoor Market 10:00 AM6:00 PM Come enjoy our outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf spot. The market will feature hand-crafted gifts, and admission is FREE! We will also be giving away free tokens every hour to random shoppers. The tokens can be used towards any vendor of your choice. So come down and get your free gift! Watch these classic beauties cruise the coastline on Saturday morning from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to Capitola starting at 8:30 am. Enjoy a weekend filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and family fun at the beach!” You Pick Roses 10:00 AM-4:00 PM See Jun 04.

SUNDAY 12 National Loving Day We celebrate love and the Supreme Court's 1967 decision to strike down laws banning interracial marriage. You Pick Roses 10:00 AM-4:00 PM See Jun 04.

MONDAY 13 National Sewing Machine Day Dream up some custom couture and celebrate the sewing machine today!

calendar ¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese al (831) 724-2997 x210 o mayram@ cbridges.org bit.ly/Hijos-Seguros-Capaces15Junio Celtic Teen Band Program 3:30 PM5:00 PM See Jun 01. Preschool Storytime 2:00 PM-3:00 PM See Jun 08. Build & Play Time 4:00 PM-6:00 PM See Jun 08.

THURSDAY 16 National Fudge Day "Oh, fudge!" said a confectioner who flubbed while making caramel, ending up creating something equally tasty Summer Art Class #2 for 12 yrs. and up 11:30 AM-1:30 AM we will focus on lino block printing, shadow boxes, leather work, drawing textures, and weaving. Each day will be a new project that they complete and take home. $150, all materials included. Limited to 8 people. crookedbeautyart.com Vinocruz The Akoustic Band Featuring Michael Lewis on Bass and Sam Nilson on Guitar 5:30 PM-7:30 PM See Jun 09.

Downtown Felton Saturdays on Deck Enjoy music on the Redwood Deck performed by Mountain Drive, food popups, and shop sales. DowntownFelton.com Santa Cruz Juneteenth 12:00 PM-5:00 PM Juneteenth is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people. Join us for our 30th anniversary in Laurel Park as we celebrate with music, poetry, dance, delicious soul food, arts & crafts, basketball skills contest, and the annual sack race! santacruzjuneteenth.com You Pick Roses 10:00 AM-4:00 PM See Jun 04.

SUNDAY 19

FRIDAY 17 Global Garbage Man Day Celebrate by offering smiles and appreciation to these hard workers!

Father’s Day Far from a “Hallmark holiday,” Father’s Day has its origins in medieval Europe, when Catholics dedicated a day to honoring fathers, fatherhood, and all paternal relationships. Fast forward a couple hundred years, and it’s now a holiday held all over the world — a testament to how important fathers and father figures are in societies everywhere.

Flag Day America’s Flag Day marks the Second Continental Congress’s adoption of the first U.S. national flag on June 14, 1777. The first flag featured the same 13 red and white stripes we see today. However, the number and arrangement of stars have changed as the number of states has increased over the centuries. The current flag has remained the same since 1960. Will we ever go from 50 to 51? Read on for a look at some possible statehood candidates.

WEDNESDAY 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day It's hard to imagine anyone deliberately harming an elderly person, but unfortunately, it's a widespread problem. Waltz-ercise & Swing-ercise 8:00 AM-9:00 AM Dance workout using Waltz & Swing Ballroom dance technique (nopartners) peggydance.weebly.com/ Seminario Triple P: Cómo Criar Hijos Seguros y Capaces 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Asista a este seminario virtual GRATIS de crianza para aprender cómo ayudar a sus hijos a: Aprender a tratar a los demás con respeto; Tener buena comunicación y habilidades sociales; Desarrollar una autoestima saludable. Este seminario es el segundo de una serie de tres seminarios virtuales abiertos a familias del condado de Santa Cruz con niños recién nacidos hasta 12 años. Asista a 1, 2, o todos a los 3 seminarios. Inscríbase: bit.ly/Hijos-SegurosCapaces-15Junio Más clases: first5scc.org/

24 JUNE 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

National Apple Strudel Day Apple strudel is a Viennese dessert made from thinly rolled out dough sheets, apples, sugar, and an assortment of spices. The world-famous dish is enjoyed as both a breakfast item as well as a dessert at night. It is also paired with coffee and tea for evening snack time. It can be accompanied by a generous dollop of whipping cream or a dusting of icing sugar/cinnamon.

SATURDAY 18 National Cherry Tart Day Grab your dessert forks and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. National Go Fishing Day Fishing is a recreational pastime, and if you’re lucky, you can bring home a fresh catch.

Juneteenth The freedom of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. in 1865 is celebrated. Fall Creek After Fire: Exploring the CZU Burn Zone with State Parks 10:00 AM-12:00 PM The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has reopened after 18 months of recovery work in the wake of the CZU Lightning Complex fires — and we want to share it with you. Join us for a series of guided tours of the burn zone in partnership with California State Parks and the Mountain Parks Foundation. We’ll explore how the landscape has responded to fire, from redwood trees to wildflowers, and banana slugs to birds, as well as share how community members can help monitor the fire’s impacts. Register for the event on the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History website. santacruzmuseum.org/6-19-fallcreek-after-fire-exploring-the-czu-burnzone-with-state-parks Roaring Camp Railroads: Father's Day Brew Train 11:00 AM-3:30 PM Take a trip from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Roaring Camp Railroads on the Father’s Day Brew Train! Local brewers will be pouring tastes of some of their favorite beers as you ride the rails from the seas to the trees. roaringcamp.com/events

JUNE CALENDAR You Pick Roses 10:00 AM-4:00 PM See Jun 04.

THURSDAY 23

MONDAY 20

National Chocolate Pudding Day when adults and kids alike can heap spoonful after spoonful of the stuff with abandon. If it’s pudding’s creaminess and smooth texture that make you melt, you may grimace at its origins as a sometimessavory cakey dessert. You Pick Roses 10:00 AM-4:00 PM See Jun 04.

National Take Your Cat to Work Day It’s only right that we show our cats the world on the other side of the window — at least for one day a year. World Refugee Day For refugees, fleeing their home country is often just the beginning of a difficult journey.

MONDAY 27

TUESDAY 21 World Day of Music Even if we can't play instruments, or sing, somehow, we can connect with rhythms and melodies. Summer Solstice As the sun creeps up over the hills and into your town on June 21, you’ll know it’s here. That blessed time of year when barbecues and beach trips reign, when work slows and summer holidays mean getting together with friends and family. Just thinking about it likely brings up the smell of fresh cut grass and the taste of cold lemonade. Summer Solstice — also known as the first day of summer — has arrived. National Seashell Day You know it’s summer when you can sink your feet in the sand and admire seashells. Go Skateboarding Day This fun celebration endeavors to get people to go skateboarding wherever there is a rideable surface such as a skatepark, road, etc. When the event was first celebrated in Southern California, it hosted several skateboard sessions, demos, barbecues, and other fun activities.

WEDNESDAY 22

SUNDAY 26

Helen Keller Day Celebrating the life and achievements of Helen Keller, who overcame blindness and deafness. National PTSD Awareness Day

TUESDAY 28 National Hydration Day Proper hydration is vital to living a healthy life, but it’s often overlooked. Vinocruz The Akoustic Band Featuring Michael Lewis on Bass and Sam Nilson on Guitar 5:30 PM-7:30 PM See Jun 09.

FRIDAY 24

National Alaska Day Alaska is the largest state to join the U.S. and it is its last frontier, too.

WEDNESDAY 29 Hug Holiday A simple way to express many different types of affection, from friendly, to intimate, to familial.

CALENDAR

SATURDAY 25

National Kissing Day s all about showing your love and improving your health. That’s right, kissing is actually good for you — #wellness. Kissing relieves stress, burns calories, and benefits your immunity. With so many perks, we can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to celebrate, so pucker up! Preschool Storytime 2:00 PM-3:00 PM See Jun 08.

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 visit our website to fill out the calendar form: growingupsc.com/submissions

Additional Sources: NationalToday.com

National Take Your Dog to Work Day Wouldn’t you agree, the hardest part of the day is leaving our four-legged fur babies behind as we head to the office? So, when Pet Sitters International (PSI) pitched the idea of taking them with us, how could we resist? Dogs brighten up even the best days so it’s pretty obvious they will up the fun factor at work exponentially. As you run out the door, don’t forget your briefcase and a doggie bag. We’ll see you at the office!

Global Beatles Day The occasion pays tribute to "The Beatles" and their impact on both music and pop culture. Summer Kick-Off Festival 11:00 AM-3:00 PM Enjoy free admission to the Museum and outdoor festivities! Celebrate and learn with live animals from Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center, live music from Andy Z, food trucks, nature crafts, science activities, and more. It promises to be a day of nature-filled family fun — both out in the sunshine and within our Museum galleries. santacruzmuseum.org 26th Annual Woodies on the Wharf 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Celebrate the Santa Cruz surf lifestyle and classic surf wagons at Woodies on the Wharf. Come see the more than 200 “Woodies”, gorgeous, pre-1950s cars that feature wood bodies, line the Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll the Wharf and enjoy dozens of shops and restaurants and stellar coastal views while you soak up the sun and beauty of Northern California’s premier “Woodie” show. santacruzwoodies. com/category/upcoming-events You Pick Roses 10:00 AM-4:00 PM See Jun 04.

protect ourselves. To make that happen, they formed a foundation, and in 2015, they celebrated the world’s first International Asteroid Day. There are over one million asteroids in space that could potentially strike the earth, but modern scientists have only discovered about one percent of them. To combat this, Asteroid Day’s founders, as well as a host of accomplished scientists, created the 100X Asteroid Declaration. The declaration aims for scientists to work to increase the rate of asteroid discovery to 100,000 per year within a decade. International Asteroid Day focuses on spreading the word of the declaration and helping fellow Earthlings prepare for a potential asteroid impact.

Do you have an event you want placed in our calendar? International Fisherman Day It’s a unique festival that recognizes and integrates the efforts of fishermen around the world. Did you know that fishing has been a part of every single society globally since the prehistoric era? Fishing has been a viable source of food and trading from time immemorial.

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

Preschool Storytime 2:00 PM-3:00 PM See Jun 08.

THURSDAY 30 International Asteroid Day will have everyone looking toward the skies. The holiday was founded after the 2014 release of the film 51 Degrees North, which explores what would happen if an asteroid were to strike London. The film’s creative team (many of whom are scientists) wanted to raise more awareness about the threat of asteroids to earth, and how we can help

DEADLINE The 15th of the month prior to publication month.

25th ANNIVERSARY | GrowingUpSC.com | JUNE 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 June 15.

26 JUNE 2022 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz | 25th ANNIVERSARY

Abigail | Age 3

Emma | Age 6

Gabriel | Age 6.5

Gemma | Age 6

Isabella | Age 7

Isla | Age 4

Jhonee | Age 5

Josie | Age 6

Leilana | Age 12

Luna | Age 5

Luna | Age 10

Maeve | Age 3

Presley Rose | Age 6

Rosie | Age 5

Seren | Age 7

Thomas | Age 5

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