Growing up in Santa Cruz Nov 22

DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN AND TEENS

welcome!

Dr. Jackson likes to see children

to help assure

In fact, we recommend a first visit around the time of your child’s first birthday.

Three and half years ago, my manager at Cabrillo College introduced me to Brad Kava. He and I met (him with the hope I would be his next ad rep and me with the dream of creating the paper layout.) With much confidence, I convinced him that the paper needed a redesign, and I was the only person to do it. We premiered the new logo, layout, and glossy cover in September 2019. Looking back, the paper and my skills have only improved.

My time at Growing Up has been a roller coaster of uncertainty in the world, from the first months of the pandemic to the fires that displaced so many from their homes. Through it all, I was given freedom in design and helped acquire content to tell a broader story to our readers.

Even my children helped contribute to the Growing Up family. Mikayla writes the What the Kids Are Saying column, which has helped solidify her desire to work with children as a career and Zachary has offered up his expert gaming advice in the Youth Writer column.

I went from a possible ad rep to the Art Director and eventually became the managing editor as my desire to do more increased.

I have learned immensely from every person in the Growing Up Family and will take those lessons with me. It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this incredible experience.

The November issue is my last contribution to Growing Up in Santa Cruz. I will still be making waves in Santa Cruz, focusing more on my family and my shop in Felton.

Thank you, Brad and Steve, for believing in me and giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and lifelong friendship.

Art Director and Managing Editor, Christy Shults

Jim Booth Swim School

Classes

Parties

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

of easy-to-use tips.

Editor's Note

Should we R-E-S-P-E-C-T respect?

I can hardly express the joy I felt when my 6-year-old-son, Parker, won an award for being respectful at an assembly after his first month of first grade.

What parent doesn’t burst with pride for any of their children’s accomplishments?

But that night, I tuned in Bill Maher’s show and heard him lament that we give our children too many participation awards and make them feel entitled for the rest of their lives, regardless of their actual accomplishments.

Now Maher knows as much about raising kids as I do about splitting atoms, but he was echoing the conservative platform that schools and teams now reward students just for showing up. It got me wondering…is that what this elementary school was doing for the 35 students who won awards during their first school assembly?

I called Rio Del Mar Elementary School principal Meghan Green for some clarification.

“We have our Rio values-- being responsible, respectful, being kind and showing your best effort are the things we reward. To be good citizens of the world is a big part of education, preparing them not just for college and careers but preparing them for life.”

Teachers observe their students and watch for examples of excellent behavior and effort for the monthly ceremony. And Green says she has seen the positive reinforcement work.

“When we focus on values we have fewer needs for discipline,” she says. “Because the kids are internally motivated to be good people.”

About the Cover

What does she say to those who claim such awards are meaningless?

“A lot of schools give academic or attendance awards, but to me this is more important. I don’t like attendance awards, especially during Covid. Don’t come in if you are sick. But placing an emphasis on positive behavior puts proactive systems in place. We aren’t chasing discipline, but chasing a positive community.”

The principal is considering adding another award, an “upstander” prize for kids who help their fellow students and aren’t just “bystanders.”

She tries to teach students that life goes beyond college and career. Good values are just as important and are something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

“I feel values endure and teaching kids to be good humans is one of the most important things we can do,” she adds.

As parents we don’t really know what our kids are like the many hours of the day they are in school. We can guess, but it was great to hear that my son was recognized for treating other kids and teachers with respect.

While there may be no way to put a grade on such things, I think rewarding values isn’t just a participation award. It’s a recognition of the deeper aspects of life. What do you parents and teachers think of these rewards? What do your schools do to recognize your children’s accomplishments or values? Should schools just stick to giving awards for high grades and sports accomplishments, or is there something more?

Drop us a line at editor@growingupsc. com and we’ll print your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Christy, Mikayla and Zachary have been recreating this photo with photographer, Carolyn Kelley of Soil and Sea Photography for the last 8 years! Every year Carolyn takes their family photos, which now include Jeff and Chelsea Myers. This year's photos were taken at Wylder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz. SoilandSeaPhotography.com

Ask Nicole: Helping Kids Handle Big Emotions

BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind us, but the effects of nearly three years of uncertainty, disruption, and loss are still rippling through our community. Health, education, and social service professionals everywhere are sharing how the pandemic and the ongoing struggle for racial justice have intensified the mental health crisis among children and adolescents, which was growing at an alarming rate even before the pandemic. Our community isn’t immune to this mental health crisis, and none of us can solve it on our own. But together, we can support children and families wherever they live, work, learn, play, and worship.

This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is 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,

My 14-year-old niece (who we’re raising) has had several emotional outbursts at home, which isn’t like her at all. When I ask if something’s wrong, she says, “You wouldn’t understand,” and then isolates in her room. My 7-year-old son is aggressive one minute and then crying the next. When I ask him what’s going on, he shuts down. I don’t want to force them to talk, but I’m not sure what to do. How can I support them?

- Jessie

Dear Jessie,

I’m glad you reached out and asked this question. Raising children is a hard job that can feel impossible some days, especially when we’re not sure what to do. Here are some tips to try:

NORMALIZE BIG FEELINGS

Many kids struggle with managing emotions, and sometimes they’re hesitant to talk about it, especially with their parents and caregivers. They might feel an intense emotion (“big feeling”) — scared, anxious, embarrassed, angry, ashamed, hopeless, or frustrated — but they don’t have a name for it and don’t understand why they’re feeling that way. Or, they might have experienced something difficult, but they avoid talking about it because they fear being misunderstood, judged, criticized, or even rejected. Try starting with a simple statement, “It’s OK to have big feelings and not know what to do with them. It happens to everyone, even adults.”

Give unconditional love and support, even when they don’t ask for it.

Spend quality time together, talk about things that interest them, give affection and attention, engage them in interesting activities (even better if the activities help them express themselves), and give descriptive praise to show

you notice their efforts and successes. These are all simple yet effective positive parenting strategies that build strong relationships and reassure kids they matter and are loved. Creating a sense of safety and belonging at home makes a big difference for kids, especially if they’re struggling with other things, like school, friendships, or aspects of their identities.

KEEP COMMUNICATING

Some kids are reluctant to have heavy, serious conversations with their parents and caregivers, even if they’re dealing with heavy, serious issues. Yet it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. Try different conversation starters, such as, “What’s on your mind?” or, “What were the highs and lows of your day?” or even, “What are you reading/watching/listening to right now?” Then when they answer, stop what you’re doing, listen, acknowledge what they’ve said, and encourage them to keep sharing their thoughts.

EMPATHIZE BEFORE PROBLEM-SOLVING

When children and teens are in emotional pain, it’s tempting to try to reassure them that everything will be fine, immediately engage them in problem-solving, or say the situation isn’t as bad as they think. While adults might do these things with good intentions, it could make kids feel dismissed or powerless and then less likely to open up. Simply saying, “I can see you’re really upset,” or, “I understand how you feel,” can have a calming effect. Then ask, “How can I support you right now? Do you want me to just listen, or would you like help thinking about what you could do?” Offering this choice (and respecting their decision) helps build children’s sense of “agency” or control over their actions, which opens the door to teaching problem-solving skills.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Helping children and teens manage big emotions can be stressful for

everyone. During calm moments, teach and practice coping skills, such as deep breathing, coloring, journaling, exercising, giving positive affirmations (self-talk), or taking a break. If your family needs additional support, call 2-1-1 or talk with a parent educator, counselor, health care provider, teacher, friend, or another person you trust.

 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.

“ Helping children and teens manage big emotions can be stressful for everyone. During calm moments, teach and practice coping skills, such as deep breathing, coloring, journaling, exercising, giving positive affirmations (self-talk), or taking a break.

PARENTING

How to Help Your Child with ADHD in School

BY JEANETTE PRATHER

I watched my son, Luke–who was struggling with ADHD– in mainstream education for six years before finally pulling the plug on the whole operation and vowing to search for a better, alternative solution for him. Luke was a round peg trying to fit into a square hole, the child left behind, the kid falling through the cracks. But not anymore. When we left his Santa Cruz city school after his last day of 5th grade still unsure where he would end up during this scholastic year, I knew we were in for an uphill battle.

THE 6-YEAR BATTLE

We first learned of his condition from a Stanford research study of 4- to 5-year-olds who had extensive stays in the NICU as babies and developed ADHD later in life. I learned during the

pandemic, however, that Luke has raging anxiety with some autistic qualities that I noticed when he was younger but didn’t recognize fully.

Luke’s kindergarten teacher pulled me aside one day and confirmed my hunch, suggesting he get evaluated for ADHD.. Luke’s pediatrician, after spending 30 minutes witnessing Luke climbing all over the walls, literally, asked how I wanted to proceed in Luke’s evaluation. “There are three options that we have here,” he said.. “We can do nothing. I can write a letter to his school. Or we can provide medication, although he’s very young.”

After I agreed with the doctor that medicating my 5-year-old didn’t feel good to me, a letter requesting special accommodations was written to his

school. The letter made its way up the chain of command, and we closed out kindergarten feeling pretty good.

I decided to volunteer in Luke’s firstgrade classroom, where I witnessed his peers merely “tolerating” him and his exuberant energy. It was very sad. Near the end of that school year, his teacher pulled me aside to tell me that she was going to have to hold Luke back. In first grade?! “But I’d love to have him in my class again,” she said. When I asked her about the letter, her reply was, “What letter?”

Broken-hearted, I went home and called my mom. “There must be something we can do!” she retorted. That’s what started our intense search into what rights parents have when it comes to special education and their children.

We got Luke an IEP (Individualized Education Program) evaluation by the skin of our teeth that year. Quite literally it was accepted the last week of his school year and put into effect during second grade.

Nothing cataclysmic happened that year, although he did run his mouth, which prompted a counselor to reach out to me. The IEP was in effect, and it appeared to be helping him.

Luke’s third grade year was a doozy. Not only was it leading into 2020 –and we all know what happened in the spring of that year! – but prior to the pandemic his third-grade teacher casually responded to my question about Luke being at risk of not moving on to fourth-grade with, “We can’t legally hold him back.” That was also right before she pulled me aside to suggest that I put him

A DISTANCE LEARNING WAS A POSITIVE

My chance to see the silver lining in all of Luke’s academic turmoil, came during the pandemic. To my surprise we started off on our distance learning journey strong and steady, wrapping up his third grade year having completed nearly 100% of all his schoolwork. We eased into fourth grade confident that we could tackle what lies ahead, unaware that the school systems spent their 2020 summers trying to “fix” the disarray and glitches of distance learning. Somehow in doing this, they thought that students with IEPs needed more work and more Zooms, which was quite the contrary.

In fact, sometimes his Resource Specialist Program teacher and his regular teacher would overlap Zoom sessions. It was a mess and Luke got so overwhelmed and riddled with anxiety, that he would make himself sick. When it happened twice one week over two totally unrelated things, we decided to take him to a child psychologist, who confirmed that he met the qualifications to receive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services and was slightly on the autism spectrum (they call it a spectrum for a reason!).

How did this mother get things on track? See Part Two in our Special Abilities page in December.

on medication. “I’ve seen hundreds of kids come through my classroom, none of them would benefit from medication as much as Luke.”

“ Diagnosed with ADHD at five, I was passively given a note for his school from his pediatrician, which went into a file unread.

PART I

A Three Part Story of a Mother in Crisis

Thanks to you — residents of Santa Cruz County — Santa Cruz Gives raised more than $1.1 million for a wide variety of local nonprofits during the winter holidays last year, and we’re gearing up to launch this year’s campaign. It runs from November 16-December 31.

The projects that will be presented are the most diverse yet, and they cover every area of the County. Whatever you like to support, you’ll find it at SantaCruzGives. org: education and vocational training, the environment, homelessness, mental wellness, the disabled, the arts, youth, seniors, animals, local news, LGBTQ+, and more.

Donations increased by 64.4% in 2021 over 2020 — and have increased just as dramatically or more every year since the campaign was founded in 2015. Reports from nonprofit participants demonstrate

just what we hoped would happen with Santa Cruz Gives:

Because of the online platform and the public exposure that nonprofits gain through the Santa Cruz Gives campaign — which are beyond what any could afford or achieve on their own — the ripple effect is larger than the campaign itself in terms of stimulating fundraising countywide. Many donors are giving throughout the year as well as during the “Gives” campaign, and many have become volunteers. It wasn’t easy to learn about the nonprofits toiling away to improve YOUR neighborhood until SantaCruzGives.org put them all on one convenient site. Each has its own page that succinctly describes what they do. So much of their work is about preventing problems or mitigating problems that it’s often not noticed out in the real world that they make safer, more

equal, more tolerant, more pleasant, or perhaps cleaner community.

Another heartwarming result is that many of these organizations had little contact with one another prior to SC Gives. We gather in two annual meetings where they get to meet, and many are now collaborating — sharing ideas and learning from one another. Santa Cruz Gives proves every year that a rising tide does lift all boats.

No salaries, rent or basic overhead is paid by donations, so your gifts are efficient. And keep in mind that we all benefit from what we give. Santa Cruz Gives is a gamechanger for countywide fundraising, so please join in to keep the momentum going!

Three big heart emojis to 2022 sponsors (more will be confirmed by mid-November):

Good Times, The Volunteer Center of SCC, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, The Applewood Fund, The Joe Collins Fund, Santa Cruz County Bank, Wynn Capital Management, The Pajaronian, and the Press Banner.

Donate at SantaCruzGives.org | November 16, 2022 – December 31, 2022

BY JEANNE HOWARD

Ecology Action, their Big Idea for 2023: Youth Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education for All

Live Like Coco, their Big Idea for 2023: Library Fund

“ Many donors are giving throughout the year as well as during the “Gives” campaign, and many have become volunteers.

 Jeanne Howard founded Santa Cruz Gives on behalf of Good Times.

Santa Cruz County Children Improve their Oral Health

BY SHEREE STORM, CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER,

Life is better with teeth. You can eat, talk, make friends, and, as you get older, get a job. It’s not easy for everyone to have a healthy smile, especially for those struggling to get by.

The good news is that things are better, especially for children, than they were six years ago as confirmed by Dientes Community Dental Care’s newly released study, the 2022 State of Oral Health in Santa Cruz County.

Yet, there is a continued gap in dental care for low-income residents where 82,000 people had Medi-Cal, but only

38% could go to the dentist. There were some gains over the first study done in 2016 – 8,000 more people have Medi-Cal and 6,000 more people were able to go to the dentist. Still, 51,000 people were not able to make an annual dental visit – nearly the total population of the City of Watsonville.

Because of a focused education effort around “first tooth, first birthday, first dental visit” in our community, Santa Cruz County is doing dramatically better than the State for children ages 0-2! A whopping 57% of low-income Santa Cruz

County babies and toddlers have an annual dental visit versus 25% for the State. And, our County has seen a 60% jump in utilization for this youngest age group, as compared to the earlier study.

We are seeing the longerterm benefits of this program in kindergartners who start school with fewer cavities because parents have received oral health education for their children and because kinders have a relationship with a dentist, a dental home, when they begin school. Nearly 1 in 4 children (24%) started school with cavities in the 2016 study, a number which has reduced to fewer than 1 in 5 children (18%) in 2022.

Alas, as young children age there is an alarming decrease in the number of people going to the dentist. The highest proportion of people on Medi-Cal who go to the dentist are children between the

ages 6 to 9. At 68%, this means nearly 7 in 10 children 6–9-year-olds go to the dentist. As children enter the tween years this rate falls to 62%, then 52% for teens, 32% for young adults, and finally to 21% by age 21, where 2 in 10 people are going to the dentist. This rate stays low throughout adulthood, increasing slightly after age 30. While this trend mirrors the state of California, it is concerning given the correlation to not seeing the dentist and costly treatment needs as people age.

Dientes EVP of Operations and CoChair of Oral Health Access, Dr. Sepi Taghvaei, calls parents and guardians to action, “The most important things that you can do to stop this trend is to make sure your children go to the dentist for their annual dental visit and to continue to promote brushing and flossing at home.”

The study revealed that the largest increase in access to care was for adults, with 5,000 more adults who have Medi-Cal going to the dentist. Yet, the proportion of adults who go to the dentist is still very low -- 75% of adults with MediCal were not able to receive care.

Dr. Sepi Taghvaei reacts to the findings, “This study is critical to align resources behind the greatest needs in our community. Oral Health Access has made a concerted effort on educating parents about oral health, promoting the application of fluoride varnish in wellchild medical visits, and making sure kindergarteners have a dental home. We are proud of the results for our youngest residents. Building on these successes, we are looking at how to move the needle for other important groups.”

For more information and to view a summary and the full study go to: oralhealthscc.org/findings

 Dientes Community Dental Care’s mission is to create lasting oral health for the underserved children and adults in Santa Cruz County and neighboring communities. 96% of Dientes’ patients live at or below the poverty level. Dientes accepts MediCal and offers sliding scale fees for uninsured patients.

“ The most important things that you can do to stop this trend is to make sure your children go to the dentist for their annual dental visit and to continue to promote brushing and flossing at home.

Considering an equity perspective, Hispanics have the highest utilization of dental benefits for lowincome residents with Medi-Cal at 48%, followed by Asians 33%, Other 30%, Native Hawaiians / Pacific Islanders 23%, Blacks, 22%, and Alaskan Natives / American Indians 21%.

BIRTH MATTERS

Labor Pain, What’s Your Best Strategy?

BY LAURA MAXSON, LM

Imagine entering a Thai restaurant for the first time. Menu items in a forgeign language may hint at ingredients, but guidance from an experienced diner could make all the difference. Someone to describe the dishes and make recommendations may save the day. This scenario comes to mind when reviewing Henci Goer’s newest book, Labor Pain - What’s Your Best Strategy? Many people skip the pain relief menu and jump straight to the epidural because, doesn’t everyone get the epidural? Parents may be led to believe that an epidural as plan A is always the best choice. Glossed over details, confusing statistics, or feeling rushed at prenatal visits can make it difficult to understand all the options.

Expectant couples don’t always have time or access to in-depth exploration of the pros and cons of different pain relief options. Childbirth education classes used to cover this, but few expectant parents attend a full series of childbirth classes anymore. The effectiveness

of doula support, position changes, massage, warm water therapy and other lower-tech options can’t be fully explored or appreciated in a brief conversation at a prenatal visit.

In just over 100 pages, Goer thoroughly explores pain relief in labor. Each pain coping option gets its own chapter explaining how and when it would be used, how well it works, and its advantages and disadvantages. She reviews options and circumstances that might make one choice a more comfortable fit than another.

The author acknowledges that there is no one right answer to coping with labor pain. Each person and their labor situation will be unique. Without making hard and fast recommendations, the book provides factual information in an easily digestible format to develop a personal strategy. Goer has a knack for explaining statistics, effectiveness, real-life situations, and offers chapters that take a deeper dive into the research if parents want more information.

Having a strategy in mind can help when plans change. A person hoping for an “all natural” birth might develop a dysfunctional labor that finds them considering an epidural. Someone else might arrive at the hospital with the plan of an epidural - right now - only to find the anesthesiologist is busy managing a cesarean and won’t be available right away. Knowing options and what to expect can help ease an otherwise stressful situation.

An epidural moves childbirth from a physiological process to a medically managed event that takes preparation to be safely administered. This means there’s always some delay in receiving an epidural once requested. IV fluids must be given before the epidural can be placed, continuous electronic fetal monitoring and frequent maternal blood pressure readings are required, and a urinary catheter is often necessary. Pitocin is also frequently needed to strengthen contractions. The longer an epidural is in place, the more likely it is that the laboring person will experience a fever requiring antibiotics (in case it’s a real infection and not just a side effect of the epidural.)

An informed patient will be able to roll with any delay and know how to cope until the epidural is available. An opioid injection, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or a warm shower may be considered. Is the nitrous oxide unit readily available or does it take time to be ordered? Opioids might be readily available, but have some

side effects and a possible cumulative effect if an epidural is added later. With this information, perhaps the choice is to get right into a warm shower, for some immediate pain relief with no side effects. After some time in the shower, still considering the epidural, labor may slowly become more doable. Feeling like there is a rhythm and flow to the contractions instead of just pain, it now feels okay. The epidural is still an option, but perhaps as a plan B instead of Plan A. Maybe the next step is nitrous oxide. This is where the strategy part comes in. Henci Goer’s book provides important information in a concise, nonjudgmental manner that stems from her expertise in working with both research and birthing families. Reading Labor Pain - What’s Your Best Strategy?, is like having that savvy diner at your side to review the menu in detail, with substitutions in mind. It may make the difference between a disappointing or satisfying experience.

Doulas, childbirth education - Birthnet.org Meet the Doulas - Nov 16, 7pm - mtd2022. eventbrite.com

Labor Pain - What’s Your Best Strategyhencigoer.com

“ An informed patient will be able to roll with any delay and know how to cope until the epidural is available. An opioid injection, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or a warm shower may be considered.

MusicalMe, Inc.

Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County 831-332-9002

registrar@musicalme.com musicalme.com

Give the gift of the lifelong love of music to the children in your life from Birth to 5 years. We offer gift certificates in any amount for both of our award-winning and research-based music enrichment programs: Music Together© & Canta y Baila Conmigo™.

Tickets at SantaCruzTickets.com | scbt.org

Celebrate the holidays with SCBT’s The Nutcracker! At the Civic Auditorium, SCBT’s production is the only local Nutcracker featuring live orchestra conducted by Maestro Pamela Martin.

This holiday favorite features SCBT dancers and professional, word-class guest dancers as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Performances December 10th/11th.

The Bookakery BookakeryBoxes.com

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Order a Bookakery Box and encourage a love of reading that keeps on giving! Each Bookakery Box comes with: a hardback picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, baking tool and a fun activity all based around a monthly theme. Order yours today at BookakeryBoxes.com

DowntownSantaCruz.com

Gift giving just got easier! Downtown Dollars are accepted at over 80 of your favorite Downtown Santa Cruz businesses, and are as good as cash for shopping, dining and services! Purchase online at www.downtownsantacruz.com or pick up some up today at Bookshop Santa Cruz and Pacific Cookie Company.

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

1100 Pacific Ave, Downtown Santa Cruz 831-469-4400

kiantis.com

Shop early and local with Kianti’s gifts: Gift Cards, Sweatshirts, Blankets, Kianti’s Wine, Kianti’s Handcrafted Liquor: Tequila, Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka. Let Kianti’s cater your event!

Enjoy Kianti’s Christmas Dance Friday & Saturday evenings Thanksgiving weekend til the New Year.

Ethel & Sabel has what you need!

Vintage inspired gifts & handmade candles, right in the shop! You'll be sure to find a unique treasure everytime. Don't miss out on Sunday Brunch Club on November 27 from 10 to noon followed by December holiday hours Tuesday thru Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.

Ethel & Sabel 6215 Downtown Felton

Follow on Instagram @Ethel&Sabel

Looking for the perfect gift this season?

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker Civic Auditorium

Santa Cruz Downtown Association Downtown Santa Cruz shiri@downtownsantacruz.com

Coming in

DECEMBER

Skipper Megan Tracks Whales

BY CARMEN CLARK

The excitement of whale watching has not dulled for Megan over the eight years she’s worked for Stagnero’s, and as she talks about sea life it’s clear that navigating a boat in search of whales and other animals is a passion..

You might not notice right away, it could be fifteen minutes after the boat Velocity leaves the harbor, but soon it’s inevitable that you notice an all-female crew runs the boat. At the head is Megan Petersen.

The excitement of whale watching has not dulled for Megan over the eight years she’s worked for Stagnero’s, and as she talks about sea life it’s clear that navigating a boat in search of whales and other animals is a passion. Of course, that was never a surprise to Megan, the daughter of a scuba master and a nature lover, she studied Marine Science in college, and while she knew she never wanted a job behind a desk, Megan did think her path was heading toward research. Indeed, it was as she worked at a lab in Carmel, right on the water, where she’d see whales and not only stop in her tracks to watch but sound the cry so others could do the same.

It is surprising how many varieties of animals visit our ocean, and that is due mostly to the expansive underwater canyon. This cavernous wonder of nature provides plenty of food for sea life, which is why our oceans are destinations for vacations and research. “We live in this community of giants, between the redwoods and whales.” Megan hopes these expeditions help with ocean conversation, creating connections with sea life, and the majestic whales, in particular, give people an experience they can look back on and is more effective than anything one sees on TV. Megan calls the expeditions “education forward.” She says the goal is to provide information in an accessible way, so

people do feel called to protect the ocean and everything that lives in it. One behavior people could change to be a part of the conservation effort? Balloons. Make sure they end up in the trash, or else they find their way to the ocean, and that is certain death to an animal.

Whale watching is year round; humpback, baleen, blue whales, luckily, and probably because of ocean life education and conservation, whales come through our bay throughout the year, as well as 7 different types of dolphins, including orcas, and two different types of porpoise, including varieties of sharks, including the basking shark, which has just recently started to come back.

Megan explains that when she sets out to find whales, she understands that she is the guest in their home; whales are massive creatures, and she needs to approach their territory respectfully.

Whale watching is not about engaging with the animals; though simply being in the ocean is disruptive, she and her crew work hard on being observers, not participants. Although humpback whales have been known to get curious and will circle around, swim under, or swim alongside the boat. Each and every time a humpback has approached her vessel Megan has felt incredibly fortunate to be in the presence of these graceful, enormous beings.

“

We are smack in the middle of the decorationheavy months of the year, and these fall projects will get you into the spirit of the holidays. While I try to use the simplest materials, things you hopefully have around the house, sometimes these projects take additional materials. In this case, fake leaves, beads, thread, and a needle. I like to use felt balls on my garland as well, but those can get pricy! Believe it or not, Dollar Tree tends to have beads, fake leaves, needles, and thread! If you can’t find something on the list, I encourage you to visit Crooked Beauty in Felton. We have everything to make this project in our studio or we have take-home Fake Leaf Fall Garland Kits.

Leaf Garlands

Here are two ways to make a colorful fall leaf garland that you can reuse every year. These lovely and simple garlands will look beautiful along your mantle, or maybe in a window, or archway. You could do short strands and hang them vertically like a curtain in front of a window.

Garland One

Fake Leaf Garland MATERIALS

Fake leaves, needle and thread, beads, felt balls or anything that would add a personal touch!

1. Cut thread the length you want your garland to be. You can also do short ones and tie them together.

2. Thread the needle

3. You can do this two ways; you can either lay out in the order you want the items strung, or pick randomly without order. Either way looks beautiful, and if you have a little helper, they might have fun picking what goes next.

4. Use the needle to poke through the leaves and beads and whatever else you use until you’ve strung up all the components.

5. Hang it up!

Of course, you can always do a thankful tree - draw a tree and color it or cut one out of brown construction paper. Cut out leaf shapes from the template provided,

Garland Two Paper Leaf Garland MATERIALS

Construction paper, fake leaves, needle and thread, beads, felt balls or other bling

1. Cut thread the length you want your garland to be. You can also do short ones and tie them together.

2. If you have a copier at your disposal, you can copy a leaf outline onto the colored paper. If you don’t have a copier, cut out each leaf, and use them to trace on the colored paper, then cut them out.

Pro Tip: Using paper is fun because then you can paint or draw on the leaves, making it even more special and unique!

3. Hang it up!

Another version of this is using small white x-mas lights and wrapping the garland around them so they hang off the lights!

color them, or cut them from colored construction paper. Before dinner, write what you're grateful for on the leaves, and tape or glue them onto the tree.

BY SANDY NOVEMBRE & AMELIA FOSTER DPT

 Monarch Pilates is a full service studio offering one on one Physical Therapy, Private & Semi Private Pilates and Reformer classes. We provide a variety of services to assist through the journey of pregnancy and beyond. We are passionate about helping women to enjoy this precious time and begin parenthood with confidence in your strength.

Finding Your Core

Searching the internet for answers regarding core strength can be quite overwhelming. It’s easy to confirm that a strong core is important, but how to best strengthen can be daunting. There are many “core” exercises that are great in theory, but performing a particular movement or pose doesn’t guarantee you are using your core. All too often our superficial (larger) muscles take over for the core. Many internet answers approach each core muscle individually. While it is helpful to bring awareness to each core muscle through isolated imagery, the goal is to find integration. The benefit of a strong core comes with using all the core muscles in unison. It is the co-contraction or integrated strength that provides a balanced and healthy support system for your body.

When strengthening your core it can feel subtle as you are learning how to use less superficial muscles and more deep core muscles. Explore how to use a light effort, subtle challenge, mental connection and feeling of length. Understanding the ease of how your body can feel in movement will make finding your core less of a checklist and more of an overall

What is your core?

The Core is made up of muscles in your trunk, primarily your transverse abdominals (the deepest layer of abs), the multifidus (deep back muscles), the pelvic floor and your diaphragm.

What does it feel like when I am not using my core?

You can feel fatigue or strain in your low back, hip joints or hamstrings when practicing an exercise without using your core.

What are some common errors when doing core exercises?

• Pulling belly button in too hard

• Overusing hip flexors to tuck your pelvis

• Creating a bulge of external abs

• Straining back by arching spine

• Using neck muscles instead of abs

How do I include core muscles in my workout?

• Learn how to engage deep abs and pelvic floor together in movement.

• Maintain length and ease of movement

• Use Diaphragmatic breathing and softening in your chest.

What imagery will help provide integration of all the core muscles?

• Deep abs/transverse abdominals- Imagine tightening a seatbelt low and wide across your pelvis. Gently pull the muscles together as if deflating a balloon in your pelvis.

• Pelvic floor- Imagine the balloon lifting up from the bottom of your pelvis. Gently lift without moving your pelvis or squeezing your glutes.

• Multifidus/ Deep back muscles- Imagine magnets in the front and back of your spine evenly pulling together.

• Diaphragm- Allow the ribcage to widen with an inhale then streamline together in and up with the exhale (as if a balloon is deflating and lifting)

• All together- With a gentle exhale and long spine imagine the pelvic and diaphragm balloons deflating and lifting. When the full core contracts you should feel the deepest muscles gently drawing in and up to elongate your body.

incorrect form

 Seesaw your ribs and shoulders exaggerating the movement in your upper spine.

 Recognize the two extremes then find a balance and still point with weight even on your ribcage, shoulders and pelvis.

correct form

 Seesaw the neck as if nodding yes.

 Balance the neck in neutral so the gaze is to the ceiling. Use a pillow if the chin is lifted.

 Maintain a neutral spine by keeping the seesaws of the pelvis, ribs and neck still.

 Lift one leg over hip using visuals of core muscles to maintain stability

 Lift both legs to increase challenge while maintaining even core work and spine stabilit

 Lower one leg at a time to challenge the core muscles. Engage the core using the imagery to the left without moving the spine, hips or neck.

TUESDAY

Free Tuesday at UCSC Arboretum 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum, free admission on the first Tuesday of every month. Come explore the biodiversity of our gardens, great birdwatching or simply come relax on a bench in the shade. Arboretum@ucsc.edu

Gateway School Day Tours 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Come and learn how Gateway School inspires children's innate curiosity and sense of wonder through daily exploration, discovery, and handson experiences. Visit www.gatewaysc.org and schedule a tour to experience all that Gateway has to offer!

WEDNESDAY 2

Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival 10:00 AM-5:00 PM The Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival features genuine sea glass and artistmade creations while benefiting our local marine environment. This year the festival celebrates its 11th anniversary. The festival features over 40 artists, a chance to win an amazing gift basket 4 times each day, easy parking and a full bar and food are available for purchase. facebook.com

THURSDAY 3

Jellyfish Day Let’s see a show of tentacles for all those who love jellyfish! It is a day to celebrate that beautiful and mysterious invertebrate the world calls a ‘jellyfish.’ Along with enjoying all this lovely not-really-a-fish sea creature has to offer, the day also encourages people to learn more about this marine animal and then share it with the world.

Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival 10:00 AM-5:00 PM See Nov 02

FRIDAY 4

Fountain Pen Day Let’s fall in love with writing as we celebrate these elegant, unique writing instruments.

Creek where we will have over 18 local artists, Santa and Snow. Santa pictures $10 per family for up to 5 edited images. bcrpd.org/events

SATURDAY 5

Hot Rods at the Beach 8:00 AM-5:00

PM Check out hundreds of sweet hot rods, street rods, vintage, muscle, custom, and classic cars in the Boardwalk Parking Lot. Free admission! hotrodsatthebeach.com

Gateway Open House 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

Bookshop Santa Cruz Presents: Aida Salazar | A SEED IN THE SUN 6:00

PM-7:00 PM Critically acclaimed author Aida Salazar will join us for a free event at Bookshop Santa Cruz, to share about her tender-hearted middle grade novel in verse, “A Seed in the Sun,” in which a young girl with big dreams meets activist Dolores Huerta and joins the 1965 protest for migrant workers’ rights. Perfect for fans of Rita Williams-Garcia and Pam Muñoz Ryan. This event will be geared toward young readers and parents/educators.

THURSDAY 10

National Candy Day Whether they’re hard, chewy, fruit flavored, or a “melt in your mouth not in your hand” sort of treat, candy has been a consistent source of happiness and, as we get older, nostalgia.

Cabrillo Youth Strings Fall Concert 7:00 PM-8:00 PM This Fall Concert will feature Tango, Bossa Nova, English Folk Song, French Music and Fiddle Tunes. String Orchestra music will be performed by Local Youth at the the Samper Recital Hall, VAPA5100, in the Music Building, Aptos. Tickets are $12.50 General, $10.50 Students/Seniors, $3 for Students ages 6-18, and Children 2-5 Free. *Facial Coverings are required. For more information about our program, call 479-6101, or visit our website, cabrillo.edu/ cabrillo-youth-strings.

Evergreen Volunteer Days 9:30 AM-12:00 PM Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email evergreen@ santacruzmah.org santacruzmah.org/events/ evergreen-volunteer-days

First Friday Santa Cruz 5:00 PM-9:00 PM Plan your First Friday night and visit participating venues in Downtown, the Tannery Arts Center, Midtown, Westside, Eastside, Felton, and Ben Lomond! Get out and support the arts! Find the full listing of participating artists and venues + all of the details on our website, firstfridaysantacruz.com

Winter Boutique 12:00 PM-7:00 PM

The Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District’s Winter Boutique will be full of local gifts for your holiday shopping this year. Follow the redwoods to Boulder

Daylight Savings Ends Not only do you get an extra hour of sleep, but it will become darker earlier.

Westside Marketplace 11:00 AM-4:00

PM The Westside Marketplace - every First Sunday at The Wrigley! Featuring LOCAL art, handmade & vintage shopping + Food Trucks & pop-ups and LIVE MUSIC... all outdoors at the Old Wrigley Parking Lot, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz. For more info, foodtrucksagogo.com & scmmakersmarket.com

MONDAY 7

National Cancer Awareness Day The day highlights the significance of increased awareness about cancer prevention and early detection for the general public.

TUESDAY 8

Election Day Democracy is ideal; election is at its core, and therefore deserves to be celebrated.

WEDNESDAY 9

World Freedom Day

Sesame Street Day Did you know that Sesame Street is the most widely viewed kids’ show in the world?

FRIDAY 11

Veterans Day A tribute to military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Santa Catalina Lower + Middle School:PreK-Grade 8 Open House 9:15 AM-10:45 AM Come see what is truly possible for your child at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School. Join us on campus for our in-person admission open house on Friday, November 11 from 9:15-10:45 a.m. and for our Veterans Day assembly at 11:00 a.m. Register today at santacatalina.org! 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, lmsadmission@ santacatalina.org

Evergreen Volunteer Days 9:30 AM12:00 PM See Nov 04.

Goat Hill Fair: Unique Antique and Artisan Fair 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Goat Hill is a community event not to be missed. If you have a love for vintage ~ styling your home with old-style objects, wearing vintage jewelry & clothing, and collecting unique art and objects then this is somewhere you need to visit! Held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville. You can find gardens, rusty, French, farmhouses, industrial and more! Parking is free. Entry tickets can be purchased online on our website. Entry is good both days with wristband. Food & adult beverages sold onsite. Please come and spend the day with us! goathillfair.com

SATURDAY 12

Chicken Soup for the Soul Day It is a day for exploring and unpacking deeprooted emotional issues and searching for inspiration to lead more fulfilling lives. Nobody can solve all of their problems without any help or inspiration from their surroundings, and the purpose of Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is to take a fresh approach to thinking about problems. It helps to find creative solutions that can address underlying issues, which people are normally not willing to confront. It is also a day to celebrate the heroes who have emerged successful and happy from their personal battles.

Agricultural History Project:2nd Saturday on the Farm 11:00 AM-3:00 PM 2nd Saturday on the Farm, a family event that focuses on a particular area of agriculture. Visitors can participate in the regular activities of the Ag History Project plus others related to the day’s special focus. We host over 2,500 visitors each year at 2nd Saturday on the Farm. aghistoryproject.org

Goat Hill Fair: Unique Antique and Artisan Fair 10:00 AM-4:00 PM See Nov 11.

SUNDAY 13

World Kindness Day Smile at strangers on the bus or compliment your coworker — the day is yours to make delightful!

Santa Catalina School Admission Open House 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Catalina is where you explore the true you as a thinker, creator, explorer, and friend. Come tour our beautiful campus, spend time with our community, experience our academic and co-curricular programs, and picture yourself here. Start following your dreams, and register at santacatalina.org today! RSVPs are required. 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey admission@santacatalina.org

MONDAY 14

International Girls Day Wear the cape of sisterhood to encourage and bring out the best in your girlfriends.

TUESDAY 15

Steve Irwin Day Put on your khakis and honor the infamous Crocodile Hunter and his love of wildlife

WEDNESDAY 16

NOVEMBER

SUNDAY 20

Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Come on out for some fresh air and crafty goodness! Check out our website scmmakersmarket.com for the full list of participating vendors! Sponsored by Farm Fresh to You | Supported by Downtown Santa Cruz. | Presented by SCM Makers Market. scmmakersmarket.com scmmmakersmarket.com

MONDAY 21

National Gingerbread Cookie Day

TUESDAY 22

holiday season commence! There are a ton of events happening in Felton. The Downtown Felton Association wants to make sure you can attend them all! Visit beautiful Downtown Felton and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for the holiday season. Visit the SCM Makers Market at the Felton Community Hall, stay for the tree lighting and Santa, plus shop late at our night market! downtownfelton. com/events

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland 12:00 PM-7:00 PM See Nov 24.

SUNDAY 27

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland 12:00 PM-7:00 PM See Nov 24.

MONDAY 28

Education Support Professionals Day Offer love and support to your favorite E.S.P. today.

Meet the Doulas (virtual) 7:00 PM8:30 PM Meet and talk with birth and postpartum doulas as you learn how they work with families. Sponsored by Birth Network of Santa Cruz County, this free event is open to those planning to birth in Santa Cru, and surrounding counties. Studie3s show doula care: results in a shorter, smoother labor, creates a more positive birth experience, reduces need for medical interventions such as pain medication a and epidurals, reduces postpartum depression, results in greater success in breastfeeding. mtd2022. eventbrite.com Registration required for login information. birthnet.org

THURSDAY 17

International Students Day

FRIDAY 18

Apple Cider Day

Evergreen Volunteer Days 9:30 AM12:00 PM See Nov 04.

SATURDAY 19

Family Volunteer Day

Santa Cruz Rock, Gem, and Mineral Sale 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Lapidary arts, gem, mineral, fossil, jewelry, bead, and rock sale- free admission and parking. Family friendly. Wonderful gifts of nature and lapidary art from around the world. scrockngem.org/

Love Your Freckles Day Synonymous with youth, the freckled face offers an idiosyncratic alternative to those flawless Instagram selfies.

WEDNESDAY 23

National Espresso Day

THURSDAY 24

Thanksgiving

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland 12:00 PM-7:00 PM Selection of Boardwalk Rides, Games, and Arcades Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!)

FRIDAY 25

Evergreen Volunteer Days 9:30 AM12:00 PM See Nov 04

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland 12:00 PM-7:00 PM See Nov 24.

SATURDAY 26

Downtown Felton Small Business Saturday 12:00 PM-8:00 PM Let the

TUESDAY 29

WEDNESDAY 30

GUiSC

GUiSC

Additional

NationalToday.com

National French Toast Day The thick, sweet, savory dish that’s become a staple of the American breakfast diet.

Gateway School K-8

TUES | NOV 1 | 9 AM - 11 AM

SAT | NOV 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM

255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz (831) 423-0341 | admissions@gatewaysc.org

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!

Santa Catalina Lower + Middle School:

PreK-Grade 8 Open House

FRI | NOV 11 | 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM

1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey msadmission@santacatalina.org

Come see what is truly possible for your child at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School. Join us on campus for our in-person admission open house and for our Veterans Day assembly at 11:00 a.m. Register today at santacatalina.org!

Santa Catalina School Admission Open House

SUN | NOV 13 | 1 PM - 4 PM

1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey msadmission@santacatalina.org

Catalina is where you explore the true you as a thinker, creator, explorer, and friend. Come tour our beautiful campus, spend time with our community, experience our academic and co-curricular programs, and picture yourself here. Start following your dreams, and register at santacatalina.org today!

SAT & SUN | NOV 19 & 20 | 9 AM - 4 PM

131 Kirby Street, Felton

This Felton tradition is returning!

Nothing says kicking off the holiday season like Santa's Shelves at Felton Fire!

The Felton Fire Auxillary is all volunteers, and they have been putting this event together for over 40 YEARS! The original Christmas Craft fair in Felton!

SAT | NOV 26 | 10 AM - 8 PM

Downtown Felton

@DowntownFelton | DowntownFelton.com

Visit beautiful Downtown Felton and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for the holiday season, including the SCM Makers Market. Felton Community Association will host the annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa on the firetruck. Shop late at our night market!

*Participating stores only

Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade SAT | DEC 3 | 10 AM - 12 PM

downtownsantacruz.com

The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect the whole community to show up and have a great time - and of course, at the end of the parade, sitting in an antique fire truck, the man of the hour is welcomed back to Downtown Santa Cruz. Bring the family or participate!

*Holiday Parade is Rain or Shine!

CALENDAR

SUN | DEC 4 | 12 PM - 7 PM

13333 Middleton Ave, Boulder Creek bcrpd.org/events

The Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District's Winter Boutique will be full of local gifts for your holiday shopping this year. Follow the redwoods to Boulder Creek where we will have over 18 local artists, Santa and Snow. Santa pictures $10 per family for up to 5 edited images

Do you have an event you want placed in our calendar?

Visit our website to submit the details!

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

Celebrate the holidays with SCBT’s The Nutcracker! At the Civic Auditorium, SCBT’s production is the only local Nutcracker featuring live orchestra conducted by Maestro Pamela Martin.

This holiday favorite features SCBT dancers and professional, word-class guest dancers as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.

*Tickets at SantaCruzTickets.com

DEADLINE

The 15th of the month prior to publication month.

Small Business Saturday and Night Market Downtown Felton

Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District

Felton Fire Auxiliary Presents Santa's Shelves

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker SAT & SUN | DEC 10 & 11 scbt.org |