Growing Up Santa Cruz September 2020

Sept 2020

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SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Kirby is a 6th-12th grade independent, award-winning, academic and visual and performing arts school.

We offer over $1 million in tuition assistance to support families in a wide variety of economic circumstances.

Educational continuity is a top priority.

Contact our Admissions Office at (831) 423-0658 or email admissions@kirby.org to set up a tour, request an information packet, or to help you complete an application.

Kirby School 425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 KIRBY.ORG 831-423-0658

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Your Home.............................................................................................. 5 Always Amused........................................................................................ 6 Parenting................................................................................................. 7 Birth Matters............................................................................................ 8 Photo Story.............................................................................................. 9 Fire Resources......................................................................................... 10 Fire Safety................................................................................................ 11 Your Health............................................................................................. 12 Local News Bonny Doon Protest.............................................................. 13 Local News Rail and Trail......................................................................... 14 Local News Rail Trail................................................................................ 15 Local News Farm Workers........................................................................ 16 Local News RVs & Bikes........................................................................... 17 Good Stuff............................................................................................... 18 Parenting................................................................................................. 20 Parenting................................................................................................. 21 Local News Zach Friend........................................................................... 22 Local Artist.............................................................................................. 23 Ask Nicole................................................................................................ 24 Tech Talk.................................................................................................. 25 Get Organized......................................................................................... 27 Back to School Guide............................................................................... 28 Coloring Page.......................................................................................... 30

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Editor’s Note Even small changes can make a BIG difference.

Triple P is a scientifically-proven, world-renowned positive parenting program available to families in Santa Cruz County.

Triple P strategies address a wide range of parenting challenges by providing a toolbox of easy-to-use tips.

Find a full schedule of Triple P tips and classes at triplep.first5scc.org.

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

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

Tuesday | November 3 | 2020

Sometimes it seems like things can’t get any worse.

Covid-19, deadly fires, a crashing economy, a country torn apart with Civil War-like ferocity…what’s a Santa Cruz parent supposed to do?

While family magazines have gone out of business across the country during this time, the staff at Growing Up in Santa Cruz thinks it’s the most important time to keep going and get people information that can help them deal with troubling times. We will continue printing a physical magazine, distributed for free around the county and an online version, thanks to the support of dedicated and loyal advertisers.

This issue helps answer a lot of questions you might have, with answers given by experts.

Jan Pierce has an important story about how to make your home a good distance learning environment. That’s a must read in these time. Laura Maxson takes a look at the Black Lives Matter movement through the eyes of the most fragile—the babies.

Gretchen Heimsoth has an important piece about how YOU can stay healthy in crisis by eating healthily and doing stress-reduction activities. Worried about your kids falling behind? Suki Wessling looks at this generation and compares it to others that have faced crises and Jeanette Prather has some great ideas for creative distance learning. Nicole Young offers

advice on how to cope with traumatic events and Jhonee Fillmore teaches you how to build a great home classroom.

County Supervisor Zach Friend reports on what the county is doing for COVID. Then, we look at the future and the news. We have both sides of the rail/trail debate. Should Santa Cruz build a new railroad service between the city and Watsonville or should it make it a path for bikes and pedestrians? That’s a big step toward what the county will look like for a century down the road. Read the two opinions and weigh in. We’ll publish your letters and emails and you can bet the people making decisions will see them here.

We have a new computing column for families and a new real estate column to look at the market month by month, as people are streaming in and out of the area. We have a Back to School guide showing what schools are open. We also have extensive fire coverage this issue. You will meet the people in the community who are helping.

That said, we are so happy to be able to continue to publish and hope we are bringing you valuable information.

Drop us a line any time at editor@ growingupsc.com and check our website, growingupsc.com and our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Thanks for reading!

Brad Kava, Jennifer Ford and Steve Dinnen

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About the Cover The first days of the fire found Bonny Doon residents in a dire situation. The cover image shows the kids pleading for help a the baracade between Highway 1 and Western Drive, over and image from Graham Hill in Felton looking out at the fire in the mountains.

Interview and image of children by Kevin Painchaud. Read the interview on page 13.

You can view the full image from Felton, by Kara Capaldo, on our Wildfire Resource Page (10)

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SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

About the Photographers

Kevin Painchaud is a professional photographer located in Aptos for over 30 years. You can view his work on Instagram at @painchaudkevin Kara Capaldo is a local Santa Cruz nature and portrait photographer who volunteers with CalFire. Follow her on Instagram @ karacapaldophotography or her website at karacapaldo.com.

YOUR HOME What’s the Future of Real Estate After the Fires?

BY SEB FREY

CalFire works on back burn on Felton Empire. Photo by Kevin Painchaud It’s a nightmare. That’s really the best word I can come up with to describe the fire burning still in Santa Cruz as I write this. Cal Fire calls it the CZU Lighting Complex Fire, but I find that name really cumbersome, and too clinical. Calling it that, for me, disassociates the inferno from the communities and the lives that it’s torched.

A week or so ago, an acquaintance of mine posted on Facebook that he thought this fire would be remembered as the worst thing to happen to Santa Cruz county since the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989. I commented that I think this fire will make the ’89 earthquake seem like a Saturday afternoon ride on the Giant Dipper.

I don’t mean to minimize the ’89 earthquake; many homes, lives and livelihoods were lost. But earthquakes are nothing new to California. Neither are wildfires, of course. But nobody in living memory – or even recorded history - has seen a wildfire like this, caused by a freak August lightning storm, the likes of which I personally have never seen in summertime in Santa Cruz.

This fire will be extinguished, and life will go on. But life in the San Lorenzo

Valley and Bonny Doon is probably going to be different going forward.

Many families whose homes have been destroyed will never return, unable or unwilling to rebuild. Many families whose homes were not destroyed will probably also consider leaving. Some insurance companies may stop issuing policies in the area (many already had, before this fire). This will drive up insurance premiums from those insurers who remain, perhaps by several orders of magnitude, with a commensurate effect on home affordability and real estate prices.

There are bigger questions to be asked, like how can a community exist safely in a heavily wooded area that is increasingly drier because of climate change? Many of these mountain homes are on small parcels – how can you keep 100 feet of clearance from nearby trees when your home’s parcel is only 50 feet wide?

Many neighborhoods offer limited egress in case of fire. For example, Lompico has only two ways in or out – with most residents exiting south towards Graham Hill Road. Lompico has been rated the 4th most at-risk community in California, with 92% exit load on that one road out.

It is nothing short of a miracle that so few lives were lost in this fire, and that more homes weren’t burned. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of the fire fighters. We owe so much to them.

Crews were stretched to the max, with most coming from out of the area and even out of state. If ever there was doubt, it should now be clear to all that Santa Cruz and California do not have the fire-fighting capacity we need for this era of rapid climate change.

State and local governments, and of course local residents too, are going to have to take a long, hard look at how we manage our forests, and how we rebuild and live in this wonderland we call Santa Cruz county going forward. This fire, as devastating as it has been, could have been worse. The next one – and there will be a next one, quite possibly even before this fire season is out – might make this August fire seem like a wiener roast by comparison.

What can we do? First, get proactive.

Check out the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz’s web site at https://www. firesafesantacruz.org/ and learn what you can do to improve your home’s chances of survive a fire fighter. Get your

neighbors to do so as well and create a FireSafe community.

Next, get involved. The easiest way to do that is to do your own research and vote accordingly. For example, California Proposition 15, on the ballot this November, will modify Proposition 13 to create a “split roll” for commercial properties, increasing the taxes these property owners pay – it’s estimated that Santa Cruz county (including its cities) will see an additional $20 million per year in additional tax revenue, which should be used, in part, to pay for additional firefighters and equipment.

These are indeed trying times, and it’s easy to forget that, in spite of everything that’s happened this year, we are all blessed to live in Santa Cruz, and in California. Building our community is an ongoing project; there will always be setbacks, and progress is rarely easy. It’s been amazing to see how our community has come together at this time, and with that same spirit of cooperation there’s no hardship we can’t overcome.

Sebastian “Seb” Frey | Lic. 01369847 | REALTOR® - Compass | (831) 704-6873 | sebfrey@sebfrey.com | SebFrey.com | SantaCruz.RealEstate

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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ALWAYS AMUSED Covid-19 Claims 2020 Theme Park Season

BY ERIK CHALHOUB

Apocalyptic fire skies over an empty amusement park. Life is crazy right now. Photo by Jessica Yarr

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SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Because 2020 won’t stop rearing its ugly head, the California theme park season is essentially over, despite the fact that it’s still summer.

It’s September, but the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s rides remain closed, and likely will continue to be so through the rest of the year as the public health order is in effect indefinitely. California’s Great America and Gilroy Gardens, which never opened in 2020, announced in August that they will forget about this year and instead focus on 2021.

Disneyland thought it was going to reopen in July, but pulled the plug as Covid-19 cases began to rise in the state. Universal Studios Hollywood and SeaWorld San Diego remain dark.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has opened its gates to the public, but is only allowing guests to view its animal exhibits. Its sister park Magic Mountain, closed since March, is somehow still planning a Halloween event. Knott’s Berry Farm has found success with a limited capacity food event, but with no rides.

New attractions from the Boardwalk, Great America and other parks that were supposed to debut this year have been pushed back to 2021.

You get the picture. Covid-19 has decimated the theme park industry in 2020, but there is no guarantee that 2021 will be any better. Reports are being released frequently on dire revenue projections, layoffs and more bad news circulating the industry, and the pandemic-induced recession is going to be felt for years to come.

California health officials are still determining how theme parks and their “higher risk” operations can reopen during a pandemic. There is no timeline on when that may be.

The closures have been especially difficult on Gilroy Gardens, which was going to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

“We miss our guests, especially the children, and are committed to having ‘The Best Birthday Party Ever!’ in 2021 when we can finally celebrate our 20th birthday,” said Barb Granter, vice president and general manager of Gilroy Gardens. “Our community, guests and members have been especially wonderful and supportive during this challenging time, and I’ve been so touched by their kindness and love for this special place.

We are so grateful for their continued loyalty and support.”

But is there any good news rising out of the mud? Yes, and it’s right here in Santa Cruz.

The Boardwalk recently announced it will host drive-in movies. The movies are being screened Friday and Saturday nights through Sept. 26 in the River Parking Lot. “We are excited to offer quality entertainment to the community in a

safe environment,” said Karley Pope, the Boardwalk’s director of sales and entertainment. “All relevant health and safety protocols will be followed, and we are confident guests will love this unique experience.”

The schedule is as follows: Sept. 4-5, 8 p.m.

Aladdin (2019)

Sept. 11-12, 8 p.m.

Goonies Sept. 18-19, 8 p.m.

50 First Dates Sept. 25-26, 8 p.m.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Attendance is limited to 120 vehicles, and the cost is $25 per vehicle.

Boardwalk officials said if the concept is successful, more movies will be added in October.

For information and safety protocols, visit beachboardwalk.com/Drive-In-Movies.

Although Boardwalk rides, arcade, mini golf and other attractions are closed, various food and retail concessions are open with outdoor dining and pickup/ delivery options. Face masks are required when entering the Boardwalk.

All 2020 season passes have been extended through the end of 2021.

No scares this year?

September is usually the month when theme parks transform for Halloween.

But how could an event that relies on close quarters and in-your-face scares survive a pandemic?

Six Flags Magic Mountain is trying to figure that out for its Fright Fest event this year. The park recently sent out a survey to its season pass holders asking for their opinions on a variety of different scenarios.

Those include Plexiglas barriers between guests and the scare actors, haunted houses with no actors, actors that remain more than 12 feet away, or a haunted hayride-type experience.

Off-the-wall ideas include disgusting eating contests and a Lucha Libra wrestling show.

Regardless of what Magic Mountain decides to do, Halloween events at theme parks in California this year will be nonexistent. For instance, Great America’s and Knott’s Berry Farm’s Halloween Haunt events have been canceled.

Theme park nerds such as myself can’t wait to return, and that is good news for parks in the future. We just have to get through this crisis safely first.

PARENTING Make Your Home an Ideal Learning Environment

BY JAN PIERCE You are your child’s first teacher and your home is your child’s first school.

You spend a good bit of time every day setting the tone for behaviors, encouraging first steps, and pouncing on those teachable moments to mold your children into the happy and successful people you want them to be.

But, are you missing some opportunities to support your child’s learning? Kids will thrive in a home that makes learning a priority and creates the proper balance between direct teaching and “give it a go on your own� kinds of involvement. Every child needs a different blend of the two—some children need direct instruction before they’re willing to try something new, and others are rarin’ to go without a lot of introduction.

Here are some guidelines for making your home a comfortable place to work, play and learn—a place where efforts are valued over a finished product and where it’s just fine to try and fail along the road to success.

Model a Lifestyle of Learning

My father was an avid fisherman and fishing was a family sport. We often hit the water before the sun was up and fished (and ate) all day long. I learned early on that fishing equipment was next to sacred and that I could impress my Dad with my fishing skills.

It’s like that with any sort of learning. If your kids know you think reading, or playing music, or playing chess at a high level is cool, they’ll think so too. It isn’t the subject matter that’s important, it’s the fact that children will believe learning new things is important, if you show that you believe it is.

So read some books, do some home improvement projects, learn to grow flowers, or learn a new language. Your kids will notice both the effort and the expertise, but more importantly, they’ll know that you value learning.

Provide Materials

Children need to do hands-on exploration as they learn. They enjoy molding clay, they love cutting and pasting. When out of doors, they enjoy gathering materials and building forts.

Parents don’t need to join in the creativity, but they can help the process by providing materials. Make it a habit to have a good supply of paper, pencils, markers, glue, and all the other stuff of artistic endeavors. Allow kids to use simple tools (with appropriate safety precautions) and marvel at their creations.

You might keep a supply of old clothing and props for the dramatic sessions that will take place after reading a particularly good story.

Encourage kids to act out their favorite fairy tales, or encourage them to write a book about their latest interest. Use their love for heroes to encourage

creative extensions such as giving a play, writing a poem or singing a new song.

Expect a bit of a mess along the way.

Creative processes are worth a few spills and piles of rubble.

Follow Their Lead

Right now my youngest grandson is enamored with dinosaurs and volcanoes.

He talks about them, knows dinosaur names, understands that volcanoes erupt and learned that one of the theories about dino demise was a large volcanic eruption back in the day. So, when he came for a visit I made sure to have dino and volcano books ready to read and enjoy.

He spent a lot of time creating caves out of playdough for plastic dinosaur figures and re-enacting dinosaur adventures. We read the volcano books and learned to identify the cutaway parts of a volcano.

What are y our children excited about right now? Do they love to plant seeds and watch them grow? Do they want to learn how to speak Spanish or how to cook a pizza? It pays to notice the things your kids are interested in and support their learning in those specific areas.

Find Programs, Classes and Other Local Learning Challenges Signing the kids up for classes in dance, music or sports can be expensive and time-consuming. Most parents do it anyway. But don’t overlook the free activities available through school or church projects, local youth programs and your local library. Let them try a variety of activities and then if they take off in drama or music, the cost of classes is well worth the price.

Be Their Cheerleader

Whatever your child enjoys doing, it is your privilege to be their cheerleader.

If they love art, then make their next birthday gift an array of art materials.

If they love to write, provide the paper and pencils or a keyboard. If they love to play chess, learn a few moves and play

along. It’s easy to root on the sidelines of a soccer game, but might require a bit of inspiration to cheer on a quieter child who enjoys reading biographies or studying insects. Find a way. It matters.

Remember, you’ll always be your child’s number one teacher. Make

the most of that role and create an environment in which learning is as natural as breathing. ď ˝ Jan Pierce is a retired teacher and reading specialist who writes about education, parenting and family life.

Find Jan at janpierce.net

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BIRTH MATTERS Black Babies’ Lives Matter

BY LAURA MAXSON, LM The American Journal of Public Health published "Black Lives Matter: Claiming a Space for Evidence-Based Outrage in Obstetrics and Gynecology" in October 2016. This article points out that continuing to document poor outcomes for Black patients and accepting it as a given is not progress.

The authors conclude, “Race is a social construct and the overwhelming statistics we present are attributable to a broken racist system, not a broken group of women.” This is a message that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) need to hear loud and clear; because the message they’ve been told is that they are indeed broken; that their bodies are highrisk and that it is somehow their fault they are dying in childbirth.

A maternal death rate 3-4 times higher for Black people giving birth compared with white people, is a staggering statistic, but sadly it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Black women experience more unintended pregnancies. They are more likely to not use contraception and less likely to use the most effective contraception. Infertility rates are higher for Black people. Even when in vitro fertilization (IVF) is covered by insurance, Black people have far fewer

FREE EVENT

IVF attempts and those achieving an IVF pregnancy have fewer live births and more miscarriages than white people.

Besides higher maternal mortality, Black patients also experience higher rates of cesarean birth, infection and postpartum hemorrhage; none of which are explained away by “patient-level risk factors” or “site of delivery.” Tragically, Black infants die more than twice as often as white infants. There are similarly grim statistics around gynecological cancers for Black women.

The authors challenge researchers and obstetrics/gynecology departments to no longer simply accept that Black people will not do as well. While acknowledging there are many complex issues involved in improving healthcare outcomes for Black people, it should be noted that the current system is not the best practice for Black women, so why does it continue?

Doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome is clearly not effective. However, midwife Jennie Joseph is changing the paradigm in her community. She put together a winning program that dramatically decreases racial disparities in childbirth. In 2006, Orange County, Florida, had a 15.5% preterm birth rate overall and 21.4%

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SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

rate for Black women. At the same time, Jennie’s practice had only a 4.7% preterm rate - with none of her Black or Hispanic clients delivering early. In 2017 her expanded practice showed better outcomes for her Black clients with an 8.6% preterm birth rate compared to 13% for the same race in Orange County.

Jennie’s program, the JJ Way, builds on the Midwives Model of Care and provides health care with a focus on prenatal bonding through respect, support, education, encouragement and empowerment. Her birth center practice is coupled with her Easy Access Prenatal Care Clinics. The intent of the clinics is to provide barrier-free care. Everyone is warmly welcomed to these community clinics, no matter their situation, insurance, or ability to pay.

Potential patients simply register online, make an appointment and are quickly seen. The first visit creates an active medical record which is especially helpful for high-risk clients or those having difficulty finding care. This initial record removes a barrier to care by allowing a smoother referral from the clinic to an obstetrician or hospital, if needed. Those who remain in care with the Easy Access Clinics can choose to give birth at the birth center or at nearby hospitals, which work collaboratively with Jennie’s clinics.

“Until women and their loved ones feel that they have enough knowledge and agency to be part of the decisions around their care and until they have access to

the education and support that they are lacking, they will continue to be at risk.”Jennie Joseph. This program has high rates of breastfeeding and patient satisfaction, saves lives and money and is replicable.

Unfortunately, the current maternity system in the U.S. remains firmly inside the box. The Midwives Model of Care, shown to improve outcomes, is mostly ignored in favor of the firmly entrenched obstetrical/medical model.

Midwife Jennie Joseph is embracing and expanding the Midwives Model of Care by establishing a nonprofit organization, Commonsense Childbirth.

Her organization includes the JJ Way, her birth center and clinics, the first accredited black-owned midwifery school, a National Perinatal Task Force and much more. Become an ambassador for the Task Force as it works to bring people and organizations together to “shift the paradigm of reproductive health by addressing the root causes of inequity, building collective power, and advancing liberation for all.”  Jennie Joseph’s work commonsensechildbirth.org  The study mentioned above ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5024373  Midwives Model of Care tinyurl.com/y57hn5k3  Birth Network of Santa Cruz Birthnet.org

PHOTO STORY The First Few Days

Volunteering with Evacuated Animals

BY LOUANNE MYERS Louanne Myers, retired teacher from San Lorenzo Valley USD, wrote down her thoughts about volunteering at the Fairgrounds with two young family members in the days following evacuations from the CZU Lightning Complex fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They helped out in the open barns housing goats, pigs, alpacas, llamas, sheep, and a few farm dogs that were staying with their charges. They also gave support in the small animal barns that housed cats, birds, rabbits, chickens, ducks and more.

It was difficult to express the deep emotions, strength and compassion of the people, adaptation of the animals and experiences each day. They will continue helping as long as needed. If you would like to volunteer, go to the website scvolunteercenter.org and sign-up.

It started when I heard they need help with the animals at the fairgrounds.

I grab the two 5th graders in my house and we go. “We are going to help the animals” I tell them. “I have no idea what we will be doing, but whatever we can give, we will give, we will help, we will listen, we will love the animals. They are stressed and missing their home.”

When we get there, we see people, animals, and supplies all arriving, a system of organization still developing.

The girl notices a pair of newborn goats, 2 weeks premature due to evacuation stress. I notice the people...exhausted, sleep deprived, scared, sad...you can tell by how they look. The boy notices the alpacas and pigs. We ask a goat owner if we can help and the kids go to work.

The goats need clean water, they are stressed... so is their owner. The kids help water and feed goats, talk quietly, rub their heads.

A woman near me worries about her animals. One is not doing well, she thinks her home is gone, she will stay with her animals...protect them, love them, care for them. She doesn’t want help, but talks, just talks...she is in pain, shock, holding back tears. I listen.

We notice a large fluffy dog, shaking in his pen with his goats. “Sorry dude, I can’t let you out.” But we hug him, try to calm him. His owner thanks us, and

talks...tells his story, where he is from.

His home is okay, but fire is close. He looks exhausted.

There are cats and birds. The kids set up kennels for more. The boy organizes donated supplies. He talks to the birds and rubs the kitties. The girl cuddles a sick one while the vet checks her out.

Then chickens, more cages to set up and organize. We hear that 60 more are on their way.

Cages, food, water...we volunteers get it ready.

An elderly llama is being brought in.

Stressed, upset after the long ride from Boulder Creek. We quietly help coax him into his stall. We will check on him first thing tomorrow. We promise. His name is Zook. I guess we’re coming back...

In the morning, the woman looks rested. I tell her, she smiles, we talk.

The goats get love, clean water, more volunteers clean and help. Zook, gets hand fed from the girl. He is doing better. The boy helps with chickens and checks on the kitties and birds. More kids volunteer...one boy collects eggs.

More supplies arrive, more volunteers arrive, more people evacuated. Most from San Lorenzo Valley….and now Scotts Valley too. More stories are told.

We help clean stalls, sweep the barn. The girl finds a brush...the dog is content. We will be back……

Things have settled down. Volunteers greet volunteers and send them to needed help. New buckets for every stall, hay bales waiting. There is food, wheelbarrows, fresh fruit, more animals to care for. We ask for a broom and it’s found. The goats need to walk, we find more leads. We are fed. The animals are fed. The donations have provided for all. The preemie goats are doing well, the dog is brushed, more kids and adults volunteer. The people talk...they want to go home. They know they can’t, not yet.

Zook is content. He eats rose petals from the girl's hand. We will be back…..

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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The old-timers and local firefighters always said the San Lorenzo Valley was a tinder box, a fire here would be catastrophic. It has been long since a fire has run through our Valley, but fateful events mark 2020. Our newsfeeds were filled with spectacular imagery of the lightning storm, bolts touching the earth. While we were all in awe, our mountains began to burn, the skies filled with ominous smoke and flickering flames. Our hearts dropped as the evacuations came in. Some families were getting knocks on their doors in the middle of the night as Bonny Doon burned.

We have brave men and women serving our mountains, but they weren't enough. Resources were thin as the whole state lit like a match. Brave civilians stayed behind to protect their communities. The fire quickly made its way close to the San Lorenzo Valley's Northern entrance and exit, Boulder Creek. The siren in town gave a chilling ring to notify the residents it was time to evacuate. Within 48 hours, the entire Valley, Scotts Valley and UCSC campus had been evacuated. Our lovely giant redwoods stood tall and sustained the flames as it engulfed Big Basin State Park clear to the ocean, decimating communities on its path.

We rose early for eleven days to watch the 6 am updates, days at 0% containment, waiting on help to arrive. Now twelve days in and we are above 30% containment. By the time this reaches the newsstands, those numbers will have increased, and likely most of you will have returned home. Some will heartbreakingly have to decide to rebuild or move on from the ashes. Other's homes will still be standing, but the infrastructure damage will create a trying transition period.

We are at the beginning of the fire season, and the threat is still looming over us. We are a strong mountain community, our hearts are generous, and we will rebuild and strengthen our bonds.

RESOURCE WEBSITES

PARKING

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County

4951 Soquel Dr, Soquel.

Open for people as well as vehicles

cfscc.org/updates/fire-response-fund County of Santa Cruz

santacruzcounty.us/FireResources.aspx Santa Cruz Relief

screlief.com/

SHELTERS Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

307 Church St SC 95060 Seventh Day Adventist-RV ONLY

1931 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel 95062 Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

2601 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA SCC Fairgrounds (Cots)

2601 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA Cabrillo College Shelter

6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos. Congregate shelter Congregational Church Shelter

4951 Soquel Dr, Soquel.

Parking is available at the following lots:

Congregational Church (AUTO)

Twin Lakes-Auto/RV

2701 Cabrillo College Dr, Aptos Up to 50 cars and RV’s, bathrooms, water and food available

Protect yourself from poor air qualitydue tothe California wildfires.

Lot K, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos

ANIMALS Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

2200 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 If you need assistance evacuating animals, please call 831-454-7200 Pets may be brought to shelter but must be under owner’s control at all times. A carrier may be helpful

UPDATES Evacuation Map

Simpkins SC Shelter

979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz

Cal fire Email Updates

Seventh Day Adventist-Cabins

tinyurl.com/czulightning

1931 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel 95062

Traffic Adivsory and Restrictions

Seventh Day Adventist-Tents ONLY

cruz511.org/

1931 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel 95062

Air Quality

Fair Grounds (TENTS)

air.mbard.org/

2601 E Lake Ave 95076

CALFire CZU San Mateo – Santa Cruz Unit

300 La Fonda Ave., Santa Cruz

twitter.com/CALFIRECZU

ANIMAL Santa Cruz Animal Shelter

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office

1001 Rodriguez Street (For Animal)

twitter.com/santacruzso1

ANIMAL Watsonville Animal Shelter

Stay Safe During a Wildfire

580 Airport Blvd (For Animal)

• • • •

Stay indoors Close windows Run A/C, if possible Stay up-to date on air conditions at www.airnow.gov

While sheltering with others please remember we are still in a pandemic.

Whenever possible: • • • •

Wear your face coverings Stay 6 feet apart Wash your hands often Sanitize frequently touched surface

RECOVERY & REBUILDING County of Santa Cruz

sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/ recoverandrebuild.aspx

Tips for Safe Cleanup • Residents and visitors to the area should assume that the burn debris and ash contains hazardous materials and should take the following precautions: • Stay indoors, or leave the burn area on windy days • Keep doors and windows closed • Use rugs inside and outside entrances to catch any possible debris on shoes • Avoid tracking debris into the house; remove shoes • Use a damp mop or cloth to clean away visible dust in the house • Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter system • Anyone cleaning up debris material should: • Wear appropriate masks • Wear protective clothing • Wet the debris and ash while handling it • Those with underlying health conditions may want to take extra precautions such as wearing respiratory protection when outside, minimizing time in the burn area, and/or seeking a physician’s recommendation.

cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/duringfire.html

For information on accommodations, please call 211 or Red Cross at (800)Redcross | (800)733-2767 or visit maps.redcross.org/website/maps/ARC_Shelters.html 10

The Santa Cruz County Human Services

Benefits hotline is 1-888-421-8080 (toll free).

Residents impacted by the fire who are enrolled in benefits programs may be eligible for replacement benefits.

Cabrillo College RV/AUTO

storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ f0121f7f2f0941afb3ed70529b2cee75

Harbor High School

HEALTH & SAFETY

SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

View of the fire from Graham Hill Road in Felton Photo by Kara Capaldo

FIRE SAFETY Burn to Not Burn

BY JONATHAN COLLYER

TWO ZONES MAKE UP THE REQUIRED 100 FEET OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE:

CalFire works on back burn on Felton Empire. Photo by Kevin Painchaud As I write from a rudimentary “office," having been evacuated from our home near the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties have lost 80,000 acres of forest and some 500 hundred or so structures. Across the state, what is being called “the August Lightning Siege of 2020” has brought the years destruction to 1.4 million acres and the fire season is far from finished.1 2020 may break all previous records for acres burned, but those records were set in 2017, 2008 and 2018 respectively. All but three of the “top 20 largest California wildfires have occurred since 2000, with 10 of these large and damaging wildfires occurring in the last decade.”2 According to Cal FIRE’s 2019 Community Wildfire Prevention & Mitigation Report3, “More than 25 million acres of California wildlands are classified as under very high or extreme fire threat.”

At the annual burn rate we’ve seen in the past three years, we’ll probably lose most of those acres in the next decade. Besides the cost to our natural environment and lost lives, there’s an annual cost in destroyed homes, economic disruption and fire fighting expenses, which often mounts in the tens of billions. To plot a path out of the seasonal malaise, lets first ask “How did we get here?”

Forest fires are nothing new. Beginning around 360 million years ago (about 80 million years after plants first colonized the land), the planet Earth entered into the “Age of Fire”. The crucial ingredient was oxygen, the explosive molecule by which we create our aerobic energy and the main byproduct of photosynthesis.

Once the plant matter on planet earth was sufficient to produce enough oxygen to support the spread of flame, large fires became a common occurrence, sparking

a variety of adaptations and an increase in bio-diversity.4 Our prehistoric ancestors are thought to have acquired the use of fire as far back as 2 million years ago. Since the dawn of the Holocene (c. 11,650 years ago), the use of fire as a tool has had widespread and profound effects on our natural environment. From Australia to North America, anthropogenic fire has been used to shape our environment to meet the needs of the scope of human hunters, gatherers and cultivators.

At the time of first contact with a Spanish expedition in 1769, the native Quiroste people of Central California (living within contemporary Año Nuevo State Park) used frequent fires to manage their local environment “for a better yield of the grass seeds that they eat”. Under Quiroste stewardship, “the valley was full of meadows, hazel groves, and stretches of burned earth”.5 According to a report in Forest Ecology And Management, “Approximately 1.8 million ha (~4.4 million acres) burned annually in California prehistorically (pre 1800).”6 So, prior to the arrival of Europeans, roughly four times as many a California per year from natural causes and indigenous land stewardship than during these two decades of apparent disaster.

The idea that our local environment lay feral and undisturbed by human hand until the industrial revolution and the population boom is comically false.

Humans have been dramatically effecting our local environment for at least 10,000 years. The question isn’t whether we interfere with nature or not. Limiting human activity in natural spaces is itself a profound form of interference.

It wasn’t until after particularly destructive Idaho and Montana wildfires in

1910 that fighting fires became an accepted policy. Where indigenous peoples, like the Quiroste, used fire to maintain a ~100 year cycle between grassland, forest and fire, that cycle has been largely stopped to protect homes and infrastructure increasingly nestled in our wild lands.

In California, a quarter of our population, some 11 million people, live in fire prone areas.7 Retreating from the natural environment to allow fires to burn is not a practical option. Controlled burns, often with guidance from indigenous peoples8, are a cost effective mitigation strategy.

Currently, the state burns about 90,000 acres a year. Let’s make sure our state and local governments streamline the process of obtaining the necessary permits to burn on public lands, while developing the expertise required to safely conduct controlled burns.

Beyond controlled burns, a variety of mitigation strategies exist, including forestry and small wood and forest by-product economy development. In no scenario are we helpless, as long as we activate our best minds and are willing to act decisively, preferably prior to the summer of 2021.

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ZONE 1: 30 feet of Lean, Clean & Green 1

Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds.

2

R emove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters .

3

K eep tree branches 10 feet away from your chimney and other trees.

ZONE 2: 30–100 feet of Reduced Fuel 4

C ut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.

5

C reate horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees.

6

C reate vertical spacing between grass, shrubs and trees.

Use Equipment Properly to 7

M ow before 10 a.m., and never on a hot or windy day. String trimmers are a safer option (vs. lawnmowers) for clearing vegetation.

mercurynews.com/2020/08/24/californianears-record-in-2020-for-acres-burned-andits-not-even-september/ twitter.com/CAL_FIRE/ status/1298383464094265344/photo/1 fire.ca.gov/media/5584/45-day-report-final.pdf forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2015/11/19/ the-age-of-fire-when-ancient-forestsburned/#26ead7b45f02 archaeology.org/issues/272-1709/letterfrom/5826-letter-from-california-fires sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/ S0378112707004379#aep-abstract-id7 cnbc.com/2019/11/09/why-californiaswildfires-are-going-to-get-worse.html motherjones.com/environment/2019/11/ californias-wildfire-controlled-prescribedburns-native-americans/

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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YOUR HEALTH Crisis Self Care

Stress Management for Times of Crisis

BY GRETCHEN HEIMSOTH Pre-COVID, I had a borderline-religious health regimen. Along with varied exercise 4 to 6 times a week, I followed a plant-heavy, paleo-inspired diet, and did intermittent fasting. COVID hit and it smashed my routine. No spin class, no infrared sauna—my bodywork therapies went out the window.

On top of that, the kids were home nonstop, with the stress of distance learning. I started eating late, my sleep patterns got smashed, I gained a little weight, and I started feeling slow and achy. I had to face the music and create more structure in my life. I felt the structure was not there and is hard to do naturally for this bit of a gypsy-souled, Libra Mama.

Structure, a very different structure, started to take shape. I carved out a new workout pattern; my eating got back in line; my kids had a day flow. Then August 18th, my son’s 4-year birthday, found us evacuating our Boulder Creek due to the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. The next few days saw us not only keeping vigil on the outcome of our town and neighborhood, but also amongst evacuees at hotels.

For the moment, my family of four, along with my mother-in-law and her 11-year-old yellow lab, Jake, have landed at a friend’s house. If I thought my structure was obliterated before, this was a whole new perspective I can say I wish I did not have.

This last week plus has helped me evaluate what can keep us steady and afloat in crisis. In times like these, it’s all about grace and basics. Grace is defined as ‘simple elegance or refinement of movement.’ For this reference, I think this is the best definition. It’s good to always strive for our best in life, and it is

equally as good to recognize that our best changes from one moment to another.

Our best in regular times will not be the same best in a crisis.

What simple movements and adjustments can you make for yourself right now, applying the concept of grace?

You may feel completely powerless. I understand that. I go through moments right now feeling that way daily. For the rest of this piece, we will focus on identifying three pillars, mental health, breathwork, and discussing simple crisis eating guidelines.

Identify three pillars you can control right now. For me, it’s sleep, input, and basic movement. Sleep: I’m in one room with my whole family, and it feels like I have no control over my sleep. But I do: I limit caffeine in the afternoon, and evening blue light (screens), I have a sleep mask to block light, and I do my best to lay back and rest. I am falling back on melatonin right now so I can assure my rest.

Input: I’ve made a personal commitment to stay off politics for now. I have no capacity. The mess will be there, hot and ready, when I can pick that back up. Food and beverage input: as tempting as it is, alcohol is not our friend in times of stress. It wrecks sleep patterns, and the metabolites produced by its breakdown in our bodies don’t do our emotional spectrum or our physical bodies any help. Be selective if you imbibe. Now is not the time to lean on it. Focus on low sugar foods, whole foods anytime you can, and give your body lots of clean water to flush stress hormones.

Basic movement: walk or restorative yoga. Run if you feel up to it. For yoga, take advantage of all the YouTube tutorials. If you don’t have your mat,

look for sand, grass or soft ground and improvise with a towel.

Mental health: if you need to talk to someone and have insurance, consider online platforms like TalkSpace. There is so much to process right now. Emeline has county resources as well. Be easy on yourself. So hard. It’s almost impossible for me. All things will feel harder.

Thinking, errands, taking care of family, it will all feel bumpy. Don’t compare yourself to you a week ago. It’s not the same person. Escape to nature as much as you can—parks, beaches. Hit them up. Get some daily sun.

Breathwork: In times like these, we are in the sympathetic nervous system overdrive. Some simple hacks pull us out of that and into the parasympathetic system, which is the rest and restore mode. There are many tutorials online and many styles. Find what works for you. A quick and straightforward

technique is to close your right nostril with your thumb and breathe in quickly, focus on deep belly breaths, for a count, pause, and slowly breathe out for a count longer than you breathed in. Cycle this for a minute to two minutes. You cannot breathe deeply and control and stay in the sympathetic nervous system. Sitting with your buttocks against a wall with your legs vertical also triggers blood pressure sensors that pull you back into the parasympathetic modes. Place a pillow under your tail to elevate above the heart. Stay in this position for 15/20 minutes. Binaural beats in your ears, look on YouTube again, will help you fall into relaxation faster.

These times will pass. Some of us will feel the effects of these fires longer than others. I need my community, and my community will need me. We will all need each other. #SCMStrong

Mental Health After a Wildfire normal, but there are things you can do to take care of yourself and others.

Find opportunities to spend time with other people so that you stay connected.

• Talk to a trusted friend or adviser about what you are feeling.

• Participate in activities that you enjoy.

• Take frequent breaks from cleanup efforts.

• Write in a journal.

• Exercise (indoors if air quality is poor).

• Eat a healthy diet.

• Practice good sleep hygiene.

Avoid relying on substance like alcohol or marijuana for stress relief. During times of great stress, their use can be counterproductive and lead to more stress, anxiety, and physical symptoms.

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A natural disaster like a wildfire can have a significant impact on your emotional well-being. Take steps to ensure that you are taking care of your emotional needs during this time of crisis.

Emotional Awareness

The aftermath of a wildfire can include mood swings, sleep disruption, and stress reactions. It is important to be alert to how you are feeling so that the emotions do not become overwhelming.

Protect Your Emotional Well-Being

Feeling emotional after a disaster is

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Help Your Children through the Crisis

Parents are advised to pay close attention to their children’s emotional well-being.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Pay attention to your child’s questions and let them know that you are there to listen.

Here are some tips to keep in mind: • Be honest with your answers to your children’s questions, but don’t provide more information than necessary.

• Validate your children’s feelings.

They may be feeling scared, confused, or angry.

• Provide opportunities for your children to talk and explore other outlets for them to express themselves like drawing or playing.

• Limit exposure to media.

• Avoid irrational promises like, “This won’t happen again.”

• Maintain the same daily schedule as possible (e.g., bedtime rituals).

• Ensure that your children are eating healthy food, exercising, and maintaining healthy sleep patterns.

Watch for Behavior Changes in Your Children

Children may cry more, act out, have some regressive behavior like bed-wetting, or show other changes in demeanor. These are normal stress responses and are usually temporary.

Reassure your children that you are there for them. Watch for physical symptoms like stress-related stomach aches and head aches.

Seek Help if You Need It

It may take a while before you feel back to normal. If you are experiencing any of the following, please seek professional help.

• Difficulty managing your emotions • Trouble completing daily tasks • Caring for yourself or your family Information from Boulder County. Colorado.

LOCAL NEWS Locals Fight to Save Their Mountain Community

BY KEVIN PAINCHAUD AND CHRISTY SHULTS Since the lightning siege that began on Saturday, August 15, 2020, there have been nearly 14,000 lightning strikes. There have been more than 800 new wildfires during this time period, which have now burned over 1.4 million acres.

- CalFire Update August 29, 2020 California's wildfire season has started early this year, and CalFire is working on all cylinders. The CZU August Lightning Fire was still at 0% containment. Things were looking very dire on August 21, 2020 when photographer Kevin Painchaud interviewed the residents of Bonny Doon holding a protest to get more help for the Santa Cruz Mountains. He spoke with Frans Lanting and Linda Friedlander about what had transpired in the days before.

This is being written on August 29, 2020. 83,335 acres have burned, and the fire is 29% contained. The Santa Cruz Mountains have received help from as far as New Jersey, with over 2000 personnel assigned to the incident. Retired firefighters who call the mountains their home are out on the lines, residents who are firefighters in different counties have brought resources from those fire stations. Even some locals have been sworn in after refusing to leave the fight.

FL: I’m a national geographic

photographer, and I live in Bonny Doon. We are here to plead Governor Newson and to order more resources to fight the fire. So, it has been sweeping our communities in the Santa Cruz mountains. And CalFire has not been able to do enough. We lost the community of Swanton because CalFire couldn’t act in time. And now the fires are sweeping through Bonny Doon and into Felton and Boulder Creek, and unless we can stop the fires in the outlining areas they are going to threaten Santa Cruz and the San Lorenzo Valley. This is the biggest calamity in living memories. Threatening our communities, and we don’t have enough resources. There are individual residents fighting the fires on their own property and there is no support from CalFire, that is a tragedy.

LF: So what's happening is from the very beginning the neighbors in my neighborhood (Off of Smith Grade in Bonny Doon ) are experienced and organized and have mobilized an effort to bulldoze large swaths of containment breaks out there to help the fire from spreading to other parts of Santa Cruz and traveling down, just, containment.

Also defending homes up there some

of which are theirs. And they are, you know, mopping up the spot fires. We have an organized team of people who are bringing runs of supplies for the people working the fire. Food, water, chainsaws, fuel, whatever is required all kinds of other firefighting tools. It’s extremely organized, everyone up there knows what they are doing, we’ve been through it before. CDF didn’t have the resources to continue helping towards the very beginning so they pulled out so our neighbors, our workers and our people are out there without outside support. Until this morning, when finally, CDF arrived.

What I understand is that this event is to let people know that it is really critical that we get more CDF support and aircraft support and all of that so the people up in Bonny Doon fighting the fire can continue to do so with support and they are helping all of Santa Cruz because they are keeping the fire from traveling out. And the people who are organizing this, the people in my neighborhood are incredibly organized, there just, everyone is, I'm so impressed.

KP: How many people in your community LF:You know, I don’t even know, but there's probably like 50 or more. I also read that some of the people who are

defending their neighborhoods, in Bonny Wood I believe, came to help Smith Grade because their situation, this is what I read, was under control so they felt comfortable leaving to come help this other team. People are really organized and working together to try and contain the fire, which is, like I said, it helps all of Santa Cruz, and the north I mean it's wherever the wind goes that's where the fire’s going to go. So um, yea we want more Cal Fire support, Aircraft support, Aircraft as much as possible I just want to add, I just thought of one other really impressive thing, they were short on masks and because of the people in my neighborhood are very connected to the whole Santa Cruz- whole Bonny Doon community they are involved with the elementary school, and, do fundraising for Bonny Doon in general, the wine festival, the music program at the elementary school, anyways they were able to locate 110 and N95 masks which were brought up this morning.

They are just incredibly well connected, really organized and effective so we need more support, firefighting support.  Our cover photo highlights these pleas for more help on the CZU August Lighting Fire.

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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LOCAL NEWS The Future of Santa Cruz Rail and Trail Would be Best

BY SALLY ARNOLD

Clean, Quiet, Modern Rail Can Connect Community, Families

Amidst all the losses, inconveniences and parenting challenges inflicted by the pandemic, there have been some positive changes as well. Worldwide air pollution has reduced, more people are using bicycles, and as supplies in the stores are short, we’re learning how to be more efficient with what we have. We also have a window of opportunity now to create a Santa Cruz County that is safer and better connected for everyone who travels to school, work, and play here.

We have the opportunity to create a new system of car-free travel options for our community. The Rail Trail currently under construction is connecting neighborhoods between Watsonville and Davenport. Alongside the trail, we can have clean, quiet, modern rail service linking Watsonville with the City of Santa Cruz and to points beyond our county at Pajaro Station. At each rail stop, synchronized bus connections provide easy transfers to various county destinations. A network of safe

Growing up Santa Cruz just keeps getting better and better. Thank you for a stellar job.

I am a retired teacher but still stay up with as much as I can. My students would be in their 40’s and into 50’s and 60’s now, it’s hard to believe. And yes, I was but a child when I began!

Kari Byron was one of my students and

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streets with sidewalks and protected bike lanes provides safe passage for wheelchair users, skateboarders, cyclists and pedestrians of all ages. The combination of safe active transportation routes, rail service, and synchronized bus connections would provide our community with a modern, robust transportation system. This vision is called “Coast Connect.”

Many people are familiar with the Rail Trail. Half of Santa Cruz County’s population lives within one mile of the 32-mile route. Additionally, the Monterey Bay Scenic Sanctuary Trail Network Master Plan includes 18 miles of spur trails connecting the Rail Trail with other destinations. The total length of this trail network will be about 50 miles. The entire Rail Trail is expected to be complete by 2030. Imagine what this will mean to families! We’ll have a safe, car-free way to get to the 92 parks and 44 schools that are within a mile of the Rail Trail.

What about transit? Good public transit improves access to opportunity

I was delighted to see the cover photo of her and a wonderful story about her. It is no surprise she is doing what she is doing as, as a teenager, she excelled. We are all very proud of her.

You asked for reader feedback on some issues: No, I think we should continue with distance learning and not have in person teaching. As a teacher, it’s too hard to

SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

and freedom of movement for everyone in the community, including children, teens, and pedestrians of all ages. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is committed to using our rail corridor for maximum community benefit. In addition to building the Rail Trail alongside the tracks, the RTC is studying what kind of public transit to run between Watsonville and Santa Cruz. So far, they’ve narrowed the choices to two bus and two rail options.

Because the bus options would require tearing up the tracks to build a road, they are very expensive and would be able to use less than half the existing corridor between Santa Cruz and Watsonville.

Buses would run mostly on surface streets, making them less reliable.

The truly exciting prospect before us is the possibility of choosing a lightweight electric passenger rail system. Electric rail is quiet, reducing neighborhood impact. New battery technology makes overhead wires unnecessary. And thanks to Monterey Bay Community Power, electrified trams, trollies, or trains would make sure all the details of this puzzle are put in place and can continue that way. One sector I think is often missing are the difficulties that families have in teaching special education kids. It’s a full-time job at best and this on top of everything else parents are doing. I would like to see schools support them more at home now and going forward.

Private schools are no guarantee that things will be better.

Yes, we should be wearing masks. I personally think children should start to wear masks as they are getting sick, too.

Absolutely no on renaming Cabrillo College. Not only is it a waste of money, funds that really are needed by the community but history is history. We can’t just click the “delete” button to erase things. We are the result of history and

use green power. Each stop could be served by synchronized bus service, making transfers easy.

Can we afford this? Implementing rail costs less than half of what it would cost to upgrade the corridor for buses, and is much less expensive than building freeway lanes. CalTrans is shifting their funding from highways to railways. The State Rail Plan has budgeted $144 billion for passenger rail, including “Aroundthe-Bay” regional rail transit connecting Santa Cruz to Monterey, Gilroy, Salinas and beyond.

We must start planning for rail now, to provide for the future. Before the pandemic, congestion and carbon emissions in the county were growing at a devastating pace. Even now, traffic is on the rise again. The need for improved northsouth transportation is critical. South County residents can spend 90 minutes in traffic (one way!) commuting to their jobs in North County. The RTC study revealed that passenger rail would cut that time in half. A trip between Watsonville and Santa Cruz would take only 41 minutes on rail, compared to 63 minutes on buses.

Rail transit would give people that most precious commodity: Time. Time with family, time to prepare a nutritious meal, to help with homework, to engage in civic life, to enjoy the outdoors.

Let’s work together to transform transportation in Santa Cruz County!

The choices we make now will impact families far into the future. To learn more about this exciting vision, visit CoastConnect.org. If you want to tell the RTC why you support rail transit on our rail corridor, please email the Transit Corridor Alternative Analysis team at transitcorridoraa@sccrtc.org. Make your voice heard!  Sally Arnold is a retired Soquel School District teacher and board chair of Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail.

it can’t be erased. There is still a lot of good going on in the world and in our ourselves and that’s no answer. Can we educate others about the past and what we have learned from it, yes.

A railroad line from Watsonville to Santa Cruz would be terrific and making it a bike and walking path sounds terrific.

I don’t know how that would happen though. I myself would not want to walk that close alongside the fumes of a train or traffic and I would not want to be dodging bicycles. Sharing is good but spacing is important.

So that’s how I feel and I’m going to stick with it, ha, ha!

Jane Parks-McKay, Santa Cruz

LOCAL NEWS Forget the Rail, Trail is the Way to Go Now

BY BRIAN PEOPLES It has been a decade since the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission bought the Santa Cruz Branch Line. But reserving the rail corridor for a train is preventing the construction of a world-class Santa Cruz Coastal Trail.

10 reasons why the Santa Cruz Coastal Trail should be built NOW: 1. Never-Ending Costly Studies. three train studies conducted over the last five years and costing $2.5 million have proven that a train would not reduce traffic, would cost over $1 billion and would increase adjacent surface-street traffic and congestion.

2. Legal Restrictions. Federal guidelines require that any trail built next to a commuter train be separated at least 25 feet from train tracks. The Santa Cruz rail corridor from Santa Cruz to Manresa Beach is only 27 feet wide, making it legally impossible to accommodate both a commuter train and trail.

3. Rail banking is possible now.

After 10 years, the SCCRTC has acknowledged that rail banking is both legal and possible for the Santa Cruz Coastal Trail. That is covering the tracks and using them at a future, more affordable and necessary time. Rail banking guarantees important federal funding for so-called “takings” lawsuits, where the government can

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take back the money it paid for rail.

If the rail corridor is not rail banked, the cost and liability for adjacent property owner lawsuits falls on Santa Cruz County taxpayers.

Increased Traffic and Congestion.

The current train and trail plan diverts the trail to surface-streets for 35 percent of the corridor (12.5 miles), all of which is located in the most populated and busiest sections of Santa Cruz County, including downtown Capitola.

Historic Train Trestles. There are over 20 train trestles along the corridor, some of which like Capitola’s are historic. These decaying trestles would have to be replaced with concrete trestles in order to safely transport the planned 60 trains a day travelling 45 mph. Tearing down historic trestles to be replaced by concrete trestles tugs at the heart of Santa Cruz County residents, who are so very proud of our heritage and history.

The Environment. As avid environmentalists, Santa Cruz County residents are continuously concerned about changes to the existing landscape that have a longterm negative effect on the environment. Since the tracks run within 20 feet of the Pacific Ocean,

Growing up in Santa Cruz wants to help focus families on current issues and debates. We have plenty of them on the table in Santa Cruz County and we want input from experts and you.

This month we are looking at the debate between those who want to build a rail and trail corridor and those who just want a trail. It’s a huge issue for families and will shape the county for years and years to come.

Take a look through the arguments and let us know which you prefer and why. We’ll print your letters.

In future months we’ll look at the Downtown Library plans, funding for schools, changing the name of our community college from Cabrillo, how and where should we build more housing, what can we do about people with no homes, how shall we rebuild after the fires and what should we do about schools and covid-19, to name a few.

7.

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“sea-level-rising” mitigation plans make train travel financially and environmentally unfeasible. At the same time, the current plan results in hundreds of heritage oak trees being cut down and millions of cubic feet of earth moved to create a tunnel of concrete retaining walls.

Cost Prohibitive. Building a trail adjacent to train tracks is not affordable. The Santa Cruz Westside trail segment was selected as the first section to build because it was viewed as the least expensive. Yet, in reality, the cost to build this section has been outrageously expensive--$10 million per mile as compared to the $2 million average national cost of building rail-to-trails.

Safety. The proposed operational plan is to run 60 trains a day, travelling 45 mph, through our neighborhoods, many of which are quiet residential areas. We can unfortunately cite horrific statistics, including one example coming from the Marin/Sonoma SMART train--which has had 11 people killed in the last 2 years by speeding trains through neighborhoods. We shudder at the thought of having 60 trains a day travelling through Aptos Village.

Transportation Trail. One of the studies completed, the Unified Corridor Study, included statistics that indicated a trail would have 800 users/HOUR. Studies by Nelson Nygaard and Alta Planning and Design, two of the most reputable transportation consultants in the U.S. have indicated that a wide multi-use trail will carry more commuters than a train at a fraction of the cost.

10. 10. Passenger Train Fares. Rail transit is not affordable for low income commuters. Passenger roundtrip tickets would cost $20 per day for a short 12-mile ride.

9.

Each themed box comes with: Hardback Picture Book + Kid-friendly Recipe Card Baking Tool + Project

Come see what we’re mixing up!

www.BookakeryBoxes.com Available as 1, 3, 6 and 12 month packages Coupon good for any length subscrip�on. Renews at standard rate. Expires 12/31/2020

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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LOCAL NEWS Who's Picking Your Food

BY FRANCES DELGADO-CHAVEZ

Farmworkers face multiple issues: income inequality, hazardous work conditions, and racism. We must advocate for farmworkers to have a living wage, have protective equipment gear, and citizenship paths. All of these social justice issues have come to the forefront due to the global pandemic and wildfires.

The first issue is income inequality. It is a known fact that farmworkers do not get paid what they deserve for their arduous labor. The average salary of a farmworker is $12.60 an hour, estimated $26,200 a year.1 Farmworkers need three to four incomes to afford rent, meaning there are multi-family households. Rent and home prices keep rising due to employees moving from Silicon Valley/Bay Area to Santa Cruz County, causing people to get pushed out or squeeze in. Living in a multi-family household can cause health issues, which has been highlighted by the Covid-19 epidemic. When living in a multi-family household where those that are of working age are essential workers, it is already impossible to limit the exposure to Covid-19. Most work in the field or other jobs that are classified as ‘essential.’ Latinxs make up 51% of the COVID cases in Santa Cruz County, but only account for one-third of the population. This is also a statewide trend and shows that Latinxs account for 55% of the COVID cases. However, they only represent 39% of the population.2 Now it’s not just COVID-19, but also the hazardous air quality from both wildfires in Monterey and Santa Cruz County that have created an ongoing threat to the health and livelihood of farmworkers.

There is a photograph circulating on social media showing farmworkers working while a wildfire is ablaze. This has started a discussion on hazard pay and PPE. Community members have rallied to make sure farmworkers have the right KN95 masks to protect themselves from Covid-19 and bad air quality. Why are farmworkers not protected as essential workers? If it wasn’t for farmworkers, there wouldn’t

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be food on our tables. One reason for this lack of protection is the current administration and its hateful rhetoric against ‘Mexicans.’ They ignore the fact that immigrants come from different countries and use the blanketed statements that all ‘illegal aliens’ come from Mexico. President Donald Trump has stated, ”They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”3 This creates hateful rhetoric that people use against those that are Latinx and face daily. It ‘justifies’ the low wages, deportations, and hazardous work conditions since they are seen as these negative stereotypes.

Therefore, not deserving of fundamental human rights. Farmworkers who are undocumented have the added layer of stress, which is deportation. Families are being separated and put in abhorrent conditions in detention centers when detained. In reality, immigrants create a positive impact on the economy, and it is time that their contribution is recognized. In multiple ways, we are failing farmworkers. However, there are a multitude of actions you can make to create a difference. There are short term solutions such as donating to local organizations for PPE, diapers, food, etc. Long term solutions are emailing/ calling your local city council members/ state senators and advocating for living wages and protections against hazardous environments.

Farmworkers continue to work in the field as fire rages on. (2018) Photo by Andy Holzman

How Can You Make a Difference?

Make a monetary donation or volunteer your time.

Santa Cruz County Center for Farmworkers Families Farmworkerfamily.org Community Action Board

Cabinc.org

Santa Cruz Immigration Project

Helping immigrants acquire legal status, reuniting immigrant families, and making U.S. citizenship more accessible to eligible immigrants.

Thriving Immigration Project

An alliance of organizations in Santa Cruz County that provide direct services to and advocate for a community where immigrants are truly welcomed and supported to thrive.

Instagram Campesinxwombcare

Womb care kits for farmworkers women in Watsonville, CA. desolasol.colectiva

Autonomous collective providing mutual aid to farm workers in Watsonville. This collective works with farmworkers and gives N95 masks, hand sanitizers, and other necessary resources. pvusdstudents_deserve

linktree: linktr.ee/pvusdstudentsdeserve A coalition of current and former PVUSD students who are committed to youth and community. This coalition is demanding the City of Watsonville to create safety measures for farmworkers. Also, collecting funds for groceries.

Disclaimer: I am speaking as an outsider who has not worked in the fields. I have talked with farmworkers, and these are their experiences. We all have privileges, and how will you use your privilege?

Revolunas linktree

1.

Hansen, Louis. ‘California’s farmworker housing crisis has people sleeping in dining rooms.’ Santa Cruz Sentinel, 2019 December 24.

caravana.campesino

2.

Guzman, Meyberg. ‘Covid hammers Santa Cruz Latinos.’ Santa Cruz Locals, 2020 July 15.

Agentsofchange831

3.

Simon, Darram. ‘President Trump’s other insensitive comments on race, ethnicity.’ CNN, 2018 January 18.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

linktr.ee/revolunas A womxn of color collective committed to the healing of womxn, youth, QTPOC through spirituality, creative, expression, community building, and education. Revolunas is having a backpack drive for farmworkers in Watsonville. linktree: linktr.ee/campesino.caravana This is a community organization that appreciates farmworkers by providing resources, food, and what is needed. linktr.ee/agentsofchange831 Currently, have a fundraiser for backpacks and school supplies for farmworkers in Monterey County. Also, have a resource document of who to email to protect farmworkers and email templates.

LOCAL NEWS “COVID Campers” and Bikes in High Demand

BY JEANETTE PRATHER

Maybe you’ve seen it for yourself on the road or read it in a newspaper, but if not, you’re about to be clued in. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable surge in RVs (the blanket term meaning ‘recreational vehicle’ and classifying all motorhomes, towable campers, fifth wheel campers, and truck campers) as well as bicycle sales around Santa Cruz and across the nation.

“Without a doubt we’ve been feeling the recent surge in RV sales,” said Santa Cruz’s North Bay Ford RV manager Joe Punzi on his way to an RV showing. “It’s always been a challenge to find good quality used inventory, but especially now when I do it doesn’t last more than a few days. That’s been the trend.”

According to the RV Industry Association and a private study conducted by the Kampgrounds of America (KOA), 34 percent of US and Canadian campers believe that road trips will be the safest mode of travel even after stay-at-home orders are lifted, which the RV Industry Association predicts will boost the number of American road travelers to 46 million by next year. “The RV Industry Association also found that 20 percent of US residents surveyed have become more interested in RV travel than flying, tent camping, cruises, and rental stays amid coronavirus concerns,” wrote Brittany Chang of the Business Insider on June 13.

In the beginning of June, Santa Rosa RV who typically sells an average of six RVs per week, sold a record 22 in one week, which is more than they sell in one month, according to an ABC7 news report. “In general, dealers tell [ABC7] that sales have doubled. It’s a seller’s

market driven by a shortage of units after COVID-19 closed the RV factories,” reported Wayne Freedman.

RV sales are not the only ones seeing a dramatic increase. Somewhat unrelated but equally as relevant, bicycles have grown more popular.

“I called Scotts Valley Cycle Sport to get my son’s bike wheel fixed, and they gave me an appointment one month later saying that they were all backed up until then,” local father, Eric Bent commented.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in bike sales and bike orders by about 200%,” said Scotts Valley Cycle Sport’s sales manager, Caro Gomoz-Villafane.

“We weren’t busy at all the first and second weeks of the COVID shelter-inplace orders, but then suddenly it’s been a pretty stable increase in demand. So much that we opened a full warehouse and hired 12 bike builders to meet the demand.”

Gomoz-Villafane said that aside from an inventory dip prior to Cycle Sport opening their warehouse, they’ve been very fortunate not to suffer through a lack of inventory leading to a lack in sales, which she mentioned some other bike shops have experienced. “For a while before we opened the warehouse, our sales floor was pretty bare, but the idea is to keep up the demand in sales, so we started to build more bikes,” said Gomoz-Villafane. “Overall, we’ve been very lucky and have staff with great attitudes and high spirits.”

One bicycle service technician named Ian from Bicycle Trip in Santa Cruz, mentioned that they were so busy and backed up with bikes that he didn’t have time to stop for questions. “Correct, we’re that busy, which is good” he said,

“but I’m just that backed up.”

A Los Angeles Times article in June mentions protests as one of the reasons the Bay Area can’t keep stocked. There is, of course, the physicality during SIP orders and a growing tension with mass travel in the face of COVID-19.

“In the Bay Area, families are inundating roads with cycling outings,” the article, titled “Bicycles have enjoyed a boom during the pandemic. Will it last as car traffic resumes?” According to PeopleForBikes data, bike sales were up substantially from last year — 65 percent greater than year-to-date 2019,” the article said.

With the astronomical demand in bicycles since the COVID pandemic, bike manufacturers have needed to (2020 catch phrase alert!) ‘pivot’ their manufacturing tactics. According to Medium.com writer Larry Kanter, the second-largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, Trek, is trying to set the trend in meeting demand on the supplier’s level. “[CEO John Burke] and his team drilled deep into Trek’s vast supply chain, gauging the capabilities of suppliers, in most cases doubling its orders for handlebars, frames, wheels, and other components,” wrote Kanter

in an August 3 article on Meduim.com titled, “Inside the Company Trying to Solve the Global Bicycle Shortage.”

In addition to numbers forecasting that helped conversations with overseas suppliers, Trek turned to small bike retailers and helped them curate a tailored experience for their customers, essentially ensuring the customers were treated with utmost care and service.

“This is not a blip,” Burke told Kanter.

“People want to be outdoors. They want to exercise and they want transportation that’s not a bus, a train, or a trolley. You have this massive issue of climate change — and consumers actually wanting to do something about it.”

With personal travel and vacation transportation booming, suppliers and retailers well positioned to handle the surge will side-step the rest of the economic recession. Airplanes, cruise ships and buses might remain empty for now, but bicycles and recreational vehicles are all the rage with no sign of slowing down.

“I’ve worked in the bike industry for 13 years and have never seen anything like it,” said Gomoz-Villafane. “I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon.”

Nurturing a love of learning and respect for self, others, and our world.

Serving children 18 months – 15 years.

See our website to schedule a tour (831) 476-1646 | www.scms.org

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

17

Do you have an uplifting story to share? We want to hear it! Send us your inspiring stories and images and we will post them on our website's Good Stuff page and maybe even in an upcoming print issue! We could all use some heartwarming tales and imagery right now. Send 100-200 words plus your pictures to christy@growingupsc.com.

Fire Wife Strong

BY MONICA VEGA I've been a fire fighters significant other for almost 20 years and before that, a fire fighters daughter. People have always asked "are you scared?" and while that fear was always there, it was never like it was this past week. This time was very different. I have never been afraid for his life in the moment and coming days. The fear that things could go bad, is something I think about on and off, but never had at the surface.

This time that fear was at the surface for a week straight. Scared for my husband, my brother, and my friends. It was a relief to have him with us today, even if it was for just a couple of hours. West End Tap & Kitchen treated us to a meal and it was nice for thigns to feel somewhat “normal.� Looking forward to having him home for good!

Boulder Creek Local, battalion chief at Boulder Creek(volunteer) and fill time captain at San Jose Fire, Gabe Vega and his kids Georgia and Photo by Monica Vega

Show Your Gratitude Would you like to show your appreciation to the firefighters and sheriff's working hard to keep our communites safe during the CZU Lighting Complex fires? You can make thank you cards and send them to the following: CAL FIRE CZU Headquarters

6059 Highway 9 Felton, Ca 95018

Felton Fire Protection District

131 Kirby St Felton, CA 95018

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Ben Lomond Fire Department

9430 Hwy 9 Ben Lomond, CA 95005

Boulder Creek Fire Department

13230 CA-9 Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office

5200 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Zayante Fire Department

7700 East Zayante Road Felton, CA 95018

SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

THE GOOD STUFF Clean Clothes

Historic Wildfires

World Central Kitchen Cooking Across Northern California WCK's Relief Team delivered the first set of meals prepared by Barceloneta to firefighters in Boulder Creek and Ben Lemond who have been on the frontlines, working tirelessly to keep everyone safe.

Barceloneta, a Spanish restaurant in Santa Cruz, is one of our partners cooking up WCK meals this weekend. The owners are Brett and Elan, who've always loved JosÄ— and follow WCK's efforts around the world.

The Laundry Room Offers Services for Evacuees

Brett and Elan have had to evacuate home themselves, so they told us it means so much to them to be able to help their neighbors who they know are experiencing the same challenges right now.

To support families evacuated and firefighters on the frontlines, WCK has activated partner restaurants from San Francisco to San Mateo to Santa Cruz to prepare hot meals.

Update as of Aug 21: We have provided free laundry to nearly 200 families and individuals who have been evacuated or lost their homes in the fires. We are again asking for help in continuing to provide this benefit. We would appreciate donations of cash and/ or detergent.

Saving Gardens While on patrol, Felton Fire crew on E2311 and WT2350 stopped by Quail Hollow Montessori to water their lovely garden. They were even caught on a home security camera taking care of hanging flower baskets!

1.

Donate to the Fire Relief Laundry Card Fund (Unused donations will go to red cross nor cal)

2.

Online clover.com/online-ordering/the-laundry-roomsanta-cruz

3.

In Store: Tell an attendant you'd like to add money to the Fire Relief Laundry Card. You can add any amount using cash, credit, or debit.

4.

Donate Detergent: We need unscented free and clear detergent and something like Tide. We've gone through most of our donated items.

Original Post: Our hearts go out to those affected by the fires. We now have over $400 committed to provide free laundry services to those evacuated in Santa Cruz County. Simply show us proof of address in an evacuated area and we will take care of you.

If you would like to contribute there are a few options: 1. Purchase credits for our Fire Relief Laundry Card via our homepage (www.laundryroomseabright. com). This card is available for any evacuee to use at our store.

2. If you’re one of our customers, you can add value to the laundry card at our store or donate your remaining balance to the card.

3. Since our store effectively runs on gift cards, feel free to come in and purchase laundry cards to distribute to affected families yourself.

Any unused customer contributions through 1 or 2 above will be donated to Red Cross Nor Cal. Stay strong Santa Cruz.

Chloe Pruden of Boulder Creek sends love to her community.

The Laundry Room is located at 419 Seabright Ave Santa Cruz. You can email them at thelaundryroomseabright@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page Facebook.com/LaundryRoomSeabright

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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PARENTING Think this Generation will be Left Behind?

Think Again

BY SUKI WESSLING

Are we really so entitled?

Yes, this pandemic is awful. We have not yet seen the full effects on our health, on our government services, on our jobs.

This pandemic is going to touch every aspect of our lives eventually.

But to say that just because our kids have to learn on a screen for a short while longer, we’re ruining their lives? Really?

We can do this.

I keep hearing the same thing over and over: Our kids are going to have “gaps.” They’re going to be “left behind.”

Permanently scarred. Unable to have a “normal” college education.

And it makes me wonder: are we really so entitled that we think a little pandemic can keep our kids down?

Kids are resilient. Research shows that having a perfect, smooth childhood is not actually the best thing for them.

They need something to push back against.

People respond to obstacles with creativity.

Families are creative. Yes, this is not what you were planning to do with your year. I had a year like that. When my younger child was four, we realized that they hadn’t yet designed a school that was going to work for him. I considered the first day of kindergarten my “first day back to my real life.” Instead, I was at home full-time with a kid who needed more than I thought I was prepared to give.

Here’s a thought exercise:

But we did it. And you can, too.

Think about what it was like for Jewish kids in Europe. A few common experiences included being hounded by the police, hiding for months or years in basements and attics, being forced into concentration camps, fleeing in the trunks of cars, arriving in unfamiliar countries with only the clothing on their backs.

Moving outward, consider all children in Europe. School disrupted on a regular basis. Near starvation for many of them.

Homes in ruins, school in rubble. Losing parents and grandparents.

Still further, children in the United States. Seeing their fathers go off to war.

Living on rations. Losing teachers and community members to the war. Knowing that the last thing on any adult’s mind was making life perfect for kids.

Caring teachers who are working their asses off trying to learn a new mode of delivering education.

Schools that are groaning under the weight of constantly shifting expectations but still doing what they have always done—trying to educate our kids.

Amazing online tools to support you, challenge you, and expand your vision of what education can be.

Networks of other parents who are in the same boat. In the past, homeschoolers had to look far and wide for a support system. You’ve got yours built into your PTA or your Facebook feed.

Remember the holocaust generation.

These are the people who built the modern world.

These kids who lived through World War II are the people who put the first human being on the moon.

These are the people who designed modern computers.

These are the people who innovated in every branch of study, from linguistics to neuroscience.

20 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Remember what you still have.

Make the most of this time.

It will be over before you know it. We’ll be back to “normal” sooner than you expect. This will only happen once (we hope) so take advantage of this time to get creative and support your kids as best you can.  Suki Wessling is a local writer and teacher who homeschooled and schooled her two children, now grown. She writes about education, homeschooling, and parenting. Read more at www.SukiWessling.com.

PARENTING Creative Distance Learning

BY JEANETTE PRATHER

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage through communities and shuttering human gathering locations like schools, many families are finding themselves at a loss for how to juggle it all. Some parents have gotten creative with intended pod learning, pulling former teachers out of retirement, or even schooling in nature.

“After struggling with all of the back-and-forth of what ‘school’ would look like this coming school year, I had decided that no matter what I wanted my son Mason to have, first, a break from me being as his teacher, and second, some kind of social interaction,” said local working mother of two, Devon Obert. “I began to have conversations with four other moms from Mason’s kindergarten class about a possible home instruction ‘pod,’ as they’re being called.”

Obert referenced the group meeting a few days per week to utilize the co-op situation as well as possibly bringing in a tutor or two. Their dilemma was space.

“We had a few zoom meetings discussing social distancing, health and safety precautions to be considered, possible enrichment additions like science and nature hikes, music, and art lessons,” said Obert, who also mentioned the onset of anxiety from additional exposure to people outside of her immediate family.

“It was like a tangled web of exposure and the anxiety crept in. I kept thinking about the few friends and family we see and have seen thus far, and the exposure we could be adding to their lives, or the reality that we would have to trade our pod ‘family’ for our real family. I finally made the choice to pull the plug on the pod early August.”

This wavering approach as the beginning of school drew closer appears to be a popular one. Some parents have really taken to the idea of pod learning

or even hiring furloughed school staff and students to assist with instruction, but in addition to Obert’s concerns, there seems to be a growing divide in regards to privilege and social justice among pod families.

“If you are a relatively privileged person seeking a pandemic pod because you simply cannot imagine working less, the solution you seek might not be a pod, but a rethinking of the unrealistic expectations of ‘work’ our current economic system is placing upon us,” wrote Medium.com columnist, Shayla R. Griffin (PhD, MSW) on July 23 in an article titled, “If ‘Most Students Should Stay Home,’ What Do I Do with My Kids?’”

Griffin, referencing an article she had written previously about social justice and the education system, doesn’t necessarily discredit the idea of “pandemic pods,” but explains that parents should be lobbying and “marching, or calling, or emailing, or tweeting, or Facebooking, or zooming, or figuring out who in your circles of privilege knows some senators,” to try and eradicate any of the social inequalities that currently exist and may worsen as a result of this pandemic.

With Santa Cruz County’s school district mandating distance learning indefinitely for the immediate future and/or 2020 – 2021 school year, there is no question that parents need to get creative, whatever that might look like.

One resource that some local parents are turning to for creative solutions to this intensely unique dilemma, is Facebook. The private Facebook group, Santa Cruz Moms, outlines some of the options and potential solutions from hiring high school straight-A students to moving the curriculum to a secluded park for tactile learning.

“High schoolers will also have a more flexible schedule and may not be able to work their regular after school jobs as things get shut down,” proposed one mom sure if this violates any privacy laws]. “They may be available for backup help or tutoring in the afternoon.”

Another mom is offering up her recently converted spare bedroom to a classroom for small group instruction as well as a comprehensive afterschool enrichment program. “We will be doing a rotation of hiking, sports, workouts, dancing, singing, art projects, etc.,” she wrote to the Facebook group, referencing the use of outdoor space. “Newsletters will be sent out every Sunday with an exact schedule of what we will be doing.”

In addition to the robust thread in the Santa Cruz Moms Facebook group, other distance learning resources include DistantLearners.wixsite.com (a start-up education business out of response to the fall 2020 school year not opening for in-person instruction), SantaCruzLearningCenter.com, and WolfSchool.org (a non-profit outdoorbased educational program and camp facility), to name a few. Of course, most of these resources come with a fee.

And what about preschools? Daycare

facilities? As of July 20, all schools were mandated distance learning with Superintendent Munro announcing, “School districts, charter schools and private schools are now required to provide distance learning instructional services only.” However, the grouping of care facilities that hold Community Care Licensing (i.e. those considered daycares regardless of an educational curriculum) fall under the Department of Social Services and could remain open.

“When the shelter-in-place order first began in California in March, childcare facilities were only available to the children of essential workers, like nurses, grocery store clerks, child care providers and farm workers,” wrote EdSource.org in an article published on July 17. “But in early June, childcare facilities were allowed to reopen for all children, if they meet health and safety guidelines like wearing masks and keeping children in small groups and six feet apart, as much as possible.”

Whether pod learning, homeschooling, nature school, or daycare, there’s no doubt that this school year will be one to remember and hopefully lay the foundation for a more sustainable education system in the future.

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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LOCAL NEWS COVID Program Updates

BY ZACH FRIEND, SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERVISOR, DISTRICT 2 As we continue to face health and economic challenges related to COVID-19 many in our community are looking into programs and services to provide assistance. While our community overall is faring better than many portions of the state and country, we’ve seen a significant increase in cases in the last month and also continued high levels of unemployment (or for those that are employed - reductions in hours and pay). Here are updates on some programs and information that might be of interest during this time.

Rental Assistance Program Created

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to provide $1 million in CARES Act funding for local rental and utility assistance in order to prevent unincorporated residents from losing their housing during the pandemic.

The original CARES Act funding wasn’t designated for counties of our size but the state did allocate some of the funding to us and this is an eligible expense. With significant unemployment and, at the time of this writing, lack of clarity on additional federal assistance for unemployment and other financial impacts, the Board felt this was an

important step to prevent some community members from entering homelessness. Details are being finalized for applications and eligibility so if you have questions feel free to reach out to me at 454-2200 or go on the County website for updates.

Great Plates Program Extended

Great Plates Delivered, which brings meals to over 600 local seniors during the pandemic, has been extended at least until September. The program is is run through the Human Service Department of Santa Cruz County, in partnership with local community based organizations, and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of California with local support from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. The program provides up to 3 meals daily from local businesses for seniors who are 65+ (or 60+ and high risk) that live alone or with one other program eligible adult, are not currently receiving assistance from state or federal nutrition assistance programs and have an annual income of less than about $75,000 for singles and $101,00 for 2 person. If you want to see if you’re eligible you can call (831) 454-4406.

County COVID-19 Website Updated With Data And Resources

The County’s dedicated website to all local COVID-19 information has been updated with additional data. The site, www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus - has daily case counts (including active cases), demographic breakdowns, hospitalization rates, spread rates, testing counts as well as new information for businesses (employer toolkits) and more.

Additionally, the site has information for parents looking for childcare, the latest information on health orders and other links to resources.

County Business Blue Check Program

The launched of a new program to help inform the community about business safety by providing a public health endorsement to businesses that are following safer health and safety practices. The Blue Check Program is a voluntary program giving businesses that follow public health guidelines for staff and customers, signage endorsing their operations.

Participating businesses will be given a

unique “COVID-19 SAFER, Blue Check” display to post near entrances. This help residents know about businesses that are attesting to protocols from the Health Officer including enforcement of physical distancing, requirements for face coverings, disinfection of shared equipment and limits on the number of customers in a store. The program is voluntary and open to all Santa Cruz County businesses. Complaints about non-compliance with participating businesses should be emailed to bluecheck@santacruzcounty.us. Business can obtain the sign via the Office for Economic Development website, sccvitality.org.

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue).

I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at facebook.com/ supervisorfriend and during the shelterin-place order I’m hosting tele-townhalls with County, State and community leaders. If you’re interested in the town halls or just want to connect on an issue you can always call me at 454-2200.

Outdoor Camp for K-5 Santa Cruz Students this Fall Outdoor program focused on environmental stewardship, social emotional learning, nature exploration, imaginary play, and the arts Stable groups of up to 12 students M/W & T/TH options from 12-5 pm $70 per student per day Fall program runs Sept. 14 - Nov. 20 Drop-off at locations within 20 minutes of Santa Cruz (Seabright Beach, Natural Bridges, etc.)

All state and county guidelines to reduce the spread of CO D-1 implemented

Visit exploringnewhorizons.org for more information or to donate to our scholarship fund to support outdoor educational equity.

Founded as a nonprofit in 1 7 , xploring New Horizons engages over 7,000 students annually in outdoor education.

22 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

LOCAL ARTIST Selena Zontos Skavenge Art

I am an artist living and working in the Santa Cruz Mountains. My work is has been an ever evolving journey of learning and creating. I continue to be inspired by the mystic nature of the local landscapes and wildlife. The paintings tend to be about our connection to each other and the natural world.

I received a bachelor of Fine Art from San Jose State. My experience there was fundamental in me trusting myself as an artist. From there it took some time before I really found my path in what I call "Living a Life Uncommon." Making a path where there isn't one, and trusting the unfolding of it.

I now have a gallery and shop in the heart of downtown Felton. I use this as my studio space and workshop as well. The name of the space and the work, Skavenge Art, came from a pivotal moment in my journey. It became a defining piece of the puzzle. Come by for a visit to see works in progress, my process, along with the finished collection.

You can visitSkavenge Art at 6245 Highway 9, Felton Ca 95018 and shop online at healinginnature.etsy.com. Follow Selena on Instagram @skavenge_art ď ˝ Color one of Selena's drawings on our coloring page (30)

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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ASK NICOLE Coping and Recovering After Traumatic Events

BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

When I started writing this month’s article, the biggest concern for many parents was starting the new school year with distance learning because of rising COVID-19 cases. Families and educators alike were worried about teaching and learning and working from home – or, for many families, wondering how to keep

their kids safe during the virtual school day while they had to work outside of the home. It was a daunting challenge only a couple weeks ago, but now it’s been compounded by the devastating effects of the wildfires. My heart goes out to all those who lost their homes, pets, and precious family items – as well as those

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24 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

who had to evacuate and live with the fear and uncertainty about losing their homes. Here are some tips for coping and recovering after the wildfires.

Remember there is no “right” way to react to traumatic events. Each person’s experience with the wildfires will be different – even within the same family.

Some children and adults will express their emotions openly and reach out for help. Others will keep their feelings private and try to “keep it together” because they fear that their emotions will spiral out of control. Some people will find it helpful – and even healing – to focus on the concrete tasks of replacing items, finding housing, rebuilding homes, or getting back to work. Others might become overwhelmed by their emotions or growing “To-Do” list, and even routine tasks like getting out of bed or eating can suddenly seem impossible.

These are all common reactions to trauma and loss – and one person could experience the full range of emotions and reactions from one minute to the next.

Take care of yourself. This may seem impossible to do if you’re in temporary housing, dealing with insurance claims, or worrying about how to feed your family. And yet, it’s critical to find ways to rest and renew your physical, mental, and emotional energy. Recovering from a traumatic event like the wildfires will be a marathon, not a sprint. Even giving yourself 5 minutes each day to meditate, cry, sit in silence, or take a short walk can make a difference. Reach out for help from a counselor, pastor, or other support person if you need to vent or express intense emotions with someone who isn’t also trying to deal with their own grief or anxiety about the wildfire.

Give kids lots of affection and invite them to express their feelings. Kids will have many feelings – even if they didn’t lose their homes – including anger, fear, sadness, confusion, guilt, depression, or anxiety. They might cry, have

emotional outbursts, become fearful about being away from their parents, or have difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating. Kids might appear fine and resilient one day (or minute), then have a complete meltdown the next.

Encourage kids to express their feelings through talking, reading, drawing, singing, playing, writing, texting, crying, or even screaming.

Return to familiar routines, or create new ones. Consistent routines create predictability, which can be very reassuring in stressful times. If you’re staying in an unfamiliar place, look for ways to create temporary routines that feel familiar. Talk, play, read, sing, eat, or cuddle together during mornings, mealtimes, and bedtimes. Those routines will be emotional anchors that can help your family get through each day.

Try to limit kids’ exposure to distressing news and images. While it’s important to stay informed, and media coverage about the wildfires can provide a valuable teaching moment, it can be confusing and stressful for kids to see repeated news or hear adult conversations about a traumatic event. They might believe the wildfire is happening again or relive their fear and anxiety, even if they are not in any danger. Young children might not understand what’s being said, but they can sense and “mirror” (copy) their caregivers’ emotions. Older children and teens who see distressing photos, videos, and comments on social media could become worried and anxious, imagining all the worst-case scenarios that could happen if there are more wildfires.

Final Thoughts

The recent wildfires have been devastating and traumatic. And yet the community’s generosity and readiness to assist both friends and strangers has been inspiring. I hope this is what our children remember about the wildfires, long after the flames are extinguished.

This monthly column provides tips for raising children, based on the worldrenowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email me at triplep@first5scc.org.  Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 16 and 20, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program.

Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit http://triplep.first5scc.org, www. facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

TECH TALK Family Computing Bits

BY LUIGI OPPIDO Hello, Everyone! My name is Luigi Oppido, owner/operator of Pleasure Point Computers and the new host of the super-special tech column here in Growing Up in Santa Cruz! Every month we’re going to open up this section to questions that you have about your technology, your computer, your phone, and anything that has an on switch! We will discuss it! You can reach me by email at Luigi@ksqd.org for any of your tech questions!

What kind of things are coming up in the new year that will help you with school? What are some of the pitfalls that you can fall into when being online for school? Millions of people every day are trying new programs and doing new things in these unprecedented times.

Let’s help you learn that new tech and excel with all these new devices! New technology doesn’t have to be scary and that’s what I’m here for. I have an extensive 25-year background in tech and I’ve owned my own computer repair shop for more than nine years running. With a background in computer securities and failure analysis, my experience and your questions will help get the most out of your machine. I’m excited to be a part of this incredible publication!

Let’s try a quick restart tip!

We’ll take a step to allow your machine to actually restart instead of going into what’s called an advanced hibernation state. Your programs are expecting a shut down and without it you might get system instability.

On a Mac, go up to the Apple on the top left of your screen, click on it and click on ‘restart’ like you’re going to restart the machine. A new dialogue box will appear in the center of your screen. In the dialog box, it asks you (with a check box) if you want to re-open windows. You do not! Make sure this check box is unchecked.

On a PC, go into your power settings and uncheck ‘fast start-up’ to allow the advanced hibernation state to be turned off, allowing your machine to properly restart.

Another thing people don’t ever do is to check for updates. We are always on our machines using our machines and not maintaining our machines.

These machines need maintenance and by maintenance I mean updates. On a Mac, go to the Apple and then click on the App Store for system updates. It will also be under your System Preferences.

On a PC, at the start menu click on the

Settings card and then go to Update and Security and click on the ‘check for updates’ button.

Look forward to more each month.

We will answer questions like: Why has my wireless printer stopped printing?

Why is my Internet so slow when my friend’s Internet is 10 times faster?

Why is my machine so much slower than when I bought it? Why do certain websites load and other times, they don’t? Has my password changed? Did someone hack my account? How can I tell if I’ve been hacked? Do people even get hacked anymore?

These questions and more are just

We are back!

some of the things that we’re going to be talking about here in the Computer Man segment. So get yourself grounded, fire up that Teslacoil and let’s get those electrons flowing! Try me with your best tech questions! Let’s get together and make your technology work for YOU! Email Luigi@ksqd.org.  Visit Luigi Oppido at 1824 Soquel Ave. STE-B, call him (831) 464-2220, email Luigi@PleasurePointComputers. com or visit his website at PleasurePointComputers.com Listen to the Computer Man Show! Every Tuesday night from 6 to 7 PM on 90.7 FM KSQD, and KSQD.org

is your home hive humming? join our new

Bee Smart Pods Sign up for one or more of our three pods:

• Banana Slug Pod : Tuesday * • Honey Bee Pod : Thursday * • Monarch Pod : Friday * K through 3rd grade • 12–3pm Starts Tuesday, September 8th, 2020 8 weeks = $360 / 4 weeks = $200

We have new protocols to keep everyone safe, including social distancing and prescreening every visit.

Our front office is working hard to rebook missed appointments.

New patients: we are booking appointments after September.

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We are Offering

Private Swim Instruction Limited Swim Babies Family SCUBA & Snorkeling

Shop Local for (Home) School Supplies

Coming Soon

Outdoor Science & Fitness Camps for kids at the beach!

Come Play with Us! 303 Potrero St #15 • Santa Cruz 831-458-3648 • asudoit.com

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

25

Beth Lilienthal

Postpartum Doula Care | Santa Cruz County Postpartum Doulas help new families in those first few months with education, breastfeeding, sleeping and gaining the confidence to parent.

Your baby could be on the cover of our October issue!

Sponsored by Beth Lillienthal Postpartum Doula

SantaCruzBabyDoula.com Beththedoula@gmail.com

see contest rules below

You know you have the cutest baby in the world and now you can let the world see. Send a photo to christy@growingupsc.com and we’ll print the best entries, including one on the cover. Send by Sept. 14.

We’ll have voting at www.growingupsc.com Sept. 15-18. One vote per person. Must be under 1 year old and born in Santa Cruz County.

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We Teach Kindness!

Rocking Horse Ranch is an alternative Preschool, located on three beautiful acres, where our goal is to grow good human beings. We encourage “Out-of-the-Box” thinking through structured and non-structured play.

serving children for more than 30 years!

i ng H R ockR anchorse CHOOL P R E S

831.462.2702

4134 Fairway Drive, Soquel

COMING SOON YOU CAN CHECK OUT GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE ON YOUTUBE! DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse © 2020 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All rights reserved.

26 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

NANCY C OHEN Owner / Director

Email: RHRNance@gmail.com License # 444400771

GET ORGANIZED Build Your Home Classroom

BY JHONEÉ FILLMORE child specific. Give each child a binder, separate folders or separated bins that contain a spot for: academic calendar, class expectations, assignments, workbooks, book, logins/passwords, completed work, reference materials (site words, multiplication table, tracing sheets), flash cards, scratch paper and their necessary electronics.

Within this space, hang a calendar for you (or older children) to reference weekly or monthly agendas including online engagements, deadlines, and planned activities for each child.

Portable Supplies

I quickly discovered that though our home already had a system for supplies, it wasn’t cutting it for our classroom needs. Gathering and returning these supplies daily from their usual areas wasn’t an effective way to spend my time as a teacher. I decided to create a classroom tote that is easily taken to a new space. Example items: pens, pencils, markers, crayons, erasers, dry erase markers, rulers, tape, glue, scissors, etc.

Reuse & Waste Less

Any opportunity I get I will insert paperwork into a plastic sleeve and use a dry erase marker so that we get multiple As we enter another school year, we may need to be prepared for full or partial distance learning. Do you need some ideas on how to physically set up your “home classroom” in order to make it a feel-good and efficient learning environment, even if this is a temporary setup? You know your child and home best so mix and match ideas that will best suit you and don’t forget that if something isn’t working… mix it up again.

Set Up Base

With some experience from the end of the school year, I suggest setting up a base location for your students. This is where you can begin each day and students can feel as if they are officially stepping into the classroom. This is a good transition from “home” life to “school” life under the same roof. Once you have achieved this mindset, your family can choose each day to stay in the base location or mix it up.

Mix Up Your Location

Don’t get stuck in the same spot everyday. Try to rotate spaces in which your kids are working to keep the ENERGY FRESH! Even if you are space limited, you likely have access to a few spots you may not have considered.

You don’t always need a table either as clipboards are awesome portable surfaces. Luckily, my house has enough space for my two boys to travel around in. Some of our favorite spots: dining room table, front porch steps, backyard table, garage, train/LEGO table, individual small desks in playroom,

reading on the couch, finding a tree to lean against or any soothing nook.

You may also have various spots being utilized at once by different children.

After working together in a group space for some time, I am able to let my kids have this freedom for parts of their schooling. If I plan to give one child a project that he can complete with little or no help, I can join my other child in a different space whereas I am very active in his learning. Visa Versa. Separate spaces also work well when one child needs silence while the other is working out loud.

Refueling

Be creative! Make sure that you pause work to get some fresh air or move around. Since we have the flexibility to get silly, we sure do. My older son does circles on his bike and answers a math flashcard every time around while my younger son does laps around the garage once he completes a worksheet. Now my kids are just stalling on their next school task, but it gets them moving.

Remember to feed the brain by offering snacks. My favorite non-messy items include smoothies, cut up fruit, bananas, cheese sticks, pretzels and goldfish.

Need a more specific suggestion? Email me at hello@thedavenportcompany.com Be well. Best, Jhoneé  Jhoneé Fillmore, Owner, Missplaced Organizing visit her blog thedavenportcompany.com/missplace

Moving Tips: � Don't Move what you won't use. � Donate or sell excess Belongings. � Use packing materials like newspaper, sheets, towels,and linens. � Use plastic bins for longtime storage.

They last longer and can be reused. � Use non toxic and biodegradable cleaning supplies, on the old place and the new one.

Tidy & Visually Pleasing

Keep your whole family motivated by two factors: One, aim to create a space that is tidy for your students to work in regardless of the size or location. A tidy space reduces frustration and anxiousness and promotes creativity and clear thinking.

Two, get creative in your space and have it feel fun and/or educational. You could create a circle time wall, hang some art, letters of the alphabet, chalkboard, dry erase board, etc. Have your kids help make the space feel invited and inspirational.

uses from a worksheet. Also, in a folder, I save all papers in our house that are no longer needed and only have print on one side. The backsides are awesome for solving math problems, cutting, drawing and creating our own worksheets. Saving paper and ink is worthwhile.

� Use eco friendly moving companies on long distance moves.

Pending 101 Shell Dr #187

Designate a Teacher Hub

Most families need an adult to administer the learning game plan. I mentioned that the learning area itself be mixed up to keep us all refreshed, but what about the place we pull from and store our items? Designate one spot that is accessible and efficient.

Create a space within this space that is GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

27

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE SCHOOLS AND PRESCHOOLS Gateway School, K-8

255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz 831.423.0341 ext 302 gatewaysc.org The Learning Continues – 2020 marks an important milestone in Gateway's history – 50 years of providing families with an exceptional educational experience.

Students and alumni proudly embody the school's values and inspire future generations as Gateway embarks on its next 50 years. Gateway School is a co-ed day school in Santa Cruz, CA for students in grades Kindergarten through 8th. We are a community dedicated to nurturing academic excellence and intellectual curiosity, high character and personal compassion, and individual agency and engagement. We invite all families interested in Gateway School to visit, ask questions, and get to know our community!

For more information and to schedule a tour, please call or visit our website..

Kirby School

425 Encinal St., Santa Cruz 831.423.0658 kirby.org/ Grades 6 through 12Kirby School empowers students to shape their futures with confidence. Our independent, nonsectarian middle and high school has been preparing students for college and beyond for over 25 years. In classes averaging 12 students, teachers are responsive to each learner’s strengths and interests. Our rigorous academic and arts curriculum, intensive study paths, and inspiring faculty challenge each student based on their interests and readiness, rather than grade level. Kirby graduates go on to attend excellent four-year colleges and universities.

Orchard School K-6

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

Swimming, Leadership, Field Trips, Drama Productions, and more.

Mount Madonna School

Pre/K-12th grade 491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna 408.847.2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org For 2020-21, MMS features small class sizes and outdoor classrooms, with oncampus and remote learning options.

MMS strives to prepare well-rounded human beings who get into and succeed in college, learn to value collaboration, form meaningful relationships and engage with their local communities, nation and the world. The CAIS and WASC-accredited program features a Montessori-influenced Pre/K program, a 375-acre campus, science and technology labs, life skills, marine biology, oceanography, athletics, and visual and performing arts. Since 1979, students preschool through grade 12 have received an education based on academic excellence, positive character development and creative self-expression, and where each person is supported in becoming a caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinker, who is prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity.

Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool

Lic #444400117 4134 Fairway Dr, Soquel 831.462.2702 Rocking Horse Ranch is a play-based preschool located on 3 beautiful acres in sunny Soquel. We are open from 9-5:30 and offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions. Our outdoor space offers lots of room to explore, including our gardens and many different kinds of animals. Come visit us!

Santa Cruz Montessori

Ages 18 months – 15 years Main Campus (Primary and Elementary) 6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos Winston Campus (Young Children’s Community and Jr. High) 244 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel 831.476.1646, Enrollment: ext. 12 scms.org Established in 1964, Santa Cruz Montessori is a non-profit school serving children 18 months to 15 years. Our beautiful classrooms and outdoor environments engage the children’s senses as they learn. Based on a deep understanding of child through adolescent development, our programs meet the interests and needs of our students, engaging and challenging them to do their best. We offer a supportive community of learners and an exciting Montessori curriculum including humanities, math, sciences and arts. Our mission: as a Montessori learning

28 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

community, we inspire life-long learning and a more peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child.

Tara Redwood School

Elementary Campus 4746 Soquel Drive, Soquel 831.475.0201 Preschool Campus 5810 Prescott Road, Soquel 831.462.9632 tararedwoodschool.org Tara Redwood School will open its doors for Fall 2020. We are in close contact with CDCregulations and we are very grateful to be able to offer small size outdoor & indoor classroom spaces for our students and educators. Since 1989, Tara Redwood has been empowering children to make a positive difference in the world by educating the heart & mind with mindfulness practices. Our curriculum is an integration of Creating Compassionate Cultures (CCC) and a strong focus on global studies, sciences, nature, creative arts, social emotional learning and compassion in action.Preschoolfor ages 2 – 5 years andElementaryfor children ages 6–11. Classes are multi-age with low student – teacher ratio.

Learn more here:tararedwoodschool.org VHM Christian School

427 Capitola Rd Ext., Santa Cruz, CA 95062 831-475-4762 vhmchristian.org VHM Christian School provides K-8 Christian Education for families in the Santa Cruz area. Students’ safety is paramount.

Planning consistently with California State’s document “Stronger Together,” our goal is to re-open in-person classes on August 19th. 12 students per teacher will form stable groups. Limited spaces still available.

Contact:principal@vhmchristian.org

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT Adventure Sports Unlimited

303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com Adventure Sports Unlimited (ASU) is Santa Cruz’s premier swim school. We teach infants through adults the joys of water and adventure. Our Ocean programs introduce families to our magnificent marine environments through the Big Sur Camping Trip and Kelp Pickling Class. We explore the world-renown underwater landscape of Monterey Bay through our Open Water Scuba courses. It all starts in our custombuilt aquatics facility with our tropically heated pool. We want to make your entry into the water world truly enjoyable. ASU – Come Play With Us! The Bookakery

BookakeryBoxes.com Check out our Bookakery Boxes, monthly subscription boxes filled with picture books, recipes, baking tools and activities, curated to foster a love of reading and baking in kids and encourages parent-child activities.

Bookakery Boxes facilitate activity based learning of reading, following instructions, counting and more. Bookakery Boxes are perfect for preschoolers and early elementary age children as they head back to school or stay home this year.

Distant Learners LLC

Capitola 831-246-6212 distantlearners@gmail.com

distantlearners.wixsite.com/home We are an in-person, socially distanced, distance learning facilitation, and classwork support program that also includes daily social group activities. Leaders are assisting students in the completion of their classwork and homework, as well as preparing for their day with their virtual classroom. This program allows for the social factor of school with acknowledging social distancing. It's easy to get lost in the craziness of it all and we are here to help students succeed while having fun! Space is limited. Call or email to schedule a time to check us out!

Exploring New Horizons

exploringnewhorizons.org jacob@exploringnewhorizons.org Exploring New Horizons’ Outdoor Day Camp engages stable groups of up to 12 K-5 children in nature exploration, writing, art, mapping, and imaginary play. Programs will take place M/W & T/ TH from 12-5 pm ($70/child/day). Parents drop off children at locations within 20 minutes of Santa Cruz (Seabright Beach, Natural Bridges, Wilder Ranch, etc.). All state and county guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are implemented.

The fall program will run Sept. 14 – Nov. 20. Founded as a nonprofit in 1979, ENH engages over 7,000 students annually in outdoor education.

Guitar Lessons with Nathan Bessara

831.566.1250 nathanbessara@gmail.com Nathan is trained in classical guitar and will teach your child the foundation techniques to becoming an excellent musician. His personality is encouraging and your child will enjoy their experience as they learn to play the guitar. Nathan is available via Zoom during shelter in place.

JimBoothSwim School

Santa Cruz at Harvey West Pool and Watsonville at Duncan Holbert Pool and Fitness Evolution 831.722.3500 jimboothswimschool.com Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together atJimBoothswim school. Little Otters beginning at age 4 months is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. The whole family can swim atJimBoothSwim School.

Junebug’s Gym

3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz 831.464.BUGS (2847) junebugsgym.com JuneBug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional and cognitive development.

Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.

Kumon of Santa Cruz

831-471-7904 kumon.com For more than 60 years, Kumon’s afterschool math and reading programs have helped children and teens achieve

academic success worldwide. Students advance through the program with an individualized learning plan. Our method improves focus and develops self-reliance.

Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up, or is just beginning their academic career, Kumon will build their confidence and help them develop skills for lifelong learning. Call us to schedule a free placement test today.

Music Together, Canta y Baila Conmigo, and Rhythm Kids w/ MusicalMe, Inc.

Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County 831.438.3514 MusicalMe.com Our online classes offer the best in early childhood music learning for ages Birth to 8 years. Music Together®: A music program for children birth to age 6—and the grownups who love them, enhancing children’s learning in multiple domains (mentally, physically, socially, etc.), increasing family engagement and, adding richly to each family’s “toolbox”.

Siblings are welcome, especially infants who may attend free if they are 8 months or under. Canta y Baila ConmigoTM : A unique curriculum for young children (ages Birth to 6 years) with dual, complementary goals of music education and language immersion.

Designed for beginners and native speakers alike, CyBC creates a playful, interactive atmosphere where language learning is integrated naturally and organically in the musical experience. Rhythm Kids®: A drumming, music, and movement, program for children ages 4–8 years. Classes naturally support children’s rhythm development and help them prepare for formal music lessons.

Contact us today to try a free class and bring the joy of music into your family’s life.

Santa Cruz Soccer Camp

SantaCruzSoccerCamp.com 831.246.1517 Santa Cruz Soccer Camp has witnessed over 30 years of making sport fun, entertaining, and empowering for boys and girls ages5-15. At this camp, they are taught by skillful educators, who have graduated in Leadership Development ages 13-15 and have participated as young campers immersed in the philosophy of Making Soccer Fun. Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc.

2750 B Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831.462.0655 scgym.com We at Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center understand how important physica movement is in developing a healthy brain in children. Healthy brain development leads to proficiency in learning and overall confidence to lead a successful life. Our gymnastics instructors take pride in offering gymnastics training packed with a lot of fun in every class!

Each lesson offers a wide range of sensory integration activities through the usage of our gymnastics equipment on floor, bars, balance beam, vault and trampolines. We offer a range of classes from preschool to competitive teams. Check our website to see what is available for your child today.

Wonderland Toys & Classroom Resources

(831) 316-7261 www.wonderlandsantacruz.com info@wonderlandsantacruz.com Shop local for all your (home)school needs this school year! At Wonderland we believe in the wonder and magic of childhood. We take pride in supporting our local community with quality materials for teaching and raising children. We carry school supplies, educational, high-quality specialty toys, games, puzzles, books, science kits, art sets, math manipulatives, workbooks, construction toys, infant/toddler items and much, much more. As moms and educators here in Santa Cruz, Theresa and Hannah saw a need for a local store that pairs excellent customer service with quality, age-appropriate learning toys and classroom resources for this community... and in 2015, Wonderland was born! Come wonder, play and learn with us at our NEW location in the Rancho Del Mar Shopping center... right next to the Safeway off State Park in Aptos!

HEALTH AND WELL BEING Alison K. Jackson, DDS

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

Dientes Community Dental Care

1830 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz (near Marshalls); 31.464.5409 302 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz (near the Boardwalk); 831.464.5411 1430 Freedom Blvd, Suite C, Watsonville (near Cardenas); 831.621.2560 dientes.org Dientes Community Dental Care is a full-service dental clinic with offices in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. We practice whole family dentistry including kids, adults and seniors; but children hold a special place in our heart – half of our patients are kids. In our Santa Cruz clinic, we have a dedicated pediatric wing where Dientes’ dentists excel at making parents and children comfortable and offering preventive education with each visit. As a non-profit dental clinic, our focus is on high-quality, low-cost dental services, including exams, x-rays, fillings, sealants and root canals. We accept Medi-Cal and have affordable rates for uninsured patients. We offer bi-lingual services – Se habla Español!

During this waiting time school will be Virtual. Our teachers will be "live" online in the classroom throughout the school day.

Teach MeFrench

831.295.3556 sophieveniel@hotmail.com I offer customized French tutoring for elementary,middle school,high school students, homeschoolers and adults. Learning French can be one of the most rewarding educational opportunities. As a French native, I am passionate about teaching and sharing my language skills. I offer simple steps to understand grammar, pronunciation and build vocabulary to gain confidence in speaking. I can teach at any level. I offer virtual private lessons.

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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COLORING PAGE

You can order Skavenge Art's 43 page book of images to be colored and writings to be pondered. A collection of Selena's works from the last years put together in the most intentionalal way. This is a book to now be completed by you! Hard wood cover bound together by hand. Heavy weight drawing paper.

Order on her etsy shop etsy.com/shop/HealinginNature

30 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Adventure Sports Unlimited

Fitness Evolution 831.722.3500 jimboothswimschool.com Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth swim school. Little Otters beginning at age 4 months is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers.

The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School

303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com Adventure Sports Unlimited, where Santa Cruz learns to love the water!

Come play with us!

Birth Network of Santa Cruz County

BirthNet.org Many birth network members are still providing services during Covid-19.

Check our website for updated availability of doulas, childbirth education, breastfeeding support, and more.

Junebug Gym

Fun and educationalGymnastic classes for children walking-8 years.

Classes start July 1..Call 831-464-2847 to enroll. Visit Julybugsgym.comfor summer schedules.

The Bookakery

Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

BookakeryBoxes.com Looking for activities to do with your kids at home? Try Bookakery Boxes!

Includes a picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, baking item and an activity.

1100 Pacific Avenue, Downtown Santa Cruz kiantis.com 831.469.4400 Dine in on our three patios or at home with Kianti’s delivery, kiantis.com or Kianti’s app for our entire menu with bar drinks. DoorDash and UberEATS also available

Alison K. Jackson, DDS Children’s Dentistry

santacruzkidsdentist.com We are seeing patients again! We missed you! Check our website for updates and changes. Please don't hesitate to call us.

Kirby School

KirbySchool isopenand has been conducting a high quality distance learning program since March 16, 2020. For more information, please see our websiteKirby.org

Coast Benefits & Insurance Services

Mothers’ Milk Bank

905 W. Linden Rd. Watsonville, CA 95076 831-728-4977 CoastBenefits.net Coast Benefits & Insurance Services has been marketing individual, small group insurance plans and Medicare counseling and enrollment in Medigap Supplemental plans since 1999.

(877) 375-6645, For Spanish: option 4 mothersmilk.org Donate your extra breastmilk. Save lives!Our mission is to help fragilebabies thrive by making donated Human milk safe and accessible. Call us today!

Mount Madonna School

Encompass Community Services Youth & Family Counseling

831-429-8350 encompasscs.org/youth_services_ counseling Encompass Community Services offers FREE comprehensive mental health and substance use counseling for Santa Cruz County residents. Telehealth and limited inperson group, individual and family services available.

Gateway School K-8

gatewaysc.org The Learning Continues … Gateway GATEWAY SCHOOL School will continue to provide a robust Kindergarten through Middle School educational experience whether on campus or in Distance Learning. Join us.

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Good Shepherd Catholic School

MusicalMe.com Join us online for both Music Together & Canta y Baila Conmigo. Our interactive Zoom classes are a great way to bring the joy of family musicmaking into your daily life (and to fulfill our musical mission). Also offering unique virtual birthday celebrations!

Ocean Alternative & Independent Study

Santa Cruz Gymnastics

Holy Cross School

scgym.com SCGC will be opening in a limited capacity. We are offering small camps abiding by all County safety guidelines. See you soon!

150 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz 831.423.4447 holycsc.org/ Offering vibrant and responsive in-person and distance learning programs. Students benefit from 1:1 technology, daily live communications with teachers and small class sizes where they’re known individually.

Santa Cruz at Harvey West Pool and Watsonville at Duncan Holbert Pool and

Music Together & Canta y Baila Conmigo w/MusicalMe, Inc.

oc-losd-ca.schoolloop.com/ Supports your homeschooling adventure. We also offer an independent study program with direct teacher support. Our optional sitebased classes include literacy, math, science, and art.

Preschool - 8th grade gsschool.org Spots are still available to enroll for the 2020-2021 school year beginning August 10. We are prepared to offer interactive and engaging distance and/ or in-person learning!

Jim Booth Swim School

(408) 846-4040 MountMadonnaSchool.org Mount Madonna School (MMS) is operating remotely at this time. MMS remains committed to serving our students and has implementedRemote Learningas of March 16

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Jim Booth Swim School

Santa Cruz Public Library

224 Church St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-427-7713 santacruzpl.org Curbside pickup, free outdoor WiFi, live online tutoring and FAFSA help, storytimes, STEAM, book groups, community discussions, teacher concierge services, downloadable books, movies, and more.

Santa Cruz SPCA

spcasc.org/covid19/ Please see the website for up to date information on foster, adoptions, donations, foodbank and summer camp.

Special Parents Information Network

831-722-2800 spinsc.org Providing parent and family support groups, referrals to community aid, trainings, workshops, IEP support and our mentor parent program all through zoom. One on one counseling/support available by phone.

FSA Survivors Healing Center

Survivorshealingcenter.org eventbrite.com/e/parentingfor-healthy-attachmenttickets-109181851858 In Attachment Parenting, we will look at our parenting goals, attachment theory, and explore how we can be emotionally healthy parents raising emotionally healthy children.

Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool

Lic #444400117 4134 Fairway Dr, Soquel 831.462.2702 Rocking Horse Ranch is a play-based preschool located on 3 beautiful acres in sunny Soquel. We are open from 9-5:30 and offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions. Our outdoor space offers lots of room to explore, including our gardens and many different kinds of animals. Come visit us!

Tara Redwood Summer Camp

tararedwoodschool.org/summercamp-2020/ Tara Redwood School’s summer camp, Into the Heart of Nature, is located in an extraordinary setting nestled in the Nisene Marks Forest.

We offer cooperative games, creek exploration, habitat studies, playful skits, and naturethemed arts. For children 3 to 5 years old. See our website for more information and registration.

Ultraderm | California Skin Institute

3311 Mission Dr., Santa Cruz 95065 831.272.0936 californiaskininstitute.com/locations/ ultraderm-santa-cruz/ We treat everything from eczema to skin cancer. Our team is here to support your family in-office or virtually and provide you excellent, safe care.

VHM Christian School

427 Capitola Road Extension Santa Cruz, CA 95062 831-475-4762 During this waiting time our opening will be virtual. Our teachers will be "live" online in the classroom throughout the school day.

santacruzmuseum.org Engage with nature wherever you are!

Explore our online store, download free nature-based activities, and join us for weeklong Nature Explorers day-camps July 29 through August 7!

GrowingUpSC.com | SEPTEMBER 2020

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