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2018 July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 3
July/August 20187
www.parentspress.com DEPARTMENTS
Contents
3
Kids’ Culture
Explore Angel Island
3 Bookshelf
Humor Hooks Kids
4
Raising Dad
4
Family Cents
Teenager Decisions
Beware Co-signer
13 Family Fun Calendar
2018 5 Our annual Readers’ Choice Best Of List
Publishers
Robert and Tracy McKean
Art Director Debbi Murzyn
Account Managers
FAMILY FUN
Carol Flores, Sophie Archer
Contributors
Aaron Crowe, Tony Hicks, Erika Mailman, Mary Ann Scheuer
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By Erika Mailman
Kids’ Culture Angel Island — Stepsister to Alcatraz
S
omehow, Angel Island is the lesserknown stepsister to Alcatraz, although it is larger, vastly more beautiful, and with a more important historical background. Take the ferry there from Tiburon or San Francisco’s Pier 41, a half-hour trip through one of the world’s most photographed bays. Upon arrival on the island, you can visit the Immigration Station which was in use from 1910 to 1940. It’s hard to believe this 750-acre island was once the main immigration station for the west coast, our own version of Ellis Island. The site provides an important opportunity to talk to kids about racism. Immigrants from Japan and China faced discrimination on the island. Expecting a quick examination aboard ship and entrance into San Francisco, many were ferried to Angel Island and detained for weeks or even months until being allowed to officially enter the United States. Some were deported back to their point of origin. As many as 175,000 Chinese and 65,000 Japanese were held in unpleasant barracks during the thirty years of operation, while immigrants of European countries were permitted instant entry. These policies were a holdover from the racist Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This sobering history contrasts with the incredible beauty of the island and its views. Bring your own bike or rent one on the island. It will take about an hour to bike around the island (several hills are steep). You can also take a
wheelchair accessible tram, which is open-air, seats 50 maximum and has recorded narration in five different languages. Brave and well-balanced? Take a sixmile guided Segway tour. If you choose to stay longer, there are 11 campsites on the island, hiking or biking distance from the ferry. Pack a picnic or eat at the Angel Island Café, with outdoor seating and often live music at the cantina. This is no hot dogs and chicken nuggets eatery; adults can have a $14 cubano with their glass of wine. But no fear: there is a child’s menu with a $9 cheese pizza and other options. You can preorder a box lunch for pickup as you get off the ferry. The island’s history includes more than just the immigration station. A Cold War Nike Missile site was installed and almost immediately decommissioned, the island contains a Civil War artillery battery, it served as a transit station for soldiers of the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II, and WWII prisoners of war were even held here. It was also a quarantine station when San Francisco had its Bubonic Plague scare in the early 1890s. And of course, the first Miwok inhabitants enjoyed the island for thousands of years, coming from what is now Marin County in tule canoes. They fished and hunted on the island and set up temporary shelters made of branches covered by tule mats. According to the
Quarry Beach on Angel Island Angel Island Conservancy, “Several middens (refuse piles) have produced bones, shell money from clams, abalone jewelry, skins, snail shell beads, mortar and pestles, wreckage from ships, and redwood driftwood from crematoriums. Obsidian points used in arrows were common.” This website contains a lot of fantastic information about Miwok life in the area, including a brief 1579 description of the Miwoks from a passenger aboard the Sir Francis Drake:
Bookshelf
http://angelisland.org/history/miwokhistory/ Whether rooted in history or reveling in the stellar vistas buffeted by bay winds, your visit will be a memorable part of summer vacation.
Visit http://angelisland.org for all the information on how to get to the island (you can also use a private boat) and what to do when there. The immigration station is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
By Mary Ann Scheuer
Humor Hooks Developing Readers
W
e all like doing the things we have fun with. Psychoanalysts might call this the “Pleasure Principle,” but I call it common sense. So how do we help our kids discover the fun in reading? At the Bay Area Book Festival, I sat down with three local authors to talk about how humor hooks readers. Megan McDonald writes the Judy Moody and Stink books, bringing shenanigans and hijinks, along with real -life struggles, to every chapter. Travis Nichols combines word play, comic book panels and crisp, clever capers into punchy picture books like “Betty’s Burgled Bakery.” LeUyen Pham illustrates the “Princess in Black” series with Shannon Hale. Travis and LeUyen both started drawing from a very early age, using pictures to tell stories. Drawing was really important to both of them as they tried to find their place in the world. Uyen talked about how she was very shy and realized that her classmates really liked the drawings she could do. She even started selling her drawings of popular movie characters to classmates! I especially loved how Megan talked about the humor in Judy Moody stemming from how readers can relate to Judy. In the very beginning of “Judy Moody Was in a Mood” readers know just how awful it is to be in a bad mood and so we can relate to how Judy’s feeling.
But we can also laugh at how grumpy Judy gets. So while we’re empathizing with her, we’re also laughing at ourselves in a safe and gentle way. A large part of humor is in the timing. With picture books, illustrators really work at using the page turn to create tension and set up the punchline. They also really play with kids’ expectations and then turn the tables. We had a blast listening to some of the kids’ jokes! I also loved how they all agreed on the importance of pictures in creating the humor that hooks kids. LeUyen emphasized how reading the pictures and seeing the funny setups there were just as important as reading the words. That’s a really important message to share with young kids who are struggling with decoding. They bring so much to the story by figuring out what’s happening in the pictures! Travis talked about how his newest book, “Betty’s Burgled Bakery,” started from a failure. He was struggling with the follow up to “Fowl Play,” trying to focus the story on idioms, when it came to him how alliteration might be funnier and easier for kids to get. This makes me think about the way LeUyen described incorporating her mistakes in artwork. She really likes doing artwork by hand and not just the computer, because the mistakes make her more creative and bring even more out of her drawings.
FAVORITE FUNNY BOOKS ESPECIALLY FOR DEVELOPING READERS (AGES 6-10)
• “Charlie & Mouse,” by Laurel Snyder • “Judy Moody Was in a Mood,” by Megan McDonald • “Princess in Black,” by Shannon Hale & LeUyen Pham • “Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid,” by Megan McDonald • “Unicorn Rescue Society,” by Adam Gidwitz
PICTURE BOOKS
• “The Bear Who Wasn’t There,” by LeUyen Pham • “Betty’s Burgled Bakery,” by Travis Nichols • “The Book With No Pictures,” by B.J. Novak • “Disgusting Critters” series, by Elise Grave • “Fowl Play,” by Travis Nichols • “Guess Again!” by Mac Barnett • “Niño Wrestles the World,” by Yuyi Morales
GRAPHIC NOVELS
• “Astronaut Academy,” by Dave Roman • “Babymouse,” by Jennifer Holm • “Bird & Squirrel,” by James Burks • “Dog Man,” by Dav Pilkey • “Dragon Beware!” by Jorge Aguirre • “Hilo,” by Judd Winick • “Phoebe & Her Unicorn,” by Dana Simpson • “Real Friends,” by Shannon Hale
CHAPTER BOOKS
• “The Bad Guys,” by Aaron Blabey • “Bad Kitty Gets a Bath,” by Nick Bruel • “Dory Fantasmagory,” by Abby Hanlon
Mary Ann Scheuer is a teacher librarian. Find more books Mary Ann recommends sharing with children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com.
July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 5
By Tony Hicks
Raising Dad A 16 year-old’s Big Life Decision
M
y 16-year-old daughter, who is obviously smarter and much better-looking than yours, has made a pretty big life decision about which I have mixed feelings. Of course, her possessing the combined determination (hardheadedness) of both her parents – times about 20 – at no time did I believe for one millisecond I could talk her out of it. Nevertheless, I tried telling her testing out of high school after two years was a bad idea. Maybe she wanted to one-up her cousin, whose big brain allowed her to skip a grade. Maybe she’d heard about my friend’s 18-year-old daughter, who was so brainy she just decided to skip high school altogether and start college at 14. My kid is competitive, I’ll give her that. My daughter, whom I will call Olivia (because that’s her name), goes to school in Placerville. I don’t know if that played into her decision or not, as all I know about Placerville is that they have a lot of fast-food joints and used to hang people there. They may still, which I could see factoring heavily into the equation. She has friends, likes to go out and do things that don’t always excite me, and usually gets good grades. I know she wasn’t thrilled with her school this year and has been looking long and hard at the future. Well … I like to think so, anyway. Looking long and hard at the future when I was 16 usually went no further than pondering very seriously how my underage friends and I would obtain our weekend
beer haul. I was a real intellectual back then. So I can’t complain too much. Then she went out and got a job right after taking the test. Which probably means, at this point in my career, she’ll be working more than me. I didn’t get it at first, but until my mid-20s, my scholastic focus was fun. As in lots of fun. Scads of fun. Way, way, way too much fun. I loved high school, even if I barely graduated. One may have something to do with the other. I had a big group of buddies, girlfriends, proms, rallies, grad night, etc. They practically had to drag me out of the place after senior year. Actually, they did have to drag me out. It was kind of embarrassing. Olivia thinks about things like college, which when I was in high school was just a word plastered across John Belushi’s shirt in “Animal House.” She has a plan that involves community college (dads with my income strongly love the idea of getting all those pesky general education units out of the way at a reduced rate). She wants to work for a year (great!), save some dough for school (even better!), and tromp off to join her sister and cousin as a Santa Cruz beach girl. A Santa Cruz beach girl who better do her homework. Tony Hicks is a newswpaper columnist and the father of four daughters.
By Aaron Crowe
Family Cents
Beware of Co-Signing Student Loans
S
tudent loan debt isn’t a great way to start off life as a college graduate. It isn’t any fun for parents, either, especially those who co-sign for their children’s student loans. Getting a loan in college is often the last option for students seeking to pay their college bills. And it’s becoming a bigger problem every year. The $1.45 trillion in outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. is the second-highest level of consumer debt behind only mortgages. About 40 million Americans hold student loans and about 70 percent of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate with debt. Young people don’t often have a credit history, which can make getting a loan difficult — at least with private loans. Most federal student loans are easier to qualify for. Parents co-signing a student loan for their children can make it easier for a loan to be approved and can reduce the interest rate. But it can leave parents with a lower credit score, make qualifying for a mortgage or other loan more difficult, and affect their retirement, and it makes them just as responsible for the college loan as their student.
6 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018
CO-SIGNING MEANS BEING LIABLE While parents may talk to their children about student loans, few may go over how to repay the loans. If their kids don’t repay the loans that they’ve cosigned, the parents are legally responsible for the loans. If parents can’t afford those payments, then they shouldn’t co-sign the loans. Most federal student loans don’t require a co-signer, but private loans often require one because students usually have little or no credit history. A co-signer can be a parent, grandparent, guardian, or other credit-worthy adult who will be responsible for the full amount of the student debt, regardless of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. Having two people responsible for repaying a loan can reduce the interest rate by as much as half a point, even if the co-signer doesn’t have a better credit score than the student. If they do, the rate could go lower.
EFFECTS ON CREDIT SCORE Long before a student loan becomes due, it could hurt a co-borrower’s credit score. The loan will show up on their
credit report, just as any other loan would, and could hurt their credit score if it looks like they have too much debt. The new loan could also improve their score by improving the mix of credit. Having a variety of loans that are paid on time — mortgage, auto loan, and credit cards, among others — can raise a credit score. When payments start on student loans — usually within six months of graduation — the co-signer’s credit score could drop if the new graduate isn’t making monthly payments on time or not repaying the loan at all. A survey of co-signers by LendEDU found that 62 percent of parents who co-signed their children’s student loans believe that their credit scores have been negatively impacted by the agreements. For co-signed private student loans, the most likely cause of the co-signer’s damaged credit score is a late payment by the primary borrower, the survey found. To a credit bureau, a late payment by the borrower is essentially the same as the co-signer making a late payment. The survey found that 43 percent of people said their children have made late payments that hurt the co-signers’ credit scores.
DIFFICULTY WITH OTHER LOANS Late payments can have a domino effect on the co-signers. After lowering their credit score, they can have more difficulty being approved for other loans such as a mortgage or auto loan. Forty percent of the LendEDU respondents said they had a tougher time qualifying for financing after co-signing student loans. Late payments or defaulting on the loan will damage the credit history of both parties — student and parent. When the co-signer’s credit report is evaluated for a potential loan, including refinancing a mortgage, they could be denied or face a higher interest rate. If a graduate misses too many student loan payments or defaults on the loan, lenders will then go to the parent to make the monthly payments.
RETIREMENT PROBLEMS Student loan debt problems can also follow co-signers into retirement and can cause them to work longer and delay retiring. The U.S. Government Accountability Office found that outstanding federal student loan debt for people 65 and older is growing, at $18.2 billion in 2013, up from $2.8 billion in 2005. The good news was that only 3 percent of households headed by people 65 and older — about 706,000 households — carry student loan debt. Respondents in the LendEDU survey were almost split on if their child’s student debt put their retirement in jeopardy. Most said it didn’t, at 53 percent, and 47 percent said they felt it did jeopardize their retirement. An upswing in the stock market before the survey started and the resulting growth in retirement funds may explain why most people didn’t see an effect, LendEDU reasoned.
OPTIONS FOR CO-SIGNERS Co-signers can be released of their responsibility for the loan if the borrower seeks a release from the lender. Terms vary, and can include on-time payments for at least a year and are more likely to happen with private student loans. Just one missed payment can disqualify a borrower from this release option. The co-signer would then be removed from the loan and the primary borrower would be entirely responsible for it. Co-signers can also be released if the primary borrower refinances the loan on their own. This requires taking out a new loan to pay off the old loan, when the co-signer would be removed from the old loan. Aaron Crowe is a freelance writer who specializes in personal finance topics. He graduated from college with a small student loan, which he paid off within two years. He hopes his daughter doesn’t get handcuffed by the same thing when she goes to college. Follow him on Twitter @AaronCrowe or read his blog CashSmarter.com, where he writes about his family’s finances.
2018 Every year it seems to get bigger and better: Our annual Readers’ Choice Best Of list. Read on to find out what voters from Alameda and Contra Costa counties picked as their favorite schools, enrichment programs and family attractions in the East Bay. BEST OF 2018 CAMPS Best Academic Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) BRONZE: Academic Talent Development Program (Berkeley) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Swim Center - Swim Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Walnut Creek Aquanuts (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Canyon Swim School (El Sobrante) GOLD:
Best Arts and Crafts Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Aurora (Oakland) SILVER: The Crucible (Oakland) BRONZE: Monkey Business Camp
(Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette,
Pleasanton) BRONZE: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond)
Best Animal Encounter Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: Sulphur Creek Nature Center
(Hayward) BRONZE: East Bay SPCA Animal Camp
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito, Recreation Department (El Cerrito) SILVER: Adventure Day Camp (Lafayette) BRONZE: Richmond Art Center (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Ballet Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley) SILVER: Oakland Ballet Company Boot Camp
(Oakland)
(Dublin, Oakland)
Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
BRONZE:
SILVER:
East Bay Regional Parks (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Sienna Ranch (Lafayette)
Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) SILVER: Orinda Ballet (Orinda) BRONZE: Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School (Walnut Creek)
Best Aquatic and Water Sports Camp
Best Circus Arts Summer Camp
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD:
Creek)
Lindsey Wildlife Museum (Walnut
GOLD: Cal Swim Camp (Berkeley) SILVER: Richmond Yacht Club Youth Summer
Camp (Richmond) BRONZE: Alameda Community Sailing Center (Alameda)
GOLD:
Thanks for voting us BEST . . . General & Traditional Summer Day Camp Science Summer Camp
Nature & Outdoor Summer Camp Holiday & Vacation Camp
Enrichment & Leadership After-School Development Programs Summer Camp Academic Summer Camp
Join us for — rockets, robots, castles, catapults, magic, microorganisms, and more in our camp, classes, and workshops!
Space is available in all programs.
GOLD: Kinetic Arts Center (Oakland) SILVER: Camp Winnarainbow (Berkeley) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts
(Lafayette, Oakland)
For more information (510) 581-3739 or www.sarahscience.com * denotes a tie
July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 7
BEST OF 2018 As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department, Clownsnotbombs Circus Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland)
Pleasanton) BRONZE: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond)
GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette,
GOLD:
Best General and Traditional Summer Day Camp
Best Counselor In Training (CIT) Summer Program
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley) BRONZE: Berkeley Day Camp (Berkeley) GOLD:
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Camp Winnarainbow (Berkeley) BRONZE: Tracker’s Earth (Berkeley) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department LIT Summer Program (Leaders In Training) (El Cerrito) SILVER: Adventure Day Camp (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland)
GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Recreation
GOLD:
Best Culinary Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Cooking Round The World (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Camp 510 (Oakland) BRONZE: Cook! Programs (Emeryville) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department (El Cerrito) SILVER: Cooking Round The World (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Steve & Kate’s Camp (Multiple Locations) GOLD:
Best Dance Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Dance 10 (Alameda) SILVER: Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley) BRONZE: Alameda Ballet Academy
(Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
BRONZE:
Crosswinds Kids (Livermore)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) SILVER: First Presbyterian Church (Richmond) BRONZE: Camp Gan Israel (Danville) GOLD:
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Dance And Drama Summer Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Encore Gymnastics (Concord) BRONZE: Katie’s Dance Studio - Dance Camp (El Cerrito)
Best Foreign Language and Cultural Immersion Summer Camp
Best Faith-Based Summer Camp
(Oakland)
GOLD:
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Camp Kee Tov (Berkeley) SILVER: Camp Gan Israel (Berkeley/
Oakland)
BEST OF 2018
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) SILVER: The Renaissance International School BRONZE*:
(Oakland) BRONZE*:
Escuela Bilingue Internacional Shu Ren International (Berkeley)
Department Traditional Summer Camps (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Adventure Day Camp (Walnut Creek)
Best Gymnastics Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Head Over Heels Gymnastics (Emeryville) SILVER: Bay Aerial Gymnastics (Fremont) BRONZE: Bay Island Gymnastics (Oakland) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Encore Gymnastics (Concord) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Recreation
Department Gymnastics Camp With Bindi Baker (El Cerrito) BRONZE: San Ramon Valley Dance Academy (San Ramon)
Best Health and Special Needs Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Raskob Summer Program (Oakland) SILVER: Quest Therapeutic Camps (Danville) BRONZE: Fiddleheads (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Walnut Creek Specialized Recreation Daycamp (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Quest Therapeutic Camp (Danville) BRONZE: Orion Academy (Moraga) GOLD:
Best Holiday and Vacation Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) BRONZE: Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Holiday Weeks, President Week And Spring Break Camps (El Cerrito) SILVER: YMCA (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) GOLD:
Best Horse Riding Summer Camp
GOLD: Kenilworth Stables (Oakland) SILVER: Skyline Ranch (Oakland) BRONZE: Roughing It (Lafayette)
Best Leadership Development Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Sarah’s Science (Berkeley/Oakland) SILVER: Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley) BRONZE: Camp Winnarainbow (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department L.I.T (Leaders In Training) Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Crestmont Summer Camp (Richmond) BRONZE: Diablo Theatre Company’s Singout (Pleasant Hill) GOLD:
8 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018
* denotes a tie
BEST OF 2018 Best Lego Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Techknowhow (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) BRONZE: Play-Well Teknologies (Multiple
Locations)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Techknowhow (Multiple Locations) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Recreation
Departments Lego Camps (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Play-Well Teknologies (Multiple Locations)
Best Music and Singing Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Crowden Music Center (Berkeley) SILVER: Mr D’s Music Club (Oakland) BRONZE: Bandworks (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) SILVER: Diablo Theatre Company’s Singout (Pleasant Hill) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Nature and Outdoor Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Kids For the Bay (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Avid4 Adventure (Multiple Locations) BRONZE*: Green Stuff Camp @ UC Botanical Garden (Berkeley) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Summer Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Roughing It Day Camp (Lafayette) BRONZE: Sienna Ranch (Lafayette) GOLD:
Best Overnight Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Camp Winnarainbow (Berkeley) SILVER: Young Actors’ Theatre Camp (Ben
Lomond, CA) BRONZE: Cazadero Music Camp (Cazadero) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Camp Ravencliff (El Cerrito) SILVER: CYO Camp (Occidental) BRONZE: Skylark Ranch Girl Scout Camp (Santa Cruz) GOLD:
Best Performing Arts Summer Camp
Best Science Summer Camp
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
SILVER: Bay Respite (Vallejo) BRONZE: Raskob Summer Camp
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Camp Galileo (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Departments Mysteries Of Science And Crazy, Funky Science Camps (El Cerrito) SILVER: Play-Well Teknologies (Pleasanton) BRONZE: Tech Know How (Multiple Locations) GOLD:
Bay Area Children’s Theatre (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Berkeley Playhouse (Berkeley) BRONZE: Aurora School (Oakland) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Bay Area Children’s Theatre (Multiple Locations) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito-Dance & Drama Camp (El Cerrito) BRONZE: The Quinan Street Project (Pinole) GOLD:
Best Preschool Age Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Kids N Dance (Oakland) SILVER: Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley) BRONZE: The Child Unique Montessori
School (Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: Adventure Day Camp (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette)
Creek)
The Speech Pathology Group (Walnut (Oakland)
CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS Best Art Classes A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Sports Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
A s Voted By Contra Costa County V oters
GOLD: UC Cal Camps (Berkleey) SILVER: Bladium (Alameda) BRONZE: Oakland Ice Center (Oakland)
A s Voted By C ontra Costa County Voters
Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) SILVER: El Cerrito Sports Camp (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Saint Mary’s College Athletic Camps (Moraga) GOLD:
Best Technology Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Galileo Summer Quest (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Techknowhow (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) GOLD:
GOLD:
GOLD: Richmond Art Center (Richmond) SILVER: El Cerrito Recreation Department Art
Classes (El Cerrito) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond)
Best Ballet Classes A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley) SILVER: Alameda Ballet Academy (Alameda) BRONZE*: East Bay Dance Center (Oakland) BRONZE*: Berkeley City Ballet (Berkeley)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
East Bay Center for the Performing Arts (Richmond) SILVER: El Cerrito Ballet Center (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Tutu School (Walnut Creek) GOLD:
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD*: Kinetic Arts Center (Oakland) SILVER: Athletic Playground (Emeryville) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Clownsnotbombs Circus Classes (El Cerrito) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Classes for Musical Instrument Instruction
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Masako’s Music Studio (Newark) SILVER: Crowden Music Center (Berkeley) BRONZE: East Bay Music Together (East Bay
Cities)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) SILVER: Village Music School (Pleasant Hill) BRONZE: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Dance Classes As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley) SILVER: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts
(Lafayette, Oakland) BRONZE: Dance 10 (Alameda)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Technology Summer Camps (El Cerrito) SILVER: Techknowhow (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: ID Tech (Multiple Locations) GOLD:
BEST OF 2018
Best Teen Focused Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Girls On The Go Camp (Berkeley/ Oakland) SILVER: Ohlone For Kids And Teens (Fremont, Newark) BRONZE: Urban Adventure Camps (Oakland) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Departments Explorers Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) BRONZE: Richmond Art Center (Richmond) GOLD:
CHILD CARE Best Child Care A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Hearts And Hands Christian Childcare & Preschool (Fremont) SILVER: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) BRONZE: Step One School (Berkeley) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Nomura Preschool (Richmond) SILVER: Old Firehouse School (Lafayette,
Walnut Creek) BRONZE: The Child Day School (Multiple Locations)
MAYBECK
The Dance Center and Berkeley City Ballet berkeleycityballet.org
HIGH SCHOOL
Berkeley’s Independent College Preparatory High School Limited Openings For Fall 2018 Fall Open Houses:
September 29 10:30am November 3 10:30am
Best Special Needs Child Care A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
School Of Imagination In Dublin (Dublin) SILVER: Ala Costa Centers (Berkeley) BRONZE: Easter Seals Kaleidoscope (Dublin) GOLD:
2018
2727 College Avenue www.maybeckhs.org
(510) 841-8489 * denotes a tie
Best Circus Arts Classes
(Lafayette, Oakland)
Oakland School For The Arts (Oakland) SILVER: The Crucible (Oakland) BRONZE: Ohlone For Kids And Teens (Fremont, Newark)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD:
GOLD:
photo : andy mogg
Ages 2 and up Free boys ballet Jazz Dance camps Birthday parties 4 state-of-the-art studios Sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration and payment
July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 9
BEST OF 2018 Best Swim Classes
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) SILVER: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) BRONZE: Katie’s Dance Studio (El Cerrito) GOLD:
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Patti’s Swim School (Castro Valley) SILVER: Berkeley YMCA (Berkeley) BRONZE: Aquatech (Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Best Early Childhood Music Programs
City Of El Cerrito Swim Center (El Cerrito) SILVER: Canyon Swim (El Sobrante) BRONZE: Aquatech Swim School (Concord) GOLD:
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: East Bay Music Together (Multiple
Locations) SILVER: Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir (Oakland) BRONZE: Jingle Jeff (Berkeley)
Best Testing Preparation Program As Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: Classroom Matters (Berkeley) SILVER: Kaplan (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Kumon (Multiple Locations)
East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) SILVER: East Bay Music Together (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Kindermusik (Walnut Creek) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: St David School (Richmond) SILVER: Salesian College Preparatory
Best Enrichment and After-School Programs
(Richmond) BRONZE: Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Gymnastics Classes
Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) (Richmond) BRONZE:
Best Martial Arts Classes A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Classroom Matters (Berkeley) BRONZE: Learning Bee Learning Center (Fremont) GOLD:
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Head Over Heels Gymnastics (Emeryville) SILVER: Cal Gymnastics (Berkeley) BRONZE: Bay Aerial Gymnastics (Fremont) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department (El Cerrito) SILVER: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) BRONZE: Richmond Art Center (Richmond)
GOLD:
GOLD:
Best Faith-Based Cultural Awareness Program As Voted By Alameda County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department - Gymnastics Program With Bindi Baker (El Cerrito) SILVER: Encore Gymnastics (Concord) BRONZE: Liberty Gymnastics (Concord)
Best Language Class A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) SILVER: Escuela Bilingue Internacional
(Oakland)
GOLD: JCC East Bay (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Ray of Light Performing Arts
East Bay German International School (Emeryville) BRONZE:
(Hayward) BRONZE: PJ Library (East Bay)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
El Cerrito Recreation Department Enrichment Classes (El Cerrito) SILVER: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette, Pleasanton)
GOLD: Aikido Shusekai (Berkeley) SILVER: Kuk Sool Won (Berkeley) BRONZE: Emeryville Martial Arts (Emeryville)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrrito Recreation Department Karate Classes (El Cerrito) SILVER: East Bay Judo Institute (El Cerrito) BRONZE: El Cerrito Martial Arts (El Cerrito) GOLD:
Best Math Programs A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Kumon (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Berkeley Math Club (Multiple
Locations) BRONZE: Firecracker Math (Multiple Locations)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Kumon El Cerrito (El Cerrito) SILVER: Huntington Learning Center (Walnut
Creek)
Berkeley Math Club (Multiple Locations) BRONZE:
GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Cal Prep Academy (Richmond) SILVER: Tutor Corps (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Huntington Learning Center
(Walnut Creek)
Best Theater and Performing Arts Classes As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Berkeley Playhouse (Berkeley) SILVER: Bay Area Children’s Theatre
(Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Bay Area Children’s Theatre (Multiple Locations) SILVER: East Bay Center for the Performing Arts (Richmond) BRONZE: Contra Costa Civic Theater In El Cerrito (El Cerrito) GOLD:
Best Tutorial or Educational Support Programs As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Classroom Matters (Berkeley) SILVER: Tony’s Tutorial Services (Castro
Valley)
BRONZE:
Kaplan (Multiple Locations)
BEST OF 2018
EL CERRITO SPORTS CAMP 3
Non-competitive and Co-ed since 1992 CoAvenient locations
9e�e-leg;"North
Berkeley and Orinda
Call us at (510) 848-6494
Thank you Parent's Press, Lamorinda Moms and Bay Area Parent for voting us
BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST! BEST
LAMORINDA
2018
2Q,15
Summer Sports Camp Ages 4-12 @ Cerrito Vista Park
Morning, Afternoon, and All Day Camps Join us! Sports & Games Camp: Activities include Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Capture the Flag, Dodge Ball, Frisbee, Kick Ball, Hula Hoops, Jump Rope, Swimming, Play Structure, Foosball, Air Hockey & other board and table games
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Soccer Camp . Please go to our website for more information
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10 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018
Fun in the Sun
Baseball Camp
On-site registrations okay
www.elcerritosportscamp.com (510) 559-8208 * denotes a tie
BEST OF 2018 A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Brain O Magic (Mulitple Locations) SILVER: Kumon (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Huntington Learning Center (Walnut
Creek)
Best Faith-Based Elementary School
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Saint Philip Neri Catholic School (Alameda) SILVER: School Of The Madeleine (Berkeley) BRONZE: Corpus Christi School (Piedmont) GOLD:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Best Alternative Learning Styles Elementary School
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: St. Isidore School (Danville) SILVER: St Mary Of The Immaculate
Creek)
(Walnut
Christ the King Catholic School (Pleasant Hill) BRONZE:
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Independent Elementary School
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Cerrito)
BRONZE:
St Paul School (San Pablo)
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) SILVER: Shu Ren International School
(Berkeley)
BRONZE*:
(Oakland)
Escuela Bilingue Internacional
The Renaissance International School (Oakland) BRONZE*:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Holbrook Language Academy (Concord) SILVER: St David School (Richmond) BRONZE: Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito) GOLD:
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Black Pine Circle (Berkeley) SILVER: Berkwood Hedge School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Aurora School (Oakland) GOLD: Prospect Sierra School (El Cerrito) SILVER: Montessori Family School (Berkeley,
El Cerrito) BRONZE:
Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito)
GOLD: Black Pine Circle (Berkeley) SILVER*: Aurora School (Oakland) SILVER*: Berkwood Hedge School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Crowden School (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Best Bilingual Elementary School
Best Progressive Elementary School
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: Black Pine Circle (Berkeley) SILVER: Berkwood Hedge School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Park Day School (Oakland) GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: Montessori Family School (El
Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) SILVER: Concordia School (Concord) BRONZE: Eagle Peak Montessori (Walnut Creek) GOLD:
GOLD: Prospect Sierra School (El Cerrito) SILVER: The Saklan School (Moraga) BRONZE*: Montessori Family School (El
Cerrito)
BRONZE*:
Seven Hills School (Walnut Creek)
FOOD Best Ice Cream Parlor As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Fentons (Oakland) SILVER: As You Wish Frozen Yogurt (Albany) BRONZE: Tuckers Super Creamed Ice Cream
(Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Best Montessori Elementary School
GOLD:
Creek)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) SILVER: Montessori Elementary School Of
San Francisco Ice Creamery (Walnut
SILVER: Cream (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Guanatos Ice Cream (Walnut
Creek)
Alameda (Alameda) BRONZE: The Renaissance International School (Oakland, Piedmont)
Best Pizza Parlor As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Zachary’s (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Little Star (Berkeley) BRONZE: Arizmendi Bakery & Pizzeria
(Emeryville)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Little Star (Berkeley) SILVER: Skippolinis (Concord, Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Pizza Antica (Lafayette)
Best Place to Buy a Birthday Cake As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Masse’s Pastries (Oakland) SILVER: Virginia Bakery (Berkeley) BRONZE*: La Farine (Oakland) BRONZE*: Tuckers Ice Cream (Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Susie Cakes, Lafayette (Lafayette) SILVER: Old Towne Danville Bakery (Danville) BRONZE: Alpine Pastry & Cakes (Concord)
Best Place to Buy Cupcakes As Voted By Alameda County Voters
James And The Giant Cupcake (Oakland) SILVER: Love At First Bite (Berkeley) BRONZE: Feel Good Bakery (Alameda) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Kara’s Cupcakes (Multiple Locations) SILVER: A Sweet Affair Bakery (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Susie Cakes (Walnut Creek)
BEST OF 2018 REGISTERATION NOW OPEN at BERKELEYBALLET.ORG
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July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 11
BEST OF 2018 FUN & ATTRACTIONS Best Amusement Park As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: Children’s Fairyland (Oakland) BRONZE: Adventureland (Berkeley)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Playland Not At The Beach (El Cerrito) SILVER: Small World (Pittsburg) BRONZE: Pixieland Amusement Park
(Concord)
Best Athletic Clubs As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: YMCA (Oakland) SILVER: Bladium (Alameda) BRONZE: Equinox (Berkeley)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Club Sport (Walnut Creek) SILVER: YMCA Irvin Deucher (Pleasant Hill) BRONZE: Lakeridge (San Pablo)
Best Indoor Play Place As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: The Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) SILVER: Bay Area Discovery Museum
(Sausalito) BRONZE: Habitot (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Playland Not At The Beach (El Cerrito) SILVER: Sky High Sports (Concord) BRONZE: Studio Grow (Blackhawk)
Best Museums As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Museum (Oakland) SILVER: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) BRONZE: Chabot Space and Science
(Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
Lindsay Wildlife Museum (Walnut
Rosie The Riveter Museum (Richmond) BRONZE: Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito) SILVER:
Best Place for Ice Skating As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Ice (Oakland) SILVER: Dublin Iceland (Dublin)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of Walnut Creek’s Ice Skating Pop-Up Rink (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Dublin Ca Iceland (Dublin) BRONZE: City Of Martinez’s Ice Skating Pop-Up Rink (Martinez) GOLD:
Best Place to Entertain Your Teen As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Rockin’ Jump (Dublin, Fremont) SILVER: Museum Of Art And Digital
Entertainment (Oakland) BRONZE: Playland Not at the Beach Oakland (El Cerrito) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Playland Not At The Beach (El Cerrito) SILVER: Richmond Art Center (Richmond) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing
Arts (Richmond)
GOLD: Jelly Belly Factory (Fairfield) SILVER: USS Hornet Museum (Alameda) BRONZE: Sulphur Creek Nature Center
GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: San Francisco Zoo (San Francisco) BRONZE: Lindsay Wildlife Museum (Walnut
Creek)
Pediatric (Alameda) BRONZE: Dr. Ann Marie Franks (Berkeley) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: Lamorinda Pediatrics (Lafayette) SILVER*: Dr. Brad Lewis - Kaiser (Walnut
GOLD: Jelly Belly Factory (Fairfield) SILVER: Vasco Caves Regional Park
(Byron)
HEALTH Best Hospital/Medical Center Jelly Belly Visitor’s Center As Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: Kiwi Pediatrics (Berkeley) SILVER: Dr. B. Anne Parker, Alameda
(Hayward)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
(San Francisco)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Zoo or Aquarium GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: Monterey Aquarium (Monterey) BRONZE: California Academy Of Science
Best Pediatrician
Coolest Place to Take a Tour
GOLD: Kaiser (Multiple Locations) SILVER: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
(Oakland) BRONZE:
Oakland)
Sutter Alta Bates (Berkeley,
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Kaiser Permanente (San Rafael) SILVER: John Muir Hospital (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: San Ramon Medical Center (San
Ramon)
Best Optometrist As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: UC Berkeley Optometry (Berkeley) SILVER: Albany Berkeley Optometry (Albany) BRONZE: Island Eye Care (Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Eye Love Optometry (Pinole) SILVER: Orinda Optometry (Orinda) BRONZE: Point Richmond Optometry
(Richmond)
Creek)
SILVER*:
Herculean Babies (Hercules)
Best Sports Medicine Practice As Voted By Alameda County Voters
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital (Oakland) SILVER: Sports & Orthopedic Specialists (Oakland) BRONZE: Webster Orthopedics (Oakland) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Innersport (Berkeley) GOLD:
HIGH SCHOOLS Best Alternative Learning Style High School As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Maybeck High School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Bayhill High School (Berkeley) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Orinda Academy (Orinda) SILVER: Salesian College Preparatory
(Richmond) BRONZE: Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek)
Best Orthodontist As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Dr. Righellis (Oakland) SILVER: Dr Paden (Alameda) BRONZE: I Song Orthodontics
(Albany)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Axelrod Orthodontists (Moraga) SILVER: Dr. Aubrey Barrett (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Kennteth Brannan (Albany)
Best Pediatric Dentist As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Aloha Pediatric Dentistry (Berkeley) SILVER: Alameda Pediatric Dentistry
(Alameda, Oakland, Pleasanton) BRONZE: Vivian Lopez, DDS (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Aloha Pediatric Dentistry (Orinda) SILVER: Walnut Creek Pediatric Dentistry
(Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Snoopy Dentist (Walnut Creek)
12 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018
Best Boarding School in the Bay Area GOLD: Athenian (Danville) SILVER: Squaw Valley Academy Bay Area
(Livermore) BRONZE: San Domenico (San Anselmo)
Best Charter High School As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Oakland School For The Arts (Oakland) SILVER: Impact Academy of Arts & Technology (Hayward) BRONZE: ACLC (Alameda) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Salesian College Prep (Richmond) BRONZE: Leadership High School (Richmond) GOLD:
* denotes a tie
BEST OF 2018 Best Faith-Based High School
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Creek)
GOLD*: GOLD*:
GOLD: Bishop O’dowd High School (Oakland) SILVER: St. Joseph Notre Dame (Alameda) BRONZE: Saint Mary’s College High School
Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito) St Mary Of The Immaculate (Walnut
SILVER: St. Paul School (San Pablo) BRONZE*: St. Isidore School (Danville) BRONZE*: St. David School (Richmond)
(Albany)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Salesian College Preparatory Richmond SILVER: Carondelet High School (Concord) BRONZE: De La Salle (Concord) GOLD:
Best Independent High School
Best Independent Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Black Pine Circle (Berkeley) SILVER*: The Crowden School (Berkeley) SILVER*: Bentley School (Oakland) BRONZE: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley
The College Preparatory School (Oakland) SILVER: Bentley School (Oakland) BRONZE: Head Royce School (Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
(Berkeley, El Cerrito) BRONZE*: The Seven Hills School (Walnut Creek)
Walnut Creek)
Best Progressive High School
GOLD: Prospect Sierra School (El Cerrito) SILVER: The Saklan School (Moraga) BRONZE*: Montessori Family School
Best Montessori Middle School
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Bentley School (Lafayette)
Best Special Needs Programs in a High School A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: The Phillips Academy (Alameda) SILVER: Tilden Preparatory School (Albany,
Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Bayhill High School (Berkeley)
Viva El Espanol (Lafayette, Pleasanton) SILVER: La Casita Bilingue (Pinole) BRONZE: El Cerrito Preschool Co-op (El Cerrito) GOLD:
Best Faith-Based Preschool
BRONZE:
The College Preparatory School (Oakland) SILVER: Maybeck High School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Mentoring Academy (Oakland)
(Albany,
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
(Fremont)
The Renaissance International School (Oakland) SILVER: Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) BRONZE: Valley Montessori School (Livermore)
GOLD: Orinda Academy (Orinda) SILVER: Tilden Preparatory School
The Renaissance International School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Escuela Bilingue Internacional (Oakland) BRONZE*: East Bay German International School
GOLD: JCC East Bay Preschool (Berkeley) SILVER: Hearts & Hands Christian Preschool
GOLD:
GOLD:
GOLD: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) SILVER*: Shu Ren International School
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
SILVER*:
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD: Orinda Academy (Orinda) SILVER*: Salesian College Prep (Richmond) SILVER*: Bentley School (Lafayette) BRONZE: Tilden Preparatory School (Albany,
Best Bilingual Preschool
(Berkeley)
(Berkeley)
GOLD:
PRESCHOOLS
Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) SILVER: Eagle Peak Montessori (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Fountainhead (Multiple Locations) GOLD:
Best Progressive Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Black Pine Circle School ( Berkeley) SILVER: Park Day School (Oakland) BRONZE: Redwood Day School (Oakland)
Gan Mah Tov Preschool (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
St Mary Of The Immaculate (Walnut
SILVER: St. Michaels Episcopal Day Preschool
(Concord) BRONZE:
East Bay
Jewish Community Center of the
Best Independent Preschool
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Clayton Valley Parent Preschool (Concord) SILVER: Nomura Preschool (Richmond) BRONZE*: The Child Day School (Multiple Locations) BRONZE*: The Saklan School (Moraga) GOLD:
Best Large Preschool As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) SILVER: Step One School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Jewish Community Center of the
East Bay (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Nomura Preschool (Richmond) SILVER: Clayton Valley Parent Preschool
(Concord)
Old Firehouse School (Lafayette, Walnut Creek) BRONZE:
Best Montessori Preschool As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) SILVER*: Montessori Family School
(Berkeley, El Cerrito) SILVER*: The Renaissance International School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Rockridge Montessori (Oakland) BRONZE*: Montessori School At Five Canyons (Castro Valley) BRONZE*: The Child Unique Montessori School (Alameda) A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Growing Light Montessori School (Kensington, Oakland) SILVER: Keystone Montessori (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Danville Montessori School (Danville) GOLD:
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) SILVER*: Step One School (Berkeley) SILVER*: The Renaissance International
School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Rockridge Little School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Duck’s Nest Inc (Berkeley)
Best Small Preschool A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Rockridge Little School (Oakland) SILVER: Duck’s Nest (Berkeley, Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Orion Academy (Moraga) SILVER: Holden High School (Orinda) BRONZE*: Fusion Academy (Walnut Creek) BRONZE*: Halstrom Academy (Walnut Creek)
MIDDLE SCHOOLS Best Bilingual Middle School A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) GOLD*: Renaissance International School (Oakland, Piedmont) SILVER*: Shu Ren International School (Berkeley) SILVER*: East Bay German International School (Emeryville) BRONZE: Escuela Bilingue Internacional (Oakland) GOLD*:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: St Paul School (San Pablo) SILVER: Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Koremsatsu Middle School -
Wccusd (El Cerrito)
Best Faith-Based Middle School A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: School Of The Madeleine (Berkeley) SILVER: Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
(Alameda) BRONZE: Oakland Hebrew Day School (Oakland)
* denotes a tie
GOLD: Prospect Sierra (El Cerrito) SILVER*: Montessori Family School
Cerrito)
(El
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Seven Hills School (Walnut Creek) SILVER*:
Best Public Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Oakland School For The Arts (Oakland) SILVER: King Middle School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Lincoln Middle School (Alameda ) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
Walnut Creek Intermediate (Walnut
Koremsatsu Middle School - Wccusd (El Cerrito) BRONZE*: Pleasant Hill Middle (Pleasant Hill) BRONZE*: Joaquin Moraga (Moraga) SILVER:
Best Special Needs Programs in a Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: The Phillips Academy (Alameda) SILVER: Raskob Day School/Learning
Institute (Oakland) BRONZE: Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Halstrom Academy (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Hope Academy For Dyslexics (Concord) GOLD:
July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 13
BEST OF 2018 BRONZE:
(Oakland)
Bright Future Early Learning Center
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As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Clayton Valley Parent Preschool (Concord) SILVER: El Cerrito Preschool Co-Op (El Cerrito) BRONZE: St Paul School (San Pablo) GOLD:
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Best Kids Shoe Store As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Kid Dynamo (Berkeley) SILVER: GoldenBug Children’s Shoes
(Oakland) BRONZE:
Shoe on Solano (Albany)
Best New Childrens Clothing As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Ruby’s Garden (Oakland) SILVER: Kid Dynamo (Berkeley) BRONZE: Silver Moon Kids (Oakland)
SILVER: Kelly’s Corner (Oakland) BRONZE: Toy Go Round (Albany)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Toy Go Round (Albany) SILVER: Growning Pains (Concord) BRONZE: A Wee Change (Walnut Creek)
Best Organic Food Market As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Berkeley Bowl (Berkeley) SILVER: Monterey Market (Oakland) BRONZE: Piedmont Grocery (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: El Cerrito Natural Foods (El Cerrito) SILVER: Trader Joe’s (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Sprouts (Multiple Locations)
Best Party Supply Store
GOLD: Boswells (Danville, Lafayette) SILVER: Party City (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Sweet Dreams (Orinda, Oakland)
Best Place to Buy Kids Furniture GOLD: Berkeley Kids Room (Oakland) SILVER: Nest Bedding (Albany) BRONZE: Kids N Cribs (Dublin)
Best Place to Buy New Toys
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Mr. Mopps (Berkeley) SILVER: Toy Safari (Alameda) BRONZE: Five Little Monkeys (Albany)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
Five Little Monkeys (Albany, Walnut
SILVER: Sweet Dreams (Berkeley, Orinda) BRONZE: Jenny K (El Cerrito)
Best Place to Buy or Sell Gently Used Childrens Clothing As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Kelly’s Corner (Oakland) SILVER: Lauren’s Closet (Alameda) BRONZE: Ruby’s Garden (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Chloe’s Closet (Berkeley) SILVER: A Wee Change (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Thrift Town (El Sobrante)
Magician Mike Della Penna - The Magician (El Cerrito) SILVER: Playland Not At The Beach, El Cerrito (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Fur, Scales And Tails (Bay Area) GOLD:
Stay informed on what’s happening in your community www.parentspress.com
Best Nanny Services
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: A Wee Change (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Nordstrom (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Kohls (Multiple Locations)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
SERVICES
GOLD: A Nanny Connection (East Bay) SILVER: Care.com (Multiple Locations)
Best Birthday Indoor Party Venue
Best Place for a Kids Haircut
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Head Over Heels Gymnastics (Emeryville) SILVER: Bladium (Alameda) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland)
GOLD: Snippety Crickets (Berkeley) SILVER: Snips For Kids (Oakland) BRONZE: Clips N Snips (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Hill)
GOLD:
GOLD: Playland Not At The Beach (El Cerrito) SILVER: Pump It Up (Oakland) BRONZE: Arf Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek)
Best Birthday Outdoor Party Venue
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Cool Tops (Oakland, Orinda, Pleasant
SILVER: Shear Adventures (Danville) BRONZE:Snip-its (Walnut Creek)
BEST OF 2018
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Tilden Park (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Adventure Playground (Berkeley) BRONZE: Sulphur Creek Nature Center
(Hayward)
Love learning.
2018
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
East Bay Regional Parks - Tilden Little Farm (Berkeley) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Swim Center Recreation Pool Party (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Lake Anza (Berkeley) GOLD:
Best Family Photographer As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD:
Area)
Clayton J. Mitchell Photography (Bay
SILVER:
Area)
Megan Small Photography (Bay
BRONZE:
Area)
Roots & Shoots Photography (Bay
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Yuri Pettengill Photography (Bay Area) SILVER: Barry Evans Studio (Bay Area) BRONZE: Spectrum Photography (Bay Area)
Best Jumpy House Provider
GOLD: Bay Area Jump (Bay Area) SILVER: Maks Party Rentals (El Sobrante) BRONZE: The Jumpy Company (Bay Area)
Best Kids Party Entertainment As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Place to Buy or Sell Gently Used Toys As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD:
Toy Safari (Alameda )
14 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018
GOLD: Oakland Zoo Zoomobile (Oakland) SILVER: Fur, Scales And Tails (Bay Area) BRONZE: The Amazing James! (East Bay)
An independent school in Oakland, California serving Kindergarten-8th grade. pArKdAysChOOl.Org | 360 42nd street OAKlAnd CA 94609 | 510-653-0317
* denotes a tie
Family Fun Calendar JULY
6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www.danville. ca.gov
6 p.m.- 10 p.m. $10 general admission, over 18, no children or babies. Playland Not-atthe-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002, www.playland-not-at-thebeach.org
8 | Sunday
Rockin’ Tots at Rockin’ Jump — Fremont
from Food Truck Mafia.
Independence Day Fun — El Cerrito
Alameda Mini Maker Faire— Alameda
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience interactive exhibits, meet like-minded individuals, and be inspired by the creativity and innovation of the maker community in Alameda and beyond.
Celebrate the Fourth of July! Let freedom ring and play FREE PLAY pinball and arcade games all weekend long! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat & Sun, Mon 12noon - 5 p.m. $10 /children and seniors, $15 / general admission. Playland Not-at-the-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002, www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org
Throughout Jack London Square--Celebrate Independence Day with a festive afternoon at Jack London Square. Free to attend, everyone is invited to enjoy this day of red, white and blue fun that will fill the Oakland waterfront with live music, beer/ cider garden, tasty backyard BBQ, local shopping and a kids zone. 11a.m. - 5p.m. Free. Broadway and Embarcadero 510.645.9292, www. jacklondonsquare.com
4th of July Park Party & 4K Fun Run— Emeryville
There will also be a 4K Fun Run held at the Emeryville Marina. Check in 7 am, Marina Site A. Race will start at 8 am. Join your fellow Emeryvillians for a special Fourth of July celebration at Marina Park. In addition to the spectacular views with some of the greatest vantage points for many of the surrounding firework shows, you’ll be treated to live music, and local food carts, selling their traditional 4th of July treats. All Day. Emeryville Marina Park 3308 Powell St. Emeryville
4th of July Parade, Festival & Fireworks — Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill hosts a full day of Fourth of July fun with events ranging from a traditional patriotic parade through the downtown Crescent Drive area, family fun and games in Pleasant Hill Park, and live music and fireworks in the evening at College Park High School. All Day. Free. Pleasant Hill Park 147 Gregory Lane. www.phjuly4.com
Alameda Mayor’s July 4th Race and Parade — Alameda
The Alameda 4th of July Parade is the one of the longest Independence Day parades in the nation with over 170 floats and 2,500 participants that travel a three mile route. Race starts at 9 a.m. Parade at 10 a.m. Free. For parade route go to www.alamedaparade. com/route
5 | Thursday
Waterfront Flicks — The Greatest Showman— Oakland
Watch on the grass, cozy in picnic blankets, with the family. Pre-show trivia and games for prizes, as well as Jack London Square eateries will make this a fantastic family night.
9-11a.m. $15 for 1st child, $3 for each additional. Ages up to 6. Rockin’ Jump, 39177 Farwell Drive. Fremont 510-246-3098; rockinjump.com/fremont/
Toddler Time — Fremont
Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. We’ll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs.)
4 | Wednesday
Independence Day July 4th Festival of Family Fun — Oakland
ROCKIN’ TOTS offers a dedicated time when parents can have fun with their smaller children while socializing with their friends in a comfortable, low-key, air conditioned environment.
10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Free. Ages 1-4. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY 8 p.m. games, 9 p.m. movie begins. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www. jacklondonsquare.com
10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Free. All ages. Alameda Point, Ranger Avenue between Saratoga Street and Pan Am Way. 510-747-7400, https:// alamedaca.gov
Fleetwood Mask — Pleasant Hill
Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol
Part of the Plaza Concert series, Fleetwood Mask plays music to dance to. Stroll the plaza and enjoy a meal at one of the plaza eateries, while enjoying uplifting tunes. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pleasant Hill on Crescent Dr. www. shopdowntownpleasanthill.com
6 | Friday
Friday Nights @ OMCA Block Party — Oakland
Join OMCA for DJs, live bands, dancing, gourmet food trucks, and more. There will be a family Dropin activity related to one of the exhibits. 5-10 p.m. Members and ages 18 and under free, Adults 50% off admission. Oakland Museum of California, 50 10th St., Oakland. 510-318-8400, www.museumca.org
$5 First Fridays @Chabot Space & Science — Oakland
An Exciting and Immersive Experience Every First Friday. Each $5 First Friday at Chabot is an exciting and immersive experience for all ages! Join us each month for hands-on activities and live demonstrations that are fun for the whole family. Each month there will be new things to explore! 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Admission $5. Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-336- 7300, www.chabotspace. org
7 | Saturday
Taste of Oakland — Oakland
The festival will feature an amazing musical line-up throughout the day, local food and craft vendors, and tech demos to children’s entertainment, sports clinics, group dancing, and other activities. 7:30a.m.-5p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www. jacklondonsquare.com
Music In The Park — Danville
Danville’s 33nd Annual Music in the park celebration. Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on the lawn with a picnic or enjoy offering
Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train. Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Free under 3. $8 ages 3-12, $11 Seniors, $14 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www.ncry.org
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every Sunday through August. Please book a reservation online. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $20/adults, $15/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
Neon Scorpion Hikes Lindsay Wildlife — Walnut Creek Explore the habitat of local scorpions along the north face of Mount Diablo, starting at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Experience the excitement of finding scorpions glowing like green neon signs in the dark discover and observe the diverse plants and animals inhabiting Mount Diablo. Hikes cover a distance of 2 miles. Sells out early. 8-10 p.m. $16/person. Ages 6 and up. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925- 935-1978, www.lindsaywildlife. org
10 | Tuesday
Playland After Dark — El Cerrito
Kids and grandkids are great! You know what is also great? A bit of Grown up only time! Enjoy the usual fun of Playland with the addition of about 20 board games. Pinball, arcade and carnival games throughout our Museum of Fun.
11 | Wednesday
First Wednesdays Street Festivals — Walnut Creek
WCD hosts Walnut Creek First Wednesdays Street Festivals each month for all ages! Festivities include live entertainment, arts & crafts, shopping, treats & more! 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Free. All ages. Cypress Street, between Locust & N. Main Streets, www. walnutcreekdowntown.com
12 | Thursday
“Space Jam” Movie Screening at Orinda Theater —Orinda
Come join us for a Free movie screening of “Space Jam” at the Orinda Theatre. 6:30 p.m. Free. All Ages. Orinda Theater Square, Brookwood Road and Moraga Way, Orinda. orindatheatresquare.com
13 | Friday
Summer Outdoor Concert — Point Richmond
Enjoy live music, dancing in the streets, local eateries, and face-painting for the kids in historic Point Richmond. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pt. Richmond, Park Pl. at Washington Ave., Richmond. www.pointrichmondmusic.org
Moonlight Movies — Danville
Bring the gang down to the Town Green, for some fresh air and a great flick. Moonlight Movies offer family-friendly films in a picturesque outdoor setting under the stars. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to make it complete. There are the movie themed arts and craft for the kids and its sure to be a good time for all! 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www. danville.ca.gov
14 | Saturday
Second Saturday — Oakland
A monthly open air market on the Oakland waterfront, featuring up to 100 artisan vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, and great food from local vendors and favorite eateries.
July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 15
11a.m.-5p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-6459292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Family Sundown Safari — Oakland
Grab your tent, sleeping bag, your family, and a few friends and get ready for an overnight adventure at Oakland Zoo. This unique program includes dinner, a nighttime and morning guided tour of the Zoo, a special behind the scenes, live animal presentations, interactive and educational activities, a Wildlife Theater show, a hot morning breakfast, and s’mores! 5 p.m. -10 a.m. Ages 4 and older. $90.00 per person for non-members / $80.00 per person for members. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
Summer Sleepover — Oakland
Sleep under the stars at Children’s Fairyland, and enjoy breakfast in the park upon waking. Ride the rides and see the shows at night! This event requires pre-registration, so book ahead of time. Dinner and breakfast will be served, included in the cost of admission. 5:45 p.m. check-in, 8:30 a.m. Sunday checkout. $55 per adult, $30 per child. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259, www.fairyland.org
15 | Sunday
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every Sunday through August. Please book a reservation online. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $20/adults, $15/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
Neon Scorpion Hikes Lindsay Wildlife — Walnut Creek
north face of Mount Diablo, starting at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Experience the excitement of finding scorpions glowing like green neon signs in the dark discover and observe the diverse plants and animals inhabiting Mount Diablo. Hikes cover a distance of 2 miles. Sells out early. 8-10 p.m. $16/person. Ages 6 and up. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925- 935-1978, www.lindsaywildlife. org
16 | Monday
Munchkin Mondays — Concord
Energetic toddlers can jump for one hour or longer. Sky High Sports features dozens of large trampolines for hours of indoor bouncing fun. For kids walking up to 6 years. 11a.m.-1p.m. $6 per child, per hour. Not valid on holidays. Sky High Sports, 1631 Challenge Dr., Concord. 925-682- 5867, www.con. jumpskyhigh.com
17 | Tuesday Rockin’ Tots at Rockin’ Jump — Fremont ROCKIN’ TOTS offers a dedicated time when parents can have fun with their smaller children while socializing with their friends in a comfortable, low-key, air conditioned environment. 9-11a.m. $15 for 1st child, $3 for each additional. Ages up to 6. Rockin’ Jump, 39177 Farwell Drive. Fremont 510-246-3098; rockinjump.com/fremont/
Children’s Yoga — Berkeley
Join Prana for tiny yoga with tiny yogis. This is an ongoing class that meets each Tuesday. Drop in or sign up for a block of classes. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. $9 per student. Ages 3-5. Prana Yoga Center, 1723 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-3664, www. yogalayam.org
Hikes For Tykes — Alameda
Meet at Crab Cove for a hike at a little one’s pace, to see all there is to see of the native plants and
animals that live so close to our homes. Strollers are not recommended. Parents must come along. 10:30 a.m-11:45 a.m. Free. Ages 1 month and up. Crab Cove Visitors Center, 1231 McKay Ave., Alameda. 888-EBPARKS, www. ebparks. org
18 | Wednesday
Ride the Rails — Fremont
Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks. org
Dance With Me — Berkeley
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center’s Dance with Me class is for walkers through age 4 and their caretakers. Children and adults will dance, sing, play movement games and enjoy props for this fun-filled 45 minute class. This class repeats every Wednesday. 9-9:45 a.m. $16 per child. Ages walking to 4 years. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-5921, www. shawl-anderson.org
19 | Thursday
Waterfront Flicks: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”—Oakland
Watch “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on the grass, cozy in picnic blankets, with the family. Pre-show trivia and games for prizes, as well as Jack London Square eateries will make this a fantastic family night. Sundown movie begins. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645- 9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
20 | Friday
Movies in the Park:“Sing”—Alameda
Watch “Sing” At the Alameda Point Multipurpose field under the stars. Pre-show activities include games and crafts for the children. All movies begin at dusk. Be sure to dress warm, bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Movie begins at 8:15 p.m. Free. All ages. 1101 West Redline Ave, Alameda. 510-747-7400; alamedaca.gov
21 | Saturday
East Bay SPCA Pet Adopt-A-Thon — Oakland
The East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will partner with Jack London Square to find forever homes for furry friends. On this special day, the waterfront will welcome friendly dogs, adorable kittens, bunnies, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles from several East Bay pet adoption agencies. Potential pet owners are invited to meet these shelter animals seeking new homes from more than 50 pet adoption agencies. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-6459292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Music In The Park — Danville
Danville’s 33nd Annual Music in the park celebration. Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on the lawn with a picnic or enjoy offering from Food Truck Mafia. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www.danville. ca.gov
Live. Wild. Animal Exhibitions at Lindsay Wildlife —Walnut Creek
Fang-tasia! We will explore the gentler side of some of the most misunderstood animals in the wild. Meet an alligator, tarantula, monitor lizard, and others! Learn the significant and important roles these animals play in the diversity of nature.
Explore the habitat of local scorpions along the
PRESCHOOLS H e l p i n g t O m a k e c h i l d h o o d a j O u r n e y, n O t a r a c e .
Montessori at Five Canyons 510.581.3729 22781 Canyon Ct. Castro Valley www.montessoricastrovalley.com Toddlers (18 mo.) - Preschool - TK - Kindergarten - Extended Daycare
18 moS. tHrough 6th grade multi-age classroOms educational exCellence since 1978
2018
S i g n u p o n l i n e f o r a t o u r t o d ay !
www.grandlakemontessori.com 466 Chetwood, Oakland (510) 836-4313
Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world. - Maria Montessori
We provide a Year Round Program Infant and toddler care for ages 12-24 months Preschool for ages 2-5 years Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Extended Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Full-day program: 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
510-652-7021 admin@rockridgemon tessori.org www.RockridgeMontessori.org
Helping your child excel in a warm and nurturing environment
Email to Schedule a Tour
Close to Rockridge Bart 5633 Manila ave – Oakland 94618 Lic. 01213520,013417669 & 013417787
16 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018
Montessori Children’s Center
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An Authentic Montessori preschool and Kindergarten, serving children ages 2 - 6
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Full and half-day programs available • Before and after school care Open 7am - 6pm
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Art & Science Projects | Cooking | Nature Activities 8 week session June 19 through August 11
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80 Juan Bautista Circle | San Francisco | 415.333.4410 | montessorichildrenscenter.org
Lic #384001313
If you could give your child one gift to last a lifetime, what would it be?
www.nomurapreschool.com
Lic. #070209834
2018
• Preparation for Kindergarten • Nurturing Academic Environment • Ballet, Hip Hop Dance, Gymnastics, Violin, Piano, and Soccer
• Music, Art, and Language Programs • Expansive Outdoor Play Area • Hours: 7a.m. – 6p.m. (Year-Round) • Ages 2-5 Years and Bridge K Class
A ministry of Bay Area Chinese Bible Church
A ministry ofMonday Bay Area Chinese Bible Church - Friday 7am - 6pm lunch service provided
1803 TTPreschoolalameda.org North Loop Rd. Alameda, CA 94502
Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847
Facility # 013422027 1803 North Loop Rd | Alameda | Facility # 013422027 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 | kim.smith@bacbc.org
1711 Carlson Blvd Richmond Annex 94804
Telephone # 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 Fax # 510-373-2241
Dynamic Education The kim.smith@bacbc.org Optimizing Each Child’s Potential Child Now Enrolling Day Schools, LLC Summer / Fall 2018
Celebrating 32 years! (510) 724-1724 www.la-casita.org
Family operated since 1976
Lic. #073400781
• Language & Literacy • Math & Science • Problem Solving • Art & Creativity • Social Skills
A Unique Bilingual Montessori Education Preschool, Transitional-K and Kindergarten (2.5-6 years)
Spanish and English
Music Classes
Flamenco
Yoga
2018 Low Ratios Highly Trained Teachers
Drama
592 Tennent Ave. Pinole, CA 94564
Now Enrolling Fall 2018
American Montessori Society Member
www.t cdschools.com Preschool • Pre-K • Jr.-K • Toddlers • Kindergarten • School Age ANTIOCH 925-754-0144 2018
Lic# 073406638 073406639
SAN RAMON 925-820-2515 Lic# 073406846 073406845, 0734066634
PLEASANTON 925-462-1866
LAFAYETTE 925-284-7092
MORAGA 925-376-5110
Lic# 013420524 013420525
Lic# 073406632 073406633
Lic# 073406850 073406849
Color Me Children Preschool & Kindergarten
Preschool
#013411559
“A Place Where Learning is FUN-DA-MENTAL” Ages 2 Yrs.– Kindergarten
• 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday • Full-time & Part-time Rates • Challenging Academics • Small Classes • Large Outside Play Area • Computers NOW ENROLLING FOR KINDERGARTEN 8115 Fontaine St., Oakland, CA 94605
• (510) 430-1322
Hands-on learning in a small, group environment 12–14 children ages 3 – 5 years The Creative Play Center’s program provides a rich, nurturing environment in which creative play and learning takes place. Preschool is 9 am until 1 pm - (extended hours available)
Applications are currently being accepted
(510) 524-9399
www.CreativePlayCenterAlbany.com 1151 Portland Ave., Albany, CA 94706
Lic. #010204748
July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 17
The Model School
Comprehensive Humanistic Learning Center
Infants • Toddlers • Preschool !
Multicultural, Multiethnic Environments • Se Habla Español!
10-11 a.m. $15/person includes admission. All Ages. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925- 935-1978, www. lindsaywildlife.org
22 | Sunday
The Amazing Bubble Man — Alameda
Thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man (a.k.a. Louis Pearl) explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles.
Flexible Scheduling Loving, Developmental, Child-Oriented Classrooms Year’round Enrollment, Reasonable Rates
2330 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA 94705 NAEYC Accredited
(510) 549-2711
Lic. 010211122 & 010211112
CHATHAM SCHOOL
C
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Chool FUN Chatham HILD-CENTERED PRESCHOOL Fun Child-Centered PreSChool 4500 Road 4500 Redwood Redwood Road Oakland, CA 94619 Oakland, CA 94619
4359 39th Avenue 4359 39th Avenue Oakland, CA 94619 Oakland, CA 94619 Lic#01341436
66 mo. mo. --Kindergarten Kindergarten
2 yrs. - Kindergarten 2 yrs. - Kindergarten extended care
Lic#013418176 Lic#013418176 Lic#013418177 Lic# 013418177
((510) 5 1 0 ) 531-1302 531-1302 fax: (510) 531-1301
Lic#01341436
(510) ( 5 1 0531-1534 ) 531-1534
• We do Potty Training • Snacks/Hot Lunch We do Potty Training • Snacks / Hot Lunch Part Time/Full Time 7:30 am-6 pm Part Time / Full Time 7:30am - 6pm
www.chathampreschool.com www.chathampreschool.com
Enrolling now: a NEW Montessori school in Berkeley Ages to 6 • Year-round Ages 2.5-6 • 3 Immediate start • Year-round
Our core ideals • • • • •
compassion and kindness supporting creativity building community passion for learning peace
11 a.m. & 1 p.m. $15 adults, $10 for children under 13. Ages 4 and up. Rhythmix Cultural Works 2513 Blanding Ave Alameda, www. rhythmix.org
Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol
Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train. Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Free under 3. $8 ages 3-12, $11 Seniors, $14 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www.ncry.org
25 | Wednesday
Toddler Time — Fremont
Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. We’ll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs.) 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Free. Ages 1-4. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
Rockin’ Tots at Rockin’ Jump — Fremont
ROCKIN’ TOTS offers a dedicated time when parents can have fun with their smaller children while socializing with their friends in a comfortable, low-key, air conditioned environment. 9-11a.m. $15 for 1st child, $3 for each additional. Ages up to 6. Rockin’ Jump, 39177 Farwell Drive. Fremont 510-246-3098; rockinjump.com/fremont/
Dance With Me — Berkeley
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center’s Dance with Me class is for walkers through age 4 and their caretakers. Children and adults will dance, sing, play movement games and enjoy props for this fun-filled 45 minute class. This class repeats every Wednesday. 9-9:45 a.m. $16 per child. Ages walking to 4 years. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-5921, www. shawl-anderson.org
26 | Thursday
Family Night — Dublin
23 | Monday
Munchkin Mondays — Concord
Energetic toddlers can jump for one hour or longer. Sky High Sports features dozens of large trampolines for hours of indoor bouncing fun. For kids walking up to 6 years. 11a.m.-1p.m. $6 per child, per hour. Not valid on holidays. Sky High Sports, 1631 Challenge Dr., Concord. 925-682- 5867, www.con. jumpskyhigh.com
24 | Tuesday
Butterfly Walk — Berkeley
Join Sally Levinson, docent and resident “caterpillar lady” as she takes guests on a walk around the grounds of the UC Botanical garden to see all the butterfly hot-spots.
This farmers market has fresh produce and food vendors, but also has activities for the kids to enjoy. Get kids excited about fresh food. 4-8p.m. Free. All ages. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin. www.ci.dublin.ca.us
Ride the Rails — Fremont
Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks. org
3-4 p.m. Free with Admission. All ages. UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510-642-5045, botanicalgarden. berkeley.edu
27 | Friday
Children’s Yoga — Berkeley
Come see the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society’s large HO scale model with standard gauge, narrow gauge and overhead electric freight and trolley lines. This is a permanent 54 by 34-foot layout with 4,300 feet of track surrounded by mountainous scenery, towns and more.
Join Prana for tiny yoga with tiny yogis. This is an ongoing class that meets each Tuesday. Drop in or sign up for a block of classes. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. $9 per student. Ages 3-5. Prana Yoga Center, 1723 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-3664, www. yogalayam.org
Model Railroad Society Show —Walnut Creek
8 p.m.-10 p.m. $3/ages 13 and up. $2/ ages
Oakland Montessori School
Part/full/extended day available • Limited financial aid available 2008 McGee Ave • Berkeley • 510.679.5056 • www.littleelephant.net
Early Childhood
Serving children 24 months to 6 years
2018
Join our diverse community of confident children, supportive parents and experienced teachers. ART • MUSIC • GYMNASTICS • YOGA
Tours on Wednesdays at 9:30am Please RSVP at info@oaklandmontessori.com
Preschool | Toddler Group | Baby Group | TK Afterschool
Call us today:
A warm, nurturing community where everyone is welcome! 1414 Walnut Street | Berkeley | 510.848.0237
www.jcceastbay.org
18 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018
510-482-3111
www.oaklandmontessori.com
•
3636 Dimond Ave
Lic #010214163
Play. Grow. Discover.
6-12 and seniors, free/ under 6. All ages. Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society, 2751 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-9371888, www.wcmrs.org
28 | Saturday
Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire— Alameda Annual weekend event featuring craft vendors, live music, food and drink, a kids’ area, and more. Also Sun., July 30. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Park Street, Alameda, downtownalameda.com
Feast for the Beasts— Oakland
Your chance to go into our spacious, 6.5 acre elephant exhibit to lay out their breakfast treats. Then, watch as the elephants discover and devour your treasures! 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free with admission All ages. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. 510-632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org
Kite Festival — Berkeley
Come to the Berkeley Marina’s Caesar Chavez Park for the annual kite festival. Bring a kite or just watch the skies and the many fantastic kites of all varieties soar in the bay breeze. There will be a candy drop and free kite making for kids. Continues Sunday, July 30. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. All ages. Caesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina, 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley. www.anotherbullwinkelshow. com
Summer Sleepover — Oakland
Sleep under the stars at Children’s Fairyland, and enjoy breakfast in the park upon waking. Ride the rides and see the shows at night! This event requires pre-registration, so book ahead of time. Dinner and breakfast will be served, included in the cost of admission. 5:45 p.m. check-in, 8:30 a.m. Sunday checkout. $55 per adult, $30 per child. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259, www.fairyland.org
Black Visions and Blue Indeed in FamilyFriendly Concert — Martinez Part of Bouncefarm’s Summer Concert Series, groove and boogie to music, while kids bounce themselves silly and everyone enjoys pizza. Doors at 4 p.m., music at 5 p.m.
First Wednesdays Street Festivals — Walnut Creek
31 | Tuesday
Children’s Yoga — Berkeley
5 p.m.-8.30 p.m. $7.50 per person, under 1 free. All ages. Bouncefarm, 280 Arthur Rd. Ste. A, Martinez. 925-228- 2028, www. bouncefarmfun.com
4 p.m.-5 p.m. $9 per student. Ages 3-5. Prana Yoga Center, 1723 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-3664, www. yogalayam.org
PedalFest — Oakland
Meet at Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline for a hike at a little one’s pace, to see all there is to see of the native plants and animals that live so close to our homes. Strollers are not recommended. Parents must come along.
Pedalfest rolls into Jack London Square to celebrate all-things cycling at the Bay Area’s premier bicycle festival. In partnership with Bike East Bay, this annual event will pack the waterfront with more than 20,000 biking enthusiasts enjoying bicycle-themed entertainment, food and exhibits. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-6459292, pedalfestjacklondon.com
29 | Sunday
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every Sunday through August. Please book a reservation online. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $20/adults, $15/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
30 | Monday
WCD hosts Walnut Creek First Wednesdays Street Festivals each month for all ages! Festivities include live entertainment, arts & crafts, shopping, treats & more!
Join Prana for tiny yoga with tiny yogis. This is an ongoing class that meets each Tuesday. Drop in or sign up for a block of classes.
5 p.m.-7 p.m. Free. All ages. Cypress Street, between Locust & N. Main Streets, www. walnutcreekdowntown.com
Hikes For Tykes — San Leandro
Free First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum — Sausalito
Enjoy free admission and all the fun activities and displays at the Bay Area Discovery Museum today. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 577 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 415-339-3900, www.baykids museum.org
10:30 a.m-11:45 a.m. Free. Ages 1 month and up. Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline, end of Neptune Drive, Oakland. 888-EBPARKS, www. ebparks.org
Tenth Annual Mascot Day — Fairfield
Visit with local and national favorite mascots, including the Jelly Belly, and celebrate with fun times and high fives and a free tour.
AUGUST
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. All ages. Jelly Belly Factory, 1 Jelly Belly Ln., Fairfield. 707-4282800, www.jellybelly.com
1 | Wednesday
2 | Thursday
Free first Wednesdays at UC Botanical Gardens- Berkeley
Top Shelf Classics! Motown and More — Pleasant Hill
Every first Wednesday at the Garden is free admission day.
Part of the Plaza Concert series, Fleetwood Mask plays music to dance to. Stroll the plaza and enjoy a meal at one of the plaza eateries, while enjoying uplifting tunes.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free with Admission. All ages. UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510-642-5045, botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pleasant Hill on Crescent Dr. www. shopdowntownpleasanthill.com
Discovery Station: Carnivorous Plants— Berkeley
Munchkin Mondays — Concord
Energetic toddlers can jump for one hour or longer. Sky High Sports features dozens of large trampolines for hours of indoor bouncing fun. For kids walking up to 6 years. 11a.m.-1p.m. $6 per child, per hour. Not valid on holidays. Sky High Sports, 1631 Challenge Dr., Concord. 925-682- 5867, www.con. jumpskyhigh.com
Waterfront Flicks: “Bridesmaids”— Oakland
Discover some of the fascinating and beautiful plants that can eat insects. Get up close with the amazing leaf adaptations as you learn more about them.
Watch “Bridesmaids” on the grass, cozy in picnic blankets, with the family. Pre-show trivia and games for prizes, as well as Jack London Square eateries will make this a fantastic family night.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free with Admission. All ages. UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510-642-5045, botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
Sundown movie begins. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645- 9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
SCHOOLS
Summer Institute
An Innovative Summer Program for Motivated Students & Athletes Ages 8-14
JUNE 12 THROUGH JULY 21
DETAILS & REGISTRATION AT
shcp.edu / summer 1 0 5 5 E L L I S S T R E E T, S A N F R A N C I S CO, C A 9 4 1 0 9
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S H C P. E D U
July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 19
3 | Friday
railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train.
caretakers. Children and adults will dance, sing, play movement games and enjoy props for this fun-filled 45 minute class. This class repeats every Wednesday.
Join OMCA for DJs, live bands, dancing, gourmet food trucks, and more. There will be a family Drop-in activity related to one of the exhibits.
Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Free under 3. $8 ages 3-12, $11 Seniors, $14 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www.ncry.org
9-9:45 a.m. $16 per child. Ages walking to 4 years. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-5921, www. shawl-anderson.org
Friday Nights @ OMCA Block Party — Oakland
5-10 p.m. Members and ages 18 and under free, Adults 50% off admission. Oakland Museum of California, 50 10th St., Oakland. 510-318-8400, www.museumca.org
$5 First Fridays @Chabot Space & Science — Oakland
An Exciting and Immersive Experience Every First Friday. Each $5 First Friday at Chabot is an exciting and immersive experience for all ages! Join us each month for hands-on activities and live demonstrations that are fun for the whole family. Each month there will be new things to explore! 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Admission $5. Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-336- 7300, www.chabotspace.org
4 | Saturday
Summer Sleepover — Oakland
Sleep under the stars at Children’s Fairyland, and enjoy breakfast in the park upon waking. Ride the rides and see the shows at night! This event requires pre-registration, so book ahead of time. Dinner and breakfast will be served, included in the cost of admission. 5:45 p.m. check-in, 8:30 a.m. Sunday checkout. $55 per adult, $30 per child. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259, www.fairyland.org
5 | Sunday
Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol
Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. The Pacific Locomotive Association also has
7 | Tuesday
Hikes For Tykes — Oakland
Meet at Redwood Regional Park for a hike at a little one’s pace, to see all there is to see of the native plants and animals that live so close to our homes. Strollers are not recommended. Parents must come along. 10:30 a.m-11:45 a.m. Free. Ages 3-6. Redwood Regional Park,7867 Redwood Rd., Oakland. 888-EBPARKS, www. ebparks.org
Mini Model Build—Pleasanton
Visit a local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. One free per child. See store for more details. 5 p.m. Free. Ages 6-14 Only. Lego Store, Stoneridge Shopping Center, 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton, 925-737-0704.
Children’s Yoga — Berkeley
Join Prana for tiny yoga with tiny yogis. This is an ongoing class that meets each Tuesday. Drop in or sign up for a block of classes. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. $9 per student. Ages 3-5. Prana Yoga Center, 1723 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-3664, www. yogalayam. org
8 | Wednesday
Dance With Me — Berkeley
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center’s Dance with Me class is for walkers through age 4 and their
9 | Thursday
Family Night — Dublin
This farmers market has fresh produce and food vendors, but also has activities for the kids to enjoy. Get kids excited about fresh food. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin. www. ci.dublin.ca.us
Ride the Rails — Fremont
Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks. org
10 | Friday
Moonlight Movies — Danville
Multi-age ClassRooms • 7Am to 6pM 466 chEtwood, oaKland, ca (510) 836-4313
wWw.GrandLakemOntessoRi.coM
Summer Outdoor Concert — Point Richmond
11 | Saturday
Second Saturday — Oakland
11a.m.-5p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-6459292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Music In The Park — Danville
Danville’s 33nd Annual Music in the park celebration. Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on the lawn with a picnic or enjoy offering from Food Truck Mafia. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www.danville. ca.gov
Japanese Summer Festival —Concord Taiko, judo and dance performances, bonsai and ikebana displays, traditional food, games for children.
Lion Appreciation Day — Oakland
There will be lots of fun activities, including lion enrichment at 10am and a keeper talk at 1:15pm during which you can learn all about our lions. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. All Ages. Free with Admission. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
Family Sundown Safari — Oakland
Grab your tent, sleeping bag, your family, and a few friends and get ready for an overnight adventure at Oakland Zoo. This unique program includes dinner, a nighttime and morning guided tour of the Zoo, a special behind the scenes, live animal presentations, interactive and educational activities, a Wildlife Theater show, a hot morning breakfast, and s’mores! 5 p.m. -10 a.m. Ages 4 and older. $90.00 per person for non-members / $80.00 per person for members. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
20 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every Sunday through August. Please book a reservation online. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $20/adults, $15/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
13 | Monday
Munchkin Mondays — Concord
Energetic toddlers can jump for one hour or longer. Sky High Sports features dozens of large trampolines for hours of indoor bouncing fun. For kids walking up to 6 years. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $6 per child, per hour. Not valid on holidays. Sky High Sports, 1631 Challenge Dr., Concord. 925-682-5867, www.con. jumpskyhigh.com
9-11a.m. $15 for 1st child, $3 for each additional. Ages up to 6. Rockin’ Jump, 39177 Farwell Drive. Fremont 510-246-3098; rockinjump.com/fremont/
1 - 9 p.m. Free. Diablo Japanese American Club, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord, www. diablojaclub.com
2018
10 a.m.-3 p.m. $30. All ages. Downtown Pleasant Hill on Crescent Drive. 925-6820896, www.pleasanthillrec.com
6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www. danville.ca.gov
A monthly open air market on the Oakland waterfront, featuring up to 100 artisan vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, and great food from local vendors and favorite eateries.
Sign up online for a tour today!
Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy ogling the shiny classic cars, each one lovingly polished and customized to be admired. Enjoy live music and food while walking around at this fun event.
14 | Tuesday
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pt. Richmond, Park Pl. at Washington Ave., Richmond. www.pointrichmondmusic.org
granD lakE moNtessOri eLemenTary
American Iron Car Show — Pleasant Hill
Bring the gang down to the Town Green, for some fresh air and a great flick. Moonlight Movies offer family-friendly films in a picturesque outdoor setting under the stars. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to make it complete. There are the movie themed arts and craft for the kids and its sure to be a good time for all!
Enjoy live music, dancing in the streets, local eateries, and face-painting for the kids in historic Point Richmond.
SCHOOLS
12 | Sunday
Rockin’ Tots at Rockin’ Jump — Fremont ROCKIN’ TOTS offers a dedicated time when parents can have fun with their smaller children while socializing with their friends in a comfortable, low-key, air conditioned environment.
15 | Wednesday
Toddler Time — Fremont
Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. We’ll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs.) 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Free. Ages 1-4. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
Dance With Me — Berkeley
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center’s Dance with Me class is for walkers through age 4 and their caretakers. Children and adults will dance, sing, play movement games and enjoy props for this fun-filled 45 minute class. This class repeats every Wednesday. 9-9:45 a.m. $16 per child. Ages walking to 4 years. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-5921, www. shawl-anderson.org
16 | Thursday
Waterfront Flicks: “Coco”—Oakland
Watch “Coco” on the grass, cozy in picnic blankets, with the family. Pre-show trivia and games for prizes, as well as Jack London Square eateries will make this a fantastic family night. Sundown movie begins. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645- 9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
18 | Saturday
Summer Sleepover — Oakland
Sleep under the stars at Children’s Fairyland, and enjoy breakfast in the park upon waking. Ride the rides and see the shows at night! This event requires pre-registration, so book ahead of time. Dinner and breakfast will be served, included in the cost of admission. 5:45 p.m. check-in, 8:30 a.m. Sunday checkout. $55 per adult, $30 per child. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259, www.fairyland.org
Festival of Globe’s India Day — Fremont
Two-day cultural and health fair and carnival (mela) with more than 300 booths, culminating in grand parade. 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Free . All ages. 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway and nearby streets,www. fogsv.com
air conditioned environment. 9-11a.m. $15 for 1st child, $3 for each additional. Ages up to 6. Rockin’ Jump, 39177 Farwell Drive. Fremont 510-246-3098; rockinjump.com/fremont/
Children’s Yoga — Berkeley
Join Prana for tiny yoga with tiny yogis. This is an ongoing class that meets each Tuesday. Drop in or sign up for a block of classes. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. $9 per student. Ages 3-5. Prana Yoga Center, 1723 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-3664, www. yogalayam.org
23 | Thursday
Family Night — Dublin
This farmers market has fresh produce and food vendors, but also has activities for the kids to enjoy. Get kids excited about fresh food. 4 p.m.-8p.m. Free. All ages. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin. www. ci.dublin.ca.us
July 11, Japanese Summer Festival —Concord
Art and Soul — Oakland
Downtown Oakland’s flagship Art & Soul festival keeps it fresh and fun with a jam-packed 18th birthday celebration of local art, music and culture. Public transportation encouraged. Festivities Saturday and Sunday.
24 | Friday
19 | Sunday
Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol
Zucchini Festival — Hayward
Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train.
10 a.m.-8 p.m. $10. All ages. Kennedy Park, 19501 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. www. zucchinifest.org
Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Free under 3. $8 ages 3-12, $11 Seniors, $14 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www.ncry.org
12 p.m.-6 p.m. $15/Adults, $7/Seniors (65+) & Youth (13-17), Free/12 and under. All ages. Frank Ogawa Plaza, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. 510-444-CITY, artandsouloakland. com
Zucchini dishes, zucchini-growing contest, live music, arts and crafts, kids town with rides.
Family Sundown Safari — Oakland
Grab your tent, sleeping bag, your family, and a few friends and get ready for an overnight adventure at Oakland Zoo. This unique program includes dinner, a nighttime and morning guided tour of the Zoo, a special behind the scenes, live animal presentations, interactive and educational activities, a Wildlife Theater show, a hot morning breakfast, and s’mores! 5 p.m. -10 a.m. Ages 4 and older. $90.00 per person for non-members / $80.00 per person for members. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
21 | Tuesday
Hikes For Tykes — Oakland
Meet at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline for a hike at a little one’s pace, to see all there is to see of the native plants and animals that live so close to our homes. Strollers are not recommended. Parents must come along.
Overland, Well Secluded in FamilyFriendly Concert — Martinez
Part of Bouncefarm’s Summer Concert Series, groove and boogie to music, while kids bounce themselves silly and everyone enjoys pizza. Doors at 4 p.m., music at 5 p.m. 5 p.m.-8.30 p.m. $7.50 per person, under 1 free. All ages. Bouncefarm, 280 Arthur Rd. Ste. A, Martinez. 925-228- 2028, www. bouncefarmfun.com
25 | Saturday
Family Sundown Safari — Oakland
Grab your tent, sleeping bag, your family, and a few friends and get ready for an overnight adventure at Oakland Zoo. This unique program includes dinner, a nighttime and morning guided tour of the Zoo, a special behind the scenes, live animal presentations, interactive and educational activities, a Wildlife Theater show, a hot morning breakfast, and s’mores! 5 p.m. -10 a.m. Ages 4 and older. $90.00
per person for non-members / $80.00 per person for members. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
26 | Sunday
Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival — Berkeley
Create chalk art and eat chocolate. Prizes awarded for best drawings. Live entertainment, vendors. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Free. All ages. Gourmet Ghetto, North Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley. www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com
Oakland Triathlon — Oakland
The Oakland Triathlon Festival is the largest west coast urban triathlon and is all about the incredible triathlon community in Northern California. The race showcases the beautiful City of Oakland and generates fundraising for Oakland sports programs as well as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. The Oakland Triathlon Festival features Sprint and Olympic distances for new and experienced athletes. The event will begin in the Oakland Estuary and finish in Jack London Square. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-6459292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every Sunday through August. Please book a reservation online. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $20/adults, $15/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
27 | Monday
Mini Monday: Home in the Desert — Walnut Creek
Let your child guide their own explorations of the natural world, designed for children ages 2–5 to play and learn, along with an adult caregiver. Young children explore a variety of age-appropriate craft and activity stations at their own pace. Observe
10:30 a.m-11:45 a.m. Free. Ages 3-6. Swan way off of Doolittle, Oakland. 888-EBPARKS, www. ebparks.org
Rockin’ Tots at Rockin’ Jump — Fremont
ROCKIN’ TOTS offers a dedicated time when parents can have fun with their smaller children while socializing with their friends in a comfortable, low-key,
SCHOOLS Discover whyDiscover families why families have been returning have been returning for generations. for generations. TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN 8TH GRADE TRANSITIONAL THROUGH KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE
2018
INFORMATION NIGHTS Decand 1, 2016 and 14 Jan•11, 2017 • 7PM Experience a day in• TK K • Nov 8:30AM INFORMATION NIGHTS • Dec 1, 2016 and Jan 11, 2017 • 7PM INFORMATION • DecAM 5 and 9 • 7PM OPEN HOUSE • Jan 29,NIGHTS 2017 • 10:15 – 12:Jan 15 PM OPEN HOUSE •orJan 29, 2017a •tour 10:15 AM – 12: 15 PM Please call to RSVP schedule TUESDAY TOURS • Please call to schedule a tour TUESDAY TOURS • Please call to schedule a tour school.spnalameda.org • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool school.spnalameda.org • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787
July/August 2018 | Parents’ Press 21
We are still accepting applications for 2018-2019
The
Journey Begins Here The Renaissance International School French-Spanish Immersion • Visual Art • Music Challenging Academics • Engaging Environment Ages 2 ~ Middle School OPEN HOUSE
Adults Only Primary/Pre-Primary
July 14, 2018 Oakland Campus 9:30am-11:30am
OPEN HOUSE
Childcare Provided Ages 2 - Middle School
August 4, 2018 starts at Oakland Campus 9:30am-11:30am
SUMMER CAMP at TRIS If you are interested in Elementary-Middle School Summer Camp program. Please email at
summer@therenaissanceschool.org
lic# 010214382 www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org Oakland Campus: 3650 Dimond Ave. / Piedmont Campus: 5201 Park Blvd. 22 Parents’ Press | July/August 2018