CASA of Santa Cruz County Turns 30, By June Smith

COMMUNITY NEWS

CASA of Santa Cruz County Turns 30

By June Smith

Aspecial celebration to honor Court Appointed Special Advocates is planned for Saturday, June 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at Aptos Village Park, featuring food, drinks, music, dancing, and games. For 30 years, the staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to insure that children and youth who have been abused or neglected can have a voice in Dependency Court.

CASA Executive Director Lynne Petrovic says that plans are underway to expand their work to youth on probation. “Currently, we serve those newly placed through our Juvenile Justice Pilot Project, a research project we are undertaking with California CASA to study the effects of pairing court-appointed Advocates with this vulnerable population. Starting in July, the Juvenile Court Judge will be able to assign Advocates to youth outside of the pilot project. We are eager to work with these partners in probation so that these youth can be offered an Advocate, and we can serve more youth in our community. We continue to improve services by signing an agreement with Encompass Community Services’ Head Start Program to ensure that children in foster care receive free early education services. These services are essential to supporting the children to overcome any negative effects of the trauma they have experienced and to thrive in school.”

The CASA House continues to be full of activity.

Petrovic says, “It’s a privilege to offer families a safe space. In addition to our youth playing, reading, and baking cookies, their parents and resource families also use the house. For example, parents have connected with their child’s Advocate for the first time to learn about CASA. A resource family has come with an infant’s Advocate to attend court over Zoom from their library. It’s a privilege to offer families a safe space at the CASA House.”

In an ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and to include diverse perspectives in decisionmaking they have brought on two new staff who are committed to these DEI values. Karen Silva, the new program assistant, joined CASA because as she states, “CASA gave me a voice as a youth when I didn’t have one and I want to do the same for others.” Judy Russell, a part-time events coordinator, was also welcomed.

The CASA house serves as a meeting place for families and Advocates.

Due to the Omicron coronavirus variant, the annual “For the Love of Children” luncheon was canceled, but supporters stepped up to replenish the Children’s Fund, which includes the scholarship and independent fund for older youth.

Santa Cruz resident and former Advocate Charmaine Kelly is especially looking forward to the celebration party. As a child in the foster care system, she spent 16 years in two different homes and has intimate knowledge of what it means to be separated from her birth family.

“As an adult, I wanted to join an organization where I could volunteer my time to children and youth who were going through an experience not so dissimilar to mine,” she said. “I outreached to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz County, went through the training with an inspirational group of people, and was sworn in as a CASA in 2009. I became a CASA to a 13-year-old girl and for the four years that followed I stood by her side through many changes in her life. I spoke on her behalf in court, assisted in the multiple moves to different foster homes, while it was not the norm, I was able to hold her educational rights, though not all Advocates are required to do so, and helped navigate what was new at the time, such as the AB 12 (Extended Foster Care Program and Benefits,) to continue with a supportive structure until she turned 21. The experience left me forever changed in a positive way, one that I will always cherish.” n •••

CASA of Santa Cruz County, 813 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville, CA 95076. 831-761-2956. https://casaofsantacruz.org

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2161 Delaware Avenue Santa Cruz, California 95060

SUMMER SCHOOL

Soquel middle and high school students are eligible for summer school through Santa Cruz City Schools. Classes will be at Harbor High School, 300 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz.

There will be electives, credit recovery, and a Math Bridge for incoming freshmen. With all courses available in both morning and afternoon sessions, students can combine courses or fill a full day with electives. Register to secure s spot!

Morning Block: 9-11:30 am (Breakfast at 8:30-9 am)

Afternoon Block: Noon - 2:30 pm (Lunch 11:30-noon)

Lunch & breakfast will be provided to all students free of charge.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/soquel-summer-school (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnErGdKo8v_uFxxBVkupSZB5lzHWtxucNHoiopmEgqQoi89Q/viewform) For question see https://sccs.net/parents___students/ summer_learning (3 underscores in the middle) or email principal ErinAsamoto@scccs.net

CAPITOLA LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Bridge Club: Mondays, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. — Everyone is welcomed, from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. (Only May 16 & 23) In-Person Tech Help: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon — Are you stuck with a technology question? Tech savvy staff at the Capitola Library would like to help you troubleshoot your issue with a 30-minute (or less) appointment. Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays, 11-11:45 a.m. — Join us outside on the deck to read stories, sing songs, and chant rhymes. There will be an art & craft project to pick up and complete at home. (Not May 31) Homework Help: Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. — Bring your assignments to a free drop-in Homework Help sessions. Through grade 12. Call 831.427.7713 for more information. (Only first three weeks) Aptos-Capitola Chess Club: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Come and play chess, one of the world’s oldest and most popular games, against other kids! One-hour meetings include 15 minutes of instruction by chess master Dana Mackenzie. For ages 6 to 18. (Not May 3, 31) Toddler Time: Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. — is a weekly early literacy program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs are a fun way for your child to learn. R.E.A.D.: Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m., R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Sessions are 25 minutes long. (Not May 25) Afterschool STEAM: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. — Learn how to survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Ages 8 to 18. Space is limited to 18 on a first-come basis. No advance registration. (Not May 25) STEAM Projects: Fridays, 2-4 p.m. — Every week a new project idea to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by June 17

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS Watsonville High: Class of 1960

Sunday Aug. 21 • 1-7 p.m.

Corralitos Padres Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Rd ••• Soquel High: Class of 1972 Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m.

The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz. “A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion

There will be food, beverages, and no-host cocktails, music, dancing and watching the golden sunset.

Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates on the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook page.

Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-goldenknight-tickets-269816316867 If you have questions, email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail. com.

••• Watsonville High Class of 1981 Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m. Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside.

The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion. Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from 2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither.

For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official Watsonville class of 1981 Facebook group. •••

Harbor High: Class of 1972

Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m. Pasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz For information, call 408-568-0302.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR APTOS JULY 4 EVENTS

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce welcomes volunteers to assist with the Party in the Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aptos Village Park after the World’s Shortest Parade.

To register as a vendor, go to https://tinyurl.com/ wsp-volunteer2022 (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwX174-TwY9oAYCX7bJfnRZRr1_ uKcnxgWM0J3oxUYxmnvPw/viewform)

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on the Fourth of July, The theme is Team Spirit. To register to participate, go to https://tinyurl.com/wsp-team-spirit (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp QLScE1CAbMW9Sr5WzTDEJEspT5FS7g8EVIGFlhtXH s1S2N_i8jQ/viewform) To sponsor, call the chamber at 831-688-1467.

ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL RETURNS

Artichoke Festival 2022 has announced a star-studded lineup of talented chefs for its popular Chef Demo series at the 62nd annual festival Saturday and Sunday, June 11 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and 12 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey. This year’s theme is “The Heart of the Harvest.”

Confirmed demo chefs: Sascha Lyon (executive chef, Montrio in Monterey), Kevin Fisher (executive sous chef, Sea Root at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa); Luis Osorio (executive chef, Rio Grill in Carmel; Ivan Guadarrama (culinary team at Tarpy’s in Monterey); Tony Baker (proprietor Baker’s Bacon) and Hondo Hernandez (Showoff California Craft BBQ, Salinas).

Tickets are on sale through 4 p.m. June 12 at www.artichokefestival.org/tickets. Tickets cost $15 general admission; $10 for seniors and military (senior 62-plus or military personnel with ID); $5 for children 6-12; and $30 for an early bird family pack good for two adults and two children for one day. A processing fee will be added. Refunds are not available.

By purchasing a ticket, the guest acknowledges they are responsible for their own health and safety. All guests will be required to comply with current CDC, California Department of Public Health and Monterey County public health guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccination, pre-entry negative tests, and social distancing. Clear bag policy will be in place, with clear bags available for sale on the website store or at admissions gates.

SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PROGRAM

June 1 — July 31 Santa Cruz Public Libraries will offer a variety of events, including circus, magic, and puppet shows, dancers, drumming, and a virtual interactive bilingual presentation featuring Delrita the Elephant.

The goal is to prevent summer learning loss.

With the Aptos branch demolished and reconstruction to follow, Aptos residents must look for activities in La Selva Beach, Capitola, or virtual activities. Special dates includes:

June 10: Book bag decorating, 2-4 p.m. Capitola.

June 11: Summer Reading launch, Capitola, noon to 4 p.m.

June 15: Meet Delrita the Elephant, virtually, 1-2 p.m.

June 18: Jungle James Animal Adventures, La Selva Beach, 3-4 p.m.

June 28: Seed Balls, La Selva Beach, 2:30-4 p.m.

July 1: Sunprints, Capitola, 2-4 p.m.

There are incentives that encourage children and teens to read. Upon signing up, children and teens receive an Atlantis Fantasyworld coupon they can use to select a book.

After completing 5 hours of reading, kids 0-11 receive a free book to keep, and teens receive a backpack with goodies. After reading 20 hours, kids and teens receive a free scoop coupon from Penny Ice Creamery. They also receive raffle tickets for completing activities incorporating STEAM, outdoor exploration, and creative expression while practicing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

The Library’s extensive collections along with lists of recommended books for all ages, make it easy to find reading materials of interest.

Parents are encouraged to read together with their children and participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Incentives include an SCPL Bookbag and raffle prizes, including a family pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Adults who sign up by June 17 will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to Santa Cruz Shakespeare. The drawing will take place the week of June 21. Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go to https://santacruzpl. beanstack.org/reader365 For a list of all the Summer Reading Program activities, see www.santacruzpl.org/srp sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

CAPITOLA LIBRARY BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8 The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

No meetings on Monday holidays: May 30 (Memorial Day), June 20 (Juneteenth), and July 4 (Fourth of July).

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

VOICE CLASS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH PARKINSON’S.

11 a.m.-Noon, Online Class This class will harness the benefits of targeted specific activities to improve vocal clarity.

Jocelyn Lagier, speech language pathologist, will teach via. Class is limited to 20 students living in Santa Cruz County.

The second of two four-week sessions begins June 7. Cost: $30 per session (balance of fees sponsored by EASE PD). For registration info and to join, contact Risa at risa@nextstagesantacruz.com or Julie at jglorraine3848@sbcglobal.com First Tuesdays of the Month

UCSC ARBORETUM: FIRST TUESDAYS FREE

9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, SC Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. arboretum.ucsc.edu

DATED EVENTS

Wednesday June 1

SANTA CRUZ JOB FAIR

5-6 p.m. / 6:30-8 p.m., UC Santa Cruz’s Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn Santa Cruz Works hosts the largest community job fair on the central coast at UC Santa Cruz’s Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn.

More than 15 companies will participate, seeking to fill hundreds of jobs ranging from engineering, marketing, sales, customer success, product management, etc.

Even if you do not plan to hire for 3-6 months, this event provides exposure to the community and a rich pipeline of candidates.

Free to Santa Cruz Works partner employers / a $250 donation is requested from all other participants. Application and more details at: https://www.santacruzworks.org/news/launchpad-2022-rmfm9