Growing Up in Santa Cruz April 2023

New patients welcome!

Dr. Jackson likes to see children early to help assure healthy smiles later on. In fact, we recommend a first visit around the time of your child’s first birthday.

EDITOR | PUBLISHER

Brad Kava and Steve Dinnen

ART DIRECTOR | MANAGING EDITOR

Nathan Mixter

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Susan Bernstein

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeanette Prather, Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy, Lisa Catterall, Elise Cline, Patrice Keet, Nicole M.Young, Quinn Southall, Seb Frey

AD REPRESENTATIVES

Ann Fitts BobbiJo Palmer Linda Kay Sophie Veniel Advertising@GrowingUpSC.com

Jim Booth Swim School

Even small changes can make a BIG difference.

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

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

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

Editor’s Note

This month we take on one of the biggest challenges parents face every summer: how do I decide where to send the kids to summer camp?

The good news and the bad news are the same: there are so many great options to choose from, how do I stick to only one or two?

We are considerably lucky here. A recent article in the Washington Post described a real struggle, with parents having to get kids into camps that book up instantly and competing against thousands of families for a small number of spaces.

In Santa Cruz, we have a huge variety of types of camps and price ranges— many featured in this issue. Browse through, fill out a score card and make your decisions.

If that’s not enough to help you, we are part of Kids Day, which is held Saturday, April 29, downtown Santa Cruz from noon to 4pm on Cooper Street and Pacific Avenue. There will be many exhibitors specializing in children’s activities. It’s a great afternoon, a real chance to take back Santa Cruz and focus on children and families.

The kids have loved it every year and it keeps growing, thanks to the efforts of the Downtown Association. You’ll see firsthand what schools and camps in the area are offering.

Lastly, you can get feedback about camps from campers and parents on the Growing Up in Santa Cruz Facebook page. Drop your thoughts and reviews there to help guide other families seeking out the best camps for their kids. Tell us what you loved and maybe didn’t love as much so others can get tips.

You can also bring your teens to Kids Day so they can find summer and after

school jobs. The market is rich with employers, including the area’s biggest teen employer, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. We need to do an article about how many successful grownups got their start working there. How many of you started there?

So far my kids have learned to sew and design clothes, acted in plays and movies, learned about animals in the wild, learned to paint like the masters, studied tumbling and gymnastics, created arts and crafts, tried juggling and “useless” circus arts that they LOVED and will impress their peers with for the rest of their lives.

(Where are the camps for grown ups? I want to go.)

Some other things you should read in this issue include advice from kids about how to help save the Earth for Earth Day celebrated this month, thoughts on when and whether to give a kid a cell phone, help preparing for the next floods and a look at our recent science fair.

You’ll also get thoughts from one of our favorite people, Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley. It’s a real page turner and one of the great things about having a magazine in print, rather than just on the internet, is that you can hang onto it for the whole month and catch up on the articles and ads at your leisure.

And don’t forget our calendar and guides, keeping you informed about everything you can do in April and the rest of the year.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy this issue and if you have suggestions, comments or feedback, send them to editor@growingupsc.com

Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

to pick up trash. It’s a good idea to clean up trash when you can.

Lula, 6, Monarch Elementary

I don’t really celebrate Earth Day. I think if I did, I would plant more plants. My favorite kind of flower is a rose, so I would plant roses.

By Jeanette Prather

How Do You Help Save Our Planet?

Kids have a lot of ideas when it comes to the sustainability of our planet. The quickest and easiest fix, these kids all agree, is to pick up litter when you can. Most of the kids in this issue pick up trash on the regular. Recycling is another Earthloving pastime. And then there’s donating and doing business with companies who actively try to preserve the environment. Pioneering their way into a more sustainable Earth, these future leaders share tricks that we can all adopt to help our planet.

Samuel, 8, San Lorenzo Valley Elementary

I contribute by taking out the trash and recycling. My mom does some composting, and in the summer we grow veggies. We’re growing lemons right now.

Chloe, 9, Boulder Creek Elementary

I pick up trash a lot. I think that all families should do that. My family also recycles, which other families should do, too, if they don’t already do that.

Ren, 11, Linscott Charter School

We try to help the planet by picking up trash while we’re on hikes. My family also doesn’t litter at all. I think that all families should do that, in addition to not littering.

Willow, 11, Monte Vista Christian School

For Earth Day, we used to go to the Summit for the Planet put on by Mount Madonna (I used to go there). I think that families can celebrate Earth Day and take care of our planet by participating in beach cleanups.

To help our planet, I walk around and pick up trash when I can. I think that people should clean up the beaches to help the environment.

I don’t really do anything special to celebrate Earth Day, but I do try and take care of our planet regularly. Families can spend some time going around and picking up trash to help preserve the environment.

My mom, dad and I go out on the road and pick up garbage with our neighbors about once per month. A way that families can help the planet is by reducing the amount they’re using single-use items; it would decrease waste.

Highlands Park Early Education Center is Now Enrolling

We go and pick up trash at Mount Madonna often, as well as celebrate their Earth Day event. They offer a lot of sustainable activities for kids. We take our ponies up there, too. People can try and give back to organizations in the community who are committed to saving the planet.

My family and I go to beaches and gather sea glass. We also pick up garbage that we see while we’re out there. People should care and not throw garbage out of their windows. If we’re all just a bit more conscious of our actions, we can dramatically improve the health of our planet.

Nestled in the magnificent redwoods and adjacent to the San Lorenzo River, our center serves infants through TK. Built from the foundational dreams of local early childhood legends, we extend our vision with an emphasis on the importance of play, equity and social emotional learning as key foundations for academic skill and the development of a lifelong love of learning. As the only Quality Counts program in SLV, we are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space to ensure access to outstanding early learning opportunities for all. Like the redwoods that surround, we invite you to stand tall and thrive with us!

This program offers low teacher-to-child ratios of 1:8 for preschoolers and 1:4 for toddlers.

Visit communitybridges.org/eed

Oona, 6, Bradley Elementary

Olivia, 11, Oakwood School

Ryan, 13, Monte Vista Christian School

Cavan, 16, Oasis High School

Paris, 16, Oasis High School

Meagan, 16, Oasis High School

DESK

Explore and Expand

Great summer camps give kids opportunities to develop and find things they enjoy

BY LISA CATTERALL

Ordinary creativity is extraordinarily important– Dr. James Catterall

Devote your child’s summer to creativity.

Yesterday, a news story I was watching in my living room showed the town less than a mile from my spot on the couch, and it looked like New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Half houses and half cars poking up from a flat and endless expanse of mud brown. A motionless lake as far as the drone could photograph, sitting there waiting. They said it might be a year or more before residents could return.

Right after Hurricane Katrina, I was teaching AP Environmental Science, and we spent time looking at how architects and civil engineers were responding to the disaster. I had never seen houses such as the ones being proposed for the flooded 9th Ward of the city. They were beautiful, cheap, off-grid and sustainable, and more stylish than anything I’d seen.

They solved a huge and dangerous problem for the residents there; the bottom floors were void of electrical wiring and made out of cement. They were designed to keep the house not only standing in a flood, but livable, if necessary. for a time.

A decade later, some of the new housing developments in the Ninth Ward (famously including Brad Pitt’s charity project) did not stand the test of time, but the more brilliant designs did.

Who were these brilliant and innovative problem-solvers converging on flood-weary New Orleans? Six years after this disaster, our educational world began writing the Next Generation Science Standards.

At every grade level, children and teenagers are asked to devise a creative solution to a problem brought about by living on a tumultuous planet. The area of study is called “Earth and Human Activity,” and its most common theme is reacting to climate change in novel and creative ways.

If the standards were widely adopted in 2013, has the generation ready to solve problems arrived just when we need them? Do we have a trained and ready populace, empowered to create and innovate?

Perhaps. For the most part, in 2013, the same science textbooks from 2012 just got a few extra pages and some stickers that read “NGSS aligned.” But change did come to our classrooms eventually. I’m wondering, though, if it isn’t the right moment to put extra effort into making sure our children truly have the time and space to be creative.

If summer break began in response to

harvest schedules, perhaps it could now provide the opportunity for our children to truly explore their creativity.

Although we are encouraged to devote time to creative problem solving in classrooms now, there are some forms of creativity whose flames are better fanned with weeks and weeks of time and without the pressure of assessment.

I was lucky to have a father who was a pioneer researcher in creativity and education, and he always stressed that kids need means and opportunity to really get creative. Opportunity being the space and time to carry their projects and ideas through.

He and I were fuzzy on the need for an external motive, because neuroscience is very clear that people experience joy when they are creating.

My first grader just designed and built a “leprechaun trap,” and so did the kindergartner next door. It was a wonderful, exploratory, creative experience, and I can picture their teachers seeing so many similar ideas coming across the classroom desks every year on St. Patrick’s Day. I loved this project, loved seeing the joy on my child’s face as he came up with ideas, and the paint on his hands as he worked on his contraption.

His idea was new to him, it excited

him, and it had value to him. The mind he had before he created this contraption has expanded and deepened. Whether or not his trap takes our society by storm with its uniqueness, it is an example of pure creativity and a foundation for solving problems and finding happiness in that process.

Of course, the trap was built on a chilly weeknight in between doing math homework, walking the dog, nightly reading and other things.

What if my son had hours and hours to find things to use, and the freedom to try and improve his design over and over? How much more would he learn and grow? The problem solvers of the future need time to fully explore and expand.

To me, that’s what a great summer camp is for.

Lisa Catterall teaches STEAM, math, science, and art at Mount Madonna School and is a senior associate of the Centers for Research on Creativity. She lectures and trains teachers and administrators on innovation in education in Beijing, China. Lisa has five children and lives in Santa Cruz County.

“ I was lucky to have a father who was a pioneer researcher in creativity and education, and he always stressed that kids need means and opportunity to really get creative.

Family Fun at Summit for the Planet Earth Day

From barn owls and bearded dragons to California kingsnakes and turkey vultures, the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with wildlife at Mount Madonna School’s annual Summit for the Planet Earth Day festival is always a huge draw. Children and adults alike enjoy the many birds, reptiles, and amphibians shared by the Bay Area Herpetological Society (BAHS) and Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center (WERC), two participants in this community eco-festival.

Everyone is welcome to check out the wildlife and family-friendly activities at the 17th annual Summit for the Planet on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Mount Madonna School. This FREE admission public event begins with a 5K family hike through the redwoods, and features an eco-carnival, pony rides, face painting, live wildlife and reptile area, exhibits, model solar car races, activities, music, and tasty food.

Hike registration begins at 9:00am and the hike starts at 9:30am. Music will get going at 10:30am and the eco-carnival opens at 11am. The event concludes at 1pm.

With its unique spotlight on environmental education, the Summit for the Planet festival has grown to more than 500 people of all ages, from south Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties.

“Mount Madonna School’s Summit for the Planet honors our school’s rich tradition of teaching environmental stewardship and raising environmentally aware children,” said Head of School Ann Goewert. “The 5K hike through the redwoods with ocean views is a wonderful opportunity for families to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy quality outdoor time together.”

Things to know when you go: 17th annual Summit for the Planet family hike and Earth Day festival, April 29 from 9am-1pm. Hosted by Mount Madonna School, 491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna, located 2.5 miles off of Hwy. 152, between Gilroy and Watsonville. FREE admission. For more event information visit: SummitforthePlanet.org.

Students Take Science Seriously

BY PATRICE KEET

Kids in Santa Cruz County are busy with all kinds of activities, and some in our next generation are taking scientific research seriously as evidenced at the Santa Cruz County Science Fair held March 18 at the County Office of Education.

One-hundred-forty students from schools across the County representing 123 science projects competed in this annual event. I had the pleasure of interviewing organizers, judges, and participants.

Emma Smith, a sixth grader from Mountain School, is concerned about climate change and flooding. Her project explored whether a living shoreline might mitigate damage from ocean flooding better than the standard impervious sea walls which are built for this purpose. “I knew that in China they have what are called “sponge cities” that have living coastlines which have been shown to reduce flooding damage.”

Kindergartener, Aroh Khadillan, from Mar Vista School loves flying paper airplanes and tested various designs to find out which one made the plane fly further. He was animated describing the flight patterns of his creations.

Violeta Lozano and Isis Velmer, fourth graders from Pacific Elementary School discovered that salinity of water affects the intensity of bioluminescence.

Pacific Collegiate High School freshman, Hazel Campbell, tested the degradability of bioplastics in a home

compost system. “We are in a plastic waste crisis and bioplastics could be a life-saving solution to that,” she said.

Heather Wygant, Science Coordinator for the County Office of Education, said rain posed a big challenge as the Science Fair had to be postponed by a week and relocated from the original County Fairgrounds site because the Fairgrounds became an evacuation shelter for flood victims in Pajaro. “We rely on volunteers from the community who serve as judges and sponsor prizes as well as the wonderful teachers who encourage students with their projects,” she said. “This year we were able to pivot and provide a worthwhile experience for budding scientists with help from seventy-five volunteer judges.”

Volunteer judge, Cres Fraley, is in his tenth year evaluating projects some of which will go on to the state competition or the International Science Fair to be held in Dallas, Texas in May. Fraley is a former board member of both Bonny Doon Elementary School District and Pacific Collegiate School. “My abiding interest in science was inspired by my father who was a science journalist. My kids did science fair projects, and I love the enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy these young students bring to their research,” he said.

Lively explanations and discussions could be heard throughout the room as judges listened attentively to young students sharing their accomplishments.

Summer at Mathnasium is a great way for kids to keep up their math skills so they’re ready to go in the fall. They’ll receive:

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mathnasium.com/Aptos mathnasium.com/SantaCruz 24 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos 1642 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

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Making Magic at Camp Kesem

BY ELISE CLINE

My father sadly passed away when I was 7 years old. My family had been uprooted from our home in Mexico and pulled back to America for a more advanced treatment for my dad’s cancer. He fought for four long years. In the wake of his death, I refused to speak of him or his suffering. It was just too painful to relive.

Eventually, my mom persuaded me to attend a program called Camp Kesem. Adding to the preexisting dozens of locations across the USA, the first chapter of UC Santa Cruz Camp Kesem opened in 2014.

This amazing non-profit program is run by passionate, volunteering university students, and among other year-round services they provide, their flagship is a free week at camp for kids affected by their parent’s cancer.

Offering a safe space for children to have creative fun within a supportive community, the program trains its friendly counselors to encourage emotional coping skills, and give kids a chance to escape or express their sadness at facing the challenges of a parent’s cancer. Thanks to my mom, I was the very first child (under protest) to sign up for UC Santa Cruz’s program!

I say, ‘under protest’ as frankly, Camp

Kesem at first, sounded like a depressing place to me: sad kids rueing their parent’s cancer or lamenting their loss. However, this initial assumption could not have been more wrong.

This camp turned out to be a remarkable home for children left behind by a parent’s cancer; a place to not only rejoice in life but in small remembrances of my father. A joyous place, where the horrors of cancer were inherently understood but temporarily suspended in favor of carefree, healing fun. It was a life-changing experience for me.

Kesem, which gets its name from the Hebrew word ‘magic’, is in so many ways a magical world all of its own, with its own lores and fantasies to pair. No one goes by their real name, instead donning quirky monikers such as Snickers, Flame, Froggy, or Mosaic. We have our own distinctive camp songs and fun theme parties and nightly Cabin Chats. The point is not to dwell on cancer, but to have fun.

My first counselors, a group of incredible, empathetic, impassioned UCSC students, created our camp to be the ultimate sanctuary, cultivating a safe haven to give us campers space to be silly kids, while also respecting the significance of our experiences

and family life. Many embodied this dichotomy; many of them had a personal family history with cancer in some way. After my first camp session, I was hooked!

I attended camp every year, and by my teens, I was eager to give back. I spoke at functions to raise awareness and encourage donations while also helping to organize charity events. Later, I became an assistant camp counselor and aided in camp events.

Through these activities, I learned not only organizational and interpersonal skills and the gratification of paying it forward but how creating a community space with caring people can spark unparalleled cheer during dark periods.

Kesem not only enabled me to process the loss of my father but it ignited in me a flame of social responsibility, inspiring me to utilize my voice for change.

As soon as I arrived at UC Berkeley to start as an undergrad, I made it my first priority to sign up as a volunteer counselor with UC Berkeley Camp Kesem. After two semesters of counselor training and fundraising, this summer will be my first camp experience as a counselor.

As the first organization I felt compelled to support, the magic of

Camp Kesem changed me for life and empowered me to know that not only is there solace in mutual experiences and understanding, but how community aid foundations can provide essential support to those in need.

Elise Cline is a 20 year old undergraduate student who transferred from Cabrillo College to UC Berkeley, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism and Disability Studies.

UC Santa Cruz is holding its annual Camp Kesem ‘Make the Magic’ fundraising evening on Saturday April 15th at 5pm at Seascape Golf Club. Please support this amazing non-profit charity by reserving your tickets in advance at donate.kesem.org/event/ camp-kesem-at-uc-santa-cruz-makethe-magic-fy-2023/e457727 Donations for Camp Kesem at UCSC can also be made by using this link. They rely completely on donations to fund these life changing camp experiences.

Please also pass this information onto any other parent suffering from cancer who can offer their child, 6 - 18 years old, the opportunity to experience this wonderful free camp. Kesem also provides year-round services including care packages and local gatherings, please email ucsc@campkesem.org for full details. Children can be signed up for July 9-14 session at www.kesem.org.

For ages 6-15 years 9am-3pm Monday through Friday

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE

Cabrillo Summer Youth Program

DAY CAMPS

Bear Creek Community Center 15685 Forest Hill Dr., Boulder Creek 831.338.4144 bcrpd.org

All day summer camp in the redwoods. Daily swimming with certified lifeguards and a fun engaging team. Best way to spend your summer and make new friends! Register online at bcrpd.org

Cabrillo Extension Summer Youth Program

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos 831.479.6331 extension@cabrillo.edu extension.cabrillo.edu/youth

Our camps provide a safe, fun, and engaging environment for children to explore and grow. We offer diverse, high-quality content for developing young brains and growing young bodies. Join us for camps in one of six areas of exploration: Creative Culinary; Leadership & Personal Success; Science and Exploration; Computers & Technology; Creative Arts; or Sports & Play. Block scheduling lets you choose the activities that fit your camper’s interests and fill a full week with all-day camp activities. Just like an a la carte menu, you have choices! Join us for one week, or all summer long!

Cabrillo Youth Chorus Summer Voice Camp CabrilloYouthChorus.org

This week-long camp (July 31–August 4) will give your child an unforgettable experience as they put together an original musical performance! Children ages 8 to 18 learn music theory and musicianship; participate in dance, improvisation, and rhythm games; play recorders, Orff, and other instruments; and perform in musical theater. No experience is needed – just a love of singing! For more information, check out our website, contact us at cyc.staffers@gmail.com, or call 831.824.4023.

Camp Kayetz 831.201.4740 tbeaptos.org/camp-kayetz.html

Camp Kayetz offers a wholesome, inclusive, Jewish day camp experience to campers ages 6-15. June 19-July 14, 2023 9am-3pm. Camp meets at Temple Beth El in Aptos with weekly field trips including Raging Waters, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, beach trips and camping in the redwoods at Henry Cowell. Come for the summer fun; stay for the friendships! Email Jess Mitchell with questions: JMitchell@tbeaptos.org

CYT Santa Cruz 216 Mt. Hermon Rd Suite E, Scotts Valley 831.239.3821 cytsantacruz.org

We create a hands-on theater experience focused on building performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. CYT Summer 2023 presents two different camps, “Off to Neverland” (one-week camp) for kids ages 4 -14 and “Music Man Jr.” (three week camp) for kids ages 8 -18 including a weekend of Broadway style performances!

Four Points Youth Camp

Two locations:

Orchard School, 2288 Trout Gulch Rd, Aptos Siltanen Park, 127 Vine Hill School Rd, Scotts Valley kaseylindemann@FourPointsYouthCamp.com

FourPointsYouthCamp.com

Four Points Youth Camp is a summer day camp with activities designed to broaden every camper’s horizon. Serving campers in grades K-8, our activities include sports, arts and crafts, technology, and traditional camp games. These activities are designed to cater to each age group. With new unique themes each week, every camp session is a fresh experience.

Growing Social 408.914.0552

Growingsocial.org info@growingsocial.org

Growing Social is a highly therapeutic, educational outdoor program offering Summer Camps and school year services to those with social learning differences (including Social Communication Disorder, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, ADD, social anxiety, and those without a formal diagnosis). Farm animals, gardening, cooking, and other creative group activities are utilized to teach and practice social learning concepts. In small groups, students are carefully matched by age (K-young adult) and skill level. Social vocational and camp counselor opportunities for teens and young adults. Sessions are taught by Stephanie Madrigal and Amy Miller, Speech and Language Pathologists. Horse Camp at Corralitos Riding Club 1079 Green Valley Rd. Watsonville 831.461.4181

max@corralitosridingclub.com

Corralitosridingclub.com

Treat your child to five days of horse heaven this summer at Corralitos Riding Club! We’ll teach your child foundations of horsemanship, in the saddle and at the barn. Your child will learn valuable skills grooming and tacking-up a horse, as well as riding, both in the arena and on the trail. Campers will learn about horses through interactive games. We’ll practice some of the basics of showing and competing. And we’ll spend fun times together crafting and making friends. Each week ends with the Friday Finale -- The C.R.C. Camp Horse Show and Party. June 26-30 / July 17-21.

Into the Heart of Nature

Tara Redwood School Campus, 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel 831.462.9632 office@tararedwoodschool.org tararedwoodschool.org/summer-camp-2023

Into the Heart of Nature camp is located in an extraordinary setting nestled in the Nisene Marks Forest near a calm creek. We offer cooperative games, creek exploration, habitat studies, playful skits, and nature themed art. Kids explore the various elements that support all life.Tara Redwood School’s summer camp educators are highly experienced in outdoor activities and wildlife studies. Children learn social skills and kindness. Your child will make new friends, develop mindfulness, and learn how to help others. Children have access to several hiking trails for daily play and to absorb some of our core tenets for happiness through developing a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature to all parts of life. For children 4 to 8 years old.

Little Garden Patch Farm

4635 Fairway Drive, Soquel 831.476.0964 littlegardenpatchfarm.com

Little Garden Patch is so much more than just a farm! Our play-based, emergent program offers arts & crafts, cooking fun, outdoor play and imagination, stories & games, hands-on science and nature with gardens, farm animals, and social learning. All in a beautiful outdoor setting that includes a puppet theater, play structures, trampoline, sand & water play, outdoor stage, and picnic area. A cozy home environment and nurturing staff completes a magical childhood wonderland that parents and children love. Come see why young children say, “Little Garden Patch Farm is the best camp I’ve ever been to!” For ages 5-8.

Mountain of Fun, Mount Madonna School 491 Summit Road, Watsonville 408.847.2717

mountmadonnaschool.org/summer

Summer day camps on Mount Madonna School’s redwood-studded campus: offering weekly Preschool Camp for ages 3-5, June 26-August 4 (3- and 5-day options); and Elementary and Middle School camps, July 10-28. Creative Arts Experience with rock band, culinary arts, visual and digital arts; Outdoor Survival Camp with a low ropes course, martial arts, hiking, astronomy, team-building and an overnight campout. Forest play, nature crafts, friends and more – unplugged, outdoors and active! Camps are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Transportation is available from Aptos and Corralitos. Details and registration online at www. mountmadonnaschool.org/summer.

Parkour Summer Camps

santacruz@parkourgenerations.com

831.266.7604

IG: @pkgensantacruz

MOVE.PLAY.EXPLORE.GROW. Allow your kids to un-plug, develop fine & gross motor skills, strength, mental fortitude, creativity, self confidence, flow through the practice of parkour/freerunning. All our coaches keep your child’s health, safety, enrichment - and fun- top of mind! And are qualified by ADAPT; CPR, ACE, AFFA, SafeSport, & CPR certified. Summer Camps in June, July and Aug. Level up your summer, make new friends and make your world a playground with Parkour Generations! Questions? Shoot us an email anytime; santacruz@ parkourgenerations.com We look forward to helping you learn to Master Your Movement ™️ at PARKOUR GENERATIONS Santa Cruz.

Kennolyn Camps

8205 Hacienda Lane, Soquel 831.479.6714 www.kennolyncamps.com

Ready to get your child away from technology and into a nourishing community in the great outdoors? On 450 acres of privately owned redwood forest only 4 miles from town Kennolyn Day Camp is just a short bus ride away. Your child will thrive in this fun, active, supportive environment. And after a day of exploring the fields, pond, and miles of trails, they’ll be happy-tired after each fun day! Nowhere else in the local region will you find a more complete, authentic summer day camp experience. Just ask your friends and neighbors.

Kuumbwa Jazz Camp extension.cabrillo.edu/youth

kuumbwajazz.org/education

Registration for Kuumbwa’s annual Jazz Camp is now open! Jazz Camp is a performance-based day camp for students grades 8-12. Featuring nine days of collaboration, learning, and listening, this camp covers all aspects of jazz theory and appreciation, and will help students grow as musicians. Camp concludes with a performance on the famous Kuumbwa Jazz Center stage. Dates: June 12 – June 23, 2023. Location: Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos, VAPA Complex. Times: Grades 8-9 attend from 9 AM-12 PM; grades 10-12 attend from 11 AM-2 PM.Jazz Camp Concert: Friday, June 23 at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. You can register for the camp online.

No Trace contactus@notraceshop.com

NoTraceShop.com

Sign up now for summer sewing camps for kids! Kids will have fun making bags, accessories, & more.

“

Four Points Youth Camp We had a great time! It was the perfect combination of friendship, games, new arts and crafts, and a low key, beautiful setting. Thank you for this new camp!

- Jennifer Greenburg

“

My daughter came home happy and couldn’t wait to show us what she made every day!

Baking camp parent

Lessons designed for beginners & beyond. For ages 8 & up. June 12 to June 15 & July 17 to July 20. Head to NoTraceShop.com/events for details & to reserve your child’s spot.

Redwood Music Camps

info@CommunityMusicSchool.org

CommunityMusicSchool.org

Young musicians explore the music of Ireland, Scotland, and more! For players of violin, viola, flute, penny whistle, pipes, recorder, harp, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion, small keyboards, and cello. Students practice in instrument-specific groups, and with the entire ensemble. Teen Camp (June 12-17) is a one-week sleepover camp for ages 12-18 in Aptos. Kid Camp (July 31-Aug 4) is a one-week day camp for ages 7-13 in Scotts Valley. Information and registration is online at CommunityMusicSchool.org.

Santa Cruz Bible Church

440 Frederick St. Santa Cruz

831.429.1162

santacruzbible.org

This summer we have an exciting kids’ day camp June 12-15 for all kids ages 5 - 5th grade! The camp will run 9am - noon daily, with music, crafts, outside games, skits, and more! Sign up on our website starting in April! Join us weekly for Sunday morning services at 10am. Our Food Pantry runs Tuesdays 10am - Noon, and Thursdays Noon - 1pm.

City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department

831.420.5270

Register for our popular summer camps and junior guards for a fun-filled summer. Get moving with Skatedogs Skateboarding Camp, World Cup Soccer Camp, and SUP Camp. Create art or expand your knowledge with science and STEAM camps. Visit santacruzparksandrec.com to view the Summer Activity Guide in Spanish and English. Online registration opens Saturday, April 15, and Monday, April 17 for phone registration for the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation summer programs.

Santa Cruz Soccer Camp

831.246.1517

santacruzsoccercamp.com

For over 30 years our vision of joy and adventure remains. Almost all coaches have been young players who joined the harmony and magic of the camp and have graduated through our Leadership Development Program. From the inspiration and resonance experienced at Delaveaga Park during 10- week-long summer camps, the coaches and directors are in service to the new paradigm celebrating the Evolution of competition.

Santa Cruz SPCA

2601 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz

831.566.3753

alisons@spcasc.org

spcasc.org/events/spca-summer-camp-2023

Our 2023 camp theme is “Save the Earth and its Animals.” Students will investigate how small changes can improve the lives of animals. They will learn how hard animals work to survive while the environment changes. Our Teens will experience how a shelter operates and try out different shelter roles.

Steve & Kate’s Camp Spring Hill School

250 California St, Santa Cruz 831.271.6229

steveandkatescamp.com/santa-cruz

Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. Kids choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, maker crafts, baking, sports, and more! As

kids try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment and tackle the challenges of the world with creativity and confidence. Families can buy any number of days, to use at any time–no weekly reservations are required. Or, buy a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. Either way, any unused Passes are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Ages: 4–12 | Lunch, snacks & all hours (8 am–6 pm) included.

The Studio School of Classical Ballet

2800 South Rodeo Gulch Road, Soquel 831.477.1606

emily@scbt.org SCBT.org

Give your little ones a summer of fun with The Studio School of Classical Ballet’s Summer Ballet Camps! Featuring 4 weeks with 4 themes, each day will feature a variety of dance classes, exercises, and activities for your little dancer to enjoy. Monday - Friday, 10am-12pm. Visit SCBT.org for more information.

Web of Life Field (WOLF) School

220 Cloister Ln, Aptos 831.684.0148

WOLF School’s Summer Nature Day Camp offers a science and nature theme all week and an outdoor adventure every day! Kids will experience redwood trail walks, music, camp arts & crafts, cooperative games, science activities, and more, plus field trips to Nisene Marks State Park. Sample themes are: Solar Art, Survival, Creek, Animals, Plants, and Natural History. WOLF School’s educational nature camps inspire kids to experience the outdoors, connect to nature, build healthy relationships, and gain awareness of their impact on environment and community—all in a fun camp setting led by our knowledgeable, friendly, and energetic naturalists.

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS

Mount Hermon

37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon 831.335.4466

mounthermon.org

Mount Hermon is a Christian camp and conference center located in the stunning redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. We offer a wide variety of programs for individuals, families, and groups, including overnight summer camps for children and youth, retreats for adults, our beloved Family Camp program, and day adventures such as zip lining and challenge courses for the whole family. Mount Hermon has been in operation for over 100 years and has a long-standing tradition of providing a welcoming and transformative experience for its guests. Check out our website for a full list of offerings available this summer!

ENRICHMENT

Adventures with Art hello@adventureswithart.com

Adventureswithart.com

Let your child’s creativity run wild this summer!

Adventures with Art is a website that offers tips and tutorials for a number of different art forms, including drawing, painting, digital art with Procreate, crochet, embroidery, and more. Run by an artist who was born and raised in Aptos, Diana loves to share her art knowledge with other artists of all skill levels at adventureswithart.com

Be Natural Music

740 Water St, Santa Cruz 831.515.8369

BeNaturalMusic.Live

Learn and perform Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Motown, Pop & more at our two locations: Santa Cruz and Cupertino. We offer ongoing private Music Lessons, Real Rock Band classes for teens, & young adults, Workshops, and Summer Music Camps. We offer lessons on voice, piano/keyboard, guitar, bass, drums & percussion, saxophone, clarinet, ukulele, harp, theory and composition. Summer camps, kid & teen musicians showcase their talent & creativity as they compose original music, script music videos, and record their song on stage! The final high-quality music video is posted on our YouTube Channel to jump-start your kid’s career.

Mathnasium of Santa Cruz

1642 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 831.440.7574

24 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos 831.621.5978 mathnasium.com/SantaCruz

Summer is a great time for kids to get away with their families. It’s also an important time to keep up their math skills so they don’t lose what they learned during the school year. The good news is they can do both, with Mathnasium! Our summer math program builds up kids’ math knowledge and prepares them for the school year. Best of all, we make it fun! They’ll receive: a comprehensive assessment and customized learning plan that details summer goals for long-term success, live face-to-face instruction, and a proven teaching method that results in true understanding and increased confidence.

The Bookakery BookakeryBoxes.com

Looking for activities to do with your kids at home? Have a kid that always wants to help in the kitchen or curl up on your lap to hear a good book? Love getting packages? The Bookakery has just the thing: Bookakery Boxes, a monthly subscription box for kids aimed towards fostering a love of reading and baking. Each Bookakery Box comes with a hardback picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, an activity, and one bonus item, all based around a theme of the month. Order yours today! Use code GUISC10 for 10% off any subscription length (renews at standard rate). Expires 12/31/2023.

Community Bridges Family Resource Collective

831.688.8840

Communitybridges.org/FRC

La Manzana Community Resources – 521 Main Street, Ste. Y, Watsonville

Live Oak Community Resources – 1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz

Mountain Community Resources – 6134 Highway 9, Felton

Nueva Vista Community Resources – 711 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

The Family Resource Collective works with individuals and families in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley to build safe, healthy, and compassionate communities through education, resources, and advocacy. We offer a variety of bi-lingual, bi-cultural services to meet each family and individual’s needs. Our programs and services include food distribution, mental health counseling, parent education workshops, youth tutoring, and more.

MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™

All over Santa Clara & Santa Cruz Counties 831.332.9002

Musicalme.com

Our Music Together classes are playful, rich, and

engaging. They help young children —babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—discover their inner music-maker by playing with the grownups they love. Our music and movement classes also offer other important benefits: music for children supports overall early childhood development. Join us!

Underwater Explorers Tours at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Come dive with us! Underwater Explorers is a unique (summer only) program where kids ages 8-13 are introduced to the underwater world through surface scuba diving. Kids are safely guided by Monterey Bay Aquarium dive staff in our Great Tide Pool, where they’ll meet amazing animals while getting a fish’s-eye view of the wonders of the bay. No experience or wet suit is necessary — just your sense of adventure! For questions, please call us at 831.648.4800, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. Tickets available for purchase online at www. montereybayaquarium.org/UnderwaterExplorers

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 831.420.6115 santacruzmuseum.org

Located above Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz’s first Museum is in an excellent location to showcase the region’s rich natural history. Explore interactive exhibits featuring animals, plants, geology, and more from the shoreline of Monterey Bay to the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains, including an intertidal touch pool, fossils, and an observation beehive. In our Gift Shop, you’ll find unique books, guides, toys, art, and apparel. Check our online calendar for engaging events and programs for all ages, including free family activities, seasonal camps, nature crafts and walks, and our Summer Kickoff Festival. Kids are always FREE.

SpeechRighter – Social Skills Learning Groups

820 Bay Ave, Capitola

831.854.2060

speechrighter.com/summer-programs

Social-Skill Groups designed to improve social thinking & pragmatic language skills, by developing strategies for building successful peer relationships & self esteem. Led by a speech-pathologist, build skills in effective listening, problem solving for social scenarios, perspective taking, and conversational skills.

WEST Performing Arts

831.425.9378

Santa Cruz westperformingarts.com

Summer 2023...create….innovate! Get ready for imagination and fun with our award-winning youth theatre company for ages 5 - 18. Our unique, process-based theatre and art classes, camps, and conservatory-style studies encourage young performers to embark on a creative journey and craft their own performance experience full of innovative collaboration, From immersive theatre-based day camps to original plays and classic productions or improvisation to hone your funny bone. We have it all. Come play! Our classes, training programs, and presentations are process-driven, believing that the creative journey is what matters. We build confidence, communication, and community.

Adventure Sports Unlimited

Vista afterschool homework program because I like to get help from the volunteers, they’re all so nice!

- Sophie, participant at Community Bridges’ Nueva Vista Community Resources

SCHOOLS WITH SUMMER PROGRAMS

Freedom Schoolhouse and Farm freedomschoolhouseandfarm.com

Freedom Schoolhouse and Farm offers a unique program in a beautiful setting. Our curriculum is emergent with a strong emphasis on creating a connection to the natural world. We seek to promote and maintain basic principles of Freedom, with the goal of educating our children to be critical thinkers. Our open classroom creates a warm environment, and we encourage freedom of choice and relationship building. Set on several acres, every day is filled with the beauty of nature, joys of friendship, and fun activities geared toward artistic expression, physical movement, and the development of a lifelong love of learning

Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool

Lic #444400117

4134 Fairway Dr, Soquel 831.462.2702

We offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions. Our three beautiful acres offer room to explore, including swings, slides, trees to climb, a ninja course, zipline, bike track and a giant sandbox! Kids also enjoy our farm animals and grazing on food from our organic garden and orchards.

Adventure Sports Unlimited

303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com

Adventure Sports Unlimited (ASU) is Santa Cruz’s premier swim school. We teach infants through adults the joys of water and adventure. Our Ocean programs introduce families to our magnificent marine environments through the Santa Cruz Island Camping Trip. We explore the world-renowned underwater landscape of Monterey Bay through our Open Water Scuba courses. It all starts in our custom-built aquatics facility with our tropically heated pool. We want to make your entry into the water world truly enjoyable. ASU – Come Play With Us!

Community Boating Center, UCSC 790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz 831.425.1164

Recreation.ucsc.edu/youth/juniorsailing/index.html

The UCSC Community Boating Center has been teaching local juniors how to sail for over 30 years. All classes are hands-on, co-ed classes, ages 8-16 and are taught in RS Quests, RS Visions, and Lasers. Students learn the basics in the protected Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and progress to the beautiful Monterey Bay. Enjoy sailing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment with knowledgeable, experienced staff. Sign up today! (Adult classes are also available!)

Cougar Swim School 7105 Hwy 9, Felton

www.cougarswimschool.com

kurt@cougarswimschool.com

Cougar Swim School offers quality swimming lessons where children enjoy learning the FUNdamentals of swimming. Learning how to swim is not only beneficial for fitness and relaxation, it also increases confidence and assures safety for youth and adults in and near the water. All of our instructors are American Red Cross Lifeguard trained and certified. They work to ensure each of their swimmers learn how to be safe, increase their swimming skills, endurance, and enjoyment in the water. Cougar Swim School is located at the San Lorenzo Valley High School Community Pool at 7105 Highway 9 in Felton.

Jim Booth Swim School

Watsonville indoor pool and coming soon to Toadal fitness 831.722.3500

JimBoothSwimSchool.com

Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. Soon offering a non-competitive swim team to help develop strength, endurance & technique. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!

What happens on stage at WEST Performing Arts is amazing. What happens inside the kids, from blossoming confidence to reignited enthusiasm, is miraculous.

- Bryn Kanar, a WEST parent

Junebug’s Gym

3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz 831.464.BUGS (2847) JuneBugsGym.com/

June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up their imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.

Kinnect Volleyball 831.888.0740 kinnectvolleyball.com

Camp Kinnect’s Summer program is a thrilling sports experience offering both indoor and beach volleyball. The week-long sessions cater to boys and girls in grades 3-8 with less than two years of volleyball experience. On the first day, players are sorted based on their skill level to ensure suitable court placements. Whether new or with P.E. and middle school experience, players receive fundamental skill training, player feedback, and specific skill development during the 3-hour sessions.

Structured drills and unstructured free playtime offer unique experiences to build new skills or refine existing ones. Join us for a fun-filled week of volleyball!

Santa Cruz Gymnastics 831.462.0655 info@scgym.com

Beginning May 30th, we will be offering Gymnastics Camps for ages 5–12! Come FLIP WITH US at our weekly themed camps. Camps include gymnastics lessons on all Olympic events, supervised open gym time, group games, crafts and time in our foam pit! Full and half day options are available for each weekly camp. Check scgym.com for more information and to register.

SLV Swim Center 9050 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond 831.278.0139

www.slvswimcenter.com

Make a splash this summer with Swim Lessons, Swim Team, and Water Aerobics! New this year, Birthday Party Packages, Aquatic camps, Family Swims and Outdoor Movie Nights! We have also partnered with TFCS Productions who will be bringing in the fun with their Film, Harry Potter and DND camps!

SERVICES

Child Development Resource Center Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz 831.466.5820

Childcare.santacruzcoe.org

Finding the right care for your child is one of the most important decisions your family can make. The Child Development Resource Center, a program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, is a free, one-stop source for local families seeking early education options. Child care referral specialists can answer questions and connect you with licensed programs to meet your family’s needs. The CDRC maintains the only up-to-date list of child care and early education programs in Santa Cruz County. Youth Cruz Free on Metro K-12 students can ride METRO for free! Buses serve 24 routes that provide convenient transportation throughout Santa Cruz County. Whether it’s to school, work, the beach or hanging out with friends, students may ride any route in the METRO system for free except Highway 17 Express service. Riders in 8th grade and under may be asked by the driver to identify their grade level or school. Riders in grades 9-12 will be asked to show ID. For help, call Customer Service (831) 425-8600 or email youthcruzfree@ scmtd.com. For more information visit scmtd.com/ youthcruzfree.

Our youth are the future of transit. The Youth Cruz Free program is a big step toward giving all kids the access to METRO they deserve

- METRO CEO/General Manager Michael Tree

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Our whole family loves to spend time at the museum. It is a gathering place to build community and a place for both kids and adults to play and learn.

- Testimonial from a mom

“ Community Bridges I like to come to the Nueva

“

“ West Performing Arts

“

We love to surf so it was important our children learn to swim properly! They excelled at ASU!

- Sarah S.

“ Metro

K-12 Students can now ride Santa Cruz METRO for free.*

Helping students get to school, work, and play.

Show your student ID to board (highly suggested for grades 9-12).

No student ID? Get a special pass from one of METRO’s Customer Service windows. Learn more at scmtd.com/youthcruzfree

For questions, contact METRO’s Customer Service Department at (831) 425-8600. Agents available via phone 7 days a week, 8AM – 5PM or email youthcruzfree@scmtd.com.

*Excludes HWY-17 Service

Los estudiantes de grados kinder a 12 ahora pueden viajar en Santa Cruz METRO gratis.*

SUPport young musicians

Downtown Santa Cruz

April 29 | Noon to 4pm

Exhibitors will be lined up on Cooper Street and Pacific Ave. (between Church St. & Locust St.) Almost every exhibitor will have a free, family activity. There will also be performances and demonstrations all day long in Abbott Square. Plus, many Downtown businesses will be offering discounts and specials just for kids. Bring your family down to enjoy face painting, music, dancing, bubbles, foosball, crafts & more! Kids Day Downtown is proudly presented by Downtown Santa Cruz, Growing Up In Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Museum of Art And History.

Great Tide Pool. They get a fisheye view of marine life and smiles that last for days. No experience or equipment necessary — only a sense of adventure!

For more information, visit MontereyBayAquarium.org/UnderwaterExplorers

What every birthday needs, party planners.

Choosing the right foods. Deciding on a safe exercise routine. Creating a birth plan. As a mom-to-be, you have a lot of planning to look forward to. Fortunately, Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital’s Family Birth Center has a whole team of specialists ready to safely guide you throughout your journey—from the support of our midwives to the added security of the only Level III NICU in the Monterey Bay area standing by. We even have live virtual classes to help you prepare for the big day.

Take a virtual tour of our Birth Center at

COUNTY SCOOP Growing Up In Santa Cruz, Literally

BY FRED KEELEY

When the University of California came to town in the 1960’s, our then conservative town thought the worst they were getting were boys in letter sweaters and girls in bobby socks, who may get a little rowdy at fraternity or sorority parties.

Well, weren’t they surprised when every public university campus in the United States immediately became a hotbed of liberal and radical politics: antiwar, pro-feminism, anti-establishment, and pro-environment.

But, the changes did not stop there. Newly arrived folks associated with UCSC in some way or other became active in City politics, electing radicals such as Mike Rotkin, Bruce Van Allen to the city council, and Gary Patton to the board of supervisors.

Growth management became their hallmark, and restricting growth everywhere except inside the “urban services line” (think no development on the mountain side of Highway 1). Fighting against off-shore oil drilling, abandoning growth dreams such as annexing property between the city’s western edge and Davenport for the construction of 30,000 homes, and on and on.

And these were successful efforts. No off-shore drilling today, and the establishment of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. No 30,000 house community from here to Davenport, but the establishment of the Cotoni-Coast Dairy National Monument.

All sounds quite wonderful, but virtually no housing was built in the last 30-40 years. One does not need to be the Chair of the Federal Reserve Board to understand what then happened to the price of real estate: It has been growing like crazy, thus pushing out or blocking from entry, moderate and low income individuals and families. Unsurprisingly, that also includes teachers, retail workers,

some public employees, and many, many in the service industry.

Santa Cruz is not the only community to establish such tools for managing their growth and thus, driving housing prices (both rental and for sale) into the stratosphere.

Now, the State of California has grown tired of this statewide situation, and has begun passing laws to make it harder for local governments to turn down housing in general and affordable housing in particular. Now, cities and counties must plan for very significant amounts of new housing. For example, the City of Santa Cruz is required by state law to plan for and encourage development of nearly 4,000 new housing units in the next eight years (500 new units each year, 42 units each month).

While all of this is going on, Santa Cruz voters approved a new governance structure: six city council districts and a directly-elected mayor. This complicates achieving the 4,000 new unit goal. Why? Because newly elected council members will be loath to add 666 units of new housing in their districts.

So then what is the solution? It is time to grow up! Like most communities that embrace smart growth, Santa Cruz has

a chance to site nearly 45% of all of that new housing in our existing urban core downtown. South of Laurel Street, it is proposed to construct 1,800 of the 4,000 new housing units. This will also add to the vitality of our small business core (which is the beating heart of our local economy).

But, even with all of that, there is a serious question about whether or not sufficient housing can be built for those either experiencing homelessness or living in low and very-low income circumstances. In order to cure much of that, a two-part housing bond is being prepared.

Working with affordable housing developers, for-profit developers, homeless advocates, realtors, contractors, the building trades, and neighborhoods throughout Santa Cruz, it is hoped that we can have a really solid and meaningful bond for the 2024 ballot.

Please contact me if you wish to be part of that effort.

Fred Keeley is the Mayor of Santa Cruz. He has also served as a county supervisor, county treasurer, and California Assembly member. He is a founding member of Housing Santa Cruz County. fkeeley@santacruzca.gov

Kids on the Trapeze with the Greatest of Ease

Ladies and Gentleman! Orchard School presents CircOrchard, its 8th annual children’s circus, featuring the entire 60-strong student body performing clown antics, juggling, acrobatics, unicycling, stilt walking, and circus spoofs. The not-to-be-missed public show will be April 23 at 2pm at the Scotts Valley Cultural and Performing Arts Center. See ticket information below.

Over the years, audiences have been wowed by the expertise and creativity of the school’s young performers, as well as impressed by their confidence level and powerful stage presence. The show, under the direction of teacher and professional performer, Rock Lerum, is created fresh every year with the addition of new, kid-generated skits, and an ever-growing student skill level that infuses new energy and ideas into some of the old standards.

Lerum has been teaching at Orchard School since 1999 and won a Gail Rich award in 2003 for his work in the community. In 2007, he took nine of the school’s students to New York City where they rode 6-foot tall giraffe unicycles, danced on stilts, sang and clowned in the Good Morning America studios in Times Square, as finalists in a national contest

for the Oreo Cookie Jingle.

Over the past decade, the entire school has packed up props, costumes, performers, music and sets to perform free shows, including a rendition of the Yellow Submarine Magical Mystery Tour and more recently, CircOrchard, at local schools including Gault, Calabasas, DeLaveaga, Ohlone and Pacific School.

You may have seen Orchard School students when they delighted the Santa Cruz Warrior’s crowds at halftime in 2014

and 2017 or when they performed with the Santa Cruz County Symphony as part of their family concert series, in the programs Here Comes the Circus and Under the Boardwalk, at the Santa Cruz Civic Center and the Mello Center in Watsonville in 2010 and 2012.

Orchard School is a small, non-profit, private K-6th school located on 14 beautiful acres in Aptos. The school’s mission is to bring learning to life with a comprehensive hands-on curriculum

that celebrates childhood and focuses on the arts as well as traditional academics. The teachers are specialists in their field who share a commitment to make sure students get out in nature and move their bodies as much as possible.

To purchase tickets visit orchardschoolaptos.org. Tickets are $14 for adults, $7 for those under 12 and over 65, and free for children under 2. For more information, call or email: 688-1074, info@orchardschoolaptos.org

Positive Parenting After the Floods

BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

It’s hard to believe that a few months ago, California was still in a deep drought, with many concerns about the lack of water. Now, after multiple atmospheric rivers, many people’s lives have been turned upside-down (yet again) by events they have no control over. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of the storms and floods on families, many of whom already faced challenges meeting basic needs. While the water may recede, the emotional ripple effects of the loss, disruption, and uncertainty will last a long time.

If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@ first5scc.org.

Dear Nicole,

My family had to evacuate in the middle of the night because of the floods. We had to throw away a lot of our clothes, furniture, and toys because they were damaged. Luckily, my aunt is letting us stay with her until we find another place to live, but it’s crowded and my kids are missing their beds and toys. They’re 4 and 6, and they keep crying and whining that they want to go home. I know they’re scared but I don’t know what to tell them. What should I do? -

Margarita

Dear Margarita,

I’m sorry to hear your family was impacted so severely by the floods. The loss of housing and belongings creates stress and uncertainty that affects the well-being of all family members. Here are some tips to try: Take care of yourself. This may seem impossible to do or the lowest of all the urgent priorities, but it’s important to care for your own physical, mental, and emotional health so that you can care for your family. Take deep breaths, listen to music, cry, be physically active, or do something creative. Doing this every day, even for a few minutes, makes a difference. Provide reassurance and emotional support. Being uprooted from familiar surroundings and routines disrupts children’s sense of security and stability. They may feel a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, and grief for the things they left behind, such as their toys, beds, and the place they called home. Some children express emotions with words (so you know what they’re thinking and feeling), while others may express emotions through behaviors — crying, whining, fighting, defiance (which still gives you a clue about what

they’re thinking and feeling).

Reassure your children that you’re in a safe place, then validate their feelings. Tell them you understand they miss their home and toys and that it’s hard to move suddenly to a new place.

Recreate familiar routines. Consistent routines create predictability, which can be very reassuring in stressful times. Try to create daily routines that feel familiar, even while you’re in a different environment. As much as possible, follow your usual routines for waking up; going to school, child care, or work; meals; playtime; family time; and bedtime. Turn those routines into quality time by talking with your children, giving them your full attention, and showing affection. Have realistic expectations. It’s hard and scary for everyone to cope after lifechanging events, like a flood. There may be times when you’ll need to adjust your family rules and expectations, schedule, or parenting approach. Remember there isn’t one “right” way to respond to a situation like this, so be patient with yourself and your children if emotions get messy or unpredictable. Having realistic and flexible expectations can help reduce your stress and teach children coping

skills they can use throughout life.

Seek and accept support. Remember it’s a sign of strength to ask for (and accept) support when you need it. This also helps reduce stress, creates a sense of community and connection, and teaches children about empathy and compassion.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Being displaced after a flood can be a traumatic experience for both parents and children. Positive parenting strategies can help parents and caregivers support children’s emotional well-being and resilience, even in the midst of extreme disruption and uncertainty.

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 19 and 23, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple PPositive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc.org, facebook.com/ triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc. org.

Gateway School, K-8 School Day Tour

April 11 from 9-11am 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz www.gatewaysc.org

Come and learn how Gateway School inspires children’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder through daily exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Tour our classrooms in action, including a look into each grade, and learn about our program. Go to www.gatewaysc. org to register and experience all that Gateway has to offer!

Submit your coloring entry to editor@growingupsc.com for a chance to be in our next issue! You can also mail them to Box 3505, Santa Cruz, 95063 Submissions due by April 15. Please include the child’s name, age and address so we can send out a prize.

THUR 6

May Faire 11am-3pm. Free shuttle from the UCSC Barn at High and Bay streets. Limited parking at school for $15. Activities include a May pole dance, puppet show and live music. Wholesome food is available for purchase. Event cancelled if there is heavy rain. Santa Cruz Waldorf School, 2190 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz.

FRI 7

Marine art display 4-7pm Come hear Claudia speak and display her art at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. montereybay.noaa. gov/calendar.html

SAT 8

Pinto Lake Egg Hunt 1-4pm Join Watsonville Parks & Community Services for a free family-friendly Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza. Hop on over to Pinto Lake Park for a fun-filled day with arts & crafts, games, food trucks, and more. Kids ages 3-13 years old are invited to participate in the egg hunt.

SUN 9

Downtown Antiques Faire 8-6pm The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar in Santa Cruz.

TUES 11

Gateway School, K-8 School Day Tour 9-11am 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz. Come and learn how Gateway School inspires children’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder through daily exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Tour our classrooms in action, including a look into each grade, and learn about our program. Visit gatewaysc.org to register and experience all that Gateway has to offer!

FRI 14

Cabrillo Youth Strings Concert

7-8pm The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program presents a Spring Concert featuring Baroque music, English folk songs, jazz and contemporary music. The concert will be held in the Music Building, VAPA5156 at Cabrillo College. cabrillo. edu/cabrillo-youth-strings.

SAT 15

Camp Kesem ‘Make the Magic’ 5pm, Seascape Golf Club. Annual fundraising evening sponsored by UC Santa Cruz.

Reserve tickets in advance at donate. kesem.org/event/camp-kesem-at-ucsanta-cruz-make-the-magic-fy-2023/ e457727.

SUN 16

Makers Market 10-5pm Visit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers & artists in beautiful on Pacific Ave every third Sunday. scmmakersmarket.com.

SAT 22

Bowl for Kids Sake Fundraiser

8-5pm Help kids find a mentor during the Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser at Boardwalk Bowl. Create a team and help raise money. secure.qgiv.com/event/ bbbsscbfks.

Ducky Derby 10:30am-3:30pm Omega

Nu will hold its 33rd Annual Ducky Derby and Carnival at Harvey West Park. A funfilled day for the entire family. Come to the duck races and enjoy food, games, and music. Listen as the bugle blares signaling the start of each race and children run to watch as thousands of rubber ducks course down the water raceway. duckyderbysantacruz.org.

SUN 23

Orchard School presents CircOrchard 2pm, Scotts Valley Cultural & Performing Arts Center. Featuring the

entire 60-strong student body performing clown antics, juggling, acrobatics, unicycling, stilt walking, and circus spoofs. Visit orchardschoolaptos.org to purchase tickets.

SAT 29

Kids Day 12-4pm Exhibitors will be lined up on Cooper Street and Pacific Ave. (between Church St. & Locust St.) in Santa Cruz. Almost every exhibitor will have a free, family activity. There will also be performances and demonstrations all day long in Abbott Square. Plus, many Downtown businesses will be offering discounts and specials just for kids. Bring your family down to enjoy face painting, music, dancing, bubbles, foosball, crafts & more! downtownsantacruz.com/do/ kids-day-1

Santa Cruz’ Top Pitcher Even Practices in the Dark

BY QUINN SOUTHALL

Many people who truly love something often have an epiphany in which they realize their passion. For Nevaeh Martinez, a 17-year-old junior at Soquel High, this moment occurred at a Stanford softball game when she was young and watched in awe at the speed and power of the pitchers.

At that moment she knew she would do whatever it took -- work as hard as she must – to manifest herself onto the pitching mound. “I thought it was really cool watching the softball pitchers pitch and how fast their arms moved,” said Martinez. “Just how different it was than baseball.”

Years later, that same girl watching wide-eyed from the bleachers, has received the Player of the Year award for Santa Cruz City Schools as a sophomore and is the heart and soul of the Soquel high softball team. “That was really exciting to be able to get that award at such a young age,” she said. Martinez has one of the fastest arms in the league and boasts an incredible .670 batting average–more than six hits for every 10 at bats.

Since the age of 9, she has transcended her game to become one of the best

softball players in Santa Cruz County, and has no plans to lower her intensity. All of this success doesn’t happen overnight, as she spends countless hours fine tuning every aspect of her game

-- and she does so unconventionally. Rio Del Mar Elementary field often has dog walkers and the occasional hiker passing through, but that is where Martinez spends her time practicing her throwing, hitting and fielding, sometimes using the headlights of her father’s car to see the ball.

“When it’s bad weather or really dark I don’t have a facility to work out at,” she said. With lights in the hallways spilling over onto the field “it’s just enough light for me to work out every night.”

With the softball season just underway she is excited to take on a leadership role, and enjoys team bonding activities like bowling. In addition to her Soquel team, Martinez also plays travel softball for the Sorcerers out of Madera where she gets to compete and get even better throughout the entire year. “I do it for my personal growth,” she said. “It’s really fun and always has been.” Soquel has a much younger team than last year, and behind the arm of Martinez, hopes to compete for the SCCAL title.

While the majority of players can be found practicing in the batting cages or

in the weight room, Martinez dedicates herself on the field – rain or shine – to work on facets of her game she believes will carry over the most to her individual success as well as that of the team. She loves winning and her favorite part about getting better is knowing that it will help lift up the rest of the team as well.

Martinez comes from a family of athletes, including her dad who used to play baseball himself and helped inspire her to get to where she is today.

Much of her work on the fields at Rio Del Mar stems from her admiration towards her family. “The people I look up to the most are my dad and my brother because their work ethic is so pure,” said Martinez. “They put their hearts into whatever they do, so I’ve always wanted to be like them.”

With two full years of high school competition remaining for Martinez, one thing is for certain – there are still many hours of the practice she loves waiting for her at Rio Del Mar Elementary School.

Quinn Southall is a Cabrillo College journalism student who has worked for the Watsonville Pajaronian and plans to work fishing this summer in Alaska.

Social Skills Summer Groups

A Rosy Spring for Real Esatate?

BY SEB FREY

The spring real estate market is about to come into full bloom, and from where I’m sitting, our local market is looking downright rosy.

I’m guessing it may surprise you to see me write that, because it runs contrary to the narrative that’s we’re being fed in the media – that rising interest rates have snuffed out the real estate market, the Federal Reserve is working to bring about a recession, and the real estate market is circling the drain.

There’s no question that the market has cooled - and cooled dramatically. Prices are down across the board throughout the Bay Area, to varying degrees. But Santa Cruz specifically is holding up better than most of the Bay Area.

Alameda county has been hit the hardest – down 15%, but followed closely by San Francisco (-14.5%) and Santa Clara county (-14%). Prices in Santa Cruz haven’t dropped nearly so dramatically, with the 3-month moving average down just 5.5% year over year.

Unfortunately, this drop in home prices in Santa Cruz has not shown up in terms of affordability. Rising mortgage interest rates have had a

devastating effect on our already abysmal affordability in Santa Cruz County. Check out this next chart:

The data shows that the monthly housing cost in Santa Cruz County has increased 44% for new home buyers, comparing Q4 2021 to Q4 2022. This figure assumes that the buyer has a 20% down payment (as if!) and accounts for principal, interest, property tax, and insurance costs. This is an incredibly steep jump in housing cost in a single year.

This begs the question: who can afford home prices like this? You already know the answer: people who work in Silicon Valley, and those who can work-fromhome in Santa Cruz, for well-paying employers the world over. And there’s a small segment of locals who earn enough in town to consider buying – lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs and the like.

For many would-be homeowners, they’ll need to be looking out of the mid-county area – or consider a (very) small condo or perhaps a townhouse. But singlefamily homes in the popular mid-county neighborhoods are now by and large far too expensive for most first-time buyers.

Despite the exorbitant prices people are forced to pay to become homeowners,

I think today’s market is in solid shape. True, it’s nothing like March of last year - and thank goodness! While last March was Nirvana for home sellers, it was a complete and total nightmare for buyers.

A year ago, the market was utterly out of balance. Regardless of what steps the Federal Reserve might have taken, the market was bound to burn itself out.

The Fed’s historic increases in interest rates just doused a flame that was burning way, way too hot.

What’s left is a nicely smoldering, glowing red bed of hot coal. Yes, prices are down, and interest rates are up. But this has led to a real estate market that is much more balanced and sustainable, with much greater opportunity for buyers. And let’s face it: buyers are a key ingredient in any seller’s market.

Many of last year’s buyers were never able to get into a property. In fact, sales last year were down 35-40% from the year before - which means there are a lot of buyers from last year who are looking to get into homes this year.

Right now, the market is loaded with a good chunk of last year’s buyers - plus new buyers from this year. That’s a lot of pent-up demand, making this

market feel like a hot one. I’ve written a number of offers so far this year - and in every instance, there have been multiple offers to compete against.

True, there aren’t as many offers per property to beat this year compared to last, and oftentimes, homes aren’t selling much over asking price, even with multiple offers.

But homes are selling - and if they’re priced right, they’re selling quickly, and with favorable prices and terms for sellers.

Mortgage rates could keep climbing, putting the hurt on buyers and a real damper on the market. Layoffs in Silicon Valley and beyond could accelerate. There’s literally no end of things which could happen that might put the market into a tailspin.

But for now, and for the foreseeable future, the market is in surprisingly - and refreshingly - good shape. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts, and take advantage of this period of relatively smooth sailing.

Seb Frey was the 2019 President of the Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS. He’s been selling homes locally since 2003. His contact info can be found at SebFrey.com/contact - and check out his YouTube channel at SebFrey.TV

Do Smartphones Help or Hinder Students in the Classroom?

BY SUSAN TATSUI-D’ARCY

Smartphones are facing scrutiny in classrooms from K-12 to college. Some teachers prohibit cell phones inside the classroom because their alerts, text messages, and social media updates are a distraction to the students.

Other teachers allow them because students need easy access to information, assignments and calendars. Are smartphones interfering with academic productivity and learning?

While students are clicking on messages and checking out images of their friends, these interactions on their smartphones often trigger anxiety, and FoMo (fear of missing out) when they see that their friends are engaged in exciting activities while they’re stuck in a classroom or their bedrooms.

Although the students may physically be in the classroom or at their desks doing homework, they are not engaged. That’s why it takes an inordinate amount of time for students to get their assignments done each day.

Having instantaneous contact with virtually all friends also creates a heightened and possibly overwhelming

influx of information. This doesn’t give students the downtime they need to contemplate much of what they’re trying to process because they are receiving constant information.

When it comes time to prepare for midterms or final exams, many students complain that they don’t remember concepts that they learned earlier in the year. This makes it difficult for them to develop collective knowledge (long-term memory) over time – a vital part of the learning process.

Similarly, students really can’t multitask. Many think they can listen to a lecture while answering questions on a worksheet. If they attempt to do both activities at the same time, chances are both will be done poorly because they can only focus on one subject at a time.

In other words, they need to focus on one task until they complete it, and then move on to the next task. Only then can they put in the concentration needed to get the task done well.

A recent study explored the psychological impacts of smartphones in college classrooms. Melissa Huey,

assistant professor of behavioral sciences at the New York Institute of Technology, examined students’ mindfulness, anxiety, and course comprehension with students who relinquished their smartphones during classes vs. students who had access to their phones throughout class lectures.

The students who were engaged in classroom lectures free of smartphones had significantly lower anxiety levels and higher comprehension and mindfulness than those who had unlimited access to their smartphones during classes. The students conducted self-reported scores to reach these conclusions. This study was conducted over a six-week period in two classes.

Huey contends that the nation’s polarization and the role of social media in spreading misinformation are tied to our students’ difficulty in managing conflict resolution skills. Both in and out of the classroom, she examined the importance of critical thinking and how smartphones interfere with the ability of students to deal with daily stressors.

Students, and even parents, may need to give themselves a time out so they

can stop the ever speeding treadmill on which they are racing – just to keep their heads above water.

Maybe we all need to put away our smartphones while we go to class or work, and spend electronics-free time with our family and friends. Connecting with one another and engaging in conversations and activities without our smartphones may give us the opportunity to laugh, have fun, and learn something.

Maybe we need to establish simple rules in the classroom and at home to give our children, and ourselves, a healthier atmosphere, and in turn, positive academic productivity and learning.

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy is the founder of Merit Academy (one-on-one classes) and Merit Educational Consultants (college and educational advisory). She has written books on projects, free child care, education, and parenting. Susan hosts TEDxMeritAcademy for students to present their innovative projects and solutions. In 2019, she was California Mother of the Year. meritworld.com