Richard Stockton, Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy, Sophia Garcia, Shira Coleman Hagar, Tovah Petra Kolodinski, Tarmo Hannula, Jaime McFadden, Sarah Ringler, Monica Menard, Malia Fort, Lucia Thomas, Nga Trinh-Halperin
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P.O. Box 3505, Santa Cruz, CA 95063
MAY 2026 | VOL. 30 NO. 5 Printed by Folger Graphics.
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Don’t miss the Growing Up in Santa Cruz videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. To promote your business to thousands of viewers in the area each week, email editor@growingupsc.com or call (408) 656-1519.
Celebrating Mothers in Santa Cruz County
There’s something about Mother’s Day in Santa Cruz County that feels different from anywhere else. Maybe it’s the way the morning fog lifts off the bay just in time for brunch, or the way the redwoods seem to stand a little taller, as if they too are paying respect to the women who’ve shaped this community. Whatever it is, this place has a way of making the second Sunday in May feel personal.
Santa Cruz County mothers are a breed apart. They’re the ones who pack the car for a sunrise surf session before school drop-off, who know the best tide pool spots near Natural Bridges by heart, and who can navigate the farmers market at Cabrillo College with a toddler on one hip and a bag of organic strawberries in the other hand. They volunteer at the food bank, coach the soccer teams, sit on the school boards, and somehow still find time to catch a sunset at West Cliff Drive. They make it look effortless. It isn’t. Motherhood here is woven into the landscape. It’s in the community gardens of Watsonville, where abuelas teach grandchildren how to coax tomatoes from the soil the way their own mothers taught them. It’s in the quiet strength of the women who work the fields in Pajaro Valley, rising before dawn so their kids can have a different life. It’s in the artists and teachers and small business owners of downtown Santa Cruz who build something meaningful while building a family at the same time. These women carry so much, and they do it with a grace that deserves more than one day of recognition. But one day is what we’ve got, so let’s make it count.
Take your mom to breakfast at one of the spots along the wharf, where the sea lions bark their own noisy tribute below. Walk the boardwalk before the crowds arrive, when the morning light turns everything golden and the air smells like salt and possibility. Drive up to Henry Cowell and wander the redwood loop together, where the cathedral of trees makes even a simple walk feel sacred. Pick up flowers at the Live Oak farmers market — not the grocery store kind, but the ones grown by someone local who knows the soil. Sit on the beach at Capitola and do absolutely nothing,
On the Cover
Jaime McFaden, pictured with her daughters, reminds us that motherhood is both beautiful and demanding, a journey carried with love, strength, and often unseen weight. This Mother’s Day, her message is simple: behind every mom is a woman who deserves to feel supported, seen, and held too. Read more on page 22
because sometimes the greatest gift you can give a mother is stillness.
Here are a couple of other special activities: take Mom to see the Scottish Fiddlers: SF Scottish Fiddlers Stravaig Spring Concert at The Crocker Theater in Aptos on Mother’s Day, May 10, at 2pm. It’s the perfect way for the entire family to celebrate Mom! Music Director Caroline McCaskey promises a musical journey like no other! Over 90 musicians on fiddles, cellos, piano, drums, and guitars deliver a spirited performance—ranging from high-energy dance tunes to soulful, romantic melodies. Rooted in Scotland, the adventure expands to Brittany, Galicia, Scandinavia, and Cape Breton. Toe-tapping, seat-dancing, and aisledancing are encouraged! Tickets and info. sfscottishfiddlers.org.
Here’s another interesting one…and I’m involved. It’s in Salinas at Rustique Wines, which is presenting a special party for Moms from 1–4pm.
Enjoy live music from Jam & The Buttered Biscuits, set against beautiful spring weather, while you sip wine, wander the grounds, and enjoy an afternoon made for connection. They’ll have incredible local food, sweet treats, fresh florals, and a curated mix of local vendors offering something special to shop and discover throughout the day. It’s free and all ages are welcome. Hint: I’m a Buttered Biscuit and this band, which plays original songs, and is much loved by Moms!! Address: 1010 River Rd Salinas, CA rustiquewines.com
Mothers give us our first experience of being loved without condition. They teach us resilience not through lectures but through example — by getting up every single day and choosing their families, their communities, their hopes for the future. In Santa Cruz, that spirit runs as deep as the roots of the oldest redwoods in Big Basin.
To every mother here — by birth, by choice, by circumstance, by heart — happy Mother’s Day. This beautiful, weird, wonderful corner of California is better because of you.
Thanks for reading Brad Kava; Publisher
Vision Zero Aims to End Traffic Fatalities and Serious Injuries
Killed or seriously injured accidents account for 20 percent of all accidents in Santa Cruz County.
Our KSIs County-wide rank the highest in the State of California. The traffic cop at the scene for my spouse told us that that particular stop sign junction; Rodriguez and 17th, is ranked one of the worst. Another traffic cop told us Santa Cruz KSIs year after year are “off the charts.”
I serve on the BAC Bicycle Advisory Committee for RTC Regional Transport Commission. Our presentation last night on April 13 was from Bicycle Safety Coalition who is currently promoting all their efforts toward “Vision Zero” —Vision zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all— in her presentation she commented that one of the most powerful strategies they have for breaking the spell of drivers mowing down bicyclists and pedestrians is for those families to be able to tell the story of the multi-faceted long-lasting immense impact on their lives.
Last month March 2026, Growing Up in Santa Cruz magazine published a featured letter to the editor ‘Car Culture is Costing our Kids’... An American woman married to a man from the Netherlands, she tells the story of how they ended the car culture devastation beginning in the ‘70s when they took to the streets under the banner ‘Stop de Kindermoord’ (“Stop the Child Murder”).
Add to these statistics the crushed and maimed bodies of our husbands our wives, our aunties our uncles, our sisters our brothers.
This is a surreal and strange day for us, looking as we are toward my husband’s next surgery, still working to restore to him a functional leg and knee, coming up two years since that fateful day in June 2024.
~ Corrina McFarlane
Vegetarian and Vegan Meals Are the Way To Go
Thank you so much for the Elizabeth Borelli article “When Nutrition Science Meets Politics.”
This is such important information
for families who struggle financially to be healthful. Vegetarian and vegan meals and snacks are not only better for family health, they are more affordable for providing nutritional value, compared to meat-based meals.
Plus, we definitely are what we eat! Here at our home we “Eat the Rainbow” every day. Our food choices have been our real “health insurance” for decades. On top of health effects, the real sweetness of vegetables and fruits comes though once given a chance to compete foods that are not healthy and energizing.
Your Growing Up magazine is such a service to community in so many ways.
~ Jeans
Applause for April Issue and Support for a Modern Catalyst to Revitalize Downtown
Two thoughts I would like to share. First, what an awesome issue the April issue is—so many good articles—a lot of meat on the bones. And the ads
were good, too. Hope you have moved to a new level of significant community journalism.
Second, I know you are a fan of local music and “preserving” the Catalyst, but I think most people are misperceiving the proposal for building on the Catalyst site. Are you aware the Catalyst owners are supporting the proposed building plan? The proposal is to include a specifically designed club space on the ground level. The current owners/operators recognize the current club is archaic, dangerous and barely functional. Funky and sort of charming, but time for a modern design, which incorporates safety, circulation, sound and functionality. That will be a win for the community.
I think your Editor’s Note comments about downtown are right on; the more people with spendable funds the more lively the downtown will be. A modern Catalyst that a wider range of people feel comfortable in is a good thing for downtown. I am bullish on Pacific Ave, even though it is a bit depressing these days.
Anyway, looking forward to Kids Day—I always have a conflict but got it on my calendar this year.
~ Steve Miller
Don’t Turn Your Back on the Ocean ENVIRONMENT
BY RICHARD STOCKTON
Never turn your back on the ocean. Never. Our ocean is called the Pacific, which means “peaceful”, “tranquil.” It usually is. And that’s how the Pacific can set a trap, by being calm first. Rogue waves, also called sneaker waves, are sets that arrive after a lull to push farther up onto the land than the ones before them (californiadiver.com/never-turn-yourback-on-the-ocean/). They can catch people exactly when they’ve decided it’s safe to stop paying attention. Let’s start with the last time I turned my back on the ocean.
Actually, Laurence Bedford started it. My hiking group, we sarcastically self-name The Pillars, likes to walk as close to the ocean as possible. Laurence starts a game of timing the waves crashing against the igneous outcrops.
When the waves pull back you’ve got a few seconds to run over the bare, wet sand, around the volcanic rock outcropping to make it to the next inlet before the next wave lands. Major fun. The tide is coming in fast; our windows of exposed sand are getting shorter by the minute.
Sleepy John Sandidge looks at the appearing and disappearing paths around the outcroppings, nods at the waves crashing against the rock and says, “No way.” He scales the rock on all fours, up to a flatter
rock shelf over the volcanic ridges and strolls north towards the dry beach. Ben Rice says, “Goin’ with ya,” and joins him. But Laurence. Damn. Sometimes the Frenchman scares the holy-crimmoly-hell out of me, and I follow him anyway.
I’m running over wet sand around the outcrop when the rogue wave hits me from behind. The wave turns me, so both hands slap against the rock. The ocean flows over me and presses me flat against the ancient basalt like I’m a flower being pressed in a book, dumb as a daisy. The wave crashes high up on the volcanic rock as it has for millions of years, only this time the violent meeting of land and sea has caught a fool.
The 10-foot wave finally stops it’s climb up the outcrop and looks down on me. Still water does not covey it’s denseness of mass, the unimaginable weight, heavier than a bad decision, until it starts to move like a backyard swimming pool dropping out of the sky sideways, a moving cliff that weighs more than a house.
There’s a particular clarity that comes when you realize that moment when the ocean stops supporting you and starts relocating you. I hear that sucking roar begin, a sound that says I’m going with it to pinball against the igneous shards behind me. There is a flash of light as my sunglasses
vanish. Somewhere deep in the wiring of an older animal, instinct takes over. Faster than thought, I hook my right hand over a knob of rock above me. Fear turns my grip to iron.
Tons of water rush past and pull on my body, but my hand holds. The wave spends itself; my body lowers with it until I release the rock and pull my face out of the wet sand. The wave withdraws as if none of it had been personal at all. It’s like the wave was Sal Tessio at the end of The Godfather, “Tell Mike it was only business.”
Waves just do their business. They are wonderful. They create the very sand that make up the beaches of our vacation destinations. They let you surf on top of them. When they crash into the rocks, they fill the air with a spray pattern that is as unique as a snowflake. But they don’t look out for your safety.
“Don’t turn your back on the ocean” sounds like something printed on a lifeguard tower that we nod at and ignore. But at our own peril. It doesn’t just mean “take a look at the water”, it means keep your body turned to face the ocean. Doing this occasionally doesn’t work. The Pacific doesn’t escalate gradually; it can be smooth as glass and then jump to a violent conclusion. Show it respect.
An old surfer told me, “The ocean runs on rhythm, until it doesn’t. Stand where
you think you’re safe, then take three more steps back. Watch the water for a full minute before you commit to where you’re standing and keep watching. Quiet stretches are often the prelude to a surge.”
If you take your family to West Cliff, Davenport, or any of the stunning places where land drops into the sea, please remember rocks are not a safe place to hang. They are where the water does its most violent work. A wave that is harmless on open sand can become deadly force when it meets stone. When the water pulls back, it’s not done, it’s gathering. It’s never done.
For families, there is another layer to this. Kids are lighter; they go down faster. And for the geezer set, like me and my hiking buddies, we don’t have the luxury of acute balance or quick reaction time. A rogue wave knocked me flat when I was younger and friskier. Any wave knockdown in cold Pacific water now could make me inhale at exactly the wrong moment.
None of this means you shouldn’t walk the edge. Walking close to the ocean is one of my favorite things in life.
The whole reason we walk out there is to feel something larger than ourselves, to stand where the land ends and let the colossal scale of it reset us. Just don’t confuse beauty with safety. On some cosmic level, waves love you. But they have work to do. It’s just business.
What Your Toddler Is Really Learning During a Meltdown
BY SUSAN TATSUI-D’ARCY
Every parent has been there. You’re in the grocery store, trying to leave preschool, or just attempting to get your child into the car. Suddenly, your toddler melts down—crying, yelling, maybe even hitting --- because he wants that toy. And almost instantly, something shifts in you.
Your voice tightens. Your patience disappears. You feel everyone’s eyes on you. Maybe you’re embarrassed. Maybe you’re frustrated. Maybe you’re just exhausted.
And in that moment, without realizing it, you’ve joined the meltdown.
This is where most parents go wrong. We react. We rush. We try to shut it down as quickly as possible. We say things like, “Stop it right now,” or “That’s enough,” or we grab our child and remove them from the situation without addressing what is happening.
The problem is, your child still wants that toy.
Now the situation has shifted. It’s no longer about the toy. It’s about emotion—yours and theirs. And children are incredibly sensitive to that. They pick up on your stress, your tone, your disappointment. Some children escalate because of it. Others shut down. Either way, the original goal gets lost.
What the child learns in that moment is
not how to get what they want. They learn how powerful and scary emotions can be. They see their normally adoring mother turn into a mean monster, and that situations can spiral out of control quickly. And sometimes, they learn that their loudest or most intense behavior gets the biggest reaction. Oops, not what we want.
So let’s make this a teachable moment by bringing it back to the goal.
Your toddler’s goal is simple: “I want the toy.”
So instead of reacting to the behavior, calmly ask, “Do you want the toy?” Even a very young child understands that question. Then follow it with, “Is crying getting you the toy?” or “Is hitting working?”
This is where the shift happens. You are not scolding. You are helping them think.
Toddlers are much smarter than we give them credit for. They already notice when something is off limits. They know when they’re pushing a boundary. They absolutely notice your reactions—your tone, your face, your body language. What they don’t yet understand is how all of it connects.
That’s what we can teach.
“When you hit, Mommy gets upset. When Mommy gets upset, we have to leave. Then you don’t get the toy.” Pause. Take a breath so they can process this.
That’s not blame. That’s cause and effect.
Many parents hesitate here because they don’t want their child to feel bad or think, “Mommy is upset with me.” But avoiding that conversation actually creates more confusion. The child still sees your reaction—they just don’t understand it.
At the same time, there is a very important line we cannot cross. The child must never feel that your love is at risk or is conditional.
So while you are explaining what isn’t working, you anchor them: “I love you. It’s okay to want the toy. Let’s think about a good way to ask for it.”
This is where another common mistake happens. Parents either become too harsh in the moment, or they swing the other direction and give in just to make the situation stop. Both teach the wrong lesson.
Overreacting teaches the child that emotions are unpredictable and overwhelming.
Giving in teaches the child that escalation works.
Neither teaches them good communication skills.
What actually works is surprisingly simple, but it requires discipline from the adult. You stay calm. You slow things down. You bring the focus back to the goal, and then you show them a strategy that works.
“Can you say, ‘Can I have a turn?’”
When they try—even imperfectly— you acknowledge it. That’s the moment they begin to learn: this works.
Meltdowns are uncomfortable. They are inconvenient. And no parent handles them perfectly every time.
But they are also one of the most important teaching moments we have.
In these moments, children are not just learning about toys or limits. They are learning how the world works. They are learning how other people respond. And most importantly, they are learning strategies to adjust, communicate, and eventually get what they need in a positive way.
If we can stay focused on that—on helping them understand what works— we turn a meltdown into something far more valuable than just getting through the moment.
We teach them how to navigate life.
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.
Celebrating nearly 24 years of theater, and over 190 productions in Santa Cruz County. Offering training in the performing arts for children aged (3-6), Youth (6-10), Pre-teen (10-14) & Teens (14-18) and Adults. Our upcoming Summer Season; Fiddler on the Roof Jr., Moana Jr. and Dear Evan Hansen will be performing at our home at The Colligan Theater, located in the heart of the Tannery Arts Center at 1010 River Street, Santa Cruz. With a new state-of-the-art theater, we will be offering an array of one week theater & performing arts camps as well as audio visual, stage managing, lighting design & more. There’s a place for everyone! Come be a part of the magic of theater this Summer.
“Our family loves this amazing community! We started a year and a half ago and my daughter has flourished and challenged herself. Lindsey Chester has brought out gifts that my daughter did not know that she has. Please run, don’t walk and join us!” ~ Joanna E.
Art Factory Studios
7960 Soquel Drive
831.400.2744
info@artfactorystudios.com artfactorystudios.com
Explore creativity at Art Factory Studios! Kids 5-17 discover unique subjects each week, with beloved themes like Cats, Cats, Cats! and Art for the County Fair. In our popular Ceramics camps, students will learn hand-building and glazing for kilnfiring. Small groups and expert instructors ensure every child is supported. Camps fill quickly—register today!
Camp Gateway
255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz
831.423.0341
gatewaysc.org/lower-school/campgateway-2026
Unplug and Engage at Camp Gateway! Gateway School Santa Cruz is hosting a screen-free interactive summer camp for rising 1st - 5th graders. Campers will engage in counselor-led activities and enrichment classes. Full and half day classes available. June 15 - July 17th. Register now (QR code - see our ad in this month’s issue). For more information, visit gatewaysc.org.
Chartwell School
2511 Numa Watson Road, Seaside 831.394.3468
www.chartwell.org/summer
Summer Chartwell School, located on 60 acres in Seaside, CA, serves students with dyslexia and other related learning differences who are not currently reaching their full potential. We do this in grades 1-12 by providing targeted and direct instruction to empower learners with the skills, strategies, tools, and social-emotional mindset they need to thrive in college and beyond. Summer@Chartwell is a three-week program that emphasizes literacy, math, STEAM, and enrichment skills. “Before we found Chartwell, our son was struggling every night with homework, his confidence shattered because he couldn’t understand why learning was so difficult for him. At Chartwell, he gained the tools and skills to support his learning profile, and now he confidently advocates for himself and is excelling in high school. I can’t express enough how profoundly Chartwell changed our son’s life—and ours.” ~ Milda E., Parent of Chartwell Alumnus
Drawn2Art Studios
19C Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos 831.661.5652
Aptos@Drawn2ArtStudios.com drawn2artclasses.com
SIGN-UP NOW – OFFERING REALLY FUN SUMMER CAMPS! Sign-up by or before April 30th, Receive – $40 OFF each camp. New Students ONLY Pay the Registration Fee. Learn about our Summer Camps, each camp is themed! Here are some of the really fun summer camps we are offering: Anime & Cartooning: Learn to draw traditional-style Anime and create your own Anime self-portrait. Cartoon Clay Camp: Learn sculpting and painting methods, create landscapes, characters and more. Portraiture: Learn the fundamentals of drawing different portraits, covering different techniques and working in different media (graphite charcoal, colored pencils, pastels and more). Offering many more. Come Join Us for a Fun-Filled Day!. Also, offering a Free Trial Class for our studio art classes!
International Academy of Dance IADance.com | NutcrackerSantaCruz.com info@IADance.com 831.466.0458
International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Jazz. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to a hundred and two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio! Come see us on stage in Swan Lake: Wings of Desire at the Landing in Scotts Valley, the first week of June! Awarded Best of Growing Up in Santa Cruz 2023, 2024 & 2025, and First Place in the Lookout List inaugural year 2025!
Into the Heart of Nature
Tara Redwood School Campus, 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel 831.462.9632
office@tararedwoodschool.org
tararedwoodschool.org/summer-camp/
Located on 108 acres of Redwoods, oaks, and sunny meadows bordered by bubbling creeks, our big playground, a sunny clearing in the woods, will be the center of our camp activities of fun games, nature exploration, and nature-themed art. Each week we will focus on one of the essential elements that support all life; earth, water, air, and heat; explored through themes of the forest, ocean, earth, and the universe. As we learn more about the interconnectedness of our world, children will develop friendships, practice mindfulness, and learn how to care for each other, animals, bugs, and the environment we all share. 9am – 3:00pm, ages 4 - 8.
Jim Booth Swim School
Watsonville 831.722.3500
Jimboothswimschool.com
Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to our adult beginner class. The whole family can splash together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree indoor pool that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. Developmental swim team and advanced swim lessons will be offered at our outdoor pool located in Watsonville at Toadal fitness. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!
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 staff that encourages every child to grow at their own pace while supporting social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goal is to promote confidence and self-esteem in our students, open up their imaginations, and help them experience the joy of movement in an ever-changing environment designed to test their skills.
Kennolyn Day Camps
8205 Hacienda Lane, Soquel
831.479.6714
kennolyncamps.com/santa-cruz-day/
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.
La Madrona Athletic Club
1897 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz 831.438.1072
lamadronaclub.com
La Madrona Athletic Club is located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains and remains a premier club for health and wellness, balancing a gorgeous facility with a family-friendly environment. Our summer youth programs are offered year around. La Madrona offers high-level instructional camps for tennis and swimming as well as an all-day sports camp in the summer. Summer sports camp is an outdoor camp that will provide children the opportunity to develop their sports skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem through fun games, swimming, and tennis activities.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History 705 Front St, Santa Cruz 831.429.1964
info@santacruzmah.org
This summer, the MAH is offering two vibrant creative camps, each running for one week and filled with hands-on learning. Art & Ecology Camp, led by muralist Jesica Evanjelista, invites campers ages 7-13 to create murals inspired by art and nature. Dance As Moving Art, led by Motion Pacific Dance instructors Gabi Piazza and Kali Lucas, encourages teens ages 11-17 to choreograph and tell stories through movement. All camps run 9am–1pm, with optional care until 3 pm. Snacks and materials are included. Space is limited, reserve your spot today!
Mountain of Fun, Mount Madonna School 491 Summit Road, Watsonville 408.847.2717 mountmadonnaschool.org/summer
Summer day camps on Mount Madonna School’s 380-acre redwoodforest campus offering weekly summer camps: Nature explorers age 3-6, June 22-July 31, Mountain Explorers age 6-9, July 6-July 31, Redwood Explorers ages 9-13, July 6-July 31. Students enjoy arts and crafts, hiking, sports camps, STEAM projects, astronomy, team-building and an overnight campout for Redwood Explorers. Horse camp option available for campers 7+. Play in nature, cultivate relationships, build skills, and more – unplugged, outdoors, and active! Camps are Monday through Friday, 9am-3:30 pm. Transportation is available. Details and registration online at www.mountmadonnaschool.org/summer. Music Together/MusicalMe, Inc. Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County Call/Text: 831.332.9002 registrar@musicalme.com musicalme.com
Come join the fun at our Music Together classes – where magical moments happen through playful, rich, and engaging music experiences! Let your little ones, from babies to preschoolers, explore their inner music maker alongside you, their favorite grown-up. Our music and movement classes are not only a blast but also provide essential support for your child’s early development. Summeronly special: Unlimited Bonus Classes! Join us now and create beautiful memories together.
Redwood Music Camps info@CommunityMusicSchool.org CommunityMusicSchool.org
Santa Cruz Soccer Camp 831.316.3138
santacruzsoccercamp@gmail.com
santacruzsoccercamp.com
Santa
Celebrating over 40 years of camp, Santa Cruz Soccer Camp offers a fun and supportive environment where learning happens through enjoyment. Designed for kids ages 5 to 14, the camp features nine weekly sessions throughout the summer. With an average
Waldorf Redwood Summer Camp 2026
Santa Cruz Waldorf School, PreK-8 2190 Empire Grade Santa Cruz 831.425.0519
santacruzwaldorf.org
Santa
831.462.0655
scgym.com info@scgym.com
sevendirectionsinfo@gmail.com sevendirections.org
1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey 831.655.9386 summercamp@santacatalina.org santacatalina.org/summercamp
Does your child play an instrument? Let them take a deep dive into Celtic music with other young musicians this summer. They’ll have fun, learn new tunes, and become better musicians. Redwood Music Camps offer excellent teachers, a supportive and fun environment, and the opportunity to make new friends. For players of violin, viola, flute, penny whistle, recorder, harp, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion, small keyboards, cello, and bass. Teen Camp (June) is a one-week sleepover camp for ages 12-18. Kid Camp (July) is a two-week day camp for ages 7-13. Information and registration is online at CommunityMusicSchool.org.
Aikido Summer Camp for Kids + Teens offers an experience for young people to develop body, mind, and spirit. These camps (June 8-12 + June 15-19) include traditional martial arts training both indoors and outdoors in nature, mindfulness and breathing practices, games to enhance awareness and agility, traditional brush calligraphy lessons, arts and crafts, and more. Your child’s experience is designed to develop mental focus, interpersonal skills, and the ability to create and maintain internal peace – all fundamental aspects of Aikido. Learn more at aikidosantacruz.org/summercamp
Alicia Telfer
Midtown Creative Studio
511 Swift Street, Unit G, Santa Cruz Aliciatelfer.com/summer
This isn’t your typical summer camp. It’s where creativity clicks, literally. In these immersive photography and art experiences with Alicia Telfer, kids and teens step into a space designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and actually learn how to create. With a thoughtful, workshop-style approach, campers explore light, composition, and artistic expression while developing real foundational skills. Known for her patience and eye for detail, Alicia meets each student where they are and guides them toward their own unique style. If your child is ready to think differently, see differently, and create boldly, this is where it begins.
Be Natural Music Camp
740 Water St., Santa Cruz
831.515.2588
benaturalmusic.live/music-camp-santa-cruz
At Be Natural Music Camp, kids and teens compose original music, create music videos, and record their songs in a professional recording studio. After camp, these original songs are professionally produced and uploaded to SoundCloud.
Boulder Creek Recreation Summer Camps bcrpd.org/kids-classes
831.338.4144
BCRPD summer camps at Bear Creek Community Center offer an exciting, well-rounded experience for kids ages 6–11. Campers enjoy hands-on science, creative arts, sports, and
With
and
helping
creative, and adventurous all summer long. Cabrillo Extension Summer Camps for Kids 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos 831.479.6331 extension@cabrillo.edu extension.cabrillo.edu/youth
Cabrillo Extension Summer Camps for Kids offers diverse, high-quality camps for developing young brains and growing young bodies. All camps are focused on specific content, so campers and families choose the camp based on their interest. Join us for cooking & baking camps, games design & coding camps, sports camps, music & art camps, or science & exploration camps. Camps available 6 through 17 years old. Choose half day camps, or create your own custom designed full day schedule! Dozens of new camps this summer, and plenty of returning favorites. Join us for one week, or all summer long!
My child loved this camp and hopes that it will be offered next summer!
Join us for Cabrillo Youth Chorus’ Annual Summer Voice Camp at Cabrillo College (9:00am–3:00pm during July 27–31). Our week-long voice camp, designed for students ages 8–18, provides an unforgettable experience as students participate in voice, staging, choir, Orff, musicianship, and composition classes. Our camp culminates with a performance in Cabrillo’s Samper Recital Hall. Students of all experience levels are welcome. They also receive college credit! For more information, visit our website or contact director Carlin Truong at catruong@cabrillo.edu.
Community Mountain Gym
Santa Cruz Mountains
831.216.6186
communitymountaingym@gmail.com
includes art projects, simple science activities, and visits to local fire stations, libraries, and parks. Join us for an active, engaging summer filled with movement, creativity, and community connection!
Dancenter
810 Bay Ave., Capitola dancenterinfo.com
Ready to make a move this summer? Dancenter is thrilled to announce our vibrant summer session running from June 22nd to August 1st! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, we welcome all ages and levels to join our 6-week program. Experience a diverse range of styles led by our friendly instructors, including: Classical & Technique: Ballet, Pointe, and Contemporary Rhythm & Groove: Hip-Hop, Tap, and Jazz Specialty Styles: Acro Dance and Latin Visit us at 810 Bay Ave., Capitola, or register online. Start dancing your way to joy today!
Growing Social 408.806.4603
info@growingsocial.org growingsocial.org/
Growing Social serves students ages 5–young adults who could benefit from support with social-emotional learning (including perspective taking, emotional regulation, problem solving, flexible thinking, etc.). Serving those with Social Communication Disorder, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, social anxiety, and those without a formal diagnosis. Small, age- and skill-matched groups are led by Speech-Language Pathologists who specialize in teaching Social Thinking®. Farm animals, gardening, cooking, and other creative group activities are utilized to teach and practice social learning concepts. Social vocational and camp counselor opportunities for teens and young adults. Weekly school-year sessions and therapeutic summer camps available.
LPRT Little People Repertory Theater
Janinne Chadwick
832.334.4321 lprt.org info@lprt.org
Little People’s Repertory Theatre has offered a one-of-a-kind summer musical theater program for ages 8–14 in the San Lorenzo Valley for over 50 years. Artistic Director Janinne Chadwick creates original rock musicals blending classic tales with contemporary stories and 20+ pop and classic rock parodies. LPRT combines a social-emotional camp experience with high-quality productions that regularly sell out. Strong parent and community involvement set it apart. Programs also include Creative Dramatics for children under 8 and a teen mentorship program.
Mathnasium of Aptos
24 Rancho del Mar, Aptos
831.621.5978
mathnasium.com/Aptos
Catch up…Keep up…Get ahead! We Make Math Make Sense. Mathnasium’s summer program is designed to help students strengthen their math skills in a fun, engaging environment during the summer break. It focuses on personalized learning plans tailored to each student’s needs, whether they are catching up, keeping skills sharp, or getting ahead. Students work with trained instructors who use Mathnasium’s proven methods to build understanding, confidence, and problem-solving abilities. Sessions include interactive activities, games, and rewards to keep students motivated. The program aims to prevent summer learning loss while fostering a positive attitude toward math, helping students return to school better prepared and more confident.
Santa Cruz SPCA
2601 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
831.566.3753 ruth@spcasc.org spcasc.org/camps/
Discover the real-life superpowers of animals — from lightning-fast speed and clever problem-solving to incredible survival skills and heroic ways animals help us every day. Through games, creativity, and hands-on experiences, campers will learn how kindness, understanding, and compassion are the greatest superpowers of all. See website for dates!
WEST Performing Arts
831.425.9378
Santa Cruz
westperformingarts.com
SUMMER 2026: LEGENDARY
ADVENTURE! Get ready for next-level imagination with WEST Performing Arts — our inclusive, process-based youth theatre programs for ages 6–18. We meet every creator exactly where they are through literature-rich, fantasy-infused classes, camps, and original works. From immersive day camps to acting, performance, and technical theatre, we prioritize joyful collaboration and creative journey over polished product. Build confidence, empathy, and community. Come play — best over perfect. Always.
“WEST creates a space where kids can be themselves, take risks, and grow in confidence through theatre. Highly recommend for any child who loves stories and imagination.” ~ Parent of a WEST student
California Ocean Alliance, Org. 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8 Aptos, CA 95003
California Ocean Alliance is hosting two summer courses for high schoolers interested in marine science! For those students 14-19 years of age and interested in learning more about marine mammals living in Monterey Bay, this class is for you! Twelve lucky students visit special field locations around Monterey Bay, learning from local scientists and educators how to use tools and techniques to study these awesome ocean creatures. June 15-19 or July 27-31. Sign up today at www.CAoceanalliance. org
Seahorse Swim School, Inc.
Tiffany Harmon Aptos and Santa Cruz Seahorseswimmers@gmail.com www.SeahorseSwimSchool.com
Seahorse Swim School, led by owner Tiffany Harmon, has been a trusted name in aquatic education along the California Coast for decades. With nearly 40 years of teaching experience, Tiffany brings passion, expertise, and a deep commitment to water safety to the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge. Offering swim programming April through October, Seahorse provides group lessons, private lessons, and parent-tot classes for children six months and up. Children, adults, teens, and everyone in between are welcome! At her second location, Seahorse Swim Academy above the Aptos Library, Tiffany teaches private lessons in a warm-water pool within a serene, distraction-free environment — perfect for those needing individualized attention and care.
Santa Cruz Maker Studios
427 Swift St, Santa Cruz 831.265.2621 scmakerstudios.com
Santa Cruz Maker Studios offers summer fun for ages 7 to 12, where kids create custom projects in our 3D printing, woodworking, and sewing studios. Instructors guide campers through themed-projects including robotics, games, puppets, and fantasy worlds while building real crafting skills. Sessions run May 25 to August 5.
STUDENT’S VIEW
Queering the Forest
BY SOPHIA GARCIA
The first time I ever heard the word “gay”, it was met with laughter and ridicule by my classmates. We were in third grade, listening to our teacher read a book about a swan who couldn’t sing like the rest of his flock.
I didn’t know what the word meant yet, but I was still old enough to know that staying silent when a “good” joke was told made you stand out. So I laughed with them. Of course, “gay” had been written with its older meaning in mind: happy, carefree, cheerful.
Three years later, when I realized I was that thing my classmates had laughed about, I was lucky to be met with open arms by a little pocket of fellow queers at my middle school. For some, grades 6-8 are the worst years of adolescence–rife with vicious social hierarchies and growing pains of the physical and psychological variety. But in that group, lovingly named the “Skittle Squad” for our colorful array of identities, I felt safe. Together we celebrated coming-outs and cartoon crushes, changes in pronouns and messy middle school dating drama.
This pocket of safety is exactly the
feeling that the Queer Youth Task Force wants to invoke at this year’s Queer Youth Leadership Awards, and it’s all thanks to a small group of students at Pajaro Valley High School (PVHS). Every year, the Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA) partners with a different high school in Santa Cruz County, and this year, as the QYLA Production Intern, I had the honor of working with students from PVHS, who came from the school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) club and Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) club. I was so nervous before our first meeting together–what if they didn’t care about queer and trans celebration? What if they lost interest and said it was too much work? What if they simply didn’t have the energy?
My concerns were blown away by the end of the meeting. These students are passionate, creative, ambitious, driven–and also, very funny. Many of them are
balancing the weight of multiple different interests and obligations, dipping into theater, sports, leadership, academics, and of course, the weight of growing up queer and trans at a time where being those things puts a target on your back. These students voluntarily show up to each meeting (which, for the record, happens during a school period that they could be using for anything else) prepared and invested to discuss whatever I bring to the agenda for the day. It’s at these meetings that the students developed the theme for this year’s Queer Youth Leadership Awards: “Found in the Forest”.
If you come to QYLA 2026, you’ll hear the explanation for the theme from the students themselves during the show–but I’ll give you the gist here. The theme comes from the saying, “are we out of the woods yet?” And while we aren’t out of the woods yet, not until classrooms or courtrooms stop lighting up at the word “gay” or “trans”, we can still find one another in this wild world. We can take hands, join together, and create our own space to find peace, even if only for a moment.
Being queer gives us the opportunity to choose our family trees. In a sense, the bonds we make together as queer people
strengthen our ability to withstand even the coldest nights in the forest; we make our own clearings.
This theme, created by youth who are living the reality of queerness and otherness of all kinds, emphasizes why the Queer Youth Leadership Awards are still so important. It’s not just an award show, and not even just a celebration. It’s a pocket. It’s a clearing. It’s a time to be gay.
I hope you’ll join me at the 29th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA) on Saturday, May 9 at Pajaro Valley High School in Watsonville at 5:30 pm where we will all be honoring and celebrating queer and trans youth leaders as QYLA nominees & awardees along with their allies.
Sophia Garcia, she/they, is a second year Intensive Psychology student at UC Santa Cruz. She got the opportunity to intern at QYLA through UCSC’s Psychology Field Study program.
Three awards are presented at the ceremony, the Queer Youth Leadership Award, the Ally to Queer Youth Award, and the Organizational Ally to Queer Youth Award. To read about all of the 2026 nominees and learn more about the awards ceremony, visit QYLA.org or call 831.427.4004.
Values Over Rules
BY SHIRA COLEMAN HAGAR
Okay, so it didn’t happen exactly like this… But pretty much…
My children are 6 and 4. I slept in one morning and woke up to two children with my phone sitting at the kitchen table, with the honey bear and a box of graham crackers.
Me: “What are you doing?”
Them: Stares
Me: “I told you you could not watch cartoons and eat junk food!”
The 6 year old: “No Mama, you said no sugar cereal while we watched TV. We’re not doing that.”
Me: face palm, eye roll, turn around so they don’t see me laugh
What did I learn? My children were excellent at getting around my “rules” and they were only going to get better at it.
Thank you Positive Discipline! I immediately thought of the lessons on Praise VS Encouragement. Not because I was tempted to praise them in that moment, but because one of the things I had heard suddenly had a new application. I heard that if I was going to praise my children (which could teach them to seek external validation instead of having their own self worth,) I should consider praising the underlying value
that the child was exhibiting instead of the outcome or product of their efforts. For example, instead of saying “What a beautiful picture!” I should say “I saw you really concentrating on making that! Tell me about what you drew.”
If these wily boys were going to take what I said literally, I needed some catch all, can’t get around it, take that smarties, kind of rules!
Thus were born our families 5 rules:
Be healthy
Be kind
Be generous
Be respectful
Be happy
Parenting got so much easier with this small set of “rules”. From then on, at the grocery store check out, when the boys mommy-can-I-haved me with all the candy bars, I looked down with a thinking expression and said, “hm, is that healthy?”
Them: “Can we have strawberries?”
Me: “Yes! Strawberries are a healthy choice. We can definitely get strawberries”
Focusing on the values we want our children to have as adults helps them think about their choices instead of my rules. We all win.
They begin to self direct to positive healthy choices.
My parenting life gets easier, more clear, less to manage and fewer “no”s and headache inducing power struggles.
It puts us on the same team, with the rules as the authority and us together trying to apply them as best we can.
It’s easier for me to keep all the rules in my head and embody them in my own actions so I become a better role model.
It’s easier for them to remember what is expected so they can be more confident and feel more empowered and successful.
When they fly the nest, they will have some great values in place, but WITH great skills to live them out in their day to day decision making.
I think of my parenting style as “investment parenting”. It might take longer the first few times but then the pay off comes when my children pick up the baton and start applying their skills to new problems on their own.
“No hitting” becomes “be kind”, but that also applies to using kind words, saying please and thank you, and petting the cat gently.
“Take turns” becomes “be generous”, but that also applies to offering some of your snack, giving your time to do a good deed, giving your lightly used toys to a toy drive, or letting your little brother play with you even if he’s annoying.
“Listen when I’m talking to you”
becomes “Be respectful”, which also covers listen to your teacher, no name calling, clean your hands in the sink not on my pants, cover your cough, make eye contact and smile at people, and give your grandma the seat if there is only one left.
“Be happy” seems like it might create selfishness but taken together with the other rules it reminds us that these rules apply to us too! It is important to choose happiness even during our difficult times and find small things to focus on to create some joy for ourselves and others. It encourages us to focus on the one thing we can control, our own attitudes. And it helps us to let go of resentments and disappointment as soon as we are able. It is important to remember that we will not always be happy, but actually, it’s important to remember that we won’t ALWAYS be kind, or generous or respectful or choose the most healthy option either. We will have a little of everything and we will never be perfect. Mistakes are opportunities to learn! And some mistakes create fun, awesome outcomes! Some offer important life lessons, or give new insights to solving a problem.
These types of “rules” can be a guiding light. They also invite us to be generous and kind to ourselves and others as we remain human.
SUN 3
New Brighton Cohousing Open House 1-4pm Creative and cooperative activities for kids, with adults invited to learn about cohousing, mingle and chat with the community. newbrightoncoho.org
SAT 9
Pitch In All County Cleanup Day Help clean beaches, parks, neighborhoods and local trouble spots across Santa Cruz County during this countywide volunteer effort. Families, schools and community groups are encouraged to register cleanups in advance. Various locations, Santa Cruz County. pitchinsantacruz.org
Friends of the Scotts Valley Library Book Sale 10am-3pm Browse gently used books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, puzzles
and games, including children’s books and books on gardening, crafts, cooking, travel, history, nature, humor and poetry. Scotts Valley Branch Library, Scotts Valley. svlfriends.org
Swift Street Flea Market 10am-4pm free Explore vintage clothing, locally made art, jewelry, handmade treasures, live music, coffee and local drinks while shopping for unique finds. Swift Street Courtyard, Santa Cruz. instagram.com
Tannery Arts Center Spring Art Market 10am-5pm free Shop local art, ceramics, jewelry, textiles and handmade goods, with live music, food, open studios and a flower booth just in time for Mother’s Day. Tannery Arts Center, Santa Cruz. tanneryartscenter.org
Second Saturday on the Farm 11am3pm The Agricultural History Project’s
2nd Saturday events are like taking a step back in time. Grab your cowboy hat and put on your boots and come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon on the farm! In addition to special activities, you’ll be able to milk a “cow”, drive-a-tractor, and enjoy crafts, hayrides, puppet show, antique engines and museum exhibits. aghistoryproject. org/2nd-saturday-on-the-farm
Swing Dancing 2-5:30pm You will find music, friends, and food while you improve your dancing digs. All levels, and various styles plus a social dance with great ambiance are welcome! Go Join the fun on the Second Saturday evening of each month at the Santa Cruz Wharf stage. cityofsantacruz.com
She Is Beautiful Santa Cruz Race 8:30am Join a supportive and uplifting 5K and 10K along West Cliff Drive, welcoming runners, walkers and stroller-pushers of all levels, with a post-race celebration overlooking the ocean. West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. runsheisbeautiful.com
SUN 10
Antiques Faire 8am-5pm The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Vendors offer an eclec-
tic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more. Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.
Artisan Faire noon-4pm Head to Abbott Square every second Sunday of the month for free live music while you browse handmade jewelry, soap, clothing, and much more! There is always something at these events that has your name on it! abbottsquaremarket.com/events
The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers 2-5pm More than 70 musicians perform lively Scottish-rooted music with fiddles, cellos, piano, drums and guitars, ranging from dance tunes to soulful melodies. Cabrillo College Crocker Theater, Aptos. sfscottishfiddlers.org
TUES 12
Gateway Tour 9-11am Visit the school on one of the monthly Tuesday tours and see why Gateway was voted Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz. Hang with our kindergarteners on Kindy Island, see what’s growing in the Life Lab outdoor classroom, join the middle schoolers for a science experiment, and see first hand the unique benefits of a K - 8 education. gatewaysc.org
THU 14
Ocean Alternative Open House 1-3pm Learn about Ocean Alternative, a K-8 independent study and homeschool program in Live Oak School District, with school tours, art activities and staff available to answer questions. Ocean Alternative Education Center, Santa Cruz. oa.losd.ca
SAT 16
4th Annual Birth and Baby Fair 10am2pm free A family-friendly day for expecting parents, new families and caregivers of children ages 0-5, with local resources, providers, workshops, activities, raffles and wellness support. The Circle Family Center, Aptos. thecirclefamilycenter.org
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Drone Light Show 9-9:15pm free Watch a drone light show over Main Beach at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with rides, games and treats before the nighttime display. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz. santacruzca.gov
SUN 17
Downtown Makers Market 10am-5pm
Visit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers & artists every third Sunday of the month on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln streets. scmmakersmarket.com
Dia De La Familia 9am-1pm free Live Oak School District students, caregivers, staff and future families are invited to celebrate community food and wellness, with the first 100 families receiving $10 in tokens for fresh fruits and veggies. santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Hike4Peace 10:30am-2pm free Hike the 8 Verses Trail, collect color bracelets, enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, live music and raffle prizes while supporting peace-focused fundraising. Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel. tararedwoodschool.org
Watsonville Strawberry Fields Forever Road Bike Event 7am5pm $90-$135 Ride scenic coastal and countryside routes with distances up to 100 miles, featuring rest stops, lunch, SAG support and a festive postride meal with strawberries and treats.
Pajaro Valley High School, Watsonville. cyclistsforculturalexchange.org
WED 21
Crow’s Nest Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts 5:30-8:30pm free Enjoy weekly beachside BBQ dinners with live music, dancing and sunset views in a relaxed family-friendly setting overlooking the harbor. Crow’s Nest Beach, Santa Cruz. crowsnest-santacruz.com
SAT 23
Felton Parade and Covered Bridge Festival 11am-4pm free Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a traditional parade, followed by live music, food, drinks, specialty vendors, jump houses and festival games for kids. Covered Bridge Park, Felton. facebook.com
FRI-SAT 23-24
Roaring Camp Lumberjack Days
Step back into logging history with live competitions, kids activities, BBQ, music and family entertainment celebrating traditional lumberjack skills in the redwoods. Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton. roaringcamp.com
TUE 26
Santa Cruz Wharf Live Concert Series free Evening waterfront concerts featuring local bands, dancing and ocean views along the wharf, offering a lively midweek music experience for all ages. Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz. santacruz.org
SAT 30
Cocoanut Grove Monster Midway Market Browse a curated indoor market featuring vintage goods, collectibles, art, clothing and unique finds inside the historic Cocoanut Grove at the Boardwalk. Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz.
SAT-SUN 30-31
Roaring Camp Redwood Mountain Faire Enjoy live music, local food, beer, cider and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods during this annual community music festival. Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton. redwoodmountainfaire.com
GUiSC will attempt to update the calendar listings as needed; however, it is the responsibility of the organization listed to provide updated information. GUiSC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Readers are encouraged to check the accuracy of the information provided. Events that are free or cost less than $10 can be submitted for inclusion in the calendar. GUiSC does not guarantee that a submitted event will automatically be included. Preference is given for events of interest to children and/or parents. Submit entries at growingupsc.com/events/ community/add. Calendar entries must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the event. To find out more about promoting your event further or including a paid event, email advertising@growingupsc.com.
Before Learning Comes Safety in the Body
BY TOVAH PETRA KOLODINSKI
The polyvagal theory, introduced by Stephen Porges, has shifted how many of us understand behavior, connection, and emotional well-being.
At its core, it offers a simple but powerful reframe.
Children are not misbehaving. They are responding.
And what they are responding to is their nervous system.
When we begin to see children through this lens, everything changes. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this child?” we begin to ask, “What is their nervous system experiencing right now?”
This shift matters because behavior is communication.
In many settings, including schools, we see behaviors that feel confusing or overwhelming. A child who cannot sit still. A child who avoids or shuts down. A child who pushes, runs, or reacts quickly.
Through a nervous system lens, these are not problems to fix. They are states to understand.
Polyvagal theory helps us recognize that children move through different states of safety and stress throughout the day. When a child experiences a sense of safety and connection, their body is more available for engagement, relationship, and learning. When that sense is disrupted, the body shifts into protection.
This might look like movement and impulsivity, withdrawal, or big emotional reactions. Not because they are choosing it, but because their nervous system is doing its job.
You may have come across approaches that focus on reflex integration, supporting early patterns in the body that shape how a child moves, processes, and responds to the world.
At the core, this reflects something important. The nervous system plays a central role in how children experience everything.
And when the body does not feel settled, it can show up in big behaviors, constant movement, or difficulty engaging.
In my work, I hold this understanding and expand it.
Because while the body is essential, children don’t learn to regulate on their own. It happens through connection.
Through co-regulation.
Through feeling safe with another human.
Through being understood, not managed.
When we support the nervous system within relationship, we are helping children build trust in their bodies, their environment, and the people around them. That is where meaningful, lasting change begins.
But what does feeling safe in the body actually mean?
It does not mean everything around a child is calm or that they are always still
or well-behaved.
Safety in the body is an internal experience.
It is when a child’s nervous system senses, “I am okay here. I do not need to protect myself right now.”
When a child feels more at ease internally, their breathing becomes steadier, their body softens, and they are more available for connection and engagement. It does not mean they never struggle. It means their system has the capacity to return.
When that sense of safety is not present, the nervous system shifts into protection.
Some children become more active, seeking movement or acting impulsively. Others shut down, avoid, or disconnect. Some move between both.
These are not choices in the way we often think of behavior. They are responses from a body trying to find stability.
This is why internal safety matters so much in learning.
Because meaningful learning is not just about instruction. It depends on a child’s ability to be regulated enough to take in and process what is being offered.
When a child’s system is in protection, their brain is focused on survival. There is little capacity left for processing information, following directions, or engaging socially.
But as the body shifts out of protection, those pathways begin to open.
Attention becomes more available.
Connection becomes easier.
Learning becomes possible.
And this is true for all children, including children with autism and children with ADHD.
This understanding offers us an opportunity to gently evolve how we support children within our schools.
Classrooms are often designed around structure, timing, and group expectations. These systems exist for good reason, and educators are doing meaningful work every day.
At the same time, many young children move through a school day filled with frequent transitions. They may be asked to engage in an activity briefly and then quickly shift to the next. For some nervous systems, especially in early childhood, this constant shifting can feel activating rather than supportive.
Transitions require flexibility, energy, and a sense of steadiness in the body.
When those pieces are not in place, even small transitions can feel big internally.
The language we use with children also matters.
Phrases like “first work, then play” are common, yet they can unintentionally create pressure. In early childhood, learning is not separate from play. It happens through play.
When we shift our language, we shift the experience.
Inviting a child into an activity, joining them in curiosity, or framing learning as engaging rather than something to get
through can make a meaningful difference in how their system responds.
Learning is supported by instruction, but it is made possible through regulation.
This does not mean removing structure. It means expanding support.
It might look like creating spaces where children can move and reset without shame. Responding with curiosity before correction. Using collaborative language. Weaving moments of connection into the day.
These are small shifts, yet deeply impactful.
Because when children feel supported in their bodies and secure in their relationships, learning becomes more accessible. This perspective also reminds us that children do not regulate alone. They co-regulate with us.
Which means the nervous systems of parents, teachers, and caregivers matter too. When adults feel supported and steady, children feel it.
This is not about perfection. It is about awareness and support for everyone involved.
This lens also inspired The Spectrum School, a developing early childhood program here in Santa Cruz County. We are in the early stages, focused on fundraising, grants, and building community support.
The need in our community is clear. Many families are looking for learning environments that understand the nervous system, honor sensory needs, and prioritize connection.
The intention is to create a space where children with autism and children with ADHD feel supported in their bodies, grounded in relationship, and able to engage in learning in a way that works for them.
The polyvagal theory reminds us of something deeply human.
Connection is not a luxury in development.It is the foundation. When we begin to see behavior through the lens of the nervous system, we move toward understanding.
And from that place, something powerful happens. Children feel more secure. Relationships deepen.
And learning unfolds in a more natural and sustainable way.
Tovah Petra, MA, is a trauma-informed somatic practitioner and creator of the Whole Family, Whole Child approach. She helps parents of neurodivergent children create emotionally safe, attuned, and connected homes—while nurturing their own nervous systems, relationships, and intimate connection. Learn more at: www.tovahpetra.com
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New Exhibit at Aptos Library Showcases Animal Portraits
BY TARMO HANNULA
Nine animal portrait paintings by Aptos artist Diane Levin are now showing in the Children’s Room at Aptos Public Library.
“These paintings are acrylic on canvas, done in a figurative/abstract style, meaning they are not literal, and sometimes, may not even look like a finished piece of work,” Levin said. “My goal, in particular, is to create a loosely defined image that evokes an emotion, as if the image is saying something to you.”
The San Francisco native has been living in Aptos for the past 46 years and has been a student of Watsonville artist Sefla Joseph over the years.
“I’ve been doing painting since I was a kid,” she said. “My dad was a painter.”
Besides the current exhibit, her abstract expressionist paintings have appeared in numerous shows around the county.
Of Levin, Joseph said, “She is a natural and one of the best painters in the county.”
The show runs through June 30 at 7695 Soquel Dr. in Aptos.
LEFT: Aptos artist Diane Levin is currently showing nine of her paintings of animals at the Aptos Public Library. (Tarmo Hannula)
ABOVE: Diane Levin created this acrylic painting of a lion for the new exhibit.
Photos by Tarmo Hannula
What Moms Really Need This Mother’s Day
BY JAIME MCFADDEN
Dear Mama,
I am writing this to share something that has been on my heart for a very long time.
Mother’s Day has become a bit commercialized. Flowers, cards, maybe breakfast in bed if you’re really lucky. As lovely as those are, they barely scratch the surface of what most moms truly need
Every mom I know wants something simple that often gets missed.
To feel seen, supported, and like ourselves again. To breathe and feel held. To have fun and play again.
Underneath the cape, most moms are carrying far more than anyone can see. The invisible load is becoming more visible.
Over 60% of moms say they feel constantly overwhelmed, and more than 1 in 5 experience anxiety or depression at some point in motherhood. Moms are being held to an unrealistic and unhealthy standard, often doing it all without real support. This is the part that gets missed. Moms need more support in their daily lives.
This is why the “S” in my WAVES system is so crucial. It stands for support, and it runs deep for me. The support I
If I am being honest, moms everywhere want the same thing: to feel less alone in carrying it all.
This Mother’s Day, I want to offer a small shift with a powerful impact. It starts with a question I ask every mama and client, and it is often the hardest one to answer:
What would actually support me right now?
And that is not even the hardest part. What most moms find even more challenging is allowing themselves to receive.
So this Mother’s Day, if you are a mom reading this, try some of these:
Ask for real time.
Not just 10 minutes to use the bathroom alone. I mean intentional time.
Even if it is only 10 minutes, use it to fuel your soul, not catch up on chores or work.
Say what you need.
Get clear on your needs. Be honest. Take the cape off and let your loved ones truly see you.
Do one thing that feels like you.
Not “mom,” but you. Your favorite song, sitting in the sunshine, calling a
Done over perfect.
This is my favorite. Let things be done as they are. That is enough.
If you are reading this and want to support a mom:
Offer something that truly supports her.
Take the kids to the park.
Handle the plans.
Take photos for her.
Pick up the groceries.
Spend time with her doing something she loves.
Just show up.
Because when you support a mama, you are supporting everyone she is holding together.
Here is your reminder: you deserve more than a moment, and it is OK to ask for it. One key question we can check in with is, who is holding you?
I will be honest. Many times, the sweet arms my kiddos wrap around me are enough to carry me through even the toughest moments. Every phase of motherhood holds both beauty and challenges.
Every mom I know is doing everything she can to support her family. It is time we raise awareness around supporting moms, too. The more moms take care of themselves, the more they have to give to
their families and communities. It truly takes a village, so let’s come together to build one.
If you are reading this and thinking this is you, I am here to remind you that you do not have to do it alone. I would love for you to join my village.
As a thank you, I am giving away three signed copies of my book, WAVES of Self-Care: It Takes a Village, to offer a little extra support or to gift to a mom you love.Email me at jaimemcfaden@ gmail.com
I also have some fun Mother’s Day and summer events coming up to support moms in this space, in and around Santa Cruz. Send me a message or join my newsletter at jaimemcfaden.com.
Please reach out to a mom you love today and give her real support. Happy Mother’s Day, and to our children who gave us the greatest gift of all, the gift of becoming a mom.
Sending love to all the mamas and those who support them this May and every day.
Jaime McFaden is the #1 bestselling author of WAVES of Self-Care: It Takes a Village and an international self-care specialist. jaimemcfaden.com
A Classic Recipe Kids Will Crack Up Over COOKING WITH KIDS
BY SARAH RINGLER
Deviled eggs have been a popular luncheon dish or appetizer going back hundreds of years. A 1585 cookbook called The Good Huswifes Jewell by Thomas Dawson mentions a recipe calling for stuffed eggs. “Deviled,” as a description for food, goes back to 18 th century England, when it referred to food that was spicy and flavorful.
This version, called “Half-Chick Egg Surprise,” is from the 1948 Storyland Cookbook by Jill Fletcher and Jack Deckter. It makes 8 stuffed eggs.
Most kids like them and they are fun to make. It does require an older child or adult to supervise because the eggs need to be boiled, butter needs to be melted and eggs needs to be sliced in half. You may have your own recipe for hard boiling eggs, but Inhave given mine below
When working with kids, it is good to teach safe and healthy habits while they are young. The recipe isn’t only about the results. A lot is to be learned from hands-on activities.
Instructions: Sit down at a table, make eye contact, and go over the following things:
1. The importance of washing your hands.
2. Relate that you’re a going to make a mess but that mess has to be completely cleaned up afterwards.
3. Describe the recipe.
4. Get out all the equipment and the ingredients.
Half Egg Surprises
4 hard-cooked eggs
1 tablespoon melted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon apple or white vinegar
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon paprika
8 lettuce leaves washed and dried
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Tear away any parts that are brown or have holes. Put on a large plate and refrigerate.
Adults may need to help with hard boiling and slicing the eggs. Put eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. When the water boils, lower heat to a low boil and cook for 15 minutes. Remove pan from the stove and carefully pour off the hot water. Shake the eggs in the saucepan to crack the shells. Fill the saucepan with cold water and ice, and let the eggs cool for 15 minutes.
Carefully shell the eggs under cold, running water and put on a plate covered with a dish towel. When eggs are dry, cut them in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Put the white part on a plate with the lettuce and refrigerate. Put the cooked yolks in a small bowl.
With adult help, start making the stuffing by first melting the butter over very low heat in a small saucepan. Cool.
In the small bowl with the yolks, combine the mustard, salt, vinegar and melted butter. Mash and mix with a fork. Stir in the mayonnaise and mix until smooth. Taste the mixture and carefully add more of any ingredient that you think is needed.
With a small spoon, scoop an equal amount of the mixture into each half. Refrigerate.
When ready to serve, take out the plate with the lettuce leaves and stuffed eggs. Sprinkle with paprika. Serves four.
½ teaspoon dry mustard or 1 teaspoon wet mustard
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift
BY MONICA MENARD|
Certified Personal Trainer and Prenatal Postpartum Specialist
Motherhood demands everything from us-physically, mentally, emotionally. During pregnancy, the focus is rightly placed on nurturing a healthy pregnancy and ensuring the safe arrival of the baby. This emphasis is both natural and necessary. Yet, once the baby is born, the spotlight shifts again. Conversations, appointments, and support systems quickly center on the newborn: feeding schedules, weight checks, sleep patterns, and milestones. But something less obvious is happening along side. Support to mothers dwindle in comparison to the priorities of newborn life.
So, the fourth trimester often leaves a profound gap in care for the mother. Her body has just undergone one of the most intense physical transformations imaginable-nine months of profound change followed by the immense demands of labor and delivery.
This month I want to give you the ultimate mothers day gift by clearing up common misconceptions around rebuilding after baby and feeling yourself again.
TOP THREE MYTHS
Myth #1 Crunches will flatten your tummy. They can actually make things worse when you have an ab separation. Ab separation (diastasis recti) is normal and occurs to accommodate a growing belly. It is the widening, thinning, and lengthening of the linea alba, which is the connective tissue between your six pack muscles. When this connective tissue isn’t as tight as it should, the muscles begin to separate. Surprisingly, this isn’t a weakness issue, it is a pressure regulation issue. When your deep core system cannot efficiently regulate and distribute this pressure-due to pregnancy stretching, poor breathing habits, or suboptimal posture-the force pushes outward against the weakest point: the already thinned linea alba. Over time, this repeated outward pressure further stretches and weakens the connective tissue, widening the gap and causing doming or bulging.Crunches are
putting more stress on that connective tissue before we have managed the pressure put upon it, adding to the potential bulge. Here’s how to add strength and repair things:
Retrain intra-abdominal pressure with 360 breathing
How to: Sit in good posture, fully expand the diaphragm by breathing infully and then exhaling completely slowly. Be sure you’re not chest breathing.
Strengthen the core and check for ab separation.
How: Extending one leg at a time keeping your heel lightly on the ground, slowly bring it back in with and exhale. Repeat. Next check for separation.
Abdominal separation check: Test the width and tension of your separation. Lay on your back, knees bent, feet on the floor. Exhale and raise your head about 1” above the ground. Don’t crunch. With the head raised, with your palm facing you and using your index and middle finger, gently press downward. While poking your stomach from your sternum towards your belly button and ending near your pubic bone. You’re looking to feel any ridges on each side of your fingers if your index and middle finger fit in between the ridges felt, you have an ab separation.
Next feel how easily your fingers sink into the body. This measurement is more telling about how compromised your core could be. To gauge tension, push your fingers into your belly tracing the same area. If your fingers sink in easily and deeply like the squishiness of your cheek, this indicated a more compromised core. You want it to feel like the side of your neck when the chin is slightly tilted upwards. Modify all abdominal exercises and avoid crunches, but don’t avoid core strengthening altogether. Your body’s favorite moves right now; incline planks, pallof presses, farmer walks, 360 breathing to name a few.
Myth #2 Incontinence is normal after having children. It’s just part of mom life. This is actually a signal that your core and pelvic floor need some rehab. Your pelvic floor needs training to be responsive and balanced again. Frequently heard advice is to Kegel. However, it doesn’t fully address all the musculature of the pelvic floor. Sorry, kegeling is missing the mark. Do these instead: 360 breathing and pelvic floor activations-the new Kegels (*see above description of how to do 360 breathing) To incorporate the pelvic floor, dont just Kegel. The pelvic floor is a hammock and it attaches to four points in the pelvis so all four
points need to be included in the exercise. Breath in, and then squeeze four areas when you exhale. Gently squeeze the stopping of pee (front), stopping of gas (back) and the sides by squeezing the glutes slightly (left and right sides) (See my Instagram for details, or email me with questions) The pelvic floor activation and your 360 breathing is best begun by sitting down to practice both parts together. Only progress when doing this seated feels easy. Progress to laying down then on all fours.
Myth #3 After baby just ease back into things I think this phrase is suppose to mean listen to your body, which is always good to do, but ‘easing back in’ lacks direct action. Easing back in expects a compromised body to perform as it used to without any practice. When our body feels weak and disconnected, we should offer it strength and connection. Those are very specific goals.
The most concerning time for a woman to hear this is after major abdominal surgery by way of a cesarean birth. Im not a doctor, so I can’t say for certain, but C-Section is the only major surgery where therapy isn’t required or part of the process post operatively after acute phase is complete.
These evidence-based programs aren’t about “bouncing back.” They’re about training like the athlete you already are so functioning in daily life is pain free, pregnancy feels easier, and motherhood more energized. While flowers and brunch steal the spotlight each Mothers Day, give yourself or a mother you know longer lasting support that keeps showing up long after the holiday. Grab hold of strength, health, and function.
Get my free guide all about building a strong body during pregnancy and it can be used post-partum. Please visit my website for the freebie. And if you’re a woman craving to start (or restart) a fitness program-easy, quick and effective packages are deeply discounted for Mother’s Day! These are also on my website, instagram, or take a picture of the QR code to take advantage of these deals.
Like me to expand more on any of these concepts? Email the editor brad@growingupinsc and let him know how much you appreciate the information and what you’d like to hear more about. Visit me here @ Defined Fitness/Mothers Day Deals
Monica Menard is a C.P.T. Certified Personal Trainer and Prenatal Postpartum Specialist. Contact her at monicapmenard@gmail.com. Instagram @training_bymonica Mention this article for a free consultation.
What Local Moms Want for Mother’s Day
BY MALIA FORT
Mothers day is a time to show your love and gratitude to all the mothers around you, whether they are your mother through blood or not. We have our mothers to thank for creating ever yone which inevitably created everything. The strength and perseverance mothers go through and the tender loving they share doesn’t go unnoticed. And if you are struggling to find your mom the perfect gift, this is the article for you. This month we will get an insight on some local moms who have shared ideas on what to give your mother for Mothers Day.
JANE
Say hello to Jane. Jane is a mother of two, one son and one daughter, with 60 years of being a parent under her belt. She also is the grandmother to five grandchildren. Jane is from Jalisco, Mexico. Growing up in Mexico, Jane remembers making handkerchiefs in her 5th grade class for Mother’s Day.
And once she had kids of her own, they would bring her crafts from school as well, which she always appreciated and still has some to this day. What Jane would appreciate this year is just to spend some quality time with her two kids.
To be told they love her and know they do by quality time is a greater gift than any materialistic thing you give just to check off you got someone a gift.
Jane’s favorite part about being a mother is to just watch them grow and the love they share, nothing makes her more proud than to be able to say “I’m Mom.” Jane had an Aunt on her Dad’s side she loved very much, this Aunt ended up being her sponsor for her Green Card.
Jane loved her aunt like a mother and always made sure to get her gifts for Mother’s Day, usually getting her flowers and KFC because that was her Aunt’s favorite.
HEIDI
This is Heidi. Heidi is a mother of three daughters, and has been a mother for 26 years now. Growing up, Heidi and her
siblings would make breakfast for their mom, and always try to either get her a sweet treat, like some chocolate, or some flowers. Another creative way they would show their mom is to create a pampering day, where they would do an at home spa day or do their mother’s makeup. Another gift her mom enjoyed was pajama sets. For Mother’s Day this year Heidi would love to spend the day with her three daughters, there is nothing she loves more.
Something physical she would appreciate for the holiday is if they all did a beach walk or yoga class together. Another crafty bonding activity would be to make spoon jewelry or candle making class.
Heidi also loves baking her family’s traditional German dish called Rouladen with her girls. It is a beautiful way to acknowledge her own mother as well as spending time with her own children.
Heidi’s favorite thing about being a mom is to see her children embrace their uniqueness and follow their dreams. She is very proud to have raised three good children.
THERESIA
A warm welcome to Theresia. Theresia has two sons and 39 years of being a mom. Growing up she and her siblings would try to wake up early and prepare breakfast in bed for their mom.“ I’m sure we were clanking pots and pans, but she always acted surprised and then proudly read our homemade cards aloud.”
When Theresia became a mother herself, her husband and children would all become her ‘garden slaves’. Theresia loves gardening and every Mother’s Day her kids and husband would dedicate the day to helping her maintain her garden, setting up flower
arrangements and filling pots. Which still makes her smile to this day.
Every year Theresia wants the same thing: to spend time with her happy and healthy family, and truly enjoy the time they spend together. Being a mom is a gift and something Theresia and many other moms can agree on.
YVONNE
Finally, introducing Yvonne. Yvonne is a mother of two and has been a mother for 21 years now. When Yvonne was younger her family didn’t celebrate Mother’s Day that much, other than bringing home some small crafts made in school.
However as Yvonne grew up she made Mother’s Day a priority to spend time with her mom, either by getting her flowers and a card or taking her out to lunch/dinner. As soon as Yvonne had kids, they made sure to show she was appreciated. They would bring home art they made in school or bring her a card with breakfast in bed.
As her kids are growing up it can be hard for them like anyone to have a lot of time, but they always make time to show her they love her. Whether that be through a heartfelt message, a personalized song, even just a nice long hug with sweet reminders that they love her. Every part about being a mom is Yvonne’s favorite.
The first moment she saw her newborn she had this indescribable profound joy she has never felt before. Everyday since then has been a gift to watch her children explore their new surroundings with curiosity, and grow into such thoughtful, loving, and creative adults. “Mothers feel all the feelings of their children, whether it’s joy, sadness, nervousness, excitement, anger, pain, peace. We feel it all and wouldn’t change a thing. Motherhood is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” stated Yvonne.
Free Summer Camps for Pajaro Valley Students EDUCATION
BY LUCIA THOMAS
On a warm July day children lay their hands in pools of paint and place them along the body of a grey Arabian gelding named Zeus at Trinity Rivers Equestrian center. They ride ponies and horses of varying sizes, breeds, and ages around a dusty arena. These horses are dressage champions, western pleasure ponies, and competitive showjumpers but they take first-time riders on a slow circular circuit. A small Arabian gelding named Icee is being bathed by the children in cross ties.
These are scenes from Trinity Rivers’ five-day horse camps that occur throughout the summer. A week of camp costs $650 but a majority of the kids attending camp this summer are here with no charge to their families. Horseback riding is not the only activity children are doing for free in Santa Cruz County. They are making movies at Thomas Farm Films, attending classes at UC Berkeley and Cal Poly with Springboard, eating farm to table at Farm Discovery, learning to navigate the ocean at Wave Warriors, and much more at 30 different summer camps and programs.
These opportunities are provided by Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Expanded Learning department. Expanded Learning has existed for over 25 years and
had been providing after school programs and summer camps to around 100 children at the YMCA. But four years ago Pajaro Valley started receiving money from the state of California’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) which meant the district was being “triple funded,” says Executive Director of the Expanded Learning department, Jen Bruno. Along with ELOP, Pajaro Valley receives money from ACEs and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which both focus on providing after school programs to underprivileged youth.
Through these multiple avenues of support an incredibly robust summer camp program was enacted in 2024. Along with nearly 2,000 students enrolled in at least one week of summer camp, that summer Pajaro Valley took 300 community members, children, parents, grandparents, to Washington DC for a week. Bruno stated that, “it was the hardest and the most meaningful experience of my educational experience.” The trip was many participants’ first time on a plane. Expanded Learning provided luggage, transportation to the airport, food, and all other necessities while they were away. Georgia Tyrell, assistant director of the Expanded Learning department, stated that, “the idea is that a family can just not worry about where their meal is coming from, how they’re gonna make
rent this month, that they can just be a family and enjoy their children’s success as a unit.”
The summer of 2024 was labeled by Bruno and Tyrell as, “the summer of a lifetime” because they were tripled funded and had COVID relief money to spend. Expanded Learning put $4.5 million into the local community by assisting underprivileged youth and their families in 2024. This summer the budget was lower at $2 million. With that money 7,000 camp spots were offered and dispersed between about 2,200 children. Each child averaged three weeks of free childcare and learning experiences.
Expanded Learning has specific guidelines to identify students that should be prioritized for its assistance. English learners, foster youth, homeless youth, special needs students, migrant children, and those who qualify for free or reduced lunch are all targeted. These children are called “unduplicated students.” They are given first priority on camps for the summer.
ELOP strives to ensure children are cared for nine hours a day during the school year along with an additional 30 days apart from the 180 children are expected to be in class. The goal is 210 nine hour days. Last year, Pajaro Valley produced 270 days of activities children were able to participate in free of charge.
Bruno stated that, “what we’re seeing
here[in Pajaro Valley] is not happening across the state, it is a one of a kind little program that we were able to do.” Bruno and her team strive to provide an experience akin to affluent households for as many children in Pajaro Valley as possible.
“What you see for students who are really growing and have opportunities to go to college and those things is not just summer school. It’s horseback riding…we’ve never had a Junior Guards out in Watsonville. Now we have pool guards and Wave warriors” says Bruno. The Expanded Learning department is striving to empower children so that they can succeed in the future.
Expanded Learning has partnered with a summer Springboard program at both UC Berkeley and Cal Poly. These programs offer middle and high schoolers the chance to live and study at these universities for a couple weeks during the summer. Courses taken during this program provide students units toward their college education.They are offered programs in a variety of subjects such as business management, physics, visual communications, and many more.
Two Watsonville High students who attended CAL Poly’s springboard program during the summer of 2024 will be attending CAL Poly this fall. Mitzel Dodge-Rocha and Andrea Puente had been determined to study at CAL Poly since they were children.
ALL ABOUT ANIMALS
How to be Safe Around Dogs
BY NGA TRINH-HALPERIN
Any dog can bite: big or small, male or female, young or old. Even the cuddliest, fuzziest, sweetest dog can bite if provoked. Remember, it’s not a dog’s breed that influences whether the animal will bite, but rather the dog’s individual history and behavior. Fortunately, there are several things we can do to be proactive and prevent dog bites in the first place.
First, let’s understand that dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, but most commonly as a reaction to:
Feeling scared, startled, or defending their territory
Guarding something valuable like their puppies, food, or toys
Feeling unwell or in pain, as when sick or injured
Dogs also might nip and bite during play, especially puppies who are teething. Even though this may be fun for the dog, it can be dangerous for people if not properly managed.
Although media reports and rumors often give the impression that certain breeds of dog are more likely to bite, there is little evidence to support those claims. It’s more important to address the factors that we know increase the chance of a bite occurring. Choose wisely. Start off your relationship
on the right foot by choosing a dog that will fit well with you, your lifestyle, and your household, including other pets.
Socialize your dog. Gradually exposing your puppy to a variety of situations under controlled circumstances can help them feel more at ease when around other animals and people. It’s even better if you continue that exposure regularly as your dog gets older.
Take extra care with young children. Always supervise young children when around dogs. Also carefully manage introductions of children or a new dog to your household, and consider waiting until your children are older than 4 years before adopting a new dog.
These activity books are available by contacting nga@scanimalshelterfoundation.org
Train your dog. The basic commands “sit,” “stay,” “no,” and “come” can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of obedience and trust between pets and people. Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war, which can increase the risk of a nip or a bite.
Keep your dog healthy. Vaccinations, parasite control, and regular checkups are important because how dogs feel can affect how they behave. Dogs in pain are more likely to bite. Also be sure to regularly walk and exercise your dog to support their
health and provide mental stimulation.
Take precautions. Obey leash laws and maintain control of your dog. Make sure your gates and fenced yard areas are secure. It also may help to spay or neuter your dog, and your veterinarian can walk you through the benefits and risks of these procedures.
Be alert. Know the signs that your dog is stressed, uncomfortable, or showing aggression, and be prepared to take action when needed. If your dog seems uneasy, remove them from the situation. If the behaviors seem excessive, consult a veterinarian for cause and treatment.
Parents and caregivers should keep these tips in mind especially:
Never leave a baby or small child alone with any dog.
Be alert for potentially dangerous situations, and take measures to prevent or stop them from escalating.
Teach children—including toddlers—to be careful around and respectful of pets.
Teach children not to approach strange dogs or try to pet dogs by reaching through fences.
Teach your children to ask permission from the dog’s owner before petting any dog. Other tips for preventing dog bites: Approach slowly and calmly when meeting a new dog, and don’t loom over them.
Avoid direct eye contact with unfamiliar
PET OF THE MONTH THOR
Meet Thor, a very handsome boy with a joyful, happy-to-be-alive spirit. He was surrendered when his previous family lost their housing and, though heartbroken, wanted the best for him. Thor loves playing fetch and happily splashes into water whenever he can. He knows sit, stay, and lay down, especially for treats. Mostly potty trained, he may have accidents if left too long but can use a pee pad. Thor enjoys durable chew toys and loves romping with other dogs, though his size may overwhelm smaller pups. He may chase cats. Neutered and ready, Thor awaits his forever best friend.
dogs or approaching them straight on, as this may seem threatening. Don’t run past a dog. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things. Don’t give them a reason to become excited or aggressive.
Never disturb a dog that’s caring for puppies, sleeping, or eating. Never reach through or over a fence to pet a dog. Dogs can be protective of their territory and may interpret your action as a threat.
If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still. In most cases, the dog will go away when they determine you are not a threat.
Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don’t turn and run.
If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.
If you or your pet are bitten, call the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter dispatcher at 831-454-7303, ext. 1. Animal Control Officer Cynthia Meidinger reiterates the proactive approach to minimize the likelihood of this situation, “In my years of experience, I see that most bites are preventable — asking first, moving slowly, and giving animals space helps keep everyone safe.”
This majority of this article was sourced from the American Veterinary Medical Association website and edited by Nga Trinh-Halperin. More fun educational videos can be found at avma.org Nga is the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation which supports animal welfare through public education. More information can be found about the Shelter and Foundation efforts at scanimalshelter.organd parasite treatment, rabies quarantine observation and humane euthanasia. We also provide low-cost community clinics, free vaccine clinics and work to educate our community on better animal welfare. You can foster, adopt, volunteer or donate at scanimalshelter. org
May the Fashion Force be With You
BY MALIA FORT
Spring is here! With the longer days and blooming new colors, our little town is full of people embracing pieces that are effortless. Spring is a great time to experiment with texture and play with silhouettes. With the shift in light and mood spring is a great time to change up our style. Here we have three examples of a good spring time outfit for anyone. And advice on how to battle with the adjusting weather and still stay fashionable.
Rachel
Rachel is donning a whimsical almost retro attire. I admire this outfit, the complimentary colors and pop of shiny statement jewelry as well as a flowy top to tie it all in. Such a great example of a lovely Spring outfit. She got her top from Target, and lightwash jeans from Levi’s. Her matching denim jacket is from Grey Bear’s (such a great local upcycle store) but the brand is GAP. Both her heart necklace and purse are upcycled as well, Rachel got the necklace from an antique fair in downtown Santa Cruz and her purse is from Goodwill in Scotts Valley. With her black belt from Lucky Brand. A way to manage with Santa Cruz’s classic unpredictable weather, Rachel recommends wearing anything lightweight that looks good with or without a jacket. Another way to cool down when our weather switches from foggy mornings to sunny afternoons, is to change your hair from down into a ponytail or a nice up do. The best shoes for Spring time are any shoes you can easily slip off; tennis shoes or sandals. A great springtime makeup and hair look would be some light waves either down or half up/half down. Adding some blush, shimmery eyeshadow and lightly tinted lip gloss is a fantastic minimal spring makeup.
Amy
Amy is attired in an almost alternative office wear look. Great subtle collaboration between the black and grey/silver accessories sprinkled throughout the clothing, adding a dash of color with the burgundy vans. Adding a punk leather jacket to a nice button up and tie creates a great slice of individuality and edge to a classic look. Amy’s leather jacket is from Facebook market place. Her black button up shirt and black jeans are both from Old Navy. Amy’s burgundy Vans are from craigslist. With the belt and tie from Kohl’s. Amy is also wearing a Japanese fisherman’s hook she bought off etsy to carry her keys, which is a cool different form than the usual carabiner. With the stunning silver rings custom made as a gift. Wearing layers is an essential way to survive the daily high low temperatures of a single day. Layers simply help you transition to be comfortable from cold mornings to warm afternoons. To layer as a pro, Amy recommends wearing a light t-shirt under a button up and layer with a sweater, this still gives you room to add an extra layer of warmth if it is extra cold in the morning. A great way to enhance any clothing and still look clean and professional is jewelry. Amy enjoys wearing her rings specifically as an uplifting accessory.
Bryan
Bryan is wearing an indie soft grunge outfit. I enjoyed the comfy soft silhouette pairing perfectly with his muted color palette. Bryan’s whole outfit he got from thrifting! Bryan is wearing his favorite striped pattern sweater by the brand Van Huesen, and a white T-shirt underneath. Put together with some extra baggy light was denim jeans by the brand Faded Glory and held up by a Calvin Klein belt, and classic Doc Marten’s. Bryan is a good example of supporting our environment while balancing finding high quality and name brand clothing. Bryan’s advice for fabrics and fits no matter if it is spring sun or showers is to own a lightweight water resistant jacket to throw on top of everything. When it comes to layering clothing, never wear multiple bulky layers. A way to combat this is to wear one sweater on top and keep your jacket unzipped. Good accessories to help an outfit can be anything from jewelry like rings, chains, or necklaces to a carabiner, fluffy hat or even a camera. Bryan prefers the slightly unkept look, when it comes to hair and clothes. For spring Bryan’s goal is to grow his hair out and get that shaggy overgrown look, which pairs so well with the relaxed 90s minimalism style.
