January 2025 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

‘The Addams Family, A New Musical’ Takes the Stage

growingupsc — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:17:57 +0000

Hold on to your heartstrings! Love is the driving force in “The Addams Family, A New Musical,” a delightfully dark and comedic tale of two families: the straight-laced midwestern Beinekes and the graveyard-dwelling Addams, who despite stark differences in demeanor, personal style and preferences, have more in common than meets the eye. Based on characters created by Charles Addams, and the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, “The Addams Family, A New Musical” – as embodied onstage by the Mount Madonna School (MMS) high school cast – dazzles with memorable characters, great physical energy, witty humor and poignant, lyric ballads. Performances are January 25 and 26 at 2:00pm at Mount Madonna School’s Hawks’ Nest Theater. Tickets on sale December 4 at mms-theaddamsfamily.brownpapertickets.com. Adult tickets are $20; seniors are $15 and $10 for 18 and under; all seats are reserved. In this delightfully dark celebration of the bonds that connect us, change-resistant parents Gomez and Morticia grapple with their daughter Wednesday’s emerging independence and revelation that she loves Lucas, a young man from a “normal family.” Uncle Fester “moons” in unrequited passion for the “unreachable” moon, and every family member – whether living, dead or undecided – is embraced! When Wednesday invites Lucas and his parents over to get better acquainted, Gomez, Morticia and the rest of the family are asked to act “normal.” That’s impossible, of course, as the evening quickly erupts into amusing chaos with unexpected confessions, relationships tested and the Addams family facing up to the one thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations: change. The story abounds with opportunities to examine questions that high school students face daily: how to be ‘themselves’? How much to conform? How to be open to other perspectives and identities? How to take risks and be vulnerable? Whom to trust? “I’m learning to be patient with myself as I step into a lead role for the first time,” said twelfth grader Emilia Lord, cast in the role of Wednesday Addams. “I’m figuring out how to make the character real for me and build from there. I used to be more down and reserved like Wednesday, but, like her in this story, I’ve changed, too. Freedom is a key part of it; the freedom to act however you want and give yourself permission to reveal another side of yourself.” Director Chelsea Otterness said choosing this play for the high school’s winter musical is a great fit. “Eccentric, terrifically talented, fun-loving family; we’re basically the Addams family already,” said Otterness. “Now we get to dress up, be extra dramatic and, in many ways, extra spooky and Victorian. Not only is the MMS cast a perfect match for the characters in this play, but the theme is one we can all get behind. Our show will feature a powerhouse of vocal talent and unique personalities that will light up the stage and leave you happily spellbound!” Filled with sharp one-liners, spirited songs and tight dance numbers, this Broadway musical also features beautiful music. “The Addams Family’s Tony Award-winning score is as memorable as that of the great traditional musicals such as ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ or ‘Into the Woods’,” said Music Director Holly Ota “The song ‘Happy Sad’ brings me tears every single time and ‘Move Toward the Darkness’ carries epic inspirational power.” Twelfth grade student Mordecai Coleman is cast as devoted husband and father Gomez Addams. “I relate to many of the feelings Gomez experiences in the play,” said Coleman. “It’s interesting to consider things from the perspective of the father, a viewpoint I hadn’t fully explored before. Having parents who are divorced, it’s made me think about what it must have been like for my dad. Reflecting on that perspective has helped me develop more empathy for his situation. Stepping into roles that are far from your own personality can really open the door to becoming a more empathetic person, offering a more open-minded view of others.” Twelfth grader Manumailagi Hunnicutt will portray matriarch Morticia Addams. “It’s important to remember that a lot of people struggle to accept others or look beyond their own perspectives,” said Hunnicutt. “Embracing others as they are is such a powerful message to share. There are a lot of quirky characters in this story, and each one represents an archetype taken to an extreme. All the couples in the story help one another rediscover love and openness.” “The Addams Family, A New Musical” is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized performance materials are supplied by, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com Mount Madonna School has a longstanding tradition of performing arts for students preschool through high school; and beyond outstanding performances, engaging in performing arts prepares students for life well beyond the stage. “Stretching ourselves to portray these characters is important for our generation,” commented Lord. “While we may be scared to act as people who are considered odd, doing so is a crucial way to grow. Our generation is often quick to judge, but by normalizing the ‘odd,’ we help create a space where authenticity can be embraced without fear.”

The post ‘The Addams Family, A New Musical’ Takes the Stage first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Speaking Up for Safety

brad — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:17:41 +0000

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to keep better track of how our tax money is being spent. I hope to make this a group effort among our readers. As a family magazine, we must take a good look at how families are being served, or more accurately, neglected. Do your kids have safe ways to get to and from school on their own? Mine don’t. If we don’t drive them, they have no sidewalks or bike paths to get there. How did that happen? The only answer I can come up with is greedy developers put in homes and ignorant or lazy politicians let them build and earn their profits without holding them responsible for community safety. Am I wrong? If a community cared about kids, I believe the government would require builders to pay for sidewalks and bike paths to build their developments. I’d like to know how your neighborhoods stack up? Are your kids safe on the streets? I already know that Santa Cruz has one of the highest per capita rates of pedestrian and bike deaths in the state and I don’t see enough being done to protect people. And why isn’t our money being spent on fixing the roads ? I’m posting some pictures of Sumner Avenue and Rio Del Mar Boulevard, streets that lead to the beach and should be able to be used safely by kids and tourists on bicycles or walking. Forget it. They are mottled with potholes and have been for years. Does no one from the county see this? I’ll ask you to send us photos of the most dangerous roads in your neighborhoods for cars, bikes and kids. Let’s hold the people spending our tax money accountable. They aren’t now. I see examples of it all around. I had an inspiring conversation with the new District 2 County Supervisor, Kim De Serpa. Here’s what she said when I asked her what she thought of spending half a billion dollars on a train. “I think of how many roads that could fix,” she answered. That got my vote. There’s been a ton of spending on the pipe dream of a train in the county, which proponents claim goes by schools and will get cars off the road. I’d love to hear if that will work for your kids. It goes nowhere near schools around me. The money being spent just on studies for it is now up to tens of millions of dollars. I met an engineer with the Regional Transportation Commission, who told me she’s spent 20 years working full time on the train proposal. Multiply that by everyone else working on a project they privately acknowledge the county will never afford, and imagine the cost. Consider how many roads that could have been repaired or how many electric buses—especially given our serious school bus driver shortage—that money could have funded. Send me your suggestions, complaints and love letters and let’s get the word out. Thanks for reading and happy 2025. Let’s get things back on track for families and safety, not pipe dreams. Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

The post Speaking Up for Safety first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Keeping Food Local and Fun

growingupsc — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:12:37 +0000

What looks like a glorious local grocery store is actually, more and more with each passing year, a form of rebellion, a forefront in the fight to keep Santa Cruz more…Santa Cruz. Andre Beauregard, 42, the hands-on owner-operator behind that Shopper’s Corner store in Midtown Santa Cruz, understands the city about as well as anyone. He grew up biking and surfing along the Westside, playing hide-and-seek at Lighthouse Field State Beach, and romping with his siblings and dogs—and riding motorcycles—around his family’s vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Meanwhile he was helping his family at Shopper’s, which involves interacting with hundreds of fellow residents, and tracking how the area’s small local business identity has eroded. His wife, Julia is the daughter of famous surfer/shaper Joey Thomas and her uncle is big wave legend Richard Schmidt. They have three kids Brandon, Elioise and James aged 8-13. “At one point, Santa Cruz was adamant about not letting chains in town,” he says. “Santa Cruz had the idea that they wanted to keep it weird and unique. That went away. At one point they decided big corporations were a priority.” He feels the effects on a visceral level, but uses it as fuel. “I hate driving through town and seeing empty storefronts,” he says. “If we didn’t have greedy ‘super’ stores, maybe that would be different, which is part of why we want to focus on quality first, and giving local up-and-comers a chance. If we’re not going to, who is?” These days there are highly visible details that illustrate that ethic, and the abiding uniqueness of Shopper’s Corner, especially as chains proliferate around it. Note the tidal wave of born-in-Santa-Cruz items—think Companion and Beckmann’s baked goods, Marianne’s Ice Cream, Gizdich pies and jams. Or the small army of butchers—aprons and smiles and neck ties in place, customers’ names on their lips—ready to fill an order. Or the vino selection so attentively stocked that the Wine Enthusiast lists the grocery store as a buying destination. And, with the holidays upon us, the benevolent overload of seasonal decorations. “We really go for it to deck out the store with small town charm,” Beauregard says. “Customers get sentimental—it reminds them of their childhoods—and it almost brings tears. And every year [we] get slightly more carried away.” The single most compelling detail, though, might be S.C.’s “Weekly Specials” flier. (OK, that’s cheating, because the homespun circular packs about 77 details into one page.) There are surprisingly strong deals from the cheese aisle, bakery, produce section, butcher shop. There’s a rundown of the Good Times readers’ votes Shopper’s Corner wins with the steadiness of the tides—Best Cheese Selection, Best Wine Selection, Best Butcher Shop and Best Green Business, among others. The store was also picked BEST GROCERY by Growing Up in Santa Cruz readers! There’s a recipe (lemon garlic swordfish!) or a seasonal deal (Diestel turkeys for Thanksgiving, with Pinots and red blends to pair!) on the left side. Then there are Shopper’s Spotlights along the bottom, regular earnest-and-easygoing testimonials from customers with their own stories, tips and shopping list favorites. “I feel sometimes the world is just so crazy at Shopper’s you know you’re going to get good service,” says 30-year customer Ashley Garcia of Watsonville in a recent Weekly Specials, while shouting out the pasta, produce and Mary’s chicken. “I feel like we need more of that friendliness.” The most important detail, meanwhile, is invisible. It’s a belief that seems surprising coming from a third generation owner-operator like Beauregard, who learned the grocery craft from his dad, who in turn learned it from his dad: Andre genuinely believes this whole homespun operation doesn’t belong to him, or his family. “I don’t feel like it’s my store,” he says. “It was Santa Cruz’s for 50 years before I was born.” That ideal is evident in the interactions at the checkout register, or the deli counter, or on the floor where employees are ever present and Beauregard lives for customer feedback (“I appreciate the ‘bad’ feedback the most because I can fix it!” he says). The general vibe would feel like a corny Hallmark movie—holiday decor aside—if it wasn’t so authentic, and hadn’t been happening since pre-World War II (1938 to be exact). “We’re proud of the fact we’re a store that’s been passed through generations,” Andre says. “Everyone who works here feels that it’s not just a grocery store, but a slice of shared Santa Cruz history, and everyone I work with gets jazzed by the challenge of improving however we can.” While Shopper’s Corner embraces its old-school Santa Cruz identity, it also honors a progressive city’s evolution. It’s one of the first grocery stores in the state to earn green certification from the California Green Business Network—and is working toward the Green Innovator Tier. SC earned its certification seven years ago by doing things like upgrading refrigeration, managing food scraps, installing 270 solar panels, limiting energy use and collaborating with its vendors on best sustainable practices. The big picture impact extends to more subtle decisions too, including the choice to defer to neighbors like The Flower Shack or The Buttery to provide flowers and coffee, respectively “A lot of people throw around, ‘We’re your local Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s,’ but what they’re missing is caring for the businesses around us,” Beauregard says. “Our focus isn’t solely on the bottom line. It’s not taking the biggest slice you can. It’s considering the well-being of the town. There’s enough for everyone. It’s about all of us.” Office Manager Vicki Chaney ranks among many staffers who bring both decades of Shopper’s Corner experience—across three generations of Beauregards—and an abiding affection for the spirit of place. “Everywhere you go—the deli, the meat department, checkout—we’re getting our work done and having a good time doing it,” she says. “Our staff has been here a long time, know our customers, and customers know them.” The Beauregards’ quintessential Santa Cruz identity extends beyond the store. Two of the region’s most iconic industries, sailing and winemaking, are also family trades. The family takes locals and visitors alike out on the Chardonnay sailboat, and Andre’s brother Ryan cultivates their dad’s dream of a thriving vineyard, on land their great grandpa purchased in the 1940s. Ryan moved over to the vineyard after working at Shopper’s because of a shared passion with his pops, fellow viticulturist Jim—who is going on his 61st vintage, and 62 estate acres planted—and because it was enough work on its own. “My dad’s always been a multitasker, always taking on an extraordinary amount of projects,” Ryan says. “Myself, I just do the winery. It keeps me busy.” Ryan adds that there’s a legacy in the soil similar to what’s happening on the corner: Decades from now Jim will be known for establishing the Ben Lomand wine AVA, naming a place where individuals can grow grapes with character specific to Santa Cruz. “I don’t know another person who’s done that, and has been working in winemaking for as long either,” Ryan says. Working hard, and happily, to perpetuate something uniquely Santa Cruz. That sounds on brand. More at shopperscorner.com By Mark C. Anderson

The post Keeping Food Local and Fun first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Family Game Night With a Twist

Bay Federal Credit Union — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:06:22 +0000

Learning about money doesn’t have to be a chore—it can actually be a lot of fun! Board games and other family-friendly activities often weave fiscal fitness and decision-making into their mechanics, offering kids a chance to learn through play. At Bay Federal Credit Union, we believe financial wellness starts early, and what better way to introduce these concepts than by spending quality time with your family around the table? Coin Identification Flashcards: Children Ages 2+ For the littlest learners, coin identification cards are a fantastic way to introduce money concepts. These cards feature large, clear images of coins and their values, helping kids recognize and match pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Use them as flashcards, in simple sorting games, or even as part of a scavenger hunt to make learning about money hands-on and fun! Exact Change: Children Ages 5+ Exact Change is a fast-paced card game in which players try to make exact change amounts using a mix of both coins and bills. The game reinforces basic math skills while simultaneously teaching kids to recognize the value of a dollar, making it an excellent introduction to handling real-life currency. Making Cents Money Game: Ages 7+ Turn learning about money into an adventure! In this interactive board game, kids explore the world of coins by sorting, matching, and counting their way to success. The first player to fill up a piggy bank card wins the game! It’s the perfect mix of fun and education for little ones getting started with money concepts! Monopoly: Children Ages 8+ Monopoly has been a household favorite for decades, and for good reason. While players are busy buying properties, collecting rent, and dodging bankruptcy, they’re also learning fundamental lessons about budgeting, saving, and strategic thinking. Kids practice managing limited resources, weighing risks, and recognizing the importance of long-term investments. Just be prepared for a few heated debates over Boardwalk and Park Place! The Game of Life: Children Ages 8+ The Game of Life takes players on a winding journey through career choices, family decisions, and unexpected expenses. Kids learn how education affects earnings, how to handle financial surprises, and the impact of their choices. The game’s lighthearted approach keeps the lessons engaging, offering opportunities to discuss topics like student loans, insurance, and retirement planning in a playful context. PayDay The Classic Edition: Children Ages 8+ Payday is a quick and simple way to learn about finances. Players manage paychecks, bills, and unexpected costs, making choices about saving and borrowing. The game is easy enough for younger kids yet offers valuable lessons for older players about managing limited resources. Catan: Children Ages 10+ Catan might not seem like a financial education tool at first glance, but its mechanics teach valuable lessons about trade, negotiation, and resource management. Players must make strategic decisions about where to build, how to trade effectively, and when to invest in development. The game’s emphasis on collaboration and forward-thinking mirrors real-world financial strategies. Why Games Work as Financial Tools Games like this work so well because they make abstract financial concepts tangible. Instead of hearing about “saving” or “budgeting,” kids experience the consequences of their decisions in real time. Games foster critical thinking, encourage teamwork, and, most importantly, make learning fun. Bringing Financial Wellness Into Your Family’s Life As a credit union committed to the financial well-being of our community, Bay Federal encourages families to embrace tools and activities that build money management skills in creative ways. Family game nights are perfect for teaching essential lessons while creating lasting memories. Next time you’re deciding which game to play, consider one that sneaks a little financial education into the fun. Who knows? You might be raising the next savvy investor, skilled negotiator, or successful entrepreneur—and it all starts with a roll of the dice. So, set up the board, shuffle those cards, and let the games (and learning) begin!

The post Family Game Night With a Twist first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

‘A Christmas Carol’ Was a Fun Experience

growingupsc — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:03:54 +0000

A couple of days ago my parents took me to see “The Christmas Carol” at the veterans hall in downtown Santa Cruz California. I sat directly in front of the stage with my mom and dad and my little sister. It was great because we could see the actors’ faces and bodies really well from so close. And we could touch the fake snow that was lying on the floor right in front of the stage. Sometimes the actors would walk right past us on their way to the stage. We were so close that we were part of the play. When local actor Mike James, who was playing the mean, unhappy rich man Ebenezer Scrooge, swung a big stick at a homeless kid and almost hit him, it was right in front of us. Luckily, the kid ran away fast. It was funny how Scrooge was scared when the Ghost of Christmas Past came to him. He was in shock seeing a ghost. Almost anyone would be scared of that, I think. Later on they turned off the light and it was pitch dark and Scrooge fell to the ground. He was kind of in tears and really scared. A cool part of seeing the play was all of the costumes. The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by actress Andrea Sweeney Blanco, came out in a white wig and silver crown; she looked like a bright, sparkling angel. Actress Julie James, the Ghost of Christmas Present, came out in chains, taunting Scrooge, and looked scary and weird like a wicked witch with moles and pimples. The best part about “The Christmas Carol” was that there were kid actors: a girl and a boy. The little boy played Tiny Tim, who needed a crutch to walk. His family was very afraid of him dying. And then he did die in the future, when the ghost of Christmas Future shows Scrooge how things will turn out, if he doesn’t change fast! The story was really inspiring. At the end Scrooge learned his lesson. He finally paid attention and learned what Christmas is all about. He saw that it is actually pretty good and is not about money, it is about spending time with family, sharing and being kind. Mean old Scrooge turned into a nicer man, and even walked into the crowd to pat the head of a child, which happened to be my eight-year-old sister, Anais. Tiny Tim came back to life and had not died at all because scrooge had turned into a good person now he was generous and money was not the most important thing to him any more then they all celebrated Christmas together, Scrooge and Tiny Tim’s family, and everyone was smiling, dancing and singing! Coco Kettmann is a fourth grader at Live Oak Elementary School, who loves drawing and painting, sleepovers with her friends and Taylor Swift.

The post ‘A Christmas Carol’ Was a Fun Experience first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Start the New Year with a Family Keepsake

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:58:11 +0000

It used to be that families would have a large shoebox filled with printed photos meant for albums that never got made. Today, with cell phones capturing countless pictures and cloud storage like Google Photos saving them for us, the same thing is happening. While the photos are automatically dated, they often lack important context—like what event they capture, who is in them, or the story behind the staged smiles. When I was raising my two daughters, I kept an informal journal of their lives. At first, I wrote daily because things changed so quickly—eating schedules, sleep patterns, and milestones happened all the time. Sometimes, I’d ask my daughters to dictate their own stories to me, giving them an opportunity to share their thoughts. When they resisted, I’d sit my husband down or include friends to capture snapshots of their lives through quick notes. Years later, after they left for college, I revisited the journal and found details I had forgotten. I felt so grateful to have recorded those little moments. As a project, I digitized photos, added certificates, scanned artwork, and even included covers of school reports. I published their biographies—Nicole’s spanned 1496 pages in 3 volumes, and Jaclyn’s stretched 1768 pages across 4 volumes. These biographies became family heirlooms, treasures for my daughters and now for Jaclyn’s son, Asher, who is 9 months old. This year, I’ve decided to create an annual biography for Asher, similar to what I did for his mother. Writing a yearly summary allows me to start sooner and ensures I capture memories while I can. Here’s how I’m organizing Asher’s biography—a simple and meaningful system you can use, too! Organize and Rename Photos With phone cameras, we have an abundance of candid photos unlike in the past. To preserve and organize them, I recommend renaming photos with a system that includes key details: Year Month Date Who What Where Example: 2024 12 15 Asher first food banana Santa Cruz. Next, place these photos in specific folders named after events: Example: 2024 12 15 Asher visits Thanksgiving Santa Cruz. This method allows you to search by event (like Thanksgiving) or activity (first food). Once you’ve organized the photos, transfer them to a hard drive on your computer for safekeeping and back them up on an external drive. Create a Journal Use Google Docs (or your preferred word processor) to write quick, snapshot entries about your child or grandchild. Keep it simple so you don’t feel overwhelmed—even short, heartfelt notes matter. Example of a Journal Entry: Today, Asher is figuring out the tricky process of crawling. I could see his little brain working hard to coordinate his hands and knees to move toward his favorite toy. When he got tired—and he must have been exhausted—he just laid his head down and rolled over. So adorable! Tips for Enriching the Journal: Share the Google Doc with family and friends so they can contribute their thoughts, stories, or observations. Ask them to sign their notes so you know who wrote what. Include small snippets like funny quotes, milestones, or observations from daily life. Combine Photos and Journal Entries Bring the journal to life by adding photos that match your entries. Resize and crop photos so they fit nicely into your document. Add visuals like book covers of stories they love, certificates, or scans of artwork to enrich the journal. Family and friends can add their own photos or images to the document as well. Publish the Annual Biography At the end of the year, take time to edit the entries and clean up the layout. Once you’re happy with the final version, publish it using an online printing service (like Shutterfly, Mixbook, or Blurb). Print a copy for your child or grandchild and start a tradition they can look forward to receiving every year. Why Start Now? Capturing your child’s story doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with simple notes, organized photos, and an annual publication, you’re creating a keepsake they’ll cherish forever. It’s a wonderful way to preserve memories and celebrate life’s fleeting moments—the perfect gift to begin the new year. Start today and give your child the gift of their story!

The post Start the New Year with a Family Keepsake first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Winter Enrichment for Pets and Kids

growingupsc — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:47:37 +0000

As we move into Santa Cruz County’s winter weather, we may find ourselves spending more time indoors with our families and pets. And when the cozy moments inevitably turn into chaos, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is here to help with ideas to keep both kids and pets engaged, happy, and out of trouble. Unwanted behavior is one of the leading reasons people surrender their pets to shelters. These behaviors often arise as dogs and cats enter puberty—much like their human pre-teen counterparts. But the good news is that enrichment activities can prevent or redirect these behaviors while fostering a deeper connection between pets and their families. Animal behaviorists identify five key areas of enrichment: socialization, food, sensory, physical and occupational, and environment. Each provides opportunities to keep pets mentally stimulated and happy while teaching kids empathy, responsibility, and creativity. Environmental Enrichment Changing or enhancing a pet’s surroundings can be stimulating and fun. Kids can actively participate in making safe, small adjustments to keep pets curious and engaged. For Pets: Rearrange furniture or add new pathways and hideaways. Cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, in particular, love exploring new nooks. Social Enrichment Socialization isn’t just about meeting new people or animals; it’s about meaningful interactions with the family. Pets thrive on connection, and kids can play an essential role in providing it. For Pets and Kids: Turn homework time into a tutoring session for pets! Kids can explain their schoolwork to their furry “students,” giving pets undivided attention while helping kids process what they’ve learned. Sensory Enrichment Even if rain limits outdoor adventures, pets can still enjoy rich sensory experiences indoors. Stimulating their senses—sight, smell, touch, and sound—can relieve boredom and stress. For Pets and Kids: Create a “smellcome” ritual for dogs and cats when kids arrive home. Let pets sniff their “small humans” to connect through their powerful sense of smell. This can spark conversations about the incredible capabilities of animals’ noses and help kids talk about their day. Food Enrichment Food-based enrichment taps into a pet’s natural foraging instincts and problem-solving abilities. Plus, it’s a hands-on way for kids to get creative. For Pets and Kids: Task kids with designing their own food puzzles, bypassing Amazon and using household items. Host a “snack time challenge,” where kids present food in fun, engaging ways. For example, wrap a small piece of carrot in a paper bag for a rabbit or hide treats for a dog to find. Physical and Occupational Enrichment Pets need to stay active, even during rainy days. Movement and problem-solving mimic natural behaviors like hunting or digging. For Pets and Kids: Teach new tricks! Dogs, rabbits, and even guinea pigs can learn commands like “spin” or “come.” Guinea pigs can learn to navigate a small maze with food incentives. Get Involved with Local Animal Shelters Looking for more ways to enrich animals’ lives? The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter offers enrichment opportunities for pets and people: Volunteer with the SCCAS Enrichment Team. Help shelter pets stay mentally stimulated while they wait for their forever homes. Participate in the “Awkward Pet Portraits” Fundraiser. In February, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation will host an art fundraiser where amateur artists create whimsical portraits of donors’ pets—or even shelter pets waiting to be adopted. Perfect for artists of all ages! Need Behavioral Help? If your pet’s behavior is driving you crazy, both the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and the Santa Cruz SPCA have resources to help. Whether it’s tips for enrichment or direct behavioral support, your community is here for you. Winter is the perfect time to explore enrichment activities for pets and people alike. Together, we can build stronger, more compassionate connections—one treat, one trick, and one cardboard maze at a time! Sarah Krummel is a Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation board member and a Program Specialist for Santa Cruz City Schools. Connect with her at sarah@scanimalshelterfoundation.org

The post Winter Enrichment for Pets and Kids first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Eating to Save the Planet

growingupsc — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:38:51 +0000

In the vibrant tapestry of Santa Cruz County’s nonprofit community, Eat for the Earth stands out as an organization with a mission as bold as it is necessary: to transform the way we eat to protect the planet. This vibrant grassroots movement is not only addressing personal health but also tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time—climate change. Reverend Beth Love, the Executive Director and driving force behind Eat for the Earth, is committed to advancing the practice of sustainable living. A longtime Santa Cruz resident, Love combines deep expertise in plant-based nutrition with a passion for environmental stewardship. Her leadership has helped establish Eat for the Earth as a necessary local resource, empowering individuals and organizations to make food choices that are healthier for both people and the planet. The Seed of an Idea Love recalls the genesis of Eat for the Earth as a moment of clarity in 2019. “I realized how intertwined our eating habits are with the health of the environment,” she told GT. She says the science is clear: our food system, particularly industrial animal agriculture, is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. However, the solution is equally clear—shifting towards plant-based diets can significantly reduce our ecological footprint. What started as a grassroots effort quickly grew into a movement. Love and colleague Dr. Maria Jose Hummel began hosting workshops, cooking demonstrations, and community events aimed at educating people about the environmental benefits of plant-based eating. The Roots of the Problem The organization recognizes that many barriers exist, from cultural habits to economic challenges, that make dietary change difficult. That’s why Eat for the Earth takes a holistic approach, offering not just education but also practical tools and ongoing support. One of their flagship initiatives is helping businesses and institutions adopt plant-based options in their cafeterias and catering menus. “If we can influence the default food options in large settings, the ripple effect is enormous,” Beth explains. These efforts are complemented by partnerships with local farms and food producers to promote access to fresh, plant-based ingredients. A Growing Movement In just a few years, Eat for the Earth has achieved impressive milestones. Their outreach programs have engaged thousands of local residents, and their advocacy has inspired several organizations to commit to sustainable food policies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they pivoted to offer virtual workshops and online resources, ensuring that their mission continued to grow even during challenging times. Program coordinator Dr. Hummel has been an instrumental part of this worked, after decades of seeing first hand how Latinos suffer disproportionately from chronic diseases related to nutrition. She says there are many social and environmental reasons for this, explaining “I have also seen that with education and motivation, people within marginalized and underserved communities can see amazing transformations in their health. I have seen dramatic improvements in health outcomes, that are not commonly seen in clinical practice. This continues to inspire me for sure.” Looking to the Future As Eat for the Earth looks ahead, their vision is both ambitious and inspiring. Beth Love envisions a future where plant-based eating is the norm rather than the exception. “We want to create a culture where sustainable food choices are accessible, celebrated, and supported by policies at every level,” she says. One of their long-term goals is to establish a dedicated education and resource center in Santa Cruz County—a space where people can learn about plant-based cooking, sustainable agriculture, and the intersection of food and climate. . How You Can Help Eat for the Earth thrives on community support, and there are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s volunteering at events, donating to sustain their programs, or simply committing to incorporating more plant-based meals into your routine, every contribution makes a difference. As Beth Love puts it, “The future of our planet depends on the choices we make today. Together, we can create a world where everyone can thrive—starting with what’s on our plates.” To learn more about Eat for the Earth or to get involved, visit their website at www.eatfortheearth.org or follow them on social media for updates on upcoming events and initiatives. by Elizabeth Borelli

The post Eating to Save the Planet first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Mastering the Positive Time-Out

growingupsc — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:35:41 +0000

The notion of Positive Time-Out came out of Positive Discipline. Positive Discipline is a parenting approach that promotes a relationship-based, mutually respectful, and developmentally appropriate way of meeting children’s needs for belonging and significance while teaching them valuable social and life skills. Under the Positive Discipline model, the disciplinary tool known as “time-out” has been transformed into the Positive Time-Out, a parenting tool aligned with the idea that when we model respect, engage in connection before correction, encourage (rather than punish) discouraged children, and help meet children’s psychosocial needs, children are more likely to feel and do their best. Different Types of Time-Out Imagine a group of children playing in a soccer game, their hearts and lungs working hard as they run back and forth across the field kicking the ball. At long last, their coach offers them a much-needed time-out, an opportunity for them to rest, recharge, and receive encouragement so that they can feel and do their best once they’re back on the field. Now imagine two children fighting on the playground. A teacher who sees this immediately becomes upset and sends both of them away to take a time-out which entails sitting alone on a bench during a portion of what would have been their playtime. While both of these scenarios include the use of a time-out, only the former has the effect of helping children to feel better so they can do better. Addressing challenges by creating space for children to feel and do better, however, is just the surface goal of Positive Time-out. The long-term goal is for children themselves to acquire the self-regulation skills that enable them to recognize when they need to take care of themselves and do so in appropriate ways. The Theory of Positive Time-Out In emotionally-charged moments, children can become reactive and exhibit challenging behavior. The traditional disciplinary approach of time-out is punitive in nature as it places emphasis on wrong-doing and results in children being sent away to experience isolation. That approach leaves children feeling blamed, shamed, angry and alone, all of which may cause children to exhibit yet other undesirable behaviors. While problematic behaviors that children exhibit do very much need to be addressed, the Positive Discipline parenting tool of Positive Time-Out is designed to be therapeutic rather than punitive. When provided some time to calm down and engage in something soothing, children tend to feel better and thus do better. That time also affords adults the opportunity to reconnect with the children before attempting to figure out what is contributing to the challenging behavior. It’s worth revisiting the second scenario (above) to show an example of how the teacher could instead use a Positive Time-Out. After stopping the fight, the teacher might then separate the children from one another and encourage them to take a few minutes to do things that the children have already identified as their preferred calming activities (e.g., walking, drinking water, looking at books, etc.). Once the children have calmed down, the teacher could then check in with them to see how they’re doing/feeling, and ask them to describe what they think led to the fight. The teacher would help them identify respectful solutions to resolve the conflict. As an adult, the upset teacher can be responsive (as opposed to reactive) in this situation, and in doing so, model emotional-self regulation and solution-oriented thinking. Guidelines for Positive Time-Out Involve The Children 1. Positive Time-Out is meant for children 3 years and older. 2. Openly discuss the purpose of Positive Time-Out. 3. Invite children to identify their preferred spaces/activities that help them to feel calm. 4. Let children design a calming space and decide what objects should be there (music, books, stuffed animals, etc.). 5. Until children acquire the self-regulation skills they need to initiate their own Positive Time-Outs, adults need to help them do so (in a kind, firm, and mutually respectful way). The Thinking Brain vs. The Survival Brain Brain function supports the use of Positive Time-Outs. The human brain is uniquely equipped with a highly-developed prefrontal cortex, which governs critical thinking (our ability to make rational decisions and understand consequences). Children (and even young adults) don’t possess optimal critical thinking skills simply because their prefrontal cortex is far from being fully developed. While the prefrontal cortex is important, the brain’s primary goal is survival. When the brain perceives physical or emotional threats, a part of the survival brain (the limbic system) known as the amygdala sends us into fight, flight, or freeze mode. In those modes, people (of all ages and stages) have virtually zero ability to access their prefrontal cortex and engage in rational thought. Punishment is interpreted as a threat and impedes children’s ability to listen to instructions or understand what we want them to learn. When subjected to punitive time-outs (and other forms of punishment), what children instead “learn” is that adults represent a threat to their safety. Conclusion In sum, given all that we’ve learned about the brain, the nature of trauma, the safety that underpins our ability to think and thrive, and the dire need to transform our culture of violence into one of respect, Positive Time-Out is a great tool for children (and parents alike) to use. Steven Weiss and Sarah Nofi are Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educators

The post Mastering the Positive Time-Out first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Celebrating YOU During Positive Parenting Awareness Month

Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:31:11 +0000

Dear parents, foster parents, grandparents, relative caregivers, and other adults raising children and teens: we’re celebrating YOU in January 2025! For the 13th year in a row the County Board of Supervisors has partnered with First 5 Santa Cruz County to declare January as Positive Parenting Awareness Month, joining other California counties and the California legislature, which will pass a resolution declaring January 2025 as Positive Parenting Awareness Month across the state. What does this mean? It means that local and state elected officials recognize that positive parenting is vital to the current and future well-being of children, families, and the entire community. It means that across the state, we’re calling attention to the fact that raising children and youth to be confident, capable, caring, and independent is the most demanding, exhausting, important, rewarding (and underpaid) job many of us will ever have. It means that as a community, we recognize that being a parent or caregiver can be difficult, confusing, stressful, and isolating. Even in the best of times, stress shows up in our lives. Sometimes, it comes from day-to-day events like a big test at school or a high-stakes situation at work or balancing work, caregiving, and household responsibility. Other times, it comes from major life events like a family split apart by divorce or the death of a loved one. These stressors lead to increased anxiety, depression, and burnout. Positive Parenting Awareness Month offers a reminder that taking the time to care for us and creating nurturing environments for our children benefits everyone. By embracing the principles of positive parenting, we can strengthen not only our families but our entire community. This month offers a chance to focus our dedication to these guiding principles and recognize that, while parenting comes with its challenges, it is also one of the most rewarding and meaningful journeys we can embark on. As we begin the year, we dedicate this time to recommitting ourselves to the five principles of positive parenting: 1) Create a safe, interesting environment for children and youth of all ages. This involves supervising children and youth and providing safe, engaging activities and environments. 2) Create a positive learning environment that promotes growth and development. This means an environment that is supportive and nurturing – where children’s efforts are acknowledged, and they receive plenty of positive attention and encouragement. 3) Use assertive discipline that teaches (instead of punishes) and helps children and youth develop skills for communication, cooperation, problem solving, and managing emotions. This means establishing family rules, setting a good example and being fair and consistent, and having the confidence to stay calm and follow through. 4) Have realistic expectations of yourself and your children. This means remembering there’s no such thing as a perfect parent or child, and we all learn by mistakes. 5) Take care of yourself so you have the emotional, physical, and mental energy it takes to be a positive parent/caregiver. This is so important for all parents, from all walks of life. Our ability to be positive, fair, patient, calm and consistent is increased when we take care of our own needs for joy, rest, privacy, support and having a break from parenting. Positive Parenting Awareness Month is a reminder that community members, businesses, early care and education providers, schools, and faith-based, non-profit, and government organizations all play a crucial role in supporting parents and caregivers to apply these positive parenting principles – even (or especially) during challenging times. Thankfully, many organizations in Santa Cruz County offer support and concrete resources such as food, housing, health care, financial assistance, childcare, home visiting, and other essential services for families (Dial or text 2-1-1 or visit 211santacruzcounty.org/ to get help with accessing resources) Another resource for families is the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, an evidence-based program that offers practical, proven tips and tools to build strong family relationships and make parenting easier. Triple P providers have helped thousands of Santa Cruz County families in English and Spanish since 2010. Check First 5 Santa Cruz County’s website (http://triplep.first5scc.org) and follow Triple P on Facebook (@triplepscc) and Instagram (@triplepsantacruz) to find Triple P classes, positive parenting tips and fun family activities planned for this January. Final Thoughts: Throughout January – and every day – let’s recognize the vital role of positive parenting in the well-being of children, families, and our community. This year, Positive Parenting Awareness Month emphasizes kindness, the small, meaningful acts that strengthen families and communities. We focus on kindness to remind every family they are seen, valued, and supported. Parents and caregivers: we see you, we celebrate you, and we are here to support you!

The post Celebrating YOU During Positive Parenting Awareness Month first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.