July 2025 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Trail, no Rail

growingupsc — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:24:04 +0000

Finally, the truth came out. For the past decade the local Regional Transportation Commission has been working on a plan for train service between Watsonville and Davenport under the direction of local officials and voters. But all this time, we never had a valid estimate of what it would cost. The first projections when the county spent $14 million to buy the tracks was well under a billion dollars. Then, in 2022 when 75 percent of the county voted to have legislators pursue the idea of a train, it was said to be around $800 million, much of which they told us would be paid by federal and state grants. Train supporters stood on Highway 1 bridges with signs telling drivers that if they had a train, they’d be home by now, But something seemed fishy. First off, the costs, which a consultant hired for a reported $9 million to produce a study now determined would be $4.3 billion to start and up to $43 million a year to maintain and run. That cost is about four times the budget for the entire county. And how would we pay it, because when the bills come due, we will be the ones paying most of it? An additional sales tax, according to RTC officials, which would raise our current tax of 9.75 percent up to 12.75 percent, making it the highest sales tax in the state. Commissioner Manu Koenig, who was elected in part because of his opposition to the train, said: “The pressure on our local sales tax capacity…would take all the oxygen out of the room for funding any other kind of service through sales tax pretty much ever again.” That had several commissioners waking up to the fact that they could choose either to fund the train or a huge list of important services needed by their voters. The thing I’ve never understood is how they pulled the wool over so many people’s eyes for these years. Basic observation would tell you there aren’t enough people to fill trains between two small cities and the train couldn’t run fast enough to be a solid source of commuting (they are claiming it would be safe to go 60 miles an hour over 45 minutes, on parts of the 22 miles between between Watsonville and Natural Bridges. We don’t buy it. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare for a train in the future and there’s a way we can do it: We can temporarily cover the tracks, or remove them for a time (they have to go anyway for new rail services) and do what they call “railbanking,” which means, they would make a safe bike and pedestrian trail for now until there is the money and honest demand for a multi-billion dollar train. It’s happened in other cities and would be the right solution for us now. We need safe places for kids and families to walk and ride and we don’t have them now and the cost of adding a train instead of building a safe path is simply unfeasible. Are you for or against the train? Let us know what you think at editor@growingupsc.com Thanks for reading. Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

The post Trail, no Rail first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Respecting Pronouns While Keeping Grammar Clear

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:20:56 +0000

As a lifelong educator and a stickler for grammar, I’ve always valued precise language. I believe clarity matters—especially when teaching, writing, or communicating across generations. So, I’ll admit that the use of they/them as a singular pronoun for non-binary individuals has left me a little… grammatically disoriented. Let me be clear: I fully support people’s right to define who they are and to ask others to respect that identity. For young people—especially those exploring gender beyond the traditional binary—having the power to say “these are my pronouns” is empowering and important. I respect that. I support that. And I believe our schools, workplaces, and communities should too. But here’s the dilemma: they and them have always been plural pronouns in standard English. When someone says, “They’ll be joining you at 3 p.m.,” my mind naturally imagines more than one person walking through the door. That’s what I was taught. That’s what I’ve taught others. And that’s what causes confusion—not out of disrespect, but out of habit and grammatical instinct. In recent years, I’ve had to catch myself—more than once—after misunderstanding whether one person or a group was being referenced. And I’ve heard the same concern from other educators, parents, and colleagues. The confusion isn’t about rejection of identity; it’s about language systems catching up to social change. My 40-year-old daughter recently cautioned me that voicing this opinion publicly could upset people who’ve fought hard for recognition and inclusion. I understand that. This article isn’t meant to dismiss or criticize anyone’s chosen pronouns. Rather, I hope it opens the door to a respectful conversation about how we use language to support identity and maintain clarity. Because isn’t that what communication is about? Making sure that our message is both respectful and understood? The truth is, English is constantly evolving. We’ve adapted before. You used to be strictly plural. Now we use it for individuals all the time. And the singular they actually has historical roots in the writings of Shakespeare and Jane Austen. Still, today’s usage of they/them as a personal pronoun is new for many people, and it comes with some practical challenges. That’s why I wonder: might there be a future where we create—or adopt—a new gender-neutral singular pronoun? One that clearly refers to one person and avoids the grammatical confusion that “they” can cause? Interestingly, some individuals already use gender-neutral pronouns like ze/hir/hirs. Pronounced zee, heer, and heers, these pronouns work similarly to he/him/his or she/her/hers. For example:· “Ze is a teacher.”· “I spoke to hir yesterday.”· “That book is hirs.” These alternative pronouns have not yet gained mainstream usage, but they offer a possible path forward—language that is both inclusive and less ambiguous in terms of number. Perhaps, with time and broader awareness, they could help bridge the gap between clarity and respect. Of course, any shift like this takes time. Language doesn’t change overnight—especially when it’s tied to something as personal and sensitive as identity. And any new pronouns must be chosen, embraced, and led by the communities who use them. In the meantime, I believe there’s a shared responsibility. For those of us who grew up in a more rigid grammatical world, it’s important to learn, adapt, and make space for gender diversity. Using someone’s correct pronouns is a small act of kindness that can give comfort. For those who use they/them, offering context or clarifying language when helpful (“My friend uses they/them pronouns and will join us later”) can reduce misunderstanding without compromising identity. This isn’t an either/or issue—it’s a both/and. We can respect identity and advocate for clear communication. We can support the use of they/them now, and still have a thoughtful conversation about how inclusive language can evolve in ways that serve everyone. Ultimately, language is a bridge. Let’s build it together—with compassion, with clarity, and with the humility to keep learning.

The post Respecting Pronouns While Keeping Grammar Clear first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Friendships

Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:15:17 +0000

We’ve all experienced friendship fallouts one way or another, whether as kids or adults. As I see my daughter forming friendships at preschool, I see how joyful and full of promised those early connections can be. And I also know as she grows, those relationships will become more complex. It is a daunting thought at times, knowing I won’t always be able to protect her from the heartaches that come with friendships. Still, I remind myself that what I can do is help build a strong emotional foundation. And I will do my best to teach her tools to handle the ups and downs of her social relationships – and then trust she will be able to use those tools when the time comes.This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is helping raise children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Yesenia, My 12-year old daughter has been spending a lot of time alone lately. Her usual group of friends has become more interested in social media, shopping, and watching YouTube videos (and who knows what else) – and my daughter isn’t interested in any of that. It doesn’t seem to bother her to be alone, but I haven’t heard her talk about making new friends either. Should I be worried? Jessica Dear Jessica,That’s a good question, and it’s important that you’re noticing changes in your daughter’s social life. As kids grow older, their social groups often change as they develop different interests and meet new people. It’s possible that your daughter naturally grew apart from her usual group of friends, and it may just take time to form new friendships. Or, this change could be a sign that something else is going on and your daughter could use support. Here are some tips to try: Have a casual conversation with your daughter. Ask about activities or hobbies she’s interested in and the people she spends time with online or face-to-face. Listen for signs that her interests – and therefore her social group – may have changed by her choice, or listen for signs that she feels left out and left behind by her friends. Ask how she feels about the changes in her friendships. Tell her you’ve noticed she’s been spending less time with her usual group of friends and you’re wondering how she feels about it. Ask open-ended questions to encourage her to share her thoughts and feelings – “How do you feel about spending less time with those friends?” – then gradually ask more specific questions to gauge whether your daughter feels there is a problem – “Did something happen that changed the friendships?” or “Do you wish you were still close to them?” Watch for clues about how your daughter is coping with changing friendships. If she becomes upset or talks about being isolated and lonely, then ask her what she would like to do and if she wants your help. Hold off on giving advice or solutions unless your daughter asks for it. Instead, try asking, “Is there anything I can do to help?” then let her answers guide your actions. If your daughter seems interested in other people and activities but says she just outgrew her old friends and needs some time before making new ones, then let her know you’re there if she needs someone to talk to. Keep having casual conversations about her interests and social life and offer help if she asks for it. Encourage your daughter to form new friendships. Even if your daughter enjoys being alone, she might still need some support and encouragement to meet and make new friends. If she’s not sure where to start, help her identify her strengths and interests, then look for activities that provide an opportunity to meet people with similar interests. This can help start new friendships and build social skills. Final Thoughts: Navigating the ups and downs of friendships is hard for many kids (and adults), especially in the midst of physical and hormonal changes and pressure to project an image of the “perfect life” on social media. With support from caring adults, children and teens can learn important social and emotional skills, like expressing their feelings, staying true to their values, and dealing with disappointment or rejection. Although adolescence eventually ends, the importance of having positive relationships never goes away.

The post Navigating the Ups and Downs of Friendships first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Passenger Rail Price Tag Estimated at $4.3 Billion

growingupsc — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:11:45 +0000

The proposed 22-mile rail/trail from Watsonville to Natural Bridges will cost an estimated $4.3 billion to build and as much as $41 million a year to operate, according to a new study released by the Regional Transportation Commission—figures more than four times the estimated costs released in 2022 during the campaign in which voters approved the concept with 70 percent of the vote. The RTC originally bought the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line from Union Pacific in 2012 for $14.2 million. Public meetings were held last Monday and Thursday to go over a draft report released June 6, in which it listed the costs and estimated ridership of 3,500-6,000 passenger boardings per weekday for the year 2045. “Boardings” and “ridership” refer to the number of times a person rides the train. A single person can account for multiple boardings in one day. The project’s new price tag is a divisive topic among community members. “We’re in this for the long haul and we know we’re years away from the community having to make funding decisions,” said Matt Farrell, the board chair for the interest group Friends of the Rail Trail. “RTC’s work helps us understand how rail transit could work and what it will take to make it a reality.” Farrell referred to the current progress being made on the project as “something we can all agree is great news.” Others are more skeptical. Bud Colligan, who works with Greenway—the local organization in support of preserving the rail and creating a trail over it—said, “The $4.3 billion is absolutely beyond the capacity of Santa Cruz County taxpayers.” The RTC should “invest in transportation that actually moves people,” he added, suggesting Santa Cruz METRO and ParaCruz as better options. Speakers at the Monday meeting from the RTC and the engineering companies HDR and Fehr and Peers reviewed the data presented in the Zero Emission Passenger Rail Trail or ZEPRT’s Draft Executive Summary. The summary was published Friday and details the RTC’s preliminary plans for the 22-mile rail system. HDR is a multinational engineering firm based in Nebraska that has offices in 15 countries. Fehr and Peers is a transportation planning and engineering firm with offices across the nation. They are headquartered in Walnut Creek. In 2023, the county secured funding to finance a study conducted by HDR, the preliminary results of which are presented in the Executive Draft Summary. It was expected that the full study would take about two years, and the Final Concept Report is planned for submission sometime this fall. According to the summary, the RTC projects a daily ridership of 3,500-6,000 boardings per weekday for the year 2045, although they plan to open the rail line sometime before that year. The train cars that the RTC plans to use will have a maximum capacity of 234, with room for 116 seated and 118 standing passengers. There is no exact figure for estimating weekend ridership, but it is expected to be lower than weekdays, which is in line with the RTC’s goal for the ZEPRT to primarily be used by commuters. The current plan is for the rail system to operate daily from 6am to 10pm, with train service every 30 minutes. The RTC estimates that it will take 40 to 45 minutes for the train to travel from the southernmost stop in Pajaro to the northernmost one at Natural Bridges Drive in Santa Cruz. HDR Project Manager Mark McLaren said the train could “operate safely” at up to 60 mph. One of the project’s long-term goals is to connect the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line to other rail systems in Castroville, Monterey, Gilroy and the Bay Area via the Pajaro station. An estimated 10% of riders would transfer in Pajaro, according to Fehr and Peers civil engineer Matt Haynes. The annual cost of operation, with trains running every 30 minutes, is estimated to be up to $41 million. Alternatively, if the trains were to run every 60 minutes, the estimated annual cost could be up to $21 million. There will be nine stations at the following locations: Pajaro, Downtown Watsonville, Aptos, New Brighton Road (intended for students of Cabrillo College), Capitola near Park Avenue, 17th Avenue, Seabright Avenue, Beach Street in Santa Cruz, and Natural Bridges Drive. The Downtown Watsonville and Beach Street stations are expected to have the highest numbers of weekday riders, with 800-1,200 and 800-1,500 daily boardings, respectively. Capitola Station and Beach Street are projected to have the highest weekend ridership. According to the RTC’s summary, the trains will be fully ADA compliant and will be able to accommodate multiple types of mobility devices and bicycles. Much of the discussion at the Regional Transportation Commission Meeting on Thursday was about how the county intends to finance the project. According to McLaren, there are two possible federal grant sources: the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration. McLaren said the FTA rarely gives grants above 50% of the cost, while the FRA has historically covered up to 80%. The county would apply on the condition that the ZEPRT is an inner-city rail system. RTC officials said the cost to the county could vary from 20 to 50 percent of the total $4.3 billion and the board voted for the RTC staff to prepare a report estimating the taxpayer responsibilities for each amount. According to RTC Executive Director Sarah Christensen, the largest grant to date that the county of Santa Cruz has received for the rail corridor was a $67 million Active Transportation Program grant in 2022. However, there are portions of the overall cost that cannot be funded with federal or state grants, and therefore must be paid for by the community—such as the annual operating costs, which could be up to $41 million. The county is also responsible for funding pre-construction environmental analysis, which could take about three years and would cost between $14 million and $16 million, according to McLaren. In a response to these conditions of the project, Commissioner Kim De Serpa said, “People are tired of shouldering the burden of communities that can’t make ends meet.” Commissioner Manu Koenig also questioned the financial feasibility of the project. Koenig speculated that the county would have to raise its sales tax rate from where it currently sits at 9.75% to as high as 12.5% in order to be able to fund the project and the operating expenses. That increase would make Santa Cruz County’s sales tax the highest in California. He called the expense a “crushing amount,” and said, “The pressure on our local sales tax capacity…would take all the oxygen out of the room for funding any other kind of service through sales tax pretty much ever again.” When asked if she thought the county could realistically afford the project, Christenen said, “If we prioritize this project over other needs, and we are serious about delivering this project, our team is going to figure out how to get it done.” De Serpa said she would not support “any effort to take money away from roads and infrastructure.” She said that the community has other transportation-related needs, such as a lack of sheltered bus stops and roads in need of repair. The projected expenses and ridership numbers are based on preexisting rail transit systems throughout the United States that the RTC deems comparable to the ZEPRT. Some of these systems include the eBART in the Bay Area, SPRINTER in San Diego, and the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART). However, the reliability of these comparisons is questionable. SMART initially projected a daily ridership of 5,200 in a 2014 forecast submitted to the Federal Transit Administration. Sonoma and Marin counties have a combined population of about 736,219. Santa Cruz County has a population of about 267,551 (according to the Santa Cruz County website), and the ZEPRT has a projected daily ridership of up to 6,000. SMART did not meet its anticipated daily ridership rate of 5,200. In a Draft Strategic Plan for the years 2025-2030, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District said “the SMART pathway averaged 63,610 users per month” in 2024, which is about 2,120 per day. They also said that one of their goals for the next five years is to “increase ridership to 5,000+ per day.” Commissioner Steve Clark expressed doubt about the accuracy of the RTC’s comparison of the ZEPRT’s ridership model to that of San Diego’s SPRINTER rail. Clark said that the Sonoma-Marin and San Diego metro areas have a “much larger population area,” and asked, “How do we get to that ambitious conclusion that we’re going to outperform those systems?” The original projected daily ridership for SPRINTER was 11,000 in 2012. During the fiscal year 2023- 2024, SPRINTER reported an annual total of 1,822,849 boardings, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. That’s an average of about 4,994 boardings per day. According to McLaren, stops at each station are expected to last about 90 seconds, approximately adding an additional 10 minutes to the total trip time for anyone traveling from Pajaro to Natural Bridges Drive. Two previously proposed station locations—at Ohlone Parkway in Watsonville and 41st Avenue in Capitola—were removed from the updated proposal. Although these are well-traversed areas, McLaren said they were withdrawn from consideration because of concerns about losing ridership over excessive travel time. The projected total cost of $4.3 billion is broken down into different categories. The previously calculated Conceptual Railroad Bridge Replacement and Rehab Cost of $980 million is now included in several of the cost categories listed in the Draft Executive Summary, the largest of which is titled “Contingency.” The Contingency cost of $1.283 billion is allotted for all of the unknowns regarding construction of the rail. The $980 million cost was calculated earlier this spring because 28 of the 33 bridges along the rail line need replacing to make the project feasible, and the remaining five need repairs. However, this amount does not account for other expenditures, such as rail construction and the implementation of signal systems. “At this point [the contingency] is essentially the insurance policy to make sure that as the project moves forward, there aren’t risks that come forward that would significantly impact the cost of the project in a way that’s detrimental,” McLaren said. The Final Project Concept Report will be submitted sometime this fall. By Isabella Blevins

The post Passenger Rail Price Tag Estimated at $4.3 Billion first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Embracing the Best of Summer

Jamie McFaden — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:07:36 +0000

The beautiful weather, gorgeous flowers in bloom, the camps, vacations and hopefully some R+R. Personally, This year is the first time I decided not to put my kid in any camps and zero planned vacations and use the summer to explore and be on the NON scheduled summer. So far, we are really enjoying it and as a working mom it forced me to take off some time that I too really needed. Living in a time where there seems to be much uncertainty, stress and added unnecessary pressures – I hope this will remind you whether you have a packed summer or a loose one like me – making time for family self-care is always a great idea! In fact, according to Elixr’s modern motherhood survey – 85% of mothers struggle to find person time, highlighting the major pressure of balancing career, motherhood and self care.” Every mom I’ve ever asked has admitted making time for themselves always seems like the hardest part of their long to-do list. Let’s work towards changing this and one way is through making plans WITH your family for self-care this summer. I’d like to share some of my favorite tips for Self-Care this summer for mom and dad + the whole family! It is easy to pack in lots of plans during “free” time in summer and I encourage you to create some sacred space for NOTHING. Here are my 10 tips for a super self-care refreshing summer for mind, body and soul! Make a list of all the things that bring you the most joy (have each person in your family help add theirs too) Look over that list and see what you can do throughout the summer – surprise for us, many of the things on the list are usually quality time, outdoor adventures and music/movemnet activities Start a family self-care routine together- maybe a morning walk for coffee or an evening cruise to see sunset- also a great time time clear and declutter! Taste the rainbow – so many fruits and veggies in season a fun and nourishing way to enhance wellness this summer is to see how many colors you can eat in a day! Check out one of the local farmers markets or farms. REST. Allow time to let go of the hustle to get up early and race out of the house or pack in the zillion plans many of us have every other season. Use this time to take a midday nap, read a book, snooze on the beach— nap with baby whatever it looks like for you – allow your family time for quality REST. Try something new together – maybe Goat Yoga, berry picking, family breathwork or Ukulele’s the weekend in SC or Capitola in the village. Save the date: July 12 for a special paddle out to honor a local surfer and mental health awareness. 9am PST in the village. Take the opportunity to help someone else – volunteer work or help out at a local animal shelter – there are so many in need and summer is a great time to lend a helping hand Put the electronics away – what screams vacation for many of us is time off technology – even if its just for a day, see if the whole house can do it and notice how everyone feels. Join a local group – mom walk co, Circle Family center and some other places have great groups you can join to be a part of something bigger and feel support! Challenge yourself! The summer many of us may feel “lazy” but this is a great time to read that book you’ve always wanted to, join a fitness challenge (I’m launching one for moms July 15th be sure you get my newsletterjaimemcfaden.com/) or find something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t made time for. You will thank yourself later! Support LOCAL – check out all the upcoming concerts, events and support the local community however you can. Cheers to a summer filled with self-care for the whole family. May we come together and disconnect to reconnect in the community – starting at home.

The post Embracing the Best of Summer first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Miracles Santa Cruz Transforms Lives and Builds Community Through Theater

growingupsc — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:04:21 +0000

In Santa Cruz, a uniquely joyful and heartfelt theater troupe has taken root, transforming lives through performance and community: Miracles Santa Cruz. This ensemble of performers with special needs shares more than a stage—they share a passion for storytelling, song, and self-expression. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the spotlight, Miracles Santa Cruz brings creativity and inclusion to life. Roots in Innovation: The Hope Services Connection The troupe’s origins date back to a visionary program launched in 2009 by Mike Nichols at Hope Services: the Community Membership and Media Program. At its core, the program emphasized media and performing arts, offering creative writing and arts classes from the beginning. Inspiration for what would become Miracles Santa Cruz sparked one evening as Mike and a Hope Media crew filmed an interview at a book launch for Elaine Hall—founder of The Miracle Project and star of the Emmy-winning HBO documentary Autism: The Musical. Elaine shared news of an upcoming statewide initiative to teach Miracle Project methods in community programs. Mike, already deeply moved by the documentary, applied to join—and was accepted into—a three-day intensive workshop with Hall and her team. That experience became a catalyst. He began immediately implementing the approach at Hope, where it was so beloved that he envisioned something bigger: a theater troupe that would extend beyond Hope participants to include youth with disabilities from the wider community. With Hope’s blessing, Mike used their downtown space in the evenings, and began marketing through the Regional Center and his network. Although licensing prevented the use of the name “Miracle Project Santa Cruz,” they received permission to use the name Miracles Santa Cruz and acknowledge that they used The Miracle Project’s methods. When Partnerships Spark Miracles Around this time, Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch reached out to Mike—she was preparing to start a theater group for individuals with disabilities. They instantly recognized their shared vision. Working together, Miracles Santa Cruz was born. The early days were filled with community generosity. Jenny Hasselman became a volunteer director after reading about the project in Good Times. UCSC students Katie and Jaclyn signed on to help. Mike even met Rick, their props master and a UCSC set designer, while book hunting at the Bargain Barn. Longtime theater supporters Sylvia from Hope, and Steve, Mary, and Sandi Jo from the Senior Follies joined in too. A team formed organically, grounded in love for performance and inclusion. And at the heart of it all? The actors. Their joy lit up every rehearsal. They played games, sang, danced, and even ended each rehearsal with talent shows for friends and family. A favorite memory: during the second season, 12-year-old Tyler dashed down the hall in fear at his first talent show. But after months of growth and practice, he proudly took center stage as the Tin Man, singing his heart out. Each year, the troupe evolved. Jenny adapted Oh, the Places You’ll Go for their first season. Their second season offered a reimagined The Wizard of Oz with lots of changes and inspiration from the performers. Eventually, the performers were writing their own stories, a testament to how much the group grew creatively together. Pandemic Pause and a Powerful Return Like so many programs, COVID brought things to a halt. Rehearsals ceased, performances paused, and their beloved Hope Services space was lost. Mike moved away—though he continues theater work in Minnesota, where next week he’ll stage an original play, ARRGH!, with a cast of 40 actors with disabilities and a sold-out 500-seat audience! Back in Santa Cruz, Lizz held onto the dream. A new opportunity arose with All About Theater and Lindsey Chester, who welcomed Miracles Santa Cruz into the Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center. This beautiful venue is now the troupe’s permanent home—and the magic has returned. A Joyful Comeback: June 2 Performance On June 2, Miracles Santa Cruz roared back to life with a spectacular show. Ten passionate performers took the stage performing a self-written “This is Me!” for an audience of over 90, radiating joy, heart, and talent. The applause said it all: Miracles are real. What’s Next? Rehearsals, Community, and New Performers Rehearsals will begin again in September, and the group is welcoming new performers age 14 and up. Volunteers are also needed—for directing, backstage, costumes, set design and more. This season’s team includes: Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch (Organizer) Brad Roades (Director) Isabella Steigman, Steve Ferro, Harvey & Kathleen Newman, Sierra Lebovitz (Volunteers) Together, they make the magic happen. Miracles Santa Cruz is not just theater—it’s empowerment, inclusion, creativity, and joy. And everyone is welcome to be part of the miracle. If you or someone you know is interested in performing or volunteering, please contact Lizz at director@musicalme.com

The post Miracles Santa Cruz Transforms Lives and Builds Community Through Theater first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

James Durbin Rocks Santa Cruz and Beyond

growingupsc — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:02:50 +0000

In mid-June, Santa Cruz-born musician, James Durbin, kicked off his “All Over the Place” summer tour. The tour takes place throughout Santa Cruz County, with shows in Santa Clara and Sacramento counties, as well. The title also sums up the 36-year-old musician’s life so far–as a singer and guitarist who has played in numerous bands–spanning multiple genres–and toured in many countries Durbin first garnered national attention in 2011 when he finished in fourth place on American Idol, performing classic rock staples from the likes of Queen and The Beatles. However, his love for onstage performance began years earlier, when he got involved with youth theater programs in Santa Cruz. During high school, Durbin joined the community theater groups Kids on Broadway and All About Theater. He also played in the White Album Ensemble, where he met his mentor and lifelong friend, Dale Ockerman. His American Idol success allowed Durbin to make a career out of his musical talents. “I didn’t know how to take the next step as a singer,” he said. He recalled that he hadn’t written much music yet, but sang a lot of covers, making American Idol an appealing next step. Right after American Idol, he formed the James Durbin Band with several other local musicians. In 2017, Durbin joined the heavy metal band Quiet Riot as their new lead singer. With Quiet Riot, he re-recorded their album Road Rage (2017) and made the album Hollywood Cowboys (2019). Durbin said that performing with them was fun at first, and cited playing for an audience of 30,000 at the music festival Heavy Montreal in Quebec as one of his favorite performances with the group. However, after a while, Durbin didn’t feel content with touring with Quiet Riot, recalling, “I realized you don’t have to do something you’re unhappy with.” “I took a chance on myself,” Durbin said. He decided to fly solo, signing a record deal and beginning a residency show at the Hard Rock Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Durbin now plays in six different bands. Several of them are accompanying him on his summer tour–the classic rock cover band The Lost Boys, Songs with Friends/The Coastal Highwaymen, yacht-rock group Mustache Harbor, and his 80s tribute band Tainted Love. His other bands are a country group called Jim Willy and Metal Mouse. He’s also helping his wife, Heidi, record an album. During the summer of 2024, Durbin joined forces with Dale Ockerman from the White Album Ensemble and the local musician Julian Colbeck to work with the legendary producer and musician Alan Parsons, who worked as a sound engineer on numerous iconic albums such as the Beatles’ Abbey Road and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Durbin had worked with both Parsons and Colbeck before, in 2008, on Parson’s educational video series “Art & Science of Sound Recording,” which Durbin described as a “master class that people could purchase and then see how Alan Parsons sets up a session.” He collaborated with them again in 2022 at Parson’s house, where they wrote and recorded an original song, “Give ‘Em My Love,” with Parson’s band. The track became a single on Parson’s 2022 album From The New World. The song was mastered by Colbeck’s son, who is a sound engineer at Abbey Road Studios. At 36, Durbin has already worn many different hats and found much success as a musician. Through it all, he still chooses to call Santa Cruz his home. This has been a recurring theme throughout his career, even providing the basis for his 2018 album Homeland, which he wrote when he left Santa Cruz for Nashville to work with Quiet Riot. The album also marked a departure from his usual style– “I’ve always been the rocker guy…and I challenged myself and made an Americana/country album,” Durbin said. He called the album a “stark contrast” from the 80s hair-metal music that he played with Quiet Riot. Durbin has fond memories of playing various shows around Santa Cruz county, including the Scotts Valley and Capitola Art and Wine Festivals and the Crow’s Nest Beach Party–where he performed last month. In 2016, the James Durbin Band played the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Santa Cruz near the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Durbin warmly recalled singing the chorus of his song “Santa Cruz” as fireworks lit up the night sky. Durbin has Tourette’s Syndrome but the condition in no way impedes his musical career. He said that the rush of joy and excitement he experiences while performing “overtakes whatever is going on with my nervous system,” and called playing music a “beautiful distraction.” Durbin and his daughter enjoy watching the performances of the contemporary musical artist Louis Capaldi, who also has Tourette’s. These days, Durbin lives in Watsonville with his wife and their three kids. He says he doesn’t find much trouble balancing his career and family life. “I basically work from home,” he said. He’s an active performer, but said for the most part, he returns home after every concert. “Even if we finish at midnight or 1 a.m., I do the two or three hour drive home because there’s no place I’d rather be than home.” Isabella Blevins

The post James Durbin Rocks Santa Cruz and Beyond first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Effect

growingupsc — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:59:28 +0000

Have you ever wondered if a place can dictate your style? Here are four individuals from all over who wound up in our little town, one way or another. Every one of these characters has fantastic flair. Whether it is in correlation to our town’s influence or not. Some of these individuals attributed their poise to the town and people in it, while others disagreed. Even though the town may not be a direct influence on others, it could be a haven to those who embrace creativity and idiosyncrasy. Santa Cruz has a great selection of thrifted clothes, along with one-of-a-kind people with fantastic energy. The beauty of our town is reflected through art, people, and how they present themselves. Casey and SkylandWelcome these two lovely ladies, Casey on the left and Skyland on the right. Casey graduated from UCSC, born in Los Angeles. She says she has always cared about fashion, and picking out an outfit is her favorite part of the day. She admits her approach to clothing has evolved as a person and acknowledges Santa Cruz has played a role in her choices. She is currently traveling, so most of her clothes are from her friend. The brown T-shirt is from Target, the green bag is from a clothing swap in New Orleans along with the colorful striped skirt. Brown leather studded belt is thrifted, jewelry is from traveling in Vermont, Oregon, Israel, Mexico, etc. With brown sunglasses from Crap Eyewear. She would describe her style as pirate hippie. Some of her icons are Helena Carter and Emmylou Harris. A tip she gave was to figure out your proportions and always try on clothes. Recommends choosing comfortable clothes with lots of layers so you are prepared for all-day wear and any activity. Skyland, standing on the right, goes to UCSC, born in San Jose. Her vibrant top is thrifted from Portugal, and the light-wash denim skirt is from a garage sale. Brown boots are from Ebay, and the brown side bag is from Depop. All silver jewelry, bangles and rings are from Spain. She has always enjoyed Santa Cruz. She explains how Santa Cruz has helped her express herself and allowed her more opportunities to do so. She would describe her current style as Cowboy Dixie or Cowboy Victorian. If she could only choose one piece of clothing, it would be a good pair of shoes. She advises trying on clothes and choosing what makes you feel good. Both of these ladies agreed that finding and getting to know yourself helps to express yourself. They also both credit Santa Cruz with having a positive effect on what they choose to wear. DanSay hello to Dan. They are a current UCSC student. I love this almost Western bohemian esc elegance. They are wearing Magnolia Pearl black square glasses, a classic accessory. White mesh-like T-shirt with a western type font saying ‘LOVE’ and a prepossessing fire graphic from Free People. For accessories he is wearing two long necklaces and a wide leather studded belt from Free People. Lastly wearing a light wash ripped denim, also from Free People. I adore their ruminative accessory correlation, with brown being splashed head to Boots. This outfit is a perfect example of doing just enough. in a sense, the premise of the outfit is simple, but the amount of thought and time put into the outfit is recognized. I love how laid back the attire feels, as well as having amazing harmony with accessories. Dan is from Palm Springs but recently moved to Santa Cruz. They said moving to Santa Cruz never affected their manor; they have always been very individual and true to what they love. Picking out an outfit has always been important. Some advice they give for picking out your clothing is finding what you resonate with and guarantee it fits your body. If they could only choose one item to carry in an outfit, they would say a belt. TaniThis is Isaac, he is from Scotts Valley. He is wearing a green and white flannel shirt that he got from his Dad. The black denim jorts are from Santa Cruz’s local thrift store, Oasis, with a silver chain from Amazon. The black Converse are from Depop, and his brown side bag is from Hot Topic. I appreciate the vintage outdoor look with a modern twist. His outfit is a combination of a simple outdoor aesthetic with an edgy twist. He favors in-store shopping and prefers looking for outdoorsy ‘rigid’ clothing, because it is sturdy and long-lasting. A piece of advice he gave when you are shopping is to look for something that is more ‘basic’ with quality. The reason for this is so you don’t end up falling into trends and end up getting rid of the clothes within 6 months or so. Having solid critical pieces is a great base to build off of. Picking out an outfit is important to him; if he had to choose one thing to save in an ensemble, it would be accessories. By Malia Fort

The post The Santa Cruz Effect first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Caroline’s Non Profit Thrift Shop Changes Lives

Comcast — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:49:14 +0000

Nestled in the heart of Aptos, “Caroline’s Non Profit Thrift Shop” is more than a store, it is a space for hope, healing, and happiness. What started as a mother’s tribute to her daughter blossomed into a community that impacts lives in Santa Cruz County and beyond. The shop was inspired by Caroline, Christy Licker’s daughter who passed away at the young age of sixteen. Three and a half years after her passing, Christy landed on an idea to navigate healing and honor the life of Caroline. “I wanted to celebrate all the things she was and all the things I learned from her,” Christy shares. That idea became Caroline’s Non Profit Thrift Shop, a volunteer-focused thrift shop where every dollar raised supports local non-profit organizations with programs and services for children and families. Christy never imagined the impact and community ties that would bloom at Caroline’s. The shop opened in 2011 with one location and seven volunteers. After only six months, the shop donated $40,000 to local non-profits. To date, Caroline’s has donated $4,508,000, expanded to two locations, and built an incredible team of over 80 volunteers. Funds raised by the thrift shop have supported organizations that improve the quality of life for children facing health challenges, provide support for youth in foster care and children experiencing food insecurity, and offer equitable access to resources and extracurricular activities. This direct impact is deeply personal for Christy. She recalls a single mother whose child with disabilities attended a one-week summer camp funded by one of Caroline’s partner non-profits. “She told me, ‘I haven’t had a week to myself in over ten years. Now I’m going to the dentist and running errands.’ That’s the kind of difference this support means to families.” Caroline’s is powered by its volunteers. The dynamic group consists of all ages, from junior high students to retirees and everyone in between. They sort donations, repair and refurbish items, create product displays, and greet customers with warmth and joy. “It’s a community within a community,” says Christy. “They rally around each other for birthdays, holidays, or if someone is going through a hard time.”If you have never been to Caroline’s, you are in for a treat. Christy describes the shop as a quirky boutique with a one-of-a-kind charm. It has carefully curated clothes, accessories, furniture, art, crystal, and more. Some of the handmade goods are specially crafted for the shop by seamstresses, artists, and crafters, adding to Caroline’s unique charm. Music and laughter fill the air and customers often say, “This is my happy place.” People can support Caroline’s by donating gently used items, volunteering their time, following them on Facebook (@carolinesnonprofitthriftshop) and Instagram (@carolines_nonprofit), and shopping the store at 8047 Soquel Drive in Aptos. Every purchase has a purpose, fueling Caroline’s mission to support local non-profits to ease their burdens of fundraising. Once a year, the shop hosts a Gifting Reception where non-profits receive a check ranging from $2,500 to $30,000. The reception is a day of empowerment and motivation, and a time to celebrate the community’s commitment to making a difference. “If Caroline could experience the shop today,” Christy says, “she would love it. She loved bright, happy things. She loved people.” Caroline’s Non Profit Thrift Shop has become a catalyst for growth and hope, not just for the local organizations it funds, but for the people it brings together. Caroline’s is a beautiful reminder that heart, generosity, and community can change lives —one thrifted item at a time.

The post Caroline’s Non Profit Thrift Shop Changes Lives first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Prepping Your Pet for Summer Travel

growingupsc — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:45:12 +0000

My partner and I are both educators, and July offers us a wonderful respite, a chance to change the scenery and spend more time outdoors asking questions than answering them. Because we’re away for weeks at a time, we bring our dog. He travels moderately well. He’ll stretch out in the back seat and endure long stretches on the road without complaint. He maintains a reliable bathroom schedule. If our trips consisted solely of driving, he’d be a dream. But they do not. We stay in hotels. And our dog, Ethan, is not okay with the sounds that other people make while we’re trying to sleep. (To anyone who’s shared a wall with us, I’m sorry. Truly.) We’ve tried sedatives, requested top-floor rooms, corner units, weekdays only. We walk him so he can take in the smells of the area and tire his body. We’ve streamed ambient rainforest soundscapes. We’ve applied peanut butter to Kongs with the hope of manufacturing calm. Some of it helps. Mostly, it takes repetition. With each summer trip, Ethan has grown more tolerant of the subtly startling noises of hotel life. It wasn’t a training breakthrough so much as a gradual shift: a few nights each summer in a strange place, year after year. He learned. We all did. This was his journey. Every animal travels differently. Some adapt; some work through the stress to be with their people; some clearly prefer to opt out entirely. Ethan would rather be with us (well, with me) than comfortable at home. So we take him, and we muddle through the elevator lobbies and ice machines together. Our rabbit, Comet, is another matter. He has a strong independent streak and prefers his cardboard castle and litter box to the novelty of a vacation home. A short car ride to the vet stresses him out. He’s not interested in taking the scenic route. Comet stays home. We leave him with someone who finds him adorable, takes his vegan diet seriously, and understands that the quickest way to his trust is a thin slice of banana and a few slow head pets. We miss him. But our guilt takes a backseat to his comfort. So how do you decide whether to bring your animal or leave them home? Start with temperament. Some dogs crave proximity, even if it means sleeping in a new room with strange footsteps in the hall. Others, cats especially, prefer the familiar spaces of home. Rabbits, birds, reptiles, and fish have even less tolerance for disruption. If your pet stays home, don’t leave them alone. Dogs, cats, and rabbits may tolerate different amounts of alone time, but none are truly independent. Dogs need interaction every four hours; cats can cope for a day, not two. Make sure to consider your pet’s emotional and physical needs, not just their food and water. Identify a caretaker. Choose someone with experience caring for your species of pet. A sitter familiar with dogs may not understand a rabbit’s delicate digestion or a cat’s subtle signs of stress. Ask for references. Hire slowly. Introduce new caregivers gradually. A trial visit while you’re still in town allows your pet to get familiar and gives you a chance to assess the fit. Stick to the routine. Ask the sitter to maintain feeding times, walks, litter scooping, and bedtime rituals. Predictability lowers anxiety and helps pets feel secure. Give your pet some agency. If the sitter is staying in your home, make sure your pet has access to familiar hiding spots or quiet zones. If your pet is going to the sitter’s home, bring a favorite blanket, toy, or treat. If your pet comes with you: Prepare the new space. Upon arrival, give your pet a quiet room to adjust before introducing them to the rest of the house. Use treats, praise, toys so the new space begins to feel safe. Bring the comforts of home. Pack familiar food, bowls, beds, toys, and medication. Avoid new foods or routines during the trip. Stick to a schedule. Even in a new environment, keeping your pet’s routine steady helps regulate their stress response. Exercise and enrichment. A tired animal is a calmer one. Physical and mental stimulation (like puzzle feeders or scent walks) can make a big difference in how they handle travel-related stress. Ultimately, the question isn’t, Will they miss us? (They might.) The better question is, Where will they be most at ease? There’s no one right choice. Some animals travel well, others prefer to stay put. The goal is the same either way: to keep them safe, relatively calm, and connected to the people who love them. 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 Prepping Your Pet for Summer Travel first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.