June 2018 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

June 2018 Editors Note

growingupsc — Tue, 29 May 2018 19:04:33 +0000

June 2018 Editors Note Dear Readers, Santa Cruz has an amazing opportunity to do something special for families, pedestrians, people in wheelchairs and the environment— but it appears that those in our government are asleep at the wheel. The county could turn the 32 miles of dilapidated tracks and crumbling trestles into a bike and pedestrian path between Watsonville and davenport, making a safe eco- friendly route not only for local families to spend off time, but for commuters and tourists to enjoy the blissful coastline without fear of traffic, noise or giant diesel trains plowing by. Other places in the country have done this to huge success. in Missouri, the 240-mile long Katy trail reclaimed tracks and brought out cyclists, wheelchairs and equestrians. Tourists come from all over the world to ride on it and inns and restaurants have been built to accommodate them. The city of Spokane reclaimed 40 miles of a rail line and turned it into a paved path that caters to thousands of commuters and tourists. You don’t have to travel further than Monterey to see the beauty of a bike path, as that city paved a rail into an 18-mile bike path beloved by visitors and lo- cals. So what’s wrong with Santa Cruz? The county’s regional transportation Commission is looking at putting freight trains back on the tracks. The trains would be run by a Minnesota company, ironically named Progressive rail, which does business transporting fossil fuels, oil, gas, resins and chemicals, among other consumable goods. Is that really what you want on the rail line along beach communities? To us it’s as unsightly as putting oil derricks in the Monterey Bay. Just imagine the waits on cross streets in the new Aptos development or on all those West Santa Cruz cross streets, not to mention the noise and pollution of freight haulers. The RTC is holding a public hearing on accepting a 32-page proposal by the company at Watsonville City Hall at 9 a.m. June 14. The company says it will start with freight trains, then move to a tourist train and then, possibly, commuter trains. If you are against having freight trains on the line, you better get to the meeting or email local elected officials including John Leopold (john.leopold@santacruzcounty.us), the RTC’s chairman. For a list of all members, search Santa Cruz RTC commissioners. We say the RTC should send them on the first train back to Minnesota. Unfortunately, not enough people even know about the proposal. If you want to learn more about the proposal for a bike path only, check sccgreenway.org. There is a second proposal for the tracks that we are against, but that sounds a bit more eco-friendly. Some are calling for the county to build a bike path alongside the train tracks and put a commuter train on them. That sounds great in theory, but anyone who has spent time on those tracks knows there isn’t room for both. Not only wouldn’t the path be safe, but riders would have to get off at the trestles, like the one in Capitola, because they won’t fit both. You’d be right back in traffic, in a county that already is a leader in bicycle and pedestrian accidents and fatalities. This is a real chance to do something positive for the county, environmentally and aesthetically. We urge you not to let it slip away. (Please send your opinions to editor@growingupsc.com and we will print as many as we can.) Brad Kava and Jennifer Ford

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At Cabrillo, Special Needs Become Assets

growingupsc — Mon, 28 May 2018 19:08:03 +0000

At Cabrillo, Special Needs Become Assets By Suki Wessling When students identified with a learning difference in their K-12 program register at Cabrillo, one of their first stops is the Accessibility Support Center run by Beth McKinnon. In this interview, McKinnon explains the ASC’s purpose, how students are identified, and how ASC support helps student succeed at Cabrillo and beyond. What is the mission of the Accessibility Support Center? Our purpose on every college campus is to serve students with disabilities. We are here to make sure that there is equal access and what we call equity for students who have any kind of disability—everything from physical and visible disabilities to invisible disabilities such as ADHD, high-functioning autism, the autism spectrum (ASD), head injury… What sorts of services and support are offered by the Accessibility Support Center? Students with verified disabilities are met one-on-one—it’s a case-by-case accommodation. The most common accommodations are extra time on tests and either electronic or classmate notetaker in classrooms. Some students need alternative media such as having their book converted from visual to audio. Each student is seen as an individual and their needs are tailored given that class. Which students tend to seek out services? We have almost 1700 students in this program, so at least 15% of the college population comes here for services with verified disability. Most of them have been identified in school before, but a lot of them get identified with an “invisible disability.” They weren’t served in K-12 and they developed enough strategies to squeak through. Are there underserved populations that you’d like to reach? We have a lot of instructor referrals. They see a student who is working hard but is bombing tests or has poor writing skills. Sometimes other students who know them say, “you might just want to go get an assessment.” They go through a screening process to see if they should be tested. [We identify more students] largely because we have different criteria than the K-12 system does. I think, too, the K-12 system doesn’t have the capacity for learning disabilities specialists. They’ve got their school psychologist, but the job is overwhelming at that level. Our public education system is not funded well enough to provide the kind of support we’d like to see. I work closely with our area high schools with the special ed and resource teachers, and the transition specialists who are working with students with IEPs. How does Cabrillo staff assist the ASC? We do a lot of professional development for our faculty and staff to identify students. When students struggle, there may be something that is in the way of accessing their education successfully. Our faculty are recognizing that maybe there is a reason for this. This person isn’t just sloppy or bombing the test when they seem to be able to do their homework. Does the ASC support high school students attending Cabrillo concurrently? We do. We don’t typically test like we do for college students. If a student needs to be tested for an LD, that needs to be done in their district. But we do provide accommodations for students, particularly for students who are coming in with 504s or IEPs. Do students with special needs go on to 4-year universities? We don’t say “special needs” for all of our students. Students with learning differences are as intelligent as students without, sometimes more intelligent. They simply have processing problems or fluid reasoning problems. Something gets in the way of their being able to process and manage information. With accommodations they are able to access the same level of academic success. These are not “special needs.” They are students who are successful, intelligent, and capable. They just need to be taught accommodations to develop their abilities. We also have post-secondary students who have intellectual disability and aren’t necessarily in academic classes—they are taking adaptive classes. We work with the County Board of Education who help manage this program. More and more students in the K-12 system who are identified young as having “special needs” and put into special programs are being mainstreamed. We’re seeing more mainstreaming of ASD students. More of those students are accessing college and succeeding and transferring. We still have a long way to go to not stigmatize people. What message would you like to give to students who worry that they won’t be able to handle college because of their disability? The time was when people in wheelchairs could not get around on the streets by themselves because we didn’t have curb cuts. Suddenly access was there, not only for people in wheelchairs. This is the kind of thing we’re seeing in education. I have students graduating this fall that I’m just popping my buttons over because they are students with autism. They have been at the college for 5 or 6 years and they are graduating and transferring to 4-year colleges. When they arrived, no one could see it. It used to be that instructors would call me and say, “This person doesn’t belong in college. Why would you think this is a good idea?” I would say, “It is a good idea!” The more people are exposed to disabilities of all kinds, the more normalizing it is. Students don’t feel the stigma, they come in and say, “Hey, I know what I need.” They are learning how to advocate for themselves. We don’t refer to ourselves as a disability center. We think of ourselves as a learning resource for any kind of student who needs to access resources on campus and in life to be successful. We happen to serve a population of students who have verification of need. Resources: Visit the ASC at http://www.cabrillo.edu/services/dsps/. The Disability Awareness Links page offers a wider view of disabilities in our society. Suki Wessling is a local writer and the mother of two teens. She teaches online classes for children and adults at Athena’s Advanced Academy. Visit SukiWessling.com for more information and links to her blogs.

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Ask Nicole: Dads, Your Presence Matters

growingupsc — Mon, 28 May 2018 18:57:17 +0000

Ask Nicole: Dads: Your Presence Matters By Nicole M. Young, MSW When my kids were younger, my husband worked from home and had a very flexible schedule. On Fridays, the kids stayed home for “Fun-day Friday” with daddy instead of going to their usual child care provider or preschool. Once they started going to school, each child had their own week of “Camp Daddy” during the summer doing activities that they chose. Sometimes Camp Daddy involved going to the beach, having a picnic at the municipal airport, or the occasional trip to the Boardwalk. One year, Camp Daddy involved making an elaborate paper mache animal. I still don’t know what it was supposed to be, but my daughter and husband were beyond proud of their creation. My husband treasures those memories, especially now that our kids are older and spend more time away from home than with us. Someday, I hope my kids truly appreciate that gift of time with their dad. This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have questions for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Nicole, When I was growing up, my dad was really strict and didn’t show much affection. He was hardly around because he worked two jobs. We didn’t have a close relationship and I resented how hard he was on me. Now that I have sons, I hear myself saying some of the same things to them, and I worry that I’m turning into my dad. I want to have a better relationship with my sons than I had with my dad. Do you have any tips for me? –Daryl Dear Daryl, The fact that you’re asking this question means that you’re on the right path. Dads and father figures play an important role in children’s healthy development. Studies show that children with an involved father or father figure in their lives are more likely to be confident, emotionally secure, able to get along with peers, and less likely to get in trouble at home, school, or in the community. So, the bottom line is, dads and father figures are important! Here are some tips to try in your family: Remember that little moments matter. Many parents fear that spending quality time with children requires a lot of time or money and end up convincing themselves “it can wait.” In reality, the small moments add up and create a lasting impact. Think about the kinds of memories you want your children to have of you when they get older. Are you playing games, laughing, reading, hugging, telling jokes, or just being silly? Imagine the memories you want to create, then do those things together for small chunks of time frequently throughout the day. This forms the foundation of a good relationship that lasts a lifetime. Eat meals together. Meals provide a chance to be together as a family and spend time talking and paying attention to each other. This gives younger children a sense of security and belonging in the family and lets teens know their parents still care about what’s going on in their lives. Studies have also shown that eating meals together improves children’s eating habits and school performance. What’s not to like about that? Give affection in different ways. Giving affection is one way to show your children that you notice and value them. This can feel unnatural or even impossible for some parents, especially if their own parents didn’t show a lot of affection. Or, some children are sensitive to touch and find physical affection unpleasant. If either of these is true for you, try giving small amounts of affection in ways that feel comfortable to you and your children. Use loving words, a light pat on the back or a smile to show you care. Set a good example. You are your children’s lifelong teacher. They are constantly learning by watching and listening to the way you communicate with others, handle emotions, and solve problems – even when it seems like they’re not paying attention to you. Model the behaviors you want your children to learn – like expressing emotions, giving affection, listening and cooperating with others – and they are more likely to learn those skills, too. Final Thoughts: Being a parent is hard work, but that hard work will pay off. Remember that small acts of love and kindness make a big difference, and your presence is the best gift you can give your children. Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 14 and 18, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit http://triplep.first5scc.org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

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Stuck on Ducks: June 2018 Santa Cruz Book Recommendations

growingupsc — Mon, 28 May 2018 18:49:18 +0000

Stuck on Ducks June 2018 Santa Cruz Book Recomendations By Michelle Spence I’m a Duck Written by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand Practice makes perfect in this new rhyming tale of a young duck that is afraid of the water. “I cannot swim, and that is bad. A landlocked duck is very sad.” And yet, despite all the fears, trepidation, and unsolicited advice, this duckling finds just the right combination of preparation and confidence to take the plunge. The Other Ducks Written by Ellen Yeomans, Illustrated by Chris Sheban In another new duck-centric picture book, This Duck and That Duck are trying to make sense of their Big Puddle and the ever-changing world around them. From learning to swim and then fly, to migrating south for the winter, these two duck friends waddle their way through by paying attention to others that are “Like us, only not us.” A kindhearted ode to figuring things out. Gossie: A Gosling on the Go! By Olivier Dunrea In this first gosling tale of lost-and-found rainboots, we meet Gossie, who shows us her keen sense of adventure along with a stick-to-it-ive-ness that is admirable—all the more admirable, I think, when we see her creative resolution to the dilemma presented by her best friend Gertie. Olivier Dunrea has authored and charmingly illustrated a whole collection of gosling tales, featuring more than ten unique goslings, each working out their own slice of life. Available as board books, picture books, and early readers, Dunrea’s engaging cast of characters keeps us guessing in the sweetest possible way. Goose and Duck Written by Jean Craighead George, Illustrated by Priscilla Lamont In this early chapter book, Jean Craighead George tells a familiar mothering story that begins when the goose and duck eggs hatch and ends with letting go. Or maybe I am just projecting my own lessons as our youngest heads off to college? Nevertheless, with repetitive phrasing and an engaging arc, this story will be a satisfying tale for developing readers and the moms and dads reading along. Michelle Spence is a children’s bookseller at Bookshop Santa Cruz. Her favorite books are the ones her kids can quote by heart.

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A Summer of Fun in County Parks

growingupsc — Mon, 28 May 2018 18:14:02 +0000

A Summer of Fun in County Parks By Zach Friend Santa Cruz County offers a number of free and low cost summer events, programs and activities in our local parks. These family friendly options include everything from free movie nights, to picnic locations with ocean views, to short and easy hikes in the redwoods to learning how to disc golf. Events and Activities Free family-friendly movie nights will be held on the third Thursday of the month (from May-October) at Heart of Soquel Park. Films begin at 8 pm (or dusk) and you are welcome to show up early to bring a picnic to enjoy. While parking is limited, there is free parking at the public parking lots nearby. More information is available on the Parks website at scparks.com Kids of all ages (including parents) can learn how to disc golf at Pinto Lake Park. An introduction to disc golf will be held on Sunday, July 1st. 10 am-12 pm for ages 5-17 and 1-4 pm for ages 18 and up. Parking is free and the class is free. Afterward you can take a hike through along the shore of the lake. Visit scparks.com for more information and to pre-register for this event. Looking for a family swim day? While the pool open year-round there are two free swim days this summer at the Simpkins Swim Center in Live Oak. Use the water slide, climbing wall, inner tubes and more in the warm water pool. A bbq will be hosted by the Boys and Girls Club. July 4th and September 3rd from 12pm – 4pm. For those looking to take a short hike and learn about the diversity of birds in our area, there is a free beginning birding class at Quail Hollow Ranch on Sunday, July 15 from 8-10 am. All ages are welcome. If your kids want to do a camp or class there are a number of options including two week day camps in art and science. While these do have a fee they offer half-day programs in science exploration and art. Have you ever wanted to launch a rocket? Are you curious about how our muscles work, or the difference between acids and bases? You could do all this and more at the science exploration camp. The art camp is designed to introduce various media to participants, build drawing and painting skills, and instill a life-long love for creating art. Students will have a chance to express themselves using a variety of techniques and explore different art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking and collage. More details can be found by contacting the Parks Department. Parks Improvements Over the last few years, significant investments have been made to parks throughout the County. The park improvements have focused on options for all age groups – with new tot lots for the younger kids to climbing equipment and bike pump tracks for the older kids. All local parks are admission free and a great opportunity to explore Enjoy a picnic and ocean view (and the new playground equipment) at Seascape Park in Aptos. The older kids might enjoy the climbing equipment (also with an ocean view) at Seacliff Park in Aptos and families of all ages can enjoy the BBQs, climbing equipment and large slides at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel. In the near future there will be a new option for kids looking to ride their bikes. A new a bike pump track is slated for construction at Pinto Lake County Park. A pump track is a small elevated bicycle path designed for riders of all ages and skill levels featuring a series of rollers and berms constructed using compacted dirt. Construction should be underway by September and completed before the end of October. If you have any questions about parks or activities in the County, you can contact County Parks (831) 454-7901 or visit their website at scparks.com. If I can be of any help to you feel free to give me a call at (831) 454-2200.

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Letters June 2018

growingupsc — Sun, 27 May 2018 18:49:08 +0000

Letters June 2018 The Blessings of Family During this time of honoring our Mothers, Fathers and Grads, its reminds me of how truly blessed we are. As older parents of two children ages 10 and 12, we get so busy and caught up in the day to day activities that we sometimes forget (or are too tired) to slow down and appreciate the experience. There are those folks who chose to have children later in life and those that for whatever reason are raising grandchildren or are foster parents. Parenting is a bit more challenging as we age, I speak for my husband and I who are at and approaching sixty. We have five older children who already have children of their own. We went on many a field trip, helped with projects and attended classroom parties during their elementary school days. We endured the “teenage” years, supported and encouraged during their years in high school. We guided as best we could as we held full time jobs and always hoped and prayed the right decisions would be made as they entered adulthood, married and had children of their own. Now, we are once again experiencing the field trips, projects, parties and everything else that comes with two children in elementary school. I find that I have more patience and am thankful to be retired, which allows me to attend school functions and all the other activities that the kids are involved in. Our after school hours are divided between dance, Tae Kwon Do and whatever sport is in season that the children might be playing. Of course there is always homework and any special school projects that might be due. We also stay involved with our grandchildren, making sure they too are involved in sports and other activities. My husband also coaches wrestling and football at the Middle school and High school level and we volunteer our time at the schools for fundraisers and such whenever possible. As busy as we are, we are constantly reminded that we ARE older and are dealing with issues and challenges that come with age. We no longer move as swiftly as we did and are dealing with painful joints as well as other health issues. We are very aware of the benefits of eating well, exercising and rest (when we can get it) to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We also realize the importance of having time to ourselves and are committed to keeping our relationship strong. Let’s face it, we have a long way to go before these kids go off to college! So, as we prepare to close out another school year and get into the swing of summer, my hat goes off to all those “parents” that like us, are doing their best to raise happy, secure and nurtured children. Congratulations to the hard working parents of all of those that are graduating, promoting or continuing on in school. Ramona Pursley (Aptos) No Rail, Widen a Trail Living in Santa Cruz, it goes without saying that we are fortunate to call our little slice of heaven home. Where else can you hike under redwood towers in the morning, and surf over glassy waves that same afternoon? Over the years, there has been no shortage of articles written in various magazines and publications providing a plethora of accolades on our grand community. But, as outdoor-centric as our community is, there’s a little known fact that rarely gets covered. Santa Cruz County consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous counties in California for bicyclists. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, our County was ranked the number 1 most dangerous for bicycling four out of the last seven years. On average, there are 169 reported bicycle victims killed or injured every year. The unfortunate reality is that riding a bike in Santa Cruz County is sketchy. A short ride down any of our busy thoroughfares confirms this reality. As a father of three small children, this is a daunting reality. Living on the eastside, I’ve dreamed of riding with my children to the Boardwalk, or Nisene Marks. However, this is simply not possible given our existing infrastructure. My 4-year-old (like most children) will ride/walk in a completely unpredictable manner. She’ll be sprinting full steam ahead, then and turn on a dime for reasons only she knows. Such is the life of a small child. However, these erratic movements, while totally normal for any child, are a recipe for disaster on a narrow shared-use pathway. The rail corridor presents a unique opportunity to transform how we move around. The Greenway plan provides a wide, safe, separated pathway allowing children and families to travel in a way that’s simply not possible with our existing road network. Moreover, using the entire width also allows for fast moving bicycle commuters. It’s the best of both worlds – recreation and transportation. All at a cost our community can afford while simultaneously preserving the natural ecology of the right-of-way. Ryan Whitelaw is an 18-year resident of Santa Cruz County. He has a degree in mathematics from California State University Chico, and is co-founder of Pacific Appraisers; the largest appraisal firm in the region. As part of his profession, Ryan has an extensive background in highest & best use analysis and feasibility studies. Ryan is married with three small children. He is an avid mountain bike rider, bike commuter, and is passionate about bicycles as a clean, healthy, sustainable transportation alternative. “With Greenway, families will have a safe off-street transportation alternative separating children from fast moving bicycle commuters. Moreover, Greenway will make Santa Cruz County a nationwide leader for clean, healthy, sustainable active transportation.”

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It’s a No-Brainerz: Wear a Helmet – Six Tips for Bike Helmet Safety

growingupsc — Sun, 27 May 2018 18:45:16 +0000

It’s a No-Brainer: Wear a Helmet Six Tips for Bike Helmet Safety By Karen Kefauver Last month, hundreds of parents hopped on their bikes and pedaled with their kids to Bike to Work/School Day events countywide to enjoy a free breakfast for cyclists. As the kids gobbled strawberries, devoured bagels and stocked up on energy bars, I asked clusters of parents what their biggest concerns about their kids riding bikes. Not surprisingly, safety topped the list. And it should — school age children are indeed at high risk for injuries as they learn to balance and maneuver their bikes on streets and sidewalks. For the under-18 set — who are generally wearing helmets because they are required by law — forearm injuries are the most common, according to emergency medical physician Dr. Deven Merchant at Sutter Davis Hospital. When it comes this grim topic, the good news is that children are unlikely to suffer a fatal accident, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of the most severe injuries, for both children and adults, are offset or avoided by wearing the proper headgear. “Properly fitted bicycle helmets are the single most important safety device for cyclists of all ages and are estimated to reduce head injury risk by as much as 85 percent,” says John Dunn, MD, a Kaiser Permanente Washington pediatrician. “Make it a rule that no one in your family cycles without a helmet, no matter how short the ride.” With summer right around the corner, parents and kids are gearing up for their bicycle seat or two and three-wheeled adventures. There’s nothing quite like that thrilling taste of freedom on a bike. Remember your first bike? Here’s a handy helmet safety checklist for your safe cycling year-round. Put a lid on it! California law requires kids under age 18 to wear a helmet when riding a bike on a street, bikeway or public bicycle path or trail. This includes children who are sitting in restraining seats or are being towed in a trailer behind the bicycle. No exceptions! The helmet must be labeled by one of three accredited safety organizations. Buy a new helmet, not second-hand or a hand-me-down. It’s worth every penny to protect your child’s brain. There are affordable, safety-tested, and attractive. According to Consumer Reports, cheaper helmets under $20 can be just as effective as pricier ones ($100+). Visit local bike shops and ask for help with helmet selection. The bike helmet must fit properly in order to insure protection. Even if your kiddo complains, the strap must be firmly under the chin and the helmet should be snug on the head. When the helmet is seated correctly, it should be level and you shouldn’t be able to easily push it back to expose the forehead, forward or side-to-side. Teach your child how to put it on correctly. The helmet straps must always be buckled, but not too tightly. Replace your kids’ and your own helmet at least every five years because the insulation wears out even without a crash or other damage. Of course, if the helmet is dented, cracked or even dropped hard, get a new one immediately. Helmets lose their capacity to absorb a shock. Don’t wear the bike helmet for any other sport or while on the playground. Let your children pick out their helmets and they’ll be more excited to wear them for every ride. Make it a fun experience. Look for one in bright colors for good visibility that’s also lightweight and well ventilated. Parents, when you are with your children, wear a helmet, always. Model for them how important it is to wear a bike helmet. Biking with your kids sans helmet sends the message that they can stop wearing one when they are grown up and that helmets are just a pesky part of being a kid. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks and on bike paths, not just on streets. Sometimes parents mistakenly believe that if they’re on cruiser bikes, or just in the neighborhood that they can skip a helmet. In fact, the majority of bike crashes for both kids and adults happen close to home. Parents, wear you helmet at all times to help children develop the helmet habit. Not only is riding a bike is a rite of passage, representing fun, freedom fresh air, it’s a healthy pastime that kids and families can enjoy together. Two upcoming local events include opportunities for kids to learn and practice bicycle safety skills with experts: June 3, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Open Streets Watsonville. Street Smarts, a program of Ecology Action, will host a bicycle obstacle course. Facebook.com/OpenStreetsSantaCruzCounty June 9, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Family Fun Festival. Watsonville City Plaza, 358 Main Street, Watsonville. Bike obstacle courses, helmet fittings, and on-bike training. ecoactbike.org Karen Kefauver is a freelance journalist and social media coach based in Santa Cruz since 1993. She’s an avid mountain biker and bicycle commuter. www.karenkefauver.com

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Treat Your Kid Like a Rock Star

growingupsc — Sun, 27 May 2018 18:43:41 +0000

Treat Your Kid Like a Rock Star By Chris Jackson Your kids aren’t rock stars, so why treat them like it? Because it works. It brings parents and kids closer together. Let me explain. One of the best things about being a radio host on 98.5 KFOX is that I get to meet a lot of bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Beatles, Van Halen, Journey, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Aerosmith (and let’s not forget all the bands that play at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk!). When my son and daughter became teenagers, I started to notice two major similarities between those rocks stars and my kids–and no I’m not talking about their hair. First, I noticed that kids don’t like having to answer questions. How was school today? Did you get your assignments done? Who was that you were just talking to on the phone? Rock stars also dread questions. How’s the tour? What guitars do you play? What’s your favorite album? When you speak to a teenager or a rock star (or other celebrity), try ending your sentences with a period. Rock stars love meeting people; they just don’t like questions. You can try saying something like, “I can’t believe you’re here at my favorite restaurant–this is so cool!” Notice you didn’t have a question at the end. Continue on with, “I came here for the scallops, and got to meet you as well. How cool!” The rock star might then as you how you liked your food. For your kids, the question, “How was school today?” is replaced with, “Hi Taylor, I was just wondering how school was today, and then you walked right in!” Your kids may respond by telling you how school was, or they may give the standard “uh-huh” type of answer while walking away. If you get the “uh-huh” response, please know that you did not waste your time or your kid’s time; rather, you set the stage for a good conversation at another time. You will, of course, need to ask questions to your kids at times. But as you minimize the amount of questions you ask, your kids will be less annoyed and will feel more comfortable having meaningful conversations with you. The second major similarity between our kids and rock stars is that they like it when you leave. That is, they like it when you initiate the end of the conversation, because they usually have to do it. You’ll catch them by surprise when you walk away while saying, “It was nice catching up, but I have to go. I’ll see you later.” Once you stop asking questions and start initiating the end of conversations, your kids will have less of a reason to avoid you, and they might even start up a conversation with you! Likewise, celebrities dread always having to be the one to say, “Nice to meet you, but I really must be going now.” At an event in San Jose recently, I approached Ed Sheeran, the #1 recording artist in the world, and spoke with him only using sentences ending in a period. Shortly after that, I initiated the end of conversation by telling him I needed to excuse myself to leave. Later, we ran into each other at the same event, and he approached me! He did that because he felt safe that I would not ask questions and that I would initiate the leaving. I had a great conversation with him about school bullying. I learned that he was bullied in school, and that he’d love to get involved with anti-bullying efforts. I introduced him to my teenage daughter (who is a big fan of his), and then I initiated leaving both of them! They loved it. Treating my kids as rock stars has really worked for me. My daughter, Sarah, especially appreciates not being asked questions. She used to shut down when she heard too many questions (and often one was too many). I remember asking her how her day went, and she’d tell me, “Stop asking so many questions! Do you do this to Tyler (her brother) all day too?” Once I stopped, she’d often remark how nice it would be if we spent more time in the same room. She’d never said that to me before. It was nice to hear. My son really responded well when I started initiating the leaving. One time when I was done helping him with his homework, we started talking about our favorite team, the Raiders. When I politely excused myself, he seemed stunned. Well, shocked might be a better word. But after a few experiences like that, he started bring up the Raiders to me! Now that he’s away at college, I employ this during our phone conversations. I say, “Well, Tyler, it’s been great catching up, but I need to go now, so let’s talk again soon, okay? I hear silence on the other end. He’s probably got a smile on his face. Ending a conversation like this inevitably results in him calling me more often than he would otherwise. Those calls are more important to me now than ever because he’s living farther away (in Colorado), studying to be teacher. My daughter is a few years younger and also studying to be a teacher. I hope someday they’ll be implementing these concepts in their classrooms and with their own kids. Consider the amazing end to a call I had recently with the rock stars in the band Jefferson Starship. I’d been implementing the concepts of not asking questions and initiating the leaving for so long with this band, they’d come to the point where I could talk to them on occasion even when I wasn’t officially interviewing them. At the end of this one particular call, one of the guitarists gave me his personal cell number (we normally used the number of their manager), and invited me to come to his new house so he could show me around the town–he even suggested I move there! He would never have responded this way if he thought I’d be asking a lot of questions and not leaving. You could even say he invited me to stay, knowing I’d leave. Growing up, my dad modeled the parenting style I’m introducing here, and my mom modeled the parental behavior we’re leaving behind. I remember my dad saying, “Well, I better get goin’ or your mother’s gonna wonder where I’ve been.” With my mom, you’d need to start saying you need to go about 30 minutes before you actually needed to go! I don’t ever remember my mom initiating the leaving, other than those times she needed to go look for my dad, of course. I remember each time I came home from school, my parent would ask me, predictably, “How was school?” I would have loved it if, just once, they would’ve ended their comment with a period. My brothers were more annoyed by it than I was. Sales professionals can really benefit from these concepts. Imagine how many clients dodge sales calls because of all the questions they’ll face if they answer the call. The client gets tired of having to always be the one to end the call. If you know people in sales, get this information to them as soon as possible. They’ll owe you a lunch or two for sure. Customers would also benefit from the concepts presented here: by being the one to initiate the leaving, a customer creates leverage in a business negotiation (for example, when buying a car). When you excuse yourself first, you no longer seen desperate to by that car. The next thing you know; the price just went down. Kids are like rock stars in other ways, too. For example, because rock stars have everyone doing everything for them, they can’t do simple things like order a pizza, or reschedule their dentist appointments. Sound familiar, parents? Here’s another example: kids don’t know the value of dollar because they haven’t had to earn any, right? It’s the same for rock stars. The way they see it, they’d write and play music for free, so anything they get paid is money they haven’t really worked to earn. Because of this, both kids and rock stars are known to spend frivolously. Red Ferrari anyone? Don’t expect to be flawless in the application of what you’ve learned here today. We’ll all fall back on our old habits from time to time, but we’ll know it because we’ll notice a change in the way our kids respond to us–we’ll notice them withdrawing again. When this happens, simply end your sentences with a period, and start initiating the end of your conversations. I fall back on these concepts with my own kids, and I’ve noticed that it’s easily corrected, and the relationships improve again. Treat your kid like a rock star. See what happens. You won’t ever have to drive ‘em around in a limo–I promise. Radio DJ Chris Jackson, who can be heard on 98.5 KFOX from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and who was heard on the #1 ranked KFOX morning show for decades, is also a professional musician and parent of two. He’s been playing guitar in Bay Area bands since high school, and performs the National Anthem on guitar for pro sports teams in the Bay Area venues like the Shark Tank, where he’s heard by thousands. Chris also teaches piano, guitar and radio broadcasting in the Bay Area. Many KFOX listeners have heard Chris’ son and daughter on the air with him and remember Chris sharing his parenting tips on the air. Chris may be the only parent ever to say that the parenting during the teen years should be the easiest period of parenting, not the hardest.

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It Isn’t Summer Without Plenty of Bubbles: Here’s How to Make Your Own

growingupsc — Sun, 27 May 2018 18:41:42 +0000

It Isn’t Summer Without Plenty of Bubbles Here’s How to Make Your Own By Jennifer K Mahal Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery Summer is here, with its warm, sunny days. It’s a great time to be outdoors. One thing we love to do outside is blow gigantic soap bubbles! It’s fun, if a bit messy. Bubbles are basically a very thin film of soapy water filled with a gas, in most cases air. If you looked at their molecules (the incredibly tiny building blocks that make up matter), you would see a layer of water molecules sandwiched between two layers of soap molecules. The layers creating the bubble walls are only millionths of an inch thick! A plain glass of water won’t form bubbles because of surface tension. The molecules of water at the top of the glass are more attracted to the molecules of water beneath them than the air above it. That strong attraction creates a high surface tension. When you add soap to the water, it lowers the attraction between the water molecules, letting us make bubbles. Simply adding soap to water will let you make small bubbles. But how do you make giant ones? You add ingredients that slow down the rate at which the water in the bubble evaporates. Why? Because bubbles burst when the molecules of water in between the molecular layers of soap disappear. The cornstarch and glycerine in the recipe below make bubbles stronger by keeping the H2O layer in the bubble from disappearing quite so fast. H2O is the molecular formula for water, which has two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. You may notice shimmery colors on the surface of your bubble. When we see rainbows in the sky, it’s because white light is passing by through water, which acts like a prism, bending the light so we can see the colors. That is NOT what happens when you look at a bubble! Instead, when a light wave hits a bubble, some of the light wave reflects from the outer surface of the bubble and some reflects from the inner surface. Both travel to the eye and interfere with each other, making some colors brighter and removing others. The colors that are left are known as “interference colors.” What you see when you look at each bubble depends on the thickness of the water and soap! For the Giant Bubble Mix (adapted from the Happy Hooligans web site), you will need: * 6 cups of water * ½ cup dish detergent (Dawn is recommended, but we used Method and it worked fine) * ½ cup cornstarch * 1 tablespoon baking powder (NOT SODA) * 1 tablespoon glycerine (Can be found at the drugstore) In a bucket, dissolve the cornstarch into the water. Mix well. Gently stir in the other ingredients without creating bubbles. Making it frothy at this point will not help. Let the mix sit for at least an hour before you use it. Doing so will help the soap and water work out their molecular attractions to result in stronger bubbles. You can make a simple bubble wand using two straws and yarn. Cut a piece of yarn that is 6 times the size of the straw. Then thread it through both straws, tying a knot to form a loop. Using the straws as handles, dip the yarn into the mix, pulling the straws apart to make the bubble film appear. Move it or blow to create bubbles. Have fun! Discover more science and art at the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery in the Capitola Mall. Learn more at www.sccmod.org. Jennifer K Mahal is the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery’s volunteer director of public relations and marketing. She lives in Santa Cruz with her husband and two children.

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Always Amused: Your Guide to Theme Parks, Tourist Attractions, Rides and Cool Events

growingupsc — Sun, 27 May 2018 18:39:54 +0000

Always Amused Your Guide to Theme Parks, Tourist Attractions, Rides and Cool Events By Erik Chalhoub In the late 1990s, Smash Mouth was on top of the music world. Its first major hit in 1997, “Walkin’ on the Sun,” hit number one on a slew of charts, and its follow-up in 1999, “All Star,” propelled the band to seemingly another universe. You couldn’t turn on the radio, watch a movie, or attend any kind of event without hearing the San Jose-based band telling you to get your game on and how only shooting stars break the mold. For me, as an elementary-schooler at the time, I was hooked. But as I approach my 30s, and as my musical tastes evolve, Smash Mouth is still one band I am glad to listen to over and over again. So I’m excited to see them coming back to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the third year in a row as part of the park’s annual Friday Night Bands on the Beach. It wouldn’t be summer in Santa Cruz without the concerts that bring together some of the top bands from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Running from June 15 to Aug. 31 (with Smash Mouth performing on July 13), the series, now celebrating 30 years, not only attracts long-time fans of the bands, but also exposes them to a new generation of audiences. The lineup also includes Berlin starring Terri Nunn, Los Lobos, The Fixx and others. The concert series is just the crest of the wave of offerings the Boardwalk has lined up this summer. And the park is looking “better than ever” as it enters its 111th season this year, said Director of Promotions and Entertainment Karley Pope. Not only is there a fresh coat of paint throughout the Boardwalk, but the park is also a year removed from debuting its new Main Entrance. The new entrance is packed with activities and rides that the older kids in the family will flock to. Two rides that opened last year have proven to be a hit for the park. Shockwave, sitting next to the Undertow roller coaster, holds riders on motorcycle-style seats that face outward around a disc. As the disc spins, the riders are rocked back and forth on a half-pipe-shaped track. Typhoon, positioned in the center of the new entrance, is a new model of a classic Boardwalk ride. Riders are swung upside-down on two spinning arms, at a height of 60 feet. An expanded Fright Walk and Lazer Maze, as well as food offerings and other games, round out the new area. Free Movies on the Beach, featuring flicks such as “The Lost Boys,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Ghostbusters” and more will return to the beach from June 20 to Aug. 15. Retro Nights return June 18-Aug. 14, when all rides are $1.50 Mondays and Tuesdays after 5 p.m., as do Coca-Cola Nights (formerly Pepsi Nights) from June 20-Aug. 16, where guests can purchase an unlimited rides wristband for $14.95 when they bring a Coca-Cola product. Live entertainment is also on deck, including magicians, acrobats, jugglers and comedians. Among them, Santa Cruz favorite Doug Hofkin the Surfing Magician will once again dazzle audiences with his tricks, and Capt’n Jack Spareribs, who has made an appearance at the Santa Cruz County Fair in recent years, will tell humorous tales from the high seas. Long-time Boardwalk fans will notice a hole in the ride lineup this season, though, as the park removed its iconic Ferris wheel after nearly 60 years. But don’t fret, as Boardwalk officials are actively searching for a replacement, and a new Ferris wheel is at the top of the list. While there is no timeline yet on when the new attraction will open, I’d expect it within the next couple of years. The Boardwalk is a place where any member of the family, from young to old, can find something to enjoy, Pope said. “What’s awesome about the Boardwalk is that you can take it at whatever level you want to,” she said. “You can ride all the rides, you can stroll and get the food, or you can go to the beach. It’s perfect for families.” The park is also the ideal summer getaway, right in our own backyard. “The Boardwalk is a kind of nostalgic splash of color that everybody needs in their life,” Pope said. For information on all the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s offerings this season, visit beachboardwalk.com.

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