A resource for families in Santa Cruz County
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Respectfully and Capably
It's time to reserve your plants via the annual Gerbera Festival, a fundraiser for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks!

Check out Gerbera-N-Go!
Kerry McDonald is persuasive because she respectfully and capably looks at the many facets of a topic. That is what I ask of journalists and of family and friends with whom I discuss topics that can be controversial.

Read her latest exposition on learning choices. Tell me what you think! Do you agree/disagree with some/all of her perspectives? Did you learn something new to you? Did you change your mind about anything?

Parmalee
Kid tested, parent approved
Family Biking Lunch and Learn
Kid tested, parent approved. As more families head out by bike, there are a lot of options to consider. We’ll help you navigate the how-to’s of riding with children.

Ecology Action Offices or ZOOM, RSVP here. https://us02web.zoom.us/webina…

Of all the barriers people face to biking, kids usually land at the top of the list. How early can you get your kiddo on a bike with you? What are the different ways you can carry your kids or ride with them? Is a cargo bike better than a trailer? With a bit of preparation, we’re confident that you can navigate the childcare/school, work, errand, and extracurricular point-to-point by bike!

This workshop is offered both in-person at the Civic Auditorium and virtually via Zoom. Lunch will be provided for all in-person attendees.
In this workshop, Ecology Action staff will guide you through the many options for family biking. Topics will include gear, family testimonials, riding through the developmental stages, and recommendations for riding with kids safely, conveniently, and having fun along the way. Find out how parents and caregivers are replacing the minivan with the bike and why kids can’t seem to get enough.

FREE BIKE LIGHTS AND HELMETS AVAILABLE FOR ALL ATTENDEES. To request helmets and bike lights, attendees must be employees of a business in SC County and enrolled in GO SC on gosantacruzcounty.org For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit gosantacruzcounty.org

This free workshop is offered to all as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips. While certain benefits are only available to people employed by businesses in downtown SC, all may attend.
*To request helmets and bike lights, attendees must be employees of a business in SC County and enrolled in GO SC on gosantacruzcounty.org
Another Dangerous App
One of our critical roles as parents is teaching our children about internet safety. Indeed we ourselves can get fooled, and hopefully one bad experience can make us more wary.

A few years ago a friend bought a blouse via Amazon. The photo made it look beautiful. When it arrived, it was not at all like the photo. The material was cheap. The size was off, and when she attempted to return it, the obstacles were not worth the time or money. She researched the company, learned it was based in China and determined to be more vigilant.

I tell you this story because I've learned of another company with similar origins, using high quality photos to sell products for amazingly low prices and moreover providing an app which Kim Komando calls dangerous. It's now the second most downloaded app after Amazon. Do you have it on your phone? Find out! Read Kim Komando's column > > >
"The Daily Beast Gets It"
by Kerry McDonald

"Remember last week when I shared with you the key takeaway from my recent presentation at an education conference? My main point was that a diverse and decentralized education system, grounded in choice, leads to better outcomes and greater social harmony.

It turns out that more people are recognizing this regardless of their political leanings. While the recent expansion of school choice policies in many states is being largely driven by those on the political right, The Daily Beast, a popular publication positioned squarely on the political left, is also echoing the benefits of school choice policies and the education entrepreneurship they stimulate."  Read more > > >
Hidden Beach
Good News for Locals!
"Hidden Beach County Park has one upcoming improvement: the installation of a permanent restroom. The County Parks Department is working with consulting firm SSA Landscape Architects to design a permanent restroom facility at the park. The restroom will be accessible to people with mobility impairments and provide flush toilets and running water for handwashing. Preliminary planning has the facility sited between the existing playground and the service road."
You're looking for a school that's just right for your child. Schools are looking for a good fit too. Visiting an open house is a good way to learn more about your choices. This goes for public, private, public-charter, homeschool-public, homeschool-private and parochial schools. Details
A Quick Guide to IEP’s and the Special Education Process, Thursday, April 13, 10am and May 14, 7pm, The goal is to help you understand your rights, recognize the value of your parenting expertise, and improve your communication and problem-solving skills.
Triple P Workshop: Setting Healthy Screen Time Limits,
Thursday, April 13, 4 – 5:30pm, Details
Triple P Workshop: What to Do When Your Child is Hurting Others, Friday, April 14, 5:30 – 7pm, Details
Triple P Workshop: Helping with Homework, Monday, April 17, 5:30 -7pm, Details
Wildfire Preparedness Storytime with Misty Knightly, Thursday, April 20, 3 – 4pm, We were all affected by the wildfires of 2020, some more than others. Are you and your family prepared if it ever happens again? Author Marjorie Kline (pen name Misty Knightly) has written a new book “Wildfire! Kameika and Joey Prepare” on how we can all make sure we know what to do do stay safe in the event of a wildfire. Come join us as the author reads from her book, then enjoy activities including games and puzzles and learning how to prepare a Go- bag. Details
Santa Cruz Dance Week, April 20 – 28, For 13 years, Santa Cruz dancers have hit the streets of Downtown Santa Cruz for, Dancing in the Streets. Join our vibrant community of dancers and unleash your inner creativity! Get moving and grooving with our fun and energetic dance classes for all ages and skill levels. Experience the joy of dancing, make new friends in a welcoming and supportive environment. Details
Head for the Sandhills, April Sundays 10am – 12pm and 1 – 3pm
Registration is now open for the popular Sandhills Hikes at Quail Hollow Ranch. Join a guided hike with Park Docent Sean Wharton to see and learn about the many rare species that make this special place their home: this is the only time to visit the flower-covered hills of the sandhills habitat. Details
Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! April
ALL Family-friendly events!