A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
A note of thanks from Jonathan Haidt
to the moms behind the movement
"This Mother’s Day is different. It’s been over a year since The Anxious Generation debuted, and what’s happened since has gone well beyond my wildest expectations. A movement has emerged — states, entire countries are implementing device-free policies; Australia raised the age for opening social media accounts to 16, and in communities across the world, the four norms are being implemented and changing childhood for future generations.
For much of this, we have moms to thank. As soon as the book came out, as soon as they read it, moms were taking collective action at every level.
Thank you for fueling this movement. You’ve shared your stories, shown up at school board meetings, started phone-free groups, and helped build a future where our kids can thrive in the real world. You’re having hard conversations with friends and families, delaying smartphones and social media in childhood, and giving your kids more independence – because your kids’ futures are at stake.
To celebrate the moms behind the movement, we want to hear from you!"
For all moms, aunties, grandmoms, mom friends, nanny moms, dad moms, teacher moms and everyone who tends to our children,
Happy Mothers Day, Parmalee
| | Celebrate Jewish Heritage Month | | |
Jews of the Wild West and Fiddler on the Moon: Jews In Space, Tuesday, May 13, 4-6pm or 6:30 – 8:30pm, Verify times with Capitola Library.
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with us as we look at the past, present, and future of Jewish Americans through this screening and discussion double feature. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required, but recommended to help us plan our refreshments.
Through on-camera interviews, compelling footage, and historical photographs, Jews of the Wild West tells a positive immigration story and highlights the dynamic contributions Jewish Americans made to shaping the Western United States. The independent not-for-profit feature length documentary is produced by Electric Yolk Media and directed by award-winning filmmaker Amanda Kinsey.
Fiddler on the Moon is a half-hour documentary short, which finally answers the question that has plagued scientists, theologians, and comedians for millennia: Will Judaism survive in space? Starring Neil deGrasse Tyson, astronauts Jeffrey Hoffman and Jessica Meir, and a quorum of rabbis and researchers. More > > >
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I enjoy birds; I appreciate nature photographers who take photos that capture their beauty, personalities and antics; and I use the Cornell e-bird app to identify, by song or color, birds new to me.
On Mothers Day, try this: Start your day in the back yard with your coffee and phone in hand. Early in the morning the birds are singing and calling to each other. Turn on the app which saves all the nearby bird songs with a photo and name. You'll soon recognize the "locals" by their calls and if you're fortunate you may record a traveler. What a peaceful way to start your day.
For the family: "Be a part of birding’s biggest team! Global Big Day is an annual celebration of the birds around you. No matter where you are, join us virtually on 10 May, help celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, and share the birds you find with eBird.
Participating is easy. You can even be part of Global Big Day from home. If you can spare 5 or 10 minutes, report your bird observations to eBird online or with our free eBird Mobile app. If you have more time, submit several checklists of birds throughout the day. You never know what you might spot. Your observations help us better understand global bird populations through products like these animated abundance maps brought to you by eBird Science."
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Free Workshop – Toy Design With 3D Printing, Saturday, May 10, 4-6pm, Join our fun and interactive 2-hour workshop where kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product — and discover how the 3DE Club helps young innovators build early entrepreneurial and leadership skills through 3D modeling and printing technology! Teachers and parent volunteers are welcome.
Register to attend. Details
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West Cliff Mother’s Day Outdoor Market, Sunday, May 11, 10am – 6pm, This one-of-a-kind market takes place along West Cliff Drive in beautiful Santa Cruz, overlooking the iconic Steamers Lane surf spot, a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.it features handmade artists, specialty food , community atmosphere and a great food truck. Enjoying shopping one of a kind goods, while overlooking a world class surf destination. Details
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Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange, 2nd Sundays: Newcomers’ intro 2:30pm, dance 3 – 5:30pm, Come kick your heels up contra dancing at Live Oak Grange with some amazing local talent and fun and friendly dancers! Join us for a warm and friendly, fun-loving Mother's Day dance! The first 40 dancers get a mini-corsage to wear, give to their mother or mother figure or just strut their stuff. Details
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Walk and Roll to School Day May 8 – Morning negotiations just got easier. Tasty treats, stickers and prizes for students who participate! Happy kids, cleaner environment and healthier communities? Yes please! Walk and Roll to School Day returns this Spring in Santa Cruz County at participating schools. Details
Bike to Wherever Day Thursday, May 15, 7 – 9am – Bike to Wherever day is back with Modo, powered by Ecology Action! Roll with your neighbors or coworkers to free breakfast and coffee at one of the 12 sites throughout the county. Details
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Jr Rangers for Families at the Garfield Park Library, Once a month 4 – 5pm: May 15, June 18, July 17, Come join us for a collaboration between California State Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries! Discover California’s Natural and Cultural History at these free programs at the Garfield Park Library through stories, games, crafts, and other hands-on activities. Parents and caregivers and siblings welcome to join! Details
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Don’t Be a Hero: Embracing Good Enough Parenting and Balanced Family Life, Thursday, May 15, 7:30 – 9pm, Trying to do it all and have it all leads parents to burn out. And parenting is one job you can’t afford to burn out on, so give yourself a break! Join Tina McRorie, MA for this 90 minute online workshop (part of the Attached at the Heart Parenting Program from Nurturings) and learn strategies for simplifying your family life, prioritizing what’s essential and balancing the needs of every member of your family – including you! Details
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Goat Hill Fair, Friday, May 16, Early Goats 8 – 10am, General Admission 10am -4pm; Saturday, May 17, General Admission 9am – 4pm, We will be bringing you a great event filled with fun, and of course a variety of vintage and antique finds! Our vendors bring the very best in antiques and beautifully display their wares. Guests love the “WOW” factor as they shop from booth to booth. We are also known for our friendly staff and fun vendors. Details
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Firefighter Storytime Scotts Valley Library, Friday, May 16, 11 – 11:30pm, Come meet our local firefighters for a special storytime where we will learn about the importance of fire safety. Afterwards we will also get to see the firetruck! Details
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Santa Cruz Shakespeare Entertainment, Time/Date/Ticket Details
Positive Discipline Workshop for Parents of 2 to 5 year olds, Thursdays 6 – 8pm: May 14, 21, Details
Starting Strong Workshop: Have FUN learning to stay SAFE for ages 3 to 7, Details
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Parent Nest: A guided Play and Connection Series, 9:15 am - 10:00 am, Details
4-Week Triple P Group: Teaching Children to Clean Up,
Wednesdays, May 14, 6 – 7:30pm, Details
Saturday Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Saturday, May 3, 10am – 12pm, Details
Free Magic Show at Kennolyn Camp, Sunday, May 18, Details
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Free Community Paper Shred Event, Saturday, May 10, 10am – 1pm, There's still time to gather old but sensitive documents for shredding. Watch while the county shreds your documents. Details | | | |
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Spring Art Market at the Tannery, Saturday, May 10, 10am – 5pm, Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a vibrant day of art, music, and community at the Tannery Arts Center. Explore works by 40+ local artists and makers—ceramics, textiles, jewelry, prints, and more. Enjoy live music by La Otra Banda, DJ sets, food trucks, beer + wine, kids’ art activities, and open studios. Free and family-friendly! Details
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Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Classes for Parents 2025, Thursdays 10 – 11:30am, May 1-29, Nutrition and Wellness Series with Jill Troderman, Certified Holistic Nutritionist. This group experience is for moms, dads, and primary caregivers who want to be in a supportive environment to hone their skills on feeding their family nutrient-dense, delicious, and nutritious foods. May 1 Intro to The Food Tree Holistic Nutrition; May 8 Nutrition Vampires to Avoid; May 15 Eating For Two; May 22 Feeding Your Toddler Part 1; May 29 Feeding Your Toddler Part 2, Details
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Jazz at the Library, Friday, 12 – 1pm, May 2, Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians! Details
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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! May
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