Santa Cruz Parent

Familypower Introduction to Physical Self-Defense for 9-14 year olds with their adults
2024-10-27 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom, CA, United States
Familypower: Introduction to Physical Self-Defense for 9-14 year olds with their adults
Sunday, October 27, 10-11am
Join our Familypower Introductory Self-Defense online program for youth ages 9-14 together with their adults. Learn 7 physical self-defense skills to escape an attack – plus age-appropriate strategies to avoid needing to use them.

In Person Art Time for People with Disabilities
2024-10-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Claraty Arts, 1725 Seabright Avenue, Suite C, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
In Person Art Time for People with Disabilities
Sundays 2 – 4pm
Join our in person art class for people with disabilities at Claraty Arts Center in Santa Cruz. Adaptive art projects and space to work outside or inside and to share time with your family and work on a creative art project. It’s for the whole family – all are welcomed! This will be a great relaxing creative time adaptive to all needs, come out and express yourself! Caregiver must stay and help the participant – this is not a drop off!
Drop ins Welcomed!
$10 cash donation appreciated for art supplies

1725 Seabright Avenue, Suite C., Santa Cruz, CA

Click here to reserve your seat at art class

Triple-P Stress Busters
2024-10-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Triple-P Stress Busters
Wednesday, October 30, 6 – 7:30pm

Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn:
• Common causes of stress and how it affects parenting
• How to recognize signs of stress
• Positive and healthy ways to manage and reduce stress in your daily life.

Presented IN ENGLISH on Zoom by Mayra Martinez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources.

Got questions? Contact Mayra Martinez at (831) 288-2856 or mayram@cbridges.org

To register, visit: https://bit.ly/Stress-Oct30

Register to get the link for this Zoom workshop.

Halloween Music Class
2024-10-31 13:30 - 14:30 | Redwood and Ranunculas, 6257 Highway 9, Felton, CA
Halloween Music Class
Thursday, October 31, 1:30-2:30pm
Join us for a fun & festive morning of singing spooky, silly songs and playing musical instruments, plus making crafts & new friends!
We will be holding our class in Downtown Felton inside the cozy shop of Redwood & Ranunculus! A locally owned, flower shop & workshop space.
Class size is limited, so please email to sign up & secure your spot today!
Friendly costumes are encouraged to wear to class.

learnwithmissbrooke@gmail.com
Event put on by: Miss Brooke, creator of Mini & Me Music Classes, missmakermomma and Redwood & Ranunculus

Saturday Ceramics at The Art Factory
2024-11-02 00:00 | The Art Factory, 7960 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Saturday Ceramics at The Art Factory

Saturdays, 10-11:30am, October 5 – November 2
It’s that time of year again!
Join us for “Saturday Ceramics” at The Art Factory and dive into the fun of making ceramic gourds and pumpkins. Saturday Ceramics Drop-in sessions are back with a new and improved format! 1.5 hour classes that include clay, day-of glazing and firing so you can complete your project in just one session.
Perfect for all ages!
Bring a date, bring a friend, or make new ones at the table during this fall-themed, creative experience.

​If you would like to arrange a private party for your group please visit the Contact page.

Home Depot Kids Workshops
2024-11-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Home Depot Watsonville, 355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Home Depot Kids Workshops
1st Saturdays of the month, 9am – 12pm

Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.

Soquel , 2600 41st Avenue, Soquel, 95073, (831)462-5650 Register

355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076,(831)786-9877, Register

X Academy for Students Who Love Math
2024-11-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
X Academy for Students Who Love Math
Saturdays 10am-12pm, October 19-November 23
If your student loves math, join the X Academy.
The Santa Cruz Math Circle is a great opportunity to explore challenging and fun mathematics with kids from across the county.
Supported by Santa Cruz COE, the X Academy Santa Cruz Math Circle is for students in grades 5 through 8 to meet weekly with math professors and math professionals on Saturdays, 10:00-12:00 at Cabrillo College starting October 19 through November 23.
Tuition is $150 and scholarships are available.
Register now at: www.XAcademy.org

Sewing for Kids
2024-11-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Downown Branch Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Sewing for Kids
First Saturdays 10:30am-12pm, October 5 – February 1, 2025
Join Sewing for Kids Downtown! Come make something special with us. A different hand sewing project is offered each month. For October, we are making Button Owls. No sewing experience needed.
Recommended for ages 7-12.
Registration required: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12711336

Understanding & Creating with AI
2024-11-07 | Harbor High School, 300 La Fonda Ave, Santa Criz, CA, 95062, United States
Understanding & Creating with AI

See dates below.

Join us for an exciting 3-part series where you’ll dive into the world of artificial intelligence through music, art, and hands-on learning. Whether you attend one session or all three, this is the perfect way to develop new skills, build your resume, and have fun along the way!

YETI, Youth Empowerment through Technology and Innovation
Calling all future tech innovators!
Join YETI: Youth Empowerment through Technology and Innovation, a FREE student-led program where you’ll explore the exciting world of AI through creativity!

This year’s theme is Understanding & Creating with AI, with three flexible sessions:
AI 101: Cracking the Code
AI Jam Session: Remixing Music with Tech
AI Artistry: Pixels, Paint & Possibilities

Location: Harbor High or join virtually
Open to students in grades 7-12
Great for resumes and college apps!

Register now: https://sccoe.link/register4yeti

Harbor High School or Hybrid
FREE
Great for resumes and college applications!

Session 1: AI 101 – Cracking the Code: Understand the basics of AI and how it’s shaping the world around us.
4 Tuesdays, October 29 – November 19, 4:00-5:15 pm
Saturday, November 16, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Santa Cruz COE
Session 2: AI Jam Session – Remixing Music with Tech Create music with the latest AI tools and remix your way to innovation.
5 Tuesdays ➡️ January 21 – February 25, 4:00-5:15 pm
*no session February 18*
Saturday, February 1, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Sequoia High School
Session 3: AI Artistry – Pixels, Paint & Possibilities Design your own AI-generated masterpieces and explore the intersection of art and technology.
5 Tuesdays ➡️ March 25 – April 29, 4:00-5:15 pm
Saturday, April 19, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Sequoia High School
If you are interested in joining YETI, please fill out the form and/or contact Stephanie Sumarna, EdTech & Innovation ToSA at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education – ssumarna@santacruzcoe.org
After review of your application, a group facilitator will reach out to you to give you more information and provide instructions on next steps.

A Poetry Workshop for Teens With Teen Poet Sylvi Kayser
2024-11-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Working With What’s There: A Poetry Workshop for Teens With Teen Poet Sylvi Kayser
Thursday, November 7, 4pm – 5pm

Today’s workshop for teens hones in on brainstorming topics to write about, how to produce poetry from everyday items, as well as utilizing poetry as a channel for inner thoughts and/or turmoil. No prior experience is necessary.

Workshops are led by award-winning poets
This workshop series is a part of our Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Program, now through spring 2025!
Any county resident ages 13-18 can participate in any or all workshops
No poetry experience necessary
Free!

This program is brought to you by Santa Cruz Public Libraries in partnership with Urban Word, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and The Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Nature Club
2024-11-09 13:30 - 16:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Nature Club
2nd Saturdays 1-4pm, October 12 – January 18
Join Nature Club young explorers (6th-8th grade) visiting local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Across four excursions, youth will learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and their fellow club members. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum!
Cost: $100 non-members/ $80 members per session (4 programs per session)
*Scholarships are available upon request and funding availability
Registration Deadline: October 1st
Nature Club takes place at various places including Neary Lagoon, Pogonip Open Space, and the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
Schedule:
Migration Madness & Community Science
Saturday, October 12, 1:30-4pm
Join us in exploring the wonderful wildlife at Neary Lagoon. Participants will learn how to use binoculars and identify birds as we walk a 1-mile loop around the freshwater marsh habitat. We will conduct a bird count to record the species we see and participants will learn about the community science platform eBird.
Ethnobotany & Stewardship
Saturday, November 9th, 1:30-4pm
Learn about the common native plants of Santa Cruz and their uses. Together we will explore Pogonip Open Space Preserve and look for native plants using field guides. Then, we will participate in a stewardship project to help these native plants thrive!
Tidepooling & Nature Journaling
Saturday, December 14, 1:30-4pm
Let’s go tidepooling! California King Tides are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and make for excellent tidepooling opportunities along the coast. We will explore the intertidal critters & crustaceans and document our observations with nature journaling!
Museum Deep Dive
Saturday, January 18, 1:30-4pm
This is a special opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Meet our Collections Manager for a tour of the Museum’s collections, learn about the art of writing exhibit labels, and explore the hands-on activities in the Museum. You don’t want to miss this!

Nature Journal Studio
2024-11-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Nature Journal Studio
2nd Wednesdaysof the month, 6:30 – 8pm
Nature journaling can help us view the natural world with new perspectives, learn about our surroundings, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary. During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions at the Museum, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others. We will develop observation skills and awareness of nature, improve sketching skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. Rather than an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities.

Free with Admission Register

Sign-up for other Nature Journal Studio events.

*Free for Members and Youth under 18 | $4 General | $2 Students and Seniors

About Melinda Nakagawa
Melinda Nakagawa is a biologist, naturalist, and educator with a passion and skill for connecting people to nature. She founded Spark in Nature to guide participants to cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world, slowing down to nature’s pace and seeing rather than just looking at the world. With an approach that bridges nature, art, and heart, she welcomes all people regardless of their skill level or background. Through her gentle guidance, hundreds of participants have awakened their spark of curiosity, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural world. Melinda has partnered with local institutions such as the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to lead educator trainings on nature journaling. She leads the Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club’s free online Sunday sessions. She has an M.S. degree in Marine Science, and has also worked as a naturalist guide, floral designer, and wildlife rehabilitator. For the past two decades Melinda has kept nature journals and continues to learn more from nature with each journal she fills.

Photo Management Workshop
2024-11-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Photo Management Workshop
Thursday, November 14, 11am – 12pm

Not sure what to do with all your photos (paper or digital)? Come learn tips and tricks to sort, share, and save your photo collection with Photo Manager, Lisa Krigsman, a local member of the professional photo management organization, The Photo Managers.

Start Smart Driving Education for Teens and their Parents
2024-11-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Aptos Branch Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Start Smart Driving Education for Teens & their Parents
Thursday, November 14, 5: 30-7:30pm
In an effort to prepare young drivers to drive responsibly, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is offering new driver education class for new drivers and their parents.
Start Smart, presented by the CHP, addresses such topics as the safe driving practices, the rules of the road, and new driver license requirements.
Contact your nearest CHP Area office to confirm your registration to this free class.
CONTACT CHP Santa Cruz Office at 831-219-0200 to register.

Fullpower: Introduction to Physical Self-Defense for Adults and Teens 15 and over
2024-11-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Fullpower Introduction to Physical Self-Defense online program
Adults of all ages as well as teens age 15-17 learn how to Use 7 emergency self-defense skills to escape an attack.
-Interrupt the Pattern of Attack
-Spot trouble early- and avoid it
-Deal confidently with threats and harassment
-Take the lead with friends to help them be safer, too
-Use 7 emergency self-defense skills to escape an attack

Mountain Feed & Farm Supply Classes & Demos
2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
Classes & Demos at Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
Hot Pepper Jelly Class! Saturday, October 19, 10am – 12pm
$35.00 – Click Here to Register
Sweet and spicy and perfect for winter gifting, Hot Pepper Jelly is truly a delightful concoction. In this multi-faceted class, Jess will demonstrate how to make a delicious hot pepper jelly to spice up your holiday cheese and charcuterie boards. In addition, we will cover equipment and techniques for general jam and jelly-making, as well as safe water-bath canning practices. Finally, we will highlight the use of LeParfait clamp-top canning jars. For those who are used to canning with safety lids or Ball jars, this may be a welcome invitation to branch out into a new style of jar. With reusable gaskets, sturdy construction, and classic style, these jars are adorable even when empty, but they are even better filled with homemade preserves! Class participants will receive a 10% discount good for the day of class.
Pumpkin Succulent Class – Saturday October 26, 3 – 5pm
$65.00 – Click Here to Register
This class will teach you how to make a fall succulent pumpkin for an autumn centerpiece or just beautiful home decor! You will create a roughly 8″ pumpkin centerpiece with succulents cuttings and moss. Sips and snacks included! It will be a perfect fall afternoon!
Harvest Wreath Class – Saturday November 16, 10am – 12pm
Registration Will Open Soon!
Seasonal Wreath Class – Saturday December 14, 10am – 12pm
Registration Will O

Nature Photography with Hilltromper
2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Antonelli Pond, Delaware Ave & Natural Bridges Dr., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Nature Photography with Hilltromper

Saturday, November 16, 10am-12pm

Explore your creative visual expression and capture the natural beauty of Santa Cruz in this environmental photography class. Taught by the photojournalists responsible for the local wildflower-tracking platform, BloomTracker, this introductory course features the diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna of Santa Cruz County as the perfect settings to elevate your photography skills while learning to look at nature through the lens of an environmental multimedia expert.
Led by Mike Kahn, an experienced photojournalist and Managing Director of Hilltromper Santa Cruz and Hilltromper Silicon Valley, this workshop covers the artistic and technical fundamentals of outdoor photography. You’ll learn creative techniques for visual storytelling of landscapes, wildlife, plants, etc., while receiving in-the-field feedback.
Open to ages 16+/all experience levels.
Both cameras and smartphones are welcome.

Register

Paella Workshop & Happy Hour
2024-11-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Little Red Barn Mini Farm, 2165 Cox Road, Aptos, 95003, United States
Paella Workshop & Happy Hour

Saturday, November 16, 2 – 5pm

Join us for a fun Paella Workshop & Happy Hour with Aniko Ritchie on Sat. Nov. 16 at our family farm in Aptos!
Nikki will be guiding us through each step of the process from selecting the freshest ingredients & mastering the art of seasoning, to teaching us the tips and tricks for creating this iconic Spanish dish.
We’re immersing ourselves in the flavors of Spain for this special event!
Our Paella ingredients include assorted shellfish , chorizo, assorted veggies, tomatoes, garlic, spices and we’ll learn to make the best paella rice, fluffy and flavorful with a delicious crunchy crust. We’re pairing together with Spanish inspired appetizers, beverages and dessert!
After the workshop, it’s time to relax and enjoy a Happy Hour of our paella with seasonal side pairings & beverages while mingling and soaking up the charming atmosphere of their beautiful family farm.
People are welcome to bring their own beer & wine to enjoy with their food.
All food, beverages and Eventbrite fees are included in the price, $70 per person, Two for $130.
Our gatherings take place in a spacious, well ventilated kitchen and dining room area with access to a large outdoor deck & mini barn gathering area overlooking the farm. We will be cooking the paella in an outdoor area. People are welcome to explore the farm to meet the goats and chickens.Assorted food products and fresh farm eggs are available for sale after the workshop.
Hope to see you there!

Refund Policy

All food, beverages and Eventbrite fees are included in the price, $70 per person, Two for $130.
Refunds up to 7 days before event
Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

Fullpower Introduction to Physical Self-Defense for Adults and Teens 15-17
2024-11-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
Fullpower Introduction to Physical Self-Defense for Adults and Teens 15-17
Sunday, November 17, 10-11am
Join our Fullpower Introduction to Physical Self-Defense online programfor adults all ages and teens age 15-17.
Learn how to:
-Interrupt the Pattern of Attack
-Spot trouble early- and avoid it
-Deal confidently with threats and harassment
-Take the lead with friends to help them be safer, too
-Use 7 emergency self-defense skills to escape an attack

Gifts from the Garden at Life Lab
2024-11-17 13:00 - 16:00 | LIFE LAB ON THE UCSC FARM, 1156 HIGH ST, SANTA CRUZ, CA, 95064, United States
Gifts from the Garden at Life Lab
Sunday, November 17, 1-4pm
Celebrate the beauty of nature by crafting unique gifts from the garden at this free, kid-friendly event.
Everyone will leave with the crafts they create and you will also get a sneak peek of the activities we typically offer during our Summer Camps!
Crafts May Include:
Flower Book Marks / Greeting Cards
Veggie Print Wrapping Paper
Succulent Cork Magnets
Family Tea Bags
Leaf Rubbing Cards
Seedy Mosaic Ornaments
Painted Rocks or mini pots
Burlap Wrapped Seedlings
Please RSVP Here.
This event is free to attend. To support the success of this event, we invite you to make a contribution if you can.

Donations are appreciated and will help support this event and our programs. If you would like to donate craft supplies, please email kelsey@lifelab.org
Welcome Craft Supply Donations: Acrylic paint, mini pots, scissors, clean cardboard, Elmer’s glue, glue guns, glue sticks, watercolor paper, small succulent cuttings, dry beans, and river stones.
Please RSVP: kelsey@lifelab.org

We can’t wait to see you there!

Tech Talks: Parental Apple Controls
2024-11-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries- Virtual Library, 117 Union Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Tech Talks: Parental Apple Controls
Thursday, November 21, 11am-12pm
Learn how to set parental controls with iPhones.
Are the kids you know addicted to iPhones?
There are many benefits and potential pitfalls when children have iPhones and iPads.
Know your options for mitigating the risks so your loved ones can establish a balanced relationship with these tools.
We hope you join us for this important discussion!
Please register to receive the Zoom link via email. https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13369093

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2024-11-23 13:00 - 15:00 | A ranch in Watsonville
READ program with Ziggy the mini
One hour Sessions on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning in November

READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment.
From this, Lisa (a Reading Specialist with 25+ years of experience) works with students to build and develop strong reading skills such as: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
Since reading is a gateway to accessing information, students will likely improve in all subject areas.
In addition, their self esteem will begin to soar as they gain confidence with each reading session.
Lastly, Ziggy’s adorable, gentleness is just too cute for words. Students will fall in love with him at first sight. So, come join the fun and learn is a holistic way with Ziggy and Lisa 🙂

Where: READ program is currently hosted at a ranch in Watsonville. Also we will be visiting libraries, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes soon! Ziggy Stardust is our dwarf miniature horse and he loves reading with all age levels.
Lisa is also available to visit your horse(s) and READ with them! This social/mental stimulation provides an overall sense of well-being. They love it; see video How tab for evidence. 😉

When: For availability, more information and directions, text Lisa at (831) 227-9847

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2024-11-30 13:00 - 15:00 | A ranch in Watsonville
READ program with Ziggy the mini
One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning November 30 and December 1

READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment.
From this, Lisa (a Reading Specialist with 25+ years of experience) works with students to build and develop strong reading skills such as: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
Since reading is a gateway to accessing information, students will likely improve in all subject areas.
In addition, their self esteem will begin to soar as they gain confidence with each reading session.
Lastly, Ziggy’s adorable, gentleness is just too cute for words. Students will fall in love with him at first sight. So, come join the fun and learn is a holistic way with Ziggy and Lisa 🙂

Where: READ program is currently hosted at a ranch in Watsonville. Also we will be visiting libraries, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes soon! Ziggy Stardust is our dwarf miniature horse and he loves reading with all age levels.
Lisa is also available to visit your horse(s) and READ with them! This social/mental stimulation provides an overall sense of well-being. They love it; see video How tab for evidence. 😉

When: For availability, more information and directions, text Lisa at (831) 227-9847
