August 2021 Monterey Bay Parent Magazine

august 2021

FUTURE OLYMPIAN

IN THE FAMILY?

We have

answers to

Parents’

Questions

about

Sports

Last Chance

Summer Fun

Road Trip

Advice

A Weekend

in Sausalito

plus

Back to School

Advice

Don’t miss the Back to School Bash at Del Monte Center on August 14!

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • august 2021 montereybayparent.com 1

2 montereybayparent.com MONTEREY BAY PARENT • august 2021

That time you flossed, but

your hip didn’t.

8 a.m.–8 p.m. every day including holidays

Walk in or make a reservation online

MoGoUrgentCare.org

LOCATIONS

Smarter, faster urgent care.

Visit-related X-rays, lab work, and

medications onsite and included

in your co-pay or flat fee.

y CARMEL

26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite B-1

y MARINA

2930 2nd Avenue, Suite 120

y MONTEREY

2020 Del Monte Avenue, Suite B


Contents

august 2021

in each issue:

14 Father’s Day

Local dad, Rob Weisskirch

covers parenting topics from

a dad’s point of view.

24 Dear Teacher

Two long time teachers

answer your questions about

education.

16 Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay:

A weekend visit to Sausalito. A

weekend spent in this sweet little

town is the perfect end of summer

refresher.

18 Camping in Mexico. Our “Grandma

Says” columnist took her new camper

for a week’s visit to Mexico. She

shares everything she learned in case

you’re considering doing the same.

by Tricia Vlasak

20 What to Do? What to Do? Last minute summer fun for

your family. by Ni Sun-Suslow

22 All-Star Answers to Parents’ Sports Questions. If you’re

dreaming of sports stardom (or a college scholarship) for

your child, we talked to a few experts to get advice.

by Lissa Carlson

27 Back to School Tips. Help your kids manage their emotions

with these three quick tips.

Notice the “smart links”

throughout this issue?

28 Out and About. Our top picks for August fun.

You can use them to explore extra

content. Position your phone

camera over the code and a

tappable link will pop up.

Test it out with the newsletter

“subscribe” link below.

on the cover

Dominic (13) and Anthony (11) Esquivel

are athletes that have benefitted

from the opportunity to participate in local

youth sports programs. They currently

play for the Monterey Bay Pirates travel

baseball league and have been involved

in youth baseball leagues since the age

of 4. Their mom Milda, is a local financial

advisor with Edward Jones. Their father

Enos is the General Manager at Asilomar

Conference Grounds. Enos has had the

pleasure of coaching the boys through a

large part of their baseball years.

Photo by Albert Hoffman

831-402-6204 • Hoffman-photo.com


NEW

ENJOY AMAZING BENEFITS

WITH A GOLD PASS:

• Season-long access to California’s Great America,

including special events

• Season-long access to the new South Bay Shores

waterpark

• FREE Parking at Great America

• Exclusive ride times and discounts

• Bring-a-Friend discounts on select dates

• 10% off select food and merchandise

Visit cagreatamerica.com for the latest safety protocols

and to reserve your ticket today

©2021 Cedar Fair, L.P. GA21-095


from the publisher…

Back to school! It’s hard to believe that we’re

entering another school year with the cloud

of COVID-19 hanging over us. The vaccines

certainly have been great news. Monterey

County has vaccinated over 70% of the

population 12 and above. Unfortunately,

the vaccine approval for children under 12

is still not expected until winter/early 2022.

That means kids (and teachers even if vaccinated) are going back

to school wearing masks. But the good news is that they ARE

going back to school. To help parents get ready, we are hosting

the Back to School Bash on August 14 from 10 am to 3 pm at

Del Monte Center in Monterey. This special event is sponsored

by Stanford Children’s Health, Del Monte Center, and Poptopia

Balloons. The first 300 children will receive a lunch tote, plus there

will be giveaways and goodies galore. Plus, Poptopia will have an

awesome balloon backdrop perfect for your back-to-school photos.

Please join us for a fun, informative day at Del Monte Center.

One thing you’ll notice about this issue are the QR codes sprinkled

throughout. All you need to do is hover over the code with your

phone, and you’ll get a pop-up link that will take you where you

need to be for additional info. Whether you’re using a code to

register your child for our Cover Kids contest (page 11), to sign up

for our newsletters (page 27), or to get additional events (page 28),

we’re hoping they will make things a little easier for you.

Happy back to school – enjoy your August!

Andrea Breznay/Publisher

Monterey Bay

PARENT

P.O. Box 806

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

MontereyBayParent.com

831-582-1373

Publisher

Andrea Breznay

abreznay@montereybayparent.com

831-582-1373

Sales Executive

Danika Mallobox

dmallobox@montereybayparent.com

831-582-1770

Cover Photographer

Michelle Findlay

ALBERT HOFFMAN

Contributing Writers

andrea breznay

lissa carlson

ni sun-suslow

tricia vlasak

rob weisskirch

Editorial Submissions are welcome. We

reserve the right to edit, reject or comment

editorially on all material contributed. We

cannot be responsible for return of any

unsolicited materials.

Articles and advertisements in Monterey Bay

Parent do not necessarily reflect the opinion

of the publisher nor does the publisher assume

responsibility for statements made

by our advertisers or editorial contributors.

Acceptance of advertising by Monterey Bay

Parent does not constitute an endorsement

of the products, services or information. We

do not knowingly present any product or

service which is fraudulent or misleading

in nature.

Monterey Bay Parent is available free of

charge at over 250 distribution points

throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz

counties as well as digitally at www.MontereyBayParent.com.

Monterey Bay Parent is ©2021 by Monterey

Bay Parent, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without

written permission is strictly prohibited.

Serendipity Pre-School LLC

We open the eyes and hearts of children to the wonder and discovery of learning.

Family

y

Favorites

F

✯Finalist✯

Monterey Bay

PARENT

2020-21

• A quality educational program for children

ages 3 to 5

• Full and part-time preschool & Pre-K classes

• Serving Peninsula families since 1981

1231 Seventh Street, Monterey, 93940

www.serendipitypreschoolllc.com

831-375-9743


TO

BASH

All the info you need

for a successful 2021-22

school year.

Saturday, August 14

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Del Monte Center,

Monterey

Vendors from local businesses and organizations

Free Lunch Tote for first 300 children!

Amazing Balloon Backdrop from

Call 831-582-1373 or log onto MontereyBayParent.com for info


2020-21

Our partner physicians

Reid Giedt, MD Jerrie Lim, MD Christine McCuistion, MD

and associates

REGISTRATION OPEN

FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 9TH!

Family

y

Favorites

F

✯winner✯

Monterey Bay

PARENT

STUDIO OWNERS:

Tia Brown

Laura Jeselnick

ACROBATICS

HIP HOP

BALLET /POINTE

JAZZ + TAP

CONTEMPORARY

MUSICAL THEATER

COMPETITION TEAMS

LEVELS 2 YRS. -

ADVANCED

MONTEREY BAY

PARENT

FAMILY FAVORITE

2019 - 2020!

2019 - 2020 - 2021

MONTEREY COUNTY

WEEKLY:

BEST DANCE STUDIO

Tonya Blakemore, MD

Robert Naimark, MD

Jennae Lee, MD.

- HOMESCHOOL /

CHARTER-APPROVED VENDOR

- PRIVATE ARTS CLASSES AVAILABLE

www.dancecarmel.com

831.625.DANCE

FIVE-TIME

MONTEREY HERALD

READER’S CHOICE

WINNER

THREE-TIME

CARMEL CHAMBER

AWARD OF

EXCELLENCE WINNER

26135 Carmel Rancho Shopping Center Suite B-6 Carmel, CA 93923

Please welcome our newest care

team member, Amy Winter, M.D.

Dr. Winter was born and raised in

Monterey. After finishing her

residency at Helen DeVos Children’s

Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan,

she has started a family of her own

and returned to serve the families in

our local community.

Amy Winter, MD

Dr. Winter is now accepting

new patients.

All of our physicians provide pediatric

outpatient care at the office

and inpatient care at

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital

Call us today to schedule an appointment!

831-757-8124

260 San Jose Street, Salinas

PacificCoastPediatrics.com


Monterey Bay Parent Magazine

July 2021

EMPOWERING

STUDENTS TO SHAPE

THEIR FUTURES

WITH CONFIDENCE.

Discover the opportunities awaiting

your student at Kirby School.

Contact our Admissions team to learn

more about our test-free application

process and to schedule a tour.

Visit kirby.org for details.

425 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | 831-423-0658


7Tips for a Winning Cover Kids Entry

Each year when our staff looks over the hundred-plus photos

we receive in our Cover Kids contest, there are always a few

standouts. The ones that catch our eye usually have a few things in

common: casual styling, great lighting, natural smiles, and simple

backgrounds.

If you’re planning on entering your child in this year’s contest

(see details to the right), here are seven tips that will help you

choose the best photo to enter. Best of luck to all entrants!

Face front. Be sure your child is looking directly at the camera. Eye contact is

1. essential, and we want to see your child’s entire face in the frame.

Keep it casual. Catch your child playing or when they’re quiet and involved

2. in an activity. Don’t try to dress them up, style their clothing, and expect a

relaxed photo.

Lighting is the key. Photos with dark shadows or with your child squinting

3. into the sun won’t portray them in the best light (pun intended!). Photos

taken during the “golden hour,” which

is the hour after sunrise and an hour

before sunset, offer the best lighting.

If you’re indoors, bounce light off

walls or put your child near a window.

Be sure to avoid backlighting, which

results in a photo where the child is

darker than the background.

Watch the background. A

4. simple beach, open grass at the

park, a hiking trail – all offer simple but

beautiful backdrops for a good photo.

Avoid busy street scenes, signs, or

crowded street scenes. And, definitely

avoid a bunch of distracting people in

the photo with your child.

Your child’s personality

5. should shine. A twinkle in the

eye, a little bit of a smirk, missing front

teeth, or a huge grin – little extras

make one cute kid stand out from all

the other cute kids.

In focus, please. Blurry and

6. low-resolution photos are pretty

much the worst offenders. We print

photos out to 5 x 7 to choose the

finalists. If we print your photo and

everything is fuzzy, we’ll have a hard

time telling what your child looks like.

Don’t take it personally. Every

7. year we have to make a choice,

and there are always kids we wish

we could choose. If your child isn’t

chosen, it’s not because they aren’t

adorable, it may be because we have

enough sibling groups or we need a

child of a different age. We try to vary

the models by gender, age, ethnicity,

city, and sibling groups that will work

for specific cover themes. We promise

that your child is cover material; we

simply don’t have room for all of the

kids who enter.

EDUCATING CHILDREN IN MONTEREY COUNTY SINCE 1967 • WE MAKE LEARNING CHILD’S PLAY!

• Offering Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

• Open to ages 2-5

• We work on developing reading readiness,

introducing number concepts, and creating

social adjustment using a theme-based

curriculum

• Science, language, social studies, and

nature curriculum

• Open 7:30 am to 6 pm

• Call for rates

Now enrolling

for 2021-22

school year.

831-883-2616

www.missbarbaras.com


Happy

Mother’s

Day!

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • april 2021 montereybayparent.com 1

SPONSORED BY

may 2021

RETURNING

TO “NORMAL”

The emotional impact

that going back to school

is having on kids & parents

IN THE SWIM

Where to go for a dip

+ More summer

camp ideas

WHAT THE

PANDEMIC IS

REVEALING

ABOUT THE LOAD

MOTHERS CARRY

(Yes, it’s very heavy!)

Monterey Bay

PARENT

Would you like to see your

children on the cover of

Monterey Bay Parent?

It’s time for our annual Cover Kids

Contest to find some of the cutest kids

in the area!

Enter a photo of your child, children,

or family before September 15.

A panel including Monterey Bay Parent employees, our

cover photographers, and representatives of our sponsors

will choose nine favorites from all of the entries.

• Each finalist will have a professional photo shoot and

appear on a cover during the coming year.

• Each of the nine chosen entries will receive a

$50 Del Monte Shopping Center gift card.

• All entrants will receive a children’s ticket

to MY Museum.

• All entrants receive a free Kona Ice coupon.

Thank you to our prize sponsors

• Solo children, siblings, or a family group

including parents and/or

grandparents can all

be entered.

• Click on

QR code

for complete

entry info.


Adventures

With Archie

Meet our new

Instagram Bloggers,

Beau and Archie Jackson

Q: Tell us about your family

A: I am a full time at-home dad. I

have a BFA in Studio Art and am a

professional watercolor artist. My wife,

Archie’s mom, Danielle, is a Labor

& Delivery RN in the CHOMP family

Birth Center. I grew up in Alaska

and Danielle grew up in Southern

California. We met at college on

the east coast. After exploring the

country together while Danielle was

a travel nurse, we found Monterey

and felt an instant connection to the

peninsula. It had everything we were

looking for in a home and we moved

here permanently two weeks after

visiting for the very first time in 2017.

We decided that this was where we

wanted to start a family and Archie

was born in August of 2018.

Q: Tell us about Archie,

what does he enjoy doing?

A: Archie loves playing outside, helping

cook in the kitchen, and reading books.

He can quote long passages from his

favorite books and likes pretending

to be different characters. He’s a big

fan of tractors, trucks, trains, and fire

engines. His current favorite color is

purple and he says he wants to be a

fire fighter when he grows up. Another

long term goal he is looking forward to

is turning 5 years old so he can have

chewing gum. He’s very friendly and

outgoing, saying hello to everyone

when we’re around town. He likes to

go tide pooling and look for starfish.

He always thoughtfully reminds me

to be careful not to step on the sea

anemones!

Q: how do you choosE

your activities?

A: I choose some activities based on

what’s happening seasonally, like trips

to farms for picking fruit or harvesting

vegetables. I choose other activities

based on Archie’s interests. One week

he said, “I want to ride a boat,” so we

headed down to El Estero and rode a

duck pedal boat. He’s been really into

trains for a while so we took him to

ride a steam engine at Roaring Camp.

I’m always trying to feed his curiosity.

Q. Where does your

inspiration come from when

selecting activities?

I follow a lot of local businesses on

social media to stay tuned in to what’s

happening on the peninsula. I like

to engage in as many local events

as possible. Fostering a sense of

community for my son is important to

me. I follow a few child craft accounts

on Instagram like kidscrafts101 to spark

activity ideas, and I’m a member of a

couple of Facebook parenting groups

like 1000 Hours Outside that are also

helpful for adventure ideas.

Follow us on Instagram to see each week’s edition of

Adventures With Archie. New posts on Thursdays!

Use #adventureswitharchie to catch up on past posts

Each thursday, Beau and archie post about

a new activity to inspire your family

Q: What are some of your

favorite “family day”

activities with your son?

A: On my wife’s days off we like family

hikes at Point Lobos, Garland Ranch,

Soberanes Point, and Garrapata State

Park. We also enjoy beach picnics at

Asilomar and Lover’s Point.

Q: What do you hope to teach

your son by having these

adventures with him?

A: We provide him opportunities for

a broad range of experiences to help

him grow into a well-rounded person.

We front-load him with adventures

to feed his curious mind, and I think

so many more brain connections are

made with experiences involving all

the senses. A lot of our adventures

take place outside because I believe

nature is crucial for children’s physical

development and emotional wellbeing.

Creativity is something I really value.

Exposing our son to as much handson

learning as possible in a wide array

of activities will help cultivate his

imagination and encourage out-ofthe-box

thinking. Our goal is to help

him discover what he’s good at and

find his passion.


Summer whale watching

Whales and dolphins in their natural habitat • Fun and educational for the entire family

Join us in August to see Humpbacks and Blue Whales

• Tours led by

experienced

Biologists

• Following CDC

guidelines

• Dog friendly

Trip details and pricing at www.gowhales.com or call 831-375-4658

The world changed. Our commitment to our students did not.

NEW IN 2021

Palma School now

includes sixth grade

Where boys of promise become men of character.

919 Iverson Street, Salinas | 422.6391 | palmaschool.org

Palma is a private, Catholic college-preparatory school for boys grades 6 through 12.


Father’s day by Rob Weisskirch

Kids and

Road Trips

With summer in full swing, there is

still time for a family road trip. For

me, road trips are both nostalgic and

opportunities for new experiences

with my family. Recently, we headed

south to Los Angeles to visit relatives

we have not seen since before the

pandemic. I have learned lots of tips to

have a successful family road trip.

In preparing for the trip, it is easy

to cede the packing to mom. As a

dad, if you are not doing the packing,

I suggest you take charge of the incar

snacks. I have become responsible

for the snack bag (with consultation,

of course) and ensure a good mix of

healthy and less healthy treats, salty

and sweet ones, and novel snacks. To

make the long car ride less tiresome,

special, car-trip-only snacks help,

even if they are junk. This time, it was

special gummy candy, which was

doled out in intervals for all to enjoy.

I also loaded up the tablet with

movies and kid-appropriate TV

shows. I am not a fan of the electronic

babysitter, but on a long car trip, I

don’t see much harm in providing my

daughter with entertainment that she

doesn’t usually watch. We also limited

the amount of time watching the

screen to after lunch so that there was

an incentive for expected behavior. It

worked, and there was far less whining

as a result. Headphones are essential

for happy parents, and I have found

that the over-the-ear type is more

comfortable for most kids.

I want my daughter to see the

expanse of what California looks like

outside of our area. My wife and I

are veterans of long car trips with our

parents and recall many hours spent

staring out the window. We talked

about how the landscape of dry,

yellow hills, oak trees, and stray cows

was more of what California looks like

than the beachy coastline where we

live. As we drove, I pointed out the

neat rows of almond trees and the oil

rigs in the middle of the state so that

she would learn more about California.

I showed her the California aqueduct

and explained how the water travels

south to supply the residents. We also

talked about the range of temperature,

given the summer heat.

reasons to partner

with Trinity Christian

1. Love for Christ and each other.

2. Transformation of student lives.

3. Outstanding education, arts,

and athletics.

4. Relationship-based school. Teachers

treat each student with respect and

concern, available to help students

individually along the way, giving them

the support they need to succeed.

ENROLLING NOW

GRADES 6-12

visit trinityhigh.org

(831) 656-5434 | 680 Belden, St. Monterey


As a kid, I remember being told to

wait to use the bathroom until another

exit or two (or more). I now do the

opposite. We take advantage of the

expected rest stops, stretch our legs,

and feel the difference in the climate.

I especially like this part of the road

trip. On our coastline, summer often

seems like a mythical creature. The

intensity of the heat is a novelty (for a

limited time). My wife and I both grew

up in hot places, so it is reminiscent

of our pasts. It is a new experience of

hunting for the shady spot, keeping

a drink handy, and being wary of

metal playground equipment for our

daughter. We also read the signs about

the region’s history, learning how the

Native Americans shaped the land and

the animals seen in the area (including

warnings of rattlesnakes).

In the past, I would have focused

just on getting to the destinations. This

time, we stayed in a reasonably-priced

Santa Barbara hotel on the way home

for two days. With the last year of

being at home, we felt like the benefits

of exploring somewhere new and

mitigating risks by wearing masks were

worth the detour. My family would

accompany my father on sales trips he

would take to the cities and towns up

and down California as a child. While

he was out drumming up business,

my mother would take my sister and

me to see what the town had to offer.

“As we drove, I pointed out the

neat rows of almond trees and the

oil rigs in the middle of the state so

that she would learn more about

California.”

We saw lots of historical sites, local

museums, playgrounds, or just enjoyed

the hotel pool. For my daughter, I want

her to know the diversity of places and

see the uniqueness of towns on the

way. Knowing we were going to travel

to Santa Barbara, I looked at what kidfriendly

activities were there. I planned

one major kid activity (the Zoo) and

then left the other time open to figure

out something else to do. We ended

up finding a great science museum

that offered fun for all of us.

Once we returned to the hotel,

we joined our daughter in the small

pool to be her playmates. As a family,

we rarely are in a pool together.

Fun was had as we chased each

other underwater, had splash fights,

and I threw my daughter up in the

air to land with cannonballs in the

water. As a dad, I would hope my

daughter would learn lots from the

Zoo and science museum, but it is

these activities that my daughter

will remember--the playful, relaxed

activities as a family.

For a successful road trip, you

need to set aside the expectations of

a rigid schedule and adopt the right

attitude of exploring what you see

along the way. Take the time to read

the posted information, try new foods,

and explore what is unique about your

destination. We don’t usually have

to watch carefully for rattlesnakes at

home, but we did on this trip.

Robert (Rob) S. Weisskirch,

MSW, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor of

Human Development at California

State University, Monterey Bay and is

a Certified Family Life Educator. He

and his wife are parents to a chatty,

elementary school aged daughter and

reside in Marina.


A weekend visit to Sausalito

Sittin’ On the

Dock of the Bay

“The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding

is arguably one of the greatest pop

songs ever written. The song is filled

with emotion: peace, awe, and a little

loneliness. In the summer of 1967,

Redding was on a houseboat at Waldo

Point in Sausalito, California, when

he first began penning the lyrics to

“Dock of the Bay.” The first line he

wrote down was, “Watching the ships

come in and then I watch ‘em roll

away again,” after being inspired by the

sights and sounds of the San Francisco

Bay. Sausalito will do that to you.

Drive across the Golden Gate

Bridge or step off the ferry from San

Francisco into Sausalito, and you’ll

swear you’ve landed in a quaint

European city. The boutiques, art

galleries, scenic waterfront walks,

homes perched on the sides of the

hills, and boat-filled marinas give off

Italian coast vibes. It’s the perfect

destination for a short family vacation

or a romantic adults-only getaway (in

which case you have permission to

skip the Discovery Museum!).

WHERE TO STAY

There are a variety of options for

lodging in Sausalito. The familyfriendly

Cavallo Point is within walking

distance of the Bay Area Discovery

Museum and offers grand views of the

Golden Gate Bridge. The Casa Madrona

Hotel & Spa is a gorgeous landmark

on the National Register of Historic

Places. Most Sausalito hotels are of the

boutique variety, so if it’s a national

chain you’re looking for, you’ll have

better luck in Corte Madera (10-minute

drive) or San Rafael (20-minute drive).

WHAT TO DO

While you can easily enjoy a couple

of days in Sausalito without anything

more pressing on your schedule than

strolling the town and sitting by the

bay, here are a few places you may

want to explore:

Bay Area Discovery Museum. Located at

the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge on

7.5 acres of National Parkland, BADM

features exhibition spaces and daily

programs for children six months

to 10 years. A long, wide pathway is

centered between the two rows of

exhibition rooms so kids can roam

from one space to another. There are

outdoor play spaces, including BADM

Beach, which is surrounded by comfy

Adirondack chairs. Parents can relax

and take in the gorgeous view of the

Golden Gate Bridge while the kids play

with the sand toys.

Our family favorite was the bubble

garden. Giant tubs of bubbles and

various wands, including shovels with

dozens of holes, are available for kids

to fill the air with bubbles.

Advanced ticket reservations are

required due to limited capacity.

San Francisco Bay Model. The U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers Bay Model is a

working hydraulic scale model of the

San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-

San Joaquin River Delta System. While

the Bay Model is still operational, it is

no longer used for scientific research

but is instead open to the public

alongside educational exhibits.

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is one of

the best children’s museums in the state and

is suitable for children six months to about

ten years of age.


The Army Corps of Engineers built the Bay Model in

1956-57 to demonstrate what would happen if the South Bay

were dammed (as had been proposed). Using simulated tidal

action, the Corps proved that the results would be disastrous

for the bay environment, and the plan was shelved.

The model is approximately 320 by 400 feet long. It

is constructed out of 286 five-ton concrete slabs joined

together like a jigsaw puzzle. Features that affect the water

flow of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin

Delta are reproduced, including ship channels, rivers, creeks,

sloughs, the canals in the Delta, fills, major wharves, piers,

slips, dikes, bridges, and breakwaters.

The model is located in the Bay Model Visitor Center at

2100 Bridgeway Blvd. in Sausalito.

Sausalito Boardwalk. Sausalito is a town made for walking,

and there’s no better place for a stroll than the Sausalito

Boardwalk. The term “Sausalito Boardwalk” is generally used

to refer to three different places in the town (only two of

which have wooden sidewalks.)

The Bridgeway Promenade is not specifically a

boardwalk but a road that runs through town. You’ll use

Bridgeway to get almost anywhere in Sausalito by car, but

it’s nice to take a walk or bike ride to check out the many

locally-owned boutiques and art galleries.

The Southern Boardwalk is near Sausalito’s Old Town.

This is the spot where you’ll have spectacular views

across the bay to San Francisco that will be the backdrop

for a gorgeous photo or ten. You’ll find plenty of shops,

restaurants, and galleries to explore. The Northern Boardwalk

stretches along the yacht harbors near downtown.

Schoonmaker Beach. This tiny beach is tucked away from the

tourist part of Sausalito and is perfect for safe wading and

fun sand play. You can even launch a paddleboard–it’s a

great, protected spot for learning! This little hidden beach

has a bathroom and easy, free parking.

Pick up takeout and have a beach picnic or step across

the parking lot to Le Garage, a French bistro housed in a

renovated garage for lunch. Open Tuesday through Friday

at 11:30 am, you’ll find indoor-outdoor seating and tables

overlooking the water. The food is delicious, the wine list

expansive, and they have a children’s menu.

Vista Point. Each year the Golden Gate Bridge attracts more

than 10 million visitors to its 746-foot tall towers, sweeping

main cables, and signature orange color. There isn’t a more

Instagram-worthy photo than one of the bridge with the San

Francisco skyline behind it, fog swirling around the base. The

perfect place to take that photo is Vista Point.

Right after you exit the bridge from San Francisco into

Marin, you’ll find the turn-off. Parking is usually readily

available even if you have to circle once or twice. Time your

stop for late morning, and you may be able to catch the fog

burning off against blue skies. Later in the afternoon, you

may luck into spectacular sunset skies.

While we can’t promise Sausalito will inspire you to write a

legendary song, we can promise that you’ll fall in love with

this lovely little city by the bay. Whether it’s your first visit, or

one of many, it’s a great choice for a laid-back weekend visit

–hopefully soon.

Monte vista christian school

Grades 6-12

100 acre campus

Day/Boarding

Transportation

Equestrian program

Accepting applications

mvcs.org


Camping

in Mexico

Planning is key

for this vacation!

With COVID still a concern, many

families have chosen to choose

vacations that keep them off crowded

airplanes, out of busy hotels, and

a little more in control of their

environment. My husband and I are

part of that group!

I have had a travel trailer since my

early twenties and have been camping

my whole life. Until this summer, I

never had difficulty finding places

to camp, and usually without much

planning. When my kids were young,

we would hook up the trailer and take

out the Rand McNally Atlas (how is that

for a throwback!) and pick a place on

the map and take off for the weekend.

I discovered this past Spring that those

days are long gone. I began planning a

summer vacation for my husband and

me and could not find any camping

spots. I remembered that several

friends had told me they started

camping in Mexico, and I set out to

plan a camping trip to Mexico. This

being my first time driving into Mexico,

I learned some things along the way

that may help you if you are interested

in a Mexican camping vacation (or

even driving your vehicle to a Mexican

vacation destination).

RESEARCH IS KEY

When I began planning this trip, I

thought it would be an inexpensive

way to camp at the beach. I had met

people who talked about camping in

Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco), Mexico.

Rocky Point is located 210 miles

southwest of Phoenix, Arizona, on

the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California).

There is a stretch of beach with highrise

condominiums on it and, although

they would be considered inexpensive

on the California coast, they are pricey

for Mexico. I joined a Facebook group

for Rocky Point and started reading all

of the information shared there.

I chose a campground called The

Reef RV Park. The Reef is located at the

very end of a popular beach area called

Sandy Beach. Ocean-front camping

spots were just $40 per night, with full

hook-ups. The sites are roomy, and the

location is quiet and away from the

resorts further down the beach. There

is a restaurant/bar at the campground

with good food and lots of outdoor

seating covered by a thatched roof.

There is live music on weekends.

Making reservations was easy, and

you can pay by mail with a check or

through your bank’s bill pay system.

There is a requirement for

insurance on your vehicle and

anything you may be towing. I ended

up purchasing a policy through the

“MexPro” website. The policy was fairly

expensive–about $310 for five days.

MAKING THE DRIVE

As for crossing the border, technically,

you should have a passport to get

into Mexico and get back into the

U.S. However, this particular border

crossing (Lukeville on the Arizona side,

Sonoyta on the Mexico side) seems

fine with just a driver’s license. We also

had our expired passports and birth

certificates. However, I advise erring

on the side of caution and getting at

least a passport card.

When we crossed into Mexico,

a Mexican officer requested to look

inside the truck, including the glove

compartment and inside the trailer.

They just did a visual search, opening

only a couple of cabinets. After that,

they sent us on our way. Just a

reminder: firearms or ammunition are

not legal to bring into Mexico. If you

are planning a trip to Mexico, be sure

to review the U.S. Department of State

guidelines online. I had already been

warned to be careful not to speed in

Mexico and that while travel between

Arizona and Rocky Point is safe, it is

best to make the drive during the day.

PLANNING YOUR MEALS

You cannot take most meat, some

types of dog food, or fruits and

vegetables into Mexico. As a result,

we traveled with nothing other than

bottles of water and soda. There are

local groceries stores, including a

Sam’s Club. Rather than figuring out

what was okay and what wasn’t, we

chose to stop in Puerto Peñasco and

buy groceries and dog food.

TRAVELING WITH PETS

We did take our two dogs with us.

Animals should be up-to-date on

their vaccinations and be sure they

have been treated with flea and tick

preventative. To avoid any issues

about ownership, have a dated photo

of your animal on your phone that

shows proof of ownership.


WHAT TO EXPECT AT

YOUR CAMPGROUND

We found the campground easily. Our

campsite was huge, with way more

than enough room for a 30-foot trailer

and a crew cab truck. We arrived just

in time for a stunning sunset. Our

vacation was at the beginning of

July, the onset of the hot and humid

weather for the area. It was about 90

degrees during the day with 70 and 80

percent humidity every day we were

there, in other words, very hot and

humid. After talking to other travelers

and locals, we learned that the prime

season to go to Rocky Point is during

the Fall and Spring.

ACTIVITIES

During our five-day stay, we spent a lot

of time swimming. You can drive your

vehicle right onto the beach at Choya

Bay, and it seems to be a popular spot

for locals. The water at Rocky Point

is quite warm, almost to the point of

not being refreshing. We spent time

fishing and chartered a private fishing

boat. It was inexpensive compared to

the U.S. They provide poles, bait, and

even filet your fish for you. Parasailing,

zip-lining, and jet ski rentals abound.

There are several places to rent offroad

vehicles, with plenty of places to

ride them. There are also boat tours

to “Bird Island” where you can snorkel

and kayak.

A WARNING

Our trip ended with a bit of trouble. We

had been warned about speeding, so

I was careful. However, heading back

into the border town of Sonoyta, the

speed limit changed quickly from 60

KPH to 40 KPH. I was pulling a trailer

and slowed down as quickly as I could

– but not quickly enough! I was pulled

over for going just under 50 KPH. The

officer took my license and issued me

a ticket, stating the cost for speeding

was 2000 pesos ($100). However, I

only had about $10 cash. We followed

the officer to several ATMs, all of

which were out of order. We finally

ended up losing the officer in traffic.

The officer still had my license. So, not

knowing what else to do, we located

the police station. I went inside and

told them what had happened. Long

story short, the Police Chief was called

to the station. In the meantime, the

officer dropped by the station and left

my license there. He ended up telling

me to drive safely and gave my license

back to me. That whole scenario

added a couple of hours to our trip

home and was pretty nerve-wracking.

However, I never felt in danger at all. It

was an interesting way to end the trip

and gave us yet another story to tell!

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Overall, I would say the trip was

enjoyable as well as a learning

experience. I would go back again

during better weather. And, unless

I had more time, I would not pull

my trailer again. I would love to try

camping on the Pacific Ocean side of

Mexico, maybe Rosarito Beach.

As more things open up and

travel returns to normal, I’m hoping

that camping will become just a little

less popular again. In the meantime,

stay safe, enjoy your time with family,

and use the tools available to make

whatever trip you take amazing.

tricia vlasAK

is a mother,

grandparent, and

wife. She works in

law enforcement

when she isn’t

writing about

parenting, hiking

with her dogs, or going on adventures.

P E BBLE BE A C H

G RAD E S 9–1 2

D A Y & BO ARDIN G

A SEL E C TIV E SC H O OL F O R COLLE GE-BOUND

B O ARDIN G AND D A Y S TUDENT S

WWW. S T E VENSO NSC H OOL.O R G/MB

C ARMEL

G RAD E S PRE-K – 8


What to do? What to do?

Last chance summer fun!

As summer winds down, parents in Monterey and Santa

Cruz counties might be on the lookout for ways to

engage in last minute summer activities with their children.

Here is a list of choices for kids of all ages:

In Santa Cruz, check out the Seymour Marine Discovery Center

at 100 McAllister Way. Here kids can have fun with the

interactive displays, aquarium, family tour and arts and crafts.

For more information, visit https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/.

Also in Santa Cruz is Santa Cruz Main Beach at 399 Beach

Street. This beach boasts the best coastline in Santa Cruz.

There’s paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and beach

volleyball for older kids, and plenty of sugary white sand for

toddlers to build sandcastles on or throw a ball around or

bury each other in the sand.

In San Lorenzo Park at 137 Dakota Avenue in Santa Cruz, kids

can play on the playground, visit the duck pond and feed the

ducks, throw a ball and play games on the grassy lawn.

The Santa Cruz Mystery Spot is a cool place to check out,

although school aged kids would get the most out of it. It sits

within the Redwood Forest. Take your family to the Mystery

Spot for some cheap family fun as you look through its

gravity-defying displays. After exploring the facility, you can

head outdoors and enjoy a scenic hike through the tall trees.

The Monterey Zoo is a fun place to visit at 400 River Road in

Salinas. Marina resident Anna Munoz likes to take her 8-yearold

son there as it is handicap accessible. They like seeing

the zedonk (a cross between a zebra and a donkey). She says

there are a variety of species at the zoo such as bald eagles,

birds of prey and primates such as lions, tigers and bears.

MY Museum at 425 Washington Street in Monterey is now

open with summer hours from Wednesday to Sunday from

10am to 12pm or 1 to 3pm. Reservations and masks are

required. Admission for children and adults is $10. Kids under

24 months are free. My Museum provides an environment

where curiosity and creativity flourish, while both children

and adults discover the thrill of lifelong learning.

Munoz also likes to take her son for picnics on the grass in

front of Colton Hall Museum at 570 Pacific Street in Monterey.

Across the street is Monterey Museum of Art boasting

outdoor metal sculptures.

Pacific Grove Library Youth Services offers many programs for

kids of all ages. The library is located at 550 Central Avenue

in Pacific Grove. Check their online calendar for events and

dates.

For a fun water activity, kids and their parents could go

kayaking at Elkhorn Slough at 2390 Ca-1 in Moss Landing.

Since golf is more of a grownup game, there is an alternative

for kids: disc golf. There is a course at CSUMB.

For more outdoor fun, one does not have to go far for a

fun camping experience. Locals can camp at Monterey Pines

RV Campground on Higuera Lane and also at Monterey

Veterans Memorial Park at 1200 Veterans Drive in Monterey.

Also, picking up supplies to make S’mores are a great treat

and fun for kids to make while camping.

Hiking is a great choice for kids and adults, given the variety

of parks in Monterey County. Here are a few choices for

getting your hike on:

• Toro Park is located at 501 Monterey-Salinas Highway 68

in Salinas.

Beaches, parks, hiking, attractions and more! we have great ideas for the rest of your summer!


• Jacks Peak Park is located at 25020 Jacks Peak Park Road

in Monterey. There is a cost of $5 per vehicle

• Fort Ord National Monument is located at

Toro Creek Road in Marina.

• Pinnacles National Park is located in

San Benito and Monterey Counties.

Camping is also offered here.

• Garland Ranch Regional Park is located at

700 West Carmel Valley Road in Carmel

Valley. Garland Ranch offers several

different hiking trails, with both beginner

and more advanced trails. The

park also has a

Visitor Center with

maps and a park

model.

• Garrapata State Park is located at 34500

CA-1 in Carmel.

Hover your phone’s camera on

image to get contact info for all

of our suggestions.


All-Star Answers

to Parents’ Sports

Questions

By Lissa Carlson

What’s the best age to start a sport?

This answer varies depending on

the sport and what you hope your

child will gain. Most experts suggest

anything before age 6 should be

focused on physical activity and fun,

with no score keeping. By age 7 and

8, kids have the skills necessary to try

team sports, while competitive sports

are best reserved for ages 9 and older.

The benefits of sports to a child’s

development are many: motor skills,

teamwork, physical activity, and even

improved vision.

We asked experts at the National

Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) as

well as an award-winning college

coach/recruiter to answer some of the

best questions parents have about kids

and sports. NAYS provides training and

guidance to youth sports programs

across the U.S.

Any guidance in choosing a sport?

Consider a child’s personality when

deciding on the right fit. You’ll want to

ensure your child has the abilities to

be successful and confident. Some kids

may welcome an aggressive outlet,

which sports can provide, while others

may not want the pressure of being

part of a team, Engh says.

In his experience with parents

over nearly 30 years, parents typically

want their kids to gain socialization

or learn about winning and losing.

“Generally, the last thing parents say is

they want them to be a great baseball

player,” he says.

Once you choose the sport, review

your options. “If you want your child to

learn and have fun,” Engh says, “make

sure the team you’re joining is about

learning and fun and not creating an

all-star team.”

For greater challenge, travel teams

and club leagues offer an elite level

of competitive play. These teams

require a commitment to travel, time,

and expenses beyond those found

in school or park and rec programs.

Some families find themselves working

around other family members and

duties to honor the team expectations.

Parents must review whether that

commitment works for their family

and if the benefits outweigh the

considerable investment. Additionally,

Engh cautions parents to consider

whether the added expenses and

commitments guarantee their child

any more playing time.

Make sure you look at the “fine

print” in any program, no matter how

innocent it may seem, Engh says.

Each program should have printed

guidelines for parents, including

expenses you can anticipate. Consider

“hidden” costs beyond program fees,

such as uniforms, shoes, competition

travel (gas, meals, hotels), etc.

Is it ever “too late” for kids to start playing a

new sport?

No, according to Hannah Dave, head

field hockey coach for the Wolves at

Newberry College in South Carolina.

Dave, who was named 2019 Field

Hockey Coach of the Year by Synapse

Sports, started playing field hockey her

freshman year of high school.

“I went to college with kids who’d

been playing since 6 years old, and

I started in high school,” Dave says.

“Starting early is going to be the best

for someone who really wants to go

to the next level, but I would say no,

it’s never too late. There will always

be different levels of participation

available.”

For the late bloomer, you might

consider a personal coach. John Engh,

executive director of NAYS, says the

use of private training is one of the

biggest changes he’s seen in the last

decade. It was discouraged prior to

that, but as kids have become involved

in sports at increasingly earlier ages,

private training can provide an older

child new to the sport a chance to get

up to speed. “The only caveat is know

who that person is because there’s

absolutely no one overseeing their

work,” Engh warns.


Should we specialize in a single sport?

Most medical advice encourages parents to delay sports

specialization for as long as possible. The risk of overuse

injuries, not to mention burnout and performance pressure,

outweighs any advantages a young person might have

in focusing all their effort on one sport. In fact, versatile,

multi-sport athletes tend to be viewed advantageously by

recruiters.

Are there guidelines for how much a child should practice and play?

NAYS (nays.org ) makes the following recommendations:

• Ages 6 and younger: Limit practice and games to a

maximum of one hour per day, twice weekly.

• Ages 7 to 10: Limit time to one hour per day, three times

weekly.

• Ages 11 and older: Limited to 1.5 hours per day, three

times weekly.

Why do kids quit sports?

NAYS has studied this since the 1980s. The top reason kids

quit a sport is because it’s just not fun anymore. What makes

a sport no longer fun? Time and parent pressures, Engh

says, as well as greater self-awareness. The kid who thought

baseball was fun may see top kids on the team excelling and

become aware that they are not as good a player.

What’s a parent to do? You can try taking a break or

playing at a less competitive level, but ultimately, Engh says,

“there comes a time when you just have to let it go.”

We have a star athlete. What’s the likelihood of an athletic

scholarship?

The odds are slim – about 2 in 100 athletes – and most

aren’t a free ride. Check out ScholarshipStats.com for

current information on playing college sports and athletic

scholarships based on individual sports, from baseball to

water polo.

Engh advises parents to wait until high school before

deciding their child is surely destined for the pros. It’s

premature to base a child’s talent on play before then

(although he admits that recruiters for certain sports

consider those early successes). “Keep a clear head and

evaluate where they’re at in high school, when age gaps

tend to level out,” he says.

Should we invest in an agent?

That depends on the sport, head coach Dave says. It’s alright

if you don’t want to join a club league, yet it may require

you to be a bit more proactive in reaching out to colleges.

Finding someone who knows the college recruiting process

can be advantageous.

Engh agrees. “If your child is older than 15 and they’re

getting letters from colleges,” he says, “an agent is probably

not a bad idea.”

What’s always a big advantage in a recruiter’s eyes?

Supportive families, Dave says. “I do think it makes or breaks

how you coach, how you play,” she says. “I always want my

players to play for themselves first, but I also tell them they

need to play for those who are supporting them.”

Lissa Carlson, a writer of parenting topics for more than

20 years, sees the great benefits of sport participation and

admires families who commit to it.

65 Bay Area locations.

66 if we count your couch.

In-person or virtual visits at

Pediatric Group of Monterey

Pediatric Group of Monterey

1900 Garden Road, Suite 110

Monterey, CA 93940

Tel (831) 372-5841

Fax (831) 372-4820

pedsgroup.stanfordchildrens.org


Did you know

that reading aloud

to children

helps them to . . .

VOCABULARY

1.BUILD

2.

INCREASE

COMPREHENSION

dear teacher by By Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts

Q: I know that it is important to read out loud to young

children. During the Pandemic, I have been reading a lot

to my younger children. Should I also have been reading

to my older children in middle school and high school?

At what age should you stop reading to children?

– Wondering

A: Your question is a concern of many parents. While many parents stop

reading to their children when they are able to read on their own, it is

very beneficial to continue reading to children even in their early teen

years. Research shows that reading aloud to school children of all ages

will definitely improve not only reading skills but also listening skills and

academic performance.

Unfortunately, the percentage of parents who read aloud to older children

drops drastically for children over the age of 5. This is way too early to stop

reading to your children. When surveyed, older children say that they enjoy

read-aloud time. In fact, children of all ages enjoy listening to a good story.

3.

IMPROVE

LISTENING SKILLS

4ḌISCOVER LONGER BOOKS

LIKE THE CLASSICS

6.

BROADEN

KNOWLEDGE

OF DIFFERENT

GENRES

5.

HELP

IMPROVE

DISCUSSION

SKILLS

7.

LESSEN TIME SPENT

ON ELECTRONIC

DEVICES

8.

PROMOTE

READING BEYOND

SCHOOLWORK.

Good readers succeed in school. Poor readers have far more problems with

subjects that require considerable reading. Help your children regardless of

their age to become active readers who are engaged with the printed page.

This is very important for your children’s ability to comprehend what they

are reading. The following questions will help you and your children talk

about the stories that you are reading to them:

• Do you think this story could really happen? Why? Why not?

• Did you think a certain event in the book was funny or sad?

• Would you like to be friends with a character in the book?

• If you were the major character in the book, what would you have done

differently?

• Would you like to be able to do something the hero of the book did?

Besides reading fiction to your children, be sure to include

interesting nonfiction works that

will add to their knowledge of

the world.

Parents should send

questions and

comments to

dearteacher@

dearteacher.com and

to learn more about

helping their children

succeed in school visit the

dearteacher website.


What is happening in

classrooms this year?

SAFETY CONCERNS

There are still some unknowns about how your children’s

classes will look like when they return to them this month.

All schools in California, both public and private, are guided

by the CDPH Schools Guidance. This outlines what schools

should follow for the 2021-2022 school year. Everyone,

regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks while

indoors . Masks are optional outdoors.

CATCHING UP?

No matter what your children’s school will look like, it is clear

according to all the experts that most will not have learned

what they would have learned without the disruption of the

pandemic. This is especially true for those children who have

a special education diagnosis. Many were not able to receive

the accommodations that they were entitled to on their

Individual Education Plans (IEP).

It is very important this year for parents to attend Back

to School Night–whether online or virtual– to learn firsthand

how their children’s teachers are planning on handling

any learning deficiencies their children may have suffered.

There has been a wide variance in how much students have

learned in online programs. Teachers are potentially in the

dark about what their students learned last year because of

the lack of standardized testing data. For all of these reasons,

you really need to hear directly from the teachers what their

curriculum will look like for your children and how they plan

to close any learning deficiencies. It’s also important to know

what you will be expected to do at home to help your child.

RESOURCES

There are two things that can help you see where your

elementary and middle children currently are academically.

One is to determine their reading level. The San Diego Quick

Assessment test will provide you with this information. You

can find it online and on our dearteacher website. Two,

you will find helpful to know what your children should

have learned last year in most of their subjects. It is easy

to find this information. Just go to the State of California

education department website (www.cde.ca.gov), and type

in curriculum or content standards and the grade you are

looking for.

BIA is in its 27th year!

OUR MISSION

BIA’s mission is to significantly improve the lives of

children diagnosed with Autism by providing innovative

and individualized treatment.

BIA is a recognized leader in the community

providing:

• 1:1 Intervention Services to Individuals

18 mos-18 years

• Center, Home, And Community Based

Services

• Social Skills Groups

Centers open in

Monterey and

Salinas!

All services are available, please call

for more information about our strict

COVID safety practices

and procedures.

bia4autism.org

Salinas | Monterey | Fresno | Bay Area

(877) 242-2884



BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS

Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or the start

of middle school, back-to-school season can bring a range

of feelings for the entire family. This year may be more

emotional as many families spent a large part of the past two

school years at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s important to remember that even in the best of

times, it’s normal for children to express feelings of sadness,

isolation or stress,” said Tyreca Elliott, from KinderCare

Learning Centers. “Learning how to address those feelings

helps us build self-confidence, resilience and independence.

Offering comfort, reassurance and assisting with problem

solving will help children learn and grow from stress in a

positive way.”

Consider these tips to help your children manage

emotions during the transition back to school.

PLAN AHEAD: The fear of the unknown can be

1. stressful. Children who aren’t able to clearly articulate

their feelings likely won’t be able to make the connection

between new, uncertain situations and their feelings. Instead

they may become overwhelmed by emotions, which might

look like more meltdowns, clinginess, or a variety of other

behaviors. Talk with your children about how they feel about

going back to school ahead of the first day of class. Ask

questions to help them determine why they feel particular

feelings when they think about school then work together

to solve potential issues. That could mean finding a way

to meet your children’s teachers ahead of time, whether

virtually or in-person, or practicing introducing themselves

to classmates.

BUILD A CONSISTENT ROUTINE: Routines can give

2. children (and adults) a sense of security and structure,

which in turn make it easier to cope with big emotions like

stress and anxiety. Try to stay consistent, and if you need

to make adjustments, talk them through with your children.

Make sure your children have opportunities to ask questions

about any changes to routines. They may need reassurance

before they’re ready to face something new.

CREATE SPECIAL FAMILY MOMENTS: As important as

3. routine is, it’s just as important to prioritize quality time

together. That could mean something as simple as Saturday

bike rides or Sunday morning pancakes. Plan a family outing

or special time together to celebrate completing the first

week of school. Family rituals and celebrations can give

children and adults something to look forward to.

Did you know that you can

subscribe to our newsletters?

You’ll receive...

• Weekly events

• Exclusive Contests

• First look at new issues

• And, much more! All free.

Hover your phone’s camera

on image to get link

for newsletter sign up.

No special app needed.


OUT & ABOUT Our top picks for AUGUST

8/3 FREE! Preschool Stories at Jewell

Park. Miss Mary and Barnaby

Bear will be reading stories

and singing songs. All ages

are welcome. However, the

content will specifically be

developmentally appropriate

for preschoolers. Presented by

Pacific Grove Library and held

weekly on Tuesdays.

www.pacificgrovelibrary.org

8/7, 8 Salinas Valley Food & Wine

Festival 2021. Main Street will

be filled with wine tasting stops,

food sampling stations, live

music, artist/artisan vendors, and

the opportunity to experience

world-class wines, craft beers,

and gourmet foods. Admission

to the main festival is free.

Purchasing a ticket includes

wine and beer tastings along

with samplings of culinary

delights from local chefs,

caterers, and restaurants.

salinasvalleyfoodandwine.com

8/7 FREE! 2021 Hiroshima-Nagasaki

Remembrance Day and Peace

Lantern Ceremony. This beautiful

and moving tradition honors

those who suffered the atomic

bombings in 1945. The event

starts at 7 p.m. with lantern

making and traditional Taiko

drumming by Shinsho Mugen

Daiko. Sundown will signal the

launching of the peace lanterns.

peacecentral.wordpress.com

8/14 FREE! Monterey Bay Parent

Magazine Back to School Bash.

Join us Del Monte Center in

Monterey as we celebrate back

to school!. Vendors will be on

hand with information about

preschool options, private

schools, medical care and much

more. The first 300 children

will get a free lunch tote from

Stanford Children’s Health.

We’ll also have an amazing

back to school themed balloon

installation for photos. Lots of

freebies and giveaways.

montereybayparent.com

8/15 70th Annual Pebble Beach

Concours d’Elegance. A tradition

going back over half a century,

the Pebble Beach Concours

d’Elegance is where the

world’s collector cars meet and

compete. Only the 200 best

collector cars in the world roll

onto the legendary 18th fairway

of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

pebblebeachconcours.net

8/23 FREE! We Create Art Festival 2021.

This is a week-long street and

public art installation in the

West End focused on bringing

two artists together on one wall

to celebrate and merge their

individual styles and create

unique public masterpieces for

all to enjoy. Twelve artists will

collaborate with each other on

six walls throughout Sand City,

over the course of a week.

wecreateart.com

8/28 FREE! Monterey Greek Festival

2021. You won’t be able to

resist the mouthwatering smell

of traditional Greek food. While

you’re munching on dolmades,

you can watch traditional dance,

listen to music and even learn

a little at a cultural lecture. Sip

a cup of Greek coffee while

you order that ever-popular

dessert, baklava. Then step up

to the stage yourself for a lesson

in Greek dance! A traditional

taverna will open in the evening,

serving Greek and American

beer, wine and ouzo.

montereybaygreekfestival.

wordpress.com

Find more fun events for your family

at MontereyBayParent.com/Calendar.

Just hover your phone’s camera on image,

no special app required.


*Home School Program – Grades TK-12

*Independent Study Program – Grades 9-12

*Fully Accredited by WASC!

*No Interdistrict Transfer Required to Enroll!

At Monterey County Home Charter School, students are given a

rich, individually designed, tuition-free education while studying in

a nonclassroom-based environment. Enrichment and intervention

classes, workshops, field trips, tutoring sessions, concurrent enrollment,

and weekly meetings with fully credentialed teachers give

students every opportunity to succeed.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Monterey County Home Charter School

901 Blanco Circle, Salinas, CA 93912

(831) 755-0331 • www.mchcs.org


MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR


friendship

The path to

begins

in Monterey Bay Parenthood

The benefits of

membership:

• A supportive community

through our private

Facebook group

• Discounts for Monterey

Bay Parent events, contests

and giveaways, and early

access to tickets and

promos.

• Discount directory just

for members with offers to

local attractions, restaurants,

classes and more

• Special events just for

members and their families

JOIN TODAY Charter membership is just $35/year!

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Vista Robles Dental Group

Offering:

• Family dentistry

• Pediatric dentistry

• Restorative dentistry

• Cosmetic dentistry

• Accepting new patients

• Courtesy insurance billing for

most dental insurances

Dentists Linda Martin

DDS and Esmeralda

Muñoz DDS, of Vista

Robles Dental Group

can give you a healthy

beautiful smile that you

can take pride in.

Modern cosmetic dentistry

techniques make it easier

than ever for you to have a

bright, even smile.

(831) 372-7548

www.montereybaydentist.com


Stop Struggling

Start Learning

Located on 60-acre

campus just minutes

from Monterey Bay,

Chartwell School is

an indepedent day

school for students

grades 1-12 who think

and learn differently.

1:1 College Counseling

No more than 10

students per class

3:1 student teacher ratio

Project based learning

and monthly field

experiences

Chartwell School

2511 Numa Watson Road, Seaside, CA 93955

Tel 831.394.3468 chartwell.org


August 2021 Monterey Bay Parent Magazine

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?