April, 2019 | Parenting OC

Archives for April 2019

OC Moms

Published April 30, 2019Admin Only:

These moms may be in the public light, but they’re moms doing the real work of raising kids.

Photo by Ralph Palumbo

Kate Casey

Comedian/Host/Author | www.loveandknuckles.com

Married to: Dan

Kids: Mia, 9, Jack, 7, Hayes, 5, Sutton, 3, and Caroline, 9 months

Lives in: Newport Beach

Podcast: “Reality Life with Kate Casey” (since 2016)

In a nutshell: “Philadelphia suburbs born and raised, college in Washington, D.C. Worked in government and then ran my own public relations firm media consulting for global law firms. After the birth of my first child I began writing television recaps, which led to writing a book and for various media outlets. Two years ago I started a podcast, which is now one of iTunes’ highest-rated shows in the TV & Film category.”

How would you describe your podcast? “My show is called ’Reality Life with Kate Casey’ podcast. I have been called the Diane Sawyer of reality television. Every Friday I interview reality stars of the past and present, and leading directors and producers of your favorite reality shows and documentaries. In addition each week I ask two different guests to dissect an episode of a reality television show for your enjoyment. My podcast is essentially like a weekly standup act. I write new material every week. The beauty of it is you can hear it from the luxury of your car, on a workout or at the nail salon. You don’t have to get a babysitter and an Uber for a night at the comedy club. In fact more comedians are realizing the value of a podcast.”

What inspired you to delve into the lives of reality show stars? “I consider myself a reality television anthropologist. I saw an opening for a show that featured more in-depth interviews with people who appear one-dimensional on television shows, and for hilarious recaps of shows from people of all walks of life. You can walk into any bar across America and find plenty of people who have an opinion about ‘The Bachelor,’ ‘Survivor’ or one of ‘The Real Housewives’ franchises.”

Who’s your favorite interview? “It’s too hard to say just one interview has been my favorite. I have liked almost everyone I have interviewed. I highly recommend my episode with the producer of ‘Surreal Life’ and ‘Rock of Love,’ and my interview with Donnie Wahlberg.”

How much has your podcast grown? “I have almost 6 million total downloads.”

You’re also a standup comic? “I started only two years ago! I made a New Year’s resolution to try an open mic night. I did a three-minute set the first week of February and by May I was opening at the Irvine Improv. It’s been a whirlwind, but I think I have had enough ridiculous life situations that have given me plenty of material.”

What has been your favorite standup memory? “I performed at The Ice House in Pasadena. Before my set I sat in the green room surrounded by photos of comedy giants. Talk about an out-of-body experience!”

With five kids, how do you manage all you do? “Full disclosure: I only sleep about five hours. I think I am pretty good at multitasking. I work everywhere and anywhere. If I am in the parking lot of the kids’ school I am likely on my laptop researching shows, booking guests or watching episodes.”

Have there been any challenges? “The challenge is always in the booking. I have been really lucky getting some amazing guests.”

What have you learned about being a parent? “Comparison is the thief of joy. Children crave structure. I work hard to raise curious children who want to be global citizens. They need to love their siblings above all.”

Any advice you can offer for other working moms or moms looking to build their career? “Find a job that doesn’t feel like a job. If you love something you will make time for it.”

Photo by Christine Cheng

Briana Vartanian

hilanthropist | loveforlola.org

Married to: James

Kids: Lola, 12, Sebastian, 8, Wilhelmina, 6, Georgiana and Theodora, 14 months

Lives in: Newport Coast

Brand: Love for Lola Leggings

In a nutshell: Full-time mother of five, fashion Influencer and Phelan-McDermid syndrome advocate

How did Love for Lola leggings get started? “It’s been a whirlwind. The Love for Lola brand started three years ago after I approached Goldsheep clothing with an idea to collaborate on a legging to raise awareness for my daughter’s rare genetic disease. That initial design, with my signature pink hearts, sold out within a few hours and quickly became an Internet sensation around the world. The positive feedback and momentum was incredible, and allowed us to make a second legging, called ‘The Phelanthropist.’ And from there, we just kept moving forward with more orders. In February, I launched my children’s line of ‘minis’ to follow the adult leggings. I am currently working on my third design. All proceeds from the leggings are donated to the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation.”

Your leggings have garnered a celebrity following? “My efforts to help raise awareness for Phelan-McDermid syndrome catapulted to the next level when I reached out to celebrities like country music star Dustin Lynch and Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough to take part in the Phelan Lucky campaign to raise awareness for PMSF. … Using social media as my main platform, the leggings became a global movement for rare diseases with people posting pictures wearing the pants in all corners of the world—including Australia, Thailand, Dubai, Mexico and across the U.S. The leggings have been featured in international media stories, along with the local press.”

What inspired you to develop the brand the way you did? “I’ve always been active and played sports most of my life. I attended Texas Tech University on a softball scholarship and have always had a desire to incorporate a fun product that was sporty and functional with a purpose. My daughter, Lola, and I exercise daily and the leggings were a perfect fit for her needs. Lola has hypotonia [decreased muscle tone] and walking and regular exercise is key for her to develop muscle and keep her healthy. She loves to run and travel to new places and the leggings give her the confidence to conquer all odds.”

Describe your work as a special needs advocate. “Lola was first diagnosed with autism at 14 months old and after genetic testing we found the primary cause for her global delays, hypotonia and non-verbal traits as Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Shortly after this diagnosis, she was featured in a CNN story. At the time even autism was not as accepted and there was a need to raise awareness. The article shined a light on knowing the symptoms and getting a second opinion. … I have served as a fundraising chair for The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Gala. I’ve actively done races and attend summits for Global Genes.”

With five kids, how do you manage all this? “It’s never boring managing a special needs teenager, twin babies and two active children. I am constantly on the go, and travel across the OC every day—from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School to Corona del Mar Middle School and all the activities in between. Our days are packed with club soccer, golf tournaments, Ardent Academy for Gifted Youth, taekwondo and swim team. I’m beyond lucky to have these children and be their mom. It’s the hardest job in the world but it’s also the most rewarding.”

Any advice you can offer for other moms looking to make a difference? “Being an advocate and fighting for my daughter is hard work, but if I don’t do it, what will be accomplished? Lola’s condition is rare and needs attention. In order to do that, you need to think outside the box. If you want to make a difference you need to stand out and get people talking. I have to work extra hard to bring critical awareness to this worthy cause. There are many organizations and causes that need attention, including Phelan-McDermid syndrome.”

Kenna Florie

Entrepreneur | www.beekshop.com

Married to: Brett

Kids: Stone (daughter), 7, Port (son), 5

Lives in: Newport Beach

Company: Co-owns Beek footwear in Newport Beach with Birgit Klett

Background: “I was previously the VP of sales and marketing for Quiksilver Women’s, head of marketing for Roxy. I also owned my own marketing agency before launching Beek with my co-founder.”

How was Beek born and how has it evolved? “Beek was born out of a conversation between Birgit and I over a glass of wine. We were friends at Quiksilver (she was the VP of global design for Roxy footwear). We were venting about how we can’t find beautiful, feminine all-leather footwear that is also comfortable. They don’t exist! What started as a small collection of just six sandals has now evolved into a full collection of more than 25 sandal styles and 12 closed-toe shoes.”

How does your footwear stand apart? “Our shoes are different in that they are made from the highest quality leather (in the upper and the sole) and they all have a molded arch for all-day comfort. It truly is a ‘beauty meets comfort’ brand. We launched Beek in 2014.”

Your footwear has developed quite the following. What celebs wear your shoes? “We are so happy that women are responding to this trend. Comfort does not need to be ugly. You can look stylish and also travel the world in our shoes. Some of my favorite recent celeb sightings are: Julia Roberts, Margot Robbie, Naomi Watts and Lily Aldridge.”

There’s also a charitable component to your business? “We are both moms and we wanted to focus on giving back in a way that was very meaningful to both of us. We are working (and have been since the launch of Beek), with the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orange County to help feed children. For every pair of shoes we sell, we donate a day’s worth of meals to the Child Hunger program.”

With two kids, how do you manage all this? “Honestly, with an amazing support system and a humbling approach to asking for help. My husband is very involved in the raising of our children and it is truly a team approach in our family. He carries as much of a load as I do. We also have an amazing nanny who has been with our family since Stone was 2 months old. She is a part of the family and we couldn’t do it without her. And I’ve had to really learn how to ask for help—something that doesn’t always come naturally. I have friends who are so gracious and supportive with helping out with the kids and opening their homes. The power of women is pretty amazing.”

Have there been any challenges? “Ha! Yes, of course. I get nanny and stay-at-home-mom jealousy just like most working moms do! But I also love that my kids are seeing me work hard and create something awesome. They are both so proud of me (even at their young age) and that inspires me.”

What have you learned about being a parent? “How to create balance for myself. How to love myself even with all my inadequacies and faults. And I’ve definitely learned to laugh at myself!”

Any advice you can offer for other working moms or moms looking to become entrepreneurs? “Just do it! You can talk yourself out of anything … don’t let yourself (or anyone else for that matter) tell you you can’t do it. The balance will come. And your kids will love you through the entire process. Just make sure that they know that they come first. That doesn’t mean you are going to make it to every soccer practice but it does mean that when you walk through the door that your full attention is on them and that you are so happy to be there with them. Oh, and best advice I’ve been given: If you have to get on your phone at home for work, take it in the other room.”

Photograph by Ashley Burns Photography

Audrina Patridge

TV Personality/Swimwear Designer | www.preyswim.com

Relationship status: Single

Kids: Kirra, 2

Lives in: Orange County

Projects: “The Hills: New Beginnings” and Prey Swim

What keeps you busy these days? “Between being a full-time mama, filming ‘The Hills,’ and working on my swim line Prey Swim, I keep very busy. I have mastered the fine art of multitasking!”

Have there been any challenges? “There are new challenges every day that test and teach me, and I try to view them as an opportunity to grow and learn.”

How have you overcome these? “I have learned how to find balance and prioritize my responsibilities. Otherwise, it’s so easy to become scatterbrained and I am not able to focus or give 100 percent to each task. I sit down and make a list every night of what I need to accomplish the next day before I even think about getting into bed.”

How did it happen that you became part of “The Hills” and how did that impact your life? “I was laying out by the pool of The Villas at Park La Brea in Los Angeles, and as producer Adam DiVello was scouting the apartment complex, he approached me about the show. I started filming within two weeks! It was one of those magical cases of being in the right place at the right time.”

How did your life change when your daughter was born? “When Kirra was born, I felt like I finally had a purpose. She is such an angel and I’m so blessed to have her. Being a mother will always be my number one priority over anything else. It has led me to look at people and situations so differently than I did before.”

What have you learned about being a parent? “You can never truly be prepared for parenthood, but your natural maternal instincts that you never realized you had kick in and suddenly you just understand! Being a parent definitely tests your patience, but you also become a master at multitasking and have an answer for all the “why questions” (Google also helps!). However, the world also becomes a much scarier place because you become so protective of your child.”

Any advice you can offer for other working moms or moms looking to build their career? “Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean your life has to stop. You learn how to balance, adapt and change to find a new normal and make it all work. I bring my daughter to work with me sometimes, and dinners when appropriate. These are learning experiences for her as well, and this exposure has taught her how to behave and interact with adults. I try to schedule all my appointments within specific time frames and consolidate work commitments as much as possible. That way, when I’m spending time with Kirra, I can give her my full attention and we can enjoy our special time together.”

How do you balance your private home life with your daughter with all the public attention that comes with being a public figure? How challenging is this? “Living out of LA has helped a lot. The paparazzi are much crazier up there! So far, people have been pretty respectful when I’m out with my daughter. However, once the show airs this summer, I’m sure things will change a bit. I try my best to live the most normal life I can, and I want Kirra to grow up doing normal kid activities and not having to hide out from the spotlight.”

What are your keys to success for balancing parenting and a demanding career? “The most helpful thing I do is make a list every day and prioritize my most important tasks. My family has been so immensely helpful with Kirra, especially when there are last-minute filming responsibilities or business trips. Kirra and I also go to church every Sunday, which is very important to me.”

By Jessica Peralta

Animal Encounters, Camps & Activities, Family Fun, STEM Learning

Published April 30, 2019Admin Only:

Bionerds - Kids viewing wildlife through binoculars

Photo courtesy of Bionerds Inc.

The ruddy duck is a diving bird. Its plump, cinnamon-colored body bobs on the surface of a pond at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, supposedly catching its breath. Audubon naturalist Jay Miller points out the duck’s baby-blue beak, a beak so bright people have asked him if it was painted on. A collective gasp rises from the audience as it dips out of view.

Another cry is heard: “Look! An osprey!” The giant bird, wings poised in a shallow V, sails across the sky. But it wasn’t Miller who identified it: His audience has six young birdwatchers today, one of whom spotted it first.

These students are enrolled in a six-month course through Bionerds Inc., a science education company in Orange County. Several times a month, the classmates—all 7 to 11 years old—gather to learn about bird ecology and field research through the lens of citizen science.

The term “citizen science” refers to a research collaboration between scientists and the general public. Jessica Ballard, a Bionerds educator who designed the course, describes it as a hands-on link to formal education.

“Our students are seeing real-life applications of what can become abstract subjects in a classroom setting,” says Ballard. “We have students with a real passion for the material, and this is a way for them to visually connect and interact with what they learn.”

The core concept of citizen science is acknowledging that every person—regardless of age and prior experience—can impact STEM research in their own way.

Citizen science projects range far in scale and scope. The international website iNaturalist, which crowd-sources photographs of organisms in the wild, has collected 15 million observations since 2012. The Audubon Society’s Great Backyard Bird Count invites people to log bird sightings in their neighborhood, with over 20,000 participants this year alone.

Ballard wants her students to engage with research platforms as well. They are hanging bird feeders in their community to conduct seed preference surveys, as well as testing the pH and salinity of water from Newport Bay and Corona del Mar. At the course’s end, students will submit an article with their results to Cornell University’s BirdSleuth Investigator, a publication for young scientists.

“I want my students to challenge their ideas,” Ballard says.

The Sea & Sage Audubon Society in Irvine has called attention to the western snowy plover, a shorebird designated “threatened” by habitat loss and human activity. Moreover, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife lists 33 bird species as “threatened” or “endangered.”

Photo courtesy of Bionerds Inc.

With these concerns, Ballard wants to expose her students to environmental issues and their effects on the avian—and overall—community. Inspired by current events and a documentary or two, the Bionerds Curriculum team created lessons on local watersheds, bird migration and threats to biodiversity.

“This course gives students the opportunity to witness environmental effects, and I hope it inspires them to change it for the better,” she says.

Bionerds President and Founder Diana Dizon says she wants her organization to take part in the movement to encourage citizen science in early education.

“With more data collected by students from different regions and backgrounds, scientific research can be more representative of the actual community,” says Dizon, a former researcher herself. “Science should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.”

Jay Miller, a past president of the Sea & Sage Audubon Society, says birdwatching can spark conversation about the outdoors.

“Kids are more interested (in birdwatching) than they used to be,” he says, referring to the growing number of Cub Scouts in his tours who engage with it. “Birdwatching enriches your life anywhere you go.”

On the San Joaquin field trip, students line up to test their binoculars on a faux red-tailed hawk. They are concentrating hard, listening to Miller’s cues about the focus knob.

Hannah Fung joined the course because she loves birds. Her favorite activities have been the field trip and salinity testing.

“I think citizen science is important because our knowledge can help decrease the negative impact of humans on the environment,” Fung says. “Also, it might be useful someday when you grow up.”

What advice does Ballard have for learning from the outdoors? Start small, she says.

“Find an area in your community where you can stop and look around. Try to notice the small things you wouldn’t normally catch if you were walking by,” she suggests. “Question why they are there, and how they interact with one another. This not only encourages curiosity, but allows kids to think outside the box.”

By Allison Ong

Family Fun

Published April 30, 2019Admin Only:

What parents need to know about the summer films.

The Lion King

RATED: PG. OPENS: July 19, 2019. VOICE CAST: James Earl Jones, Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Chiwetel Ejiofor.

PLOT: Simba is a young cub of a lion pride, who is trying to learn all that he can from his father Mufasa, the beloved king of Pride Rock. As Simba prepares to rule and protect the Pride Lands when he comes of age, Mufasa’s brother, Scar, seeks the throne as well and triggers a tragedy that sends Simba into exile. When his childhood friend, Nala, finds him years later, a now-grown Simba will have to face his uncle and take his place in the circle of life.

PARENTING POINTS: While there are not many expected changes in plot, the film is made to be as realistic as possible. High climax scenes show elements of intense peril, animal violence, and high emotional moments, and could frighten for some young viewers.

Photo courtesy of STX Entertainment

UglyDolls

RATED: PG. OPENS: May 3, 2019. VOICE CAST: Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monae, Blake Shelton, Pitbull, Gabriel Iglesias.

PLOT: Set in the adorably different town of Uglyville, the main protagonist Moxy and her “UglyDoll” friends celebrate their weirdness and unusual looks. After traveling to the other side of a mountain, Moxy discovers the town of Perfection, where the more conventional dolls receive training before entering the real world to find the love of a child. Throughout their adventures, the UglyDolls learn what it means to be different and ultimately realize that beauty is more than skin deep.

PARENTING POINTS: Filled with bright colors, music and songs, this film is a good choice for kids elementary school age to middle school. There will be some action sequences, and parents should expect moments of slap-stick humor, cinematic elements and semi-rude language.

Aladdin

RATED: Not yet rated. OPENS: May 24, 2019. CAST: Naomi Scott, Will Smith, Alan Tudyk, Mena Massoud, Marwan Kenzari.

PLOT: Aladdin, a street rat of the fictional desert kingdom of Agrabah, comes across a magical lamp which houses an all-powerful genie. Once released, the genie offers to grant Aladdin three wishes—which he uses to try and impress the woman of his dreams, Princess Jasmine. Just as everything seems to be going well, Aladdin finds out that the evil Palace Visear Jafar has devious plans for the lamp that threatens Jasmine and all of Agrabah.

PARENTING POINTS: While there are elements of fantasy violence, romance and peril, this live-action version of the beloved 1995 animated film is not expected to stray too far from the original, and is intended for children of early elementary school age and up.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

The Angry Birds Movie 2

RATED: Not yet rated. OPENS: August 16, 2019. VOICE CAST: Peter Dinklage, Dove Cameron, Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis, Rachel Bloom.

PLOT: Angry Birds Red, Chuck and Bomb get the surprise of their lives when the green pigs show up again, and this time in peace. Trying to set aside their differences against a common enemy, the green pigs and angry birds must learn to work together to save their friends and their way of life.

PARENTING POINTS: This follow-up to the humorous tale of “Angry Birds” is intended for older kiddos and tweens. Expect plenty of crude gags, cartoon violence, potty humor and rude language like “crap.”

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

RATED: PG. OPENS: May 10, 2019. CAST: Ryan Reynolds (voice), Suki Waterhouse, Bill Nighy, Ken Watanabe, Rita Ora.

PLOT: In the first live-action Pokémon film, 21-year-old Tim Goodman joins forces with the electric-mouse Pokémon Pikachu who fancies himself a detective to unravel the mystery behind his father’s disappearance. Together, the duo chase clues regarding Tim’s father’s disappearance throughout Ryme City, and they soon discover a devious plot that poses a threat to the entire Pokémon universe.

PARENTING POINTS: This representation of the Pokemon world is much more edgy and realistic, and very different from the animated films and video games we are familiar with. With that said, it also delivers the central lessons present in the Pokemon world, like friendship and bravery in the face of danger. Parents should be advised that the film is intended for older children and teens, as there are themes of violence, rude humor, and possible swearing.

The Secret Life of Pets 2

RATED: PG. OPENS: June 7, 2019. VOICE CAST: Patton Oswald, Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Harrison Ford.

PLOT: Your favorite pets of all shapes, sizes and breeds are back again for this incredible tale of discovery, mischief and what it means to be a family. In the sequel to the 2016 blockbuster, Max faces major changes in his routine now that his owner, Katie, is married with a child. On a family trip to the countryside, Max meets a no-nonsense farm dog named Rooster, from which he learns how to adapt to life’s challenges. Meanwhile back in the city, Max’s friend, Gidget, tries to rescue Max’s favorite toy from a cat-packed apartment, and the rambunctious rabbit, Snowball, sets out on a mission to free a white tiger named Hu from a circus.

PARENTING POINTS: While the film teaches lessons in change and the value of family, there are some scary moments and crude humor that might be too intense for children younger than seven or mid-elementary school level.

Toy Story 4

RATED: Not yet rated. OPENS: June 7, 2019. VOICE CAST: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Keanu Reeves.

PLOT: Woody, Jessie, Buzz and all their friends return to the big screen for a road trip with their kid, Bonnie, and a new toy named Forky, whom Bonnie made in school. Along the way, Woody is reunited with his long-lost friend, Bo Peep. As they reminisce on where life has taken them, Bo Peep shows Woody that there can be more to a toy’s life than what he thinks.

PARENTING POINTS: The previous “Toy Story” films featured some intense elements, emotional moments and minor rude language, but were much-loved family favorites. “Toy Story 4” seems poised to repeat this pattern, while showing audiences themes of acceptance, change and exploring the world.

By Meagan Lockhart

Family Fun, Outdoor Activities

Published April 30, 2019Admin Only:

Photo by Randall Tierney

A uniquely serene setting and a world-class 9-hole course make this staycation a gem.

Whether you’re ready to hit the open road with the family this summer and explore life outside of OC, or you want to chill closer to home and enjoy a bit of what this local paradise has to offer, we will be presenting family-focused destinations over the next three months, tried and tested by Parenting OC’s intrepid travel crew.

Photo by Randall Tierney

Canyon seclusion meets sandy shores at The Ranch at Laguna Beach located off PCH, in South Laguna Beach. Tucked away in an idyllic setting, where deer roam and Aliso creek runs through it all, it’s 87 acres surrounded by the steep and verdant walls of Aliso and Wood canyons—this is Yosemite in miniature. The Ranch is a serene setting conducive to decompressing after the school year, but also a great base camp for Ranch activities: bocce ball, mountain biking, guided hiking, bird watching. An excellent beach with a cafe is only a quarter mile down a flat foot path. We stayed in a Creekside Studio Suite, a spacious 600-square-foot room, with a large balcony overlooking this creek of many moods, influenced by the tide. All rooms on this side of canyon come with the soothing sound of Aliso’s tumbling liquid to help you doze off.

Photo courtesy of The Ranch.

To complete the calming process initiated upon arriving at this placid place, the recently rebranded and redesigned Sycamore Spa by Hudson offers a menu of facials, massages, wraps and scrubs. I followed my massage with a session in the infrared spa—you’ve got to try it. After a spa-induced nap, we were off to happy hour on the terrace outside Harvest restaurant. Evenings on the weekends bring live music to this patio/garden overlooking the golf course. At sunset, we found chairs with blankets on them surrounding one of several lit firepits and enjoyed craft cocktails with a bowl of delicious Brussel sprouts while listening to that night’s artist cover classic rock. The views are no less spectacular when dining inside Harvest Restaurant, which offers seasonal cuisine with local ingredients and integrated with vegetables and herbs grown in their own half-acre garden—the farm-to-table freshness is imparted to every dish we tried. We can especially recommend the delicious avocado toast for breakfast, with baby heirloom tomato, pickled red onion and an egg.

Photo courtesy of The Ranch.

Summer at the Ranch includes a junior explorer program—a nature and gardening discovery camp for younger guests—and golf clinic specials for juniors and adults on what may be the best 9-hole course in the world (seriously—it’s nominated as such in the World Golf Awards). When playing, you will want to walk this secluded course to fully enjoy it’s natural splendor, its flora especially lush this year following the season’s heavier-than-average rains.

If you are looking for a four-diamond family staycation destination that is off the beaten path, pack up and head on out to the Ranch at Laguna Beach.

Coming next month in our Summer Family travel series: The Cottages at Newport Dunes and The Dream Inn at the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.

By Randall Tierney

Animal Encounters, Family Fun, Outdoor Activities, Performing Arts

Published April 30, 2019Admin Only:

PICK OF THE MONTH
Bear Awareness Day
Saturday, May 4th

Ursine enthusiasts will barely be able to contain their excitement over today’s activities (10 am–3 pm). Gather family and friends for a day of bear-themed activities, zookeeper chats and more. Chat with bear keepers and visit learning stations where you can discover the latest in bear research and conservation. Find out how to react in a bear encounter and ways to “bear-proof” camping sites. There will be bear-related craft projects designed for kids too.

Reservations are not needed. Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free). Parking is $5 per vehicle.

OC Zoo
1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange
714-973-6846 | www.ocparks.com/zoo

Outlets at San Clemente Fiesta de Mayo Celebration
Saturday, May 4

The Outlets at San Clemente hosts a family-friendly Fiesta de Mayo Celebration taking place in the Oak Tree Court. The free afternoon fiesta (1 pm-3 pm) will feature local mariachis and Ballet Folklorico performances, along with food and drink specials at participating restaurants.

Outlets at San Clemente
101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
949-535-2323 | www.outletsatsanclemente.com

Goat Yoga
Saturday, May 18

Find your chi with the help of baby pygmy goats. The OC Fair, Spectra Yoga and the Fountain Valley Cloverdales 4-H Club present three 75-minute beginner-level goat yoga sessions (8 am, 9:30 am & 11 am). Folks can also just enjoy free playtime and photos with goats. Limited space; registration required. Children must be age 9 or older and accompanied by an adult.

Centennial Farm, OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
714-436-0576 | spectrayoga.com

Yappy Hour
Thursday, May 16

Dogs and their human companions will howl with joy over The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel’s Yappy Hour (actually three hours, 5 pm-8 pm). Pups will be served meat- or vegan-flavored water and house-made peanut butter biscuits, while there will be beverages and burgers and hot dogs that humans can purchase. The event benefits The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton Dr., Dana Point
949-240-2000 | www.ritzcarlton.com

March For Babies
Saturday, May 11

The OC March For Babies is a 5k fundraising event that is part of national fundraising effort benefiting The March of Dimes. Money raised assists the nonprofit organization in its research, advocacy and programs for the health of all moms and babies. Sign-in starts at 7:30 am with the march commencing at 8:15 am. Online registration is free; however, donations are suggested.

OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
www.marchforbabies.org

Occasionally an event listed changes to date or location after printing. Always phone ahead to confirm information. Get your event listed! Email [email protected]. Include the name of the event, date, time, address, short description, appropriate age range, fee, phone number, and photos.

Health & Wellness

Published April 29, 2019Admin Only:

Q: [All Ages] Does your two-month-old baby smile at the sound of your voice? Can your five-month-old grab and hold a rattle? Does your one-year-old clap his hands? Does your two-year-old engage in pretend play?

A: These are just a few of the questions that developmental screenings explore. Even if your baby is healthy and thriving, it is important to take advantage of free developmental screenings as a way to learn more about your child’s specific behavior and development. Ideally, screenings are part of a well-child medical visit, but a number of community agencies provide access to them as well. The process is informative and can offer parents strategies to help promote their baby’s growth, learning and social-emotional development.

Developmental screenings are designed to monitor a baby or young child’s progress through specific areas of development including gross motor, fine motor, communication, problem-solving and social/emotional. Screenings are tailored to specific age intervals in a child’s development. If your child’s screening results indicate that he or she may not be not be on track in a particular area, you will gain information and useful strategies to address those areas or be connected to services for further evaluation of your child’s development.

The key is early intervention. Unfortunately, only 28.5 percent of children in California receive timely developmental screenings (First 5 Association of Calif.). As a result, learning and communication delays can be missed until a child begins school. Screenings can identify delays early and connect the young child with therapy or other support services. Children who receive early treatment for developmental delays are more likely to be kindergarten-ready and have overall success in their lives.

Screenings can be conducted in person or online. Validated and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a widely accepted tool used for developmental screenings. It is important to note that a screening is not meant to replace regular health visits with your child’s doctor.

Several Orange County agencies offer access to developmental screening:

MOMS Orange County
Qualified Maternal-Child Health coordinators provide in-person ASQ screening for infant development milestones in a program of monthly home visitation. Baby is screened every two months continuing through their first birthday. Parents are informed and coached about each area of baby’s development, health and wellness.
www.momsorangecounty.org/programs

Help Me Grow
ASQs can be found on their website and completed online, or a parent can call the toll-free number to request a screening. Help Me Grow provides child development information, follow-up support, resource connections, outreach and care coordination.
www.helpmegrowoc.org/families-screening.html

Pretend City
ASQs can be accessed online and completed by the parent. They are also available at monthly events such as Baby Steps.
www.pretendcity.org/g2g/developmental-checkups

Family Support Network
At community screening events, qualified therapists screen children, ages 0-5, in a wide range of developmental areas.
www.fsn-oc.org/calendar

Developmental screenings are a great way to monitor your young child’s development, learn what is typical for your child’s age, promote development and if necessary, access services for early intervention.

Janira Perez trains and coaches a team of Maternal-Child Health coordinators who conduct home visits during pregnancy and continuing through baby’s first birthday. Mothers and infants in the program get education, screenings and support to for a healthy pregnancy and key infant health and development.

Uncategorized

Published April 26, 2019Admin Only:

A trail on the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta offers families a nearby hike full of natural wonders.

People often ask me what my favorite local hike is. That’s a tough question. How can I compare a wildflower hike with a walk in the woods or a scramble to a waterfall? Each hike tends to be its own experience.

It’s an especially fraught question this year, when the rains have led to spectacular superblooms. The creeks are flowing and the local waterfalls, which often lead ephemeral lives in our dry climate, are gushing.

Yet I do have a few favorites, or at least, hikes that I feel compelled to revisit every year. And one of them, located on the eastern side of the Santa Ana Mountains, is so delightful that it calls for a couple of visits each spring. This loop trail on the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta also happens to be particularly family-friendly, with exceptional features—vernal pools, unusual wildlife, a historic adobe, big-sky views, Native American grinding holes and meadows popping with colorful wildflowers. There’s even a wonderful flower called the chocolate lily, because glistening in the sun, it actually does look as though it might be made of milk chocolate.

If you do just the first, flat part of the hike, it’s even manageable with a stroller. The full loop is about 5 miles, with a wonderful picnic area by the historic adobes. Or you can shorten it by omitting the loop trail around the adobes.

The drive is long but that’s part of the beauty of the outing. You’ll meander through the mountains on Ortega Highway to the east and then take South Main Divide south, off the beaten track through the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness area. Buckle your seatbelt and grip your steering wheel; it becomes a winding trip down a narrow mountain road that you will need to negotiate carefully with any cars coming in the opposite direction. But it’s a spectacular place that your kids will remember for a long time to come.

This year, it will all be especially beautiful, with the hills a deep, rich green, and a creek flowing across the roadway at a couple of spots. Early April is a perfect time for this outing. Don’t put it off, because the vernal pools—temporary ponds of water—will be full now, and the wildflowers here are early-season, ones that will fade off quickly.

If you’re not up to the blind curves and steep cliffs of this road, follow Ortega Highway into Lake Elsinore and take I-15 to Clinton Keith Road, heading west. Either way you go, don’t stop at the building where you see the sign for the reserve—this hike is a few miles past that, shortly after the name of the road changes to Tenaja Road and then Via Volcano. Soon after that last name change, you’ll see a good-sized dirt parking lot on the left side of the road. Admission is $4 per adult and $3 per child.

A trail map, full hiking directions and history and natural background of the trail are available in my hiking guide, “50 Hikes in Orange County.”

You’ll start out by walking on flat ground amid meadows of bright flowers on either side. There could be masses of golden poppies and purple lupine. Keep an eye out for a particularly striking flower in a bright lavender, the padre’s shooting star. It grows fairly close to the ground and is shaped like a badminton birdie. After about three-fourths of a mile, you’ll come to the largest vernal pool—a boardwalk has been built partly across it. Often, you can see garter snakes, with their yellow side stripes, swimming in the shallow waters, looking for prey. By bending close to the water, you can look for endangered fairy shrimp. Because 90 percent of the state’s vernal pools, home to these shrimp, have disappeared, the shrimp themselves are a rare find.

Their survival mechanism is fascinating. They spend much of their lives as embryos in a cyst like an egg, and can survive in that state for many years, which allows them to live through prolonged droughts when there might be little to no water in the pool. They can be frozen for months, or heated to the point of near boiling, and still be revived. There have been cysts that have existed for thousands of years and nonetheless hatched, alive, when exposed to water.

Signs at the boardwalk will give you clues on how to spot these wonders.

At this point, you can return, or continue on downhill toward the adobes. You’ll walk through hillsides dotted with rare Engelmann oak trees and start finding your first chocolate lilies. The views are expansive and in the distance, you should still see snow-capped mountains at this time of year. Turning right at the bottom of the hill, you’ll come to the old adobes from when this was a famed ranch, 150 years ago. There’s a beautiful woods- and flower-dotted loop trail around the adobes area, and a garden where you can find grinding holes in bedrock, used by the Native Americans who lived here hundreds of years ago to grind acorns. The adobes are the perfect place to take a mid-hike break. There are toilets and, under beautiful old oaks, tables for a shady, peaceful picnic.

Completing the loop involves walking along the Ranch Road and then heading back uphill on the Trans-Preserve Trail. It’s not a hard climb, gaining about 250 feet in elevation on a lovely meander through oak woodland and more chocolate lilies and other vivid flowers that will return you to the Vernal Loop Trail.

If you return through Lake Elsinore, as you climb up Ortega Highway, keep an eye out for the Lookout Roadhouse on your right. It’s a wonderful little eatery that’s been around for ages, with a stunning view down the mountains and into the valley below, with full view of the lake.

By Karin Klein

Learning Resources, Special Needs, Therapies & Treatments

By Jessica Peralta

Published April 24, 2019Admin Only:

‘Harry Potter’ fanfiction may help those with autism tell their stories.

A study led by UC Irvine researchers and published in January in the Journal of Literacy Research found that those with autism—along with family members, teachers and advocates—use “Harry Potter” fanfiction to cast autistic characters in their stories that can help challenge stereotypes.

“We expected to find that fanfiction authors with autism, or friends, family members and close advocates of autistic individuals, would write about autism in ways that challenged pervasive stereotypes about neurological difference that are often found in popular media,” said Rebecca W. Black, UCI associate professor of informatics and lead author of “Representations of Autism in Online ‘Harry Potter’ Fanfiction.” “While we found that this was often the case—and that fanfiction authors did use their stories to present nuanced representations of autistic characters—we also found that they also drew on stereotypes and included negative reactions to autism as a rhetorical device.”

Added study co-author Jonathan Alexander, who is a UCI chancellor’s professor of English, “I think that young people finding ways to express and explore issues through writing, and creative writing such as fanfiction, can help them develop capacities to think critically, build empathy and understand their world better.”

Black answered a few more of our questions about the study:

POC: What inspired this study?
Black: “I initially focused on the different kinds of learning that takes place in fan communities—which, incidentally, is a lot—but I also became very interested in the ways that fan creations can bring new perspectives and new ways of looking at things into the world. I had a high school student approach me about doing a more psychology-based study focused on fanfiction and autism. I don’t do that sort of research, but Jonathan and I were able to work with him to come up with a study that had a central focus on how fanfiction featuring neurodiverse characters might offer new ways for people to think about and understand neurological differences.”

POC: Were the results surprising?
Black: “One thing that surprised us was the number of audience members with autism who posted reviews of the stories. In online fanfiction, you post your stories and readers respond to it in the form of reviews. So, there were many instances where readers with autism would thank the authors for their realistic or sensitive portrayals of autistic characters. Or, some reviewers would challenge the stereotypical representations that were being used and present alternatives. Others would simply commiserate, saying that they saw their own experiences with autism reflected in the stories.”

POC: Why “Harry Potter”?
Black: “A key element of the HP series is that students with magical powers are recruited to attend Hogwarts School [of] Witchcraft and Wizardry, while ‘normal’ non-magical people, called Muggles, are either ignorant of or uncomfortable with magic and the Wizarding World. In the series, there is a lot of attention to what it meant for Harry growing up magical or ‘special,’ and as someone who does not quite fit in with the Muggles. Because of this, the series is appealing both as a fantasy where children may develop magical abilities as they grow up, and as a story of the difficulties of being an outcast—something many young readers likely can understand and relate to. And this trope—of trying to find acceptance in a world with non-magical and normative expectations—is one that fanfiction writers can draw from in their fanfiction stories about autism. In fact, there have been autistic writers who liken Harry Potter’s relief at being ‘diagnosed’ as a wizard to their relief at being ‘diagnosed’ with autism.”

POC: Can the results be extended to other characters?
Black: “Absolutely. One of the great things about fanfiction is that authors can create their own characters and introduce them into the story world. These are known as Original Characters or OCs. And so many different characters can be ‘read’ as autistic. Sherlock Holmes is one popular example of this, as is Hermione Granger.”

POC: On a practical level, what does this study mean for families who have a member who has autism?
Black: “There are online fan communities that focus specifically on stories with autistic characters. Writing and reading these stories can provide an alternative to mainstream representations of autism in popular fiction and media.”

POC: Considering parents are often being advised to limit their kids’ exposure to devices and screen time … should this study change that perception for kids with autism?
Black: “I think it all depends on how it is used. If technology is a constant in a young person’s life and takes the place of social interaction, then that’s not particularly helpful. But often technology is a mediator for crucial forms of social interaction in contemporary society. Young people meet up online, work together to create stories, videos and art, and socialize while they are playing games. This can be a crucial component of socialization and feelings of belonging, especially for young people who may feel less comfortable with in-person social interactions.”

POC: Is there any advice for parents you offer for incorporating fanfiction into their autistic child’s life?
Black: “As with any online space, I would recommend that parents do some exploring to find communities that seem welcoming and supportive. Also, they should familiarize themselves with the rating system for fanfiction. Many sites use a system adapted from the motion picture industry rating system to provide readers with fair warning about story content.”

POC: Any do’s and don’ts?
Black: “Ultimately, fanfiction should be a voluntary activity that is driven by a true interest in the fandom. I guess a ‘don’t’ would be to not force participation in these spaces on anyone. But, if your child isn’t interested in writing or reading fanfiction, then there are many alternatives. They instead might be interested in creating or viewing fan art or fan videos.”

Lifestyle, Pets

Published April 22, 2019Admin Only:

The annual expo focuses on education, pet adoptions and entertainment for the family.

Midnight had been at WAGS Pet Adoption in Westminster for 687 days when he was adopted at last year’s America’s Family Pet Expo at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

“He was a black cat that got very little interest at our shelter, but with the huge amount of people walking by our booth, he caught his new family’s eye,” said Cortney Dorney, director of operations at WAGS. “All of the staff and volunteers working that day had tears in their eyes as they walked away with him.”

America’s Family Pet Expo returns to Costa Mesa April 26-28 with pet education, products, innovations, entertainment, and of course, rescues and shelters like WAGS.

In 2018, there were more than 698 animal adoptions including dogs, cats and even guinea pigs. About 50,000 people attended the three-day event last year.

“Pet Expo is such a fantastic place for shelters and rescues to showcase pets available for adoption,” said Dorney. “There are generally hundreds of pets to choose from during the three-day event. … It really is a fun place to take your family and there is plenty to do and see.”

This year guests can expect The Lab, which is a new hands-on show, as well as the new Kids’ Pet Care Course, which is run by licensed dog trainers who teach kids about how to care for their pets. Also new this year is Moshow, The Cat Rapper (@iammoshow), who is known for rapping about cat care and cats, and will be rapping at the expo. And for those guests who want to bring their dog, they can this year with the purchase of an admission ticket for their pup.

Guests can also expect some returning favorites, including Repticon for lovers of reptiles and spiders, and the fun-to-watch Splash Dogs, with dogs of all breeds and sizes splashing it up as they compete in dock jumping. The Police and Protection Dog Demonstrations will also return to show guests how police K9s are trained in bite work.

The list of Pet Expo exhibitors is long and varied, including names like Chammyz dog towels, Dogma Pet Portraits, JustFoodForDogs, National Cat Protection Society and many, many more.

Dorney looks forward to another fruitful year of pet adoptions.

“We generally adopt out 40 to 50 pets each year during the three-day weekend,” she said. “Thousands of pet people are walking past our booth each day and many of them stop to talk to us about what we do. Unlike many other events that we attend, this one is specifically geared around pets with a heavy emphasis on owner information and adoption as an option for obtaining a new pet.”

She said many people are coming with the intention of adoption, meaning that there are very few “impulse” adoptions.
“Our goal is to go home every day with empty cars/vans,” she said.

America’s Family Pet Expo runs Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28. The OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Dr. in Costa Mesa. For more information on all ticket prices, including for dogs, visit: www.petexpooc.org

By Jessica Peralta

Food, Lifestyle

Published April 19, 2019Admin Only:

Coloring and hiding Easter eggs is a fun family activity, but these family-friendly restaurants will have you on the hunt for a different kind of egg. Deviled eggs are deliciously easy to enjoy (and make with all those leftover Easter eggs). Take a cue from these inspired deviled eggs served throughout Orange County and get cracking.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Chef Ryan Adams built an entire Sunday Supper around his famed fried chicken at his former restaurant, 370 Common. But Adams has come home to roost in Old Towne Orange, with a concept dedicated entirely to the dry cured and crispy: Buttermilk Fried Chicken. But before you dig into a bucket of legs and thighs, start with an order of BFC’s spicy deviled eggs. The egg yolk filling is piped into the hardboiled egg whites and then crowned with slices of chile pepper to remind you why these aren’t called “angeled” eggs.

238 W. Chapman Ave., Suite #100, Orange

Great Maple

Great Maple at Fashion Island is known for elevating the comforting and familiar with modern twists and decadent touches. Like a bloody Mary garnished with chorizo cheese toast or Lobster Egg Benedict. Their Truffled Deviled Eggs are no exception. Tangy Dijon mayo blends with a smidge of truffle oil to make a rich filling. Crispy chards of “parmesan lace” add salt and texture to these eggs. Brunch is served seven days a week and even their kids menu packs a little pizzazz, with mac cheese made of cavatappi pasta and aged white cheddar or pancakes with Fruity Pebbles.

1133 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach

The Crack Shack

The Crack Shack is a concept from celebrity-chef Richard Blais, who has labored to perfect the chicken and the egg, in no particular order. While this Costa Mesa eatery is known for its fried chicken, the deviled eggs are nothing to squawk at. The “breakfast-inspired” deviled eggs are sprinkled with candied bacon and a French toast crumble, which gives the typically savory snack a sweet peck. The open air dining is kid- and dog-friendly, making it fun for the whole family.

196 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa

Fleenor’s On 4th

Fleenor’s On 4th is the second Santa Ana spot from Judy Fleenor, responsible for Crave Restaurant just a few doors down. She has tapped Chef Lihn Nguyen to breathe life into New American classics, which results in dishes like deviled eggs spruced with tufts of Korean chile threads. The eggs are also sprinkled with Korean chile paste for heat, black sesame for crunch, and chicken skin chicharron because why not?

400 W. 4th St., Santa Ana

By Sarah Mosqueda

The Queen Mary’s English Deviled Egg Recipe

Serving Size: 16 Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

8 Whole Eggs
1 tsp English Mustard
4 Tbsp Mayo
1 Tbsp of Tabasco
1 Tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Garnish

1 pinch of Paprika
Dill (herb)

Directions

Place eggs in saucepan and cover with water. Bring water to boil.
Once the water begins to boil, cover the saucepan and remove from heat. Let eggs sit in hot water for 10 to 12 min.
Remove the boiled eggs
from the hot water and cool in ice water.
Once cooled, peel boiled eggs and cut each in half lengthwise.
Remove yolks & combine the rest of the ingredients together, mix until smooth.
Fill each egg half with the yolk mixture with a piping bag or spoon.
Garnish with a pinch of Paprika and a sprig of Dill.
Enjoy!

Gift Guides

Published April 17, 2019Admin Only:

Playfoam

Playfoam Pals Fantasy Friends has a surprise in every container. In each of these fun, colorful and squishy Playfoam pods, there lies a Fantasy Friend who is waiting for your child to be their best friend. Not only that, but the Playfoam that hides the Fantasy Friend can be used to shape and sculpt nests, beds, perches and anything else your child dreams up. The foam is three-toned and covered in eye-catching sparkles and it never dries out—letting the fun go on and on while your kid makes different shapes, animals, props and more out of this extremely versatile compound. Geared for children 5 and up, there are 12 different Playfoam Pals that your child can collect.

$7.99+, www.educationalinsights.com

ErgoErgo

Does your child ever have “ants-in-their-pants” from sitting on a hard plastic school chair all day, making them fidgety and anxious? Sitting still can be a challenge for all young students and especially those on the autism spectrum, but what if the way your child sat could positively boost their classroom performance? This train of thought is what inspired the ErgoErgo team to dream up a sturdy but movable chair designed in bright eye-catching colors that allow kiddos to focus at school and still move around. The seat also increases the flow of blood and oxygen circulation, boosting your child’s subject retention, body awareness, focus, concentration, positive behavior and participation in class.

$75, www.amazon.com

GeoSafari Day ‘N’ Night Ant Factory

The ant farms have returned. The classic science experiment that we all grew up with is back and GeoSafari has added new features to their ant habitats that your curious kiddos will love. This fun and educational product is perfect for children 7 to 12 who are just exploring science and the function of different animals and insects. It comes with a nutrient-rich gel substance that doubles as a habitat as well as food and fuel. The LED lights change color that shine perfectly around the crystal-clear walls, letting your little ones see the world of the ants up close.

$29.99, www.educationalinsights.com

Hope for Autism

For parents whose children are on the autistic spectrum, knowing the way ahead can be a struggle. That is why Dr. Jamie Lynn Juarez wrote her best-selling book, Hope for Autism, to share her 20-plus years of experience in the neuroscience and applied behavioral analysts fields. This groundbreaking book broke records in five children’s health categories, and offers life-changing solutions for parents and professionals in behavior, speech, medical and educational strategies.

$29.95, www.amazon.com

Kids on Stage

Finding games that combine education and fun can be a tall order. With the Kids on Stage game, however, the balance is just right. Kids on Stage is the charades game that lets your child express himself in a fun and exciting way. It is great for birthday parties, get-togethers, family game night and more. Not only is it fun, but it boosts childhood development as well as communication skills, letting your child have a good time and grow in confidence all at once.

$19.99, Target

By Meagan Lockhart

Health & Wellness

Published April 15, 2019Admin Only:

Q: [All Ages] How do I teach my kids how to be prepared for an emergency?

A: Teaching your children how to prepare for an emergency doesn’t have to be overwhelming—in fact, it can be fun! Spring is a great time to talk to your child about family emergency preparedness and the importance of checking your home smoke alarms.

Our community’s most common emergencies are floods, earthquakes and wildfires.

Identify a neighborhood meeting place that everyone in the family knows about and can safely reach. Schedule a time for your family to practice evacuating and meet at your meeting place. Also, play “exit finders” when out and about with your child in stores, community centers and other venues or public places so that they know how to safely leave, if needed.

And don’t forget to share your family’s emergency plan with everyone who cares for your child. Work with them to create an emergency contact sheet—this important tool will help your kids (and other adults) know who to contact if you are separated from each other. Make sure to include: your child’s full name, your full name, your contact phone numbers (home, work, mobile) and your home address.

Keep a copy of the emergency contact sheet on your refrigerator and create a small version to store in your child’s backpack.

Next, set aside a Saturday or Sunday to have your child help you put together your family’s emergency kit. Consider creating a more extensive kit to keep at your house, and a smaller kit in the car.

A three-day kit for a family of four should include at least:

Water—1 gallon per person, per day
A first aid kit
Non-perishable food items
Extra types of identification cards for you and your child
Extra cash
Toiletries, including extra prescription medications
Flashlights
Batteries—make sure to check them every six months
A battery-operated or solar cell-phone charger
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Helpful tools: can opener, wrenches or pliers
Blankets
Extra sets of clothes for each member of the family
Garbage bags
Duct tape
Maps of Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego Counties and more

Brenda Emrick is a fire protection community education specialist with Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue. She is a member of the California State CERT Workgroup and ReadyOC, Orange County’s emergency preparedness program. For additional information, please visit www.readyoc.org.

Camps & Activities, Local Heroes, Performing Arts Classes

Published April 12, 2019Admin Only:

Teaching growth, freedom and dignity with music, local musician Elias Toscano helps support kids of all needs.

Music is in Elias Toscano’s blood. It’s like the rhythmic beat of a heart. From a young age, he understood the value of it in his own life and it’s a gift he likes to pass on.

The long-time professional jazz drummer, producer and music teacher says music is of elemental importance to kids’ lives. “It’s a limbic, reptilian-brain thing. There was music in heaven before God created mankind.”

Musically his goal is to “imprint” on kids rather than teach them, because “the idea is nothing arouses emotion like good music. When you’re making it yourself, it really gets in there. That’s when it gets imbedded in you. And then, when you improvise, it comes out in new combinations. That’s what musical imprinting is.”

He and Trinity Institute of Music and Arts have put together a 36-week music course called RYTMO—Reaching Youth Through Music Opportunities—designed to give young students a crash course in music making in the digital age.

For two hours after school every Thursday, kids get music history, music theory, performance techniques and vocal exploration, commercial songwriting and digital recording, music technology, live audio engineering, the business of music and project development.

It’s a project Toscano has been helping to develop for years as part of an advisory board of people he’s met and worked with during the course of his career. While both his lessons at Adam’s Music Studio in Orange and RYTMO are open to all young students, Toscano specializes in teaching special needs and at-risk kids.

“What everybody involved understands, and many have experience with, is that ‘special needs’ can be a very gray area, mostly treated in public schools with medication,” he says. “We have a larger vision. Music is the pied piper and is an effective therapy for a lot of borderline kids that need a means of personal expression, a little TLC, and a break. My long and chequered career has provided me with extensive experience in all the salient arenas, enabling me to connect the dots and network talented people with generous hearts.

“There’s always an inclination to help low-income, at-risk kids, because dedicated music teachers don’t do it for money,” Toscano says. “You could learn music technically, by rote, and we call that arts and crafts, but when you have a teacher who is also a mentor, you teach them life skills. You’re molding them into a mature adult.”

Toscano’s youngest pupil is just two years old. But he works with all ages. And RYTMO has been so successful (more than 3,500 students have gone through the program) he says he’s even had members of rival gangs working together on music projects.

RYTMO consists of four comprehensive classes that each run nine weeks. With breaks between the classes and holidays, the program takes approximately a year to complete. Tuition is $1,600 for the four full courses, but half and full scholarships are available for students from low-income households. Several of the program grads have received scholarships to Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music.

He says being affiliated with Berklee “gives us access to a multi-million dollar online music school for high-schoolers with a curriculum specifically designed for learning-challenged, low-income, at-risk kids.”

Toscano and the advisory board hope to soon expand the program and give it a permanent home at the Cornerstone Academy of Performing Arts at Cornerstone Church in Anaheim, and with it, a way to reach more kids with music.

“The church provides outreach and support for special needs kids as well as other K-12 children,” Toscano says. “Low-income and at-risk kids will also be in the mix as they have their share of ADD/ADHD and learning challenges—many without a diagnosis. We intend to integrate and cross-pollinate our programs.”

What music instills in young students of all abilities, Toscano says, is universal, “You can’t fake it, you have to be disciplined to learn an instrument, you have to be motivated, you have to be willing to sacrifice having fun because it takes a while to get really good and it builds something beyond a work ethic because it’s an art not a science. And then when you get with other musicians, it’s incredibly bonding. It’s incredibly addictive.”

For lessons or questions go to timaforkidz.com or email [email protected] or call 714-488-6023.

By Shawn Price

Health & Wellness, Mindfulness

Published April 8, 2019Admin Only:

Shauna Bradley of Rising Strides is now providing Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) to children and adults who struggle with physical and emotional disabilities. Combined with traditional counseling, EAA aims to help adults and children with disabilities grow in confidence, coping techniques and independence. In addition to their social and emotional growth, participants will learn about horse behavior, grooming, care and basic techniques of riding. Programs provided are geared toward children diagnosed with ADHD, autism and learning disabilities, and on adults who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression and PTSD. “Working with children and adults brightens my day,” Bradley said. “It is gratifying to share what I’ve learned with others to show them there is hope and a better way to live life.” She established Rising Strides in 2018, and the Lake Forest branch opened in late March.

25200 Trabuco Rd., Lake Forest

The Bone Adventure Swim Club

With the new saline swimming pool from The Bone Adventure Club, your pup can now have fun in the sun without all the hassle of going to the beach. Many dogs are natural swimmers, but if you want your pup to be a bit more confident in the water, no worries. All Swim Club members must attend a 30-minute swim lesson so your dog is secure in the 50-foot pool, and they even provide life jackets for all sizes and breeds. Swimming isn’t the only fun your pets can have at this incredible location, Bone Adventure also provides 20,000 feet of canine grass, the new pool area designed exclusively for dogs, and The Bone Home offers a cozy experience for dogs who like to relax after a long day of play. The Bone Adventure also offers daycare, boarding, grooming, home pickup and dropoff, swim services for your pets and is now open for business.

2700 Bristol, Costa Mesa, CA

Great Wolf Lodge

Garden Grove’s Great Wolf Lodge is celebrating World Autism Month this April by teaming up with Autism Speaks and pledging to “go blue” in support of autism. Their special, month-long fundraising campaign is called Blue Wolf Ears. The lodge will offer blue versions of their signature wolf ears available to the public for a donation of $5 or more to Autism Speaks. Tom Frazier, chief science officer for Autism Speaks, said, “We are thrilled that Great Wolf Lodge chose us as its charity beneficiary for the Blue Wolf Ears campaign. … Sensory differences, uncertainty and social demands can make it challenging for some people with autism to participate in recreational activities, but autism-aware destinations enable the entire family to enjoy these experiences together and make memories.”

12681 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove

By Meagan Lockhart

Health & Wellness, Mindfulness

Published April 4, 2019Admin Only:

Children acting out aggressively can be emotional for everyone in the family. But mindful parenting techniques may help.

On a sunny day, you find yourself seated on a park bench watching your toddler run around and chase a new friend. As you sit chatting with the child’s mother, a sudden piercing cry interrupts your conversation. Both of you race toward the sounds of angry sobs, only to find your little one flailing arms and fists in the face of the other child. Embarrassed and angry, you physically scoop your child up while profusely apologizing to the other parent. For parents of children with aggressive tendencies, this is a common occurrence. While some think that behaviors like hitting and bullying are just a phase that children eventually grow out of, current research shows otherwise. Today, we know that patterns of aggression become habitual by the age of eight. What are some of the causes of child aggression or negative self-talk? How can mindful parenting techniques help children learn to better understand and manage their emotions and behaviors?

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recognizes a number of triggers for aggressive behaviors in youngsters:

Physical, mental, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect in the household. Even if the child is not the target of the abuse, they still suffer ill effects just by being a witness.

Violence in the community. Economically disadvantaged areas have higher incidence of drugs, violence and other behaviors. Children who witness these things on a regular basis are more likely to act out themselves.

Bullying. Being the target of a bully’s aggression can bring out the same behaviors in victimized youngsters.

Drugs or alcohol. Evidence shows that many children start abusing substances around the age of 12 or 13.

However, substance abuse can start much earlier and contribute to a number of mental health problems. Conditions like ADHD, autism and sensory processing disorder that make it difficult for children to communicate clearly can also contribute to violent behavior. In these cases, it is usually simple frustration that fuels the outbursts. Little ones with limited verbal skills can also become aggressive when their words fail them.

Emotional Assessment for Aggressive Children

When faced with an aggressive outburst, a parent’s first reaction is to simply make it stop. However, helping your child to understand, verbalize and logically evaluate their emotions is the best way to short-circuit intense moments and keep them from coming back.

Take the child to a calm, quiet place, and give him or her time to physically relax.
Get in a position where you can maintain good eye contact, then talk through the incident with your child. Ask open-ended questions to get to the core of the problem.
If your child has limited verbal ability, help him or her find the words to express what they’re feeling. A visual aid, like a facial expressions chart, can guide confused kids in the right direction.
It’s important to withhold judgment during your conversation. Use your empathy and compassion to try to see things from your child’s point of view.
Once the problem has been discovered, brainstorm some alternatives to violence with your child. For older children, it is often helpful to write them down for future reference.
Set clear behavioral expectations to decrease confusion and eliminate the need to physically strike out when frustration hits. Punishments rarely work with aggressive children. Instead, these can be seen as an attack that can make them even angrier. Gentle, consistent and loving communication is the best defense against habitual aggression.

Family Games to Fight Aggression

Children learn best through play. Use their natural tendencies to teach them how to avoid the need for violent outbursts.

Have everyone draw a picture of all the important people in their lives. Draw lines between each face to represent how these people are connected to you. Then each family member tells a story of who the people are and why they are important in their lives. This simple game helps parents get to know the people in their children’s lives and how they affect their emotional health.
Charades is another game that prioritizes communication. However, players need to use nonverbal clues to come up with the right answers. This simple game teaches little ones how to better understand nonverbal communication, which is helpful in situations where words don’t always work.
Remember the Telephone Game? This classic instruction in the power of second-hand information also helps little ones understand how rumors can quickly get out of hand. Children who are victims of bullies often find these games enlightening and can use the lessons learned to combat harmful rumors and verbal bullying. Essentially, any game that prioritizes words over actions can help aggressive youngsters expand their verbal skills. This helps them find other ways to express their unpleasant emotions without using their hands.

Anthony Cupo is a Trained Mindfulness Facilitator (TMF) from the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He is a co-owner of Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC and has been meditating for over 30 years.

Uncategorized

Published April 3, 2019Admin Only:

Q: [Preschool to Elementary] My daughter bit her best friend. What do I do?

A: There is nothing worse than picking up your child from daycare and receiving a note that he or she bit someone. Whenever a child displays behaviors good or bad, there is a reason for that behavior, biting included. Before you can address how to stop the biting, you must figure out why your child is acting in this manner.

Here are four reasons a child may engage in biting behaviors:

Sensory Input — The sensation received from biting is naturally reinforcing for the child. The child isn’t biting to hurt anyone, yet they are soothed from biting.
Escape or Avoidance — The child wants to avoid or escape something like a task, activity or person.
Attention — The child is not getting attention for positive behaviors and has learned they will get attention or a reaction for negative behaviors.
Access to a Tangible Item — The child wants a preferred item that was denied are biting to gain access.

Now that we know why biting can occur, the big question becomes how to stop this behavior from happening again. Use these tips below to assist in stopping the biting now and from repeating in the future.

Sensory Input — Find a more socially appropriate replacement, like chewable jewelery or teething rings.
Escape or Avoidance — Teach the child appropriate ways to escape through communication (i.e. saying “No, thank you,” ).
Attention — Provide verbal praise when the child playing and not biting (i.e. “Wow, you are being so nice to your friends today”). It is very important to provide positive attention to the behaviors you want to see.
Access to a Tangible Item — The child wants an item that was denied and is biting to gain access. Avoid terms like “No biting” as this may inadvertently reinforce the biting behavior.

If behaviors continue or seem beyond your control, contact your pediatrician or a behavior therapist.

Chaundra Jones has worked in the mental health field for 11 years. As a marriage and family therapistshe works closely with parents nurturing the connection between parent and child. Her specialty is working with children with challenging behaviors, developmental delay and autism spectrum disorders.

Inspiration, Special Needs

Published April 2, 2019Admin Only:

A young Orange County man establishes a healthy relationship with autism and anxiety.

“I’m feeling pretty good about myself right now.” That’s my son talking. My son, Drew, the 22-year-old movie blogger and aspiring screenwriter who happens to be on the autism spectrum. Yes, those words and that self-awareness have been a long time coming. But now they are music to my ears. It’s not a constant state, mind you, but when it does come around it’s ever so sweet. And the fact that he clues me in to it is pretty cool, too.

He was yukking it up with families and other vendors at a special needs resource fair recently. When he holds his own in a new social setting and is able to connect with others in a typical way, it gives him his own personal high. Puts him in the zone, you might say. So when he’s “feeling pretty good about himself” his anxiety and self-criticism subside.

But it wasn’t always this way. When you have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anxiety, life is a bit more challenging—getting through school, making friends (or not) and trying to play sports. Just to mention a few.

I’m not complaining, just stating a fact. For my son to keep up with his peers, he has to work harder, that’s all. And some things take longer. Oh well. It didn’t stop him from getting his driver’s license at age 18, graduating high school with honors, living on his own (with a roommate) during college and earning his associate’s degree in December 2018. All while carrying the extra baggage of ASD and anxiety.

What’s more, he’s an integral part of the nonprofit organization I founded, Autism Resource Mom. My son is a valued board member, volunteer and activity coordinator. He has a part-time job with Edwards theaters that he absolutely loves and he’s been a volunteer with the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) since 2013.

The best part of that latter item is that after all the years volunteering at the Film Festival, this year his involvement takes a slight twist. A student film he directed (and appears in briefly) was submitted and accepted into the festival! While this is hugely exciting for him, he quickly admits, “I’m kinda nervous about it, too.” Ah, the nasty fiend of anxiety is never far away.

According to Drew, “‘Leemo’ tells the story of Evan, who, after enduring too much heartbreak, surrenders his love to the titular creature. When he finds his soulmate, Evan sees a chance at a life, but Leemo stands in his way.”

So how does one catapult from Special Day Class (SDC) Preschool to earning an associate’s degree and holding down a part-time job while living independently outside the family home at age 22?

It began with getting diagnoses so we’d know what to do. Then, after adjusting to that news, my husband and I put our priorities in order. Number one was our son—getting him the support, the services, the interventions necessary so that he could access the same things as his peers—in school and play, while carrying the extra baggage of ASD and anxiety.

From high school, he went directly to junior college, with the support of a terrific program, College Living Experience (CLE). It provides wraparound services and teaches him how to live independently. He has grown tremendously—he lives in an apartment, his life skills have improved and his coping skills and self-awareness are developing each and every day.

“Mom, you’re pushing me out of my comfort zone,“ he says every time I urge (nag) him to do something or go somewhere that makes him anxious. “Then I’m doing my job,” I say with a smile. This exchange started from day one, and continues to this day. We acknowledge his anxiety, make friends with it and do it anyway. That’s our formula for success as he lugs the extra baggage of ASD and anxiety through his life.

See, for most of my son’s life he’s been misunderstood, bullied, afraid, excluded or summarily dismissed. No wonder I was never far away with a needed explanation, interpretation, apology, you name it. A hovering, nagging and controlling mom—but a loving, protective and nurturing one, as well.

Truth is, when your kid is never invited to parties or get-togethers just because of his way of being, that’s when I learned to reach out and find support groups in my community. The last thing you want to do is isolate yourself and your child. When our son was in high school we wanted him to join some groups or clubs for the benefits of socialization, but we couldn’t find anything that matched his interests and level. That’s when I started Autism Resource Mom, Inc.—a nonprofit organization that provides support, guidance and hope to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Through the support we offer parents and caregivers and the activities we sponsor for the individuals, we make sure that our members get all the social opportunities afforded to their typically developing peers.

“I’m currently in the best place I can be,” says Drew. “And I’d rather not wander off the trail.” He uses the skills acquired from his experience in dealing with the autism diagnosis and anxiety to help peers in similar situations, and to stay calm in troubled times. His modest response to what got him to this point? “Self-love and self-confidence,” of course. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talking with others—always externalizing his challenges—hasn’t hurt, either.

Simply put, this fella has taken his anxiety—a fiend in his day-to-day life—and made it his friend.

To learn more about Orange County-based Autism Resource Mom activities and offerings, visit autismresourcemom.org. Read Drew Smith’s movie blog at mrdrewsreviews.wordpress.com and check out his YouTube channel, Mr. Drew’s Reviews.

By Debora L. Smith
Photo above: Mike (left) and Drew Smith (right).Photo by Debora Smith

Learning Resources, Special Need Camps, Special Needs

Published April 2, 2019Admin Only:

Kids with special needs may benefit from attending traditional summer camps and those catering to all abilities

Stacy Harris has seen the benefits of inclusive programs for her 5-year-old son, Alexander, who has Down syndrome.

He currently attends a general education transitional kindergarten (TK) classroom with developmentally typical kids and before that he attended an inclusive preschool with half of students enrolled as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for special needs and the other half developmentally typical.

“Alex has models every single day for him to learn from,” says Harris, of Anaheim. “Since August when he began TK, his speech has exploded and his ability to play with other kids has improved dramatically. He takes in everything he is learning in that environment and, although it may take him a little longer to master a skill than some of the students around him, that constant modeling that other students are doing for him is helping him to learn so much and more quickly than before. In addition, I see how the students in his class take such great care of him.”

There are many programs promoting inclusivity for special needs kids in Orange County. And as we head into summer, that includes camps. While there are quality summer camps catering specifically to special needs, many traditional summer camps offer the benefits of inclusivity.

“There are many camps that offer inclusion for children with special needs,” says Scottie Roach, executive co-director of Camp James in Newport Beach. “It’s important that parents communicate their child’s needs with the directors and ‘dive in’ to the programming, counselor makeup and environment of the camp to see if the style of camp will be a good match for their child’s needs.”

Roach says if their child needs additional support, parents should make sure the camp can provide that added support.

“In some cases parents may need to get creative and help provide the support the child needs in order to be able to attend the camp,” she says. “The conversation with the camp director is key to helping in this process.”

There’s another thing parents should look for in any summer camp: American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation, according to Roach. She says ACA accredited camps are required to meet hundreds of standards for safety, program, operations and personnel.

“Our camp was including campers with special needs long before the term ‘special needs’ was used,” says Roach. “We found the value of having diversity and kids who really want to be here and can do so safely, a benefit to the child, the peers, the staff and families. Kids are kids. As directors we are obligated to figure out ways to help kids have a positive camp experience.”

She cautions, however, that camps are not a one-size-fits-all scenario—for either neurotypical children or those with different abilities.

Savannah Jimenez (right), 4, Sebastian’s twin, enjoyed her time modeling during our shoot at Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities in the Judy Morr Theater dance studio. She has high-functioning autism.

“It’s important for parents to do their homework and speak to directors about their goals for their child,” she says.

Erica Jameson, owner and director of Jameson Ranch Camp in Glennville, says there are many children that may fit into a special needs category that attend traditional camps.

“There can be a real benefit for some campers who attend a non-special needs camp, but that really must be a decision made by both the parents and the camp,” she says. “Honestly, attending a non-special needs camp depends entirely on the child. Parents should sit down and really go over what a camp is requiring in terms of decision making, schedule, counselor supervision and activity type, so that they can see if their child fits into that environment.”

She says that campers of all kinds can benefit greatly from a camp setting.

“From brain development in the pre-frontal cortex area, learning to fail and succeed, and enjoying community in a new way, campers experience many benefits of camp,” she says. “Each camp has a specialty or niche that it best fits in, and there’s a camp for every child. Campers who are differently abled benefit from going to mainstreamed camps in the same ways.”

She adds that campers who have special needs also help those without those needs learn about the humanity of all people.

“Kids who don’t have much interaction with special needs children learn empathy, innovation and tackle challenges as they help their friends navigate camp,” she says.

Kellie Perez-Tuchowski, executive director of Down Syndrome Association of Orange County, sees great benefit in inclusive summer camps—especially those with other children that primarily live in the same community. Of course, research and open communication with camp directors are key.

“If the child with Down syndrome can have a camp buddy, that’s another great way to have an inclusive camp, but ensure a support system is available when/if needed,” she says. “Whether it’s an inclusive setting or a special needs camp, summer camp should be an exciting and memorable experience for your child. Parents should feel that their child’s needs will be met and they will be safe. The child should come home excited about going again next year.”

Julie M. Armenta, educational and family specialist at Armenta Learning Academy in Laguna Niguel says it can be a win-win for both special needs and developmentally typical children.

“The more advanced students learn patience and compassion and leadership while working with special needs,” she says. “The special needs [children] gain acceptance, stability and support.”

Noha Talkhan Marwan, owner and director of LearningRx Costa Mesa-Irvine, says it is important to apply the idea of inclusion at traditional summer camps with a lot of forethought.

“Kids with special needs have many challenges to go through every day and adding a traditional camp to them may add a whole lot of other challenges,” she says. “I would like to think of it as subject to the mental and psychological readiness of the child as well as the level of modification of the traditional camp so that people of all abilities may participate and have their needs met.”

Sebastian Jimenez (left), 4, poses for photos during our shoot at Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities in the Judy Morr Theater dance studio. He has mid-level 2 functioning autism with sensory processing disorder.

She says when a traditional camp is prepared for all abilities to participate, the experience can enrich the child with special needs with confidence to interact with the world around him.

“It feeds his self-esteem and feeling of belonging for a healthy journey towards his personal growth,” she says. “In return, they can then seek the opportunity to connect and benefit their community back with the values each and every one of them possesses.”

Michelle Taylor, assistant professor of Child Development and Family Studies at California State University, Long Beach, agrees that traditional summer camps have the potential to benefit all children. For children with special needs, the benefits come in the form of helping them develop a sense of belonging, learning age-appropriate behaviors and skills, practicing social skills and increasing self-esteem. For typically developing children, it’s about learning what they have in common as well as valuing differences.

“Playing with peers of all ability levels helps children recognize their similarities. When children understand what they have in common, they can get to know one another, share in their common interests and build meaningful relationships,” she says. “As children get to know each other, they also learn about the qualities that make each of them unique. Celebrating differences is an important part of relationship building and community development. When children can recognize that each person makes a meaningful contribution to the group, they learn to value differences.”

Not only are there many programs in Orange County that help support inclusion, but there are also some inspired by that concept, including Y Inclusion at YMCA of Orange County and the School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities at Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA).

Ria Tirona, program director of Y Inclusion at YMCA of Orange County, says the organization recognized a need in the community for additional educational support services for children with special needs in after-school and summer camp programming and leads the Y Inclusion Program to ensure children of all abilities have access to the support they need to reach their full potential. She says the Y Inclusion Program provides one-on-one support services to children between the ages of 3 and 17 attending preschools, summer camps, childcare, after-school or recreational programs throughout Orange County and focuses on teaching and developing play, social and self-care skills, managing behavioral challenges and building confidence and independence through the use of positive reinforcement, behavioral interventions and other support strategies. Children in Y Inclusion attend childcare and camp programs alongside their typically developing peers, allowing them to learn, grow and thrive with children their own age in a safe, supported environment, she says. In addition, YMCA of Orange County also offers several summer camp options, all of which are open to children with special needs.

“Research in the fields of education and disability support services strongly suggests that inclusive learning and mainstreaming between students with disabilities and without provides a unique learning experience that benefits both types of students,” Tirona says.

Along the same lines, SCFTA’s School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities serves all abilities for ages 4 through 22. The program takes place at the Center’s dance studios as well as at off-site locations, including CHOC Children’s. Jason Holland, vice president of Community Engagement at the Center, says the program began 2 1/2 years ago to offer dance opportunities to more people. The Center offers a ballet school, but it is only open to more advanced dance students. The new school has succeeded in its goal of inclusivity and continues to grow, according to Holland. Each class has a dance teacher, a music teacher and a therapist, who work with each child’s abilities. The total number of students served so far is 680. The school is also offering a summer camp, which starts July 22.

“They help each other, they learn from each other,” Holland says.

By Jessica Peralta
Top photo: Alexander Harris, 5, was recently named a 2019 Ambassador for Nothing Down, an international organization that spreads awareness about Down syndrome. Follow him on Facebook at Down With Alex (@downwithalex).

Health & Wellness

Published April 2, 2019Admin Only:

The inspiration behind local specialty coffee brand, Portola Coffee Roasters, is rooted in parents’ love for their child.

Christa Duggan never planned to become the owner of a well-respected, specialty coffeehouse brand.

But when her son, Gabe, was born almost 12 years ago, everything changed as she and her husband, Jeff, learned he had a heart defect. They didn’t find out until she went into labor.

“We were like, ‘Oh my goodness, what are we going to do?’” says Duggan. “‘How are we going to support our family? How are we going to support our son that has a lot of medical challenges.’”

Doctors told the couple that Gabe would have to undergo at least three open heart surgeries for his condition, which is known as hypoplastic right ventricle—meaning the right ventricle did not form properly.

“It’s kind of like having half of your heart functioning well,” she says.

But the bad news didn’t end there. Because Gabe was so sick, he spent the first year of his life in and out of the hospital. Duggan lost her job working at a venture capital firm.

“I lost my job because I had to take care of my son,” she says. “I was bringing in half the income.”

Plus, they had just bought a home and the country was in the midst of the housing crisis.

Spending most of their time at the hospital, the couple started to brainstorm. They had an idea. Jeff, who had a government job at the time, had been a hobbyist coffee roaster for years. Considering the lack of specialty roasters and coffeehouses in Orange County at the time, what if they started one? Something along the lines of the Seattle coffee shops.

“We felt like there was a void in Orange County to be filled,” she says.

So the idea of Portola Coffee Roasters was born. They partnered with Layer Cake Bakery in Irvine to help jumpstart the brand, and did well. They started building a following.

“We also were doing the farmers’ market in SOCO because we didn’t even have a physical location,” she says. “So we were hustling it.”

When they heard about The OC Mix opening in Costa Mesa, they reached out to the owners about having a shop there.

“They decided to give us a shot … and then the rest is history,” she says. “We never thought in a million years that we would have owned a coffee company.”

With Gabe’s medical condition, the coffee business has allowed them flexibility to participate in all the doctors’ visits and therapeutic care he needs.

Gabe’s first surgery happened when he was just 3 days old.

“He had a lot of complications during that time,” she says. “He was on kidney dialysis, he was very sick.”

He was home for about a month before returning to the hospital for his second open heart surgery.

“He’s had about 12 surgeries or procedures in his almost 12 years,” she says.

When Gabe was 3, he was found to have a rare chromosomal disorder called 3q29 deletion syndrome. When the geneticist called to tell the couple about it, there were only 10 cases in the world at that time.

“It’s a rare disease, so you don’t have a lot of information,” says Duggan. “So it’s really tough.”

Part of how Duggan is trying to help her son is by finding other cases and learning more about the disease. Gabe wasn’t making his developmental milestones. For the first few years of his life he was very delayed and even had to use a feeding tube. He also has autism and ADHD—which Duggan suspects are linked to the chromosome disorder.

Emory University in Georgia just got a grant to study 3q29. She says there seems to be a strong connection between the disorder, autism and heart defects.

“We’re participating in the studies and everything,” she says. “Hopefully we’ll learn more.”

Despite the challenges, the family has moved forward and even grown in size. The couple has two other children—daughters Seraphina, 7, and Alethia, 10—who adore their older brother and look out for him.

“Our family, I think we’re stronger for it,” she says. “My girls, they know about Gabe’s condition … they participate in therapies.”

She thinks it has shaped their perspective in a positive way.

“They grow up seeing something that most kids really don’t have to witness with a sibling,” she says. “I think they’re way more empathetic, kind, open.”

And Gabe himself has stabilized since those earlier years. He’s much better now after his third open heart surgery, which he had at age 3 1/2. He only has one surgery left—hopefully—which is to put in a pulmonary valve since he doesn’t have one.

“He’s stable,” she says. “He goes to school. He has friends at his school.”

He does struggle with anxiety, but he is doing well managing it. He’s very verbal, though he has articulation problems sometimes, and he’s mobile. He hasn’t had a feeding tube since he was 5. Gabe will most likely always need support for his condition, but he has come a long way.

“We’ve overcome a lot,” Duggan says. “It’s funny just to reflect back. … I couldn’t imagine any other way.”

It’s a lot of work, but it’s all been worth it.

“When tragedy strikes … you can go one of two ways: You can kind of go down that path of just kind of desperation and sorrow,” she says. “Or kind of turn it around and make the best of it. And we were really able to do that, which is pretty amazing.”

By Jessica Peralta
Photo above: (Left to right) Alethia, Christa, Seraphina, Gabe and Jeff Duggan pose for a family portrait.

Special Needs

Published April 2, 2019Admin Only:

This parent of three children on the autism spectrum offers advice on addressing parents with an autistic child.

It was a long morning of doctor check-ups and an hour-and-a-half drive. By lunchtime, we were ready for food. “Eat,” I imagined my son’s tummy yelling to mine.

My son was three years old at that time and had a vocabulary of a handful of words. The essentials like “eat,” “all done,” “more” and “Samsung.” Samsung? Well, it’s not an essential, but it was one of his first four words. My son is on the autism spectrum and has sensory processing disorder (SPD)—a disorder I didn’t know at the time.

I stopped at the closest restaurant and made a quick assessment. It was small, with only 10 tables, the food looked delicious and they served noodles. Score! “Can I have a booth for two?” I asked the hostess. “Sure, you can sit here,” she responded, as she also walked another guest to her table.

As soon as we sat down, I went into full “Entertain Sebastian to avoid a food tantrum mode,” as I always do when we go to restaurants. I grabbed my purse—moving toys, documents and diapers out of the way—and found my phone. I turned it on and played his favorite Daniel Tiger app. He loves this app. He can entertain himself with it for 20 minutes or even longer at a time. But to my surprise, the app only entertained him for about three.

“Eat!” he yelled at the top of his lungs. I quickly went back into my purse to look for a box of crayons and paper. This usually does the trick and can give me 10 minutes before a tantrum hits. It gave me two.

“Eat! Eat! Eat!” Sebastian yelled again. In full panic and embarrassment, I dove back into my purse to find a sweet treat: a cookie, candy or chocolate … something he could snack on while we waited for our food. Nothing was working. The loud noise of the small, filled restaurant was overwhelming, and since he couldn’t express his frustration, he was yelling one of the only four words he knew. I then quickly flagged down the waitress and ask for a Sprite soda can. Soda isn’t a drink I give my children, but it was my last option if I wanted to enjoy a meal with my son at this restaurant.

As I tried to calm my son down and avoid a bigger meltdown, a guest walked up to our table from across the room. “You’re making a lot of noise little boy. Do you see what you are doing? You’re being bad and disrespectful,” the guest scolded my son in a stern voice loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear. She then looked at me and shook her head in disapproval, and returned to her seat.

I couldn’t believe what had happened. The entire restaurant was looking at us. I was in shock. I was embarrassed and in disbelief. Then all of a sudden, tears ran down my cheeks as the waitress finally brought over the soda can. I opened the can and allowed my son to drink up.

I often think about this incident. When I share the memory with friends, they often respond with, “Oh, if that was me, I would go off on them.” And they’re right. Every parent is a Mama Bear or Papa Bear when it comes to their children. And one of our many duties is to protect when we feel that our cubs are under attack. But I knew this was more than a pouncing moment. I realized it was a perfect opportunity for me to create awareness and share the different ways you can address a socially inappropriate behavior to a parent of an autistic child.

Autistic children often have social deficiencies. Some children isolate themselves, others speak too loudly for their environments, and others get overwhelmed in big crowds. An autistic child could also have SPD like my son. SPD affects one or multiple senses—like sound, touch, taste, sight or smell. Children with SPD can be over- or under-responsive to the things they have difficulties with. Some children with SPD are oversensitive to things in their environment and common sounds may be painful or overwhelming. If a child is on the spectrum or if you don’t know if he or she is on the spectrum and want to inform their parent of their behavior, consider these approaches:

The Non-Confrontational — Whatever you do, don’t ever scold someone else’s child. It is never received well and if a parent is under a lot of stress, a situation can escalate. Consider this non-confrontational approach: “Excuse me, I don’t know if you’re aware, but your child is (fill in the blank).” This will inform the parent that their child is doing something socially inappropriate without causing blame and gets straight to the point.
The Sensitive — “Hi, I see your child is (fill in the blank) and I feel their frustration (insert emotion). Is there a way that they can feel better?” This approach is comforting and easy to relate to.
The Curious — “Hi, I see that your child is behaving a certain way, is there something that they are feeling or bothered by?” This approach opens the door for learning something new.
The Problem Solver — “Excuse me, your child is (fill in the blank), can I help you with something so that they could (insert outcome)?” This approach is great in addressing an inappropriate behavior right away and creates an immediate solution.

One thing to always remember is that autism is not a deformity or something that can be seen. Autism and SPD are disorders that affect an individual socially, emotionally or with their senses. Children on the spectrum can be healthy, happy kids, just like children who are not on the spectrum. In addition, autism parents feel the same range of emotions as a parent with no special needs children. Be patient. Be curious. Your kindness goes a long way.

Karen Cervantes Jimenez believes everyone is unique and that by sharing their personal stories, they can make a difference in the world. She is an autism awareness and emotional intelligence advocate, a mother of three, foster parent of two and lives in Buena Park.

By Karen Cervantes Jimenez
Photo above: Karen Cervantes Jimenez (top right) poses for a picture with her twins Sebastian (bottom middle), 4, who has mid-level 2 functioning autism with sensory processing disorder and Savannah (bottom right), 4, who is high functioning and Samantha (left), 8, who is also high functioning.

Special Needs

Published April 2, 2019Admin Only:

Your guide for Orange County dentists specializing in special needs.

Dental care is extremely important to overall health and well-being. Children with special needs need that same quality care.

In California, there are plenty of ways to find a good special needs dentist. Consider reaching out to a local Autism Society of America affiliate, the Center for Parent Information & Resources or the National Down Syndrome Society. Although these groups do not specifically deal with dentistry, they advocate for and seek to assist those with special needs. Each of these will help you access individuals with personal experience with dentists within California.

Other resources include the Special Care Dentistry Association, which has a website and offers the ability to search for a member dentist in your area. Your local collegiate dental clinics are also a good starting point—many universities and colleges will have dental clinics, and many will serve special needs patients.

Also, the American Dental Association provides tools to search for dentists by specialty. Though there isn’t a special needs filter on the search tool, you can start by searching for pediatric dentists.

Tips on Finding a Dentist

As you begin your search for a special needs dentist, there are a few tips that may help.

First, don’t rush your search. Give yourself enough time to find a dentist that you feel confident about. Also, some dentists that treat patients with special needs require scheduling months in advance, so take that into consideration if you’re looking for immediate care.

It’s best to give a potential dentist a realistic impression of what your child’s needs are so that he or she can determine if they will be able to accommodate accordingly. Use these conversations with potential dentists to inform your decision on whom you choose.

If possible, you may even consider giving your child a chance to speak with their potential new dentist. This will give them a chance to familiarize themselves with one another, help your child ease any dental anxieties and give an idea of their ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with one another.

A good dentist for a special needs patient will make a visit much more manageable and much more beneficial to your child. If you utilize these resources, you will find a quality, local dentist for your loved one’s needs, regardless of where you live in California.

Special Needs Dental Clinics in Orange County

At Dentably.com, we spend our time researching all things dental care—from common dental disorders and emergency dental concerns to special needs dentistry. Our goal is to make it easy for you to find the care you need and we are fortunate to have access to many qualified special needs dental clinics in Orange County.

Reaching out to a dentist that is able to work with your special needs loved one can be an intimidating part of the process. Our team went through as many dental offices as we could find throughout Orange County to find practices that specifically mention their ability to work with special needs patients. We hope this list can help you find the care that you and your loved ones need. But remember, there are plenty of dentists to choose from and this list is just the beginning.

Center for Pediatric Dentistry
Website: www.centerforpediatricdentistry.com
Address: 2250 W. Whittier Blvd., Suite 200, La Habra
Phone: (562) 690-3750

The Center for Pediatric Dentistry knows that dental care is just as important for children with special needs as it is for any child. This facility is equipped to provide your child with optimal care and can help with extra personal attention in the office.

Lowe & Rossopoulos Dental Specialists
Website: loweandrossdentalspecialists.com
Address: 18821 Delaware St., Suite 206, Huntington Beach
Number: (714) 841-2319

With locations in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, Lowe & Rossopoulos Dental Specialists can provide special needs care to patients within Orange County. The staff is trained to create a fun, friendly atmosphere for children and their parents.

Newport Children’s Dentist
Website: newport-childrens-dentist.business.site
Address: 400 Newport Center Dr., Suite 206, Newport Beach
Number: (949) 706-7400

Dr. Ted Kim is able to provide dental care for children of all ages and including those with special needs. His highly trained staff is able to care for children with special healthcare needs, children with behavioral disorders, and children with mental and physical disabilities.

Market Place Dentistry
Website: www.mympd.net
Address: 2925 El Camino Real, Tustin
Number: (714) 505-0123

Market Place Dentistry takes special needs care dentistry seriously. They are able to take care of patients that have physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive or emotional conditions that require additional care. Scheduling a desensitization appointment with their staff can familiarize patients with dental surroundings and procedures.

Tiny Teeth Children’s Dentistry
Website: www.tinyteethirvine.com
Address: 18 Endeavor, Suite 302, Irvine
Number: (949) 653-8469

The doctors at Tiny Teeth Children’s Dentistry have undergone specialized training to provide dental care for children with special needs. This team takes pride in their ability to care for special needs patients and encourages continuing education for the staff.

Villa Park Pediatric Dentistry
Website: www.vppediatricdentist.com
Address: 1467 N. Wanda Rd., Suite 195, Villa Park
Number: (714) 978-4274

The staff at Villa Park Pediatric Dentistry will ensure that your child’s needs are addressed on an individual basis. Sedation options are available depending on your child’s specific needs.

As Emergency Dentist USA’s Expert Dentist Dr. Greg Grillo makes sure that all of the information on the Dentably.com dental blog is up-to-date, evidence-based and factually accurate. He has had his practice in North Central Washington for more than 17 years, balancing his clinical practice with a role as the content director at a rapidly growing dental software company and freelance dental copywriter. For more information and to see the full resource guide, visit www.emergencydentistsusa.com/dentably

By Dr. Greg Grillo

Uncategorized

Published April 1, 2019Admin Only:

PICK OF THE MONTH
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival
April 1 – April 28

Knott’s goes boysenberry wild during this sweet annual springtime festival. You’re sure to find something tasty from the 75+ boysenberry-inspired delicacies at the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. The park will also present a variety of special fun attractions—from Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree and the Peanuts Happy Campers show to the Calico Park Games and Cordelia’s Pie Kitchen (where kids can make their own boysenberry tarts!). Several new delicious boysenberry creations have been added to the food lineup this year including boysenberry dry rubbed flank steak topped with boysenberry cream cheese; boysenberry chili in a freshly baked boysenberry sourdough bread bowl; spicy boysenberry habanero baked mac and cheese; and boysenberry cinnamon sugar tortilla crisps served with creamy boysenberry ice cream … and so much more.

Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
714-220-5200 | www.knotts.com

Caspers Adventure Day
April 6

Guided hikes and wildlife exhibits to puppet shows, storytelling and games of chance are all part of the program at this free family-friendly event (10 am-3 pm). Visitors can take a nature hike, check out wildlife exhibits, and learn about everything from raptors to bugs. And if you get hungry, there will be food trucks at your service.

Caspers Wilderness Park
33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano
949-923-2210 | www.ocparks.com/events

“Apollo 11: One Giant Leap for Mankind” Exhibit
April 29 – January 12

Take a giant leap into aerospace history at this all-new interactive exhibit. Commemorating Apollo 11’s 50th anniversary, it displays a fascinating combination of historic artifacts and cool recreations (an exact model of an Apollo mission command module and an American living room—circa 1969—where you can watch the moon landing).

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda
714-993-5075 | www.nixonfoundation.org

Imaginology
April 12 – April 14

Full STEAM ahead! Imaginology showcases the science, technology, engineering, arts and math projects impressively concocted by local elementary to high school students. Visitors can also try hands-on activities and creative contests along with enjoying the Wild Science Activity Area, live entertainment, 4-H competitions, Día del Niño celebrations, and the e-sports gaming area. Friday’s geared for school trips but the public is welcome too.

OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
714-708-1553 | ocfair.com/steam

Mayumana
April 6

Making their Southern California debut, the internationally renowned Israeli performance troupe Mayumana will share their electrifying new show, “Currents,” where they explore the rivalry between the early experimenters in electricity Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Mayumana combines song, dance and percussion with cutting-edge technology to create an imaginative, immersive and visually powerful performance. Recommended for ages 7 and older.

Segerstrom Hall
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa
714-556-2787 | www.scfta.org

Occasionally an event listed changes date or location after printing. Always phone ahead to confirm information. Get your event listed! Email [email protected]. Include the name of the event, date, time, address, short description, appropriate age range, fee, phone number, and photos.

OC Moms: Kate Casey, Briana Vartanian, Kenna Florie and Audrina Patridge

Archives for April 2019

These moms may be in the public light, but they’re moms doing the real work of raising kids.

Kate Casey

Comedian/Host/Author | www.loveandknuckles.com

Briana Vartanian

hilanthropist | loveforlola.org

Kenna Florie

Entrepreneur | www.beekshop.com

Audrina Patridge

TV Personality/Swimwear Designer | www.preyswim.com

What parents need to know about the summer films.

The Lion King

UglyDolls

Aladdin

The Angry Birds Movie 2

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

The Secret Life of Pets 2

Toy Story 4

A uniquely serene setting and a world-class 9-hole course make this staycation a gem.

PICK OF THE MONTHBear Awareness DaySaturday, May 4th

Outlets at San Clemente Fiesta de Mayo CelebrationSaturday, May 4

Goat YogaSaturday, May 18

Yappy HourThursday, May 16

March For BabiesSaturday, May 11

A trail on the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta offers families a nearby hike full of natural wonders.

‘Harry Potter’ fanfiction may help those with autism tell their stories.

The annual expo focuses on education, pet adoptions and entertainment for the family.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Great Maple

The Crack Shack

Fleenor’s On 4th

The Queen Mary’s English Deviled Egg Recipe

Playfoam

ErgoErgo

GeoSafari Day ‘N’ Night Ant Factory

Hope for Autism

Kids on Stage

Teaching growth, freedom and dignity with music, local musician Elias Toscano helps support kids of all needs.

The Bone Adventure Swim Club

Great Wolf Lodge

Children acting out aggressively can be emotional for everyone in the family. But mindful parenting techniques may help.

Emotional Assessment for Aggressive Children

Family Games to Fight Aggression

A young Orange County man establishes a healthy relationship with autism and anxiety.

Kids with special needs may benefit from attending traditional summer camps and those catering to all abilities

The inspiration behind local specialty coffee brand, Portola Coffee Roasters, is rooted in parents’ love for their child.

This parent of three children on the autism spectrum offers advice on addressing parents with an autistic child.

Your guide for Orange County dentists specializing in special needs.

Tips on Finding a Dentist

Special Needs Dental Clinics in Orange County

Occasionally an event listed changes date or location after printing. Always phone ahead to confirm information. Get your event listed! Email [email protected]. Include the name of the event, date, time, address, short description, appropriate age range, fee, phone number, and photos.

PICK OF THE MONTH
Bear Awareness Day
Saturday, May 4th

Outlets at San Clemente Fiesta de Mayo Celebration
Saturday, May 4

Goat Yoga
Saturday, May 18

Yappy Hour
Thursday, May 16

March For Babies
Saturday, May 11