March 2023 Archives - Monterey Bay Parent

Historically, California has experienced what has been called a “super bloom” every ten years. Despite the persistent drought in our beautiful state, we have been lucky enough to have a couple of very wet years between the heat and sunshine. There was a super bloom in 2017 and again in 2019. Experts say the Spring of 2023 should give us another opportunity to revel in the glorious bursts of color!

A super bloom occurs when the conditions are exactly right: there must be the perfect mix of rainfall paired with the right amount of sunshine, all at the right time. And, by all accounts, we are in for a treat this spring. Native wildflowers lie dormant in the soil for years as a result of California’s drought conditions. When the rain comes, followed by sunshine, the wildflowers bloom all at once, creating colorful carpets of flowers. Believe it or not, deserts are one of the best places to see a super bloom. While it is difficult to predict where the “best” sites will be, there are a few places that are a good bet to have flowers.

My favorite place to see wildflowers is Anza Borrego State Park located in the Southern California desert. It’s a road trip well worth the miles. There are some fun mid-century-style motels in Borrego Springs, which is an excellent spot to start your wildflower tour. There are also campgrounds if you want to go that route. I recommend following the Facebook page “Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide.” They always have tips on what colors are blooming and where, and the page is updated daily.

Plan a night or two at Joshua Tree National Park if you decide to make the So Cal desert road trip. When the super bloom happens, it adds another dimension of beauty to this stunning park. This once-desolate park has become trendy, so make sure you have reservations. Gorgeous sunsets and California poppies are guaranteed to fill the camera roll on your phone.

Adding to the list of desert locales, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a great destination for those seeking a colorful landscape. Purple, yellow, and gold flowers cover the hillsides of this desert community in the northern end of Los Angeles County. Vehicles are not allowed in the park, but there are miles of trails, so bring your walking shoes.

One year on spring break, I took my kids to camp in Death Valley National Park, the flowers were spectacular. Something about the desert’s starkness and the flowers’ fragility makes for a breathtaking backdrop. There are campgrounds and a few hotels in the park. If you take an RV, there is only one campground with hookups, so plan accordingly!

Carrizo Plain is a spot that should be on your list. Located about two and a half hours from Monterey, this location should get more attention. If you have a four-wheel vehicle, there are dirt roads you can follow to get away from the crowds. But be sure to stay on the trails. If you want to stay the night in the area, there is a sweet little motel in New Cuyama on Highway 166 called Cuyama Oaks. Offering mid-century charm in a small roadside motel, with gourmet-quality food at the restaurant on the grounds, it’s perfect for any length stay and great for families.

As you can see, most well-known destinations to see the super bloom are south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. But a popular spot to see the flowers in the northern half of the state is Lassen Volcanic National Park. While the desert locations experience the most colorful bloom in March, Lassen is at a higher elevation and has snow on the ground well into spring.

So the bloom there happens later than in other popular spots. Late April into May will still have beautiful blooms to see. Although this national park is not as popular as Yosemite or Yellowstone, it is a hidden gem. Lassen is a beautiful place to hike and go sightseeing, one of my “gotta go again someday” spots!

Lastly, another Northern California spot I have read about – but never visited – is Mount Diablo State Park. A little over three hours from Monterey, the abundance of hiking trails and camping make this a great weekend destination.

Wherever you choose to view the super bloom, please follow the commonsense suggestions on the next page. It’s up to all of us to preserve the beauty of nature.

Tricia Vlasak works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures with her grandchildren. Tricia received a Gold Award for personal essay from Parenting Media Association in 2022.

What is a 504 Plan?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that protects qualified students from discrimination based on disability. If a learning, physical or neurological disability impacts a child’s ability and education, a 504 Plan can be a blueprint to create reasonable accommodations and support strategies for the student.

One of the main distinguishers between a 504 Plan and an IEP (Individual Education Program) is that a 504 has a broader list of defined disabilities and fewer restrictions. The IEP provides specialized instruction that may include changes to the curriculum, while the 504 Plan allows accommodations to the curriculum.

Peter Wright of Wright’s Law stresses the importance of documentation regarding advocating and services for your child. “You write letters to clarify events and what you were told. When you train yourself to write things down, you are taking steps to protect your child’s interests. If you have a dispute with the school, your logs, and letters are independent evidence that supports your memory. Documents that support your position will help you resolve disputes early.”

Examples of accommodations, support, and services include specific directions and instructions for students, such as a visual schedule and frontloading transitions, seating placement, and occupational or physical therapy. These instructions can be ongoing throughout the school year or have a specific end date listed. Accommodations regarding the student’s academics and study skills could include shortened assignments and extra time allotted for test taking.

Behavioral interventions in a 504 could discuss strategies for the student to self-regulate and an individualized “sensory diet .”A “sensory diet” is a group of activities to assist with attention, arousal, and adaptive responses in the following areas: tactile, oral motor, visual, auditory, olfactory, vestibular, and proprioceptive. The student can be a “classroom helper” with these roles, helping the teacher carry materials and other assignments that fulfill their sensory need by aiding the teacher. Common examples include structured movement breaks, time on the swing set, wearing headphones, fidget spinners, and heavy lifting activities.

What to Expect Before the 504 Meeting

Parents/Guardians may be given Parent Assessments, often by various team members, such as the district or school’s occupational therapist (OT) and psychologist.

Parents/Guardians will receive and should review in full a copy of the Notice of Parental/Guardian Rights and Procedural Safeguards under Section 504.

Action Plan after the 504 Meeting

Discuss how often the 504 team will meet.

The best practice is to review a 504 Plan annually, but different districts will have their policies. It is important that any significant changes in placement or how the student is taught needs to be communicated to the parent.

Parents/Guardians will be asked whether they agree to the 504 Plan and asked to sign. Parents have the right to decline if they disagree and to specify which part (the evaluation process, identification, service plan, or another section).

504 Plans are discontinued three years after they are no longer used or after the child’s 25th birthday.

Local Help and Guidance

Special Kids Connect is a non-profit whose mission is to “develop resources, raise awareness, and provide support to children with disabilities and their families in Monterey County.” They offer one-on-one guidance for 504 assistance if parents have any questions or concerns about a child’s 504 Plans and IEPs.

Finally, remember that all 504 Plans are different. 504 Plans can vary based on the school, but all should include accommodations and services. Documenting all meetings, action plans, and duties allows the school administrators, educators, parents, and students to understand each other’s roles and responsibilities with one common goal: to help the child succeed.

California Bloomin’: Where to See California’s Super Bloom

The 4-1-1 on Your Child’s 504 Plan