This month, as our country celebrates 232 years of independence, I reflect on those things “American” that I love so much: democracy, jazz, hot dogs, hip hop, the First Amendment, rock and roll, civil rights and cultural diversity. I feel blessed that my son is growing up in a nation that embraces individuality, equality and community.

In this issue, you and your family will find plenty of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, and summer, for that matter. Calendar Editor Cindy Morgan has put together yet another GO OC section chock-full of activities. From fireworks celebrations happening across OC (p. 83) and free movies for the whole family (p. 88) to her top picks, including the OC Fair, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the Jonas Brothers (p. 74).

With gas becoming a precious commodity, perhaps you’re opting to vacation closer to home this summer. Regular contributor Lisa Armony writes about one of her favorite family vacation spots: Santa Barbara (“Nature’s Perfect Playground,” p. 33). Less than a three-hour trek from OC, this Drive Time Destination makes for a great getaway without breaking the bank.

Armony also examines how OC companies are making the workplace better for moms. Cox Communications, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, CHOC, Alcon Laboratories and Allergen Pharmaceuticals are just some of the companies that are changing with mothers in mind.

If your little one is starting school in the fall (or if you’re looking to change schools), you’ll want to check out our semi-annual Education Directory. Our latest and greatest version features a diversity of schools including religious, ethnic, special-needs, all girls/all boys, and homeschool groups (p. 45).

As I was conducting my interviews for this month’s “Cross-Cultural Parenting” story (p. 22), I had the privilege of getting to know three unique and wonderfully diverse families. The Polkes, Paolis and Dobersteins remind me why this country is so unique. Where else in the world can individuals from different backgrounds come together to raise multi-cultural, multi-lingual children in communities that are equally multi-cultural and multi-lingual? “This is the best place to do it,” Alf Doberstein, whose son is half German and half Japanese, told me recently.

One of my favorite comments was from Simone Paoli. My husband and I met Paoli and his wife, Leticia Cabral, during a Lamaze class in Fullerton. Our kids were born exactly one week apart. When the four of us get together, we always marvel at our multi-cultural offspring.

“I know I am probably going out on a limb here, but ‘crossovers’ are in fashion right now, aren’t they?” Simone wrote me in an e-mail. “And what are crossovers if not a mix of different entities with different backgrounds? This ‘mix’ turned out great for music, food, art… So why can’t it be good for kids?”

Ditto, Simone. Ditto.!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Cho Salaff , Editor
jennifer.salaff@parentingoc.com