They are no different than any other band, except for the fact that The Banana Slug String Band has endured for 40 years. Four men, with four dynamic characters. Doug “Dirt” Greenfield, “Airy” Larry Graff...
Kids and pets share a special kind of magic, and like any relationship, communication is key. Understanding body language can help kids know when their pet is happy, playful, or in need of some space...
Back in the day, parents laid down rules, and whether or not we agreed with them, we obeyed. TV hours were limited, curfews set, and homework was done before going outside to play. Period. After all, our...
The well-being of children is entrusted to every adult, and we parents, caregivers, and educators have to be very mindful of the decisions that we make to protect and teach children. Having a developmentally appropriate...
So much has happened this year already – how is it already March, and yet, how is it only just March? The news these days can be overwhelming and, at times, heart-wrenching. In these uncertain...
DNBCUniversal is expanding its theme park portfolio worldwide by introducing thrilling attractions, immersive experiences, and entirely new theme parks and resorts. Discover some of the most eagerly awaited projects that Universal Destinations & Experiences will...
As parents, we teach our children the value of sharing, kindness, and responsibility. But what about financial responsibility? One of the best ways to set your child up for success is by introducing them to...
The Pajaro Valley Unified School Board made a bold and some say careless decision last month, choosing not to layoff teachers, aides and vice principals to save $5 million from a budget that is headed...
Some of the meals they serve us at Live Oak Elementary School, where I’m a fourth-grader, are kind of simple, like bagels with cream cheese, which they serve us almost every day, sometimes with apples...
Some Santa Cruz parents say summer is getting shorter and shorter for their kids, seriously cutting down their childhood because school is starting earlier and earlier. Parents at Santa Cruz and Pajaro Valley school districts...
The Monterey Bay region is a place of scenic beauty, with breathtaking coastlines, rolling fields, and shady redwood forests. It’s also an exciting place of culture, history, and innovation.Its challenges are equally vivid. Housing costs...
After the devastating CZU, Lahaina, and Palisades wildfires that ravaged thousands of acres and caused billions in damages, it’s clear that we need to be proactive in safeguarding our families, pets, and homes. With skyrocketing...
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and I love that we have a holiday dedicated to showing the people we care about how much we love and cherish them! As my daughter grows and begins to...
Discovery Preschool and Family Center celebrates 10 years of operation serving over one thousand families throughout the last decade. Founder, Sara Balla, started Discovery as a home-based preschool program when her children were preschool aged...
I really loved the tropical setting for the new movie “Moana 2” with all the bright green palm trees and plants and also the deep blue of the ocean, which the main character, a girl...
By many accounts Northern Arizona University has a very credible degree program in industrial and emerging technologies. It attracts students from all across the land, and out of state residents are paying a $28,650 tuition...
You only have to look southward at the flames and poisonous smoke that came from Moss Landing recently to know what deregulation looks like. We have a new president promising to deregulate industry and make...
Helping kids learn to meal plan and grocery shop isn’t just about sharing household responsibilities—it’s a valuable lesson in financial wellness. Teaching these skills early equips children with tools for a lifetime of smart money...
When disaster strikes, it often comes with little warning, leaving families scrambling to ensure everyone’s safety—including their pets. According to a 2021 ASPCA survey conducted after Hurricane Ida, only 46% of pet owners had a...
Hold on to your heartstrings! Love is the driving force in “The Addams Family, A New Musical,” a delightfully dark and comedic tale of two families: the straight-laced midwestern Beinekes and the graveyard-dwelling Addams, who...
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to keep better track of how our tax money is being spent. I hope to make this a group effort among our readers. As a family magazine, we...
What looks like a glorious local grocery store is actually, more and more with each passing year, a form of rebellion, a forefront in the fight to keep Santa Cruz moreSanta Cruz. Andre Beauregard, 42...