By Kristen Brown, Executive Director I am excited and honored to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce. With deep roots in Santa Cruz County – working...
The newly revamped Panda Inn in Aptos, located at the Deluxe Plaza, has undergone a flavorful transformation under new management. The restaurant is now proudly family-owned and operated, emphasizing quality and authenticity. The joint now...
Believe it or not, summer break is right around the corner. Many teens already have a very simple plan: sleep in, hang out with friends, and stay up late. If you have a teen who...
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...
Downtown Santa Cruz is more than just a place; it’s a living, breathing chronicle of childhood memories, a rite of passage, and a path toward blossoming independence. For generations, local kids have watched it transform...
With its lime-green color, and quirky and cone-shaped florets, a head of Romanesco could have been picked from Dr. Seuss’ back yard. Beyond the surface beauty it’s a versatile veggie packed with flavor and nutrition...
When I was just starting out as a teacher, I asked the founders of our small mountaintop school why they started the school to begin with. They said that in the early seventies, there were...
One of the most rewarding experiences in my life has been to volunteer with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. I started volunteering when my beloved 16-year old chow-shepherd rescue passed away and my husband...
There are so many things to be concerned about this spring. Here are some in no special order. How will the Pajaro Valley School District handle the stress of cutting $5 million from the annual...
When my daughter was no longer a high schooler in my house and was now managing most aspects of her life as a college student, she said one day, “I’ve realized adulting is an endless...
April is the Month of the Young Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is a good opportunity to remind ourselves that 1) raising happy, healthy children is both exhausting and rewarding, 2) every parent...
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...