Discover the secret history behind the 'Walk of Fame' handprints at the Capitola Mall Macy's and learn how 'quiet artifacts' can spark curiosity in children...
Local kids share their favorite reasons to visit the mall, from getting ear piercings at Claire's to enjoying cinnamon pretzels at Wetzels...
February is Children's Dental Health Month. Learn how to maintain healthy smiles for your children from their first tooth through high school graduation...
Cabrillo Gallery hosts "Tamera Avery: Wayfinders," an exhibit featuring surreal paintings that explore the challenges and uncertainties facing today's youth...
A reader responds to the Soquel Water District after an undetected pipe leak led to a significantly higher water bill, raising concerns about infrastructure and accountability...
Publisher Brad Kava shares how a personal dental trauma led to the founding of Growing Up in Santa Cruz and reflects on the importance of local dental experts...
Finding the right preschool for your child can feel stressful. Parents want their children to behappy and safe—and to enter kindergarten confident and prepared. Too often, families feelthey must choose between highly academic preschools or...
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Santa Cruz County Spelling Bee, which took place Jan. 24, at UC Santa Cruz. In the Elementary Division, Sal...
Celebrate Positive Parenting Awareness Month this January. Learn about the five principles of positive parenting and resources available in Santa Cruz County...
Learn how parents can model healthy emotional regulation for their children by processing their own big feelings openly using Positive Discipline techniques...
Exploring the need for a nervous-system-informed approach to education for children on the autism spectrum, prioritizing safety, regulation, and connection...
Meet Smokey and Jack, a bonded pair of six-year-old boys looking for a calm, loving home. Jack is the outgoing social butterfly, greeting people with ease and confidence. Smokey is more cautious, but happily follows...
Discover creative ways to engage children with animals through art projects, research, and local classes while supporting animal welfare...
Start 2026 with 12 simple micro habits designed by certified personal trainer Monica Menard to help you achieve long-term health and wellness success...
Explore the personal style and inner growth of three individuals in Santa Cruz as they showcase unique, thrifted, and handmade fashion looks for the new year...
Brad Kava reflects on a frustrating $500 water bill due to a leak and shares updates on local transportation projects and community goals in Santa Cruz...
Santa Cruz High School Band Director Christy Latham joins over 300 directors in the 2026 Pasadena Rose Parade, fulfilling a lifelong dream of musical excellence...
Coco Kettmann shares her experience volunteering for child care in Luang Prabang, Laos, during a three-month family trip to Asia...
A nine-year-old student shares her exciting experience attending a Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai, Thailand, learning to make Pad Thai and mango sticky rice...
Experience Krampus Santa Cruz at Sparky's Holiday Lights on Dec 4! Enjoy millions of lights, walk the grounds, and meet Krampus, St. Nicholas's mischievous counterpart...
Four students share their perspectives on whether kids should enter college directly after high school, discussing career paths, financial savings, and personal choices...
Atlantis Fantasyworld in Santa Cruz celebrates nearly 50 years as a beloved comic book destination, built on owner Joe Ferrara's passion and a strong community...