Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Why Summer Camp Matters More Than We Realize

Brad Kava explores why summer camp is as vital as school, sharing how a movie-making camp helped his son build confidence and public speaking skills...

Car Culture Is Costing Our Kids

A poignant letter to the editor discussing how car-centric infrastructure in the U.S. limits children's freedom and autonomy compared to the Netherlands...

How Children Learn and How You Can Help

Learn why children up to age 10 learn up to 40 times faster than adults and how parents can create a more effective, fun, and exciting learning environment...

Why Summer Camp Matters More Than Ever

Explore why summer camp is more vital than ever for children's physical health, social growth, and digital detox in today's screen-filled world...

Santa Cruz Spring Break Checklist

Spring break in Santa Cruz does not have to mean a plane ticket. Before the week begins, here is a simple checklist for a local break that feels like a break...

The College Dream Nearly Slipped Away

Estrellas Brillantes helps Watsonville students navigate the FAFSA crisis and achieve their dreams of attending a four-year college through personalized support...

Healthy Screen Time Habits

Learn how to establish healthy screen time habits and family agreements for children and teens with expert advice from Triple P's Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo...

Interdependence Day Is Every Day

Explore how Positive Discipline shifts parenting from rugged independence to healthy interdependence, fostering a sense of belonging and community...

Autism is a Family Diagnosis

Clinically, autism is diagnosed in an individual. But in lived experience, autism is a family diagnosis that shifts the emotional climate of a home...

Making Drop Biscuits is an Educational Experience

Cooking with kids is magical and educational. Learn how to teach science and math through this simple and delicious drop biscuit recipe...

Humorous Observations From A Human Companion

A collection of humorous observations comparing the quirky behaviors of dogs and cats in everyday situations, from car rides to open refrigerators...

Marching Into Another Month of Fashionable Locals

Explore the unique sustainable styles and fashion journeys of locals Misha, Rosa, and Leena in this month's Fashion Forward feature...

CircOrchard Celebrates 10 Years

Orchard School presents CircOrchard, its 10th annual children's circus, featuring the entire 56-strong student body performing clown antics, juggling, and more...

Exercising Through Pregnancy

Learn how to safely exercise during pregnancy and address common postpartum issues like pelvic floor health with tips from Monica Menard...

Preschool Transitions Through a Somatic Lens

As families look ahead, conversations about preschool often surface—how to choose one, prepare, and support children through this big transition. For many, preschool is a child’s first step into a wider world beyond home. While...

Pet of the Month: Lola

Meet Lola the 8-month-old female English Spot rabbit. She came to the Shelter by no fault of her own – her prior guardians needed to find a home as they were moving to non-pet friendly...

What Does the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Do?

What does the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter do? Discover its wide range of services, from pet adoptions and medical care to animal control and community clinics...

Layered Looks That Refuse to Fade With Winter

Discover how to master the awkward transition from winter to spring with creative layered looks from three fashion-forward individuals in Santa Cruz...

Best Exercises for Your Pregnancy Core

Discover safe and effective core exercises for every stage of pregnancy, including 360 breathing and alignment tips from specialist Monica Menard...

Showing Love in Many Languages

Learning about “love languages”, a concept that Dr. Gary Chapman wrote about in his book, “The 5 Love Languages”, opened my eyes to all the different ways one can express themselves. Dr. Chapman believes everyone...

Let the Message of Love Get Through

Discover how positive discipline can help your child feel truly loved, focusing on connection, empathy, and effective communication strategies for every stage...

Growing Up Curious: The Mystery at Macy’s

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...