Spring has sprung, bringing wild energy and big emotions. Discover 10 calming phrases and 5 essential tools to help parents stay composed and model respectful behavior.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Interdependence Day Is Every Day
Explore how Positive Discipline shifts parenting from rugged independence to healthy interdependence, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 housing. Lola has lived with children in her previous home. She would hang out in her enclosure inside the house when not supervised and was free roaming when her guardians were home. Staff and volunteers have observed that Lola has been curious and social since her arrival. Come in and meet this sweet girl. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org for more information.
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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.
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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.
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What is Your Favorite Thing About Visiting the Mall?
Local kids share their favorite reasons to visit the mall, from getting ear piercings at Claire's to enjoying cinnamon pretzels at Wetzels.
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Healthy Smiles for Every Age From First Tooth to Graduation
February is Children's Dental Health Month. Learn how to maintain healthy smiles for your children from their first tooth through high school graduation.
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Opinion: Water District Was Wrong to Charge for Broken Pipe
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.
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Santa Cruz County Spelling Bee Winners Announced
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 Thompson, of Gateway School, took first place, followed by Karis Lee, of Ocean Grove Charter School, in second place. Leo Cave, of Gateway School, secured third place after a tie-breaker that lasted 14 words. In the Junior Division, Aria Menon, of Pacific Collegiate School, claimed first place. Lovina Wildermuth-Reyes, of San Lorenzo Valley Charter School, earned second place, while Elizabeth Lee, of Ocean Grove Charter School, finished in third. First- and second-place finishers in both…
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Big Emotions We All Share
Learn how parents can model healthy emotional regulation for their children by processing their own big feelings openly using Positive Discipline techniques.
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Pets of the Month: Smokey and Jack
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 in Jack’s pawprints once he feels safe. They would do best as the only pets or with mellow, cat-friendly companions. Smokey and Jack prefer a quiet home without children or dogs. Previously indoor-only, they are eager to continue that lifestyle. Jack enjoys napping, batting mouse toys, and birdwatching from the window. Smokey shares those hobbies and especially loves watching television. Their adoption fees are fully sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation’s Leave…
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Ways to Engage Children with Art and Animals
Discover creative ways to engage children with animals through art projects, research, and local classes while supporting animal welfare.
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Santa Cruz Band Director Invited to March in Rose Parade
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.
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Volunteering in Northern Laos
Coco Kettmann shares her experience volunteering for child care in Luang Prabang, Laos, during a three-month family trip to Asia.
