We are at a turning point in how we care for children—especially neurodivergent ones. For too long, developmental support has relied on behavior management, compliance, and control. But what if the real transformation begins with connection? Instead of asking, “How do I get this child to behave?” we could ask, “How can I help this child feel safe enough to thrive?” In my work with neurodivergent children—in homes, schools, and community settings—I have seen that what they need most is relational safety. They long to be met by someone who can hold their emotions, understand the nuances of their communication, and accept them fully—without rushing to fix, shut down, or…
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Freedom Bakery Celebrates 50 Years
Watsonville’s Freedom Bakery–the oldest family-owned bakery in the Monterey Bay region–is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer, marking five decades of providing the community with cakes and other desserts. The bakery was founded in 1975 by Tony Liu, a Taiwanese immigrant who came to the United States alone, leaving behind his wife and two sons. “I was nine months old when my dad left. When we met again, I was ten, ” said Tony’s son, Paul Liu. Paul and his wife, Anna, are now the second-generation owners of Freedom Bakery. Early into their marriage, Paul and Anna decided to leave their jobs and help Paul’s father run the bakery. At…
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Russ Rogers on a Mission to Get Families Moving
Capitola author Russ Rogers didn’t follow the typical path to becoming a wellness leader. After playing college baseball at Cal Poly, he stepped away from sports entirely, beginning his career as a youth pastor before to Mexico to serve in an orphanage. His passion for service carried him back to Santa Cruz, where he took a job at Bethany College—then located at the campus now home to 1440 Multiversity. Rogers worked in fundraising and eventually helped to remodel the campus. But it was a chance conversation with the softball coach that shifted his path in a surprising direction. “She asked me to come help with the girls because of my…
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Why Aren’t Our Teens Ready for College or Life?
Every June, I meet high school graduates and their proud parents beaming with excitement about the next chapter—college! But as I get to know these students, a concerning pattern emerges: most are woefully unprepared for life on their own. Many don’t know how to manage their time, advocate for themselves, or even decide what they want to study. And the truth is—it’s not their fault. Schools Aren’t Teaching Independence In today’s educational landscape, we’ve become so focused on standardized tests, GPAs, and college admissions checklists that we’ve unintentionally stripped students of the tools they need to become independent thinkers and problem-solvers. Teachers often provide detailed study guides that spell out…
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Parenting Through the Back-to-School Emotions
The new school year is here (already—how did that happen?). With it comes big transitions, complex emotions, and a lot of effort from all of us. As parents, it can feel overwhelming to navigate our children’s new milestones while also supporting them through the emotional waves that come with change. My daughter recently started her second year of preschool, and let me tell you, the big feelings are very real. After a full day of constant stimulation, structure, and social interaction, it makes sense that she comes home needing to decompress. Home is where she can finally let her guard down and be her full, unfiltered self. And yes—cue the…
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Piggy Tails & Ewe!
The Santa Cruz County Fair is your one-stop-shop for family fun! When you and your kiddos enter through the gates of the fairgrounds, you’ll be transported to a world of magic, music, comedy, dancing, rides, animals, flowers, art and edible treats. And we’re going to let you in on a little secret—the Fair is also educational! In our Ag-Hort Department, you’ll get a gander at giant pumpkins and learn all about where our food comes from. In the Bug Barn, you can hold a living insect and study a working beehive. Wander through our Livestock Barn to see pigs, goats, sheep and steer… and talk with the 4-H and FFA…
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Parents As Educational Advocates
Given the immense role that schools play in our lives, it’s no surprise that challenging school-related issues (e.g., homework, grades, bullying, truancy, and conduct) are often at the center of the discord between children and their parents. Fortunately, the Positive Discipline concepts and tools that parents practice at home can help mitigate those issues, and many of them are adapted for use in the classroom/school. Ultimately, though, parents are their children’s primary teachers and best advocates, and they can play an active role in their children’s educational experience. One way to do so is by educating teachers and school administrators about the benefits of Positive Discipline! While not all educators…
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For Kids of All Ages: A Review of Hedgehog in the Fog
Some stories unfold like fairy tales; others, like dreams. And then there are those rare, quiet works—like Hedgehog in the Fog by Sergey Kozlov—that drift gently between the two, casting a spell that lingers long after the last page is turned. Hedgehog in the Fog is a tender and enigmatic parable about fear, wonder, and friendship that resonates across generations. The story begins simply. Hedgehog is making his usual journey through the forest to visit Bear for their evening ritual: sitting together counting the stars and drinking tea with raspberry jam. But on this night, a fog descends. Thick, mysterious, and full of strange silhouettes, the fog transforms Hedgehog’s familiar…
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Kokoro No Gakko Reaches 36th Year
Kokoro no Gakko, a one-week summer program designed to expose the culture of Japan to area youths, wrapped up its 34th recently during an open house at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple. Formed 36 years ago, in 1989, the school cancelled two years during the Covid pandemic. The “School with a Heart” (in English translation) this year welcomed 53 students, grades kinder through 6, to five days of lessons in traditional Japanese activities, including bonsai, ikebana, origami, calligraphy, cooking, language arts, music and more. Friday’s event treated a crowd of over 250 people to choral works punctuated with theatrics and traditional Japanese attire. The gathering, headed up by principal Melissa Eguchi-Song,…
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Pet of the Month: Chloe
Meet Chloe – What could be better than coming home to a dog greeting you with full-body wiggles and a stuffed toy? Six-year-old Chloe, a 50-lb white and brindle pittie, is ready to bring joy, wags, and companionship to her next family. After losing her longtime home when her dad became ill, Chloe has shown incredible resilience. She loves hikes, walks, soft toys, and cozy spots to nap (yes, she snores!). Chloe enjoys male dogs, is a bit nervous with females, and would happily be an “only dog.” With her zest for life and loving nature, Chloe is pure sunshine waiting for her person. Adoption special happening in September, go…
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Helping Pets Handle Back-to-School Separation
It’s not that our dog, Ethan, can’t be left alone. He can. He just doesn’t think it’s a good idea. In fact, we’re pretty sure he’s actively judging us as we walk out the door. Luckily for us, he prefers the silent treatment when he’s upset and deals with our departure by quietly curling up on the couch next to the front window, monitoring the street for the distinctive hum of our cars. For other dogs, and some cats, this is decidedly not how they express their feelings about your departure. Studies show that one in five dogs will exhibit some sort of separation related problems in their lifetime and…
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Meet Your Fitness Trainer Specializing in Women’s Fitness
Raised in the San Lorenzo Valley, Monica is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) nationally accredited Certified Personal Trainer. She holds a specialty degree in Prenatal and Postpartum through PROnatal, New York, holds a Bachelors Degree in Relational Communication Studies has been sculpting programs for healthier bodies for over fifteen years, guiding women through every stage of their wellness journey. Whether it’s preparing the body for the demands of motherhood, rebuilding strength and function after baby, regaining function and ability no matter if one has had children or not, she blends motivation with know-how that leaves clients trained up for a lifetime. While raising her two daughters is her first…
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It’s Already That Time of Year Again: School!!!
OK. Mind shift. School? It starts when? Like, now. How did that happen? It feels like the middle of summer. Are you and your kids ready? Parents: we’ve got so much important information in this issue to help. I’m truly proud of this one (Yes, I feel that every month…but this one, wow!!!) We’ve got new columns and new writers I think you will love. Please, drop us a line and let us know what you want to see more of. Some of the hits: we’ve got the story that answers why school starts so soon here, unlike many other places that wait until after Labor Day (which feels right…
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AP Classes Equip Teens With Real-Life Skills
For decades, high school students have taken classes to prepare for college — algebra, biology, literature, U.S. history — but far too often, they graduate without knowing how to create a budget, avoid identity theft, or understand how a business works. That’s finally changing. The College Board just announced two new Advanced Placement (AP) courses that are relevant to students’ futures: AP Business Principles with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity. Both are designed to give students practical skills and to be prepared for life. “Students need more than test prep — they need life prep.” Financial Literacy: A Must for Every Teen AP Business with Personal Finance will cover key…
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Free and Low-Cost Preschool Available
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) today announced every family in Santa Cruz County with young children now has access to high-quality early learning opportunities through California’s Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) initiative, beginning with the 2025–26 school year. As part of a transformative statewide effort, the UPK initiative offers a range of free and low-cost programs for children aged 2–5, regardless of family income or immigration status. UPK offers families flexibility, including Transitional Kindergarten, the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), as well as private early care and education providers. Together, these options support early academic and social-emotional development while helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong…
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Free Backpacks, Supplies for Students
Over 400 area students were given a running start for the upcoming school year as they were presented with free backpacks loaded with school supplies Saturday in an upbeat gathering in Watsonville Plaza. Thanks to the Salvation Army in Watsonville, Freedom Rotary Club, Scouting America and others, swarms of kids and their families lined up for the annual giveaway that included new colorful backpacks stuffed with pencils, notepads, glue, binders and other classroom tools that will help them with their education over the school year that starts Aug. 13. “We want to make sure that every youth has equal opportunities starting school with the right resource so they can make…
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Zoodles, Pancakes and Summer Fun
Name one summer crop that’s just as delicious folded into pancakes and muffins as it is tossed in peanut sauce or threaded onto the grill. It’s the seasonal sensation known as zucchini, and when it’s fresh and abundant, the ways to enjoy it are nearly endless. When I was a kid, our garden would explode every July with so much zucchini we had to get creative. I remember my mom’s zucchini pancakes, which we topped with a dollop of sour cream for a savory treat. Then there was her zucchini bread, studded with walnuts—moist, sweet, and irresistible. Of course, we also made Italian-style sautéed zucchini with onions, garlic, and tomatoes,…
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Consider Volunteering in the Classroom
I had a great experience this past year, which I would like to share—especially with grandparents. I volunteered in my 1st grade granddaughter’s classroom, and it was a fun and fulfilling experience in many ways. This experience gave me the opportunity to get to know my granddaughter’s peer group; it felt great to help advance the educational process for these kids; and I learned a lot about cognitive development on a first hand level. My context is as an older guy (70+) with basic college level literacy skills, having the experience of seeing one generation of kids grow up, and enjoying a nice relationship with my granddaughter.The teacher, while not…
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Parents Not Thrilled About School Starting in August
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 are distributing a petition titled, “Bring Back August to SCCS Students”. These parents are concerned that students are losing prime summer vacation time in August, and believe that starting in September is ideal so families can thoroughly enjoy summer break. For years, the debate over the ideal time for students to start the school year has been a controversial topic nationwide. In Santa Cruz County, SCCS 2025-2026 school starting date is August 7, and PVUSD…
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Best of 2025
We asked you to share your favorite places to take your kids and places you enjoy as a family. We wanted to know what businesses you consider the Best in Santa Cruz, and man, did you ever respond! Thanks to everyone who answered our survey. DAY CAMP International Academy of Dance320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz831.466.0458iadance.comInternational Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Musical Theater. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography,…
