Growing Up in Santa Cruz

  • June 2025

    Celebrating Our Fathers

    Let’s cheer this month for all the dads who take their job in fatherhood to heart! Our kids, families and communities are blessed to have you in our lives and the world is better because of YOU. One father in particular I am going to feature in this month’s article is someone who has been so generous and kind and a pillar in our community, yet expects nothing in return – he is a father and “like a father” to many, a leader in the Santa Cruz community – none other than the owner of Growing Up in Santa Cruz, Brad Kava. Brad and I met a few years back…

  • May 2025

    Local Legend Honored in Wake of Mental Health Struggles

    Capitola homeowner and Greek Bay Area Legend, Sam Anagnostou — or as I knew him, Uncle Sammy, my uncle who felt more like a father and best friend, the one who taught me to surf — a true ray of sunshine. He loved the ocean. He believed in the healing power of the waves and the warmth of the sand beneath your feet. And his theory of seagulls + eagles will live on eternally- reach out and I will gladly share it with you. As it is a reminder that we are all connected even if we are different. If you ever met him, you’d remember his kindness, the jokes…

  • October 2024

    Why Neighbors Matter for Your Self-Care Routine

      In the wise words of Fred Rogers, “I’ve always wanted a neighbor like you,” something our entire world needs most right now. In this column, I am sharing one of the most vital elements of self-care and it relates to COMMUNITY. The people we are around. The social relationships we have, impact our lives in a massive way. With election around the corner, I couldn’t help but write about a personal encounter with one of the candidates in our very own community, that has shown me the VALUE of neighborhood and reminds me of Mr. Rogers himself. As a kid, I loved watching Mr. Rogers – his kindness, empathy,…