What makes a community thrive? At United Way of Santa Cruz County, we believe it starts by listening to young people, walking alongside them, and trusting them to lead. Every year, hundreds of youth across our county step into leadership roles through United Way of Santa Cruz County’s countywide United4Youth initiative. United 4Youth unites our youth-focused programs under a shared vision: to uplift youth voice, expand access to resources, and champion youth well-being. From Watsonville to Scotts Valley, youth are co-creating a stronger, more connected community, one where all young people are seen, supported, and empowered. United4Youth brings together four core programs under this vision: The Youth Action Network, where…
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From Tooth Fairy to Taxes: Debunking Money Myths for Kids and Teens
Not everything they believe about money is true—but that’s where the fun (and teaching) begins.“If we run out of money, can’t we just go to the ATM?” Sound familiar? Kids pick up all kinds of ideas about money—some adorable, some hilariously off-base, and some that could stick around a little too long if we’re not careful. Whether it’s cartoons, overheard conversations, or watching you swipe a card like magic, children and teens are constantly forming money beliefs. As parents and caregivers, it’s our job to gently unpack the myths and replace them with age-appropriate, empowering truths. Here are a few of the most common money misconceptions, plus tips for turning…
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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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Money Management for Kids
Money management, much like parenting, is one of those critical life skills that is not formally taught. Parents flounder trying to teach their kids about money when they themselves lack financial savvy. Many adults often lack knowledge on how to create and live within a budget, frequently overspend, or penny-pinch to an unhealthy level. Even discussing money issues is uncomfortable. Positive Discipline not only promotes tools that build healthy parent-teacher-child relationships, but it also teaches life skills so children enter the world prepared. Here’s some help in preparing your children to skillfully manage their money. . Avoid Using Chores as a Money Teaching Tool In the April 2025 issue of…
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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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Surf City Line Dance Brings People Together One Step at a Time
Out of all the types of self-care there is ONE that has been linked to the greatest determining factor of someone’s overall health: SOCIAL self-care. In a world where so many of us are feeling isolated, on computers all day and overwhelmed – it’s time we bring some “old-school vibes” back! Looking for something fun to try with the whole family, that has made a HUGE comeback since the 80’s/90’s it will get your heart rate up, boost your social life and enhance your brain health? Look no further than local Line Dance Sensation, Niko Takaoka, founder of Surf City Line Dance. It is an experience you don’t want to…
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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…
