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 exciting, it can also stir big feelings for children and parents alike. From a nervous-system perspective, preschool is less about academics and more about emotional safety, regulation, and connection. As a somatic practitioner and parent, I see preschool transitions as an opportunity to gently support a child’s developing nervous system. Somatic approaches focus on the body as the foundation for emotional regulation and resilience. Young children experience emotions primarily through their bodies—tight bellies, wiggly limbs,…
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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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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.
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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.
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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 expresses and experiences love in the same five ways – physical touch, gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, and quality time – but each person has a primary language that is most meaningful to them. Relationships are more likely to thrive when people show their love in the language that the other person prefers – even if it’s different from their own primary love language. As I learned my own love languages, when I…
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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.
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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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Wayfinders Exhibit to Open at Cabrillo Gallery
Cabrillo Gallery hosts "Tamera Avery: Wayfinders," an exhibit featuring surreal paintings that explore the challenges and uncertainties facing today's youth.
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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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A Mouthful of Help
Publisher Brad Kava shares how a personal dental trauma led to the founding of Growing Up in Santa Cruz and reflects on the importance of local dental experts.
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What Preschools Should Really Teach
Finding the right preschool for your child can feel stressful. Parents want their children to behappy and safe—and to enter kindergarten confident and prepared. Too often, families feelthey must choose between highly academic preschools or all-play, outdoor programs.I understand those concerns, but it’s not an either-or choice. Preschool is the ideal time to introduce reading, math, and science in the right way—while alsoproviding a rich, invigorating outdoor exploration program. Children naturally love to learn.They simply need the right balance of structure, curriculum, and freedom. Research shows that nearly 80% of a child’s adult intelligence develops between birth and agefour. These early years are a unique window, when children absorb language,…
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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…
