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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Jasmine Nájera’s Journey of Service and Leadership
Jasmine Nájera’s path has been deeply rooted in the values of service, community, and empowerment. As someone who knows the heart of Santa Cruz, she is dedicated to nurturing its spirit through her leadership as CEO of Pájaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA). Her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, mentorship, and social justice—shaped by a strong family legacy of giving back and uplifting others. From an early age, Jasmine knew that her life wouldn’t be just about personal success—it would be about helping others. Inspired by powerful role models in her family, she quickly recognized her calling to serve. In her household, service wasn’t just a value;…
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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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Kinderwood Farms is Where Fairy Tales Come to Life
Remember when you were a kid and believed fairy tales were real? When enchanted forests, magical creatures, and happily-ever-afters felt within reach? Then you grew up, became a parent in the Bay Area, and realized life doesn’t quite look like that anymore… or does it? While growing up can feel like a harsh awakening, there are extraordinary people out there who create their own reality — living outside the box and proving that a precious, storybook-like life is possible. Welcome to Kinderwood Farms, a small, enchanting farm with over 70 animals, just minutes away from places like Mentone and New Leaf Market, yet feeling like you’ve stepped right into an…
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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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Money Milestones Worth Celebrating
These quiet moments may not get confetti, but they shape confident, money-smart kids. From a baby’s first words to their driver’s license photo, parenting is full of memorable moments. But what about the lesser-known “firsts” that quietly shape who they become—like opening their first savings account or making a budget for the first time? At Bay Federal Credit Union, we’ve seen that these small financial steps make a significant impact. When kids are empowered to understand and manage money early on, they grow into teens and adults who are confident, prepared, and thoughtful with their finances. Here are meaningful money milestones in your child’s journey—and how to celebrate each in…
