I just returned home after spending five weeks in New Jersey, and I came back with a whole new appreciation for Santa Cruz. I loved every minute with my family. I taught my grandson how to ride his new two-wheeled balance bike, introduced him to miniature golf, and got to meet my new granddaughter. But I also discovered something I had never really thought about before: much of the country lives indoors because of the weather. During my visit, temperatures hovered above 95 degrees with high humidity. Unlike Santa Cruz, it didn’t cool off much at night. If we wanted to ride bikes or go to a park, we had…
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Young Voters Lag Behind Older Voters at the Polls
Voter data from the June primary shows a significant gap between young and older voters in Santa Cruz County, sparking a conversation on civic engagement.
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Mastering Gym Machines
Confidence at the gym starts with understanding how to use machines. Learn the basics of push, pull, hinge, squat, and lunge movements for a safer workout.
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Community Mountain Gym Finds Home in Downtown Felton
Community Mountain Gym has returned to the San Lorenzo Valley, finding a permanent home in downtown Felton to provide gymnastics and movement programs for kids.
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Schools are Open, and the County Office of Education is Ready
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) prepares for the 2026-27 school year, balancing new student leadership programs with declining enrollment.
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Santa Cruz City Schools Named Among America’s Healthiest
Santa Cruz City Schools have earned national recognition for their efforts to support student health and wellness, named to America's Healthiest Schools list.
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Before We Change the Child, Look at the Environment
When a child struggles, we often focus on the child. Learn why looking at the setting—noise, lighting, and expectations—is key to their success and growth.
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Positive Discipline Teaches Stewardship
Learn how Positive Discipline and the Japanese concept of sōji can teach children stewardship, community responsibility, and environmental care in Santa Cruz.
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Kids Make Movable Murals
High school students in the Teen Artes Summer Program created colorful wood-panel murals for Watsonville City Hall under the theme 'nature, community and culture.'
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Local Doctor Gives Advice on How to Keep Students Well
Dr. Sara Faheem shares essential health advice for Santa Cruz County students, covering diet, hygiene, mental health, and physical activity for the new school year.
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Schools Offer Free Breakfast and Lunch
Santa Cruz City Schools provides free breakfast and lunch for all students in the 2026-2027 school year, emphasizing healthy, sustainable food and equity.
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From Near-Drowning to Olympian
Discover the inspiring story of Nicolas Nilo Oliveira, from a near-drowning in Brazil to becoming a three-time Olympic swimmer and youth coach in Watsonville.
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Fowl Play: Life With a Backyard Flock
Ashley Thomas of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter shares expertise on the responsibilities, ethics, and joys of raising a backyard chicken flock.
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Pet of the Month: Willow
Meet Willow, a gorgeous white cat with a sweet, sensitive soul looking for her forever home.
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Meet the Artists at Cabrillo
Explore the vibrant art scene at Cabrillo Gallery's fall exhibition, featuring works from faculty, staff, and national artists, perfect for young creators.
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Finding Belonging Under the Rainbow
Youth voices MJ Reynoso and Evelyn Roberts share their experiences of community and belonging at the Queer, Trans, and Allied Student Summit.
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Apple Pies, Starry Skies and Five Days of Fair Fun
The 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair offers five days of family fun with monster trucks, live concerts, and the "Apple Pies and Starry Skies" drone show.
