School’s back and I’m feeling a mix of seriousness and fun.  Let’s start with the serious.  I was shocked and so disappointed with the way some people made fun of Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz’s...

The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is turning 10 this year and kicking off a season of celebrations with Potter the Otter™. . .a Healthy Adventure Traveling Exhibit! Based on the popular First 5...

“I want to change the world by making it much more friendly for trans people”. –Neal, a young trans girl. At a time when the journey for gender inclusivity and support is more critical than...

I was training elementary teachers on how to deliver the Next Generation Science Standards, and was asked. “When do they learn that some animals are called amphibians, some mammals, and all of that now?” I...

The Santa Cruz Symphony’s 2024-25 season kicks off on September 21/22 with new music composer Mason Bates’ electrifying Philharmonia Fantastique and Johannes Brahms’ majestic Symphony no. 1, along with a new full orchestra arrangement of...

“Mistakes are so fun. I feel great every time I make one. Can’t wait to make another one!”  Who says that?  Not me. Most likely, not you either.     In the world of scientific exploration and...

Children enrich our lives in so many ways, but they sure don’t come cheap! Every parent knows that expenses related to child-rearing can feel endless. From covering essential needs like diapers, food, and clothing to...

I lost both of my parents during my 20’s. Yet, the memories survive, and the best ones are, of us laughing. Growing up and laughing together, with my parents, was part of the fabric that...

I wade through whitewash with a lead rope in hand. The black pony tentatively follows. She hops and side steps through the waves, skittish to the feel of water on her chest. We push deeper...

Parenting is undeniably challenging. I remember bringing my daughter home from the hospital and worrying, “Will I mess this up? Can I help her thrive?” Facing insecurities and the endless existential questions, bombarded by advice...

Got the back-to-school blues? The Santa Cruz County Fair is the cure! The 2024 Santa Cruz County Fair is a one-stop-shop for experiences and entertainment that will take you back in time and transport you...

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Education released the first federal definition of bullying. Bullying in SchoolsAbout 22% of students ages 12- 18 said they were bullied at school. The majority...

Ah, September! The air is crisp, the leaves are starting to change, and school bells are ringing once again. With the hustle and bustle of fall, it’s the perfect time to prioritize self-care and set...

Clare Frank made history as an inspirational firefighter and as one of first female fire chiefs in California. Her career is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and pioneering spirit. Through her writing, in her...

The Rainbow Conference opens the door for our LGBTQIA2S+ teens and their parents/guardians as well as their adult allies. There is also an event for elementary school students and their families. It’s a day of...

I knew Logan Heine was a very good student when he was in my journalism class at Cabrillo. He was one of many motivated, bright future writers. But I was really surprised when at the...

The best part of the new school year is that the teachers are fresh and enthusiastic, and the kids are glad to be back at school where they can reconnect with friends they hadn’t seen...

Brayden Willick, 12, from Branciforte Middle School, was the winner of this year’s Keep Santa Cruz Clean! poster contest, announced The City of Santa Cruz. This annual event encourages students to creatively express the importance...

In January of 1998 I was invited to write a guest article for Debbie Friedman’s Growing Up in Santa Cruz column, Birth Matters. Debbie quickly, and generously passed her column on to me, where I...

The root of the word encouragement is the Latin word cor, which means heart. When we encourage others, we hearten them, cheer them up, inspire confidence in them, and show them care and love.Encouragement plays...