For over 50 years, Encompass Community Services has been a lifeline for thousands of individuals and families across Santa Cruz County. But while many recognize the name, few understand the full breadth of vital programs Encompass provides impacting children, teens, families, and adults across our community. From early childhood education to mental health counseling, substance […]
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The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County’s Literacy Program faces uncertain future — here’s three ways you can help
For nearly 60 years, the Volunteer Center’s Literacy Program has been a lifeline in Santa Cruz County, pairing adult learners with volunteer tutors who help them build English skills, confidence, and connection. Today, that lifeline is under threat. The program narrowly avoided federal budget cuts this year, but next year its future may be in […]
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Where storytelling meets symphony: Santa Cruz County welcomes world-class soloists
Experience an evening where timeless storytelling meets powerful musical expression. Across two performances—first at the Civic Auditorium on October 4, then at the Watsonville Mello Center on October 5—the Symphony showcases Concertmaster and Artist in Residence Nancy Zhou with acclaimed principal cellist Jonah Kim. Together, they bring to life a captivating program: Mascagni’s luminous Intermezzo […]
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10 reasons Gateway School’s Kindergarten is the perfect start for your child
“He comes home every day confident, happy and positive. It’s a bit of magic.” – Natascha, Gateway Parent At Gateway School, magic happens daily in our Kindergarten program. With an emphasis on exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning, everyone at Gateway turns your child’s natural curiosity into a lifelong love of learning. What makes Gateway’s Kindergarten […]
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UC Santa Cruz, The Conservation Fund partner to protect land and expand organic farming
By Scott Hernandez-Jason To advance conservation, teaching, and research, UC Santa Cruz and The Conservation Fund announced a collaboration that will conserve more than 200 acres of currently privately held land adjacent to the residential campus. In addition, the campus is pursuing a transformative plan to expand UC Santa Cruz’s research and education in sustainable organic […]
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Zoom Honk Smash is bringing big rigs and big messy fun to Santa Cruz on October 4
This October, the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery (MOD) is taking its mission beyond the museum walls and into the parking lot. On Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., MOD will debut Zoom Honk Smash: Touch a Truck, a free, family-friendly festival that transforms the Capitola Mall parking lot into a […]
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Hay Bales, Piggy Tales & Ewe! – Your guide to the 2025 Santa Cruz County Fair
And this year’s Santa Cruz County Fair (September 10th-14th) is extra special… because everyone who comes to the Santa Cruz County Fair is our special guest! That’s why the 2025 theme is so perfect: “Hay Bales, Piggy Tales & Ewe!” This year’s Fair, September 10th-14th, is bursting with fun and food, animals and entertainment, people […]
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Kaiser Permanente grant fuels teen chefs making a difference in Santa Cruz
Sixteen-year-old Lily Cabrera had a big job to do. Five weeks into her summer internship at Teen Kitchen Project in Soquel, California, the Santa Cruz High School student was chopping and prepping 42 pounds of broccoli. About 12 other teens were doing similar tasks in a spotless kitchen, preparing fresh, nutritious meals for Santa Cruz County residents […]
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At Kirby, belief comes first. That changes everything.
What if your child didn’t have to choose between challenge and care? At Kirby School, they don’t. This intentionally small, independent school for grades 6–12 in Santa Cruz is quietly redefining what a rigorous education looks like. The difference? Kirby leads with belief. The school’s core stance—Unconditional Positive Regard—means every student is seen, supported, and […]
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How Enhanced Care Management transforms lives—and could change yours
When Celia, a 45-year-old farmworker in Central California, was discharged from the hospital after five months of life-threatening complications, she returned home confused, in pain, and unsure how to care for her open surgical wound. She didn’t understand her treatment instructions, missed key appointments, and struggled with breathing. On top of it all, she spoke […]