Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health and together they work in synchrony to determine our overall well-being. Mental health conditions are extremely common and often treatable. Before the pandemic, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth experienced a mental health condition each year. However, for a variety of reasons, only about […]
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1,500 reasons to give: Adopt-a-Family brings holiday joy to Santa Cruz County children
Want to jump-start that feeling of holiday joy you had as a child? You are invited to join a cherished local tradition: giving the gift of joy through the Volunteer Center’s Adopt-a-Family program. Bringing joy to a child is one of the greatest feelings of all, that embodies what this season is all about. Adopt-A […]
Grey Bears is nourishing Santa Cruz County seniors, one bear hug at a time
For half a century, Grey Bears has served as a vital lifeline for seniors providing nourishment for the mind, body, and soul. A uniquely Santa Cruz Organization, Grey Bears has organically grown to become the beating heart of a community that believes in the transformative power of genuine human connections, centered around the simple joy […]
Transforming lives, one smile at a time: Support equitable dental care in Santa Cruz County
Think going to the dentist is scary? Imagine not being able to. Take the story of Nancy White, a 68-year-old Santa Cruz resident facing a dire dental predicament due to financial constraints and the lack of dental insurance.* Unfortunately, her story isn’t uncommon. Many people from low-resourced families defer dental care—the cost is simply too […]
Double your impact and support the hidden heroes behind Santa Cruz’s legendary trails
Trails in Santa Cruz are a special kind of magic. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to local parks to hike through towering redwoods, mountain bike across coastal terraces and take in the jaw-dropping views only Santa Cruz can provide. Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (SCMTS) is the local nonprofit behind our trails’ care and […]
Empowering 22,000 vulnerable residents: Help deliver essential services to older adults, children & families
As we approach the end of the year and gather with our loved ones to celebrate the holidays, let’s take a moment to reflect on the remarkable challenges that this year has brought into the lives of many in Santa Cruz County and the broader Central Coast community. These challenges would have seemed insurmountable were […]
Don’t empty your wallet this winter: 21 low-cost Santa Cruz County holiday events
While the holidays bring about feelings of love, joy, and celebration, they can also bring about stress and put a strain on budgets. Use this season as an opportunity to focus on the things that matter most in life and spark the holiday spirit in your heart by spending time with the ones you love. […]
Lookout Update: New office, anniversary party and a great year ahead
In the first installment of this week’s column, Lookout wine expert Laurie Love reviews the Wines of the Santa Cruz…
TEDxSantaCruz returns, calling for speakers to rise together with big ideas to address challenges
So much has transpired since TEDxSantaCruz last took place in Santa Cruz. Back in December 2019, speakers and performers gathered together at the Rio Theater to discuss the “Art of Hope”; now, that vision inspires the next iteration of TEDx in our community. Last month, TEDxSantaCruz organizers announced its sixth event, scheduled for Saturday, April […]
Flooded California towns secured millions in aid. Who gets the money?
Residents of Pajaro and Planada want state aid to help alleviate debt incurred from rebuilding after January floods. Local officials want some money to go elsewhere.

