Cabrillo College student housing takes shape

New student housing is taking shape at Cabrillo College, bringing 647 beds and new amenities to the Aptos campus. Here’s what students need to know about the project and how to stay updated. Cabrillo College is moving closer to opening its new Costa Vista student housing community, a first-of-its-kind partnership with UC Santa Cruz that […]

Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley’s forum to spotlight youth mental health, introduce allcove™ Watsonville

The Pajaro Valley will take a closer look at youth mental health — and the future of local support for young people — at the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley’s 2026 Health Forum on Friday, Sept. 18. This year’s forum, “Youth Mental Health in Pajaro Valley: Understanding Needs, Building Solutions,” will bring together health […]

Four financial steps to take as fire and storm season arrives on the Central Coast

Natural disasters have a way of disrupting more than the forecast.   Here on the central coast, wildfire, heavy rain, flooding, fallen trees, road closures, and power outages can quickly affect where we live, how we get to work, and our expenses.  We have seen just how quickly that can happen. You cannot control the weather, […]

The Pacific is preheating. Is your home ready?

The Pacific Ocean appears to have cranked the thermostat—and misplaced the remote. El Niño is officially underway, and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says it could become “very strong” this fall. That’s what often earns an event the unofficial—and slightly dramatic—nickname “Super El Niño.” El Niño happens when parts of the tropical Pacific warm above normal. […]

Accepting help can change your life – Meet Rafael and Rosa

Meet Rafael and Rosa. For them, life looks brighter now. But not long ago, life was different. Rafael was struggling with serious health issues and his family faced housing uncertainty. The family had difficulty facing Rafael’s medical diagnoses and proposed treatment. They were overwhelmed by the systems responsible for his medical and housing benefits. It […]

The secret Santa Cruzans have always known is becoming our city’s next great space. Be part of what’s next.

The Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries just announced that they are only $75,000 away from their $3 Million goal towards the build-out of the new Downtown Library. You might be surprised where you fit in this story — read on.  Long before there were think pieces about third spaces and the loneliness epidemic, […]

Top 10 ways to volunteer in Santa Cruz County this August

By Shawn Peterson, Executive Director, Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County At the Volunteer Center, our mission is simple: connect people for good. As I step into the role of Executive Director, I am deeply honored to help lead and strengthen our community’s long-standing spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. Taking the helm of this organization […]

Community Health Trust to celebrate local changemakers at the 2026 Rather Awards

Every community has individuals and organizations whose quiet dedication makes life better for everyone around them. On Friday, August 21, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley (CHT) will celebrate those efforts during its annual Rather Awards, honoring local leaders whose work has strengthened health, education, and quality of life throughout the Pajaro Valley. Held […]

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