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As needs rise, Dientes opens doors and offers hope for families

For many people, a trip to the dentist triggers anxiety—but imagine adding another layer: not  knowing if you can afford the visit, wrestling with insurance paperwork, or having no coverage at all. What should be routine healthcare suddenly becomes a closed door.  Jennifer, a Watsonville native, returned home after more than ten years away, searching for […]

Stress is piling on for Santa Cruz families, and the Children’s Museum is stepping up to provide relief

Santa Cruz County families are navigating one of the most stressful periods in recent memory. Parents are already stretched thin between sky-high housing costs and the demands of multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Recent developments with government shutdowns and a changing childcare landscape are pushing families to the brink. According to First 5 […]

Capitola Mall highlights shift toward locally owned storefronts ahead of Small Business Saturday

There’s a distinct new rhythm at Capitola Mall. What once felt like a traditional mall anchored by national chains is now quietly undergoing a transformation—one that centers on local entrepreneurs, community energy, and genuine connections. As Small Business Saturday approaches, the timing couldn’t feel more right for the mall to step into its next chapter. […]

Built for this moment: Community Bridges will be the light during these dark times

The coming year will test the strength and spirit of our community. Beginning in 2026, many sweeping policy changes as a result of H.R.1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—and state budget cuts will take hold across the nation and in our own backyard. Here in Santa Cruz County, they will reshape how families access food, health […]

Help keep families together: Support the Rebele Family Shelter

For nearly 20 years, hope has found a home at the Rebele Family Shelter (RFS). Since opening in 2005, RFS has provided stability and connection for more than 675 families with children experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz County. “I stayed at RFS for four months with my daughters,” said Jennifer, a former RFS participant. “I […]

Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship: Building new trails since 1997

Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (SCMTS) has operated in the area since 1997, and their work as a nonprofit trails organization has opened up some of Santa Cruz’s most popular trails to the public.  Because of their work, Wilder Ranch Trails reaches up to Empire Grade, there’s an iconic Flow Trail in the depths of […]

You can make the holidays joyful for Santa Cruz families in need

More than 2,000 children and teens across Santa Cruz County are hoping for brighter holidays this year. The Volunteer Center’s Adopt-a-Family program makes it easy for neighbors to step in and share joy. The holidays should feel bright and magical for every child. But for thousands of kids across Santa Cruz County, the season can […]

Where art meets the ocean: A Santa Cruz illustrator builds community through fish, science, and story

For Santa Cruz artist and scientific illustrator Amadeo Bachar, everything begins — and ultimately returns — to the sea He was born in Waddell Valley, just north of town, when his dad welded for Big Creek Lumber as well as served as caretaker for Rancho Del Oso with his mom.  “I grew up surrounded by Monterey […]

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