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A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
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One last "Boo"
and Onward We Go to our Thankful Season
Today and tonight, tradition reigns. We welcome the little trick or treaters to our doors, admire their costumes, offer them a treat and say "Hi" to neighbors.
This year the pumpkin and Halloween season seemed very full and long. I'm thankful to be looking forward to Thanksgiving. You too?
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First we vote, if we haven't already.
As citizens of the United States we the people, all of us, are the "employers" of those whom we elect to represent us. We are a large and powerful country struggling with our size, role and direction. Our policies affect millions -here and around the world. It's our awesome responsibility and privilege to choose the most qualified leaders. We must exercize all the knowledge we have to select the best to represent our interests.
We listen, read, talk with others, ask questions. Our foundation is a knowledge of history and our constitution, an ability to engage in healthy inquiry and a skepticism that helps us sift through political verbiage.
As a parent we begin modeling the concept of voting/choosing with the simple "Do you want to wear your red hat or your blue hat?
As our children grow and become more aware of the larger world how will we handle guiding them in their roles as citizens? It took me a good amount of reading many articles to find advice that did not have a political angle. Apologies for not sharing this sooner!
A dad friend with adult children told me. "My children all have different views than mine on current politics and they don't always agree with each other either. I enjoy them so much. I guess I taught them to think for themselves. We love and respect each other. Life is good."
Rest, read, reflect in quiet and make your very own choices, Parmalee
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How to Guide Your Kid Through Election Season
by Caroline Knorr Specialist in translating complex information into bite-sized chunks to help families make informed choices
In a fraught political era, news literacy skills help kids view information
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Pre-cooked Thanksgiving Meal Services
Recommended by Locals
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I grew up in a big time foodie family in which almost everyone prepared meals, especially the men.
Dad traveled and often brought back recipes for gourmet dishes he had enjoyed.
Mom’s meals were solid New England basics like meatloaf, baked potatoes and peas.
Between the two of them we ate well. Now when we have gatherings -Thanksgiving for example- the host does the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. Creative side dishes arrive with guests and soon we are celebrating Thanksgiving.
Not every family has the time or fascination with the prep side of this holiday. If that is you, here’s some advice from locals on the best pre-cooked services. Their experiences with ordering a pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinner are positive. And you can still enjoy the wonderful aromas when warming.
When you call, if you missed the ordering deadlines, don't panic, you CAN do a simple dinner: small turkey or only a breast, mashed potatoes, peas, cranberry sauce (directions on package) and gravy. Get thee online for advice! Definitely put a note on your October 1, 2025 calendar to call your favorite store and ask about ordering date openings. To the caterers list and comments > > >
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Ask Yesenia: Embracing the Holidays | |
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by Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo
I love this time of year, filled with joy, cherished traditions, gratitude - and let’s not forget those wonderfully cozy moments. The holidays often encourage us to reflect on and appreciate what we have, especially our loved ones. However, they can also be challenging for families, bringing stress along with the celebrations. I’ve come to realize that it’s perfectly okay to feel both things at once. I love family gatherings, yet I also find myself feeling stressed at times. Instead of simply celebrating, the holidays can sometimes feel like something we need to survive. This season, I want to remind myself to be present, savor the small moments, and truly enjoy my family. Who’s joining me?
Dear Yesenia, We’re visiting my partner’s family for about a week over the holidays, which involves traveling with two young children (3, 6). Since they live far away, we only get to see them once a year during the holidays. We’ll be staying at my partner’s parents’ house, and my kids often feel overwhelmed in unfamiliar places and around “new” people. I also worry about myself. I often receive unwanted parenting advice, which adds to my stress and makes it hard for me to feel like myself while caring for my kids. Do you have any tips for me? Ava
Read Yesenia's suggestions for Ava > > >
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Free Day Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Friday, November 1, 11am – 4pm, Hey! Free day! Pop-on by for a dose of nature connectedness. Access to the Museum is for everyone, which is why we offer free admission every month on the first Friday. Join us. Details | | | |
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Glass Blowing Demos and Sea Glass Art – First Friday at Chris Johnson Glass/Studio Zayante, Friday, November 1, 3-7pm, Join us for November First Friday in our glass blowing studio and gallery where we’re hosting guest artist Cathy Carte.
Cathy is a Santa Cruz based artist who captures the essence of summer days and the beach combing life with her one of a kind sea-glass jewelry and memento vessels. Glass blowing demos throughout the evening! Also check out our gallery for advance holiday gift shopping, including glass pumpkins, vases, ornaments, glass jewelry, and of course sea glass art by our guest artist, Cathy Carter. Details
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Watsonville Film Festival’s Dia de Los Muertos, Friday, November 1, 4 – 9pm, Join us for the 7th Annual Dia de Muertos Festival on November 1 from 4-9 PM at the City Plaza. Celebrate this beautiful tradition featuring altars, live music and dance and hands-on activities and the screening of coco! Details
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Adaptations Concert by Santa Cruz Symphony, Saturday, November 2 7:30 PM at Civic Auditorium
Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 PM at Henry J. Mello Center
Classical music is always evolving, always being transformed by its many interpretations. Our Adaptations concert will take us to a higher level of insight with works by Antonín Dvořák, Erich Korngold, and Josef Sekon.
Join Santa Cruz Symphony, Music Director Daniel Stewart, and our dazzling Artist in Residence and Concertmaster Nancy Zhou as we explore the interplay of culture and art through music. Details
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Home Depot Kids Workshops, November 2, 9am – 12pm, Join us for free in-person Kids Workshops.
2600 41st Avenue, Soquel or
355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville
Details
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West Cliff Day of Dead Outdoor Market, Saturday, November 2, 10am-5pm, Come meet unique artisans and enjoy the food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one of a kind market will feature hand crafted gifts. We will also be giving away free tokens every hour to random shoppers. The tokens can be used towards any vendor of your choice. So come down and get your free gift. Details
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Sewing for Kids, Saturday, November 2, 10:30am-12pm, Join Sewing for Kids Downtown! Come make something special with us. A different hand sewing project is offered each month. For October, we are making Button Owls. No sewing experience needed. Recommended for ages 7-12. Registration required. Details
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History comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park. Saturday, November 1, 11am-3pm, Join us for a trip back in time at the fascinating historic complex at Wilder Ranch State Park.
There are vintage games to play, tours, and cool things to explore.
As always, this event is free and open to all. Parking is $10 per car. Programs subject to change. Rain cancels. Details
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Tales to Tails Garfield Park, Monday, November 4, 3:30-4:30pm, Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by reading to certified therapy dogs. Child must be 6-17 years old, and already reading to some degree. Our volunteer handlers are there to provide support but are not trained reading instructors. Appointments are required. Details
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Arboretum Free Day, First Tuesday, November 5, 9am-5pm, The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is a conservation garden of rare, endangered and extraordinary plants from around the world. The gift shop is very eager to show off unique gifts. We are open daily, 9am to 5pm. Details
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The Little Chefs with author Rosemary Wells, Sunday, November 10, 4-5pm, Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes award-winning author-illustrator Rosemary Wells for a reading and signing of her wonderful new picture book The Little Chefs. For anyone who’s tried to whip up something special for someone they love, and stumbled -here is the book for you. Not since her classic Voyage to the Bunny Planet, has Rosemary Wells created such a heart-stopper. Registration required. Details
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Tai Chi for Teens, Tuesday, November 5, 5-6pm through November 19, Join us at Capitola Library. Tai Chi is a gentle, flowing martial art. Tai Chi teacher, Rob Owen, has over 21 years of experience as a school principal, author, and classroom teacher. Rob’s practice of mindful movement has helped students regulate emotions and maintain focus. This program incorporates physical activity. Parents will need to sign a waiver before children can participate. Details
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Rancho Siempre Verde Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch, Saturdays & Sundays 9am-4:30pm, September 28 – November 16, Join Rancho Siempre Verde’s family farm for our annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch! Bring your family and friends and dogs. Pick pumpkins, cut flowers, grab a peck of apples, make a fall wreath, have a picnic, take a swing on our swings, and enjoy our farm activities all overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Details
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Ice Skate in Union Square! Daily, November 6 – January 25, 10am-11pm, Gather your family and friends for a beloved holiday tradition! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente is back for its 17th magical season of outdoor skating and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Details
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Mi Casa es Tu Casa on Sunday, November 3, 1pm-3pm! You’re invited to the opening reception. Enjoy a day of art, culture, and community with altar installations, performances by White Hawk Aztec Dancers, Grupo ADN, and Estrellas de Esperanza.
Grab some tasty treats from El Cafecito and El Pato Frutas y Antojitos also in attendance! Don’t miss this family-friendly celebration! We’ll have art activities and more! Details
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"Out of this World: Looking to the Stars". Looking for an early Halloween event for the kids? through November 17, Swing by the Museum today to experience our special exhibit, "Out of this World: Looking to the Stars". We're open until 4 p.m. Free Museum entry with your EBT card through the Museums for All Program! Details
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Poetry and Music in the Park, November 3, 1:30-3:30pm, Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy and a blanket to sit on while listening to live music and hearing local poets read from their work at Poetry in the Park. All ages welcome. Musicians 1:30-2 p.m., Poets 2-3pm, and musicians again from 3-3:30pm. Details
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Seacliff State Beach invites you to join our History Walk on November 3 at 10:30 am.
To Register, follow these steps:
1. Got to https://santacruzstateparks.as.me
2. Look for Guided History Walk at Seacliff
3. Click Book.
4. Click on the time the walk starts (10:30 am).
5. Fill out the information and you are all set!
Meet us on the deck of the Seacliff Visitor Center at 10:30 am. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Rain Cancels this event.
Details
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Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz Family, Our Adopt a Family Website is LIVE! Now’s your chance to make a difference this holiday season by adopting a family in need. Provide joy and essential items to local families facing tough times. Visit our website today and help bring holiday magic to those who need it most! Details
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JuneBug’s Gym Preschool Halloween Party, Thursday, October 31, 10am – 2pm, Join us for our Annual Halloween Open House! Come join us for an hour of fun and explore a child friendly “Haunted Gym!” Snacks, craft time, and goodie bag for all children.
Please sign-up through our website. Details
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Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! November
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