Welcome April! Depending on where you live, April is: starting seeds, allergies, tearing eyes, tornadoes, daffodils, baby birds and animals, warmer days, spring rains, gentler winds, gardening, children growing faster and .... What's April to you?

“What’s Home? Creative Listening Across Differences” examines housing in Santa Cruz County viewed through the lens of film and art. Project 418 is hosting a special night of screenings and performances on Saturday April 15, 7pm. Andrew Purchin, creative director of the project, sees the housing crisis as a major flashpoint..."

Before you read about this project, take a few moments to think about "What's home to you?" Ask yourself and ask the children: What's home to you?

Treasure their answers! Nurture what they love about "home." Parmalee

These classics are precious! One of them is so inspiring that it makes me tear up every time I read it! You too? Bookshop Santa Cruz offers a list of children's Easter books. Our local libraries have lots of Easter books!

“I am one of those homeless people who refuses to accept being homeless, so it’s a big deal for me,” said Michelle, who has been unhoused since May 2021 and who participated in the project.* “During 12 years of my active service in the military I felt more secure in what I was doing, what my mission statement was, you know that I was taking care, somebody had my back and I have been praying that being homeless won’t be that one thing that breaks me, because I don't feel safe being homeless.” 

What's home? Habitat for Humanity families answered.

What's home? Ted Talks

It’s hard to believe that a few months ago, California was still in a deep drought, with many concerns about the lack of water. Now, after multiple atmospheric rivers, many people’s lives have been turned upside-down (yet again) by events they have no control over. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of the storms and floods on families, many of whom already faced challenges meeting basic needs. While the water may recede, the emotional ripple effects of the loss, disruption, and uncertainty will last a long time. Giving and receiving mutual support and aid is more important than ever.

Dear Nicole, My family had to evacuate in the middle of the night because of the floods. We had to throw away a lot of our clothes, furniture, and toys because they were damaged. Luckily, my aunt is letting us stay with her until we find another place to live, but it’s crowded and my kids are missing their beds and toys. They’re 4 and 6, and they keep crying and whining that they want to go home. I know they’re scared but I don’t know what to tell them. What should I do? Margarita

Everyone is welcome to join us! Check out the wildlife and family-friendly activities at the 17th annual Summit for the Planet on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Mount Madonna School.

From barn owls and bearded dragons to California kingsnakes and turkey vultures, the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with wildlife at the annual Summit for the Planet Earth Day festival is always a huge draw.

Children and adults alike enjoy the many birds, reptiles and amphibians shared by the Bay Area Herpetological Society and Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center, two participants in this community eco-festival.

This FREE admission public event begins with a 5K family hike through the redwoods, and features an eco-carnival, face painting, live wildlife and reptile area, a “trash fashion” show, model solar car races, activities, live music and tasty food.

For a detailed schedule, Learn more > > >