UC To Begin Supplying Electricity Directly To 5 Campuses, 3 Med Centers

UC Santa Cruz is included.

Misfit or Miss Goody Two Shoes? Adolescent Misperceptions Abound, Researcher Says

New Stanford study finds that teens are influenced by "caricatures" of peers' sex lives and drug use. And that's not good for them.

Healthy Schools Act Law Expanded to Further Protect Children in Capitola-Soquel and CA

More info for parents about pest management in schools.

Stanford Has Bad News for Capitola

Geophysicist maps saltwater threat to California aquifers

Stanford: California Offers Budgetary Lessons for U.S. Government

Stanford law professor argues that California's budgetary actions offer a blueprint for resolving the federal budget stalemate.

Deadline Approaching for Scholarship Entry

Students from 6-12 grades may apply.

'California Thursdays' Program Serves Students Fresh California Food

Follow our link to get your school involved.

An Earthquake-Resistant House? Stanford Engineers Test, Build One

Team develops inexpensive design modifications that could be incorporated into new homes to reduce damage in an earthquake.

Stanford-led Study Assesses the Environmental Costs and Benefits of Fracking

Pros: clean natural gas replaces coal to generate electricity. Cons: health risk to neighbors of fracking.

Student Video Competition to Award $100K in Prizes

The contest is being held by C-SPAN

Back To School: Better Grades Don't Require Abuse of Prescription Drugs

Asking kids to ‘just say no’ is not enough, especially when the apparent reward outweighs whatever risk is involved.

Stanford Engineer Helps Determine How the Brain Learns New Tasks

Have trouble mastering a new task? Here's why.

Legislature Approves Community Colleges Giving 4-Year Degrees

The measure would allow the schools to offer the four-year degrees when a local workforce need for college graduates can be shown.

Your Young One Going to College? Help The Kid Out!

Some gadgets that might work quite well in times of stress when the college student needs to be on the ball -- or needs some nutrition.

Your Young One Going to College? Help The Kid Out!

Some gadgets that might work quite well in times of stress when the college student needs to be on the ball -- or needs some nutrition.

Stanford Study: Chronic Pain Crushes Your Mojo

Mice suffering chronic pain undergo a change in brain circuitry that makes them less willing to work for a reward.

Comcast Offers Free Internet Services to Eligible Families for Back to School

Read on to find out if your family qualifies for up to six months of free Internet service from Comcast.

Stanford Scientists Challenge Theory on Protection of Threatened Species

Scientists from Stanford have found that bumphead parrotfish become a threat when overfishing reduces the shark populations.

Billionaire’s Institute Donates $90 Million to Stanford

Stanford President John Hennessy called the gift “truly historic.”

UCSC Students and Workers Close Down the Campus Over Contract

Protestors say they just want to earn enough to send their own kids to the University. They also charge the University with harassing them for organizing efforts.

California Eighth-Graders Improve Reading Scores but Still Lag Nationally

National test score results released Thursday.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week—Brandon Ma

Seventh-grader is described as passionate debater, avid reader, drummer and Minecraft gamer.

Today's College Grads Won't Be Able to Retire Until They're 73

Student loan debt likely will force today's college grads to work longer.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week—Shriya Perati

Know an outstanding youth, sports team, school club or any accomplished young citizen who is deserving of this mini-profile honor? Send you nominations to sheila.sanchez@patch.com.

More Pictures from the Amazing and Touching Aptos Memorial Wall

Great Back to School Breakfast Ideas for Kids

Help your little one get a good start to the day with these easy-to-make, healthy morning meals.

Can Smartphones Make Smart Students? Schools Think So

No more pencils, no more books. iPads, smartphones and other technology find their way into the classroom.

Preschool Obesity Declining in California

1 in 8 preschool age children are obese in the US.

10 Back-to-School Tips From State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson

Classes in Capitola and Soquel have been in session for a couple of weeks now, but this is still helpful advice to get the school year off to a good start.

Suave Washes Away the Competition (Sponsored)

Parents enlist the help of Suave for its ability to gently soothe and wash away the remnants of the game. Sponsored by Suave.

State Test Scores Decline at Most Mid-County Schools

Only Santa Cruz Gardens saw its API score increase last year.

Is Your Teen On the New Social Media Website Ask.fm?

The site is gaining popularity among middle school and high school students, but it's also being criticized for allowing anonymity and bullying.

Santa Cruz County Parents Reject Vaccines at a Higher Rate Than State

Personal belief exemptions used by parents in the Soquel Union Elementary School District follow the county's trend.

Back-to-School Shopping Guide: Where to Shop for Deals

Capitola and Soquel have many options for parents trying to save a buck or two this back-to-school season.

How to Get Kids Back on the School-Sleeping Schedule

Follow these tips to help kids get ready for an 'early to bed and early to rise' schedule.

5 Laugh-Out-Loud Blogs to Start the School Year

You've bought the supplies (or not), you've got the new clothes (some of them), and like it or not, the first day of school is upon you. Here, some inspiration to get you ready for the year ahead.

Vaccines Required for School in California

Parents are reminded that children are not allowed in public schools without proof of immunization. Here's a look at what's required.

5 Easy School Lunch Ideas That Are Healthy, Too

Colorful and bite-size fresh fruit and veggies are not only fun to eat they are healthy – rich in anti-oxidants, nutrients and vitamins.

Backpack Basics: A Weighty Issue

Backpacks don't have to just look good, they have to feel good too. Keep your child comfortable this school year by finding a quality backpack during back-to-school shopping.

When is the First Day of School in Capitola and Soquel?

Hate to say it, but summer is drawing to a close. The Soquel Union Elementary School District and Soquel High School are both gearing to start classes later this month.