Organic produce sales up 9%, tops $2B for the quarter
Total organic fresh produce sales for the first quarter of 2021 saw a continuation of last year’s growth, increasing by 9.3% from the same period in 2020 and topping $2.2 billion for the quarter, according to the Q1 2021 Organic Produce Performance Report released...
Iconic Santa Cruz florist expands into East Lake Village
WATSONVILLE—On Dec. 1, the East Lake Shopping Center in Watsonville welcomed its newest addition. Ferrari Florist, located at 928 East Lake Ave., is now the third store for the 74-year-old business in Santa Cruz County.
Five years ago, Brian and Marilyn Piazza noticed that a...
Watsonville City Council sets study session for food trucks
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council will hold a study session on food trucks near the end of its Tuesday evening virtual meeting.
The item was included in the meeting’s agenda released Thursday evening, but there was no staff report attached to it, causing confusion and worry...
Historic Mansion House vacant after New China Buffet closes
WATSONVILLE—The historic Mansion House in downtown Watsonville is searching for a new, hip tenant.
The New China Buffet permanently closed its doors at the end of 2019 and the Tufo family is looking to fill the 3,800-square-foot space at 420 Main St. with a new...
Photo: Salmon season begins in Monterey Bay
Scores of fishers took to the sea out of the Santa Cruz Harbor Sunday to test their skills in snaring a few salmon. The salmon season began April 3 in the Monterey Bay area and down south to the U.S.-Mexico border. The length of...
Circus Vargas sets up at Capitola Mall
Workers are busy Tuesday setting up the bigtop tent for the visiting Circus Vargas in the parking lot of the Capitola Mall.
As business expo returns, locals share optimism for 2022
WATSONVILLE—On April 7, businesses from across the region will come together for the first time in three years at the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s annual Business Expo and Job Fair.
This year’s theme is “Spring Fling,” celebrating the return of not only...
Chamber adds Ohmann to team
Fiaau Ohmann has joined the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s team to help develop businesses.
Santa Cruz Balsamics continues to grow
Owner works from Watsonville’s El Pajaro CDC
For Kim Tush, the best part of her job is being able to work on her feet.
Just a few years ago, Tush was paralyzed after a surgery complication. Following her recovery, she decided to take a big step—literally...
Miyuki Restaurant goes on the market
Chris Ishikawa took over as owner at Miyuki Japanese Restaurant in 2016 after starting off as a busboy and a server, before making his way behind the sushi bar where he and the kitchen staff continue to make what most consider the best sushi...
Former Watsonville mayor Francisco “Paco” Estrada appointed to Cabrillo board
Cabrillo College’s Board of Trustees on Monday appointed Francisco “Paco” Estrada to fill the Trustee Area V seat.
The seat—which includes the City of Watsonville...






















