New business space in East Fifth Plaza
The East Fifth Plaza has undergone a major renovation.
Local Christmas tree farm celebrates 60 years
ROYAL OAKS—It was the early 1920s when Glenn Church’s great-grandfather, Clinton King, purchased a piece of land in a heavily-wooded area of North Monterey County.
Nearly 70 years old at the time, King cleared out the plot—chock full of oak trees—by hand.
“Whenever I’m out here...
Hampton Inn opens in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—A project seven years in the making, the 112-room Hampton Inn & Suites opened its doors Monday morning on Lee Road in Watsonville.
The four-story hotel flanks a new Starbucks coffee house and a newly opened Arco gas station and AM/PM mini market, all under...
Local care, local pride: Tony’s Auto a Watsonville staple since 1994
WATSONVILLE—Tony’s Auto Service, nestled in a crunch of busy shops and the ebb and flow of Freedom Boulevard traffic, has been a staple auto repair spot in Watsonville for the past 26 years.
If it’s new wiper blades, a smog check or full-blown valve job...
Hampton Inn set to open in March
WATSONVILLE — The new Hampton Inn & Suites on Lee Road is slated for an early March opening.
Owner Juggy Tut said he is excited about the doors finally swinging open at the 112-room, four-story inn that has largely been constructed during the pandemic.
“We’re looking...
Wine event reignites vacant downtown location
WATSONVILLE—The long-vacant Gottschalks building in downtown Watsonville will come to life on Oct. 17 for Uncorked in Downtown, an evening of wine, food and fun put on by Pacific Coast Development.
The event, spearhead by Neva Hansen, will feature wines from Anatum Winery, Wargin Wines,...
Cowboy’s Corner Cafe celebrates 10 years
This past Presidents’ Day on Feb. 18, Juan and Paula Diaz had more reason to celebrate than just the national holiday. The date also marked the 10th anniversary of their family restaurant, Cowboy’s Corner Cafe, located on Main Street in Watsonville.
Christmas tree sellers optimistic despite national shortage
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, tree farms across the nation are thrust into the spotlight and sellers start their busiest time of year.
This year, the industry is holding steady, despite a nationwide shortage that is pushing up prices. Heatwaves and fires that...
Romo Park up for lease
Once home to the Stoesser Building, the lot has been empty since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused irreparable damage to the historic structure in the heart of Watsonville’s downtown.
Watsonville Prep gains approval to move into Gottschalks building
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Prep School has found a home in downtown Watsonville.
The Watsonville Planning Commission on Tuesday approved plans to remodel a portion of the long-vacant Gottschalks Building on Main Street into a 41,000-square-foot school.
Navigator Schools, the parent organization of the charter school, and the Hansen...
Proposition 50 starts strong, with 64% of the statewide vote
Early results Tuesday night showed Proposition 50 ahead by a slight margin, with just over 64% of Californians voting yes, and 77.8% of Santa...




















