Council approves parklet pilot program
WATSONVILLE—With the Covid-19 pandemic—and the restrictions on businesses that have come with it—sticking around for the foreseeable future, the City of Watsonville is hoping a new program will allow restaurants and shops to better handle the hurdles currently in front of them.
The Parklet Program...
In the family for six decades
Hilltop Mini Mart, 1007 Salinas Road, has remained family-owned since 1956.
Rolling Hills garden comes to life
WATSONVILLE—A long-neglected garden at Rolling Hills Middle School was brought back to life Thursday thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Watsonville company K&D Landscaping.
Armed with a host of tools and dozens of starter plants, the crew tore into the hard-packed soil as part...
K&D Landscaping honored with statewide award
WATSONVILLE—The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) recently presented various awards to K&D Landscaping, Inc., a Central Coast landscape contractor, during its annual convention.
“The awards represent peak excellence within the landscaping industry and aim to shine a light on the talent and hard work...
Small businesses look to holiday shoppers for support
WATSONVILLE—On Nov. 28, Watsonville joined the annual nationwide shopping movement known as Small Business Saturday, which aims to encourage shoppers to support businesses in their community. The event had a number of small stores at the East Lake Village Shopping Center opening for special...
Rancho Del Mar center continues to fill with shops
With final detail touches underway in the major overhaul of the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, several businesses are now open and others are on deck.
Staff of Life delays opening of Watsonville location until 2021
WATSONVILLE—Staff of Life has delayed the opening of its Watsonville location until next year, according to spokeswoman Hollie Wendt.
The Santa Cruz-based natural foods store was set to open its second location in the East Lake Village Shopping Center sometime in the fall.
“After much discussion...
The Hideout on the rebound
APTOS—Siding construction is underway on The Hideout restaurant that was largely destroyed by fire in May 2019.
Workers from Costa Bella Builders are behind the rebuild of the popular eatery nestled beneath a canopy of redwoods at 9051 Soquel Drive between Rio del Mar and...
Local personal trainer launches new business
WATSONVILLE—Opening a new business during a global pandemic might at first seem like a risky move. But for Christian Diaz, it was also an opportunity.
With most fitness centers throughout the state remaining closed to stop the spread of Covid-19, people have been looking for...
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...
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...




















