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...
Return to recycling produces long lines in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—A huge line of vehicles is almost constant now in front of A&S Metals on West Beach Street.
It’s one of few spots the public can cash in its recyclables, which, for some, have been piling up around the house since the novel coronavirus shuts...
Ex-Driscoll’s exec sentenced to 2 years in prison for embezzlement
SAN JOSE—A former executive at an international Watsonville berry giant was sentenced Thursday to more than two years in federal prison for embezzlement, United States Attorney David Anderson announced.
Marc Marier, 42, was sentenced to 29 months in prison and ordered to pay more than...
Commercial crab season pushed back
SANTA CRUZ—Based on updated information and in response to concerns from the commercial Dungeness crab fleet, including written requests from Port Associations to further delay, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham has delayed the start date for the California Dungeness...
New business space in East Fifth Plaza
The East Fifth Plaza has undergone a major renovation.
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...
Staff of Life market to open in East Lake Village
Staff of Life, a Santa Cruz-based natural foods store that launched nearly a half-century ago, will move into the space occupied by Super Max Discount Foods.
Keeping it rolling: Tips from the pros to keep your car on the road
WATSONVILLE—The U.S. is a country built on the backbone of its roadway system – a vast network of lanes, roads and freeways that connect us to home workplace, and untold adventures.
But all of that travel largely depends on vehicles, which in turn rely on...
Fresh start
Ahn and his wife, Soon Ja, recently opened Kong’s Burgers & Café at El Pájaro Community Development Corporation’s Plaza Vigil business incubator in downtown Watsonville.
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...
Students learn the power of the vote at Civics Summit
On Friday, about 150 high school juniors from across Santa Cruz County cast their first ballots on three issues that, if passed, would dramatically...






















