‘McLaren’ of racing bikes manufacturing in Pajaro
PAJARO—In a factory centered in a rural stretch of Pajaro, a small team of workers and engineers was busy one Tuesday afternoon hand-building a new line of cross-country racing bicycles they hope one day will be used by Olympic athletes.
The work was happening in...
Little Trends Boutique marks anniversary
In the past three years, Little Trends Boutique has gone from a small online operation, where its co-owners would load up their kids in their cars and deliver clothing orders to customers, to a rapidly growing business with multiple employees and seasonal family-friendly events...
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...
El Frijolito expanding and remodeling
WATSONVILLE—For nearly four decades, El Frijolito restaurant has been serving traditional Mexican fare in its sit-down dining room at 11 Alexander St.
Now in its 38th year, the place is perhaps best known for its walk-up window on the 400 block of Union Street, which...
California Pajarosa navigates a changing industry
Business at California Pajarosa Floral, one of Watsonville’s last remaining large flower growers, has altered drastically since the outbreak of Covid-19 last year.
Already dealing with an evolving industry before the pandemic due to growth in offshore production, things came to a sudden halt at...
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...
Gov. Newsom announces assistance for Covid-impacted businesses
SACRAMENTO—Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced that the state will provide temporary tax relief for eligible businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.
Under the plan, taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax receive an automatic three-month income tax extension. It also...
Spicing up his life: Former tech engineer launches new food venture
APTOS—As a young man, Bapcha Murty moved from his native Chennai, India to attend UC Los Angeles and become an engineer. He went on to a career in the Silicon Valley tech industry that spanned more than two decades in several companies.
But when Murty...
Chamber adds Ohmann to team
Fiaau Ohmann has joined the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s team to help develop businesses.
Martinelli’s among brands searching for safer bottle cap options
WATSONVILLE—When the nonprofit Defend Our Health tested bottle caps from 141 beverage brands, they found potentially harmful chemicals in more than a third of them. Two Martinelli’s products were among these brands, but the Watsonville-based apple juice and cider company says it is now...
Aptos duo awarded top honors for stellar play on the pitch...
Aptos High seniors Ivan Zavala and Daniel Lozano each were recognized as two of the top players in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League...






















