U.S. readies small-business grants as PPP nears end
The federal government is preparing to open two new industry-specific small-business relief programs, one of them months in the works, as its signature pandemic aid effort, the Paycheck Protection Program, nears its end.
The Small Business Administration said it hopes to start taking applications by...
Freedom Meat Lockers is a delight | Try This
Todd Guild
Freedom Meat Lockers
One of my favorite things to do for lunch in Watsonville is head over to Freedom Meat Lockers, which in addition to its high-quality selection of carnivores’ delights, also offers a deli counter.
Normally when I hear the word ‘deli’ I cringe,...
Monsbey College: Preparing students for careers
Founded in 2008, Monsbey College specializes in affordable training in healthcare careers, such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, NCLEX Exam preparation and CPR and First Aid.
Brothers slice into downtown: Plans for pizzeria in historic downtown building
Two Watsonville brothers — one a trained chef and the other a community organizer — plan to reopen a shuttered downtown restaurant to serve New York-style pizza and mugs of craft beer.
Local paint company restores iconic Pajaro Valley buildings
They’ve painted over 1,000 houses in Watsonville. Now the Hernandez father and sons company are on a roll, tackling a massive paint job for one of the most prominent historical homes in Watsonville, the 1901 Porter-Pista home on the corner of East Beach and...
Church Christmas Tree Farms open for business
ROYAL OAKS—Last year, Church Christmas Tree Farms celebrated its 60th year. The family-owned business, now run by Glenn Church and his two sons, has become a local destination for families to come and cut down their own tree during the holidays.
And the Covid-19 pandemic...
Santa Cruz REI opens doors Friday
SANTA CRUZ—With a short welcoming greeting to a small crowd gathered outside Santa Cruz’s new REI store Wednesday evening, manager John Davis opened the doors for the first time, allowing employees’ friends and family a peek before the store opens Friday.
An abbreviation of Recreational...
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...
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.
County businesses achieve ‘green’ status
Four Watsonville businesses will join 19 others across the county in receiving Green Business Certificates.
Watsonville nurses rally against ICU closure
Several dozen Watsonville Community Hospital nurses and staff warned Wednesday that closing the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit—an idea they said officials have floated amid...






















