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...
Porter Building again up for sale
WATSONVILLE—The City of Watsonville is once again looking to fill the historic Porter Building in downtown.
City officials on Nov. 12 released a request for proposals (RFP) for the sale or long-term lease of the two-story, 15,000-square-foot building at the corner of Main and Maple...
Survey predicts Santa Cruz County tourism will return
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The county’s tourist hotspots—along with its restaurants and hotels—can expect a slight uptick in business this summer from Californians seeking to hit the road for short road trips, according to a survey released Wednesday by Visit Santa Cruz County (VSCC).
This prediction is...
Wargin Wines moving production from Watsonville to Gilroy
After nine years, Wargin Wines will be moving its production and tasting room out of Watsonville—at least for the time being.
The winery, which was established in December of 2012, was one of the first wineries to settle in the Pajaro Valley in recent years....
Capitola Mall redesign to house hundreds
CAPITOLA—Too many housing units. Not in line with Capitola’s “unique” feel and community. A fiscal “wash.”
These critiques and concerns—and several others—came to light at the Capitola City Council’s Nov. 14 meeting concerning the planned redevelopment of the hollowed Capitola Mall.
The council took no action...
The Farm House opening in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—If Dino Saavedra had it his way, he would open his new Watsonville restaurant this weekend.
“My dad just wants to start cooking already,” Saavedra’s daughter, Andrea Saavedra, said. “I think we’re all excited to open up.”
Dino and Andrea Saavedra will have to keep a...
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.
Harbor Freight opens doors
Dozens of customers on April 6 were browsing the aisles of Harbor Freight, Watsonville’s newest hardware store.
Community voices support for PV Arts Porter Building pitch
WATSONVILLE—More than two dozen community members at Tuesday night’s Watsonville City Council meeting showed resounding support for the Pajaro Valley Arts Council’s planned rebuild of the historic Porter Building, a City of Watsonville-owned property at the gateway of downtown. And a competing proposal from...
Taylor’s Office City closing doors
A little more than seven decades ago, as the nation recovered from World War II and Main Street America flourished, Taylor’s Office City opened its doors in Watsonville and henceforth became the city’s preferred destination for all manner of office supplies.
On June 30, the...
Letters to the Editor, Jan. 23–29
Passenger rail price estimates too high
One can never convince me that restoring the Santa Cruz Branch rail line for passenger rail would cost an...





















