59.4 F
Watsonville
April 7, 2026

In the family for six decades

Hilltop Mini Mart, 1007 Salinas Road, has remained family-owned since 1956.

Paycheck Protection Program again under scrutiny after list of recipients released

paycheck protection program watsonville
The half-trillion-dollar loan program advertised as a lifesaver for the country’s struggling small businesses is again under fire after the Small Business Administration on Monday released a list containing hundreds of recipients of the program, revealing that several private equity-backed chains owned by members...

Historic SeaBreeze Tavern demolished

SeaBreeze Tavern
RIO DEL MAR—Nearly 11 months after a fire gutted the historic Seabreeze Tavern and severely weakened the structure, demolition of the building began Tuesday. The work is being conducted by a private contractor, Santa Cruz County spokesperson Jason Hoppin said. It is not clear what...

Construction continues on Watsonville laundromat

WATSONVILLE—Work continues on Laundry Day, the new Laundromat on the corner of Brennan Street and East Lake Avenue.  Situated in the former Union Bank (and Watsonville Federal Savings and Loan before that), the remodeling project, which has gone on for more than a year, is...

Nonprofit helping the community help itself

handwash stations aptos
APTOS—In her more than two decades of working with nonprofit organizations, C.J. Runyon spent eight years with Walu International, which among other things helps provide hand-washing stations to rural communities in Papua New Guinea and Nicaragua, where poor sanitation leads to a myriad of...

Beer Mule opens in Watsonville

The owners of Beer Mule were hoping for an easy “soft opening” when they announced their first night via Instagram on Saturday.

Customers, businesses contend with escalating meat prices

Labor Day Weekend is fast approaching, and many are looking to stock up on foods for barbecues and other outdoor gatherings. But this year is different, for both consumers and suppliers alike, and it has a lot to do with the current high price of...

Following 2019 fire, The Hideout reopens

The Hideout fire reopens aptos
APTOS—Almost two years after a fire, The Hideout restaurant in Aptos is back up to speed with a slightly expanded building, modern upgrades and nearly a full menu. The popular eatery reopened March 22. It underwent a major demolition and rebuild following the May 2019...

City touting equity program as boon for small cannabis business owners

cannabis
By Abigail Acosta, Special to the Pajaronian WATSONVILLE—The City of Watsonville is hoping recent additions to its Cannabis Equity Program will spark a time of opportunity for the city’s minority cannabis business owners. First approved by the City Council in 2019, the equity program was put...

Watsonville Hospital sale finalized

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Community Hospital has a new owner. Halsen Healthcare announced Tuesday that the $30 million sale was finalized at midnight. “This is the first day that Halsen actually owns Watsonville Community Hospital,” Chairman and CEO Dan Brothman said. Halsen was holding a celebratory afternoon barbecue for its...
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Watsonville, Santa Cruz oppose sexually violent predator placement

The cities of Watsonville and Santa Cruz are opposing the proposed placement of a man deemed a sexually violent predator, and are urging residents...