Business

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

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...

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...

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...

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.

WATSONVILLE—Since deciding to open their own business, Dave and Marissa Molinari have learned plenty of lessons. Chief among those lessons: stay positive and remain focused on your goals. “It will never go according to plan,” Dave said. “It’s important to learn and stay positive through the...

Looking for places to shop for loved ones this holiday season? You don’t have to rely on Amazon or other large retailers—instead, look into small, locally-owned stores right here in the Pajaro Valley. Contact the stores directly, follow on social media and check out...

Arpana Parti, DDS, has recently opened a new dentist office, Healthy Smiles, in Watsonville at 1970 Main St. in Watsonville Square near Nob Hill Foods.