As business expo returns, locals share optimism for 2022
WATSONVILLE—On April 7, businesses from across the region will come together for the first time in three years at the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s annual Business Expo and Job Fair.
This year’s theme is “Spring Fling,” celebrating the return of not only...
Kaiser Permanente ‘reorganization’ will not affect Santa Cruz County locations
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A recent reduction to employees in the Kaiser Permanente corporation—about 200 positions—will not reach Santa Cruz County, a spokesman said Tuesday.
One of the largest private employers in California, the company has more than 149,000 employees and 16,000 physicians in the state.
In addition,...
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...
Romo Park up for lease
Once home to the Stoesser Building, the lot has been empty since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused irreparable damage to the historic structure in the heart of Watsonville’s downtown.
Keeping it rolling: Tips from the pros to keep your car on the road
WATSONVILLE—The U.S. is a country built on the backbone of its roadway system – a vast network of lanes, roads and freeways that connect us to home workplace, and untold adventures.
But all of that travel largely depends on vehicles, which in turn rely on...
Circus Vargas sets up at Capitola Mall
Workers are busy Tuesday setting up the bigtop tent for the visiting Circus Vargas in the parking lot of the Capitola Mall.
‘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...
Kelly-Moore Paints shuts down all stores
Kelly-Moore Paints, a household word for the past 78 years in residential and commercial paint, has abruptly closed.
With a Watsonville, Aptos and Santa Cruz location, and 61 stores sprinkled around the San Francisco Bay Area, the paint giant officially announced last week that it...
Farmers Market store now open on East Lake
WATSONVILLE—A new business featuring a meat counter, a taqueria, fresh produce, a dairy section and a wide range of groceries recently opened on East Lake Avenue near Holohan Road.
The store, called Farmers Market, also boasts a panaderia—or bakery— that features freshly baked Mexican pastries...
Aptos’ Ella Porter makes debut in professional flag football league
Aptos High senior Ella Porter trained for seven days a week on her craft as the quarterback for the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League...






















