Nonprofit coalition working for pay equity
APTOS—Nonprofit workers in Santa Cruz County are two times more likely than the general public to require the very social services they help provide.
That’s according to a recent survey conducted by the Human Care Alliance (HCA), a coalition of nonprofit agencies from around the...
Regional Women’s Business Center launches in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—California Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) has announced the launch of a new business center in Watsonville for women entrepreneurs.
El Pájaro Women’s Business Center (WBC) will be formed through El Pájaro Community Development Corporation (CDC), a local nonprofit organization aiming to promote equal access...
MioCar is in Watsonville
The City of Watsonville has started a new electric vehicle car sharing program, where anyone over 21 with a valid driver’s license, a relatively clean driving record and a valid credit, debit, or bank card can access EV car-sharing.
Starting at $4/hour, MioCar allows the...
City closes first period of cannabis applications
WATSONVILLE—A total of 18 cannabis license applications, spanning across all fields of the industry, have been submitted to the City of Watsonville in time for its Oct. 15 deadline.
Community Development Department Director Suzi Merriam said that the process went smoothly, and the amount of...
New electric supply store opens in Watsonville
Platt celebrated its new store on 2 Hangar Way in Watsonville with a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday.
Food service industry faces unprecedented labor shortage
Two weeks ago, Amelia Loftus, owner of Hidden Fortress Coffee Roasting, was on the brink of closing her cafe in Watsonville just shy of its five-year anniversary.
The shop, located at the end of a sleepy business complex on Hangar Way, had been struggling to...
Kitchen incubator celebrating five years
El Pajaro Community Development Corporation's Commercial Kitchen Incubator, 412 East Riverside Drive in Watsonville, will celebrate its fifth anniversary with Tacos and Tapas on Aug. 23 from 6-9 p.m.
New laundromat opens in East Lake Village
A new laundromat has opened in the East Lake Village Shopping Center.
Owner Robert Ruiz said Laundry Room features 30 driers and 35 heavy-duty washing machines that can handle from two to eight loads (80 pounds) of wash.
The 2,000-square-foot facility, which replaces a former laundromat...
Sambrailo sees major growth in sustainable packaging line
WATSONVILLE—When Santa Cruz-based natural foods store Staff of Life opened its second location in Watsonville in March, employees from Sambrailo were pleased to see their products featured front and center.
Fresh, organic vegetables and fruit in the store’s produce aisle were nestled inside Sambrailo’s sustainable...
Aptos girls’ soccer clinches fourth straight SCCAL crown | Weeklys Sports...
The Aptos High girls’ soccer team captured their fourth straight Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League championship banner following a 5-0 crushing win against Harbor...



















