Freedom McDonald’s celebrates reopening
WATSONVILLE—More than 100 people gathered in front of the newly rebuilt McDonald’s restaurant on Freedom Boulevard Tuesday for a grand reopening celebration.
The business, located at 1598 Freedom Blvd., replaces the one originally built in 1974, which had remained at the same location until demolition...
Groundwork moves ahead for new warehouse
Work continues on the new massive beer and restaurant supply warehouse just off of Highway 1 (between Riverside Drive and Green Valley Road) on the Manabe-Ow property in Watsonville.
Approved by the Watsonville City Council in March, the 155,847-square-foot, two-story industrial warehouse is still in...
Heritage Chocolates Corralitos a local, family affair
More than 50 years ago, clockmaker and shop owner Allison Rider discovered a new hobby: making chocolate candies for his friends, family and employees.
Rider, a big chocolate lover, started creating treats loosely based on See's Candies flavors. He experimented with caramel and other soft-center...
New brewery on tap for downtown Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Presbyterian minister Robby Olson came to Watsonville with his wife a decade ago and has since built his life and career out of building a coterie of friends and cultivating the community he has grown to love.
He also has an affinity for brewing...
Watsonville native plans to transform Corralitos restaurant
WATSONVILLE—Jesus Montejano is eager to put his skills to use for the community he calls home.
After recently graduating with honors from Cabrillo College’s business program, Montejano has set his sights on transforming a restaurant located next to the iconic Five Mile House on the...
Construction of new Watsonville dialysis clinic sells for $6.7M
WATSONVILLE—Meridian, a Walnut Creek-based real estate developer, operator, and owner of medical properties, announced Monday that it has closed escrow on the sale of its new construction, a 11,424-square-foot outpatient dialysis clinic in Watsonville.
The purchase price for the project was $6.7 million.
The outpatient clinic...
Cannabis dispensary opens in Watsonville
Watsonville has gotten its newest retail cannabis dispensary.
Catalyst Cannabis, which has 17 other locations statewide, is the city’s third pot shop.
The store opened on June 2, and plans a grand opening for the end of July.
General Manager Jon Kolodinski has roots in Santa Cruz...
Graniterock, local activists launch huge solar project
AROMAS—The community of Aromas is home to about 2,650 residents. The rural area is nestled in the juncture between Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, and attracts a variety of people, including many retirees, artists, farmers, nature lovers and activists.
But is also home...
NEST Flight returns May 4-5
WATSONVILLE—Since 2018, Watsonville-based nonprofit Digital NEST has hosted NEST Flight, a career development conference aiming to inspire young professionals and propel their careers.
The event features speakers, workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities and more for people ages 17-24. During the conference, attendees have the opportunity...
Charter schools reap millions from public payroll program
WATSONVILLE—Two Watsonville area charter schools received funds through the federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP), the $660 billion initiative created to use taxpayer dollars to help keep small business and nonprofit organizations afloat.
Watsonville Prep School, which received more than $1.7 million, and Ceiba College Preparatory...
Prep Athletes of the Week: Watsonville’s Abraham Martinez; St. Francis’ Lilianna...
The Pajaronian’s Prep Athletes of the Week were selected based on their performances during the week of Aug. 25-31. Coaches and athletic directors are...