Business

Few people may be aware, but Watsonville once had its own currency. From circa 1902 through 1929 there were $5 and $10 bills with the words “Pajaro Valley National Bank of Watsonville” printed on them. “I have bought them in the past, but not so much...

Michael Jaquias can often be found strumming guitar outside of Delta High School on the Cabrillo campus. He is the unofficial greeter for his peers in the Real World Linked Learning program where students earn their high school diploma while taking classes at Cabrillo and exploring careers. Since enrolling in the Real World last fall, Michael says he has found a school “family” where teacher, Maria Hastings, both supports and challenges her students. Delta Charter High School equips students with the skills necessary to graduate from high school, go on to higher education, and contribute positively to society. You can meet Michael and the other Real World students at an information night on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. on the Cabrillo Campus, building 1190. Give us a call at 477-5212 for more information or visit our website at deltaschool.org.

CAPITOLA—A new branch of Outdoor Supply Hardware (OSH) is slated for a Jan. 6 opening in the former Orchard Supply Hardware store on 41st Avenue. Ryan Odell, store manager at the Napa OSH branch, said the company will run a soft opening in the first...

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...

The East Fifth Plaza has undergone a major renovation.

WATSONVILLE—The developer behind a 150-unit housing project off Ohlone Parkway is asking the Watsonville City Council for a one-year extension on the project’s approval. First approved by the council in 2018 as Sunshine Vista, Hillcrest Estates was set to transform an 11-acre junkyard at 511...

WATSONVILLE—Roaring Camp Railroads has struck a deal with Progressive Rail to provide freight services for Watsonville businesses. Santa Cruz Big Trees and Pacific Railway, a subsidiary of Roaring Camp, announced the deal on April 30 in a press release. Roaring Camp CEO Melani Clark said the...

Spring is here, and with it comes warmer temperatures, more outdoor activities and a surge in home gardening.  But with unpredictable weather patterns increasing, as well as the ongoing drought in California, there is plenty more to think about now when choosing what to plant...

Todd Guild Freedom Meat Lockers One of my favorite things to do for lunch in Watsonville is head over to Freedom Meat Lockers, which in addition to its high-quality selection of carnivores’ delights, also offers a deli counter. Normally when I hear the word ‘deli’ I cringe,...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—As Thanksgiving edges closer, the folks at Corralitos Market & Sausage Co. and Freedom Meat Lockers say now is the time to get orders dialed in. “I’ve been at this since April, getting ready and dealing with supply, price changes and everything else,”...