Local nursery buzzing amidst pandemic, winter months
With most people staying close to home during the pandemic, looking for things to do and ways to stay safe, local nurseries have seen an uptick in customers. Stay-at-home orders have prompted many to find new hobbies—and gardening has been a popular choice.
Sierra Azul...
U.S. readies small-business grants as PPP nears end
The federal government is preparing to open two new industry-specific small-business relief programs, one of them months in the works, as its signature pandemic aid effort, the Paycheck Protection Program, nears its end.
The Small Business Administration said it hopes to start taking applications by...
Watsonville’s Crystal Bay Farm opens annual pumpkin patch
For more than 20 years, Crystal Bay Farm owners Lori and Jeff Fiorovich have offered the Pajaro Valley community a homegrown harvest tradition.
Every October, the couple transforms their farm into a family-friendly pumpkin patch, where people can come and pick out the perfect pumpkin,...
Gizdich to be honored as ‘Friend of Scouting’
Nita Gizdich, owner and founder of Gizdich Ranch, has been selected as the 2018 “Friend of Scouting.”
METRO pledges to improve safety
SANTA CRUZ—In an effort to meet public transit safety standards set during the Covid-19 pandemic, officials at Santa Cruz METRO at a Wednesday press conference showcased the safety and precautionary measures they have put in place.
Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Leopold and METRO Board...
Following 2019 fire, The Hideout reopens
APTOS—Almost two years after a fire, The Hideout restaurant in Aptos is back up to speed with a slightly expanded building, modern upgrades and nearly a full menu.
The popular eatery reopened March 22. It underwent a major demolition and rebuild following the May 2019...
Granite secures projects worth more than $520M
Watsonville-based Granite Construction announced recently that it has been selected to construction two projects in California totaling more than $520 million.
Council approves sale of Porter Building to PV Arts
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council at its Tuesday meeting signed off on an agreement with Pajaro Valley Arts for the sale of the historic Porter Building in downtown Watsonville.
In a deal some two years in the making, PV Arts will pay the city $1.15 million...
Customers, businesses contend with escalating meat prices
Labor Day Weekend is fast approaching, and many are looking to stock up on foods for barbecues and other outdoor gatherings.
But this year is different, for both consumers and suppliers alike, and it has a lot to do with the current high price 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.
Former Watsonville mayor Francisco “Paco” Estrada appointed to Cabrillo board
Cabrillo College’s Board of Trustees on Monday appointed Francisco “Paco” Estrada to fill the Trustee Area V seat.
The seat—which includes the City of Watsonville...























