Sweet Earth Foods plant to close, 104 to lose jobs
MOSS LANDING—A Moss Landing company that has produced a variety of vegan foods since its inception in 2017 will close by May 6, laying off 104 employees.
In a March 4 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice to employees, Sweet Earth Foods said it...
Phil’s Fish Market reopens and thrives
CASTROVILLE—Six months after moving from its iconic Moss Landing location, Phil’s Fish Market reopened in its new location in the heart of Castroville.
The restaurant has gained a large following of loyal customers and an international reputation for its seafood dishes, most notably the cioppino—a...
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...
City budget buoyed by sales tax revenue ‘bubble’
WATSONVILLE—Despite the economic shutdowns resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, the city of Watsonville’s overall sales tax revenues have held steady thanks to a myriad of reasons, including a sharp rise in online and local shopping.
That’s according to Administrative Services Director Cindy Czerwin who at...
Supporting small businesses
For the first time, the East Lake Village Shopping Center will attempt to draw in shoppers for Small Business Saturday with a variety of deals and activities.
Local winery honors Watsonville legend “One-Eyed Charley”
If you’ve ever strolled through Pioneer Cemetery in Watsonville, you might have come across the final resting place of Charley Darkey Parkhurst, a stagecoach driver, farmer and rancher who has become a local legend since their death in 1879.
Born Charlotte Darkey Parkhurst, Charley was...
Historic SeaBreeze Tavern demolished
RIO DEL MAR—Nearly 11 months after a fire gutted the historic Seabreeze Tavern and severely weakened the structure, demolition of the building began Tuesday.
The work is being conducted by a private contractor, Santa Cruz County spokesperson Jason Hoppin said. It is not clear what...
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...
K&D Landscaping earns top honors
K&D Landscaping Inc. of Watsonville took home a number of awards at the annual California Landscape Contractors Association Convention in San Diego on Nov. 12.
‘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...
Team White records shutout to win Central Coast Football All-Star game...
The 40th Annual Central Coast High School All-Star Football Game was a one-sided affair as Team White crushed Team Black, 42-0, at Rabobank Stadium...




















