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Watsonville
January 22, 2026

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...

Cowboy’s Corner Cafe celebrates 10 years

This past Presidents’ Day on Feb. 18, Juan and Paula Diaz had more reason to celebrate than just the national holiday. The date also marked the 10th anniversary of their family restaurant, Cowboy’s Corner Cafe, located on Main Street in Watsonville.

Santa Cruz CORE to celebrate second location

Santa Cruz CORE will celebrate its grand opening in Watsonville on Saturday with music, food and a charity raffle for a year of monthly massage.

John Bargetto launches new venture at Corralitos’ Regan Vineyards

For the past 30 years, Bargetto Winery, one of California’s oldest wineries, has grown grapes at Regan Estate Vineyards, a plot in Corralitos overlooking the Pajaro Valley. With 40 of the property’s 53 acres planted, Regan is one of the largest and most diverse of...

Craft Bakeshop + Eatery plans soft opening this weekend

Craft Bakeshop + Eatery watsonville
WATSONVILLE—When the home of the former Second Street Cafe in Watsonville became available last year, business partners Lacey Dent and Greg Bobeda saw an opportunity. The two had originally meant to expand their business, Corralitos Coffeehouse, into another space on the first floor of the...

Watsonville Cyclery owner pushes public safety, involvement

WATSONVILLE—When Bike Santa Cruz County approached South County officials to start up a monthly community bike ride, Watsonville Cyclery owner Julian “Jules” Mandujano was eager to get involved. Every last Friday of the month, Mandujano offers up his business at 25 East 5th St. as...

Staff of Life market to open in East Lake Village

Staff of Life, a Santa Cruz-based natural foods store that launched nearly a half-century ago, will move into the space occupied by Super Max Discount Foods.

Monterey Bay Caterers up for sale as owner rides into retirement

Monterey Bay Caterers ken schwan
WATSONVILLE—Monterey Bay Caterers, a long-standing business in the Pajaro Valley which operated as a catering business and a restaurant, is for sale. Owner Ken Schwan said a combination of things led to his decision. He’ll be 64 next month, and his recent motorcycle crash that...

Survey predicts Santa Cruz County tourism will return

santa cruz county tourism covid-19
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The county’s tourist hotspots—along with its restaurants and hotels—can expect a slight uptick in business this summer from Californians seeking to hit the road for short road trips, according to a survey released Wednesday by Visit Santa Cruz County (VSCC). This prediction is...

Healthy grapes, less regulations spell good news for local wineries

wineries pajaro valley
After a year of ups and downs, things are looking good for wineries in the Pajaro Valley. That is according to two long-standing wineries, both nestled in the Pleasant Valley area between Watsonville and Aptos. Alfaro Family Vineyard-Winery was first established in 1997 by Richard...
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Gun found at Aptos High tied to ‘off-campus incident,’ authorities say

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s investigators believe a firearm found on the Aptos High School campus this week is likely tied to an incident that...