Queen’s Shoes celebrates 15 years
In 2007 local fashion designer Sindy Hernandez opened Queen’s Shoes & More, a small boutique featuring a mix of her own and other designers’ clothing and accessories.
Hernandez gradually gained a loyal following of customers. And 15 years later, many of them remain, some becoming...
Plant nursery prepares for springtime rush
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...
As business expo returns, locals share optimism for 2022
WATSONVILLE—On April 7, businesses from across the region will come together for the first time in three years at the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s annual Business Expo and Job Fair.
This year’s theme is “Spring Fling,” celebrating the return of not only...
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...
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...
Mello named county’s Realtor of the Year
PAJARO VALLEY—Long-standing realtor Renee Mello was recently named Realtor of the Year for 2021 by the Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors.
A broker associate with Keller Williams, Mello, a third-generation Watsonville native, said she was stunned and “truly honored” to have been picked out...
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 tattoo shop breaks through city’s strict restrictions on the art
WATSONVILLE—After spending more than a decade as a tattoo artist in Silicon Valley, Pepe Nunez has returned home.
Classic Calavera Tattoo is set to open soon in a location near the intersection of Freedom Boulevard and Green Valley Road that previously housed a bike shop.
Even...
Local trainers offer fresh approach to health and fitness
It has been 13 years since Jaimi Jansen opened the first location of Santa Cruz Core, an integrated wellness center in downtown Santa Cruz.
At that time, Jansen was just 26 years old and planning to eventually go to medical school. But as the business...
Christmas tree sellers optimistic despite national shortage
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, tree farms across the nation are thrust into the spotlight and sellers start their busiest time of year.
This year, the industry is holding steady, despite a nationwide shortage that is pushing up prices. Heatwaves and fires that...
Man arrested after lengthy standoff
A man who held police at bay while armed with a knife was arrested late at night on Sept. 4 outside a Herman Avenue...