Staff of Life closes for cleaning after employee contracts Covid-19
SANTA CRUZ—Staff of Life, a popular natural foods market in Santa Cruz for more than 50 years, announced Monday that an employee tested positive for Covid-19.
“We have made the decision to temporarily close after learning a member of our staff has been diagnosed with...
Woman killed by tree in Santa Cruz identified as homeless rights activist
FELTON—The woman killed early Sunday morning in the Pogonip area of Santa Cruz when a tree toppled by high winds crushed her has been identified as Deseire Quintero of Santa Cruz.
High winds shoved the tree onto Quintero, 55, and a man, who suffered minor...
Addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity
The causes of food insecurity are complex, but research suggests that health, housing and employment are key factors.
Feeding America—the country’s largest hunger relief organization—reports that annual healthcare costs for food-insecure adults are on average $1,834 higher than food-secure adults. Food insecurity, as defined by...
Public health officials champion flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Health officials are urging everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine this year in order to avoid a “twindemic” of Covid-19 and influenza cases packing hospitals this winter.
Santa Cruz County Deputy Health Officer David Ghilarducci says that getting a...
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...
Taylor’s Alley murals restored
WATSONVILLE—Seven murals that line the historic Taylor’s Alley, a pedestrian conduit between Main and Union streets in downtown Watsonville, have been given new life thanks to the efforts of local volunteers.
Judy Gittelsohn, owner of nearby Studio Judy G, and her sales director Emily Reynolds...
Local author pens debut history novel
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Author Buzz Anderson always dreamed of writing the great American novel.
Born in San Jose and then moving with his family to Capitola, Anderson has remained in Santa Cruz County for most of his life, attending local public schools, Cabrillo College and UC...
‘Weird’ compilation arrives at Kelly’s Books
A new compilation of short stories by 17 local authors, “Santa Cruz Weird,” focuses on the strange, the unexplained and the just plain goofy from the Pajaro Valley to Bonny Doon.
PHOTO: Supporting Jacob's Heart
The American Legion Riders Chapter 69 provided Santa Claus with a motorcycle and sled escort to Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services' Christmas Party on Dec. 9.
Jim Barsi—owner of Barsi’s Liquor Store—dies
James Joseph “Jim” Barsi, who ran his eponymous liquor store on East Lake Avenue for a half-century before selling the business and retiring in...























