State efforts to create special aerial pathways among the airports in Watsonville, Salinas, Marina and Hollister could get off the ground as soon as the end of January, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at Santa Cruz County business.
Jessica M. Pasko
Jessica M. Pasko has been writing professionally for almost two decades. She cut her teeth in journalism as a reporter for the Associated Press in her native Albany, New York, where she covered everything from plane crashes and arts & culture to state politics, including assisting with the coverage of former New York State Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s resignation. After getting her master’s degree at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, she moved to the West Coast and covered crime and breaking news for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. She has also worked for KION and written for a variety of local, regional and national publications on both coasts, including Evanston Patch, The Good Times, Santa Cruz Waves and many others.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Looking back at the businesses that opened in 2025
While 2025 saw many beloved businesses shutter, the year also welcomed many new ones, from retailers to restaurants, entertainment to fitness, all helping shape that uniqueness that is the Santa Cruz County business economy. As we close out the final day of the year, here’s a glance at some of the businesses we gained.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby ramps up for 2026, its target year for commercial service launch; looking at businesses that closed in 2025
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on where Joby Aviation stands ahead of what’s poised to be a big year for the Santa Cruz-based company, reviews closures around the county and highlights names and dates to know.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: County ranked in GoFundMe’s top 10 for donations; investors snapping up local homes
An annual report from crowdfunding and fundraising platform GoFundMe spotlights big generosity from our small county, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at local business. She’s also got news on real estate trends, dates, names and numbers to know and more.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Riding high on ‘Shark Tank’ success, Santa Cruz-based Surf Skull aims to make safety fashion-forward
Head and neck injuries are one of the most common and potentially serious injuries for surfers, and yet helmet use remains relatively rare. That’s what the team behind Surf Skull hopes to change with their take on a surf helmet that pairs function with fashion.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Surf Skull’s new take on a surf helmet; considering The Catalyst; latest tourism stats
Jessica M. Pasko dives into the story behind the surf helmet a Santa Cruz company pitched on a recent episode of “Shark Tank,” explores The Catalyst’s iconic status and highlights numbers, names and events to know on the local business scene.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Demolition, relocation eyed for Catalyst; Westside revitalization story; new wine district moves forward
A Silicon Valley developer has proposed demolishing the historic downtown Santa Cruz home of The Catalyst nightclub and erecting a new seven-story, mixed-use building, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly survey of local business. She’s also got news from the Westside, on the local wine industry and more.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Santa Cruz Roller Palladium still provides timeless fun after 75 years
Little has changed about the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium since it opened in 1950, and for Diane Ethrington, who bought it with her husband from the original owners in 1986, its perennial appeal lies in its simplicity.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Roller Palladium marks 75 years; Joby accuses rival of stealing trade secrets
The timeless charm of the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium remains a strong pull as it hits a milestone, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at local business. She’s also got news on Joby Aviation, a labor deal in Watsonville and names, numbers and dates to know.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz’s Joby Aviation sues main rival Archer, alleging corporate espionage
Air taxi company Joby is suing rival Archer in Santa Cruz, alleging a former Joby employee leaked confidential terms of a real estate deal when he joined Archer earlier this year. Archer has denied the allegations. The case is unfolding as both companies rush to pursue FAA certification for their electric aircraft and launch commercial air taxi services.