Scotts Valley-based Paystand is bringing the benefits of blockchain and Bitcoin technology to underbanked and unbanked populations, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her latest business roundup. Plus, find more on local comings and goings, numbers to know and events to add to your calendar.
Scotts Valley
The underwhelm of two-person primaries and other takeaways from Santa Cruz County’s election season
Election season, when Santa Cruz County decides which direction it wishes to take, poses many questions and provides many answers. The March 5 primary was no different.
Scotts Valley’s Neatleaf bets on AI and analytics in ag, starting with cannabis cultivation
With a farming robot that can be used in controlled environments like greenhouses to monitor and analyze individual plants, Santa Cruz’s Elmar Mair and Neatleaf are on the cutting edge of Agriculture 4.0.
Farmers markets rally to save vital assistance for low-income shoppers
For the past 15 years, the Market Match program has doubled what SNAP recipients can spend at local farmers markets on fresh fruits and vegetables. Now, the state is considering withdrawing its funding.
High school sports roundup: Aptos, Santa Cruz lead local contingent into CCS hoops quarters
The Santa Cruz High and Aptos High boys and girls basketball teams are moving toward possible collisions in the Division III Central Coast Section basketball playoffs. Other local schools advancing include the Soquel High boys and girls teams from Scotts Valley High, St. Francis High, Pacific Collegiate and Monte Vista Christian.
High school sports roundup: Santa Cruz High, Aptos High capture SCCAL basketball titles
Tournament championships were on the line over the weekend in Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League basketball, with Santa Cruz High taking the boys crown and Aptos High winning on the girls side.
Perfect for the winter chill: A guide to Santa Cruz summer fun ahead
The 100th birthday of the grand old Giant Dipper at the Beach Boardwalk and a record-breaking season of theater at Santa Cruz Shakespeare are among the things to look forward to in the summer of 2024.
Monica Martinez for District 5 supervisor: We need someone ready to challenge the status quo and bring positive change
Monica Martinez sees herself as a change agent. She believes Santa Cruz County needs leaders who show courage to shake up the system. She wants to lessen the red tape in our county’s bureaucracy to better attack climate-related disasters, income inequality, aging infrastructure and the rising cost of living.
Tom Decker for District 5 supervisor: Let’s stop the bureaucracy that has provided ‘amazingly poor service’ to our community
Tom Decker believes his experience as a builder of affordable homes and his commitment to family and service make him an ideal candidate for District 5 supervisor.
Theresa Ann Bond for District 5 supervisor: My commitment to the community and experience set me apart
Theresa Ann Bond believes her work as a school board trustee and for the state Department of Public Health and her devotion to the community make her an ideal candidate for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. She says she has been a tireless advocate and someone willing to work seven days a week to get the job done.

