A Joby Aviation school offering aviation career courses for high school, college and professional-level students is coming to Watsonville Airport, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly local business roundup. Elsewhere, a Santa Cruz-based startup that helps renewable energy projects takes home a big honor, plus more news, names, notes and numbers to know.
Watsonville / Pajaro
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Our evolving craft beer biz, Strawberry Festival additions and free meals for students
The latest from Lookout’s food & drink correspondent from around Santa Cruz County.
Posted inFood & Drink
Post boom, Santa Cruz County craft breweries defy bust with new recipes for success
The craft beer industry has plateaued since the boom years of the 2010s, but despite brewery closures making national and local headlines, the industry is still growing slowly in Santa Cruz County and beyond. As consumer preferences have changed and expanded to include non-beer beverages and entertainment, meeting those demands while staying true to each brewery’s ethos is the key to succeeding in today’s market.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
B9: Nine necessary arts and entertainment know-abouts for the week ahead
Here they are, nine events and happenings carefully curated just for you. It’s the midsummer’s-dream B9 list:
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Summer guide: Your top events in the Santa Cruz summer
From music, beer, art and wine festivals to an array of entertainment at the Beach Boardwalk, ambitious productions on local stages and annual traditions like the Wharf to Wharf race, summer options are virtually endless in Santa Cruz County (and beyond).
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Fireworks-free Fourth fun: Your guide to celebrating Independence Day in Santa Cruz County
The Fourth of July in Santa Cruz County won’t have fireworks, but it’s heavy on parades and community celebrations, from Boulder Creek to Watsonville.
Posted inLatest News
Camping ordinance iced as Santa Cruz County wildfire fears grow
Hearing a public desperately concerned about increasing wildfire risk, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to stall a proposal that would have expanded camping opportunities on private property throughout the county.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
How Pastor Dan and Watsonville’s Westview Church became a center of homeless help
In the heart of Watsonville, a small church is playing an expanding role in the homeless crisis. What started as an effort to feed the unhoused population along the Pajaro River is expanding into a mini-village of 34 microhomes behind Westview Presbyterian Church that will also host social services. Construction is set to start next month with the goal of housing residents by December.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Fast internet? New funding promises it to hundreds in rural Santa Cruz County
Some $45 million in state funding will help with infrastructure upgrades in the Santa Cruz Mountains, South County and elsewhere as California aims to get 98% of households broadband internet access by 2032.
Posted inFood & Drink
Hot dog! Here’s where to enjoy the best hot dogs of the summer in Santa Cruz County
Hot dogs are an iconic summer meal, and in Santa Cruz County, six hot dog vendors plus one café are offering fresh takes on the classic all year long. Lily Belli tried them all, and brings a recommendation from each.