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.
Agriculture
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsmakers 2025: Food and toiletries distributions for undocumented ag workers become offseason lifeline
As the Pajaro Valley’s growing season comes to a close, many of its workers turn to a monthly food distribution event hosted by the Center for Farmworker Families to alleviate the financial burdens that come with no work for a few months.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How fear of Trump’s immigration blitz is changing life in California farm towns
Tax receipts are down almost 30% in one California farm town, where immigrants are afraid to go out and some longtime workers are weighing self-deportation during the second Trump administration.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Local fintech company’s latest acquisition; startup pitches surf helmet on ‘Shark Tank’
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on Paystand expanding payments to include some types of cryptocurrencies, previews a local startup’s appearance on “Shark Tank” and notes the debut of the Lookout List.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Business owners’ input sought ahead of 2026 sporting events; Seabright Social files for bankruptcy
In her weekly survey of local business, Jessica M. Pasko notes Santa Cruz County’s efforts to attract some of the visitors headed to nearby Santa Clara for next year’s Super Bowl and World Cup, bankruptcy for a business affected by the Murray Street Bridge closure and much more.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Organic farming festival brings families together in Watsonville this weekend
Pumpkins, produce and family-friendly fun will fill the fields of Watsonville Slough Farm this weekend as the Día de Esperanza Community Organic Agriculture Festival returns for its second year.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
A green rideshare program aims to help Pajaro Valley farmworkers get to the doctor
The Green Raiteros program coordinates free rides in zero-emission vehicles for farmworkers to get to medical appointments by providing local communities with vehicles and drivers to operate them. The service is set to expand to the Pajaro Valley later this month.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Open Farms Tours return to Santa Cruz County this weekend
The Santa Cruz County Open Farms Tours are happening again this weekend, with an expanded lineup of 16 farms and tours spread out over several days.
Posted inFood & Drink
Crop report: Santa Cruz County agriculture sees strong gains in berries, produce, nursery crops
Santa Cruz County’s 2024 crop report shows local farm production up 13% — led by booming berry, nursery and produce yields — while timber values fell nearly 20%.
Posted inFood & Drink
Santa Cruz County agriculture industry valued at $1.6 billion, report shows
A new report reveals that Santa Cruz County’s agriculture industry contributes nearly $1.6 billion annually to the local economy — far beyond the $654 million crop value noted in the annual report — thanks to the inclusion of processing, jobs and ripple effects like local spending.