Hundreds of millions of dollars flowed to Santa Cruz County companies during the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program. With the pandemic still an economic drag, many are heading back for another potential round of funding — and now they’ll likely have more time.
Business & Technology
Posted inPandemic Life
‘Absolutely essential, especially now’: Year-round farmers’ markets a steadying force
Santa Cruz County’s winter farmers’ markets provide ‘arguably a safer shopping environment,’ one proprietor says. But they also tie together a healthy community of like-minded people who strongly believe in their essential-ness amid the pandemic.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
A ‘full reverse’: California joblessness spiked in December, thwarting recovery
Much of December’s distress was driven by hotels and restaurants closing, as tourism and business travel failed to bounce back and dining out was restricted.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Tapping the post-pandemic market: Tony & Alba’s owners to launch new Twig’s Tap House
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…
Posted inVaccine Watch
Vaccine guideline changes spark widespread confusion as distribution remains behind
One health system’s website crashed. People called another and got conflicting information. And there doesn’t appear to be enough vaccine supply to meet demand. Meanwhile, there’s a vaccine clinic in Santa Cruz County Friday, but appointments are already set. And other counties are struggling, too.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How California’s budget depends on staggering wealth gap
The state’s progressive tax structure is reaping billions from the wealthiest to fund the state’s safety net. But it also reveals how the pandemic has widened the economic gulf for millions of Californians — more than the rest of the country.
Posted inVaccine Watch
California counties ‘Flying the plane as we build it’ in a plodding vaccine rollout
In California, the largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history is run largely by the same overworked and underfunded local health departments tasked with COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. It’s a daunting undertaking as the pandemic continues to surge.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
In Covid sign of the times, Disneyland scraps annual pass program, will return in ‘reservation-only’ fashion
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…
Posted inCOVID Today
Kaiser San Jose hospital fined as COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow
Santa Clara County has issued a $43,000 fine for delays in reporting the outbreak, which has grown to 60 emergency department staffers and killed one.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Hotel workers renew push for recall rights, job protections
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…