State wildlife officials are flying the California coast this week, counting humpback and blue whales to determine whether the commercial Dungeness crab season can safely open on Jan. 1 or should be delayed to protect whales.
Local Business
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 inFood & Drink
Eaters Digest: Ocean ‘nachos’ at Home Away
Lily Belli heads to Soquel Village to sample the fare at the new offshoot of Home restaurant. Her Friday newsletter also includes food & drink event recommendations for the coming weekend and beyond and stories you might’ve missed.
Posted inFood & Drink
Home Away leans into casual fun with bold dishes in a cozy, counter-service space
Home Away, the new daytime offshoot of Soquel’s Home restaurant, offers a more casual, affordable space where chef Brad Briske showcases seasonal dishes, whole-animal cooking and products from longtime friends and collaborators.
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 inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Downtown holiday pop-ups, Bottega’s seasonal goodies and seeking NYC recs
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli notes happenings in downtown Santa Cruz this month, spotlights festive touches in Live Oak and Seabright and asks readers for tips for a quick New York City getaway.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
From steelhead to sewer lines: Why the Murray Street Bridge rebuild can’t move faster
Construction on the Murray Street Bridge has disrupted traffic and strained nearby businesses, but Santa Cruz officials say the three-year timeline can’t be shortened, in part because of strict environmental regulations.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
The Westside boom: How a blossoming business district evolved from industrial disrepair
The business district on the Westside of Santa Cruz between Fair and Swift streets is booming with food, wine, beer, coffee, even cannabis. How did it evolve from abandoned light industrial to a vital touchstone to Westsiders?
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Holiday pop-ups breathe new life into long-vacant Logos and Palace Art spaces downtown
Two local event companies are bringing new life to two long-vacant downtown Santa Cruz buildings this holiday season. Collective Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market will host holiday markets at the former Logos Books & Records and Palace Art spaces, respectively, featuring dozens of local artists and food vendors. City officials hope the pop-ups will enliven challenging storefronts, which have sat empty for several years.
