In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli covers news about Watsonville Municipal Airport’s on-site eatery, traces the effects of 2020’s CZU fire on Santa Cruz Mountains winemakers and spotlights upcoming food & drink events.
Local Business
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Sept. 23
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Posted inFood & Drink
Monterey chef Tim Wood tapped to bring new restaurant to Watsonville airport
Chef Tim Wood, known for Woody’s at the Airport in Monterey, has been selected to take over the restaurant space at Watsonville Municipal Airport following the closure of Ella’s after 12 years.
Posted inFood & Drink
From fire to fallout: CZU’s lasting impact on Santa Cruz County’s wine industry
When the CZU Lightning Complex fires tore through the Santa Cruz Mountains in 2020, vineyards survived the flames, but smoke taint ruined much of the harvest, forcing winemakers to dump spoiled wine and experiment with new styles like rosé and white pinot noir.
Posted inFood & Drink
Eaters Digest: Lookout film screening ‘Stripped for Parts’
Lily Belli takes a detour from her usual Friday food & drink recommendations to invite readers to help boost local journalism in challenging times.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County businesses turn to privately funded services as economic pressures mount and government support shrinks
Facing economic headwinds and shrinking tax revenues for local services, some Santa Cruz County merchants are embracing business improvement districts, opting to tax themselves to pay for extra amenities like street-cleaning, private security and marketing. New districts are in the works for wineries, Midtown and possibly the Westside.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: New Midtown, wine districts; Joby joins FAA air taxi program; Capitola Mall redevelopment
Businesses in Midtown Santa Cruz and in local wine-producing areas are closer to creating districts aimed at improving public services and reviving commercial areas, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly column.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Seeking personality at La Bahia; Verve union vote set for Sept. 30; Obló closes downtown
La Bahia’s food and drink options are beautiful and feature excellent service, Lily Belli writes, but a bit stiff and lacking in personality. Her Tuesday newsletter also has the latest on the unionization process at Verve Coffee, another downtown Santa Cruz closure and a local food brand’s offerings under recall.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Airspace makeovers for air taxis; summer tourism slump
In her weekly look at Santa Cruz County business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a plan to connect rural airports in the Monterey Bay area, including Watsonville’s. She also covers a dip in summer tourism and highlights names, numbers and dates to know.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Split first impressions at La Bahia; Verve ditches service fee; free Seabright parking to boost businesses
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lookout correspondent Lily Belli relays her food & drink experience at the newly opened La Bahia Hotel & Spa, notes some turmoil at Verve Coffee Roasters and plenty more from the Santa Cruz County scene.