H&H Fresh Fish Co. in the Santa Cruz Harbor has seen an uptick in customers since the city reopened the Murray Street Bridge to eastbound traffic last week. But businesses on the west side of the bridge continue to suffer almost a year into the three-year construction project, and say they’ve lost faith that the city is listening.
Local Business
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby lawsuit against Archer Aviation moves to federal court; residents sound off on Catalyst demolition
Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly look at local business includes an update on Joby Aviation’s suit alleging corporate espionage by a competitor and recaps a contentious meeting on the fate of a downtown Santa Cruz landmark.
Lily Belli on Food: January’s best bites, previewing Woody’s at Watsonville Airport and art for foodies
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli recaps her favorite Santa Cruz County menu items from last month, previews the new tenant at Watsonville Municipal Airport’s restaurant and notes upcoming local art events that might appeal to foodies.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Feb. 3
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Joby rival seeks dismissal of corporate espionage suit; case moved from Santa Cruz County to federal court
Joby Aviation’s lawsuit against a rival electric helicopter service company has been moved to federal court. The defendant, Archer Aviation, filed a motion to dismiss, calling Joby’s claims of stealing trade secrets “speculation and innuendo.”
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in January
Defying January doldrums, Lookout food and drink correspondent Lily Belli launches a monthly food-and-drink dispatch from Santa Cruz County’s dining scene. She selects from a month of eating to highlight brothless ramen, a revived Syrian pop-up, the return of a Capitola classic and hand-pulled noodle soup as the most memorable bites.
Woody’s at Watsonville Airport approaches a mid-March landing
Chef and restaurateur Tim Wood plans to open Woody’s at Watsonville Airport by mid-March, bringing the third location of his Woody’s restaurants to a longtime gathering spot after Ella’s at the Airport closed last summer.
Residents ‘vehemently oppose’ proposed Catalyst project as developers, city officials present plans
A Thursday meeting hosted by representatives from the City of Santa Cruz and the developer and architect of a proposed project that would demolish downtown music venue The Catalyst met with frustration and skepticism from residents and nearby business owners.
Weekender: 8 soups for winter in Santa Cruz County
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County.
Slurps up: 8 bowls of soup for winter in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County is famous for January beach days, but winter is still the season of the soup. This guide rounds up eight standout bowls — from oversized pho and spicy bún bò huế to luxurious khao soi and seafood-studded chowder — all regular-menu staples vetted for flavor and value.

