Business

For the past few years, more often than not, you could find Alan Strong perched on a folding chair on break from his janitorial duties at La Placa Family Bakery, sitting under the redwoods, gazing out at the one-story restaurant with the fountain on...

Stepping into Montgomery’s Barbershop is like stepping into a time capsule. The scent of shaving cream lingers in the air, the hum of clippers creates a rhythmic background, and antique barber chairs with silver-plated footrests sit proudly, like thrones of tradition. And, at the center...

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Benefit Shop, a funky little re-sale store at the corner of Felt Street and 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz since 2018, will be closing its doors on Saturday, March 1, due to the end of its lease. If adequate...

Enrico Zampieri, 41, grew up in Padua, Italy, and studied political science in Bologna. As an impressive swell pounds the shores of the Monterey Bay, he’s here in the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills, near the laboratory for Bent Dime Winery in Scotts Valley, which...

“Really,” I thought to myself, what is Brainspotting? After Erin Burton, LCSW, finished her introduction at a local event, I decided to set up an interview with her, excited to better understand her work. In our country today, we recognize the importance of addressing mental...

Matt Driscoll, co-owner of The Pizza Series in Scotts Valley, prepares to serve a selection of pizzas Tuesday as part of Santa Cruz Pizza Week, running from Jan. 29 to Feb. 8. The inaugural event celebrates local culinary artistry and offers a chance for...

The San Jose Sharks have Sharkie, the 49ers have Sourdough Sam, the Giants have Lou Seal, and until recently, Boulder Creek’s unofficial mascot was Albert the Peacock. For decades, Albert lived his life as a persnickety bachelor-life peafowl in the streets and treetops of the...

Jennifer Young is a force of nature. She has an infectious wit and undeniable intelligence. Her love of working with details and structure and her visionary organizational skills are why she succeeds at customizing retreats for small business owners. Several years ago, I met Jennifer...

I was standing in the back of the Senior Center of Scotts Valley building, amongst the Oak trees, in the grass where 25 people had gathered, spaced out, already moving their bodies slowly, in a rhythmic manner, guided by Denise Allen. I had arrived late,...

The Women’s Evolution Retreat was an enriching experience, one that not only inspired me, but also broadened my perspective on women’s inner power and transformative potential. This year’s lineup was a vibrant mix of leaders in personal growth, wellness, creativity and professional development—each leaving an...