Business

Each year, Ben Lomond’s Little People’s Repertory Theater (LPRT) for children 8-14 hosts its annual summer theater program, culminating in a public performance that’s part campy, part sci-fi, part Marvel-ous and 100% original. In 2020, LPRT Executive Director Jannine Chadwick held her breath as she...

When you think of superheroes’ characteristics, what comes to mind? You might think they have superpowers and they fight against oppression and wrongdoing. But in business today, just being fair is nothing compared to having the ability to lead and engage others to become their...

There are dream jobs, and then there are DREAM JOBS. Racing Formula 1 cars? Check. Playing for the NBA? Check. Stylist to the stars? Check. Head of marketing for Humble Sea Brewery? Check, if you’re Lee DeGraw.  Although she’s been driving the brand’s marketing for...

Uniting a community in colorful celebration is no small task. It takes a community of hard workers, creative spirits and fun-seeking individuals to weave the tapestry of the upcoming Art, Wine & Beer Festival in Scotts Valley. For years, this event has brought families, dog...

The fallen branches have been neatly arranged along a rock border next to the La Placa Family Bakery parking lot as the sun streams down through the redwoods to the red translucent awning, but here along Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, the storms are...

Though a Jan. 12 webinar about federal Covid-relief funding for local businesses was short and to the point, Scotts Valley City Councilman Randy Johnson still found time to look back on the early days of the pandemic. “Does anyone remember spraying the mail that came...

Psychology Today says, “community provides belonging, support and identity.” Indeed, Santa Cruz County understands the power of community. We have united in the face of earthquakes, fires and Covid-19, to mention a few significant challenges. Through these tribulations, we have come together with collective...

By exploring global flavors, Barbara J’s Organics Spice Shop brings the art of cooking to life—one delicious blend at a time. Barbara Johansen, owner and creator of Barbara J’s Organics Spice Shop, invites food lovers of all levels to transform their meals into flavorful adventures....

These days, everything is “smart.” Smartphones. Smartwatches. How about a smart laundromat? Behold The Mat in Boulder Creek, formerly the Village Wash. Run by third-generation laundromat owner Brandon Parker and his fiancé Erin Hexem, it’s the first smart laundromat in Boulder Creek, and one of...

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on May 11 voted unanimously to delay a 25-cent fee for disposable cups at businesses in the unincorporated parts of the county until January 2022. County officials crafted the ordinance to reduce the amount of disposable cups that...