Business

In today’s news and on social media, you've probably heard the phrase, “The Genie is out of the Bottle,” referring to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “new” technology. But let’s take a step back in time. AI research dates back to the 1950s and...

Remember when you started your own business? That quiet question that lingers in the background: Will I succeed … and what was I thinking? Most of my articles focus on one local business at a time. This one is a double take. Two women, two...

To my business readership and leadership audience: as AI platforms boost efficiency, how do we ensure we maintain authentic, human-centered leadership rather than becoming overly dependent on automation? Are we using automation while still maintaining emotional presence? I use ChatGPT. I attend AI conferences. I explore...

Willow Works, a new handcrafted gift boutique located next to Jayne & Co. Salon along Highway 9 in Felton, held its grand opening Saturday, after a four-week soft-launch period. It’s a collaboration between two young women, Mariana Timmer, the owner of The Clay Chalet, and...

From April 22-May 3, Bay Area Pizza Week puts the spotlight on the craft, creativity and sheer pleasure of great pizza across the region. Building on the success of North Bay Pizza Week, Santa Cruz Pizza Week and Silicon Valley Pizza Week in 2025, the...

What do you get when you combine a community builder, entrepreneur and innovative problem solver? Greg Wimp. In 2020, Greg, owner of four local Togo’s businesses in Santa Cruz County, donated thousands of sandwiches throughout our county to fire evacuees, first responders, frontline workers, salon...

When Heather Lewis Sebring asks older adults about moving, she does not begin with boxes, floor plans or what needs to go. She starts with a much better question: “What would you like your life to be full of in the next 10 years?” More travel?...

After consecutive break-ins, Spanky’s Café in Ben Lomond is now missing an ATM. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office confirmed deputies responded to a report of a burglary at an establishment along the 9500 block of Highway 9 on May 12. “An ATM was stolen from...

Thomas Cussins, president of Ineffable Music, wants to thank the community of San Lorenzo Valley for keeping Felton Music Hall’s doors open. As other entertainment venues have struggled—and faltered—during the crush of the pandemic, Felton Music Hall has stood strong.  Cussins, who is the managing...

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...