Strictly Business | Cook Your Way Around the World
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....
Strictly Business | Behind the Scenes of Saving Animals
At the Santa Cruz Gala event last month, hosted by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, I was lucky to be seated next to Nancie Newby, president of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation Board of Directors.
Sometimes at large events you can be...
Ben Lomond resident takes helm at Coffee 9
Mo L’Esperance got her start into food service at a pizza place in Southern California.
“I got hired as a cashier,” she recalled. “Within two weeks I was in the back cooking, because it was more fun.”
And after stints “back-of-house” in San Francisco, along the...
Felton’s new Ace Hardware to bring jobs and support for residents
When the Rite Aid in Felton went dark in August of this year, it left more than an empty building behind. For many residents, it marked the loss of a familiar gathering place—a stop for prescriptions, last-minute essentials and, for generations of locals, a...
Strictly Business | Leadership & Heart: Women’s Inner Strength Movement
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...
Cannabis Grow Proposal Heads Back to Planning Commission
In a business matter that’s highlighted a tussle between Planning Commissioners and County of Santa Cruz staff, the Commission has been handed a second chance to properly deny a cannabis cultivation operation proposal in Upper Zayante.
Local residents are trying to stop it, arguing it...
Cassidy Insurance celebrates Cady’s 25 years of service
Cassidy Insurance Agency is celebrating the 25th work anniversary of Kami Cady, director of personal lines.
Cady’s dedication, leadership and commitment to customer service have made a positive impact on the agency and the Santa Cruz County community.
Cady joined Cassidy Insurance Agency in 2001 and...
County’s Cannabis Tax Revenues See Major Drop
Santa Cruz County is seeing a decline in its cannabis industry, with tax revenues falling far short of projections for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
County officials say that current revenues of $1.68 million are lagging behind projections by more than $1 million, and by $1.6...
Utility Regulator Turns Up Heat On PG&E After Recent Outages
A California energy regulator has become so vexed with troubled power provider PG&E following months of planned and unplanned outages it’s started to crackdown.
In a Nov. 1 letter to Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chair Bruce McPherson, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) President...
Strictly Business | AI in Small-Town America: A 3-Part Series
In today’s fast-paced world, the term AI is buzzing everywhere. Curiosity about AI and its various tools has led me to explore how AI, ChatGPT and other AI technologies might benefit our Valley’s business owners and industries (myself included).
I would like to share some...
Central Coast Good Fire Fair returns Saturday to Henry Cowell Redwoods...
California State Parks will host the third Central Coast Good Fire Fair and demonstration burn Saturday, Oct. 10, at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
The...
