Like all of you, we’ve been monitoring the evolving global impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and are in constant communication with the local businesses it is affecting. Small- and medium-sized businesses across Santa Cruz County are scrambling to figure out how to deal with the disruption of operations. We hear and relate to these struggles loud and clear.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Although Santa Cruz County currently only has seven confirmed cases of COVID-19, our community is still taking action to prevent the possibility of its spread. Some local updates of the status of COVID-19’s impact include the postponement or cancellation of:
Aptos farmers market, starting March 21
Aptos Wine Wander
Santa Cruz Symphony concerts
Santa Cruz flea market at former drive-in theater
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, concessions and Cocoanut Grove
Boardwalk Bowl, closed as of Sunday
Cabrillo College’s dental hygiene clinic and Pino Alto Restaurant/Sesnon House
Santa Cruz Warriors
Watsonville Film Festival
Ocean Speedway
Watsonville flea market at fairgrounds
Roaring Camp’s all-chamber mixer
Tea & fashion fundraiser at Seascape Beach Resort
Museum of Art & History
Episcopal churches throughout California
Santa Cruz Bridge Center
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Santa Cruz Kids Day
Top Dog Film Festival
Allman Betts Band at Rio Theatre
Ayurveda Unveiled film at Rio Theatre
Santa Cruz Chamber Business Expo
Yoga Within, Aptos
Performances of Considering Matthew Shepard at Cabrillo
Georgiana Bruce Kirby School
Porter Memorial Library
Agriculture Day Spring Luncheon
Sea Otter Classic in Monterey County
Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer
Pajaro Valley Unified School District job fair
Cabrillo Community Education classes
Capitola Recreation classes
City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation classes, programs and events
County of Santa Cruz Parks classes, programs and events
City of Watsonville offices (police, fire and water are exempt)
Sea Otter Classic
Some are opting to create virtual events, including Twin Lakes Church weekend services, the Santa Cruz County Science and Engineering Fair and the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Economic Summit.
More than ever, Santa Cruz County businesses need our support. Here are some ways you, as a consumer, can help:
- Shop small online from your favorite local retailer
- Don’t put your current subscriptions on hold — local businesses still need your support!
- Buy a gift certificate from your favorite family-owned business
- Purchase your beauty products from your local salon
- Support local arts by pre-purchasing tickets for later in the year
- Subscribe to a local home delivery programs to receive produce directly to your home
- Buy a gift card from your favorite small-business restaurant
- Purchase your coffee in bulk from your favorite local coffee shop
- Leave positive reviews for small businesses you appreciate
- Share your appreciation on social media
- Snap a photo of your product and share it on social media
- What’s your favorite local business? How can you support them during this time?
Santa Cruz Flea Market (at former Sky View Drive-In Theater)
Trust that every business in our community is putting precautions in place for the sole purpose of guiding us towards a healthier community. In a disruptive situation such as COVID-19, supporting Santa Cruz County’s local economy is more important than ever.
By supporting local businesses, we are able to keep money in the community to support other important initiatives through local sales tax earned: from education to the police and fire departments, to parks, and other publicly formed programs.
Of course, the top priority, now more than ever is to take care of yourself. Drink lots of water, get sleep, move your body daily, eat fruits and vegetables, and wash your hands — a lot!
There are lots of tiny actions we can take that will mean the world to small business owners in our community. Let’s make it happen.
Serving our community for over 29 years,
Patrice C. Edwards