Page 2 - Abbott Square News Today

Needlepoint Sanctuary has given out syringes in Bangor for years but was recently certified by the Maine CDC and is looking to expand its reach.

The restaurant Bay Bar & Grill (209 Esplanade, 831-854-2244) had been closed for a year after severe storms in January 2023 caused major damage. With repairs complete and brand-new floors recently installed, Bay Bar was supposed to reopen later this month. Then, another bad storm hit early Thursday morning. The floors were damaged, and a new opening date has yet to be announced.

"Since the beginning of 2022, over 35 new ground-floor businesses have opened in the downtown, dropping the vacancy rate from a high of 9.8% during the pandemic to the current rate of 3.8%," writes Scott Newsome in a Guest Commentary. "Demand is high and there are some exciting new businesses in the works for 2024. Chief among the reasons for this surge in business openings is the number of downtown housing units either soon coming online or scheduled for construction in the comin...

In early 2022 Raffaele Cristallo, who also ran the Oak Tree restaurant in Felton, decided to open a new location of Casa Nostra in Scotts Valley. Mario Ibarra and Pasquale Bianco then elected to part ways with Cristallo, and opened a new restaurant in Ben Lomond called Aroma.

Creating new dining experiences in Ben Lomond.

Creating new dining experiences in Ben Lomond.

Many of the acts will be free in venues downtown Santa Cruz

From Oct. 4-7, there will be no shortage of places in Santa Cruz to go for laughs, as the Santa Cruz Comedy Festival is back in town bringing 40 comedians to 10 venues throughout the city.

New spots to grab a bite include Press at Abbott Square Market, where you can pick up press sandwiches; Zen Musubi, which offers Japanese rice balls encased in seaweed; and Hokkaido Ramen House.

Fresno State and U.C. Merced enjoyed some of the biggest increases in the standings.