Local author releases debut mystery novel
WATSONVILLE—Author Tony Di Leonardo was visiting the Watsonville Square shopping center when he first noticed Kelly’s Books. Walking into the small independent bookstore, he started chatting with owner Kelly Pleskunas about his debut novel, “Death by Drive-By,” which had just been released in December...
Art Hike Challenge encourages guests to visit county parks
A new series of murals has been installed at Pinto Lake County Park, with the goal of encouraging more visitors to the park and showcasing local art.
The murals are part of the Art Hike Challenge, organized by County Parks Friends (CPF). Guests can download...
Robert Gómez selected as Watsonville’s first poet laureate
WATSONVILLE—For the first time ever, the city of Watsonville has its very own poet laureate. Longtime resident Robert Gómez will for the next two years be working to advance the literary arts throughout the Pajaro Valley.
A poet laureate is appointed by a government or...
Senderos welcomes new executive director
SANTA CRUZ—Gabriela Cruz has been named executive director of Santa Cruz-based nonprofit Senderos, making her the first hired staff member after 20 years of being an all-volunteer-based organization.
Senderos, founded in 2001 by indigenous Oaxacan sisters Fe Silva-Robles and Dr. Nereida Robles Vasquez, was an...
Regional writing contest open to local students
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Students in Santa Cruz County are once again invited to submit entries into a regional writing contest headed by the Palo Alto Humane Society (PAHS).
The Ambassadors of Compassion Story Writing Contest is open to seventh and eighth graders in Santa Cruz, Santa...
Cabrillo Watsonville Center celebrates second edition of literary arts journal
WATSONVILLE—The second edition of a literature and arts journal created by Cabrillo College English students will soon be published, and the public is invited to celebrate with students and contributors this Friday.
Xinachtli Journal, or Journal X, features poetry, short stories, essays and art. It...
Spanish language bookstore installed in Santa Cruz museum
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is home to a new exhibit unlike anything it’s hosted before.
Fourth annual Pajaro Valley Pride held at YWCA
Pajaro Valley Pride’s annual celebration returned in a different capacity this year—with a brand new location and more activities. The Watsonville YWCA invited the non-profit to use its facility on East Beach Street, prompting the organization to move the event from downtown.
Big trees in focus
“Big Trees,” an art exhibit assembled by the San Lorenzo Valley Museum, is now showing at the Santa Cruz County Building.
Framing the coast
Forty-eight paintings by artist Erika Perloff depicting a string of northern Santa Cruz beaches are on display at Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz.
Protest, film target pesticide regulations
About 40 people gathered outside the CineLux Green Valley Cinema in Watsonville Friday to protest new regulations by the Department of Pesticide Regulation regarding...
