Election Night: Watsonville Hospital’s Measure N takes early lead
As election results continued to roll in Tuesday night, Measure N came out swinging, with 69.9% of voters approving it.
That number had dipped to 68.5% early Wednesday morning just barely making the required two-thirds supermajority.
Measure N would provide $116 million for Watsonville Community Hospital...
Powerful winds topple trees and power lines, prompt tornado warning
Winds were so strong Saturday night that meteorologists issued a tornado warning on the Central Coast including for Elkhorn and Prunedale, as well as areas around Aptos and Watsonville.
Just after 8pm, some residents reported seeing a “funnel cloud” touch down on the 700 block...
County Supervisors reverse course, approve key stretch of rail-trail
A portion of the Coastal Rail Trail project running through the middle part of the county will now move forward after the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved it.
The supervisors also voted to withdraw an earlier vote that stalled the project, and...
Students’ academic careers are adding up
Brianna Vasquez is a 13-year-old about to begin her 8th-grade year at Rolling Hills Middle School.
As the days of her summer vacation wane and the academic year looms, many of her friends are enjoying their break.
But on Thursday, Brianna was taking a different path....
Cactus and Succulent Show coming to Watsonville
The Monterey Bay Cactus and Succulent Society will hold its annual Spring Show and Sale April 12-14 in Watsonville.
Attendees can learn from seasoned plant experts and view hundreds of cacti and succulents, as well as pottery and supplies at the three-day event.
Also on board...
Highway 1 project continues, Capitola Ave. bridge demolition approaches
As he drove under the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning Highway 1 Wednesday, CalTrans structural engineer Jorge Uberhuaga pointed to the wooden framework he described as a “bridge to build a bridge.”
After installing the rebar skeleton, workers will soon begin pouring cement that...
Helping those that help–Jacob’s Heart gets art supply donation
Jacob’s Heart Family Center got an extra boost on Feb. 8 when members of the West San Jose - Campbell Lions Club delivered 200 art kits to the Watsonville center.
Lion’s Club members Dave Kaplow and Gayle Kludt hand delivered the kits that included drawing...
Panetta hoping to continue his mission
Editor’s note: this is the final installment of our pre-election coverage, as voters mull their mail-in ballot and make their decisions. A story on Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s Green Party opponent ran on Feb. 8. Republican challenger Jason Michael Anderson did not respond to a...
Watsonville clearing homeless camps along Pajaro River Levee
Watsonville city officials on Monday began clearing a sprawling unsanctioned homeless encampment along the Pajaro River that runs from Sakata Lane to Loughead Avenue.
The work, which includes mowing tall grasses and removing some trees, is expected to last through Aug. 2, Watsonville City spokeswoman...
Watsonville City Manager Rene Mendez leaving
Watsonville City Manager Rene Mendez has been named as the new City Manager for the City of Salinas, just two years after starting his position.
The Salinas City Council on March 19 approved his contract.
He will begin on May 28 and receive a base salary...
Dental coverage: Essential healthcare for California families
Over 30,000 under-resourced adults and children in Santa Cruz County rely on affordable dental care to live full, healthy, pain-free lives.
Across the State, 10...