144-unit Hillcrest Estate breaks ground
WATSONVILLE—Major groundwork has begun on the 144-home Hillcrest Estate subdivision situated on an 11.27-acre hilltop between Ohlone Parkway and Walker Street above Watsonville Slough.
“It’s a great boon that we are going to get an additional 144 units for Watsonville residents,” said Watsonville Community Development...
Board Chair and Manager leaving Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
WATSONVILLE—Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Board Chair Don Dietrich has resigned his post, and interim Fairgrounds Manager Kelley Ferreira has announced his departure, Board Director Nick Calubaquib confirmed Monday.
Dietrich, who made the announcement to his fellow board members last week, did not return a call...
PVUSD kicks off superintendent search
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees launched its search for a new superintendent late last month, hammering out a loose timeline, determining how the community will be involved and discussing the characteristics they want for a new leader.
The Aug. 30 discussion...
New program offers dental care, hygiene kits to seniors
Dozens of volunteers at Grey Bears were busy Thursday morning around two long tables loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables—along with other pantry staples—making packages to be delivered to seniors throughout Santa Cruz County.
The large warehouse was filled with laughter and lively chatter more...
Homeless population assists flood recovery in Watsonville, Pajaro
WATSONVILLE—As the waters recede from the recent floods that ravaged South Santa Cruz and North Monterey counties, residents have been returning to their homes and starting to clear the debris that overtook their dwellings.
In Watsonville, homeowners are getting help from members of the community...
Watsonville woman dies in Highway 17 crash
SCOTTS VALLEY—A 73-year-old Watsonville woman died in a solo-vehicle crash on Highway 17 early Tuesday. She has been identified as Maria Isabel Reyes, according to Ashley Keehn of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
California Highway Patrol officer Israel Murillo said Reyes was driving a...
Watsonville Film Festival returns for 11th year
WATSONVILLE—The 11th Annual Watsonville Film Festival rolls out the red carpet March 3-12.
Co-Founder and Director Consuelo Alba said the festival will have screenings at the Mello Center and the Watsonville Public Library as well as online viewing opportunities.
“This year’s Festival presents an exciting line-up...
24-hour Highway 1 closure coming March 23
Caltrans is scheduled to close both directions of Highway 1 for a 24-hour block on March 23/24 to make way for the demolition of the 1948 Capitola Ave. overcrossing.
Kevin Drabinski, spokesperson for Caltrans, said the work is the second phase of the three-phase project...
PHOTO: Bomb washes ashore at Pajaro Dunes
A military-grade ordnance is shown on the beach at Pajaro Dunes in Watsonville. The device washed ashore during recent heavy seas on New Year’s Eve, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said. As a precaution, the Sheriff's bomb team responded, deemed it safe, and...
Body found along Pajaro River levee
Watsonville Police set up on the bridge between Watsonville and Pajaro Monday night where they investigated a body found beneath the bridge. Michelle Pulido, spokeswoman for Watsonville Police, said police found a deceased man, age 25-30, sometime after 8pm. No further information has been...
Withe the continent in disaray, Europe’s populists embrace Trump
Following the U.S. election, many celebrated a significant electoral victory. Many simply exhaled. Others are showing signs of frustration and despair. A significant segment...