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Pajaro Valley Healthcare District—the public agency tasked with running Watsonville Community Hospital—announced Wednesday that they plan to purchase the building and surrounding property, a major milestone in a years-long endeavor to return the facility to public ownership. The unanimous decision came during a closed-session discussion,...

Several thousand people showed up for the reopening ceremony of the Capitola Wharf on Wednesday, celebrating its survival after it was cleaved in two by heavy storms. The wharf, founded in 1857, now boasts new lighting, side rails, benches, permanently mounted viewing scopes,  several art...

More than three dozen students from every high school within Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s boundaries gathered in the district’s boardroom Tuesday for a first-of-its kind meeting with Superintendent Heather Contreras. The Superintendent Student Advisory Meeting, which Contreras said will occur at least six times...

The City of Capitola invites the public to a Grand Opening of the newly revitalized Capitola Wharf on Wednesday. “The event will take place at the end of Capitola Wharf, marking the completion of significant upgrades made possible through the Capitola Wharf Resiliency, Public Access...

A jury on Tuesday found that Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra committed sexual battery and lewd and lascivious acts on a minor in his Los Angeles apartment 19 years ago. The jury also found that Dutra is liable for damages from the emotional and mental...

Former Watsonville Fire Capt. Ron Rackley serves up homemade chili to Linda Hicks at the opening day barbecue lunch where huge crowds are filing through the 2024 fair. Dozens of fair food options will be offered through Sunday, with the stand kettlecorn, corn dogs,...

Watsonville Fire Battalion Chief Almita Schaefer tells students at Moreland Notre Dame School about the risks and rewards of being a firefighter Wednesday on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Students and staff at the campus each year have welcomed law...

With two days left before the opening of the 2024 fair, these workers scramble to set up their popular barbecue stand at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Monday. The fair kicks off Wednesday at noon. For information, visit santacruzcountyfair.com/

A Mexican Independence Day Festival unfolded in downtown Watsonville Sunday. Put on by Fiestas Patrias, the free event features live music, food booths, arts and crafts and information tables spread out around Watsonville's downtown plaza and surrounding streets.  The holiday, also known as El Grito...

Last-minute touches are being completed to make way for the Santa Cruz County Fair. From food stands and floriculture to arts and collectibles,  the entire fairgrounds is being charged up for their five-day run. Donna Giubbini, Fine Arts and Poetry Department Head and Chair at the...