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September 22, 2025

PV Arts’ annual Members Exhibition opens Jan. 18

Every year, local arts organization Pajaro Valley Arts (PVA) hosts an annual Members Exhibit, where its members have the chance to showcase their artwork to the community. This year’s show, dubbed “New Beginnings,” opens on Jan. 18 and will include the work of 95 local...

Police dismantle UCSC encampment, arrest dozens

This story was updated May 31 at 6:00 p.m. UC Santa Cruz Police called upon law enforcement agencies from several jurisdictions from across the state early Friday morning to dismantle a pro-Palestine encampment and secure the entrance of campus, where roughly 100 students were protesting...

Man receives 35-to-life sentence for 2018 shooting death

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SANTA CRUZ—A Santa Cruz man who shot a male victim to death in 2018 was sentenced on Oct. 6 to 35 years to life in state prison. Miguel Castañeda, 43, was convicted in May of killing Victor Vasquez Lopez, 36, of Santa Cruz.  The dispute that...

Suspect nabbed in Aromas armed robbery

AROMAS—An Oakland man is in custody following a string of crimes that included an armed robbery of the Mobil Gas Station in Aromas on Oct. 22.  During the robbery, at 2961 San Juan Road, a store clerk was held at gunpoint while cash was taken...

Watsonville to deactivate crosswind runway

The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday voted to close the crosswind runway at the airport, a move city officials say will open up more of the city for development of housing and commercial space. Airport Director Rayvon Williams told the council that closing the shorter...

PVUSD Trustees approve retention bonuses, other incentives

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WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 24 approved a series of bonuses and supplemental payments aimed at retaining teachers and school employees. Every teacher, school worker and administrator employed since April 1—and who plans to stay with the district through...

Leaving his stamp: Local post office worker retires after 34 years

After 34 years at the U.S. Post Office in Watsonville, Jimmie Nartates wrapped up his career as a window clerk Monday beneath a large gold banner, “Happy Retirement.” With signs posted about his work station by fellow workers, such as “Welcome to 7-day weekends,” and...

Caroline’s Thrift donates $550,000 to local nonprofits

SANTA CRUZ—In 2022, Coastal Kids Home Care provided in-home nursing care for 65 children with serious and life-threatening illnesses, work that also benefited 228 family members. Such services are vital in Santa Cruz County, where an estimated 1,700 young people need such services, says Christine...

Attempted murder suspect arrested after stabbing police dog

A Watsonville Police K-9 was stabbed Tuesday afternoon in a confrontation police had with an attempted murder suspect.  Sgt. Jarrod Pisturino said the incident began when police got behind a white Honda Accord around 4pm on Rodriguez Street in downtown Watsonville. When the solo occupant...

Photos: Santa Cruz County Fair is in full swing

santa cruz county fair face painting
The Santa Cruz County Fair runs through Sunday. For information, visit santacruzcountyfair.com.
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Rainbow Conference to support LGBTQ youth

The Safe Schools Project of Santa Cruz County is hosting its annual Rainbow Conference on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Watsonville High School. The event is...