About Town

Sweeping measures are unfolding across the globe in dealing with the coronavirus, which has sickened more than 187,000 and killed 7,400 people, including 111 in the U.S. The White House is now pushing for a huge stimulus package of $1 trillion to help bolster...

TARMO HANNULA A dead humpback whale washed ashore at Rio Del Mar State Beach Monday. California State Parks Ranger Joseph Carr Ritchie said the male humpback was about 13 years old. Researchers are looking into the cause of death while California State Parks is looking...

Spring began today and brief shower activity along with a dusting of snow in the mountains helped paint the picture. Tonight there is a 20 percent chance of showers before 8 p.m., the National Weather Service said. On Friday there is a 20 percent...

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday sweeping new changes to relax Covid-19 health standards that could have a dramatic impact on speeding up a gradual reopening of businesses, services, social behavior and even some major league sports—minus the crowds. While some governors advise a "slow...

Tarmo Hannula: The Pajaronian debuted our lifestyle magazine, Pajaro Valley, on Friday. Give it a look. ••• Tarmo Hannula: I’ve noticed gas prices edging down over the past few weeks. Regular was $3.55 a gallon on Soquel Avenue Thursday in Santa Cruz. On Friday on 41st...

Tarmo Hannula: When my friend Noel, a family attorney, dropped me off in downtown Watsonville early Wednesday I walked into the Second Street Café for a coffee. For years I’ve carried my own reusable thermos to save on throw-away cups. In line I got...

Tarmo Hannula Last week fellow reporter, Johanna Miller and I drove out along San Andreas Road to get a few photos and a feel of the current agricultural scene. The strawberry fields were abuzz with harvesters. From what I could see everyone was wearing a...

Tarmo Hannula President Trump is making history by being the third president to face impeachment. Today members of the House take the historic vote on whether to impeach him. Trump tweeted: "You are declaring open war on American Democracy.” Hundreds of people rallied in Watsonville...

Work continues on the major rebuild of the Watsonville High cafeteria and multipurpose room. • I saw on the morning news that one of five people has Covid-19 in Florida. Officials in that state were among the first to rush into reopening, claiming the lockdown was...

Tarmo Hannula: There’s a chance of light rain this evening that could start around 7 p.m. The National Weather Service said the rain could continue into Wednesday morning. Also, king tides will arrive Friday through Sunday. King tides occur when the Earth, moon and sun...