Watsonville police search for church vandal
Watsonville Police are asking for help in identifying a man who was caught on a security camera hurling a brick at a stained-glass window at St. Patrick’s Church March 14.
WPD said the man, clad in white pants and a blue jacket, caused more than...
Body found along Pajaro River Levee
The discovery of a man's body along Pajaro River levee Thursday has prompted an investigation by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched for a report of a body at 5am. A forensic examination on Friday determined the person was a male, but officials did...
Man dies from injuries in Castroville shooting
Marcelino Calixto Pastrana, 27, of Castroville has died after he was shot June 26 in the parking lot behind the Castroville Market, 10696 Merritt St.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office added that a second victim, a 17-year-old male from Salinas, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
“We...
Sex offender arrested for stalking, touching girl
Watsonville Police on Tuesday arrested a registered sex offender after he allegedly followed and inappropriately touched a 17-year-old girl.
Kenneth Wilder, 31, has been charged with assault with intent to commit rape, stalking, annoying or molesting a minor and sexual battery.
As a registered sex offender,...
Photo story: Minor injuries in rollover crash
A Watsonville man suffered minor injuries Monday when he lost control of his Toyota Tundra pickup and rolled upside down on a hillside on Highway 1 in Watsonville. The California Highway Patrol said no other vehicles were involved. The man was entering southbound Highway...
Three injured in mobile home fire
Three people were injured Tuesday morning when a fire broke out at a mobile home in the Portola Heights Mobile Home park on Freedom Boulevard.
The fire erupted at 7:15am in unit 25 on Cresti Way.
One neighbor who used the name Erika said she ran...
Sheriff’s office holding Gun Buy Back
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office will hold a Gun Buy Back Oct. 18, an opportunity for the public to cash in unwanted guns in a “no questions asked” setting.
They will hand out $50 for rifles, $100 for handguns, and $200 for assault rifles....
Photo story: Travel trailer burns
A crew from Cal Fire knocks down a fire that fully engulfed a travel trailer Tuesday in Watsonville. No injuries were reported in the 2:40pm incident in a field behind Orchard Park Market at the corner of East Lake Avenue and Holohan Road. An...
Man arrested in levee death
Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies on Friday arrested a Pajaro man for the murder of Watsonville resident Jesús Alfonso Duarte Figueroa, whose body was found buried along the Pajaro River levee in April.
Bernardino Rickie Sanchez, 61, was booked into Monterey County Jail in lieu of...
Capitola police arrest burglary suspect
Capitola Police on Tuesday arrested a burglary suspect after a chase that involved numerous law enforcement officials, and which closed down the streets surrounding the Shadowbrook restaurant.
The 37-year-old suspect was not identified. He was charged with resisting arrest, possession of stolen property and possession...
Letters to the Editor Dec. 5-11
Suggestions for PVUSD
My recommendations regarding the Recommended Realignments of PVUSD:
1. Regarding school closure, I have advocated for an idea to sell the District Office...




















