Outdoor sculpture show opens for 17th year at Sierra Azul Nursery
“Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2023,” an outdoor exhibit of more than 90 sculptures, has just opened at Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens in Watsonville. In its 17th year, the annual exhibit, produced by Pajaro Valley Arts (PVA), features artists from around the Monterey...
Schools grappling with declining enrollment, absenteeism
As students across the state prepare to return to the classroom from their summer break, school districts are faced with a vexing problem: declining enrollment and chronic absenteeism—both of which have been growing every year—are combining to take a bite out of annual revenues,...
Challenger to vie for Koenig’s Supervisor seat
A longtime biotechnology researcher and public transportation advocate has lined up to challenge Santa Cruz County Supervisor Manu Koenig when his District 1 seat goes up for reelection early next year.
Lani Faulkner kicked off her campaign on Sunday afternoon in a small, redwood-studded picnic...
Monterey man dies in Highway 1 crash
A 77-year-old Monterey man died early Monday in a solo-vehicle crash on Highway 1 in Santa Cruz.
California Highway Patrol officer Israel Murillo said CHP officers were dispatched to a report of the crash around 4:40am at the exit from northbound Highway 1 to Highway...
Members’ exhibit hits the walls at PV Arts
Artwork by more than 130 local artists has filled the walls of the Pajaro Valley Gallery in Watsonville with Pajaro Valley Arts’ first show of the year.
“2024, Pajaro Valley Arts: 40 Years of Inspired Expression,” which runs Jan. 17–Feb. 25, spans a wealth of...
Nonprofit aims to reduce & eliminate dangerous pesticides, impose buffer zone around schools
A state nonprofit that aims to reduce and eliminate the use of dangerous pesticides on agricultural fields in California plans to sue the agency tasked with regulating them.
The announcement came Tuesday during a press conference convened in Watsonville by Californians for Pesticide Reform.
Mark Weller,...
PHOTO: Family places altar for Watsonville shooting victim
A large altar has been set up on the 700 block of McKenzie Avenue in Watsonville where Van Michael Turner was shot and killed Aug. 4. Family and friends have placed flowers, votive candles, photos and more at the site. One family member confirmed...
New Santa Cruz County health officer set for appointment
The City of Berkeley's health officer, Dr. Lisa Hernandez, is poised to take leadership of Santa Cruz County's Health Services Agency if her appointment is approved by the county Board of Supervisors next week.
Hernandez, who has 25 years of experience as a medical doctor...
School bus bursts into flames after crash
Two people were injured Tuesday morning after a man slammed into a school bus holding dozens of students.
The collision on the 900 block of Green Valley Road north of Casserly Road at 7:30am caused the bus to burst into flames.
The driver, a 28-year-old male...
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...
PV’s Lara-Alvarez named Santa Lucia’s top player | All-PCAL football
In 2024, Pajaro Valley senior Benito Lara-Alvarez was primarily on the defensive side of the ball for the Grizzlies.
Prior to the start of this...





















