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The Santa Cruz County Fair runs through Sunday. For information, visit santacruzcountyfair.com.

Library accepting nominations for Youth Poet Laureate The Watsonville Public Library is accepting nominations for the new Watsonville Youth Poet Laureate.  The program’s primary goal is to recognize those under the age of 20 for their literary achievements with a commitment to and a passion for...

A dog that was shot Dec. 27 beneath the Main Street Bridge is on the mend and up for adoption, according to Watsonville Police. During surgery, Oso had to have his right front leg amputated. No arrests have been made in the incident that unfolded on...

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...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville’s half-cent sales tax increase had formidable support from voters in initial results released by the Santa Cruz County Elections Department. As of Wednesday morning, Measure R had amassed 64.67% of the 3,151 votes tallied. The general tax measure only needs a simple majority for...

Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel on Thursday announced that she will be retiring in June. Newel was appointed to the position in July 2019. During that time, she led the county through the Covid pandemic, considered to be the largest public health crisis in...

PAJARO—Nearly 200 people have been rescued so far from the floodwaters in Pajaro, Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said Sunday afternoon. Crews from the state’s emergency contractor are on site at the 120-foot breach in the Pajaro River Levee, as they prepare to shore up...

Massive surf pummeled coastal regions of Santa Cruz County, leading to evacuations, road closures and damage Thursday.  High waves surged into Capitola Village, knocking over signs and benches, tearing open business fronts and cluttering the Esplanade with mountains of driftwood, sand and debris. Mary Ann Orr,...

WATSONVILLE—Since the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of schools nationwide, education officials have been struggling to rebound from the significant—and unanticipated—academic and emotional toll at-home learning wrought on young people. Pajaro Valley Unified School District has since boosted its ranks of socio-emotional counselors and mental...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council met Saturday to get an update on the current Strategic Plan, which was adopted in June 2021.   The council adopts a new plan every two years and the 2021-23 plan outlines seven long-range priorities, which are housing, infrastructure and the environment,...