Voters opt for smaller, streamlined system
For decades, voters on election day went to their respective polling places—roughly 160 in Santa Cruz County—where they would be handed a ballot for the candidates and races specific to their districts.
It was a time-honored tradition, and—for one day—a community gathering spot, with many...
Aromas Community Park donors honored with monument
AROMAS—Two decades ago, a fundraising drive was held to install dedication bricks at Aromas Community Park.
However, even after a number of community members had already donated to the effort, the project came to an abrupt halt.
“It was kind of sad, and no one knew...
Q&A: Jose Camacho on providing youth with cultural opportunities
The community is invited to attend the Celebration of Arts and Culture on Sept. 16 at 7pm at the Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by Activities 4 All, Ballet Folklórico Ollin, Esperanza del Valle, Estrellas de Esperanza, Grupo Folklórico Los...
New county government center open for business
Three years after the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted to purchase the former West Marine building on Westridge Drive, a convergence of city and county officials gathered at the site Tuesday to celebrate its new incarnation.
The 121,000 square-foot South County Government Center...
Teacher, mentor, leader Mas Hashimoto honored
More than 200 people gathered Saturday in Watsonville’s Community Room to celebrate the life of Mas Hashimoto, who as a child was imprisoned with his family in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, and later used the experience as a lesson in...
City to form Senior Action Committee
WATSONVILLE—The City of Watsonville is searching for residents 50 years of age or older to serve on its new Senior Action Committee (SAC).
Members of this volunteer committee will advise the city and other local jurisdictions by representing the perspectives, concerns and needs of Watsonville’s...
Cabrillo Stage presents ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’
Cabrillo Stage’s diverse cast, crew and choir are bringing the musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to life.
The production, opening July 6, is based on the novel by Victor Hugo and contains songs from the 1996 Disney film. Set in the Paris cathedral, the...
Highway 1 in Watsonville to reopen beginning Wednesday evening
WATSONVILLE—Highway 1 is expected to reopen tonight, according to Caltrans.
Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski said the southbound lanes of the highway, between Salinas Road and Highway 129 (Riverside Drive), are scheduled to open in the evening, while the northbound lanes should be reopened by Thursday...
Community speaks out on pesticide plan
Members of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation presented a plan Monday that aims to strengthen the way the state regulates agricultural pesticides.
The seven-page Draft Strategic Plan 2024-28 was presented in Watsonville to a crowd of about 50 people at the Ramsay Park Family...
Watsonville Community Hospital leaders establish fundraising arm
WATSONVILLE—After purchasing Watsonville Community Hospital last year, and beginning operations on Sept. 1, the people who run the institution are now looking for ways to keep it funded.
The Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project (PVHDP)—a group of nonprofit leaders and healthcare professionals that in 2021...
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...





















