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Watsonville
February 18, 2026

Watsonville City Manager Rene Mendez leaving

Watsonville City Manager Rene Mendez has been named as the new City Manager for the City of Salinas, just two years after starting his position. The Salinas City Council on March 19 approved his contract. He will begin on May 28 and receive a base salary...

​​PVUSD seeks applicants for interim superintendent

pvusd trustees
While Pajaro Valley Unified School District conducts the search for the permanent Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Trustees is seeking a qualified individual to serve as an Interim Superintendent to ensure a smooth transition. Those interested must submit their resume and letter of intent...

Gray hired as Watsonville Community Hospital CEO

Watsonville Hospital
Stephen Gray was officially hired as CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital on Wednesday. With a 4-1 vote, the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board approved Gray’s contract, less than a week after the hospital corporation announced him as its selection. Board member Joe Gallagher dissented. Hospital...

Floodwaters contaminate residences throughout Santa Cruz County

WATSONVILLE—Francisco Elcanto schleps a five-gallon bucket into the back seat of his car. A peek under the lid reveals an assortment of neatly packed cleaning supplies. Today, all he needs is some cleaning supplies, which he is borrowing from the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center.  The...

Photos: Santa Cruz County Fair is in full swing

santa cruz county fair face painting
The Santa Cruz County Fair runs through Sunday. For information, visit santacruzcountyfair.com.

‘Men in Nature/Taking Off’ exhibit opens at Studio Judy G

danny georges
A new art show has opened at Studio Judy G, 430 Main St., in downtown Watsonville. “Men in Nature/Taking Off” is a joint show of paintings by Judy Gittelsohn and photographs by her cousin, Danny Georges.  They grew up together in Portland, Ore., and spent...

‘Matilda’ musical takes the stage

christian youth theatre matilda the musical rehearsal
Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) will bring its version of Roald Dahl's “Matilda, the Musical” to the Crocker Theater at Cabrillo College Oct. 27-29.  Organizers say the performance promises to be a “magical experience for theater enthusiasts of all ages.” “Matilda,” based on Dahl’s 1988 novel, tells...

Tidal surge adds to damage as Santa Cruz County residents reel from storm

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Watsonville and Santa Cruz County officials on Thursday lifted the evacuation orders and flood warnings issued during the dual atmospheric river storms that came on Dec. 30 and Jan. 4, allowing residents to return home and breathe a sigh of relief that...

Artist raises $1,000 for Ukrainian children through Open Studios

APTOS—Local artist and Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit coordinator Hedwig Heerschop recently raised $1,000 during the Open Studios Art Tour for children in Ukraine. Heerschop, a fine art photographer and printmaker, raffled off one of her photograph etchings, depicting a blue and yellow sunflower. She sold...
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LEVEE MONEY The Pajaro River meanders through a course of trees and brush near downtown Watsonville.

Padilla, Schiff secure $54M for Pajaro River Levee

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla announced Tuesday that he and Sen. Adam Schiff secured $54 million in federal funding for the Pajaro River Flood Risk...