County’s plan for aging seeks community input
Santa Cruz County is presenting a Master Plan for Aging (MPA) survey residents can take that will help county leaders craft a plan to meet the needs of its rapidly growing senior population.
When it is complete, the county’s MPA—called “Age Well Santa Cruz County”—will...
Lawmakers, officials pushing for faster Pajaro levee repairs
PAJARO—A little more than a month after the Pajaro Levee broke and released waves of roiling river water that laid waste to homes, businesses and crops in Pajaro, a group of local, state and federal lawmakers gathered near the river in Monterey County on...
Caroline’s Thrift donates $550,000 to local nonprofits
SANTA CRUZ—In 2022, Coastal Kids Home Care provided in-home nursing care for 65 children with serious and life-threatening illnesses, work that also benefited 228 family members.
Such services are vital in Santa Cruz County, where an estimated 1,700 young people need such services, says Christine...
Watsonville Film Festival to present ‘Sanson and Me’
The Watsonville Film Festival will partner with CineLux Green Valley Cinemas to present the documentary film “Sanson and Me” Aug. 26 at 6pm.
Award-winning filmmaker Rodrigo Reyes will participate in a post-screening Q&A with the audience. Watsonville-based actor Mario Velasquez, who appears in the film,...
Finding his roots, telling his story: Local filmmaker looking for cast, crew
As a young child growing up in Watsonville, Pedro Gonzalez-Renteria dreamed of being a filmmaker.
That dream was fomented when his father got a video camera, and he and his friends and siblings would use it to make their own versions of skit comedy shows...
Multiple people dead after planes collide at Watsonville airport
UPDATE, Aug. 19: Federal investigation into fatal plane collision underway
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
WATSONVILLE—Two men, a woman and a dog died in a mid-air collision between two small private planes above Watsonville Municipal Airport Thursday just before 3pm.
One witness, who went by the name Steve, said he...
Food bank eyes 5 million meals for those in need
APTOS—Second Harvest Food Bank well surpassed its goal of 4.5 million meals during its 2021 holiday drive. But when it came time to organize the 2022 effort, organizers floated the idea of lowering the goal, given the rising costs of groceries due to inflation,...
Mastodon tooth discovered on Rio Del Mar Beach
About 100,000 years ago, American mastodons roamed California, using their giant trunks and teeth to graze upon the trees growing in forests and wetlands.
While they share their ancestry with today’s elephants, they were larger. The males stood as high as seven feet and weighed...
Bigger fines in SC County for fireworks violations
Residents in Santa Cruz County will face steep fines for using fireworks this Fourth of July, including at area beaches.
“Illegal fireworks can be a threat to public safety, spark wildfires, and be harmful to the environment, vulnerable residents, and pets,” Santa Cruz County spokesman...
Watsonville Police Department holds awards ceremony for outstanding employees
Dozens of law enforcement and emergency first responders gathered in the Watsonville City Council Chambers Wednesday for a promotional and award ceremony honoring Watsonville...
