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Late in 2022, when officials from Pajaro Valley Unified School District took a look at its high school seniors, they noticed a disturbing trend: many were not meeting their graduation requirements and were at risk of not receiving their diplomas. And so Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez...

In the wake of a May 25 burglary at his Watsonville cannabis dispensary, Bryce Berryessa installed several new features designed to deter similar crimes from occurring again. According to Watsonville Police Department, 12 armed suspects used an SUV to ram and break open the dispensary’s...

For years, Santa Cruz County lacked a youth crisis center, meaning that young people experiencing a mental health crisis were taken to overloaded emergency rooms, the county’s adult psychiatric facility or were shifted to out-of-county facilities, away from their families. That problem will end in...

WATSONVILLE—Pajaro Valley Unified School District Trustee Jennifer Schacher, who has held the Trustee Area 5 seat since she was elected in 2018, has closed the gap between herself and opponent Olivia Flores since early returns began to come in Tuesday night. Flores is ahead by...

PAJARO—Work crews have temporarily plugged a breach in the Pajaro River levee that allowed torrents of water to flood the tiny town of Pajaro and surrounding farmland on March 11, and officials in Monterey County are now banking on a law that allows the...

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...

More than 100 people took part in the 16th annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk in downtown Watsonville on Aug. 11.  The event took place in Watsonville City Plaza where a wealth of information tables were set up alongside the Watsonville Certified Farmers Market, the...

Local musical group, Mariachi Ilusion, performs Saturday night at the Mello Center as part the Mariachi Concert, a benefit for the flood victims of Pajaro. Presented by Activities 4 All, the two-hour show featured singers, dancers, instrumentalists and special guests Mariachi Mexico de Gilroy...

SCOTTS VALLEY—A 73-year-old Watsonville woman died in a solo-vehicle crash on Highway 17 early Tuesday. She has been identified as Maria Isabel Reyes, according to Ashley Keehn of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. California Highway Patrol officer Israel Murillo said Reyes was driving a...

CASTROVILLE—The North County Fire District swore in five new firefighters on Tuesday and held a badge pinning ceremony for three who have recently been promoted. During the ceremony at the Castroville Public Library, five new firefighters who have recently filled vacant positions received their badges:...