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Hundreds of women—many attired in wide-brimmed hats festooned with flowers—gathered at Driscoll’s Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos Thursday afternoon for the annual Down to Earth Women Luncheon. The luncheon is held to raise funds for Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program, as well as the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship...

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...

The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture has announced its annual awardees, including the man and woman of the year. Nita Gizdich was on her ranch Tuesday morning, and as usual she was working.  Although sweeping the driveway leading to her iconic pie shop was...

CENTRAL COAST—Forty percent of Santa Cruz County has now been deemed drought-free due to the rains that have drenched the Central Coast since the year began. Meanwhile, 17% of California is now out of drought conditions following a federal drought monitoring program’s report Thursday. The U.S....

The eighth annual Pajaro Valley Pride (PVP) Celebration unfolded in Watsonville Sunday with a day of performances, drag story time, booths, interactive spaces, food, arts and crafts and information tables from organizations from around the county. Staged at the YWCA on East Beach Street, the...

While she can’t quite remember what sparked her interest, Arielle Bennet has known she wanted to be a firefighter since she was a small child. Bennet, 18, has been a part of the Watsonville Fire Youth Academy since last year, and now serves as advisor...

A Watsonville murder suspect who surrendered after an hours-long standoff last week pleaded not guilty to numerous charges on Aug. 11, and will remain jailed without bail. Hector Rocha, 44, reportedly shot a 42-year-old man on the 100 block of West Beach Street on Aug....

Veterans march along Main Street in Watsonville Saturday during Veterans Day ceremonies. About 60 vets, on foot or aboard several early day fire engines, left St. Patrick's Church and made their way to the Mello Center where they were greeted by a host of...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 14 unanimously approved a new ordinance meant to add affordability protections for people who live in mobile home parks, and to help mediate when tenants dispute rent increases. The new ordinance ties future rent...

For Michelle Martinez Kamalani and her mother, Judy Martinez of Watsonville, Memorial Day meant setting time aside to visit Valley Catholic Cemetery.  With an electric weed-whacker, a whisk broom,  hand clippers and two bunches of fresh flowers, the pair wandered through the rows of flower-festooned...