Nonprofits, community groups celebrate farmworkers as lawmakers call for more support
WATSONVILLE—After working a long shift picking strawberries and greens, dozens of farmworkers and their families received the royal treatment thanks to a new program from El Pájaro Community Development Corporation.
Called the Farmworker’s Family Dinner, the initiative treated 38 families—roughly 230 people—to meals from El...
Watsonville woman dies in Highway 17 crash
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...
Watsonville shop specializes in rare currency, tokens
Few people may be aware, but Watsonville once had its own currency.
From circa 1902 through 1929 there were $5 and $10 bills with the words “Pajaro Valley National Bank of Watsonville” printed on them.
“I have bought them in the past, but not so much...
Man who tried to kill officers denied parole
SALINAS—A man convicted two decades ago of trying to kill two Watsonville Police officers was denied parole this week after a hearing at Salinas Valley State Prison, Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell announced Wednesday.
Manuel Murillo, 42, was also convicted of dozens of...
FBI launches terrorism investigation into festival shooting
The FBI launched a domestic terrorism investigation into the July 28 Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting, officials announced Tuesday.
Arson suspected in park fire | Photo
The Watsonville Police Department has launched an arson investigation regarding the incident.
Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance readies to open Watsonville dispensary
APTOS—A long line of U.S. military veterans was outside an Aptos cannabis dispensary Monday, waiting their turn for a free monthly package of marijuana.
Called the Veterans’ Compassion Program, the service is the overarching mission of the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance (SCVA). Through it, people...
City seeks to expand cannabis businesses
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday will provide direction on major proposed modifications to the City’s cannabis laws, including the possible addition of multiple dispensaries.
According to the staff report prepared for Tuesday’s meeting, the City is recommending the addition of two retail licenses as...
Watsonville City Council to decide Porter Building’s fate
WATSONVILLE—An art studio and performance center for Pajaro Valley Arts, or an Italian restaurant, boutique hotel and creative office space for the Pajaronian?
The Watsonville City Council is expected to decide the fate of the historic Porter Building during the closed session of its virtual...
Photo story: Fill the Fire Truck effort aids in toy drive
Watsonville’s interim Fire Chief, Corey Schaefer, shows a sampling of the new toys that locals donated first-ever Fill the Fire Truck Toy Drive Dec...
