Community speaks out on pesticide plan
Members of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation presented a plan Monday that aims to strengthen the way the state regulates agricultural pesticides.
The seven-page Draft Strategic Plan 2024-28 was presented in Watsonville to a crowd of about 50 people at the Ramsay Park Family...
Homicide suspect arrested in Santa Cruz
SANTA CRUZ—A Santa Cruz man was arrested Saturday night on suspicion of homicide, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said.
Leif Ames, 35, was arrested around 8:50 p.m. after deputies were dispatched to a home on the 800 block of Brommer Street in Live Oak...
Santa Cruz Follies returns for 63rd year
At 63 years, the Santa Cruz Follies is the longest-running organization that uses the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, said director Kris Wheeler.
Police: Five arrested in anti-gang operations
The Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team (SCCACT) over the last few days arrested five men who they say are affiliated with gangs, seizing nearly a half-dozen weapons as well as several drugs the arrestees were planning to sell.
The most recent arrest occurred following a...
Capitola Mall redesign to house hundreds
CAPITOLA—Too many housing units. Not in line with Capitola’s “unique” feel and community. A fiscal “wash.”
These critiques and concerns—and several others—came to light at the Capitola City Council’s Nov. 14 meeting concerning the planned redevelopment of the hollowed Capitola Mall.
The council took no action...
PVWMA to bolster water conservation efforts
WATSONVILLE—In December, the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA) Board of Directors approved a $1.2 million water conservation program aimed at further bolstering the efforts already in place by farmers.
PVWMA is partnering with the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCD) and the...
Sheriff’s deputy arrested for allegedly having sex with inmate
SANTA CRUZ—A Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputy assigned as a correctional officer in the jail has been arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship win an inmate, Sheriff’s spokeswoman Ashley Keehn announced Saturday.
Jessica Smith was charged with sexual activity with an inmate, assault by...
Spanish virtual roundtable to discuss Latinas’ role as caregivers
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—In honor of International Women’s Month, Hospice of Santa Cruz County (HSCC) and the Hospice Giving Foundation (HGF) will host a free virtual roundtable on March 24.
“The Role of Latina Women in the Care of Parents and Grandparents” will be held from...
Gas pipeline replacement work moves ahead
Work crews from Pacific Gas & Electric are continuing their efforts of replacing portions of PG&E’s underground natural gas pipelines in Watsonville.
Three stabbing victims show up at hospital
Watsonville Police are investigating a report of three men that were stabbed Saturday.
Manny Contreras out as Watsonville High’s head football coach
In a stunning turn of events, Manny Contreras will not return as Watsonville High’s head football coach for the upcoming 2026 fall season.
Contreras received...
