Local News

A group of volunteers has painted a large Black Lives Matter mural on a stretch of Center Street in downtown Santa Cruz in front of City Hall. The project was spearheaded by Santa Cruz artist Abi Mustapha, with help from Arts Commission Vice-Chair Sean...

WATSONVILLE — The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday approved an Adult Services and Senior Center Plan that will bring operations of the Senior Center under the City’s umbrella.  Watsonville will pump $176,000 from its 2019-20 general fund into the Senior Center, and also hire an Older...

Author Barbara King was holding an event at Kelly’s Books for her novel “The California Immigrant” when inspiration for her next project, “The Apple King,” struck. A woman approached her and recommended that King read a book called “Blossoms Into Gold,” which follows the history...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday got a first look at how the County’s supervisorial districts could be redrawn as the decennial redistricting process nears its end. During redistricting, jurisdictions use the recent census to see how their populations have...

U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents on May 27 arrested a longtime Watsonville resident as he walked behind the Target store near the intersection of Harkins Slough Road and Ohlone Parkway. The man’s nephew, who asked to be called Brandon, confirmed the arrest,...

Rain and wind swept across Santa Cruz County on Sunday, with storm damage reported in several places. Paige Gordon stood near her Live Oak home, hours after a towering eucalyptus tree—felled by heavy winds— smashed through the top floor and rendered the entire structure uninhabitable. High...

The show, at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center on Aug. 19, will feature an extensive set list of songs by the legendary jazz/pop vocalist and pianist Cole, who is known for hits such as “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” “Nature Boy,” “(I Love Yo) For Sentimental Reason,” “Unforgettable,” and more.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The annual Mi Casa es Tu Casa exhibit opened Wednesday at Pajaro Valley Arts on Sudden Street.  The show is inspired by Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a traditional holiday in Mexico that celebrates ancestors and others who have died....

Polka band to perform at Oktoberfest Oktoberfest returns to Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 High St. in Santa Cruz, on Sept. 30 from noon to 4pm. The event will feature German food, beer and wine, along with various activities for children and families. The Thirsty Nine polka band...