Local News

The annual Obon Festival unfolded at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple Sunday. Hundreds of people enjoyed dance and Taiko drumming performances, traditional Japanese food, arts, crafts, a raffle and more. For Buddhists, the Obon Festival is a time to honor deceased ancestors by inviting them back...

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival kicked off Friday downtown for its three-day run. The annual event continues Sunday from 11am to 7pm, featuring strawberry-infused treats, live music, a carnival and more.

SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday declared a local emergency in response to the increasing numbers of coronavirus cases. The board also ratified a Mar. 4 declaration by Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel of a local health emergency. Health...

Thousands attend on first day of weekend-long event.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A large group of workers rallied at the Santa Cruz County building Tuesday morning, before telling the County Board of Supervisors they are prepared to strike if ongoing contract negotiations do not go their way. Officials for SEIU Local 521, the union representing...

Rylee Gomez made her season debut for the Watsonville High softball team in a 17-1 win in five innings against San Lorenzo Valley in Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League play on Tuesday. The junior infielder batted 4-for-4 with four runs scored and two RBIs. Gomez,...

WATSONVILLE—The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from the public in gaining information about a vehicle crash early Tuesday on the outskirts of Watsonville. Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn in a Facebook post said that sometime between 4-6am there was a solo-vehicle...

For more than two decades, Aromas School has honored local veterans through song, dance and tokens of appreciation at its annual Veterans Day Assembly.

Construction work moves forward on the new athletic field at Pajaro Valley High School in Watsonville. The $12,898,450 project, largely paid for with Measure L funds, is moving ahead despite coronavirus shutdowns and a chance of no students being on campus in the fall....

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:...