Local News

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville renters struggling to keep up with their monthly payments because of the Covid-19 pandemic could soon receive some relief. The Watsonville City Council at its Tuesday meeting approved the use of $100,000 from its general fund to establish an Emergency Rental Assistance Program for...

The Watsonville Police Department is warning the public to beware of so-called virtual kidnappings, where suspects threaten victims without laying a hand on them.

Observations from across the Pajaro Valley and beyond.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputy German Fernandez joins area youths and others in a game of Musical Squares Tuesday evening during the annual National Night Out at Mesa Village Park. About 24 booths were spread out, featuring games, information tables, free food, community assistance...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to hire an independent auditor for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office who would investigate such issues as citizen complaints and use of force. The move followed a report by...

WATSONVILLE—As lunchtime drew to a close Wednesday, fourth- and fifth-grade students at Starlight Elementary School began to gradually filter into the classroom of art teacher Meredith Branan Freeman. They were there to learn about stop-motion animation and create their own movies. Some students worked individually,...

The City of Watsonville and Community Arts and Empowerment are seeking community input on the art that will soon decorate the new stage skirt at the City Plaza. Two artists—and one team of artists—have been selected as semifinalists to design an image. The art will be...

Now in its fifth year, the Aldina Real Estate Charity Chili Cook-off had its largest turnout yet Saturday, with 19 teams competing for the best chili.