Dolores Huerta headlines upcoming Latino Role Models conference
SANTA CRUZ—The 12th Annual Latino Role Models conference will return on March 12 in a virtual format, with prominent community organizer and activist Dolores Huerta serving as this year’s keynote speaker.
Local nonprofit Senderos, which aims to inspire students to achieve their education and career...
Levee rebuild gets final approval
WATSONVILLE—After decades of efforts by local, state and federal officials, plans to rebuild the Pajaro River Levee can now move forward after voters in Watsonville approved an assessment on their annual property tax bills that will pay for the maintenance and operations costs.
The Pajaro...
Local care, local pride: Tony’s Auto a Watsonville staple since 1994
WATSONVILLE—Tony’s Auto Service, nestled in a crunch of busy shops and the ebb and flow of Freedom Boulevard traffic, has been a staple auto repair spot in Watsonville for the past 26 years.
If it’s new wiper blades, a smog check or full-blown valve job...
Lighting the way to resilience, honor
Several people gathered in a large meeting room at Watsonville Public Library recently, where they delved into the cultural significance of Japanese paper lanterns, and then got a chance to make their own.
The free, one-day, 3-hour event provided attendees with wood popsicle sticks, paper,...
Man recently arrested for robbery placed bombs around city in 2001
WATSONVILLE—The man who was arrested on Dec. 22 on suspicion of robbing the Freedom Centre Rite Aid store in Watsonville at gunpoint 24-hours earlier has a lengthy history with local police.
Raymond Quiñonez, in late 2001, was arrested after making a string of bomb threats...
Watsonville searching for answers to crippling housing crunch
WATSONVILLE — Saul Ruiz never thought he would have to leave Watsonville.
A 1999 Watsonville High School graduate, Ruiz was just settling into his “dream job” as his alma mater’s athletic director after taking over the position three years ago in 2013. He was also making...
‘Field of dreams’
When Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco was a student at Freedom Elementary School, she remembers running around the playing field, pock-marked as it was by holes and other signs of age and wear.
“I remember dreading it, because when we were done, my knees used to...
Watsonville nursing facility sees 27 Covid-19 cases
WATSONVILLE—A total of 27 residents and six staff members of Watsonville Post Acute Center have tested positive for Covid-19 since July 19, and the facility has enacted several safety and infection protocols to try to combat the virus’ spread.
The most recent cases—two patients—were announced...
Protest of teacher layoffs continue
Several dozen Pajaro Valley Unified School District teachers and staff were joined by community supporters early Tuesday morning at The Towers in Watsonville to...
