Local News

WATSONVILLE—In the past two years, Pajaro Valley Unified School District students have shown growth in state assessments in English and Math, placing just below the national average. The district’s third, fourth and fifth-graders showed double-digit growth in their English language arts tests, while fourth and...

WATSONVILLE—Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1716, which has served the local community of veterans since its inception in 1929, is facing closure after members failed to elect officers at a meeting in July. Member Paul Szemenciak says that, out of 116 members, just eight showed...

“Safe and sane” fireworks are now on sale in Watsonville, but the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is reminding everyone to do their part to have a safe holiday and help prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks.  So-called “safe and sane”...

A Watsonville man died and five other people were injured Saturday night in a multi-vehicle crash just north of Hollister, according to the California Highway Patrol.  About 7pm, a 27-year-old man from Tres Pinos, driving a Mazda 3 sedan, attempted a U-turn from the northbound...

Peanut brittle, milk, dark and white chocolates, pecan buds, hazelnut truffles, butterscotch squares, chocolate walnut fudge—does this list have your attention? If so, good news is here: See’s Candies has opened a pop-up store in Watsonville as a test run. Situated in Watsonville Square, a few...

A new mural has been installed at Cabrillo College in Aptos. Thanks to the creative hand of Watsonville artist Yermo Aranda, 18 Cabrillo students and an art instructor, the 42-foot-long mural now lives on the walls in the campus cafeteria. The work is the result...

For the past decade, local author Joyce Oroz has steadily released volumes of her Josephine Stuart Mystery Series. And now the 12th book has joined the lineup. “Lost and Bound” follows the series’ titular character, Josephine Stuart, as she investigates the death of a woman...

PAJARO VALLEY—About 50 people gathered Sunday in Watsonville’s community room to explore ways to phase out toxic farming chemicals and convert Pajaro Valley farmlands to organic and regenerative farming.  The group of speakers included farmers, farmworkers, doctors, retired teachers, experts in environmental health and justice...

Skillicorn BBQ benefits Scouts The Skillicorn BBQ returns Aug. 23 at the Corralitos Padres Hall, 35 Browns Valley Road, beginning at 5pm. The event is a major fundraiser to support the Scouts BSA programs in the Greater Pajaro Valley of the Loma Prieta District. Since its...