Supervisors approve plan to increase internet access for rural residents
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The County of Santa Cruz will soon use a $500,000 grant to install 20 new antennae throughout the county, a plan officials say will boost Broadband internet signals for thousands of people living in rural areas, particularly low-income families.
The money comes from...
Bill establishing Pajaro Valley health district heads to Governor’s desk
SACRAMENTO—Senate Bill 418, authored by State Senator John Laird, was unanimously approved on the Senate floor in a 34-0 vote Thursday, paving the way for Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign the bill into law and establish a health care district for the Pajaro Valley.
The...
March calls for equity in public transit
SANTA CRUZ—About 100 people called for an increase in accessible and sustainable transit choices across Santa Cruz County during a miles-long march across the westside of Santa Cruz on Feb. 4 as part of a national movement named National Transit Equity Day.
Toting signs such...
8 injured in 3-vehicle crash
WATSONVILLE—Eight people were injured in a three-vehicle collision near the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Sunday afternoon.
California Highway Patrol officer Alyssa Gutierrez said that around 4:15pm the driver of a 2021 Porsche Cayenne was traveling eastbound on Highway 152 near Holohan Road. For unknown reasons,...
Wetlands Watch’s youth climate institute receives state funding
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Wetlands Watch’s (WWW) Climate Corps Leadership Institute recently scored a $300,000 Youth Community Access grant from the California Natural Resources Agency.
Climate Corps Leadership Institute (CCLI), formed in 2020, grew out of WWW’s Green Careers Institute. It works to increase youth access to the...
Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire investigate Bayview Hotel fire
APTOS—Fire broke out in the historic Bayview Hotel Sunday afternoon.
Central Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Peters said a fast response from Central firefighters put a quick lid on the blaze inside the three-story landmark, which he described as a tinderbox.
“We kept it to one room...
Freedom Boulevard project to begin in May
WATSONVILLE—A massive, long-awaited project that will completely overhaul one of Watsonville’s key arterial roads is set to begin in May.
The Freedom-Green Valley Water and Sewer Improvement project and the proceeding Freedom Boulevard Road Reconstruction Project were delayed because of global supply chain issues, the...
New community center aims to change youth outcomes
WATSONVILLE—A new community center is set to open in Watsonville on Wednesday, with the goal of supporting local at-risk youth and their families.
The Luna y Sol Familia Center at 15 Madison St. is a program of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County...
Annieglass founder named artist of the year
WATSONVILLE—Annie Morhauser, whose Watsonville-based studio, Annieglass, has become a cornerstone of the Santa Cruz County arts community, has been named the 2022 Artist of the Year by the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission.
She has been making her glassware in Santa Cruz County since 1983....
State eviction protections extended through June
WATSONVILLE—Some California renters facing eviction at the end of March got a reprieve Thursday when Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis signed legislation that extends statewide protections tied to a state-run rental assistance program.
Assembly Bill 2179 extends eviction protections through June 30 for Californians who signed...
Calles Libres returns to Watsonville after a 7-year hiatus
The public is invited to the Calles Libres (Free Streets) community celebration on the streets of downtown for a car-free festival honoring Día de...
