Local News

Summer is in full swing along the Central Coast, and with it comes a surge in outdoor activity and recreation. From mountain biking to horseback riding, fishing to swimming, the Pajaro Valley in particular has plenty to offer.  Hiking is perhaps the most popular and...

Late one Sunday night in July, Watsonville Police got a call that a group of people was gathered in a parking lot, and someone was spinning their car in circles in a time-honored activity known as doing “donuts.”

WATSONVILLE—The Kmart store at 1702 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville will permanently close its doors on Aug. 22, the company announced through a publicity agency on Tuesday. The store will begin to wrap up business beginning Thursday. The announcement did not contain any further information. Transformco, the...

The 2025 Annual Fairgrounds Foundation Crab Feed is set for March 1 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.  The event will feature live music, a no host bar, prizes and a silent auction, with winners to be drawn and posted during the dinner.  “We also will...

Thirteen members of the California Conservation Corps pitched in and worked with locals to help shape up the land at Hazelwood Park in Watsonville Monday.

About 15 years ago, officials from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk began looking at a project, dubbed “Centennial Plaza,” that would give the park a grand front entrance complete with more ticket booths, rides, attractions and more.

Every year the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture names its annual awardees, selecting the people, organizations and events that help shape the Pajaro Valley and the communities that live there. As every year, the Pajaronian is proud to feature this year’s awardees. Lifetime Achievement Dominic...

Observations from the Pajaro Valley and beyond.

WATSONVILLE—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday arrested a Watsonville man on numerous sex charges involving a minor. Carlos Gomez Velasco, 39, has been charged with oral copulation with a minor, contacting a minor for sexual purposes, sexual battery and contributing to the delinquency of...

WATSONVILLE—Obtaining a Covid-19 test in Watsonville is still a challenge for some, as long waits and limited options are plaguing those that might have been exposed and are asymptomatic but need a test to find out if they can safely return to work. The OptumServe...