Local News

SANTA CRUZ—An unsanctioned homeless camp in Santa Cruz has reopened, this time with a new name, increased security and a set of rules designed to reduce crime and drug use. Now called Camp Phoenix – after the mythological bird that rose anew out of its...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville police have arrested five gang members believed to be responsible for two separate violent attacks that left several people injured, WPD spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said. The first attack occurred on March 26 outside of a liquor store on the 1100 block of Freedom Boulevard....

APTOS—Second Harvest Food Bank well surpassed its goal of 4.5 million meals during its 2021 holiday drive. But when it came time to organize the 2022 effort, organizers floated the idea of lowering the goal, given the rising costs of groceries due to inflation,...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has released 93 people from its jail system since March 20, when county Health Officer Gail Newel imposed a series of restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus. Of the 93 that were released,...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—An Aptos man has been arrested after a Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Team (SET) serving a search warrant found more than 12 pounds of heroin, 1 pound of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun in his residence. The arrest came after...

A 1928 Ford Tri-Motor named City of Wichita will be at Watsonville Municipal Airport through the weekend, and available for flights for the public.

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Chief of Police David Honda will give a presentation on "community oversight and engagement" to the City Council at today's virtual meeting. The meeting begins at 2pm. To participate visit https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/794248253 or call 1 (786) 535-3211 and enter access code 794-248-253. The Watsonville Police...

UPDATE: The 1-year-old has been returned to her mother. WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a 1-year-old child who was abruptly taken by her father after an argument with the child’s mother in Watsonville Sunday night. WPD spokeswoman Michelle Pulido...

WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Nov. 17 began the process of redrawing the boundaries of the district’s trustee areas, a required decennial undertaking that follows the census. During redistricting—which occurs in counties, cities and other jurisdictions nationwide—officials redraw their boundaries...

Central Fire Capt. Laurel Walters, the first female firefighter to be hired by Central Fire Protection District, hung up her helmet Thursday after 28 years of service. As a farewell ceremony, fellow firefighters joined her and her family, including her husband, two teen boys and...