Local News

WATSONVILLE—An inmate at the Rountree Medium Facility on the outskirts of Watsonville escaped Friday afternoon, leading to an intensive search that ended with his capture later the same day. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ashley Keehn said Christopher Dicochea escaped around 3:45pm from the correctional center on...

WATSONVILLE—On Feb. 17 the Board of Directors of the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PV Water) unanimously adopted the 2021 Cost of Service Rate Study and Resolution 2021-05. The move adopts procedures for public hearing, notice and protest concerning proposed revisions to charges for augmentation...

WATSONVILLE—Cilantro’s Parrilla Y Cantina recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and the Mexican restaurant is not slowing down even with shelter-in-place orders in effect. The business remains open seven days a week, albeit with a limited staff, and is still offering takeout orders of about 90...

WATSONVILLE—For the past three years, UC Santa Cruz’s (UCSC) We Belong research project has aimed to elevate immigrant voices, strengthen local community coalitions and inform local policy.  And next week, their work will be on display during a special event in downtown Watsonville. We Belong grew...

Tarmo Hannula: There’s a slight chance of rain this evening, the National Weather Service said. But the big news is several more episodes of rain next week starting Tuesday and then picking up again late Wednesday through Friday. • Video footage and evidence recovered on the...

WATSONVILLE—A fire that severely damaged St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish on Oct. 17 was arson, Watsonville Police Department confirmed Tuesday. Church officials say they have video footage of the arson occurring. It was not clear Tuesday afternoon if there is any suspect information. Pastor Jason Simas said in...

Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra took the stand for the second time in his civil trial Thursday, where he doubled down on his denial that he sexually abused a 12-year-old boy 19 years ago. Dutra is accused of molesting a boy in 2005 in his...

A local nonprofit announced that it had saved 37 kittens across Santa Cruz County last week, including three that were found abandoned at the Buena Vista Landfill.

Although work has already begun on the College Lake Integrated Resources Management Project, a group of dignitaries, construction workers and a cast from the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency gathered Friday for a groundbreaking ceremony to herald in the project, which is expected to...