Farm, biotech company secures more grants for education programs
In 2021, biotech company Blume Industries (BI) and Whiskey Hill Farms (WHF) became recipients of The Farmer Rancher Grant, a major grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Western Division of Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).
The grant aims to support farmers and...
Tiny 1900s buggy restored by Agricultural History Project
WATSONVILLE—A small 1900s wooden wagon has been given new life thanks to volunteers from the Agricultural History Project at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
History Project CEO John Kegebein said the 6-foot-long wagon, with the words FIRE PATROL written on the side, was originally donated...
Grey Bears director announces retirement
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—After 12 years at the helm of Grey Bears, executive director Tim Brattan has announced that he will be retiring from his position by the end of 2022.
Grey Bears is a nonprofit aiming to improve the health and well-being of seniors and...
PVUSD leader named region’s Superintendent of Year
WATSONVILLE—Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez has been named Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 10.
The region covers 42 school districts in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.
“It is a pleasure and privilege to...
Pajaro Middle receives $10K for musical instruments
For the past two years the Dan & Lillian King Foundation, which aims to advance the learning of the U.S. Constitution, has sent scores of eighth-graders from Monterey County schools to see live productions of the Tony Award-winning show, “Hamilton: An American Musical.”
Hundreds of...
Rosa Azul to perform Sunday in downtown Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—The musical group Rosa Azul is set to perform Sunday at Studio Judy G on Main Street.
The quartet, which describes itself as “a new ensemble of professional musicians that perform some of the best Mexican music with a polished flare,” will perform in the...
Incarcerated people, attorneys navigating state’s new resentencing laws
CALIFORNIA—Vincent Marquez will be the first to say he has not led a perfect life.
He is in Soledad State Prison for a 2008 burglary conviction, serving sentences totaling more than four decades that could keep the 65-year-old incarcerated until 2041.
But he hopes to change...
Revenge of the nerds: Watsonville’s comics, fantasy event returns May 1
WATSONVILLE—In September, a hastily-organized event dubbed Nerdville drew more than 800 comics fans, collectors and geeks of every ilk to celebrate superheroes and share their love for a genre that has captivated the world since The Phantom debuted in 1936.
Friends of Watsonville Parks and...
Vaccinated people can now ride mask-free on METRO
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) lifted its mandatory face mask mandate for vaccinated staff and riders effective Tuesday.
The move came a day after the Transportation Security Administration advised public transport operators that they no longer need to enforce the federal...
Watsonville High campus gets touch-ups
WATSONVILLE—Work continues at the Watsonville High School campus to upgrade its appearance, bolster street safety and create new study spots for students.
The new features include a nearly 200-foot circumference shade structure installed three weeks ago between the gym and Geiser Field.
“It creates a space...
From our archives: Funds drive
Members of Native Daughters prepare for a holiday event on Oct. 26, 1959 in Watsonville. (Sam Vestal/Pajaronian file)
