Aptos High welcomes new principal
APTOS—Aptos High School’s new principal began her career in education during a stint in the Peace Corps, where in a small mountaintop village in Ethiopia she upended the school’s boys-in-the-front, girls-in-the-back paradigm and learned the influence a good educator can have.
“I fell in love...
Community Foundation donors raise $7 million for hospital
WATSONVILLE—Earlier this year, Santa Cruz County was presented with the challenging task of raising $67 million to purchase and subsequently save Watsonville Community Hospital (WCH).
Since the February 2022 formation of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD)—an organization aiming to advocate for community-led, nonprofit...
One flower, one day, huge crowds: Corpse flower blooms
SANTA CRUZ—Thousands of curious folks had a one-day window Tuesday to view and smell a blooming corpse flower at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden.
The 4-foot tall flower, sheltered beneath a tent and kept warm with a space heater while being gently...
Photo: Law officials, community unite for National Night Out
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputy German Fernandez joins area youths and others in a game of Musical Squares Tuesday evening during the annual National Night Out at Mesa Village Park.
About 24 booths were spread out, featuring games, information tables, free food, community assistance...
Watsonville’s Wine, Beer & Art Walk returns Aug. 20
WATSONVILLE—In 2018, the inaugural Wine, Beer & Art Walk was held in downtown Watsonville.
The event was a big success, selling out and seeing hundreds of people strolling along the downtown corridor, checking out local businesses while sampling local wine and brews and viewing local...
Event brings mental health resources to Watsonville youth
WATSONVILLE—On Aug. 12, United Way of Santa Cruz County’s Youth Action Network and Jóvenes SANOS will host a pop-up event in Watsonville aiming to connect youth with mental health resources in their community.
The event is part of Youth Action Network’s ongoing pop-up series, which...
Suspected drunk driver flees crash scene on 3 wheels before arrest
WATSONVILLE—A Watsonville man was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of DUI and hit and run after Watsonville police caught up with him near his heavily damaged car.
Watsonville Police Department Sgt. Charles Bailey said the man, who has not been identified, slammed into a curb,...
Pajaro Valley Chamber honors 2022 awardees at annual gala
WATSONVILLE—When asked how he and his wife got their start in education, Lowell Hurst responded with a modest, self-deprecating answer synonymous with the longtime politician and educator.
“Some people suggested, well, ‘Wendy, you’re bilingual, you’ve got a teaching credential, and, Lowell, we’re really not sure...
Watsonville Strawberry Festival back to a three-day event
The Watsonville Strawberry Festival is returning in full force this year, back to a three-day event for the first time since 2019.
The popular event runs this Friday through Sunday and will include food booths, many featuring strawberry-themed treats, as well as a beer garden,...
Photo: PVPSA unveils new community mural
A new mosaic mural adorns the exterior front wall of Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance on East Lake Avenue. The 35-by-5-foot art piece was unveiled Wednesday during a ceremony that included local dignitaries and PVPSA officials. The work was created by a body...
Two arrested in construction equipment theft scheme
Monterey County sheriff’s detectives arrested two men and recovered more than $300,000 in stolen construction equipment tied to an organized theft ring targeting local...
