Santa Cruz County schools prepare for closure
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Starting Monday, thousands of students across Santa Cruz County will be out of school for at least one week after county education officials closed every school in response to the growing threat from coronavirus.
But teachers and school employees will be required to...
El Sistema plans summer music programs for PVUSD students
WATSONVILLE—Since 2017, Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) has partnered with nonprofit El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley to bring music education and performance to local students.
During the pandemic, El Sistema has continued its work both virtually and in-person, with small cohorts of students signed...
Man recently arrested for robbery placed bombs around city in 2001
WATSONVILLE—The man who was arrested on Dec. 22 on suspicion of robbing the Freedom Centre Rite Aid store in Watsonville at gunpoint 24-hours earlier has a lengthy history with local police.
Raymond Quiñonez, in late 2001, was arrested after making a string of bomb threats...
Man shot on Madison Street
WATSONVILLE—A man was shot in a brazen daylight attack on Madison Street on New Year’s Eve.
Watsonville Police Department Sgt. Henry Robles said the suspect, a man in his early 20s wearing black clothing, shot the male victim on the street around 4:30pm near the...
Small business, nonprofit Covid-19 grants available
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The County of Santa Cruz has announced the availability of Covid-19 relief funds for local small businesses and nonprofits responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. Available through the Santa Cruz County Cares Recovery Program, applications are now being accepted through Sept. 15 for...
Nine county jail officers test positive for Covid-19
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—At least nine Santa Cruz County Jail correctional officers have tested positive for Covid-19, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office announced in a press release Monday.
All nine are now off work, and six officers have been quarantined based on contact with infected...
Marcela Tavantzis appointed to PVHCD seat
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD) on Wednesday appointed former Watsonville City Manager Marcela Tavantzis to fill the seat left vacant when John Friel resigned on March 19.
“Nobody can fill the giant shoes left by John Friel, but we are so grateful Marcela...
Watsonville Community Band creates Christmas music video
WATSONVILLE—Music concerts and other live events might not be happening this holiday season, but the Watsonville Community Band (WCB) hopes it can still bring a little joy into people’s homes.
On Monday WCB released a new music video, dubbing it their Christmas “concert” for the...
Two arrested in attempted homicide
Two Watsonville men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in a shooting event on Sept. 2 on the 100 block of Roosevelt Street.
RedBall Project Santa Cruz County locations announced
In celebration of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History’s (MAH) 25th anniversary, the RedBall Project, a global art installation that has been to over 30 cities since 2001, is coming to Santa Cruz County.
And now, after a countywide search by MAH staff...
Police seeking 12-year-old couple on lam
Watsonville police Saturday were looking for a 12-year-old girl who took her mother's car and went on the run with her 12-year-old boyfriend, and...





















