Local News

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Parks and Community Services Director Nick Calubaquib says since he was hired in 2018 that he has seen county officials make a stronger effort to reinvest in South County’s parks. That same year, the County of Santa Cruz finalized its parks strategic plan,...

APTOS—Cabrillo College’s Robotics Club won first place in the 20th annual MATE ROV underwater robotics competition, which took place in Long Beach from June 23-25. The team took the top prize after facing off in the competition’s Pioneer Division against Pasadena City College, Savannah Technical...

WATSONVILLE—Brian Orozco prides himself in putting his clients at Functional Fitness Training Center through a vigorous workout that challenges them both physically and mentally. Weaving his way through the Employment Development Board’s system to file an unemployment claim put his strenuous workouts to shame. He tried...

APTOS—A brief Memorial Flag Raising ceremony was held early Friday at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) office for Officer John Pedro, who died while on duty on June 3, 2002. A flag was raised to half staff at the ceremony that was headed up by...

SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved placing a moratorium on new vacation rentals countywide, along with several other rules meant to limit the growing industry. The trustees will consider on June 30 whether to extend the 45-day moratorium. Supervisor John...

WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project (PVHD) announced Thursday that Watsonville-based berry company Driscoll’s will donate $1.75 million to help save Watsonville Community Hospital.   PVHD is currently fundraising in order to meet a July 1 deadline in order to purchase the hospital. In late May,...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Thousands of people in Mid- and North county were without power Wednesday night, and PG&E crews turned the lights back on for more than 5,000 people in Santa Cruz by 6:30pm. More than 11,000 were still in the dark in Soquel, Capitola, parts...

SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies on Thursday arrested a man after finding more than three pounds of heroin and several illegal firearms in his possession. Joseph Watts, 65, was charged with drug possession, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He...

Linscott Charter School students, grades 4-6, are shown with one of two large outdoor murals they created over the past three months. Headed up by parent Sarah Diaz-Bastin, the project was drummed up by the Student Council who decided they wanted to make the...

WATSONVILLE—A 37-year-old Watsonville man was stabbed in the neck early Monday morning and Watsonville Police were able to round up a suspect within minutes. Via social media, WPD said Aaron Ibarra, 26, who was recently released on parole, is now facing felony charges following the...