Annual sculpture exhibit returns to Sierra Azul Nursery
WATSONVILLE—Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens in Watsonville is once again brimming with art as Pajaro Valley Arts’ annual “Sculpture Is” exhibit returns for the 15th year.
Installed in late May and officially opened on June 7, the popular outdoor exhibit will be up through October....
Hwy 1 closed at La Fonda Avenue overpass for more than 90 minutes
SANTA CRUZ—Highway 1 in Santa Cruz, between Morrissey Boulevard and 41st Avenue, was closed for more than 90 minutes in both directions due to “police activity” on the La Fonda Avenue overcrossing, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said.
Just before 3pm multiple callers told...
Monterey Bay Birding Festival canceled again
WATSONVILLE—The Monterey Bay Birding Festival has been mothballed for the second year in a row due to pandemic complications.
Despite most levels of society, from schools, businesses, services and government, edging back toward normal operations, the festival—in its 17th year—couldn’t get off the ground.
“The festival...
Watsonville Hospital announces new CEO
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Community Hospital has a new chief executive officer.
Steven Salyer, who has 14 years of leadership experience in hospitals throughout the U.S., started the position on July 6. The hospital announced the move on July 14.
Salyer previously served as chief operating officer at UP...
Photo: Small fire briefly evacuates Resetar
Watsonville firefighters respond to a small fire in the Resetar Residential Hotel on east Lake Avenue Wednesday, which forced the evacuation of dozens of residents and closed East Lake Avenue for a short time. According to Watsonville Fire Battalion Chief Corey Schaffer, the fire...
One killed in big rig vs car collision
WATSONVILLE—A man died Tuesday evening after a big rig and small car collided on San Juan Road on the outskirts of Watsonville.
Monterey County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office Cmdr. Derrel Simpson identified the victim as Jose Avila Rios, 36, of Salinas.
California Highway Patrol officer Jessica Madueño said...
Strawberry Commission reports healthy fruit, high demand
According to the California Strawberry Commission, about 90% of all strawberries in the U.S. are grown in California.
The fruit thrives in the state, due to its need for year-round moderate weather, which allows its roots to grow strong and stable.
On the Central Coast, consistent...
County leaders to push for changes to flood control funding
WATSONVILLE—The National Association of Counties (NACo) recently renewed its call to have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers change how it distributes its flood control funding.
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend, a NACo board member, says that, too often, funding decisions for federal flood...
Watsonville celebrates completion of Rail Trail portion
WATSONVILLE—Roughly 60 people—many of them on bikes—gathered on the southwest outskirts of Watsonville on July 17 to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the city’s segment of the Coastal Rail Trail.
The ribbon-cutting for the 12-foot wide, quarter-mile-long strip of asphalt between Walker...
Lifelong local educator becomes PV High principal
WATSONVILLE—When new Pajaro Valley High School Principal Consuelo Mason was in third grade, her third-grade teacher inspired a lifelong dream to become an educator.
“She showed me that anything was possible,” Mason said.
By coincidence, when she had earned her teaching credential and entered a classroom...
Thousands attend No Kings rallies
Thousands of people crowded into Watsonville Plaza and surrounding streets Saturday as part of the nationwide No Kings protest against President Trump, his administration...
