Leaders urge ‘yes’ vote on levee-funding assessment
WATSONVILLE—After years of wrangling by local, state and federal lawmakers—and of worries from residents of another catastrophic flood in South Santa Cruz County—the Pajaro River levee has enough money for a long-awaited upgrade that could offer a century’s worth of protection.
But while the construction...
Remembering David Toriumi
WATSONVILLE—David Toriumi, who ran his eponymous auto repair shop in Watsonville for nearly four decades–starting in a one-bay shop behind his home before expanding to the garage at 38 Menker St.—and who coached generations of young people after discovering an affinity for sports at...
City asking for public input | Community Briefs
Vote for new public art at Ramsay
The City of Watsonville, Pajaro Valley Arts and Community Arts & Empowerment is asking the public to vote for its preferred artwork to be placed on the entryway of the Community Center at Ramsay Park.
The choices have been...
New laundromat opens in East Lake Village
A new laundromat has opened in the East Lake Village Shopping Center.
Owner Robert Ruiz said Laundry Room features 30 driers and 35 heavy-duty washing machines that can handle from two to eight loads (80 pounds) of wash.
The 2,000-square-foot facility, which replaces a former laundromat...
Community leaders push for Census 2020 participation
WATSONVILLE—A New Year has begun, and with it comes the start of Census 2020.
The U.S Constitution mandates that every 10 years the country’s population should be counted. The information is then used to distribute federal funding and to determine political representation in each state.
“The...
No contest plea in Watsonville involuntary manslaughter case
SANTA CRUZ—A 19-year-old Watsonville man pleaded no contest to charges of involuntary manslaughter Wednesday for allegedly firing a gun that killed his reported friend on S. Green Valley Road Jan. 7.
Santa Cruz County Assistant District Attorney Ilia McKinney said that Ricardo Jesus Garcia could...
Pajaro flood victims still rebuilding
Months after floods devastated parts of the Pajaro Valley, residents continue to rely on financial support from local organizations as they start to rebuild their lives.
While the waters have receded and a sense of normalcy has been restored, some people are still struggling to...
Cabrillo celebrates 60 years of education
WATSONVILLE—Cabrillo College got its start six decades ago in several condemned buildings in an unused corner of Watsonville High School.
More than 800 freshmen began classes there on Sept. 1, 1959.
The community college has since evolved into a mid-county educational centerpiece, serving more than 15,000...
Missing 14-year-old found safe in Mexico; father arrested
A 14-year-old girl who disappeared with her father while authorities investigated the death of her newborn daughter has been found safe in Mexico, and...
