Local News

WATSONVILLE—As the Watsonville City Council prepares to weigh increases to its utilities fees to fund several high-cost repairs to city of Watsonville facilities, a wrongful termination lawsuit from an ex-employee who claimed the city misappropriated public money from one of its utility funds looms. In...

WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday considered several changes to board bylaws that regulate attendance at meetings, student trustees and allowing anonymous public comment during public meetings. There was no action taken. The proposed changes will return to the board...

A new series of murals has been installed at Pinto Lake County Park, with the goal of encouraging more visitors to the park and showcasing local art.  The murals are part of the Art Hike Challenge, organized by County Parks Friends (CPF). Guests can download...

The June 15 reopening date set by California Gov. Gavin Newsom will now mark another pandemic milestone: the day many Californians can go without masks in most settings. California’s Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly on Monday told reporters the state will continue...

WATSONVILLE—Monte Vista Christian School football senior standout Brendan Doyle was everywhere his coaches needed him to be this season, both on and off the field. His hard work and dedication to the game didn’t go unrecognized as coaches within the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic...

WATSONVILLE—Paddy Smith Park at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds was abuzz with activity Wednesday for the 2021 National Agriculture Day Luncheon.  Originally scheduled to coincide with National Ag Day on March 23, the event was postponed to allow Covid-19 restrictions to loosen and more attendees...

SANTA CRUZ—Members of the Watsonville Riders teamed up with the Santa Cruz Car Club on May 15 to showcase their sparkling cars at Lighthouse Point as part of an ongoing “cruise night.” The free event was designed to bring together car clubs from as far...

Santa Cruz County is moving to the looser restrictions of the Yellow Tier starting Wednesday, May 19, county health officials announced Tuesday.  Here are some of the key changes that will start Wednesday, according to the county’s press release: Bars may open indoors at 25% capacity, or...

Garrett Lee notched three goals for the hat trick in a 5-3 win against Ceiba College Prep in Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League play on Thursday. The junior left winger scored twice in the first half and picked up a crucial goal near the 60th...

WATSONVILLE—Aptos baseball coach Jason Biancardi said it's never easy beating the same opponent twice, especially when the second meeting is at their place.   But a strong pitching performance combined with a nearly flawless defense and a dash of offensive firepower guided the Mariners to a...