Watsonville fire, police staffing slowly climbs as pandemic recedes
WATSONVILLE—When the city of Watsonville initiated several cost-saving measures as the Covid-19 pandemic began to take hold in March 2020, the City Council froze four positions in the police department, and two in the fire department.
None of these were filled positions, but the move...
Wargin Wines moving production from Watsonville to Gilroy
After nine years, Wargin Wines will be moving its production and tasting room out of Watsonville—at least for the time being.
The winery, which was established in December of 2012, was one of the first wineries to settle in the Pajaro Valley in recent years....
Watsonville raises Pride Flag
WATSONVILLE—In a gathering outside of the Civic Plaza in downtown Watsonville on May 28, mayor Jimmy Dutra and the city of Watsonville raised the rainbow Pride Flag in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month.
Celebrated annually in June, Pride Month acknowledges the 1969 Stonewall Riots in...
Temporary protected bike, pedestrian path on Green Valley opens
WATSONVILLE—A temporary protected bike and pedestrian path on Green Valley Road between Amesti Road and Pinto Lake City Park officially opened May 28.
The path, installed by the County of Santa Cruz, serves as a preview for area residents and students of nearby Amesti Elementary School...
St. Francis High valedictorians reflect, look ahead | Grads 2021
WATSONVILLE—St. Francis High School (SFHS) was a big part of Maureen Kelly’s life even before she enrolled as a student there.
Her father was a basketball coach for the school, and her older siblings had all attended. So when she arrived, it was like coming...
WPD: Alleged gang member arrested for firearm violation
WATSONVILLE—An alleged Watsonville gang member was arrested Thursday, and a handgun was taken off the street following the service of a search warrant.
Watsonville Police spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said officers from the Special Investigations Unit arrested Rigoberto Lopez, 28, for being a felon in possession...
Adult Education graduates 82 students | Grads 2021
WATSONVILLE—Jesus Morales and Wendy Ortega are among 82 students that graduated Thursday from Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education, earning high school diplomas, GEDs, clinical medical assistant and certified nursing certificates and U.S. citizenship, among other certifications.
Their stories are examples of the people who come to...
PVUSD bylaw changes would penalize absences, alter public comment
WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of trustees on Wednesday took another step toward revamping its bylaws with the first reading of a series of recommended changes.
The trustees will vote on approving the changes during the June 9 meeting.
If approved, trustees who miss...
Photo: Watsonville Airport welcomes extra-large guest
A Bombardier Global Express 600 corporate jet sits on the tarmac at Watsonville Municipal Airport on May 21. Airplane aficionados said it is the largest aircraft to land at the airport since 2007 when a C-17 military transport jet touched down during an air...
Film festival to raise funds for two local bicycle organizations
For 20 years the Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) has been celebrating bicycles through art, film and music. Originating in New York, it has popped up in 100 cities across the globe, from Paris and Tokyo to Istanbul and Mexico City.
And now the festival is...
PVUSD trustees cut school employee, teacher positions
After the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees late Thursday night made sweeping cuts to 78 classified positions, newly appointed Board President...
