Local News

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council at its Tuesday meeting overhauled its tax rates on cannabis businesses, a move the majority of council members said would make the city's businesses more competitive with those in neighboring jurisdictions. The changes will cut taxes on retail cannabis businesses in...

WATSONVILLE—On April 7, businesses from across the region will come together for the first time in three years at the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s annual Business Expo and Job Fair. This year’s theme is “Spring Fling,” celebrating the return of not only...

Recently, Sambrailo Packaging's ReadyCycle was featured in an article by the Plastic Pollution Coalition, an environmental organization that aims to combat plastic pollution worldwide.

WATSONVILLE—Officers from six law agencies met at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Tuesday through Thursday for training in how to respond to civil disobedience. California Highway Patrol officer Dave Reed said the Mobile Field Force Disobedience course focuses on policy protocol for law enforcement officials...

WATSONVILLE—Every year during the month of October, the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office sends daily statistics to local media, counting the domestic violence calls to which county law enforcement officials respond. It is a grim tally and a reminder during Domestic Violence Awareness Month...

WATSONVILLE—With the 2020 election right around the corner, most candidates are doing what they can to garner support, and finding ways to convince voters to choose them over another candidate. But what do candidates do if they are running unopposed? What should they focus on,...

A 29-year-old Watsonville man died Thursday evening when he lost control of his motorcycle and smashed into a fence. California Highway Patrol officer Israel Murillo said officers responded to a report of a crash on Buena Vista Drive west of Bradford Road. The man, identified as...

Man found near East Cliff Drive.

WATSONVILLE—Two local boys were recognized by multiple local leaders at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.  Adrian Maldonado, 11, and Edwin Rodriguez, 12, received certificates, gifts and recognition from Watsonville Mayor Francisco Estrada, Santa Cruz County Office of Education Superintendent Faris Sabbah, Watsonville Chief of Police David...

Today marks the start of week two of the shelter-in-place order in Santa Cruz County—the order by health officials to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. Here's a round-up of a few important issues: • There is a coronavirus phone hotline in...