Johnson & Johnson pause not expected to slow county’s vaccine efforts
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Though the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be delayed for an undetermined amount of time, the pause of the single-dose inoculation is not expected to significantly slow the county’s vaccination efforts.
That’s according to Santa Cruz County spokesman Jason Hoppin,...
Mass vaccine clinic hopes to reach Pajaro, Las Lomas residents
PAJARO—A mass vaccination clinic in Pajaro aimed at North Monterey County residents struggling to find the vaccine will go on as planned Friday, thanks to quick work from Dignity Health-Dominican Hospital and organizer Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA).
PVPSA CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez says...
All-girls pump track clinic held at Ramsay Park
WATSONVILLE—A group of young girls aged 6 to 11 lined up with their bikes at Ramsay Park on Sunday afternoon, eager to learn about riding the park’s new pump track.
The free clinic was organized by Bike Santa Cruz County with the help of the...
Two bodies pulled from sunken vehicle in Moss Landing Harbor
MOSS LANDING—Two women died after their car plunged into the water of Moss Landing Harbor sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victims as Maria Vanessa Carrango, 35, and Esther Monique Espinoza, 28, both of Salinas....
Discussions between city, Fox Theater owner on City Council agenda
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday will receive an update of ongoing talks between the city and Fox Theater owner Hank Garcia for the possible purchase or lease of the historic cinema in downtown.
The item is included in the City Council’s closed session agenda...
State of play: County, PVUSD lending aid to solve city’s parks shortfall
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Parks and Community Services Director Nick Calubaquib says since he was hired in 2018 that he has seen county officials make a stronger effort to reinvest in South County’s parks. That same year, the County of Santa Cruz finalized its parks strategic plan,...
Watsonville officials disappointed by split RTC vote on rail plan
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—When the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) on April 1 narrowly rejected a business plan that laid out how to pay for a countywide passenger rail system, it sidelined a project that could have benefitted thousands of South County residents...
Head of local farmers market takes over Pinto Lake City Park
WATSONVILLE—A familiar face has stepped in as the new operator of Pinto Lake City Park.
Jesus Madrigal, the president of the Watsonville Farmers Market, was recently named concessionaire for the city’s share of Pinto Lake. His company’s vision for the 78-acre park—70 of which are...
Deputies exchange gunfire with man in Aptos
APTOS—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies shot a man late Tuesday in Aptos after he allegedly fired a gun at them during a car stop, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn said.
Eli Burry, 40, of Soquel, is facing charges for weapons violations and violent felonies.
According to...
Pajaro man pleads no contest to child sex charges, faces 15 years
MONTEREY COUNTY—A Pajaro man has pleaded no contest to rape of a minor under 14, lewd acts with a child under 14 and assault with the intent to commit a lewd act.
Arturo Murguia Rodriguez, 21, is facing 15 years in prison when he is...
PVUSD Trustees to revisit teacher layoff vote
A little more than one week after voting to eliminate roughly 80 teacher positions, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will...
