Local News

BOULDER CREEK — A man who refused to drop a machete when confronted by deputies, after reportedly breaking into a trailer in Boulder Creek, was arrested Tuesday. Santa Cruz County spokeswoman Ashley Keehn said deputies received a report of a man walking into a tent...

WATSONVILLE—Willy Elliott-McCrea, who has led Second Harvest Food Bank for more than three decades, will retire in July 2022, the food bank announced Thursday. McCrea started as a driver for the center in 1978 and was promoted to director 10 years later. Under his tenure,...

WATSONVILLE—The three candidates vying for the Fourth District seat on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors squared off in a forum Tuesday night, touching on transportation, housing and other issues affecting the county. The forum was hosted by the Santa Cruz County Chamber of...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police on Friday arrested a 17-year-old Pajaro Valley High School student after he was found to be in possession of a loaded gun. According to Watsonville Police spokeswoman Michelle Pulido, school officials called police just before 11am with a report that a student was...

The Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League on Wednesday took a big step forward in the anticipated return of high school sports, announcing its 2021 sports seasons for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. The board of managers took it a step further with...

WATSONVILLE—Farmers markets around the county continue to operate through the COVID-19 crisis since they are deemed essential businesses.  Though some of the markets have pared down their offerings, eliminating things such as flowers, nursery goods, some prepared foods and entertainment, the outdoor venues still play...

WATSONVILLE—A dragon is coming to life in Watsonville.  Thanks to the efforts of Watsonville artist Kathleen Crocetti and a team of historians, designers, a benefactor and others, a 22-foot mosaic-covered water dragon is in the works and will soon rest atop a non-traditional Chinese style...

In a brightly colored classroom at Ann Soldo Elementary School Monday, a group of fourth-grade students were playing video games.

Observations from the Pajaro Valley and beyond.

WATSONVILLE—Two minors and a 20-year-old man have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the October 2021 murder of 21-year-old Abel Ruiz. Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn said deputies arrested Juan Carlos Almaraz Rios and two other suspects, who are not being...