Local News

WATSONVILLE—During the COVID-19 outbreak, Watsonville’s Blume Distillation has decided to expand its production line to help its community. The facility, which provides biorefinery equipment and alcohol-based fuel, developed a line of hand sanitizers, hoping to slow the spread of the coronavirus. “This crisis affects everyone,” said...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville’s first baby of the year made his appearance at 4:09am, a five-and-a-half pound boy who makes the third child for Beneslao Lucas and Irma Lopez.  Josue Lucas made a surprise appearance at 36 weeks, but was healthy and lively on Monday morning at Watsonville...

MONTEREY COUNTY—School districts across the U.S. were on alert Thursday after a challenge posted on the social media application TikTok urged followers to call in shooting and bomb threats to their schools on Friday. Students at North Monterey County High School were ordered to shelter...

Observations around the Pajaro Valley and beyond.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County is seeing a decline in its cannabis industry, with tax revenues falling far short of projections for the 2021-22 fiscal year. County officials say that current revenues of $1.68 million are lagging behind projections by more than $1 million, and...

The City of Watsonville has sent out a call to local artists to help create a mural for the new nature center coming to Ramsay Park.  As part of the Ramsay Park Renaissance Project, community members are invited to provide input on the mural design,...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Just as he did with the 2016 presidential election, President Donald Trump is making accusations of a rigged and fraudulent election in 2020.  But how easy is it to “steal” an election? Ask Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin. She’s been the head of...

WATSONVILLE—After a year of being shuttered, Pajaro Valley Arts (PVA) has once again fully opened its gallery to the public. On April 9, the organization welcomed the public back with the start of its annual fundraising exhibit, “Take Aways: Art to Go!” Now in its...

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...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Planning Commission will review plans for two proposed cannabis dispensaries at its July 13 meeting. Bryce Berryessa of Berryessa Holdings, LLC, and Jason Sweatt of Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance, Inc. are both expected to present to the commission at its monthly virtual meeting. Berryessa...