Local News

When Aptos High School Principal Alison Hanks-Sloan sent a letter on March 16 to the Pajaro Valley Unified School District community announcing she would not be returning for the 2025-26 school year—and that her last day will be June 30—district officials told The Pajaronian...

Watsonville Police are asking for help in identifying a man who was caught on a security camera hurling a brick at a stained-glass window at St. Patrick’s Church March 14. WPD said the man, clad in white pants and a blue jacket, caused more than...

The Watsonville Community Band has been busy rehearsing with Judy Norton, actress, singer, writer, director for film and television, for a pair of concerts April 4 and 5. The free performances—titled “Lions, Tigers, & Marches! Oh My!”—will showcase Norton’s artistry as she sings songs...

Michael McCollum, who worked as staff photographer at the Pajaronian from1987 to 1996, died March 9 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 67.  Born on April 27, 1957, to Garland McCollum and Katherine Fromm-McCollum in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, Mik was 2 when the family moved...

The local folkloric dance group Esperanza del Valle will celebrate its 45th anniversary on April 4, 5 and 6 at the Crocker Theater in Aptos. The program, titled “Espirítu de Mexico,” will feature live music with guest artists Nematatín de la Universidad Veracruzana and Mariachi...

Members of VFW Post 1716 get help from Watsonville Fire Department Thursday in replacing two flags that once flew above the VFW building on Freedom Boulevard. Thieves recently stole the American flag and a POW/MIA flag along with the rope. Veteran Bob Erbe (center,...

Last week, about 30 teachers got the news they have been dreading since late February, when the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved reductions to several teacher positions. Roughly 30 teachers have received layoff notices—also called pink slips—on Thursday and Friday, said...

Two weeks ago, a group of Aptos High School students and staff picketed in front of the school to publicize their concerns about losing the school’s seven-period schedule. The loss of the extra class at Aptos High was seen as a necessity after the Pajaro...

When former Santa Cruz County Supervisor Greg Caput was serving in the 4th District seat, one of his goals was to bring more county services to Watsonville. It was fitting, then, when several county officials gathered in the new South County Government Center on Thursday...

Studio Judy G, an art venue in the heart of downtown Watsonville, is aiming for the exit.  Following an April 1 goodbye party owner Judy Gittelsohn describes as a “wake,” the gallery, workshop, classroom and art hub will close permanently. “I’m going into private practice,” she...