Local News

WATSONVILLE—Work continues on the new Ramsay Park Pumptrack, including the addition of a layer of asphalt to the lumpy bicycle course. Being built by Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC), crews are currently installing new split rail fencing. When completed the park will provide an...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Saying that she has not yet seen reliable data that a countywide masking mandate would alter personal behavior or lower Covid-19 cases, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said she does not plan to issue a new order any time...

Observations from across the Pajaro Valley and beyond.

Towering flames reach into the sky at Pacific Firewood & Lumber, 2536 Freedom Blvd., Friday as a huge pile of timber burns. Fire officials said the blaze was triggered by spontaneous combustion sometime during the night. Firefighters around 8:30am said they would be on...

MOUNT MADONNA—Middle and high school students from six schools in four counties joined their peers at Mount Madonna School (MMS) for its inaugural regional Model United Nations (Model UN or MUN) conference on Feb. 11.  The theme of the conference, “Climate Justice for All: Addressing...

Do you have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to [email protected] or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A man was arrested on suspicion of driving a stolen truck and trying to evade police after he charged past their blockade on Highway 1 Monday. California Highway Patrol officer Sam Courtney said the incident began when the CHP had to shut down...

APTOS—On Monday Cabrillo Gallery celebrated the opening of its annual Student Exhibition, showcasing over 75 works from students of Cabrillo College’s Art Studio and Art Photography departments. The online show represents all disciplines taught at the school, which includes painting, drawing, printing, ceramic, sculpture, small-scale...

A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. Tarmo Hannula Food: Bantam  My wife Sarah and I recently had a great dinner at Bantam on the west side of Santa Cruz. Opened in 2012 Bantam, 1010 Fair Ave.,...