Local News

Tarmo Hannula: Major progress is visible at the giant construction project of the new Hampton Inn & Suites on Lee Road. A new Starbucks Coffee drive-in and service station, among other shops, are in the works. • The winter solstice was Saturday, marking the first day...

WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a plan to create a virtual academy for the 2020-21 school year. The PVUSD Virtual Academy will be formed as an alternative school with its own teachers, administration and curriculum. PVUSD Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez...

The Rountree Rehabilitation and Re-Entry Facility project is almost complete. The project started in 2016 and county officials expect it to open in early 2018.

Keith Rayburn’s musical journey began when his older brother, Craig Rayburn, first picked up a guitar and learned to play.

WATSONVILLE—In a vote that was largely ceremonial, the Watsonville City Council unanimously approved giving $130,000 to the newly-formed Pajaro Valley Healthcare District to help the nonprofit purchase Watsonville Community Hospital’s operations. The contribution from the cash-strapped municipality pales in comparison with those of other jurisdictions...

WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday got a first look at its financial picture since Gov. Gavin Newsom released his proposed budget in January, which provides a record $100 billion for schools and community colleges. The board also revised the...

Santa Cruz is one of four counties in the state to try out pesticide notification pilot projects. For a certain class of pesticides known as California Restricted Materials, growers must submit notices of intent to the county agricultural commissioner’s office 24 hours before application.  The...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Feb. 12 marked a day of free smiles for 48 low-income children in Santa Cruz County thanks to Dientes’ celebration of Give Kids A Smile Day.  This annual day of free care, which has grown to serve more than 300,000 children each year...

APTOS—Cabrillo College’s students will return to in-person instruction, about one month after beginning the spring semester with a distance learning model. Cabrillo President and Superintendent Matt Wetstein said the decision comes as the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 declines and as the Omicron...

SANTA CRUZ—The 12th Annual Latino Role Models conference will return on March 12 in a virtual format, with prominent community organizer and activist Dolores Huerta serving as this year’s keynote speaker. Local nonprofit Senderos, which aims to inspire students to achieve their education and career...