Alleged killer’s former fellow serviceman speaks out after Ben Lomond shooting
As a member of the elite Air Mobility Command 60th security forces—a unit also known as the Phoenix Raven Team—Steven Carrillo was the U.S. Air Force’s version of a Military Police officer.
For a time, one of Carrillo’s jobs was to issue weapons at the...
Woman struck by vehicle on Green Valley Road
WATSONVILLE—A woman suffered major injuries Monday when she was struck by a vehicle as she walked on Green Valley Road, California Highway Patrol Officer Jessica Madueño said.
According to Madueño, the woman was walking in the eastbound lane of Green Valley Road just east of...
Fundraiser for slain Sheriff’s deputy raises more than $320k
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Peace Officers Research Association of California has established a fundraiser for the family of Damon Gutzwiller, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputy who was shot and killed in the line of duty Saturday in Ben Lomond.
The account has collected more than...
Watsonville businesses remain boarded up
Numerous businesses continue to keep their windows covered with large sheets of plywood in downtown Watsonville and at the Overlook Shopping Center on Main Street. The move was triggered Wednesday night by someone who posted a notice promising “barbaric protests" Thursday as part of the...
State education officials release guidance for reopening schools
SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Education (CDE) on Monday released a set of guidelines for schools statewide to use as they seek to reopen in the fall, nearly three months after they closed to slow the spread of Covid-19.
While the state agency leaves actual policymaking...
Citizen stopped alleged Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputy killer
APTOS—The man who allegedly shot to death a Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputy before engaging in a short but violent crime spree on June 6 was stopped by a resident who tackled him and held him down until law enforcement officials arrived, Sheriff Jim...
County unveils vendors for senior meal program
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The County of Santa Cruz announced that five local food businesses have been chosen to deliver fresh, nutritious meals to hundreds of local seniors during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Great Plates Delivered serves food to vulnerable older adults through a federal economic stimulus for...
Hundreds flood downtown Watsonville in weekend protest
WATSONVILLE—At least 300 people participated in a peaceful protest calling for the end of racial and systemic injustice on Saturday in Watsonville. The protest is part of a nationwide movement sparked by the death of George Floyd on May 25.
The group first gathered at the...
RTC says ‘Yes’ to train and buses, ‘No’ to trail and pod cars
By Jacob Pierce, Good Times News Editor
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A countywide transportation commission voted on Thursday to move forward with in-depth analysis of four possible options for the future of Santa Cruz County’s rail trail corridor.
The leading options before the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) include bus rapid transit,...
Council to weigh budget cuts, cannabis rules adjustments Tuesday
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council at its Tuesday night meeting will take its first look at the proposed restructured budget for the 2020/21 fiscal year, which includes seven layoffs and the elimination of all sports programs.
The council is also expected to make major changes to...
Watsonville City Council hears plans for Tiny Village
The Tiny Village project in the parking lot of the Westview Presbyterian Church is set to break ground at the end of May or...