Local News

The Santa Clara County Medical examiner has reported that the man who shot and killed three people and wounded 12 others at the Gilroy Garlic Festival on July 28 shot himself, contradicting earlier reports that police officers shot him.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday set the stage for a streamlined process for rebuilding the homes and other structures damaged in the CZU August Lightning Complex fire. The item was part of the consent agenda and therefore garnered no...

The Friends of Watsonville Park and Community Services and the City of Watsonville are requesting nominations for their 21st Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards.  This event will recognize individuals, organizations and businesses who engage Watsonville youth and empower them to help contribute to their...

WATSONVILLE—Students from Ann Soldo Elementary School have been displaying a series of art projects at Cafe Ella on East Lake Avenue since late November. Art teacher Cami Shaeffer said the idea formed after chatting with Cafe Ella owners Jennifer DeVault and Erika Conrad, who took...

Tarmo Hannula: Two new police officers will officially hit the streets this weekend in Watsonville to begin their 20-week Field Training phase. When they are done, they will join four others in their various stages of training, which will eventually add up to a...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Last weekend the Santa Cruz Symphony (SCS) brought two powerful performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium and the Henry J. Mello Center in Watsonville. The concerts marked the Symphony’s mid-season point. Two more are planned: On March...

It was 17 years ago that a group of volunteers began to restore the Rancho San Andreas Castro Adobe, a structure whose endurance over its 176-year lifespan helps paint a picture of California history. Now fully restored and equipped with interpretative displays, touchable exhibits and...

A man was injured by a gunshot to the chest Saturday morning in Live Oak near the Santa Cruz Flea Market.

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday will make a decision on the Downtown Complete Streets Plan, a project that proposes sweeping changes to the corridor’s structure. According to the report from city staff, the plan presented at Tuesday’s 6:30 p.m. meeting will include:  Pedestrian improvements •...

In celebration of California Arbor Week, two new tree planting efforts are underway in Watsonville this week.