Firefighters make headway on Estrada Fire; evacuations could lift today
Update (1pm, Oct. 16)
The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit (CZU) announced that the evacuation orders put in place Friday evening in response to the Estrada Fire have been changed to evacuation warnings.
It also announced that the fire was 25% contained.
ORIGINAL STORY
WATSONVILLE—Firefighters battling a...
County Office of Education lays out its strategy
WATSONVILLE—A gaggle of educators and nonprofit leaders gathered on the uppermost floor of the Watsonville City Plaza Tuesday to hear Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah outline his department’s operational plan for the next five years.
The two-hour session was both a chance...
Digital NEST founder wins prestigious statewide award
WATSONVILLE—Digital NEST Founder and Executive Director Jacob Martinez on Wednesday was named a 2020 recipient of the prestigious James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award.
Since 1937, the James Irvine Foundation has provided more than $1.87 billion in grants to nonprofit organizations in California. James Irvine, a...
Safety first | About Town
Bright green bike lanes continue to be painted on streets around Watsonville as an effort to further ensure safety for bicyclists in and around motor traffic.
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Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation today declaring July 2020 “California for All Small Business Month,” as the Governor’s...
Suspect in deputy killing pleads not guilty
ALAMEDA—The man who allegedly shot and killed a Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputy before engaging in an explosive-laden crime spree in the Santa Cruz Mountains town of Ben Lomond on June 6 pleaded not guilty Thursday to a host of charges in Alameda County...
Man fleeing police crashes car in Watsonville Fire station parking lot
WATSONVILLE—A 60-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after leading officers on a brief car chase and then crashing into several parked dilapidated vehicles at Watsonville Fire Station 2 on Airport Boulevard.
Watsonville Police spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said officers around 1pm got reports of a hit-and-run crash...
Q&A: Watsonville printmaker describes process
We spoke with Melissa West, printmaker and visual artist, about Watsonville’s arts ecosystem, what inspires her to create, and where you can see her work in the coming weeks.
What do you love about Watsonville’s arts community and being an artist living and working here?
A...
Men arrested after vandalizing Ramsay Park
Two young men have been booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for felony vandalism.
Central Coast untouched in Newsom’s clampdown on bars, restaurants
SACRAMENTO—California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday ordered bars and restaurants in 19 counties to close their indoor dining options for at least three weeks, as the state faces increasing cases of Covid-19 and residents plan for the busy July 4 weekend.
The state saw 5,898...
Photo: Man hurt after car collides with tree
Emergency workers are shown at the scene of a solo-vehicle crash on Larkin Valley Road where the male driver was seriously hurt.
California Highway Patrol officer Sam Courtney said the man, who was in his early 30s, was traveling north on Larkin Valley Road...
Stagecraft: PV High celebrates new theater
After years of holding performances in their school’s wrestling room and in various spaces around campus, students at Pajaro Valley High School now have...