Local News

WATSONVILLE—Small business owners throughout the Pajaro Valley are feeling increasing financial pressure after Santa Cruz County officials on Monday ordered all “non-essential businesses” to close their doors to slow the spread of COVID-19. The shelter-in-place order, which went into effect Tuesday and will last until...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County officials on Monday ordered all residents to stay home unless engaging in “essential activities, essential governmental functions, or to operate essential businesses.” In addition, all public and private outdoor gatherings are prohibited, as is all non-essential travel. Residents can still go...

WATSONVILLE—A Watsonville woman was arrested Monday for causing a major injury while driving under the influence of alcohol, California Highway Patrol officer Sam Courtney said. Maia Cahill, 46, was charged with DUI causing injury. She was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of...

The Santa Cruz METRO bus system is maintaining regular schedules during the coronavirus crisis and they’ve bolstered their routine cleaning. They operate a fleet of 98 buses on 26 fixed routes. “While we will try to provide as much service as possible, customers should...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Police Department is looking for a suspect who reportedly fired several shots at a man on the 100 block of Jeanette Way on Sunday. The victim was not injured in the shooting, which occurred approximately 3 p.m. WPD spokeswoman Michelle Pulido stated in...

WATSONVILLE—Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday afternoon said all bars, night clubs, wineries and breweries should close and that restaurants should move to takeout orders and reduce to half-capacity to halt the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus that has sickened thousands worldwide. He also called...

WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees in an emergency meeting Saturday unanimously approved a plan to close all district schools for two weeks, and allow most employees to work from home.  Essential staff will provide services such as food, custodial and technology,...

Being in the newsroom at the Pajaronian has been extraordinary these past few weeks with the outbreak of the global pandemic: COVID-19. We are hearing of big changes across the social spectrum, from schools cancelling classes to late night talk shows no longer having...

WATSONVILLE—The City of Watsonville on Friday announced it will close all nonessential services starting Monday because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, a move that will shut the Watsonville and Freedom branch libraries as well as several City offices. City Manager Matt Huffaker...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Starting Monday, thousands of students across Santa Cruz County will be out of school for at least one week after county education officials closed every school in response to the growing threat from coronavirus. But teachers and school employees will be required to...