County’s top spellers compete at County bee
SANTA CRUZ—Young spellers from across the county descended upon UC Santa Cruz Jan. 25 to participate in this year’s county-wide spelling bee, organized by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE).
Students grades 4-9 took part in the competition in two separate divisions. Overseeing...
Lafferty’s bail increased to $517k | About Town
Charles Lafferty, the suspect in the bizarre projectile case in Prunedale that since February has left dozens of vehicles with shattered windows and damaged paint, was back in court Monday.
The 52-year-old, who was arrested Jan. 22, is now facing 79 charges, 74 of...
WPD’s top mental health advocate retires after 25 years
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police bade farewell to Master Officer Angel Calderon last week, capping his two-and-a-half decades of service.
At an informal upbeat going-away ceremony, scores of officers, staff and retirees offered plenty of words of praise and thanks—laced with a few quips about ‘where did that...
Issues on the road | About Town
Charles Lafferty, the man arrested last week in the bizarre case regarding numerous vehicles being struck by projectiles over the past 11 months in Prunedale, made another court appearance in Salinas Monday. The Monterey County District Attorney's Office said Lafferty is now facing 79...
Black and gold relics| About Town
Tarmo Hannula: I was passing through the office at Watsonville High School the other day and spotted a collection of patches from over the years sitting on a counter. These moments are always a great surprise for me because they’re so packed full of...
Census starts final hiring push for 2020 count
CALIFORNIA—The U.S. Census Bureau has started its final round of hiring for the 2020 Census, which begins in March.
The agency is looking to hire census takers for temporary, five-week positions, which include a paid training period. Positions start at $21 per hour.
“Basically we are...
Local grower on cutting edge of organic farming
WATSONVILLE—About 200 people disembarked three large charter buses on Green Valley Road in Watsonville early Wednesday morning as part of the EcoFarm Bus Tour, a kickoff to the EcoFarm Conference in Pacific Grove this week.
The tour was visiting Strong Agronomy, a management company that...
Watsonville native embraces his roots while diving into L.A. music scene
For rapper and singer Kabwasa, staying connected to his hometown of Watsonville is a priority—even as he makes waves in the music scene in Los Angeles.
Raised in a house just off Rodriguez Street, Kabwasa was surrounded by music from an early age. He attended...
Art to go and a party for the Rail Trail | What’s Going On?
Special events
S.C. Follies auditions (Jan. 25)Â
Do you love to sing or dance and want to bring more music, harmony and fun to your life? Santa Cruz Follies is holding auditions Saturday. We are looking for singers in all voice parts. For information call 423-6640. Location:...
Watsonville’s Jillian Lerma delivers win over Palma in walk-off fashion |...
Watsonville senior Jillian Lerma delivered a walk-off RBI single in the Wildcatz’s 2-1 win over Palma in extra innings in Pacific Coast Athletic League...
