Local News

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Special events S.C. Follies auditions (Jan. 25)  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:...

A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. Tony Nuñez Food: The Farm House: Dino’s Stuffed Burger The Farm House restaurant has been open for some time now, but because our offices are downtown I have not had...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville High School student Juan Baltazar spent some time in the school’s new barn Wednesday, caring for the cow he is raising to sell this summer during the Santa Cruz County Fair.  He said he has been involved in raising animals since he was in...