Local News

SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Ariadne Symons on Monday announced she will retire from the bench at the conclusion of her current term in 2020. Symons issued a press release outlining her nearly four-decade career. “Serving for more than a decade on the bench...

Special events Goat Hill Fall Vintage Fair (Nov. 9-10) A much anticipated two-day event at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds for enthusiasts of vintage and antique collecting. Find looks, styles and unique pieces to complement your collections and decorate your homes. An indoor event. Food and drink...

SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday laid the groundwork for a ban on single-use disposable cups by unanimously approving a 25-cent charge for the product at all food-service businesses. The charge will go into effect on July 1, 2020 if given...

WATSONVILLE—Cabrillo College got its start six decades ago in several condemned buildings in an unused corner of Watsonville High School.  More than 800 freshmen began classes there on Sept. 1, 1959. The community college has since evolved into a mid-county educational centerpiece, serving more than 15,000...

WATSONVILLE—Jenna Rodriguez has only worked for Digital NEST for about a month, but she says it feels like she’s been a part of the organization for much longer. “I actually went to first birthday event,” she said. “It was small and intimate, and it...

WATSONVILLE—Paul De Worken left the Watsonville City Council Chambers sad and confused on Oct. 22. A few days later he was in a better mood, but his confusion did not fade. After the City Council approved a $200 fee for community initiated public art on...

WATSONVILLE—An ancient tradition from Mexico of honoring their dead continues to live through modern-day celebrations known as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, this time of year. On Nov. 1 hundreds visited Watsonville City Plaza to pay homage to past loved ones...

WATSONVILLE—A group of neighbors is again fighting the construction of a hotel in the heart of downtown, this time claiming the City of Watsonville has for years worked with a company that is currently suspended by two state agencies. AARAV Hospitality, LLC was penalized and...

WATSONVILLE—After a half-century in business, Jim Barsi has sold his eponymous liquor store, and will retire in December. That’s when new owners will take over, and rename it Watsonville Fiesta Liquor. But that’s a story for the future. The story of Barsi’s Liquor Store began in...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Parks and Community Services (PCS) Department recently received a large grant to help rebuild the Muzzio Park playground that was burned down in early June. GameTime, a national commercial playground manufacturer, will provide $15,000-37,000 on top of the $25,000 the City received in...