Police: Suspects robbed multiple businesses at gunpoint
SANTA CRUZ—A man and a woman were arrested Thursday on suspicion of carrying out a series of armed robberies around Santa Cruz.
Manuel Alejandro Montoya, 21, and 28-year-old Leilani Marie Allen, both of Santa Cruz, were taken into custody on a host of charges, said...
Bamboo Giant offering first-ever nighttime walkthrough experience
Located on a busy thoroughfare between Aptos and Watsonville, Bamboo Giant Nursery and Gardens (BGNG) could easily be driven past without a second glance.
But the nursery, tucked into the side of a hill in a rural, forested section of Freedom Boulevard, is actually one...
County health officials surprised, supportive of CDC’s new mask guidance
Surprised that federal health officials would this quickly recommend fully-vaccinated people can ditch their masks, Santa Cruz County health officials at a Thursday press conference said unvaccinated county residents will have to eventually walk a “tightrope” when deciding when it is safe to leave...
Artist’s ‘gift to the community’ resumes after month-long dispute
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville artist Augie WK for two years has dreamt of bringing a humpback whale to life at the Marinovich Community Center.
It was 2019 when the upstart muralist was approached by Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop coordinator Darren Gertler and asked if he’d be interested in...
Teacher arrested for child sex crimes
SAN LORENZO VALLEY—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday arrested a Felton man for several counts of lewd acts with children.
Michael Henderson, 51, was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.
Henderson is a teacher at San Lorenzo Valley High School...
Community Bridges trades pints for vaccines at Watsonville pop-up clinic
WATSONVILLE—According to Santa Cruz County’s Health Services Agency, as of June 22, more than 146,500 county residents (that is, about 53%) have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. And more than 172,000 residents (62%) have received at least one shot.
The numbers are promising. However, rates...
El Sistema Santa Cruz a finalist for national award
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, a nonprofit aiming to bring music education and performance to students, has been selected as a finalist for a prestigious national award.
The Lewis Prize for Music announced 10 finalists for its fourth annual Accelerator Awards last week....
Shots fired on Lincoln and W. Beach streets
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police are investigating a burst of gunfire that rattled a neighborhood Monday on the 700 block of Lincoln Street.
WPD Master Officer Charles Bailey said police responded to multiple calls regarding shots fired around 5:45pm. When officers arrived they found around 20 shell casings...
Pilot program provides free menstrual products at County buildings
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County launched a pilot program on April 8 to provide free menstrual products in restrooms in select county facilities, including at the Watsonville center on Freedom Boulevard.
The program aims to assist low-income residents who struggle to afford menstrual products, said...
Man dies in San Miguel Canyon crash
ROYAL OAKS — A 47-year-old Salinas man died late Friday night in Royal Oaks after his vehicle struck a tree.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Jessica Madueño said the man, who has not been named, was traveling westbound on San Miguel Canyon Road west...
Letters to the Editor, March 27-April 2
Regarding benefit caps
The local teacher’s union, PVFT, has been loudly crying during negotiations with the school district, PVUSD, to not put a cap on...
