Local News

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The annual Open Studios, a free self-guided tour of area art studios, opened last weekend and will run this weekend and the following. The event, in its 34th year, invites the public into more than 300 artist studios across Santa Cruz and...

Try This is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. Food: Jack’s Cigars Sandwiches Since The Pajaronian moved downtown to Brennan Street in July I have enjoyed the wide range of businesses and other outlets that are now...

CAPITOLA — A new art exhibit at the Jade Street Community Center in Capitola is serving as an appetizer for the upcoming fifth annual Capitola Plein Air Art Festival. Four artists have two works in the show that were winners from previous Plein Air events, said...

WATSONVILLE—The long-vacant Gottschalks building in downtown Watsonville will come to life on Oct. 17 for Uncorked in Downtown, an evening of wine, food and fun put on by Pacific Coast Development.  The event, spearhead by Neva Hansen, will feature wines from Anatum Winery, Wargin Wines,...

WATSONVILLE — A sculpture depicting two intertwining great blue herons now sits atop a new columbarium at Pajaro Valley Public Cemetery. The 12-foot tall sculpture, entitled “Eternal,” was created by local artist and teacher Sean M. Monaghan and three assistants. Monaghan said he was approached last...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville firefighters responded to a fire Friday afternoon that seriously damaged a home and displaced one resident. It is unclear what caused the blaze, which started around 1:15 p.m. at 11 Jeanette Way.  Mike Vaz said he has lived in the house more than 30 years. He...

SANTA CRUZ—The woman accused of stabbing her husband to death in their home in the Aptos Hills on Aug. 24 was defending herself at the time of the attack, her attorney told reporters Thursday. Amanda Owens, 51, pleaded not guilty to murder charges during a...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a sweeping ban on the sale of various tobacco products. Starting in late November, the sale of flavored tobacco, e-cigarettes and vapes will be outlawed, and pharmacies operating in city limits will no longer be able to...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday approved a $303,116 contract with Verde Design, Inc. to complete the Watsonville Slough Connector Trail Project at Ramsay Park.  The project seeks to enhance underused space at the city’s largest urban park by adding and improving trails, planting several...

Special events Open Farm Tours (Oct. 12-13) Due to the increase in attendance at the 2018 tours, an additional day has been added this year so people can visit more farms without being rushed. Fourteen family-owned farms will participate in this year’s tours. All farms implement sustainable...