County Supervisors table leaf blower ban
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday tabled a proposed ordinance that would have prohibited the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the unincorporated parts of Santa Cruz County.
It is not clear when the item will return for reconsideration.
Under the ordinance—which was...
City’s youth art contest still open for submissions
WATSONVILLE—The City of Watsonville is currently holding a special art contest for local youth, and there is still a week left for pieces to be submitted.
The “Thankful Youth Art Contest” aims to inspire young people in the Pajaro Valley to share their creativity through...
Community briefs, Oct. 4, 2019
PG&E creates power shutoff alert system
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has developed a new tool that allows anyone to receive notifications about Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, even if they are not PG&E customers or account holders.
Although PG&E customers already will receive...
El Sistema awarded $50,000 by the Lewis Prize for Music
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley has been awarded $50,000 by the Lewis Prize for Music, which will help further the nonprofit’s work in bringing music education to local students.
El Sistema was named one of 10 finalists for the Lewis Prize for Music’s...
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County announces $1.58M in grants
A grant announced May 25 by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County will allow the nonprofit Salud y Cariño to continue its mission of bringing physical fitness and socio-emotional programs to Santa Cruz County girls.
The Santa Cruz-based organization was one of 77 nonprofits that...
Two arrested in jailhouse murder
SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested two men suspected of killing a fellow inmate in a cell at Santa Cruz Main Jail designated for active gang members.
Mario Lozano, 33, of Santa Cruz and Jason Cortez, 25, of Watsonville, face murder charges for...
County opposes offshore drilling proposal
Santa Cruz County on Tuesday formally opposed a federal proposal that could allow new offshore oil and gas leasing off the California coast.
The Board of Supervisors submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management objecting to...
Police warn of ‘bank jugging’ robberies
The Watsonville Police Department is warning everyone about a new crime that is on the rise across the nation, and has now occurred in Watsonville.
“Bank jugging” involves thieves waiting in bank parking lots or near ATMs to target people carrying cash.
They then follow the...
Back to the Land: Open Farm Tours approaching
Twelve years ago, the first Open Farms Tours event was literally a washout.
Held in early November at the Corralitos Women’s Center, the debut coincided with the heaviest rainstorm of the year. The 4-H animal zoo zone was mired in mud, music was canceled, and...
About Town, Week of Oct. 28
November 1, 2019
Tarmo Hannula: Dozens of volunteers showed up at Watsonville's City Plaza Friday to set up for Diá de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrations in. Olga Fuentes said nine altars were being constructed as the centerpiece for the free activities...
City Council to consider utility rate increases
The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday will consider a series of utility rate increases over the next five years to fund infrastructure upgrades they...






















