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Watsonville
March 23, 2026

New downtown Watsonville art studio opens first major exhibit

Judy Gittelsohn
WATSONVILLE—Gina Arnold knew for years that her father was an amateur artist. He would say that he went out to paint every weekend, and he had an office full of paints. He even sent out hand-painted Christmas cards every year. But Arnold had no idea...

Health Services Agency director announces departure

Less than three hours after Santa Cruz County unveiled for the public the first look at this year’s budget on Friday—which among other things calls for laying off 74.40 full time equivalent positions and a budget reduction of $8.98 million to the Santa Cruz...

County refines transition plan for new public defender office

Santa Cruz County
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to transition cases from the current public defender’s office to the newly minted Office of the Public Defender, which is slated to officially launch on July 1. The new office...

Hundreds expected to participate in county-wide cleanup day on May 11

Aptos resident Laura Dover-Smith was walking on a trail in Watsonville’s sloughs on her lunch break one sunny Wednesday, an activity she tries to do daily. She says the walk affords her views of wildlife, but also gives her a peaceful respite from the bustling...

Public health officials warn: don’t vape

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Tuesday issued a health advisory urging everyone to refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current investigations are complete. The advisory followed an executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept....

Factory Sale draws holiday shoppers

Everywhere else has Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but only Watsonville has the Holiday Factory Sale.

Local author pens debut history novel

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Author Buzz Anderson always dreamed of writing the great American novel. Born in San Jose and then moving with his family to Capitola, Anderson has remained in Santa Cruz County for most of his life, attending local public schools, Cabrillo College and UC...

Cabrillo College instructor making a difference

APTOS—As businesses and services remain closed during the shelter-in-place order – and as Personal Protective Equipment becomes harder to find – a Cabrillo College instructor is staying on the job to make more. Art Studio Instructor Payson McNett, who runs the college’s Digital Fabrication department...

Briefs: Two events set for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Two events set for MLK Day The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of Santa Cruz County Branch will honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Youth Day on Jan. 13 and the MLK March for the Dream...

Six years of Fruition

Crowds were thick over the weekend at Fruition Brewing & Kitchen during their six-year anniversary in the East Lake Village Shopping Center. Fruition has claimed a list of awards and accolades, including the Silver Medal for their ‘Slip’ Pilsner and a Bronze Medal for...
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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...