Man arrested for ‘substantial’ child sex crimes
Juan Manuel Corona, 60, has been charged with lewd and lascivious acts against a child, false imprisonment, and rape by force or fear. He is being held in Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Decision in Michael Escobar trial expected soon
SANTA CRUZ—After Santa Cruz County Assistant District Attorney Johanna Schonfield displayed for a jury a photo of 4-year-old Jaelyn Zavala dying from a bullet wound – and as jurors and the girl’s family members wept at the sight – she turned to the man accused...
Two cannabis dispensaries seek Watsonville Planning Commission’s OK
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Planning Commission will review plans for two proposed cannabis dispensaries at its July 13 meeting.
Bryce Berryessa of Berryessa Holdings, LLC, and Jason Sweatt of Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance, Inc. are both expected to present to the commission at its monthly virtual meeting.
Berryessa...
Local organization raises $80,000 for young people and families
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Founder and executive director of FoodWhat Doron Comerchero said he is constantly impressed by the strength and resilience of the young people his organization serves.
The food justice nonprofit announced on July 30 the allocation of $80,000 for those currently enrolled in its...
Change to single-use cup fee, hotel tax increase heads to voters in June
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved two items for the June ballot which, if approved by voters, will increase taxes on hotels and vacation rentals, and change the way fees on single-use disposable cups are used.
The supervisors also...
Working for a common goal
Rev. Robin Mathews-Johnson has been the pastor at Watsonville United Methodist Church for almost 18 years. During that time, she has worked with various local organizations and foundations to try and make a positive impact on the community, focusing on he
Santa Cruz Burger Week plates up for the ninth year
Santa Cruz Burger Week returns for its ninth year next month, offering diners a chance to sample creative takes on a classic favorite.
The 12-day event, presented by Santa Cruz Restaurant Week and Good Times, runs Feb. 25 through March 8 and features specially priced...
Enforcement drives food distribution underground
The families braved sweltering late-summer heat and waited in line for about an hour to get their much-needed items. But many of them live their lives facing far more insidious threats: poverty, coupled with arrest and deportation by immigration officials.
The Pajaronian’s Male Athlete of the Year: Jacob Jimenez
One of the most difficult situations for a young athlete is having to sit on the sidelines following a major injury.
Mostly because they are...
