Watsonville police investigating two homicides
UPDATE (12:57am, 10/25)
Watsonville police say a third man was shot before midnight Saturday on Blackbird Circle behind Ramsay Park—a short walk from the scene of the night’s second homicide.
The victim was in critical condition, Watsonville Police Department spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said.
It is unclear if...
Mas Hashimoto, Watsonville’s ‘icon’ of integrity, dies
WATSONVILLE—Mas Hashimoto, a devout defender of civil rights whose name became synonymous with his hometown after decades of service in education, community volunteerism and historic preservation, and whose unrelenting willingness to speak, write and teach about the plight of Japanese Americans during World War...
Watsonville Hospital sale finalized
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Community Hospital has a new owner.
Halsen Healthcare announced Tuesday that the $30 million sale was finalized at midnight.
“This is the first day that Halsen actually owns Watsonville Community Hospital,” Chairman and CEO Dan Brothman said.
Halsen was holding a celebratory afternoon barbecue for its...
Two bodies pulled from sunken vehicle in Moss Landing Harbor
MOSS LANDING—Two women died after their car plunged into the water of Moss Landing Harbor sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victims as Maria Vanessa Carrango, 35, and Esther Monique Espinoza, 28, both of Salinas....
Watsonville High counselor to retire after nearly 4 decades of service
WATSONVILLE—Pete Galvan, who devoted the breadth of his career in education to Watsonville High School, will retire this month.
When Galvan steps off campus for the last time on Aug. 17, it will be the end of a tenure that began nearly four decades ago.
More...
NAMI unveils new Watsonville office
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Santa Cruz County (NAMI) cut the ribbon on its new Watsonville headquarters on Oct. 24, a space that offers twice as much space as its previous location in Santa Cruz.
The move to 35 Penny Lane is the...
Phil’s Fish Market relocating
MOSS LANDING—Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery, the iconic harborside Moss Landing restaurant that has garnered international fame with its seafood dishes and laid-back California vibe, will close and relocate soon.
The move is necessary because Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), which owns the property,...
Watsonville nursing facility sees 27 Covid-19 cases
WATSONVILLE—A total of 27 residents and six staff members of Watsonville Post Acute Center have tested positive for Covid-19 since July 19, and the facility has enacted several safety and infection protocols to try to combat the virus’ spread.
The most recent cases—two patients—were announced...
Watsonville cracks down on food trucks as officials weigh changes to rules
WATSONVILLE—The City of Watsonville is cracking down on unpermitted food trucks and weighing whether to rework its rules regarding the mobile food vendors in the coming year.
The City Manager’s office has received numerous complaints about food trucks from several brick-and-mortar restaurant owners over the...
Man expected to survive shooting on busy Soquel Drive
A man was shot Wednesday afternoon on Soquel Drive near Winkle Avenue at about 4:15pm at the Emerald Bay Apartments.
Community celebrates Mexican Independence Day
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Watsonville Sunday for the annual Mexican Independence Day Festival.
Hosted by Fiestas Patrias, the free event featured a wealth...