Local News

Whether it is due to shifting climates, labor challenges, rising material costs or simply new trends, the landscape industry is evolving.  However, one thing that has not changed is high demand.  “The demand for landscaping continues to climb with no real signs of slowing down,” said...

Several dozen protesters descended on the Santa Cruz County Government Center on Wednesday to speak out against a decision by the Board of Supervisors a week earlier not to move forward on a key portion of the Coastal Rail Trail project. While the supervisors on...

Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing body on Wednesday took the first step toward allowing students to vote in district elections and help choose the trustees that represent them. The board voted to form an ad-hoc committee that will talk to students, families and community...

WATSONVILLE—Staff of Life has delayed the opening of its Watsonville location until next year, according to spokeswoman Hollie Wendt. The Santa Cruz-based natural foods store was set to open its second location in the East Lake Village Shopping Center sometime in the fall. “After much discussion...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Planning Commission on Tuesday will make recommendations for possible changes to the city’s cannabis ordinance. The Planning Commission’s agenda was not made available before press time, but a public hearing notice published in this newspaper stated the body would be making recommendations on...

The Watsonville Police Department has announced a growing expansion of community service programs through the incorporation of the Neighborhood Services Division.

La Manzana Community Resources offers free hot meals at 10 sites in Watsonville and two in North County.

MOUNT MADONNA—Middle and high school students from six schools in four counties joined their peers at Mount Madonna School (MMS) for its inaugural regional Model United Nations (Model UN or MUN) conference on Feb. 11.  The theme of the conference, “Climate Justice for All: Addressing...

Two people were shot Friday night on the west side of Santa Cruz, according to Santa Cruz Police. Around 8pm SCPD got reports of shots fired on Almar Avenue at Rankin Street in a typically quiet residential area between Mission Street and Delaware Avenue. “We can...

WATSONVILLE—A week after Frida Kahlo’s birthday on July 6, Watsonville’s art community came together on July 16 for a festival to celebrate the artist’s life, work and legacy. “Frida Por Vida” Frida Kahlo Festival was organized by Arte del Corazon, an organization that has been...