Local News

Through the program, the students gain real-world experience in the construction industry after helping a professional draw up plans, said Dean Career Technical Education and Workforce Development Gerlinde Brady.

A 34-year-old Santa Cruz woman died in a solo vehicle crash in the mountains north of Santa Cruz Saturday.

WATSONVILLE — Watsonville Police on Wednesday arrested a man suspected of multiple armed robberies when he crashed a stolen pickup after a police chase, and then barricaded himself in a nearby shed for several hours. Jordan Ramirez, 29, has been charged with robbery, assault with...

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...

SANTA CRUZ—Dozens of homeless people were roused by police officers in their tents early Friday morning at Phoenix Camp, the unsanctioned encampment behind the Gateway Plaza at River Street and Highway 1 in Santa Cruz. The message was clear: the residents were trespassing on city-owned...

APTOS—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies have a new tool to help them arrest uncooperative suspects without serious injury. Dozens of sheriff’s office personnel on Wednesday were training on the use of the Bola Wrap, a handheld device that fires an 8-foot cord with barbed hooks...

WATSONVILLE—A pair of large housing developments in Watsonville—responsible for 237 units combined—are stuck in limbo. Hillcrest Estates, formerly Sunshine Vista, and Pacific Sunshine Garden have run into unexpected snags over the past months that have created serious doubts as to whether either will be completed.  The...

Tarmo Hannula: The Watsonville Municipal Airport has for the first time purchased a large 5,000-gallon jet refueler truck that arrived this past weekend, said airport manager Rayvon Williams. • Joseph Keeler, 28, of Watsonville made his first court appearance Tuesday in Superior Court in the company...

Tarmo Hannula: Heavy rain, laced with hail and strong gusts, whipped through the Pajaro Valley before noon Thursday. A friend called me to say he was in the middle of a heavy snow shower on Highway 17 near the summit. Thunderstorm activity could come...

Tarmo Hannula: Chilly weather has gripped much of California as a cold front wandered into the region Sunday. I was in San Francisco Sunday morning and it was plain to see, and feel, as a huge gray blade of clouds slowly sliced across the...