Campaign begins for Watsonville Hospital’s Measure N
The governing body that oversees Watsonville Community Hospital has brought the institution back from bankruptcy and the brink of closure since it gained control of the institution last year, and restored local control after years of corporate mismanagement.
But with a lasting $6.7 million debt...
Former Watsonville High auto shop teacher, drivers’ ed instructor looks to 100th birthday
On a recent sunny afternoon, Ray Burgess stood on the porch of the Corralitos home in which he has lived for six decades, staring out at the pastoral apple orchard across the street. He had just donned the same WWII jacket he wore as...
Photo story: New lights illuminate downtown
New LED lights have been installed on all trees along Main Street from Riverside Drive to Freedom Boulevard. The previous lights, which covered only three blocks, have been damaged by street growth and vandalism, said Watsonville Parks & Community Services Recreation Supervisor Jessica Beebe....
Dead body investigated as suspicious
A man found dead on Saturday along North Rodeo Gulch Road has been identified as Bernardo Rodas, 41, of Santa Cruz.
‘Beyond the World’s End’ exhibition opens tonight
SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) will partner with the Humanities Institute and UC Santa Cruz’s Center for Creative Ecologies to present “Beyond the World’s End.”
The exhibition dives into the issues behind the current climate crisis, and presents ways that...
Photos: Watsonville celebrates Independence Day
Although there was no Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July parade this year, Watsonville celebrated Independence Day with the Mayor's Bike Ride and a concert from the Watsonville Community Band in downtown Watsonville.
Briefs: Easter Egg hunt; Selena tribute; Cabrillo opens ‘Curious Incident’
Selena tribute set for Saturday
A tribute to the late singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez is slated for Saturday in Romo Park in downtown Watsonville.
Put on by Arte del Corazon, the free, five-hour event will include music by DJ Moi, Mariachi Illusion, activities for all ages, Selena...
County secures grant for Chanticleer Park
The County of Santa Cruz received a $352,000 grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Phase I construction of Chanticleer County Park, which includes the county’s first all-inclusive playground.
PHOTO: Pickup flips into Watsonville ag field
Emergency officials deal with a solo-vehicle crash Friday on Carlton Road, east of Watsonville. The California Highway Patrol said the male driver of the Toyota Tundra was not injured when he lost control while traveling south on Carlton Road at Coward Road at about...
PHOTO: Car takes out tree and sign
Emergency officials help a female driver out of her Honda Accord Tuesday morning after she plowed over a speed limit sign and a tree.
Photo story: Fill the Fire Truck effort aids in toy drive
Watsonville’s interim Fire Chief, Corey Schaefer, shows a sampling of the new toys that locals donated first-ever Fill the Fire Truck Toy Drive Dec...





















