Local News

A Soquel man was arrested Saturday afternoon after police found an unregistered loaded gun and large capacity magazine at his home.

WATSONVILLE—Farmers markets around the county continue to operate through the COVID-19 crisis since they are deemed essential businesses.  Though some of the markets have pared down their offerings, eliminating things such as flowers, nursery goods, some prepared foods and entertainment, the outdoor venues still play...

BIG SUR—Two people died in a fiery crash on the rugged cliffs of Big Sur early Tuesday morning, California Highway Patrol spokeswoman Jessica Madueño said. Around 4:40 a.m. the CHP responded to a vegetation fire off Highway 1 near Lucia. Big Sur Fire confirmed the...

WATSONVILLE—Matt Huffaker will leave his position as Watsonville City Manager for the same job in Santa Cruz, Watsonville city leaders confirmed with the Pajaronian Thursday afternoon.  The Santa Cruz City Council, in a press release, said it made a unanimous recommendation for Huffaker to take...

In late July of 2019, a large, four-panel mural by Peter Bartczak of Clown Bank Studios was hoisted up onto the side of the old Watsonville City Hall. The mural depicted a family of ducks, carefully crossing a street in a crosswalk in front of...

A crew from American Pavement Systems applies a slurry seal to the pedestrian/bike trail on the Salsipuedes Creek levee. Rusty Barker, civil engineer of Santa Cruz County Public Works, said the work started Monday and wrapped up Wednesday and included a new slurry seal...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council met for nearly five hours Monday night, but made no final decision on who will take over in the interim when City Manager Matt Huffaker moves on next month. Huffaker’s last day as the city’s chief executive is Dec. 14. The...

Members of VFW Post 1716 get help from Watsonville Fire Department Thursday in replacing two flags that once flew above the VFW building on Freedom Boulevard. Thieves recently stole the American flag and a POW/MIA flag along with the rope. Veteran Bob Erbe (center,...

CENTRAL COAST—Dozens of volunteers counted 206 species of birds during the annual Christmas Bird Count, which despite its name took place on New Year's Day here in Monterey Bay and in locations throughout the U.S. The numbers will be fused in with the Audubon Society’s...

WATSONVILLE—Efforts by a local nonprofit to purchase and run Watsonville Community Hospital have gained momentum, with several jurisdictions and organizations pledging money. Now, Driscoll’s berry company has stepped forward, offering $1.75 million to match all donations through May 1 to the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District...