Maddy Middleton’s killer pleads guilty, could be released at 25
SANTA CRUZ—The man who was 15 when he kidnapped, raped and murdered 8-year-old Madyson “Maddy” Middleton in 2015 pleaded guilty to the charges on Tuesday, setting the stage for a sentencing that could see him released by the time he is 25.
That is because...
Watsonville High names Hall of Fame inductees
Every year, the Watsonville High School Foundation welcomes its latest members of the school’s Hall of Fame—people who have walked the hallowed halls, graduated and gone on to lead notable lives.
The awards ceremony was launched in 1986 as a way to showcase the achievements...
What should Watsonville look like in 2040? Voters might get a say in 2022
WATSONVILLE—A group of about 25 farmers, environmentalists and community leaders gathered at the Watsonville Nature Center on July 8 to officially kick off a campaign to renew a landmark Watsonville ballot measure passed in 2002.
The Committee for Planned Growth and Farmland Protection recently filed...
Santa Cruz County jury trials to resume
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County Superior Court plans to resume jury trials in late summer, a little more than two months after they were temporarily suspended due to concerns over Covid-19.
Presiding Judge Paul Burdick announced on March 17 that all jury trials—including criminal, civil...
Local mechanic receives national award
WATSONVILLE—Chevrolet of Watsonville took a giant step up in the world of auto mechanics last week as one of their mechanics, Richard Shephard, was awarded a World Class Technician status award by officials from General Motors and Chevrolet.
“There’s a lot of time, a lot...
City Council approves manufacturing, processing of medical marijuana
WATSONVILLE — The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday narrowly approved an ordinance that will allow for the manufacturing and processing of medical marijuana products.
Orozco beats challenger to retain PVUSD A6 seat
WATSONVILLE—In the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees race, Trustee Area 6 incumbent Maria Orozco has garnered more than 5% of the 6,145 votes tallied as of 2pm Thursday, putting her far ahead of Adam Bolaños Scow and likely clinching the seat.
“I’m...
Missing Corralitos man found safe
A Corralitos man reported missing Tuesday night was found Thursday morning.
Briefs: Open Studios; Monarch Services fundraiser; Aromas town hall
Fundraiser benefits Monarch Services
The Stronger Together Fundraiser for Monarch Services-Servicios Monarca, taking place Oct. 22 at the Aptos High School field, is an event meant to honor survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
The fundraiser begins at 9am with a 1K fun...
Aptos farm wins Best of Show at regional olive oil competition
Patrick and Teresa Royan were living in Los Gatos when they first discovered Pleasant Valley, a rural area in Aptos permeated with rolling hills, orchards, vineyards and pastures. The couple had been looking for a place to settle relatively close to the beach yet...
Nuñez wins Santa Cruz County supervisor race
Tony Nuñez will be the next Santa Cruz County Supervisor representing the 4th District after final election results certified Friday showed he secured an...



















