Local News

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Wetlands Watch’s (WWW) Climate Corps Leadership Institute recently scored a $300,000 Youth Community Access grant from the California Natural Resources Agency. Climate Corps Leadership Institute (CCLI), formed in 2020, grew out of WWW’s Green Careers Institute. It works to increase youth access to the...

WATSONVILLE—The second annual Holiday Lights drive-thru light show at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is now fully lit up and open to visitors. Holiday Lights will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through November, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December through Dec. 26. Presented...

A man suspected of breaking into his family’s home and stealing a large amount of cash was arrested after a standoff Tuesday morning.

SANTA CRUZ—The California Highway Patrol is looking for a driver who fatally struck a pedestrian late Monday night, and then fled on foot. According to CHP Officer Sam Courtney, the 47-year-old victim was walking in the area of Highway 1 north of Shaffer Road when...

The American Legion Post 121 welcomed eight new Post Officers for 2022, including its new Post Commander Felipe Hernandez. Hernandez, who was voted in by members at the previous meeting, will be filling the spot left by Rick Sanchez, who served two consecutive terms, including...

WATSONVILLE – A fire broke out in a wood garage behind a home at 30 Riverside Drive Tuesday. Watsonville Fire Battalion Chief Kirt Vojvoda said no one was in the building when it caught fire and no injuries were reported. He said that once he...

The 20th Annual César E. Chávez Community Awards, which honors community members and businesses that empower Watsonville youth, will be held virtually on March 28. This year’s special guest speaker will be Dolores Huerta, legendary leader and celebrated Latina activist. Huerta worked alongside César...

Watsonville Fire Capt. Matt Ryan (right) pays thanks to fellow firefighters from multiple agencies, various police, family and friends Tuesday morning at a farewell breakfast on his final shift as a firefighter. Born in 1962 at the old Watsonville Community Hospital, Ryan said he...

Members of Taiko San Francisco perform Saturday at the 29th annual Japanese Cultural Fair in Santa Cruz. The one-day event featured music and dance, a tea ceremony, ikebana (flower) and bonsai demonstrations and a kimono workshop, information tables and various Japanese goods for sale. 

Two Watsonville men were arrested during a traffic stop Thursday after police found a “substantial” amount of methamphetamine and guns in their vehicle, Watsonville Police Cpl. Rudy Lopez said Friday.