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Watsonville
March 14, 2026

Snapshots of a movement

The exhibition, “Pictures from the Field: The Caminata in the Summer of 1975,” is an offshoot of “Democracy in the Fields,” which debuted at the National Steinbeck Center in 2016.

New year, new laws: State strengthening protections for personal data

Starting in 2020, consumers will have the power to find out what personal information companies are collecting on them, and to tell them to stop doing so, and to delete it. That’s thanks to the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, which the American Bar...

Homeless advocates plan to sue Santa Cruz

A group of homeless advocates plan to sue the City of Santa Cruz after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit stemming from the May 3 closure of the Ross Camp.

City Council approves contract for license plate reader cameras, adds 17 more

A close-up image of a Flock license plate reader.
The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday renewed the contract for 20 license plate reader cameras—and despite community opposition added 17 additional ones—for a $251,000, two-year contract. Council members voted 5-2 in favor of the new contract, with Mayor Maria Orozco and Councilwoman Vanessa Quiroz-Carter dissenting. The...

Census: Homeless population declines, except in Watsonville

Santa Cruz County Housing for Health
A census of Santa Cruz County’s homeless population taken in February shows a 21.5% decline since the last count in 2021. Still, one in every 146 Santa Cruz County residents still do not have access to housing, according to the 2023 Homeless Count and Survey,...

Firefighters get first ‘jump’ on CZU Complex fires

CZU August Lightning Complex Fires
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS—Seven days into the battle against the CZU August Lightning Complex fires, Cal Fire officials announced Saturday morning that they were able to get their first “jump” on the growing blaze in the Santa Cruz mountains. Although the fire overnight grew to 63,000...

Aptos Junior High seeks input for renovated multipurpose room dedication

Aptos Junior High
APTOS—Students at Aptos Junior High School walked into their newly renovated multipurpose room on Feb. 22, and couldn’t help but jump around on the new, shiny hardwood floors of the space that incorporates a gymnasium and auditorium. “They were just super pumped,” said Aptos Junior...

Speeding, DUI allegedly lead to crash

Watsonville firefighters and police deal with a three-vehicle crash on Main Street just south of Ohlone Parkway Tuesday afternoon.

Serial rooftop burglar arrested, again

fermin sanchez
WATSONVILLE—A man with a history of burglarizing businesses by entering through their rooftops was arrested again on Aug. 25, when he allegedly broke into Cabrillo College’s Watsonville campus, Watsonville Police spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said. Fermin Sanchez, 33, faces new burglary and trespassing charges. He was...

Cinco de Mayo Festival hits 35th year

Thousands of people showed up for the 35th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in downtown Watsonville Sunday for live music, food, dancing and arts and crafts. Hosted by Fiestas Patrias, the free seven-hour event unfolded on a closed section of Main Street, across the plaza...
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Watsonville oversized vehicle ordinance takes effect

A new city ordinance restricting where oversized vehicles and trailers can park took effect on March 13. The ordinance prohibits oversized vehicles and all types...