Local News

WATSONVILLE—A week after Frida Kahlo’s birthday on July 6, Watsonville’s art community came together on July 16 for a festival to celebrate the artist’s life, work and legacy. “Frida Por Vida” Frida Kahlo Festival was organized by Arte del Corazon, an organization that has been...

APTOS—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies shot a man late Tuesday in Aptos after he allegedly fired a gun at them during a car stop, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn said. Eli Burry, 40, of Soquel, is facing charges for weapons violations and violent felonies. According to...

Rhea Wood DeHart was a longtime teacher, union member, mentor and activist who helped lead the drive to unionize South County teachers, reshaped Watsonville politics and remained deeply active in the community she loved until the end of her life.

A man was seriously injured Sunday night when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road, Santa Cruz Police spokeswoman Joyce Blaschke said.

SANTA CRUZ—A UC Santa Cruz student who lives off-campus has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in self-isolation, UCSC Chancellor Cynthia Larive announced Friday. “The student was last on campus March 16 and is doing well,” Larive said. The university is coordinating with local public health...

The city of Watsonville has selected Brian Shab as its next police chief, city officials announced Tuesday. Shab, who has more than 27 years of public safety experience, is currently an assistant chief with the San Jose Police Department, where he oversees departmentwide operations serving...

CAPITOLA—Two people were arrested Monday night on 41st Avenue on suspicion of running a rampant theft ring. Ashley Keehn, spokeswoman for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, said deputies spotted a vehicle at CVS on 41st Avenue that was suspected to be involved in an...

On Tuesday morning, seven days after he began his post at Pajaro Valley High School, Watsonville Police Officer Saúl Rodriguez walked through the campus, greeting a handful of students who were making their way to their next class. Rodriguez is PVHS’s new School Resource Officer...

The flood-damaged Pajaro Middle School will remain closed for the entirety of the next school year as work crews make repairs, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez told parents in a May 8 letter. Students from Hall District and Ohlone elementary schools who...

WATSONVILLE—For the first time in 10 years, Watsonville’s Esperanza del Valle (EDV) will be returning to the Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts for a weekend of dancing, music and cultural celebration. The nonprofit folklórico dance group was founded in Watsonville in 1980...