Local News

The Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a shooting that erupted on the 700 block of Chestnut Street on Saturday just after midnight.

WATSONVILLE—As the Watsonville City Council prepares to weigh increases to its utilities fees to fund several high-cost repairs to city of Watsonville facilities, a wrongful termination lawsuit from an ex-employee who claimed the city misappropriated public money from one of its utility funds looms. In...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville’s newest residential development broke ground on Feb. 17, nearly five years after it was originally approved by the city council. Hillcrest, located off of Ohlone Parkway, will consist of 144 units when fully built out over several phases, including 76 townhomes, 63 duplexes, and...

WATSONVILLE—Three men are facing felony vandalism charges for allegedly defacing more than a half-dozen businesses in downtown Watsonville with graffiti early Saturday. Richard Betancourt, 40, Javier Alvarado, 29, and Juan Bautista, 23, all of Watsonville, were booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on charges of...

Try This is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. Food: Jack’s Cigars Sandwiches Since The Pajaronian moved downtown to Brennan Street in July I have enjoyed the wide range of businesses and other outlets that are now...

Local artist Kathleen Crocetti says she feels a tremendous weight has been lifted from her shoulders. The first phase of her five-year mosaic project, “Watsonville Brillante,” was installed last week: a 1,200-square-foot section of a large mural on the six-story Civic Plaza parking garage...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police Department officers on Saturday arrested two teens who they believe took part in a stabbing on March 15. The arrests mark the third and fourth in the case. Two other teens were taken into custody on Thursday. No additional information has been released about...

WATSONVILLE—Renaissance High School brought 41 graduates to the stage at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds under mild, sunny skies on June 2. “The past 16 months has tested your tenacity—not seeing friends and teachers in person,” said Drew Singleton, a principal within the Pajaro Valley...