Local News

WATSONVILLE—After months of being shuttered during the countywide response to Covid-19, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s (SCCAS) Watsonville location has opened once again. The reopening came a few days before the Fourth of July, a holiday known to cause lost pets and disrupted wildlife from...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Film Festival announced the launch of its 2023 Cine Se Puede Fellowship, a program designed to support emerging Latine filmmakers in the region.  The fellowship is a year-long program that provides funding, mentorship, industry connections, workshops and master classes, as well as peer...

SACRAMENTO—California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Dec. 30 released a plan under which schools could reopen as early as February. The plan, which streamlines the process of applying for a waiver to bring students back for in-person instruction, is bolstered by a $2 billion package of...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Clerk/Registrar of Voters has opened in-person voting centers throughout Santa Cruz County for the June 7 Primary Election. Voters may cast ballots at any of the following locations:  •Watsonville City Clerk’s Office, 275 Main St., fourth floor •Temple Beth El, 3055...

The converted 2019 Ford Transit Connect will be retrofitted with shelving to hold and display a variety of books, movies and music. It will also be equipped with internet access and a laptop so staff can register customers to help them check out materials and search the library’s catalog.

MONTEREY COUNTY—A federal magistrate on Monday extended a temporary restraining order stopping Monterey County from removing a group of homeless people from an encampment along the Pajaro River levee. The decision by Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen allows dozens of people to remain along the...

With the first day of winter coming on Dec. 21, the fear of drought is once again in the air.

SANTA CRUZ—REI, an outdoor retail business with 168 stores in 39 states, plans to open a location in Santa Cruz, the company announced on Feb. 18. The 22,622-square-foot store will be located at 1660 Commercial Way, the giant warehouse that formerly held Toys “R” Us....

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on June 26 approved the district’s budget for the year, a $262.2 million plan that puts the district in a good financial picture over the next three years.

Special Events All-You-Can-Eat Udon Feed (Feb. 1) The Watsonville Buddhist Temple will hold its annual “All-You-Can-Eat” Udon Feed. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Also available, at additional cost, will be onigiri (rice balls), a variety of desserts, cha shu (bbq pork), and beverages. For...