‘Steady’ coach Gene Johnson dies
WATSONVILLE–Gene Johnson, who coached nearly six decades in Santa Cruz County, died Jan. 14, two days shy of his 95th birthday.
He spent the last year and a half at Valley Convalescent Hospital in Watsonville with his wife, Doris, where they celebrated their 73rd anniversary...
Eco-flooring store set to open in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—A new flooring store is in the works for downtown Watsonville. Samaya’s Flooring and Design Center is slated for a post-Thanksgiving soft opening in the former Van’s Shoes on East Lake Avenue, said owner Nima Chiring.
The store will be a sister business of Samaya's...
Probation search nets three arrests
A series of probation checks around Watsonville on Thursday resulted in three arrests.
Santa Cruz County facing dire financial picture
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County will dip into its budgetary reserves to cover an estimated $20 million deficit in this year’s budget, which stems from revenue losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the request by County Administrative Officer Carlos...
Man arrested in cold case murder
A Watsonville man already serving time in prison was arrested Tuesday for his role in a 2008 murder, Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell announced.
Law enforcement, courts grapple with COVID-19 closures
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The shelter-in-place order issued Monday by Santa Cruz County officials applies to most residents, requiring them to stay home except to engage in – or work for – services deemed essential.
Violation of the order is a misdemeanor that can bring fines or...
Overheated real estate market begins to cool
The pandemic created a frenzied real estate market in much of the United States that has yet to let up, with demand for housing still outpacing the number of homes coming on the market, giving sellers a heavy upper hand in most of the...
Patricia Solano dies
Patricia Gospodnetich Solano, a lifelong Watsonville resident who raised five children and variously worked as a teacher, a telephone operator and a legal secretary, died Monday after an illness. She was 78.
Mormon Church makes large donation to Second Harvest Food Bank
WATSONVILLE—After a series of atmospheric river storms caused flooding that displaced hundreds from their homes, Second Harvest Food Bank saw an increased need, and put out a call for assistance.
And the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints answered that call, bringing two large...
Nuñez wins Santa Cruz County supervisor race
Tony Nuñez will be the next Santa Cruz County Supervisor representing the 4th District after final election results certified Friday showed he secured an...



















