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The report, which was conducted by Los Angeles-based Beacon Economics, also showed a drastic increase over a five-year period in the number of young adults who still live with their parents or in-laws. According to the report, the percentage of people age 25 to 29 in that situation jumped from 17 percent in 2012 to 46 percent in 2017.

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council is at last expected to make a decision on the future of the George Washington statue that currently inhabits the City Plaza. A hot-button issue since the death of George Floyd in May 2020 sparked national social unrest, the fight over...

During his eight-month campaign to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Adam Schiff has picked up key endorsements from dozens of local, state and federal lawmakers. This includes House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.  But while such strong early support is perhaps a signal of...

Stephen Gray was officially hired as CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital on Wednesday. With a 4-1 vote, the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board approved Gray’s contract, less than a week after the hospital corporation announced him as its selection. Board member Joe Gallagher dissented. Hospital...

The board that oversees operations at Watsonville Community Hospital could pursue a bond measure next year that, if passed by voters, would allow it to purchase the property and upgrade the aging facilities. The Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board of Directors heard about its...

While likely still years in the future, passenger rail service in Santa Cruz County moved a step closer to reality Thursday when the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission unanimously approved the Unified Corridor Investment Study (UCIS), an in-depth look at local transportation infrastructure and ways in which to bolster it.

CALIFORNIA—As California recovers from a historic heatwave, the State Assembly last week passed three bills by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to help fight the climate crisis, incentivize sustainable agriculture, and advance environmental justice for all.  “California has ambitious environmental goals, and the advancement of my...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Beginning July 1, anyone purchasing a beverage in the unincorporated parts of Santa Cruz County—and who didn’t bring their own reusable cup—will notice a 25-cent fee tacked onto the price. That is due to the county’s new disposable cup fee, which was created...

I walked through the Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue last night and was surprised to see how empty it was. In Beck’s Shoes, a place that’s been there for years and offers a wide range of quality shoes, had one or two customers. The...

The causes of food insecurity are complex, but research suggests that health, housing and employment are key factors.  Feeding America—the country’s largest hunger relief organization—reports that annual healthcare costs for food-insecure adults are on average $1,834 higher than food-secure adults. Food insecurity, as defined by...