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Watsonville
December 27, 2025

Photo story: Pajaro fire displaces two families

Photo by Tarmo Hannula of The Pajaronian - An early-morning fire tore through a home at 41 San Juan Road in Pajaro Wednesday. North Monterey County Fire Division Chief Jess Cortez said no-one was injured in the blaze at the corner of Gonda Street....

Parks Commission gives input on Plaza, Ramsay Master Plans

The City Plaza’s historic elements are not going anywhere, not if Watsonville’s City Council follows the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission from Monday night’s meeting.

Cabrillo Theater presents Pulitzer Prize-winning play

Cabrillo College theater
APTOS—The performing arts sector has taken a major hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Large gatherings—especially those indoors—are discouraged in order to slow the spread of the virus, and as such theaters and other venues have been forced to remain closed. The Cabrillo College Theater...

Man diagnosed with coronavirus dies at Watsonville hospital

Watsonville coronavirus
WATSONVILLE—A man that tested positive for COVID-19 died Friday at Watsonville Community Hospital, Halsen Healthcare CEO Dan Brothman confirmed on Saturday morning. Brothman did not release any information about the victim.   Two sources, however, said the victim was not from Santa Cruz County. They were speaking...

Longtime Supervisor Greg Caput won’t seek reelection in June

Greg Caput
WATSONVILLE—After serving for 12 years as the representative of Santa Cruz County’s 4th District, Supervisor Greg Caput says that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming June primary. With a wife, two sets of adolescent twins and a 16-year-old son, Caput, now in his...

City Council moves Ohlone Parkway housing project forward

Hillcrest estates watsonville
WATSONVILLE—Highlighting the city’s housing woes and the environmental checks and balances at the county level, the Watsonville City Council on Tuesday approved changes to plans for a large housing development on Ohlone Parkway. Hillcrest Estates, previously known as Sunshine Vista, will have slightly fewer homes—falling...

Beaches and parks temporarily close | About Town

Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel issued a new order closing parks and beaches throughout Santa Cruz County beginning today through April 15th, 2020, a period that includes Easter weekend and much of Passover. The order is necessary to reduce the public health...

Local Democratic organization questions Dutra mailer

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee (SCCDCC) on Wednesday sent a cease and desist letter to Jimmy Dutra–who is running for the Santa Cruz County Fourth District Supervisor seat–after he sent an election mailer bearing the logo of the Democrat party. The...

Vintage houseware store opens downtown

WATSONVILLE—The historic Derpich Building in downtown Watsonville is coming alive once again after being acquired by two sisters with a big vision.   Jennifer Santillana and Tabitha Stroup found the property for rent when strolling down Main Street. Stroup, owner of Friend in Cheeses Jam Co....

“A Watershed moment:” PVHCD to purchase Watsonville Community Hospital building, property

Pajaro Valley Healthcare District—the public agency tasked with running Watsonville Community Hospital—announced Wednesday that they plan to purchase the building and surrounding property, a major milestone in a years-long endeavor to return the facility to public ownership. The unanimous decision came during a closed-session discussion,...
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Powerful storms clobber Central Coast

A string of strong winter storms slammed the Central Coast over the past several days, toppling power and communication lines, knocking down scores of...

ICE becomes an autocratic tool