News

More than 100 people celebrated Presidents’ Day Monday by staging a protest against the current one, and his decision to declare a national emergency over immigration issues.

WATSONVILLE—The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Watsonville are on the cusp of beginning a 10-year endeavor that will completely reshape the city’s major arterial road. Caltrans has committed to a $25 million renovation of its roughly seven-mile thoroughfare of Highway 152...

After a two-year hiatus, the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade will finally be returning to the Pajaro Valley. Parade goers can expect all the usual favorites, from the mayor riding in a vintage convertible, new and antique fire engines, nonprofit and community groups,...

Peter Francis Dunne of Santa Cruz was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on felony charges of assault with intent to rape, sexual assault with force, and oral copulation, Sgt. Dee Baldwin of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said.

The annual Pajaro Valley Quilt Show returns to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Feb. 23 and 24, showcasing more than 300 quilts as well as clothing, purses, dolls, pincushions and more.

Watsonville Elks Lodge recently welcomed new Exalted Ruler Warren Anderson and First Lady Doris Williamson. Peter Telc (Past Exalted Ruler) passed the baton to Anderson during the installation of officers. “Peter has done a great job as Exalted Ruler and we appreciate him,” the lodge stated...

WATSONVILLE—Hundreds of Watsonville voters in District 2 received a ballot at their home this week, officially kicking off the home stretch of the Dec. 7 special election that will determine who will fill the vacant Watsonville City Council seat. Residents in that district will have...

Santa Cruz County homeless advocates on Friday released a request for proposals to help address the growing number of people living on the streets. At stake is $889,000 from the California Emergency Solutions and Housing program and nearly $9.7 million from the Homeless Emergency Aid Program.

PAJARO VALLEY—About 50 people gathered Sunday in Watsonville’s community room to explore ways to phase out toxic farming chemicals and convert Pajaro Valley farmlands to organic and regenerative farming.  The group of speakers included farmers, farmworkers, doctors, retired teachers, experts in environmental health and justice...

Local law enforcement officers from a number of surrounding counties will take to the racetrack to “fund-race” for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) at the 2017 Police in Pursuit event on Friday at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville.