County Supervisor candidate Dutra faces sexual assault lawsuit
WATSONVILLE—A man has filed a civil lawsuit in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, claiming that 4th District Supervisorial candidate Jimmy Dutra molested him when he was 12.
A case management conference is scheduled for Feb. 3.
The Pajaronian typically does not name victims in stories involving...
Two deaths, one fire in same day at homeless encampment
Santa Cruz Police officers and firefighters on Tuesday responded to two deaths and one fire at the Gateway Camp, the sprawling amassment of makeshift tents, shanties and lean-tos at Highway 1 and River Street along the San Lorenzo River Levee.
Mariners stay hot midway through the season | HS baseball
WATSONVILLE—Aptos baseball coach Jason Biancardi said it's never easy beating the same opponent twice, especially when the second meeting is at their place.
But a strong pitching performance combined with a nearly flawless defense and a dash of offensive firepower guided the Mariners to a...
PHOTO: D’la Colmena wins People’s Choice award
Rotary Club of Watsonville members John Kane IV (left), Francisco Estrada (second from right) and Murry Schekman recently presented D’ la Colmena owner Adrian Gonzales (second from left) with the winning plaque for the “Best Burrito on the Central Coast — People’s Choice” award, voted on by this year’s Burrito Bash participants.
Schools plagued by mass absences as classes return
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The new year has brought with it larger-than-average absence rates as students throughout Santa Cruz County return to in-person instruction.
Since Jan. 6, there have been 1,387 positive Covid-19 cases out of roughly 16,000 teachers and students tested, a positivity rate of around...
Music, activities and more lined up for Kidrageous carnival
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the 20th annual Jacob’s Heart Kidrageous Golden Carnival returns Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Watsonville City Plaza.
Man found dead on Main Street
A man was found dead Saturday afternoon at Ramsay Park.
WPD said the man was found by a passerby in a row of shrubs along Main Street. He was identified as Shandon Spotswood, 52, said Ashley Keehn of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
A...
Montesino, Acosta running unopposed in respective races
WATSONVILLE—With the 2020 election right around the corner, most candidates are doing what they can to garner support, and finding ways to convince voters to choose them over another candidate.
But what do candidates do if they are running unopposed? What should they focus on,...
Community briefs, Aug. 17: Chefs needed for ‘It’s All in the Sauce’ contest
Community briefs, Aug. 17, 2017
One flower, one day, huge crowds: Corpse flower blooms
SANTA CRUZ—Thousands of curious folks had a one-day window Tuesday to view and smell a blooming corpse flower at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden.
The 4-foot tall flower, sheltered beneath a tent and kept warm with a space heater while being gently...
Letters to the Editor Dec. 5-11
Suggestions for PVUSD
My recommendations regarding the Recommended Realignments of PVUSD:
1. Regarding school closure, I have advocated for an idea to sell the District Office...





















