Video shows WPD officer punching man multiple times during arrest
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Police Department is facing criticism after a video was posted to social media showing one of its officers punching a man multiple times during an arrest on Tuesday night.
In a video posted to multiple social media platforms this week, two officers responding...
Open Farm Tours returns this weekend
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The annual Open Farm Tours will return this weekend—albeit in a different capacity.
Pre-registration is now required for small, socially-distanced outdoor tours at the following farms: Thomas Farm and Luz Del Valle Farm in Aptos, and GroundSwell Farm in Santa Cruz. Additional participating...
WPD: Three Watsonville shootings unrelated; two likely gang-related
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police on Monday said that three separate shootings that occurred Saturday night—which left two people dead—were not related. Two of them, however, are likely gang-related, WPD spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said.
The first shooting, which police believe is gang-related, occurred in the area of Marchant...
Watsonville farm, biotech company receives major grant from USDA
Since 2009, Blume Industries (BI) and Whiskey Hill Farms (WHF) have jointly operated a research and development incubator in Watsonville, aiming to find regenerative solutions for food, fuel and waste management.
And now they will have the opportunity to expand their reach, sharing what they...
Santa Cruz County’s first inclusive park opens
LIVE OAK—Santa Cruz County’s first-ever inclusive playground officially opened Jan. 18 at Chanticleer Park in Live Oak.
LEO’s Haven, a playground designed to welcome children with disabilities such as blindness, mobility impairment and autism, is the centerpiece of the $4 million rebuild of the 4.5-acre...
CZU Complex fires have destroyed more than 500 structures; still 19% contained
Update (6am, Aug. 26)
The CZU August Lightning Complex fires have now stretched to 80,137 acres and destroyed 538 structures, nearly all of them in Santa Cruz County.
The Count of Santa Cruz on Tuesday established a damage assessment map that shows where structures have been...
Ann Soldo Elementary celebrates 20 years
WATSONVILLE—Hundreds of students, staff and parents gathered at Ann Soldo Elementary School on Feb. 20 to celebrate the school’s 20th anniversary.
Principal Elaine Parker said the celebration came in the same year that the school’s namesake would have turned 100.
Ann Soldo taught fifth through eighth...
Photo story: Woman injured in hit-and-run crash
HIT & RUN Emergency workers deal with a three-vehicle crash early Monday on Riverside Drive in Watsonville. Initial reports revealed that a driver of a light-colored Toyota sedan barreled into the intersection of Riverside Drive at Marchant Street just before 5am. The Toyota slammed...
Watsonville’s first responders face new hurdles under COVID-19
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police Sgt. Donny Thul was on patrol recently when he got a harsh reminder of life under coronavirus restrictions.
A call came over his radio that a group of young people was gathered at a park playing soccer.
Just a few weeks ago, such a...
Tidal surge adds to damage as Santa Cruz County residents reel from storm
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Watsonville and Santa Cruz County officials on Thursday lifted the evacuation orders and flood warnings issued during the dual atmospheric river storms that came on Dec. 30 and Jan. 4, allowing residents to return home and breathe a sigh of relief that...
Photo story: A Dia de los Muertos celebration
Dancers from Estrellas de Esperanza prepare to take the stage in Watsonville during the Calle Libres and Dia de Los Muertos event Sunday. Music,...
