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Watsonville
June 7, 2025

Watsonville police search for church vandal

Watsonville Police are asking for help in identifying a man who was caught on a security camera hurling a brick at a stained-glass window at St. Patrick’s Church March 14. WPD said the man, clad in white pants and a blue jacket, caused more than...

Monterey County DA probes CHP fatal shooting

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni has begun an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on the Highway 101 northbound at Ralph Lane in Prunedale on March 15.  The California Highway Patrol was dispatched to a report of a solo vehicle collision with a guardrail on...

Watsonville Community Band performance to feature singer who acted in 70s TV show

The Watsonville Community Band has been busy rehearsing with Judy Norton, actress, singer, writer, director for film and television, for a pair of concerts April 4 and 5. The free performances—titled “Lions, Tigers, & Marches! Oh My!”—will showcase Norton’s artistry as she sings songs...

Former Pajaronian photographer dies

Michael McCollum, who worked as staff photographer at the Pajaronian from1987 to 1996, died March 9 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 67.  Born on April 27, 1957, to Garland McCollum and Katherine Fromm-McCollum in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, Mik was 2 when the family moved...

Esperanza del Valle celebrates 45 years

The local folkloric dance group Esperanza del Valle will celebrate its 45th anniversary on April 4, 5 and 6 at the Crocker Theater in Aptos. The program, titled “Espirítu de Mexico,” will feature live music with guest artists Nematatín de la Universidad Veracruzana and Mariachi...

Photo story: VFW replaces stolen flags

Members of VFW Post 1716 get help from Watsonville Fire Department Thursday in replacing two flags that once flew above the VFW building on Freedom Boulevard. Thieves recently stole the American flag and a POW/MIA flag along with the rope. Veteran Bob Erbe (center,...

PVUSD sends 30 layoff notices to teachers

Last week, about 30 teachers got the news they have been dreading since late February, when the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved reductions to several teacher positions. Roughly 30 teachers have received layoff notices—also called pink slips—on Thursday and Friday, said...

PV High students demand equal treatment

Two weeks ago, a group of Aptos High School students and staff picketed in front of the school to publicize their concerns about losing the school’s seven-period schedule. The loss of the extra class at Aptos High was seen as a necessity after the Pajaro...

Juvenile suspect arrested in teen’s death

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office have announced the arrest of a juvenile suspect in the shooting death of 18-year-old Adrian Puga during an illegal street takeover in Prunedale.  Sheriff Tina Nieto made the announcement at a press conference Friday that the arrest was made in...

Monterey County DA investigating fatal shooting by CHP officer

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni has begun an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on the Highway 101 northbound at Ralph Lane in Prunedale on March 15.  The California Highway Patrol was dispatched to a report of a solo vehicle collision with a guardrail on...
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Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo

How Farmworkers Outlawed ‘El Cortito’ 50 Years Ago

For decades in the Salinas Valley, the short-handle hoe, known as “El Cortito,” was used for weeding and thinning rows of crops that kept...