City Council solidifies new development fee for public art
The Watsonville City Council at its Tuesday night meeting solidified its decision to implement a new fee on development projects that would fund the arts in Watsonville.
Soon, developers seeking to create commercial and residential projects will have to pay 0.75% of their project’s valuation,...
Council opposes Measure D
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday night approved a resolution in opposition to Measure D, the divisive June 7 ballot measure that, if approved, would remove language from Santa Cruz County’s guiding planning document that relates to rail services, both freight and passenger.
Watsonville Mayor...
Digital NEST to expand into Stockton
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville-based nonprofit Digital NEST announced it will open a new location in Stockton next year.
The expansion into the Central Valley kicks off plans to scale up to a total of nine communities in Northern California by the end of 2026. The Stockton hub is...
Police seeking driver in fatal hit-and-run
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police are looking for a driver that struck a pedestrian May 5 and then fled on the 1900 block of Main Street.
Ashley Keehn of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Victor Gonzalez Jr., 24, of Watsonville. He was taken...
Early voting for June 7 election begins May 9
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Voters throughout Santa Cruz County have begun receiving their ballots for the June 7 election, which they will use to select a Governor, as well as a congressional representative and state senate and assembly member.
The ballots are marked with a large blue...
Adult Ed classes offer birding tours, education
WATSONVILLE—Though the Monterey Bay Birding Festival lost its wings last year and disbanded, birding enthusiasts—from amateurs to advanced—can still get expert advice thanks to birding classes offered at Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education.
Headed up by Nanci Adams, the two-hour classes take up to 22 students...
Local fire officials urge residents prep for fire season
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Forecasters are predicting a cooling trend and possible rain for the weekend, with possible snow in the mountains, bringing a small measure of much-needed moisture to an already parched Central Coast.
But that weather will not last long, says Rick Canepa, a meteorologist...
Fire academy to bring two aboard at WFD
WATSONVILLE—Nine trainees with hopes of becoming new firefighters or paramedics in Santa Cruz County are three months into the 16-week fire academy.
Six of them are aiming to join the Santa Cruz Fire Department, one plans to go to Central Fire District and two hope...
Phil’s Fish Market relocating
MOSS LANDING—Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery, the iconic harborside Moss Landing restaurant that has garnered international fame with its seafood dishes and laid-back California vibe, will close and relocate soon.
The move is necessary because Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), which owns the property,...
PVUSD middle and high schools will start at later times in fall
WATSONVILLE—Next year, older students statewide will start school later in the morning thanks to a law that takes effect this year.
Senate Bill 328, authored by Sen. Anthony Portantino, requires middle schools and high schools to begin no earlier than 8am and 8:30am, respectively. Signed...
Bag containing gun, ammo found at Aptos High
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies and Pajaro Valley Unified School District officials are investigating after a bag containing a firearm and ammunition was found...
