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Watsonville
March 22, 2026

Thousands attend Strawberry Festival

A collection of images from the Watsonville Strawberry Festival from Aug. 2-4.

Farm to Fork Gala to benefit flood-impacted farmers

community bridges farm to fork gala
Community Bridges’ annual Farm to Fork Gala is back for its eighth year, and this year the Santa Cruz County nonprofit has teamed up with the Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains to help raise financial relief funds for farmers and farmworkers affected by...

Lighting the way to resilience, honor

Several people gathered in a large meeting room at Watsonville Public Library recently, where they delved into the cultural significance of Japanese paper lanterns, and then got a chance to make their own. The free, one-day, 3-hour event provided attendees with wood popsicle sticks, paper,...

Cool weather helps firefighters notch ‘best day yet’

czu august lightning complex fire
SCOTTS VALLEY—Cool, moist weather throughout the day continued to help firefighters battle the CZU August Lightning Complex fires, which have now scorched 78,684 acres, and as of Monday night was 13% contained, firefighters told reporters during a press conference. During the conference, Santa Cruz County...

California's biggest blaze more than half contained

California fire officials say the largest blaze ever recorded in the state is now more than half contained.

Bigger fines in SC County for fireworks violations

Residents in Santa Cruz County will face steep fines for using fireworks this Fourth of July, including at area beaches. “Illegal fireworks can be a threat to public safety, spark wildfires, and be harmful to the environment, vulnerable residents, and pets,” Santa Cruz County spokesman...

Watsonville community split on removal of Washington statue

Watsonville Washington bust
WATSONVILLE—More than 100 members of the community voiced their opinions on the possible removal of the George Washington bust from the Watsonville City Plaza at Monday’s Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The public forum lasted more than three and a half hours and was littered...

City Council approves contract for license plate reader cameras, adds 17 more

A close-up image of a Flock license plate reader.
The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday renewed the contract for 20 license plate reader cameras—and despite community opposition added 17 additional ones—for a $251,000, two-year contract. Council members voted 5-2 in favor of the new contract, with Mayor Maria Orozco and Councilwoman Vanessa Quiroz-Carter dissenting. The...

Ella’s at the Airport closes

Sign for the restaurant Ella's at the Airport
A sign in the window of the popular eatery at the Watsonville Municipal Airport, said the sudden closure was due to “unexpected circumstances.”

Farm Discovery at Live Earth to hold annual benefit dinner

Event raises funds for educational organization
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Suspect arrested after stabbing at Santa Cruz Clock Tower

Two people were hospitalized after reports of a stabbing at the Clock Tower in Santa Cruz at around noon on Saturday, according to Santa...