County looking to spend $10 million on homelessness programs
Santa Cruz County homeless advocates on Friday released a request for proposals to help address the growing number of people living on the streets. At stake is $889,000 from the California Emergency Solutions and Housing program and nearly $9.7 million from the Homeless Emergency Aid Program.
Prostitution date gone wrong leads to two arrests
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville police on Monday arrested a woman on prostitution charges after a man who solicited her services called 911. That call came after the woman’s associate pulled a gun on the victim when he refused to pay the agreed price.
Tianna Mitchell, 19, was arrested...
Photos: Local Independence Day parades return
The Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade and the Aptos Parade, also known as the World's Shortest Parade, returned this year.
Exhibit showcases local photojournalists
From images of civil unrest in the past to the present day-to-day life in Santa Cruz County, Pajaro Valley Arts has brought the work of five photographers together in its latest exhibit.
PHOTO: In memory
Elvia Cabrera sings a tune Monday at Pinto Lake City Park at a memorial for Tom Gugale, 47, who died in a car crash recently.
New mural goes up in Ramsay Park
Thanks to the efforts of a group of local students and artist Jaime Sanchez, a new colorful mural has been added to an outdoor wall of the Family Center in Ramsay Park.
The 65-by-15-foot work, titled "The Bigger Picture,” stems from the Teen Artes program...
Living Giant | Photo Gallery
Do you have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to [email protected] or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the name...
Santa Cruz County scores money for hydrogen busses, affordable housing projects
Countywide efforts to bolster environmentally-friendly bus service and build low-income housing were given a boost Monday, with the announcement of a $38.6 million award from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).
The money will allow Santa Cruz METRO to purchase 24 zero-emission, hydrogen-powered buses, including...
Sweet treats galore | Try This
Todd Guild
FOOD: Freedom Bakery
I had a sweet tooth one morning, so I thought I’d check out Freedom Bakery.
Tucked incongruously into a strip of industrially-zoned businesses, the place is not easy to find. But it’s worth checking out, if only to see what this unique...
Non-compliant building forces unemployment service removal
WATSONVILLE—For years the Employment Development Department (EDD) has had an employee stationed in downtown Watsonville to help South County residents receive unemployment services.
That will change on Monday.
The EDD is removing its lone employee from the Workforce Development Board’s (WDB) 18 W. Beach St. location...
Late heroics help ‘Catz boys squad edge Independence | CCS basketball...
Ahmi Martin has been the main ball distributor as a point guard for the Watsonville High boys’ basketball team throughout the 2025-26 winter season.
The...





















