A profile in public service: Lowell Hurst
By DREW ROGERS
CONTRIBUTED TO THE PAJARONIAN
Purely by happenstance after moving here in 2018, I met Lowell Hurst during his last month as Watsonville’s mayor (his third stint). Affable with a booming, cheery voice landing truth bombs and jokes equally, his Midwest openness and disdain...
Watsonville officials, residents mull city’s General Plan
More than 100 people spent their Saturday morning in the community room of the Watsonville Civic building, where they joined the City Council and other officials in discussions about Watsonville’s General Plan.
The council made no official decisions during the informal meeting, which was one...
New Starbucks opens
The staff extends an invitation the new Starbucks that opened Thursday morning at 1726 Freedom Blvd. Manager Christine Deschler (second from right) said they will offer the full range of Starbucks beverages, pastries and other goods. The drive-thru/walk up business will serve motor traffic...
Man dies from shark attack at Santa Cruz County beach
WATSONVILLE—A 26-year-old Santa Cruz County man died Saturday after he was mauled by a great white shark near Manresa State Beach.
The victim has been identified as Ben Kelly, a prominent surfboard maker and a well-known figure in the surfing community.
According to California State Parks...
Community briefs, Oct. 11, 2019
Hospice announces $50,000 grant
Hospice of Santa Cruz County has received a $50,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefits Programs. The grant will help people living with serious illness get access to the resources they need.
The funds will be used by Hospice of Santa...
RTC to discuss preferred transportation scenario
The Regional Transportation Commission will outline its preferred scenario for transportation improvements over the next 20 years during a meeting in Watsonville on Thursday.
Watsonville Community Hospital leaders establish fundraising arm
WATSONVILLE—After purchasing Watsonville Community Hospital last year, and beginning operations on Sept. 1, the people who run the institution are now looking for ways to keep it funded.
The Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project (PVHDP)—a group of nonprofit leaders and healthcare professionals that in 2021...
Recurso de Fuerza taking shape
Workers on Friday were installing 34 tiny homes that will be part of Recurso de Fuerza, a community meant to house homeless residents living on the Pajaro River Levee.
The village in the parking lot of Westview Presbyterian Church at 118 1st St. in. Watsonville,...
Try This | Aug. 9, 2019
A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes,
coffee shops and the like.
PVUSD Sustainable Schools Advisory team launches
Facing years of declining enrollment likely to take a multimillion-dollar bite out of its budget—coupled with federal education cuts and an impending recession—Pajaro Valley...


















