Rescue search called off in Santa Barbara boat fire
Emergency crews have suspended the search for survivors in the waters of Platt’s Harbor, one day after a dive boat caught fire, killing an estimated 33 people.
Local water agency works toward long-term drought solutions
In 1983, a group of local farmers looking for ways to manage the Pajaro Valley’s groundwater basin formed the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA). A year later, the agency was officially recognized by the state legislature, who tasked them to stop groundwater overdraft...
Birchbark Foundation aims to support human-animal bond
Founded in 2013, the Birchbark Foundation grew out of what local veterinarian Dr. Merrianne Burtch saw as an unmet need in the community.
Burtch noticed that pet owners were facing fixable yet unaffordable crises with their animals, which often resulted in the only option being...
WHS student earns top awards for landscaping skills
WATSONVILLE—A Watsonville High School junior with a bright future in professional landscaping has earned top honors for his intimate knowledge of turfgrass management.
Juan Herrera, 17, works for Watsonville-based K&D Landscaping as a turfgrass expert and manager.
A member of the Watsonville FFA chapter, Herrera is...
Three arrested for Soquel burglary
SOQUEL—Santa Cruz Sheriff’s deputies on Saturday arrested three people after they allegedly burglarized a house in Soquel.
Elizabeth Chandler, Colby Jackson and Henry Hansen were charged with burglary, vandalism and resisting arrest. Only Jackson remained in custody Monday in lieu of $25,000 bail.
According to the...
WPD: Post Incident Team volunteers needed
The Watsonville Police Department is looking for volunteers to join the Post Incident Team.
PHOTO: Fire consumes motorboat, motorcycle
Firefighters from Pajaro Valley Fire and Watsonville Fire douse a fire that engulfed a motorboat, a motorcycle, a tent and a wood fence Wednesday afternoon on the 100 block of Lita Lane.
Cabrillo plans return to in-person classes
APTOS—Cabrillo College students will return to in-person instruction when classes resume in the fall, spokeswoman Kristin Fabos announced Tuesday.
According to Fabos, more than 50% of course offerings feature face-to-face or hybrid instruction during the fall term, which begins Aug. 16. The college will continue...
Two arrested with guns in vehicle
Two men stopped for a traffic violation Saturday morning were arrested after police found a loaded gun, a high-capacity magazine and additional ammunition.
County, cities agree to purchase encrypted emergency radio system
On Dec. 2, the Watsonville City Council approved a plan to join a countywide network of first responder agencies in a state-of-the-art emergency radio...
