Helping hands make prom happen
For the second year in a row, local high school seniors got a little help in dressing up for their senior proms.
Some came with their parents, and some on their own to browse among free dresses and suits thanks to the efforts of Luna y...
Hundreds expected to participate in county-wide cleanup day on May 11
Aptos resident Laura Dover-Smith was walking on a trail in Watsonville’s sloughs on her lunch break one sunny Wednesday, an activity she tries to do daily.
She says the walk affords her views of wildlife, but also gives her a peaceful respite from the bustling...
Willie Yahiro honored
Longtime school board member, coach, mentor and businessman in the Pajaro Valley Willie Yahiro was remembered by close to 250 people Saturday at the Henry J. Mello Center.
The event included prayer and homily by Rev. Dan Hoffman, scripture read by Brooke Uchida, opening hymn...
Watsonville police officer retires after 29 years
After working behind the badge of Watsonville Police for nearly three decades, officer Lee Katich waved goodbye Tuesday.
“It’s been quite a good ride,” Katich said during a festive farewell party Tuesday evening that included Katich’s wife and two children and a roomful of officers...
Officials: King City mass shooting, Soledad double-murder linked
Monterey County Sheriff’s investigators have linked a March 3 mass shooting in King City to the Feb. 4 killing of two cousins in Soledad.
Law enforcement officials recently served search warrants related to both incidents.
On March 3, 11 people were shot at a birthday party...
U.S. Army Corps seeks public input on Pajaro River Levee environmental study
The agency responsible for the rebuild of the Pajaro River Levee has completed an environmental assessment for Reach 6 of the project, and is seeking public input before finalizing it.
Reach 6 runs from the Corralitos Bridge to Green Valley Road.
The U.S. Army Corps of...
‘Nuisance’ homeless camp on Airport Blvd. approved for clearing, cleanup
In a weed-strewn, vacant lot on Airport Boulevard Tuesday, Bryan Hilgeman was busy around his makeshift tarp dwelling where he lives, along with about 40 people in the unsanctioned homeless camp.
He says he’s been unsheltered since his wife died two years ago.
When the city...
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,...
Work on E. Lake Ave./Holohan Rd. intersection expected to wrap up in July
Work continues on roadway and signal improvements at the intersection of Holohan Road and East Lake Avenue (Hwy 152).
The job is part of a $4.3 million project that will rearrange the heavily traveled intersection, including a left-turn lane and a merge lane from...
Chamber announces annual awardees
The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture has announced its annual awardees, including the man and woman of the year.
Nita Gizdich was on her ranch Tuesday morning, and as usual she was working.
Although sweeping the driveway leading to her iconic pie shop was...
Watsonville names Patrick Rodriguez, 37, new softball head coach
Watsonville High this week announced it promoted Patrick Rodriguez as the newest head coach for the softball team.
The 37-year-old Watsonville native will take the...