News

A Watsonville woman nearly lost thousands of dollars Wednesday by falling victim to a version of the so-called “grandparent scam.” According to the Federal Communications Commission, scammers posing as a loved one in a crisis call a relative to ask for money, telling their targets...

Stephen Gray was officially hired as CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital on Wednesday. With a 4-1 vote, the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board approved Gray’s contract, less than a week after the hospital corporation announced him as its selection. Board member Joe Gallagher dissented. Hospital...

The California Highway Patrol is not only searching for speeding motorists and expired registrations: They’re also on the lookout for new officers. Israel Murillo Jr., public information officer with the Santa Cruz area CHP, was campaigning recently at the Santa Cruz County Fair with a...

Corralitos artist Sylvia Valentine is gearing up to show her original nature photography in the annual Open Studios Art Tour. Her photography stems from her travels with her husband around the United States, Bali, New Zealand, Thailand, Canada and Mexico.  “Many of my favorite photos are...

After 12 years of running Watsonville’s only bookstore, Kelly Pleskunas will hang up her closed sign at Kelly’s Books for the last time Nov. 4. “I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the customers who have supported me these past 12 years,”...

The 2023 Santa Cruz County Fair wrapped up Sept. 17 with greater attendance than years past. From monster trucks and pig races to LEGO models, homemade quilts, original paintings, bonsai trees, antique tractors, live music, poodle shows and giant pumpkins, the fair unfolded under...

Live music and folkloric dance performances unfolded in Watsonville Plaza Friday evening thanks to the Watsonville Film Festival and Cabrillo College’s Hispanic Serving Institution Week. Mexican Fiesta was a two-hour free family event that featured Mariachi Juvenil Corazón Jaliscience from Hollister and Laura Rebolloso,...

Each year during the first three weekends in October, the public is invited to a free countywide self-guided art tour. Arts Council Santa Cruz County’s 37th annual Open Studios Art Tour features 322 artists who will open their studios across Santa Cruz County.  The tour...

Plans to build 624 units of affordable student housing on Cabrillo College’s Aptos campus got the green light Monday when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to fund the project. The dual Senate and Assembly bills, both numbered 142, will provide $111 million for the...