Mass vaccine clinic hopes to reach Pajaro, Las Lomas residents
PAJARO—A mass vaccination clinic in Pajaro aimed at North Monterey County residents struggling to find the vaccine will go on as planned Friday, thanks to quick work from Dignity Health-Dominican Hospital and organizer Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA).
PVPSA CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez says...
Watsonville man dies in Pescadero crash
A Watsonville man died late Thursday after the car he was riding in plunged off a cliff at Pescadero State Beach. The driver of the car was arrested shortly after the crash on suspicion of DUI, California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Sophie Lu...
Covid-19 restrictions loosen as Santa Cruz County sees fewer cases
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—California health officials on Tuesday moved Santa Cruz County into the less restrictive “Moderate” or Orange tier, meaning that several businesses can reopen and welcome in more customers.
The move means that the county is seeing 1-3.9 new cases per 100,00 in population....
‘Born and Raised in Watsonville’ Scholarship deadlines April 29
WATSONVILLE—Since 2019, local artist Jessica Carrasco has organized the Born and Raised in Watsonville scholarship, aiming to support youth while spreading positivity about her hometown.
The scholarship is funded through sales of Carrasco’s line of Watsonville-themed stickers and other fundraising efforts in the community.
Students can...
Local author releases third book in trilogy
WATSONVILLE—For the past eight years, Nikki Lewen has been writing and releasing a trilogy of novels—all the while being a full-time teacher and coach at Watsonville High School.
This year, all that hard work has paid off as Lewen celebrates not only the release of...
Cafe owners remain positive through shelter-in-place
WATSONVILLE—Cafe Ella owners Erika Conrad and Jennifer DeVault say they are hopeful that their business will persevere through the COVID-19 crisis.
The twin sisters, who took over the small cafe on East Lake Avenue from Ella’s at the Airport owner Ella King last year, said...
Leaving his stamp: Local post office worker retires after 34 years
After 34 years at the U.S. Post Office in Watsonville, Jimmie Nartates wrapped up his career as a window clerk Monday beneath a large gold banner, “Happy Retirement.”
With signs posted about his work station by fellow workers, such as “Welcome to 7-day weekends,” and...
Out on the water | About Town
I rode my bike through the Santa Cruz Harbor today and saw a man and a woman heading out into the waters on stand-up paddleboards after renting them at the long-standing Kayak Connection, which is located in the harbor. Stand-up paddleboards are really popular...
Gov. Newsom calls for Monterey County restaurants to close indoor dining
MONTEREY COUNTY—Businesses across the Pajaro River Bridge were dealt another tough blow this week, as Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday called for Monterey County restaurants, wineries, movie theaters, zoos, museums and card rooms to close their indoor operations.
Newsom also said the county’s bars must...
County supervisors streamline rebuilding process
SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved a set of detailed rules that outline how residents who lost their homes in the CZU August Lightning Complex fires can rebuild.
Under the new rules, the county will add consultants and staff to...
Watsonville oversized vehicle ordinance takes effect
A new city ordinance restricting where oversized vehicles and trailers can park took effect on March 13.
The ordinance prohibits oversized vehicles and all types...






















