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Watsonville
January 8, 2026

Watsonville Film Festival receives grant from California Arts Council

WATSONVILLE—The California Arts Council (CAC) recently announced the allocation of a record-breaking $30 million—the largest investment in the council’s 40-plus year history. A total of 1,534 grants have been awarded to nonprofit organizations and government programs across the state in support of the arts. Watsonville...

Whale washes ashore | About Town

TARMO HANNULA A dead humpback whale washed ashore at Rio Del Mar State Beach Monday. California State Parks Ranger Joseph Carr Ritchie said the male humpback was about 13 years old. Researchers are looking into the cause of death while California State Parks is looking...

City of Watsonville responds to signs critical of Vides

People driving through Watsonville recently may have noticed a handful of signs throughout the city, which call for the recall or firing of City Manager Tamara Vides. The signs were put up by real estate developer Raeid Farhat, who says he believes Vides is an...

New foundation formed to support county animal shelter

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has taken a new step in its mission to support the county’s neediest animals.

High school football ‘back on track’ for this weekend

APTOS—The high school football season is back on track, for now, as Santa Cruz County superintendents released updated guidance for outdoor high-contact sports that won’t require teams to test for Covid-19 moving forward. Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez was notified on...

Bell ringing to mark 75 Years of Peace

Buddhist temple bell
WATSONVILLE—The simultaneous ringing of bells in sister cities across the United States and Japan to mark 75 years of peace since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will take place Aug. 5. The event is part of an inaugural initiative of the newly created Japan...

Fire season up and running

Following a wet winter, summer has now brought on bone-dry conditions and strong winds, ushering in a bold fire season. Close to two-dozen wild land fires are raging around the state.

Strawberry Festival returns this weekend

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival returns this year on Aug. 4 and 5, bringing with it some old favorites and a few new additions.

Trump viewing party draws supporters, counter-protest

A viewing party in a Watsonville restaurant Tuesday night for President Donald Trump’s public address drew public attention, with more than 100 Trump supporters gathering inside for the private event, and dozens gathering outside for a counter-protest. The event in Ella’s at the Airport was...

Briefs: Pesticide meeting set for Monday; Halloween events on tap

Watsonville pesticides
Pesticide meeting set for Monday The California Department of Pesticide Regulation will hold a meeting Monday from 4-6:30pm at the Family Center in Ramsay Park regarding pesticide use and regenerative farming.  “It is a rare in-person opportunity for the public to demand pesticide reduction and elimination...
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2026 Santa Cruz County Fair theme contest underway

Organizers at the Santa Cruz County Fair are asking the public for ideas for a theme for the 2026 County Fair. Anyone who has a...