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Watsonville
March 1, 2026

Study details rise of mental health crises

reina valencia watsonville police mental health liaison charles bailey angel calderon
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Between June 1 and Aug. 15, law enforcement officers throughout Santa Cruz County responded to 577 calls involving mental health crises, according to a report released Dec. 14 by the Criminal Justice Council of Santa Cruz County (CJC). The report delves into the...

American Legion welcomes new commander, officers | News Briefs

Felipe Hernandez
The American Legion Post 121 welcomed eight new Post Officers for 2022, including its new Post Commander Felipe Hernandez. Hernandez, who was voted in by members at the previous meeting, will be filling the spot left by Rick Sanchez, who served two consecutive terms, including...

Council approves massive art project for parking garage

The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved “Watsonville Brillante,” an ambitious project that will cover the entire exterior of the Civic Plaza parking garage with mosaic over a period of five years.

North County Fire District welcomes new firefighters, recognizes promotions

north county fire district firefighters
CASTROVILLE—The North County Fire District swore in five new firefighters on Tuesday and held a badge pinning ceremony for three who have recently been promoted. During the ceremony at the Castroville Public Library, five new firefighters who have recently filled vacant positions received their badges:...

A growing respect

Former Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department park services manager Ernest “Big E” Contreras was honored Friday with his own tree in Watsonville Plaza, nearly two years after he took leave from the department.

Regeneración finishes runner-up in national awards, wins $25K grant

Regeneración-Pajaro Valley Climate Action on March 25 was awarded a $25,000 grant for finishing runner-up in the American Climate Leadership Awards. Nonprofit Executive Director Nancy Faulstich and a group of delegates were set to travel to Washington D.C. for the awards ceremony but instead attended...

Organizers urge customers to avoid bulk buying WIC products

WIC Products coronavirus
By Jazmin Juarez, special to the Pajaronian WATSONVILLE—During the coronavirus outbreak, several people have gone shopping for food in large quantities without realizing the impact it can have on their neighbors. Around 5,000 people in Watsonville rely on the Women, Infants and Children program (WIC), whose...

Freedom Boulevard repaving wrapping up

freedom boulevard repaving striping green valley road
A major upgrade on a section of Freedom Boulevard, between Alta Vista Avenue and Green Valley Road, is in its final stage. The months-long job included fresh asphalt, multi-modal bike lanes, new curbs, sidewalks and gutters (in places), new ADA ramps, a bus pullout at...

Family to argue against killer’s parole

A woman who has spent nearly two decades behind bars for her part in a 1998 robbery and killing — and who was sentenced to 62 years to life for the crime — is facing a Feb. 7 parole hearing after Gov. Jerry Brown commuted her sentence early last year.

Funeral homes adjust to COVID-19

WATSONVILLE—As the world adjusts to the spread of COVID-19, big changes are underway at area mortuaries and funeral homes as well. Gone are the days—for now—of large gatherings, whether at a football game, concert, theater or at funerals and graveside services. That puts congregating to...
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Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah addresses about 150 high school students at the start of the Santa Cruz Countuy Youth Civics Summit at Cabrillo College.

Students learn the power of the vote at Civics Summit

On Friday, about 150 high school juniors from across Santa Cruz County cast their first ballots on three issues that, if passed, would dramatically...