News

SANTA CRUZ—REI, an outdoor retail business with 168 stores in 39 states, plans to open a location in Santa Cruz, the company announced on Feb. 18. The 22,622-square-foot store will be located at 1660 Commercial Way, the giant warehouse that formerly held Toys “R” Us....

After 18 months of work by 200 students, Pajaro Valley Unified School District unveiled a small house that will soon be home to someone who needs it. At just 20 by 8 feet, the tinyhome is ready for occupation, and comes equipped with living quarters...

WATSONVILLE—As the next major rainstorm rolls in, the City of Watsonville and local nonprofits are heading up a major effort to provide sandbags for local residents in flood-prone areas. Scores of city staff and volunteers from Community Bridges, the Community Action Board, the California Conservation...

WATSONVILLE—A Watsonville man was taken into custody on suspicion for firing off two shots from a handgun near Watsonville High School as classes were letting out Tuesday. The suspect has since been identified as Rene Alamillo, 27, according to WPD’s spokeswoman Michelle Pulido. Watsonville Police...

WATSONVILLE—A Watsonville man was arrested Saturday after fatally striking a man on a bicycle with his vehicle and fleeing the scene, California Highway Patrol Officer Sam Courtney said. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Juan Diaz, 25. Steven Kay, 55, was charged...

Dozens of volunteers at Grey Bears were busy Thursday morning around two long tables loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables—along with other pantry staples—making packages to be delivered to seniors throughout Santa Cruz County. The large warehouse was filled with laughter and lively chatter more...

WATSONVILLE—The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for a Watsonville man they believe fired multiple shots from a handgun into a car on Aug. 16 in Watsonville. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ashley Keehn said investigators believe 38-year-old David Setterberg of Watsonville shot...

SANTA CRUZ—A 29-year-old Capitola man was killed Thursday afternoon when he was involved in a multiple-vehicle collision while riding his motorcycle. According to Santa Cruz Police Lt. Carter Jones, officers responded to a report of a collision on Mission Street at Fair Avenue around 4:43pm....

UPDATED, AUG. 10: Capitola Police are investigating after someone called in a false bomb threat to New Brighton Middle School, which prompted an evacuation of all students and the cancelation of classes on the first day back from summer break. Police found no devices during a...

Watsonville Academy is a free, nine-week session that will give community members an inside look at how their city government functions.