County merges Public Works, Planning
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to integrate the Planning and Public Works departments, a move officials say will streamline services and improve customer service.
Officials will immediately begin creating the new department, called Community Development...
Suspect arrested in East Lake Avenue attempted murder
A man was arrested Thursday night on the 700 block of Palm Avenue on suspicion of attempted murder.
With the help of SWAT officers Watsonville Police tracked down Francisco Aceves, 25, on suspicion of shooting a 42-year-old man at the Sofspra Car Wash on the...
PHOTO: Masks in the park
Attendees of the monthly Watsonville Wednesday gathering show off masks and other Halloween decorations Wednesday in Watsonville Plaza.
Council approves several changes for ADU rules
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council approved wholesale changes to the City’s rules on accessory dwelling units (ADU) in hopes that those modifications will produce additional and safer housing options.
Spurred by more than a half-dozen state laws approved over the past three years, the changes limit...
Officials maintain ‘zero tolerance’ for illegal fireworks
“Safe and sane” fireworks are now on sale in Watsonville, but the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is reminding everyone to do their part to have a safe holiday and help prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks.
So-called “safe and sane”...
Watsonville’s Wine, Beer & Art Walk returns Aug. 20
WATSONVILLE—In 2018, the inaugural Wine, Beer & Art Walk was held in downtown Watsonville.
The event was a big success, selling out and seeing hundreds of people strolling along the downtown corridor, checking out local businesses while sampling local wine and brews and viewing local...
PHOTO: Arrest made in Rite Aid robbery
Police search a vehicle and home on the 500 block of Green Valley Road Wednesday.
A Watsonville man was arrested near the home on suspicion of robbing the Rite Aid store on Freedom Boulevard just 24 hours earlier. Watsonville spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said police were...
Regeneración honored by Mayor in Fourth parade
Regeneración was selected by Watsonville Mayor Francisco Estrada as the community-serving organization highlighted in the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade — a new tradition that took the place of the grand marshal designation of the past.
Defense rests in Dutra’s civil case
Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra took the stand for the second time in his civil trial Thursday, where he doubled down on his denial that he sexually abused a 12-year-old boy 19 years ago.
Dutra is accused of molesting a boy in 2005 in his...
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...
