News

WATSONVILLE—For the past decade, Youth N.O.W. of Watsonville has aimed to provide students in the Pajaro Valley a safe, positive environment—long after the final school bell rings.  The nonprofit was the brainchild of Dave Grazian, who retired after more than 30 years with Granite Construction...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks in some indoor public spaces around Santa Cruz County after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday morning moved the county into a lower tier within its community transmission tracker. Santa...

WATSONVILLE—The City of Watsonville solidified its Sister City affiliation with Velas, a historic port town on the western coast of São Jorge Island in Portugal, at its Tuesday night City Council meeting. Watsonville Mayor Ari Parker and Vasco Cordeiro, the President of the European Committee...

WATSONVILLE—For many, the New Year feels like a fresh start. Resolutions are written and promises made to make big changes for the future. And most of these decisions—whether it’s traveling more or starting a membership at a local gym—have one thing in common: they all...

SANTA CRUZ—A man was found dead in his cell at Santa Cruz County Main Jail Monday morning, marking the second death at the jail in less than a week. German Carrillo, 24, was in custody on murder, assault and gang charges, Jail records showed. Carrillo was...

WATSONVILLE—A new coffee shop has opened on Aviation Way, rounding out the Watsonville Hangar business complex that has been growing steadily the past couple of years. Honeylux Coffee is a specialty coffeehouse offering its own signature blend of java, as well as espresso drinks, teas,...

Pajaro Valley Arts is preparing for its first show in 2026, an annual members’ exhibit titled “Welcome Home.”  Curated by first-time curator Jim Turner, the exhibit will feature 150 artists and will run from Jan. 13-Feb. 21 in the historic Porter Building in downtown Watsonville.  “We...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The county’s tourist hotspots—along with its restaurants and hotels—can expect a slight uptick in business this summer from Californians seeking to hit the road for short road trips, according to a survey released Wednesday by Visit Santa Cruz County (VSCC). This prediction is...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville’s newest residential development broke ground on Feb. 17, nearly five years after it was originally approved by the city council. Hillcrest, located off of Ohlone Parkway, will consist of 144 units when fully built out over several phases, including 76 townhomes, 63 duplexes, and...