News

By Jacob Pierce, Good Times Editor Several hours after a new stay-at-home order took effect Friday, Housing Matters Executive Director Phil Kramer opened up a Homeless Memorial Zoom call by reflecting on a difficult year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and devastating wildfires. Kramer, the event’s...

By Patricia Cohen, of The New York Times New claims for unemployment fell last week, the government reported Thursday, the latest sign that the labor market’s recovery, however slow and unsteady, is continuing. “The numbers look encouraging on the face of it,” said Gregory Daco, chief...

WATSONVILLE—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved the construction of an 80-unit affordable housing complex between Atkinson Lane and Brewington Avenue that could break ground early next year. The project, a part of a multiphase development plan approved some two decades...

Several hundred protesters marched in Gilroy on June 13 to voice their disapproval of a federal plan to build an immigration detention facility on agricultural land just outside Gilroy city limits. Community organizers and residents gathered at Arroyo Circle near Gilman Road at Highway 101...

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:...

WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees in an emergency meeting Saturday unanimously approved a plan to close all district schools for two weeks, and allow most employees to work from home.  Essential staff will provide services such as food, custodial and technology,...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) is stepping up to help battle the pandemic in offering free local transit rides to and from Covid-19 vaccination appointments in Santa Cruz County. METRO spokeswoman Danielle Glagola said riders who are interested in using METRO...

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a tentative offer of seven portable classrooms at E.A. Hall Middle School to a charter school set to open in August.

Brianna Vasquez is a 13-year-old about to begin her 8th-grade year at Rolling Hills Middle School. As the days of her summer vacation wane and the academic year looms, many of her friends are enjoying their break. But on Thursday, Brianna was taking a different path....