Santa Cruz County restricts beaches, loosens order to reopen several industries
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel on Thursday indefinitely extended the shelter-in-place order issued on March 31. She also closed the county’s beaches between the hours of 11am and 5pm.
Both moves are meant to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 by...
Watsonville City Council supports acceptance of rail line business plan
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council at a special meeting Friday evening passed a resolution expressing support for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s (RTC) business plan for construction and operation of a passenger rail line along the 32-mile stretch from Davenport to Pajaro.
The resolution...
Fire academy to bring two aboard at WFD
WATSONVILLE—Nine trainees with hopes of becoming new firefighters or paramedics in Santa Cruz County are three months into the 16-week fire academy.
Six of them are aiming to join the Santa Cruz Fire Department, one plans to go to Central Fire District and two hope...
Staying with Sumano’s
In 2012, Edgar Sumano made the decision to come to Watsonville and begin working at his father’s bakery.
Rancho Del Mar project approved
The Santa Cruz County Zoning Administrator on Friday approved a series of renovations at the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, a decision that will allow the project to begin.
Survey: Strong public support for Watsonville Hospital property tax measure
A recent survey of potential voters signals strong support of a property tax that would allow for the purchase of Watsonville Community Hospital’s building and surrounding property, along with upgrades to its facilities.
The questions now for Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD) are how...
Watsonville man who caused DUI crash sentenced to more than 5 years in prison
SALINAS—A Watsonville man who seriously injured a woman in a DUI crash nearly one year ago was sentenced Thursday to more than five years in state prison, Monterey County Deputy District Attorney Merideth Sillman said.
Noel Ledesma, 39, is in custody in Monterey County Jail.
He...
Colleges, careers the focus of annual event
Cabrillo College’s Annual College and Career Night will be held Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Cabrillo College Aptos campus, 6500 Soquel Drive.
Longtime Supervisor Greg Caput won’t seek reelection in June
WATSONVILLE—After serving for 12 years as the representative of Santa Cruz County’s 4th District, Supervisor Greg Caput says that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming June primary.
With a wife, two sets of adolescent twins and a 16-year-old son, Caput, now in his...
Crews clean up Pajaro River
Save Our Shores’ staff and volunteers removed more than 250 pounds of waste from the Pajaro River on Friday via kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard.
Saldana’s record-setting performance lifts ‘Catz flag football over PCS | Weeklys...
The Watsonville High girls flag football team extended their win streak to four following a crushing 40-0 victory over Pacific Collegiate School in Pacific...






















