76.5 F
Watsonville
July 12, 2026

County residents losing insurance as companies cite fire hazards

Earlier this year, Jennifer Carrera received notice from her insurance company that they would not renew her insurance, citing the high risks of wildfire in her area. She then spent more than $10,000 girding her five-acre Corralitos property against fire, including mowing the grasses and...

Last minute touches for Plaza lights | Photo gallery

Have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to [email protected] or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the...

Watsonville City Councilman Aurelio Gonzalez resigns

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville City Councilman Aurelio Gonzalez on Tuesday announced his resignation from his District 2 seat because of a family emergency. In a letter emailed to reporters, Gonzalez said that because of “family circumstances” he would no longer “be able to perform my duties in representing...

Board Chair and Manager leaving Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

santa cruz county fair board of directors
WATSONVILLE—Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Board Chair Don Dietrich has resigned his post, and interim Fairgrounds Manager Kelley Ferreira has announced his departure, Board Director Nick Calubaquib confirmed Monday. Dietrich, who made the announcement to his fellow board members last week, did not return a call...

Sexually violent predator Michael Cheek will not be placed in Watsonville, Santa Cruz hotels

Editor's note: This story was updated at 10:50am on April 10 with new information. Watsonville officials said Friday that a proposed plan to house a designated sexually violent predator at a Main Street motel has been halted after the property owner withdrew, citing community opposition. The...

State Parks closed for COVID-19 | About Town

All 280 California State Parks have been closed to all day use visitors and all vehicles are being turned away during the COVID-19 outbreak. • The first case of COVID-19 was announced in Santa Cruz County on March 6 and now — three weeks later —...

Teen arrested after chase

A routine traffic stop turned into a chase late Tuesday night that ended with the arrest of a 17-year-old suspected gang member and the recovery of a loaded gun, according to Watsonville Police. Around 11pm, a silver Honda Civic was stopped near West Sixth and...

County pledges $5 million for Watsonville hospital purchase

Watsonville Community Hospital
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County has committed $5 million to help a local group of healthcare professionals purchase Watsonville Community Hospital’s operations. The County’s Board of Supervisors passed the item without comment, since it was on the consent agenda. The Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project (PVHDP)...

Local artist continues work on community art project

Local artist Kathleen Crocetti is no stranger to working from home. Having her own art studio at home, she is used to working there, creating pieces and developing community art projects. But Crocetti admits that shelter-in-place has taken a bit of a toll. “Honestly, it’s been...

Council sides with restaurant owner in dispute with airport management

ella's Watsonville sold
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council granted an appeal filed by a local restaurant owner that sought to overturn a decision from Watsonville Municipal Airport management to deny a lease transfer to a new restaurateur. Airport Director Rayvon Williams in October of last year told Ella’s at...
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Watsonville 14U All-Stars captures PONY Coast Region title | Youth baseball

In order to be the champ, one must beat the champ.  The Watsonville 14U All-Stars squad did exactly just that following an 8-1 victory against...

Offering a new hope