Honoring those who served
WATSONVILLE—As the steeple bells of St. Patrick’s Cathedral struck 10 Monday morning, a group of former military members began a march from the church’s parking lot to the Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building, a tradition that heralds in the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony.
Dozens of people...
Eight years of vintage antiques
The Goat Hill Fair got its start on a small goat farm on the Highway 17 summit.
The vintage antique fair was so popular that it outgrew its first home in two years. Now housed at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in May and November,...
Ambriz, Alaniz served country with honor
WATSONVILLE—When a former member of the military dies, the Freedom Veterans of Foreign War Post 1716 Honor Guard is there to honor them with a rifle salute of three ceremonial volleys.
The service similar to the 21-gun salute is a military-style way to honor veterans...
The history of downtown Watsonville|Try This
Try this is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like.
Tarmo Hannula
Food
Blaze Pizza
I had a late lunch recently at a new (for me) pizza spot on the West Side of Santa Cruz—Blaze Pizza, 1901 Mission...
Capitola Plein Air paints its fifth year
CAPITOLA—Forty artists from across the county fanned out around Capitola last week with canvas, easels, chalk and tubes of color in tow, in hopes of distilling a handful of the coastal city’s choice land and seascapes on canvas and paper.
The efforts were part of...
Second Harvest launches food drive
APTOS—In Santa Cruz County, one in four children are considered food insecure, a number Second Harvest Food Bank CEO Willy Elliott‑McCrea called “staggering” and “unacceptable.”
The growing numbers of hungry people who struggle to feed themselves and their families was the impetus – and the...
Embattled Santa Cruz County judge announces retirement
SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Ariadne Symons on Monday announced she will retire from the bench at the conclusion of her current term in 2020.
Symons issued a press release outlining her nearly four-decade career.
“Serving for more than a decade on the bench...
What’s going on?
Special events
Goat Hill Fall Vintage Fair (Nov. 9-10)
A much anticipated two-day event at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds for enthusiasts of vintage and antique collecting. Find looks, styles and unique pieces to complement your collections and decorate your homes. An indoor event. Food and drink...
County approves charge for disposable cups
SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday laid the groundwork for a ban on single-use disposable cups by unanimously approving a 25-cent charge for the product at all food-service businesses.
The charge will go into effect on July 1, 2020 if given...
Cabrillo celebrates 60 years of education
WATSONVILLE—Cabrillo College got its start six decades ago in several condemned buildings in an unused corner of Watsonville High School.
More than 800 freshmen began classes there on Sept. 1, 1959.
The community college has since evolved into a mid-county educational centerpiece, serving more than 15,000...
PV’s De La Torre, MVC’s Fullalove-Silveira take home top honors |...
Pajaro Valley sophomore Hemeria De La Torre and Monte Vista Christian graduate Kayla Fullalove-Silveira each received some of the highest honors in the Pacific...