A “jewel in the community:” Ramsay Park project moves forward
In a little more than a year, Ramsay Park in Watsonville will boast a new dog park, a new multi-use synthetic sports field, a new state-of-the-art nature center and new lights for its pathways, parking lots and athletic fields.
Plans also include an all-inclusive playground,...
Sparking careers: Watsonville Fire youth program wraps up
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville fire engine 4415—with lights flashing and sirens blaring—pulled up to a two-story building on Airport Boulevard Thursday afternoon, which had smoke pouring from an upper window.
A group of firefighters quickly jumped out and got to work, donning breathing gear, unspooling hoses and releasing...
Sweet treats galore | Try This
Todd Guild
FOOD: Freedom Bakery
I had a sweet tooth one morning, so I thought I’d check out Freedom Bakery.
Tucked incongruously into a strip of industrially-zoned businesses, the place is not easy to find. But it’s worth checking out, if only to see what this unique...
District joins lawsuit against vaping giant
WATSONVILLE—Pajaro Valley Unified School District has filed a lawsuit against e-cigarette company Juul Labs Inc. for its role in creating an epidemic among young people.
The lawsuit, which includes 25 school districts throughout California, also blames the company for the resurgence of young people that...
Watsonville’s small businesses adjust to county’s shelter-in-place order
WATSONVILLE—Small business owners throughout the Pajaro Valley are feeling increasing financial pressure after Santa Cruz County officials on Monday ordered all “non-essential businesses” to close their doors to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The shelter-in-place order, which went into effect Tuesday and will last until...
Young racer boasts local, state titles
WATSONVILLE—Kaiden Gowen is just 8 years old, but he already has a three-year racing career under his belt, and a handful of local and state championship wins to show for it.
He competes in quarter midget racing, which uses vehicles that are one-quarter the size...
PVUSD sends 30 layoff notices to teachers
Last week, about 30 teachers got the news they have been dreading since late February, when the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved reductions to several teacher positions.
Roughly 30 teachers have received layoff notices—also called pink slips—on Thursday and Friday, said...
Jim Barsi—owner of Barsi’s Liquor Store—dies
James Joseph “Jim” Barsi, who ran his eponymous liquor store on East Lake Avenue for a half-century before selling the business and retiring in...
