News

WATSONVILLE—A popular local barbershop will soon move to downtown Watsonville. The Chop Shop is planning to relocate from the city’s outskirts on Freedom Boulevard to the corner of Main Street and East Lake Avenue, according to owner Gabino Varela. The 471 Main St. location currently houses...

WATSONVILLE—As a new teacher, Brogan Dahl knows how difficult it can be to live in Santa Cruz County on an educator’s salary. She also has experienced the frustration of wanting to bring creativity into her lessons while under the limiting mantle of a strict...

Tarmo Hannula: There’s a chance of light rain this evening that could start around 7 p.m. The National Weather Service said the rain could continue into Wednesday morning. Also, king tides will arrive Friday through Sunday. King tides occur when the Earth, moon and sun...

WATSONVILLE—The second round of voting for the next large installation of “Watsonville Brillante” has opened. A project from accomplished local artist Kathleen Crocetti, “Watsonville Brillante” is a 12,000-square-foot tile mosaic that will cover the outside of the six-story Watsonville Civic Plaza parking garage at the...

CORRALITOS—Late Monday morning the Five Mile House in Corralitos was bustling with activity for the first time in 12 years. Blossom’s Farmstore & Coffee Shop now occupies the landmark Spanish-style building on the corner of Freedom Boulevard and Corralitos Road, which has housed various businesses...

Tarmo Hannula: This evening marks the first First Friday Art Tour of Santa Cruz of the New Year. The free, informal event is an arena for the public to visit area artists and take in the bounty of their work at various venues, including...

SISKIYOU COUNTY—The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying the suspect(s) in an April homicide of a former Santa Cruz County resident.  On April 8 a Siskiyou County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of a possible dead body near Yreka Walker Road...

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 name...

A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. Tarmo Hannula FOOD: Pizza My Heart Fresh hot pizza keeps the customers lining up at Pizza My Heart in downtown Santa Cruz. Founded in 1981 in Capitola Village by Fred...

Local trainer celebrates 15 years, dishes tips for New Year’s resolutions Most of Brian Orozco’s clients are in constant pain before they walk through the doors of his Main Street business, Functional Fitness Training Center. Tasks as simple as bending over to play with their...