News

The Aptos High boys cross country team, once again led by its trio of standout seniors, defeated Monte Vista Christian to remain unbeaten in Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League play. Ben Laughlin won the 2.96-mile race in 15 minutes, 20 seconds, helping the Mariners secure...

The County of Monterey Department of Emergency Management has begun testing a new Alert Monterey County emergency alert software and system, and Watsonville residents may receive notifications, officials advised.  Residents in certain areas of Monterey County began receiving emergency test messages earlier this week. More...

WATSONVILLE—Vanessa Quiroz-Carter was sworn in as the new representative for the Watsonville City Council's 2nd District at Tuesday night’s virtual meeting. Quiroz-Carter, a Watsonville native who most recently served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission, said she was excited to continue the work of...

SANTA CRUZ—A Santa Cruz man was arrested Aug. 21 on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale at a home on the 500 block of Park Way. George Rivera, commander of the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team, said Elijah Phoenix Francis, 21, was...

Two men are in custody after a high-speed car chase that reached 150 miles per hour Wednesday in Watsonville.  The incident began on Highway 1 at Freedom Boulevard when police attempted to stop a white Buick Envista for traffic code violations. The driver fled, triggering a...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The World Health Organization on Wednesday classified COVID-19 as a pandemic, as lawmakers and leaders worldwide grapple with rapidly growing numbers of cases. There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have died. Thousands more have been hospitalized,...

Weather forecasters are warning of strong winds coming later this week. With the wave of wildland fires that have plagued California for weeks, firefighters are keeping a wary eye on the change in weather, which will also usher in bumped up temperatures as well....

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Planning Commission tonight will see staff’s proposed changes to the city’s rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as “granny flats” or “granny units.” The proposed changes, in short, would bring the city’s rules in alignment with several state housing bills passed...

SANTA CRUZ—The annual Guelaguetza Santa Cruz festival unfolded Sunday at Branciforte Small Schools, an outdoor event that celebrates the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico. Dazzling costumes and dance, a large orchestra—heavy in brass and woodwinds—food tents, arts and crafts of the region and plenty of sunshine...