PHOTOS: Watsonville celebrates Mexican Independence Day
Live music and folkloric dance performances unfolded in Watsonville Plaza Friday evening thanks to the Watsonville Film Festival and Cabrillo College’s Hispanic Serving Institution Week. Mexican Fiesta was a two-hour free family event that featured Mariachi Juvenil Corazón Jaliscience from Hollister and Laura Rebolloso,...
Dominican Hospital operator announces merger
Dignity Health, which operates Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, announced Friday that it has merged with Catholic Health Initiatives to form CommonSpirit Health.
Food, What?! holds benefit dinner
Food, What?! held its annual Benefit Dinner on Sept. 17 at Santa Cruz Mission State Park.
Mid-County fire agency consolidation plan advances
MID-COUNTY—A plan to consolidate two Mid-County fire districts took a step forward Wednesday when nobody from the community registered a complaint.
Efforts to consolidate Aptos-La Selva Fire Protection District and Central Fire Protection District began in 2019. Fire officials say the move will help departments...
Harbor Freight opens doors
Dozens of customers on April 6 were browsing the aisles of Harbor Freight, Watsonville’s newest hardware store.
Jimmy Dutra liable in sexual abuse case
A jury on Tuesday found that Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra committed sexual battery and lewd and lascivious acts on a minor in his Los Angeles apartment 19 years ago.
The jury also found that Dutra is liable for damages from the emotional and mental...
First-ever Drive-Thru Crab Feed a booming success
WATSONVILLE—Following the tremendous success of the first-ever Holiday Lights Drive-thru at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds during Christmas, the 2021 Drive-Thru Crab Feed proved to be another booming hit Saturday.
Fairgrounds Foundation spokesman Ron Haedicke said they sold out all 472 meals in the inaugural...
Federal judge rules that Trump must pay SNAP benefits through March
A federal judge on Thursday ruled that the Trump administration must fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through November for the 42 million people who depend on them.
“People have gone without for too long,” said U.S. District Judge John McConnell. “Not making payments...
Men don high heels for Monarch Services fundraiser
Around 50 men slipped into pairs of bright red and pink high heels Friday for a quick dash around the block in downtown Santa Cruz during the 2023 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.
In its 11th year, the annual fun-filled gathering originated as...
Covid testing site moves from Ramsay to new County building Wednesday
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The OptumServe Covid-19 testing site at Ramsay Park will be moving to the county facility at 500 Westridge Drive in Watsonville on Wednesday.
“I’d like to thank the City of Watsonville Parks and Rec for their partnership the last 21 months, allowing us...
Aptos’ Nick Bjorn recognized as SCCAL’s top boys golfer
Aptos High junior Nick Bjorn was named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League’s Most Valuable Player for his superb play on the golf course...





















