News

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Public Library (WPL) opened a new chapter last week by canceling its overdue fine system and forgiving all pending overdue fines.  At a meeting on Aug. 18, the Library Board of Trustees unanimously voted to make the change after library director Alicia Martinez...

Morning recess at Mintie White Elementary School took a different turn on Aug. 17, as hundreds of students gathered to celebrate their colorful new playhouse.

Two men are in custody and a cache of expensive stolen bikes are back in the owner’s hands following a dramatic smash-and-grab burglary early Thursday.

A new phase of the massive outdoor mural project, Watsonville Brillante, was unveiled recently along the Rodriguez Street side of the six-floor parking structure. Around 60 mosaic panels make up phase seven of the 10-phase project that features themes of Finland, Ukraine, Russia, Norway,...

If you’ve ever strolled through Pioneer Cemetery in Watsonville, you might have come across the final resting place of Charley Darkey Parkhurst, a stagecoach driver, farmer and rancher who has become a local legend since their death in 1879. Born Charlotte Darkey Parkhurst, Charley was...

CENTRAL COAST—Dozens of volunteers counted 206 species of birds during the annual Christmas Bird Count, which despite its name took place on New Year's Day here in Monterey Bay and in locations throughout the U.S. The numbers will be fused in with the Audubon Society’s...

WATSONVILLE—After 18 years at the helm of the Lutheran Community Church of Watsonville, and 40 years total as an ordained minister, Rev. Susan Birkelo will soon retire. Born in Minnesota, Birkelo’s family moved to San Diego when she was still in kindergarten. After school, she...

Cabrillo College on Tuesday named the candidate they hope will take the helm as president and Superintendent. If approved by the college’s Board of Trustees on Jan. 12,  Jenn Capps will start on Jan. 20, the college announced in a press release. Capps currently serves as...

Watsonville Police investigate a four-vehicle crash on South Green Valley Road Tuesday morning. Michelle Pulido, spokeswoman for Watsonville Police, said an unlicensed teen male was traveling southbound on Green Valley in a Ford F350 pickup around 10:30am when he plowed into a Ford F150...

Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel issued a new order closing parks and beaches throughout Santa Cruz County beginning today through April 15th, 2020, a period that includes Easter weekend and much of Passover. The order is necessary to reduce the public health...