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WATSONVILLE—A Watsonville man was arrested early Monday morning for allegedly running a chop shop at a residence on Grant Street, California Highway Patrol officer Sam Courtney said. Gustavo Chavez, 28, was charged with vehicle theft, running a motor vehicle chop shop and a probation violation....

WATSONVILLE—Francisco Elcanto schleps a five-gallon bucket into the back seat of his car. A peek under the lid reveals an assortment of neatly packed cleaning supplies. Today, all he needs is some cleaning supplies, which he is borrowing from the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center.  The...

This story has been updated from a previous version with additional information. Watsonville Police on Friday afternoon arrested a Watsonville woman who allegedly robbed the Bay Federal Credit Union on the 1400 block of Main Street. Elizabeth Rojas, 34, was charged with robbery and attempted robbery....

A dance group, Ohtori Kinsen-Kai, prepare to perform a traditional dance from Okinawa Saturday at the 33rd annual Japanese Cultural Fair in Santa Cruz. The free event showcased live music, dance, martial arts, crafts, food and more.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—As winter returned along with its company of wet weather, so did higher numbers of crashes across slickened roadways in Santa Cruz County. There were 44 crashes Saturday and Sunday around the county as on-and-off-again rain came through, said California Highway Patrol officer...

A project to improve the intersection of Highway 129 and Carlton Road beginning next week will result in traffic delays and a temporary closure.

Watsonville Police are looking for a suspect who fled after striking a man with his vehicle early Friday morning near Auto Center Drive.

SANTA CRUZ—With a short welcoming greeting to a small crowd gathered outside Santa Cruz’s new REI store Wednesday evening, manager John Davis opened the doors for the first time, allowing employees’ friends and family a peek before the store opens Friday. An abbreviation of Recreational...

"Try This" is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. • Tarmo Hannula Drink: Hotel Paradox cocktails Seeds of Time is a cocktail served at Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., in Santa Cruz. The drink includes Maker’s Mark...