Parking enforcement resumes in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—The City of Watsonville has resumed parking enforcement on its city streets and private parking lots, after temporarily suspending those efforts during the early stages of the stay-at-home order.
Anyone who parks in city-owned lots will need to purchase a permit by Aug. 17, which...
Community invited to National Night Out
The public is invited to National Night Out, a series of gatherings held in communities throughout Santa Cruz County on Aug. 5 from 3-7pm.
National Night Out Against Crime is a chance for people to meet the police officers, firefighters and first-responders who help them...
Community ‘crisis’
Since the housing market rebounded in 2013, median home prices and rents have risen exponentially at the state and local levels, outpacing wage increases and housing production by a wide margin. The state identified an annual housing need of 180,000 units between 2015 and 2025, yet California has produced less than half of that number each year.
Santa Cruz Baroque Festival continues season
The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival continues its 46th season on Sunday with music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Phillip Telemann and Arcangello Corelli.
Orozco beats challenger to retain PVUSD A6 seat
WATSONVILLE—In the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees race, Trustee Area 6 incumbent Maria Orozco has garnered more than 5% of the 6,145 votes tallied as of 2pm Thursday, putting her far ahead of Adam Bolaños Scow and likely clinching the seat.
“I’m...
Rare bird is big draw at Rio Del Mar beach
Bird enthusiasts got a dramatic treat at the year’s end when an extremely rare black-headed gull dropped by Rio Del Mar State Beach.
While common in Asian countries and along the Eastern U.S. coast, the gull, largely white, with red legs, red bill and a...
A watchful eye on the wetlands
Dozens of volunteers joined forces with a crew from Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the City of Watsonville on Feb. 1 for a day of tending local wetlands as part of the annual World Wetlands Day.
With a slight drizzle setting the tone for the event,...
Report of possible gun puts school on lockdown
Watsonville Police shut down Blackburn Street Friday after they got a call about a man with a gun.
Ohlone school grappling with water quality issues
WATSONVILLE—Pajaro Valley Unified School District plans to install a water bottle filling station at Ohlone Elementary School over the upcoming winter break, a move that will bring the school in line with many others that are seeking ways to reduce their production of plastic...
First Wine, Beer & Art Walk sells out
The first-ever Wine, Beer & Art Walk took place in downtown Watsonville Saturday. The sold-out event drew at least 300 people to town for a taste of what the Pajaro Valley is about, from local wines, craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages to local businesses showcasing their wares and services in a casual, let’s get acquainted atmosphere.
Egg drop tests amateur engineers
Area youths tested their engineering skills Friday in downtown Watsonville at the 2026 Egg Drop Challenge.
The 23rd annual contest celebrates National Engineers Week, which...



















