County Supervisors approve plan for opioid settlement funds
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a plan to use money from a recent successful lawsuit against the opioid industry to fund programs that will help people addicted to opioid-based drugs.
In all, the county expects to receive $26 million over...
Family Arts Nights arrive at schools this month
This month at 11 schools across Santa Cruz County, parents, grandparents and children will spend an evening together dancing, singing, storytelling and creating visual artworks under the guidance of professional teaching artists at a Family Arts Night event.
Aptos area CHP gains 4 new officers
APTOS—The California Highway Patrol office in Aptos has welcomed four new officers who recently graduated from the CHP Academy in West Sacramento.
“We’re excited to be adding to our local staffing numbers and look forward to watching each of these officers provide the highest level...
‘A dream come true:’ Watsonville police officer achieves life goal
New Watsonville Police Officer Collin Travers started his first week of solo patrol.
The rich and storied history of Hecker Pass
The original road between Watsonville and Gilroy was a narrow, windy turnpike, dating back to 1860.
The roadway mostly still exists, and is now named Mt. Madonna Road.
But over the years, it was known at different times as Bodfish Canyon Road, the Watsonville Road and...
Aptos farm wins Best of Show at regional olive oil competition
Patrick and Teresa Royan were living in Los Gatos when they first discovered Pleasant Valley, a rural area in Aptos permeated with rolling hills, orchards, vineyards and pastures. The couple had been looking for a place to settle relatively close to the beach yet...
Unemployment offices overflowing with claims as COVID-19 halts economy
WATSONVILLE—Brian Orozco prides himself in putting his clients at Functional Fitness Training Center through a vigorous workout that challenges them both physically and mentally.
Weaving his way through the Employment Development Board’s system to file an unemployment claim put his strenuous workouts to shame.
He tried...
Man arrested for agriculture-related crimes
A Prunedale man was arrested Nov. 26 on suspicion of a lengthy list of agriculture-related crimes including theft of a tractor.
On Oct. 22, deputies...





















