News

WATSONVILLE—The half-cent sales tax that significantly boosted Watsonville’s public safety budget for seven years will return to voters next year. When it will appear on the ballot, however, is still up for debate. Watsonville’s City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an updated version of the public...

WATSONVILLE—Earlier this year, Santa Cruz County was presented with the challenging task of raising $67 million to purchase and subsequently save Watsonville Community Hospital (WCH). Since the February 2022 formation of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD)—an organization aiming to advocate for community-led, nonprofit...

Watsonville Police said Eduardo Racine, 30, plowed into at least three cars on Blackburn Street between East Beach Street and Riverside Drive in his red Ford Focus.

CALIFORNIA—Vincent Marquez will be the first to say he has not led a perfect life.  He is in Soledad State Prison for a 2008 burglary conviction, serving sentences totaling more than four decades that could keep the 65-year-old incarcerated until 2041. But he hopes to change...

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday are scheduled to appoint an interim leader to fill the vacancy when current Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez leaves on June 30. Clint Rucker, who currently serves as the district’s Chief Business Officer, will take the...

STEET ART A large crowd checks out the latest exhibit at the by PV Arts at their Sudden Street gallery Saturday, “Off the Streets.” The celebration featured food trucks, music, art activities and an arena to meet the artists and view their work. Curated...

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) on Aug. 7 had its first discussion about its Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail project concept report since it was released to the public on July 30. But the commissioners agreed that they wanted more information...

WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District on Wednesday approved a resolution proclaiming October as LGBTQ+ History Month, a move that garnered unanimous approval from the board members in attendance and support from people at the meeting. Trustee Jennifer Schacher, who worked to fly LGBTQ flags...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—As the June 7 election day draws near, voters are filling out their mail-in ballots, or are planning to make their selections via one of the several ways the Santa Cruz County Clerk has set up. This includes possibly keeping incumbent Gov. Gavin...

The Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust provided diabetes prevention education and blood glucose screenings to residents attending the Watsonville Certified Farmer's Market downtown on May 25.