Local young inventors get state recognition
WATSONVILLE—A group of young inventors who earned accolades in local and state competitions last year visited the state capital Monday, where they met with lawmakers and showed off their winning creations.
The visit to Sacramento was in advance of Kid Inventors Day on Jan. 17....
Organizations raise funds for LGBTQ+ community during pandemic
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—When Diversity Center Santa Cruz County established its LGBTQ+ Covid-19 Emergency Aid Fund last year, the organization expected to get some applicants, and then grow slowly by word-of-mouth.
They ended up handing out close to $16,000 in just the first six months to...
Watsonville artist’s design is Monterey County’s first flag
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday chose the county’s first official flag, which features a design created by Watsonville artist Priscilla Martinez.
Heritage Chocolates Corralitos a local, family affair
More than 50 years ago, clockmaker and shop owner Allison Rider discovered a new hobby: making chocolate candies for his friends, family and employees.
Rider, a big chocolate lover, started creating treats loosely based on See's Candies flavors. He experimented with caramel and other soft-center...
Body scanner bolsters safety at Main Jail
SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office installed a new body scanner Tuesday at the intake area of the Main Jail to help snare contraband before it is brought in.
The Tek84 scanner, which is similar to those used at airports to screen travelers, provides...
Man named in fatal Watsonville crash
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office identified the motorcyclist that died July 1 in a crash on Bridge Street as German Melgoza Menchaca, 28, of Watsonville, Public Information Officer Ashley Keehn said. Shown here, an altar of flowers, candles, notes and photos has been...
Open Studios Art Tour hits second week
The annual Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour, which showcases dozens of artists around the county, is now into its second week.
The tour spreads out around north county Oct. 11–12, north of the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.
Additionally, the public can see the work...
Photo story: Floodwaters cover Elkhorn Road
After their truck stalled in this flooded section of Elkhorn Road Saturday these men wait for help. Scores of motorists were turned away at...




















