News

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Since its inception last year, more than 100 people have gone through Santa Cruz County’s Neighborhood Courts program, with 90 completing the requirements set out in their agreements and avoiding a permanent criminal record. Now, the program is looking for a team of...

Santa Cruz County has opened two emergency cold shelter sites in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Unhoused residents needing a warm place to stay for the night are welcome to stop by. The shelters are located at the Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building, 215 E. Beach St.,...

WATSONVILLE—The 11th Annual Watsonville Film Festival rolls out the red carpet March 3-12.   Co-Founder and Director Consuelo Alba said the festival will have screenings at the Mello Center and the Watsonville Public Library as well as online viewing opportunities.  “This year’s Festival presents an exciting line-up...

WATSONVILLE—The Cabrillo College Board of Trustees on Monday unanimously appointed Martha Vega to fill the Area 5 seat left vacant when Felipe Hernandez was elected to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. “I’m grateful,” she said. “I am humbled and I’m honored and I...

WATSONVILLE—After purchasing Watsonville Community Hospital last year, and beginning operations on Sept. 1, the people who run the institution are now looking for ways to keep it funded.  The Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project (PVHDP)—a group of nonprofit leaders and healthcare professionals that in 2021...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police are investigating a fatal shooting in the Pajaro riverbed. Ashley Keehn, spokeswoman for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, said the victim has been identified as John Michael Peña, 41. Michelle Pulido, spokeswoman for Watsonville Police, said detectives were called to the scene of...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police on Friday arrested a 17-year-old Pajaro Valley High School student after he was found to be in possession of a loaded gun. According to Watsonville Police spokeswoman Michelle Pulido, school officials called police just before 11am with a report that a student was...

UPDATE 3:20PM: Caltrans reported all northbound lanes of Highway 17 in both Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties have reopened. Southbound Highway 17 south of Summit Road is fully opened. Currently only one lane of southbound Highway 17 north of Summit Road is open. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Early...

WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday will decide whether to grant a special use permit, a zoning change and a general plan amendment that would allow Ceiba College Preparatory Academy to remain at its Locust Street location permanently. If the Council votes no, it could...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville’s newest residential development broke ground on Feb. 17, nearly five years after it was originally approved by the city council. Hillcrest, located off of Ohlone Parkway, will consist of 144 units when fully built out over several phases, including 76 townhomes, 63 duplexes, and...