News

WATSONVILLE—A new outdoor mural is taking shape thanks to three local artists and the backing of a business owner at the heavily traveled intersection of East Lake Avenue and Brennan Street. Jessica Carrasco, Mateo Gonzalez (aka Primo) and Paul De Worken started work on the...

After a contentious meeting on Tuesday, a divided Watsonville City Council approved in concept several amendments to its retail cannabis ordinances, a move intended to ease the regulatory burden for a burgeoning industry already beleaguered by local, state and federal regulations. City officials say the...

About 150 people plunged into the Pacific Saturday at Cowell’s Beach for the third annual Liberation Paddle Out celebration of Juneteenth. With the aid of around two dozen experienced surfers and other supporters, the crowd fitted themselves with wetsuits, took in a brief surf lesson...

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...

For eight years, students at Pajaro Valley High School have gathered in the quad for National Coming Out Day, adorning themselves in rainbow-themed attire and, occasionally, taking one of the biggest steps of their lives.

WATSONVILLE—Judy Doering Nielsen’s love for the Watsonville community led her to become thoroughly entrenched in its inner workings, from its history to its politics to its people. She served as Watsonville Mayor and President of the Pajaro Valley Historical Association (PVHA), in addition to a...

The city of Watsonville is accepting applications for Social and Community Service Grants for fiscal year cycle 2021-23. The deadline to apply is May 17 by 5 pm. Applicants must fill out the Google form application found here: forms.gle/yfXvWrPDUY9YrwzT8 The city will have $266,000 to fund...

APTOS—When tasked with choosing a production for Cabrillo College Theater Arts Department’s Fall 2022 season, Abel Cornejo knew he wanted to find something that celebrated Hispanic culture. After a long search, however, Cornejo still hadn't found just the right play. That’s when he had the...

Santa Cruz County officials on Tuesday opened public hearings on a proposed $1.29 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, warning that federal funding cuts, rising labor costs and growing structural deficits are forcing difficult financial decisions in the years ahead. The recommended budget includes...