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Watsonville
March 20, 2026

Car stop uncovers loaded gun

WATSONVILLE — A routine car stop led to an important break and a recovery of a loaded gun for Watsonville Police Friday. Sgt. Juan Trujillo of the Watsonville Police Investigations Unit said officer Aaron Chavarria pulled over a maroon Mercedes Benz E320 just after 10...

Riverside encampments a concern as winter approaches

corralitos creek airport boulevard encampment
Edward Lovell Jr. steps out of a small homeless encampment on Airport Boulevard in Watsonville one hot and sunny day with his friendly, frisky mutt Cotton on a leash. Lovell, 43, estimates he is one of about 20 people who stay in the unsanctioned encampment,...

Watsonville High students earn scholarships

About 115 students from Watsonville High School were honored Tuesday during the Annual Watsonville High School Scholarship Awards Assembly at the Henry J. Mello Center for Performing Arts.

Man arrested for allegedly shooting, killing reported ‘friend’

Watsonville green valley shooting
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville police arrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly shooting and killing a man who officers say was his “friend” on Jan. 7. Ricardo Garcia was taken into custody on the 1400 block of Freedom Boulevard on Feb. 12. Watsonville Police Department spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said...

Locals rally against President Trump

More than 100 people lined up along Main Street in downtown Watsonville Saturday as part of a nationwide protest against President Donald Trump. Waving signs such as "Hands Off,” “Question Authority,” and “Only You Can Prevent Fascism” the crowd drew hoots,hollers and blaring horns...

Covid-19 outbreak at Watsonville Nursing Center grows to nearly 60 cases

Watsonville nursing center
Editor's note: This story has been updated from an earlier version. WATSONVILLE—Nearly four dozen residents of Watsonville Nursing Center have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in a new outbreak at the local skilled nursing facility. According to a post on its website, WNC Administrator Rae...

As hospital sale nears, nurses share concerns, Health Trust partnership falls through

Watsonville Community Hospital
WATSONVILLE—The sale of Watsonville Community Hospital to a nonprofit that would bring local leadership to the 127-year-old institution after two decades of corporate ownership is entering its final stretch, with roughly $6 million still needed to close the deal. In a meeting on Aug. 4,...

Covid-related deaths at Watsonville nursing home reach 15

Watsonville Post Acute Center covid
WATSONVILLE—Gerald Hunter, the former director of Watsonville Post Acute Center, announced on Oct. 19 that he has stepped down from the position. On the facility’s website, Hunter stated that Rae Ann Radford has taken the job. The announcement did not give a reason for the...

Our Community Reads selects book for 2018

For the next couple of months, community members will come together for a variety of events, all centered around a single book.

Evacuation center at Lakeview Middle School opens

lakeview middle school evacuation center
WATSONVILLE—An additional evacuation center for Santa Cruz County residents fleeing the CZU August Lightning Complex fires opened Friday night at Lakeview Middle School in Watsonville. The center is a partnership between the County of Santa Cruz, the City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Unified...
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METRO to seek support for half-cent sales tax measure

Supporters of a proposed ballot measure to fund Santa Cruz County transit will hold a campaign kickoff event later this month as organizers ramp...