News

MID-COUNTY—A plan to consolidate two Mid-County fire districts took a step forward Wednesday when nobody from the community registered a complaint. Efforts to consolidate Aptos-La Selva Fire Protection District and Central Fire Protection District began in 2019. Fire officials say the move will help departments...

Many of the several dozen people gathered at the Santa Cruz County Government Center Friday afternoon were in tears as Rolla Alaydi described her numerous family members who have been killed or injured in the war in Gaza. Alaydi was one of several speakers for...

Bird enthusiasts got a dramatic treat at the year’s end when an extremely rare black-headed gull dropped by Rio Del Mar State Beach.  While common in Asian countries and along the Eastern U.S. coast, the gull, largely white, with red legs, red bill and a...

The 22nd annual Reel Work May Day Labor Film Festival, April 27-May 8, is presented both live and online.  Viewings are followed by panel discussions with international and local filmmakers.  An all-volunteer group, many from the labor movement, has been meeting and viewing films since December...

A woman who was found dead in a stand of bushes along Harkins Slough Friday morning suffered multiple stings by either bees or yellowjackets before her death, Watsonville Police Sgt. Brian Ridgway said.

ROYAL OAKS—North Monterey County farmer and businessman Glenn Church, whose family’s roots in the area date back to the Civil War, announced on Thursday that he is running for District 2 Supervisor. The election will take place on June 7, 2022. In a press release...

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Police arrested a man on Jan. 8 for several gun-related charges after he allegedly fired a gun. Irineo Ramirez, 42, was charged with unlawfully discharging a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place and possession of a gun not registered to him....

CAPITOLA—A man and woman suffered major injuries in a solo-vehicle crash Sunday evening in Capitola. Capitola Police Detective Sgt. Cliff Sloma said the crash occurred at 5:11 p.m. on the 600 block on Park Avenue. Their car reportedly struck a tree and caught on fire. The...

Six decorated wooden frames were installed around Watsonville Saturday in the city’s grand opening of “Outside the Frame,” an effort from the county’s four mayors, County Parks Friends and Santa Cruz County Parks. Watsonville Mayor Jimmy Dutra led a group of three dozen people...