Volunteer-led sandbag effort continues
WATSONVILLE—As the next major rainstorm rolls in, the City of Watsonville and local nonprofits are heading up a major effort to provide sandbags for local residents in flood-prone areas.
Scores of city staff and volunteers from Community Bridges, the Community Action Board, the California Conservation...
County declares local disaster
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County officials on Tuesday declared a local emergency in the wake of the atmospheric river winter storm on Dec. 30 and 31 that ravaged roads and infrastructure and caused widespread flooding.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the declaration during their...
Watsonville issues mandatory evacuation orders for flood prone neighborhoods
WATSONVILLE—Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Watsonville neighborhoods with a high risk of flooding during this Wednesday’s storm, which is said to hit the region early tomorrow morning.
City officials urge residents who live within this map's blue-shaded area to evacuate tonight. Choosing not...
Evacuation warnings issued for North, Mid and South County
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Evacuation “will be necessary” for the people living along Corralitos and Salsipuedes creeks as Santa Cruz County braces for a second major storm in less than a week, officials said Tuesday.
“We are letting people living in those areas know that, in all...
Watsonville officials: prepare for incoming storm
WATSONVILLE—As Watsonville residents on Monday shoveled mud from their homes and assessed damage from the storm that wrought havoc and destruction across Santa Cruz County, City officials were urging residents to prepare for the next deluge expected on Wednesday.
“Prepare for flooding, and prepare for...
Plane crashes during landing approach in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—A woman survived a solo-plane crash at Watsonville Municipal Airport Sunday afternoon after reportedly smashing into power lines and a utility pole upon approach to the runway just before 3pm.
Cal Fire Capt. Bryan Whitaker said the pilot appeared to have suffered minor to moderate...
Flooding causes widespread damage in Watsonville, countywide
WATSONVILLE—Santa Cruz County is considering making a disaster declaration in the wake of the massive rainstorm that brought flooding to several parts of the county, according to Santa Cruz County spokesman Jason Hoppin.
The County is still waiting on responses from State and federal officials.
“Yesterday...
Watsonville residents warned of possible flooding
WATSONVILLE—Santa Cruz County has issued a flood advisory for three evacuation zones along Corralitos and Salsipuedes creeks. The Pajaro River is not at risk of flooding, County officials say.
The warning is in effect for zone PAJ-E026, which is north of Wagner Avenue, south of...
Heavy weather tramples county
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Heavy rain and winds have led to numerous mud and rock slides, toppled trees and flooding around the county. Power and communication lines have also been torn to the ground with dozens of road closures being reported.
The National Weather Service said heavy...
Rains prompt evacuation warnings
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County officials on Saturday morning issued evacuation warnings for residents in the Felton Grove neighborhood (FEL–E008), and Paradise Park in Santa Cruz (CRZ–E081).
The warnings came as heavy rain and wind overnight drenched the County, toppling trees and power lines and...
State announces new pesticide rule
The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) on Dec. 19 announced a new rule that will provide notice to the public in advance of applications...