PVUSD trustees table $192M bond measure
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday declined to place a $192 million school facilities bond measure on the November ballot, instead signaling they would revisit the proposal in a future election, possibly in 2026 or 2028.
The measure would not...
PVUSD abruptly fires superintendent
WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday fired Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez after a closed-session meeting that delayed the beginning of the public session by more than two hours.
The decision came after a 4-3 vote, with trustees Jennifer Holm, Maria Orozco...
Local Democratic organization questions Dutra mailer
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee (SCCDCC) on Wednesday sent a cease and desist letter to Jimmy Dutra–who is running for the Santa Cruz County Fourth District Supervisor seat–after he sent an election mailer bearing the logo of the Democrat party.
The...
Cabrillo Stage’s 'Rent' opens June 28, with some local talent
The Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning "Rent" is coming to Santa Cruz County as part of the Cabrillo Stage Summer Musical Festival.
Man arrested for allegedly shooting, killing reported ‘friend’
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...
Officials dismiss letter alleging City Manager hid probe into Fire Chief
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville officials on Tuesday questioned the validity of an anonymous letter sent to various local media outlets and past and present city officials that accused City Manager Matt Huffaker of trying to bury an investigation into Fire Chief Rudy Lopez Sr.
Promoted to the department’s...
Two deaths, one fire in same day at homeless encampment
Santa Cruz Police officers and firefighters on Tuesday responded to two deaths and one fire at the Gateway Camp, the sprawling amassment of makeshift tents, shanties and lean-tos at Highway 1 and River Street along the San Lorenzo River Levee.
Woman arrested for felony vandalism
A Santa Cruz woman was arrested Thursday for allegedly slashing 25 tires on vehicles parked on the 2800 block of Soquel Avenue on Feb. 16.
Cabrillo Gallery to reopen to the public for annual exhibit
APTOS—Cabrillo College’s on-campus art gallery is reopening to the public after being shuttered since March 2020.
After holding a variety of virtual shows for the past 17 months, Cabrillo Gallery returns to in-person with its annual “12x12: An Open Invitational” exhibit. The exhibit invites artists...
Freedom Fire forces evacuations just north of Watsonville
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Heavy winds pummeled the Central Coast Monday night and into Tuesday, causing numerous power outages, scores of power lines to crash to the ground and several wildland fires, including a large one just north of Watsonville.
Dubbed the Freedom Fire by Cal Fire’s...
Community leaders host rally for Measure E
Dozens of community members and local leaders gathered at a rally Friday at Watsonville Community Hospital in support of Measure E, the temporary half-cent...
