New principal starts at PV High
Matt Levy has taken the helm as principal of Pajaro Valley High School, replacing Allison Niizawa, who recently became Director of Human Resources for Certificated Staff.
Utility pole fire snarls traffic on Riverside
A booming explosion atop a utility pole knocked out power and triggered a fire Friday on Riverside Drive in Watsonville.
Accused child molester found dead
SANTA CRUZ — The former Santa Cruz neurosurgeon who allegedly molested numerous children in crimes caught on videotape was found dead Sunday morning. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office believes he committed suicide.
James Kohut, 59, was in custody since May 2017 in lieu of $7.5...
Aptos man arrested on suspicion of DUI, hit-and-run
APTOS—California Highway Patrol officers on Sunday arrested an Aptos man after he allegedly smashed into a parked vehicle and several other objects while driving drunk in Aptos.
Antonio Ayala, 46, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He was booked into Santa Cruz...
Watsonville Community Hospital CEO leaves post
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Community Hospital CEO Steven Salyer has left his post, and the board that oversees the hospital will meet on March 22 to discuss how his replacement will be chosen.
In a letter to employees on Monday, Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Board President John Friel...
New dashboard details school-based Covid-19 testing results
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) has launched a dashboard that summarizes Covid-19 testing results across schools countywide.
The dashboard is a partnership with school districts, Inspire Diagnostics and the Santa Cruz County Department of Public Health, COE spokesman Nick Ibarra...
Crash damages power pole, snarls traffic
WATSONVILLE—A pickup truck driver sheared a utility pole on South Green Valley Road at Main Street Wednesday, causing a major traffic jam and power outages.
Watsonville Police Department Sgt. Donny Thul said the male driver of a white pickup, towing a large soil disking tool,...
Bay Federal employees get prehistoric
WATSONVILLE — Bay Federal Credit Union’s Senior Leadership Team was greeted by a pack of ancient predators today as they made their way inside the bank’s branch on Freedom Boulevard.
As part of the credit union’s annual Halloween decorating contest, employees had decked their workplace...
Historic Mansion House vacant after New China Buffet closes
WATSONVILLE—The historic Mansion House in downtown Watsonville is searching for a new, hip tenant.
The New China Buffet permanently closed its doors at the end of 2019 and the Tufo family is looking to fill the 3,800-square-foot space at 420 Main St. with a new...
Santa Cruz County reports its 11th, 12th Covid deaths—both at Watsonville nursing facility
Editor's note: This story has been updated from an previous version.
WATSONVILLE—A total of 43 residents and 12 staff members of Watsonville Nursing Center and Post Acute Care have tested positive for Covid-19, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency spokeswoman Corinne Hyland confirmed Thursday.
“We’re working...
PVUSD to consider 150 layoffs
This story has been updated from an earlier version. Pajaro Valley Unified School District may lay off more than 150 employees to save...























