Grand Jury reports probe government response, homelessness, risk preparedness
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Grand Jury every year investigates different aspects of local government and civic operations throughout the county, and its findings typically produce detailed reports of positives and negatives found during the investigations.
But while those investigated are required to respond...
Annual Taekwondo championship held in Watsonville
The Santa Cruz Open Taekwondo Championships was held Saturday for the 28th year running, and this time Watsonville played host.
Laird bill will boost safety for battery storage facilities
A new law authored by Sen. John Laird—and signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom—will bolster safety standards for new battery storage facilities and improve coordination with fire officials.
Senate Bill 283 was sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters and the California State Association...
Capitola Police investigating hoax bomb threat at New Brighton
UPDATED, AUG. 10:
Capitola Police are investigating after someone called in a false bomb threat to New Brighton Middle School, which prompted an evacuation of all students and the cancelation of classes on the first day back from summer break.
Police found no devices during a...
Thousands attend Spirit of Watsonville parade
Thousands of people lined Main Street in downtown Watsonville to take in the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July parade Tuesday.
Under warm and sunny skies, 69 entries in the parade filed along the closed-off street offering live music, cheerleaders, dazzling hydraulic lifted cars, classic...
PHOTO: Second Harvest unveils food drive totals
A total of 4,817,235 meals were donated during the 2018 Holiday Food and Fund Drive, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County announced Tuesday during an unveiling event at Dominican Hospital.
Annual sculpture exhibit returns to Sierra Azul Nursery
WATSONVILLE—Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens in Watsonville is once again brimming with art as Pajaro Valley Arts’ annual “Sculpture Is” exhibit returns for the 15th year.
Installed in late May and officially opened on June 7, the popular outdoor exhibit will be up through October....
Council mulling temporary ban on new drive-thrus
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council at its Tuesday meeting will weigh a 45-day ban on the approval of new drive-thrus.
The ban will need ⅘ approval, meaning six of the seven council members will need to vote yes in order for it to pass.
If passed, the...
Watsonville police arrest suspected serial burglar
WATSONVILLE—A man suspected of at least three burglaries in the Watsonville area was arrested Tuesday after allegedly breaking into a truck and stealing tools.
Benjamin Sanchez, 48, faces three counts of felony burglary. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $10,000...
Aptos girls soccer standout Alexa Castañeda commits to Fresno State
Aptos High senior Alexa Castañeda has left behind an everlasting legacy on campus after four phenomenal years on the pitch with the girls soccer...
