Census: Homeless population declines, except in Watsonville
A census of Santa Cruz County’s homeless population taken in February shows a 21.5% decline since the last count in 2021.
Still, one in every 146 Santa Cruz County residents still do not have access to housing, according to the 2023 Homeless Count and Survey,...
Watsonville eateries gradually reopen for sit-down dining
Ever since the countywide shelter-in-place order was put into effect in mid-March, Watsonville restaurants, coffeeshops and other establishments have been navigating a new frontier. While many closed their doors, others jumped head-first into the world of take-out and delivery.
Now, as restrictions begin to loosen...
Santa Cruz otter captures national attention
A sea otter at Cowell’s Beach on the westside of Santa Cruz has garnered headlines around the country for its "unusual behavior," as described by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The otter, identified as Otter 841 by a tag on its flipper, has recently...
Firefighters battling Big Sur blaze
A wildland fire southeast of Big Sur in Los Padres National Forest that has charred around 200 acres in steep, rugged terrain has led to mandatory evacuations.
Arson suspected in park fire | Photo
The Watsonville Police Department has launched an arson investigation regarding the incident.
Jane Borg, a huge pillar in Pajaro Valley history, dies
Jane W. Borg, a major player at the Pajaro Valley Historical Association and a virtual encyclopedia on the history of the Pajaro Valley, died earlier this week following a stroke in May.
Burglary suspect nabbed
A Watsonville man was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary Sunday on the 100 block of Eileen Street.
Watsonville woman arrested on weapons charges
WATSONVILLE—The Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team (SCCACT) on Thursday arrested a 24-year-old woman at her Watsonville residence after they found several firearms, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Samantha Sanchez, 24, is on parole and is prohibited from owning either.
Sanchez is a known gang...
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...

















