Neighborhood Courts program gives citizens say in criminal cases
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Beginning in December, Santa Cruz County will have another tool in its belt to tackle crime, one considered an alternative way to help the community, victims and offenders find solutions to deal with low-level crimes.
The Santa Cruz Neighborhood Courts program will use...
Alejandro Lopez, young Watsonville soccer star, dies following diving accident
Alejandro Lopez, a Watsonville resident and Santa Cruz Breakers Academy alumnus, died late Monday night at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, according to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office.
County sues pharmaceutical companies
The County of Santa Cruz has filed a complaint against several pharmaceutical corporations, alleging that they are complicit in fueling the national opioid crisis.
Couple on sun-powered journey stop in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—With hundreds of miles behind them and thousands still ahead, bicyclists Claire and Will Stedden of Fort Bragg have been relying on a huge and free energy source to help fuel their journey—the sun.
After grabbing lunch at Taqueria La Fuente in Watsonville Tuesday, they...
75-foot cell tower approved by Planning Commission
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a 75-foot cell tower on the 1400 block of Freedom Boulevard.
New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T Wireless) under the approved proposal will rent space at Extra Space Storage, 1478 Freedom Blvd., to construct the tower with 12...
ICE agents arrest Watsonville man, family seeks answers
U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents on May 27 arrested a longtime Watsonville resident as he walked behind the Target store near the intersection of Harkins Slough Road and Ohlone Parkway.
The man’s nephew, who asked to be called Brandon, confirmed the arrest,...
Gas pipeline replacement work moves ahead
Work crews from Pacific Gas & Electric are continuing their efforts of replacing portions of PG&E’s underground natural gas pipelines in Watsonville.
Supervisors approve Active Transportation Plan
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved the 2022 Active Transportation Plan, a 200-page document that outlines dozens of projects which aim to increase the county’s system of bicycle and walking paths.
“The vision is to create a network of...
Pajaro Valley Arts forms online community art gallery
While the Pajaro Valley Arts gallery in Watsonville has remained shuttered during the ongoing shelter-in-place order, its staff and members continue to find ways to stay creative.
This has included expanding the organization’s social media presence and moving its latest exhibit, “Campesinos: Workers Of the...
Community Foundation donors raise $7 million for hospital
WATSONVILLE—Earlier this year, Santa Cruz County was presented with the challenging task of raising $67 million to purchase and subsequently save Watsonville Community Hospital (WCH).
Since the February 2022 formation of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD)—an organization aiming to advocate for community-led, nonprofit...
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...





















