Local News

After a late spring rain storm hit the area over the weekend, UC Santa Cruz students continued their protest of the Israel-Gaza war, occupying the University’s Quarry Plaza in an action meant to pressure the school into divesting from companies tied to Israel and...

Pajaro Valley Arts (PVA) Board of Directors has chosen Miriam Anton as their new Executive Director.  Anton comes on board as the gallery gears up for the next decade of growth and transformation in their new space at the Porter Building in downtown Watsonville, the...

Nearly three decades ago, the Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA) was created to honor young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ+) whose advocacy and activism have made notable impacts on their communities. Created by the Queer Youth Task Force, the annual ceremony is...

The 40th-annual Mother’s Day Run and Walk is set for Sunday morning at Pinto Lake County Park.  The event serves as a fund-raise for Pajaro Valley Shelter Services in Watsonville. The event includes a 1K Kids Run Fun, 5K Run & Walk and a 10K Run,...

In 2023, the Watsonville High softball team finished with a winless record in the top-tier Gabilan Division by going 0-14 in league play.   It stung at the time for senior co-captain Cameron Llamas who had to endure through what she called a disappointing season.  But in...

After 133 people died in Santa Cruz County in 2023 after overdosing on Fentanyl, the Sheriff’s Office has launched a new way to address the problem, with a special focus on the people who deal the dangerous drug. The Fentanyl Crisis Response Team includes five...

Dozens of people gathered Friday to celebrate the opening of a 53-unit housing complex, the latest in Watsonville’s drive to provide housing for all income levels. The complex at 1482 Freedom Blvd., called Tabasa Gardens, was built by Hayward-based Eden Housing. A unique feature of the...

An upcoming art exhibit at Watsonville’s Studio Judy G on Main Street features the world of railroads and the role trains play around the Monterey Bay. “All Aboard,” will run from June 9 – Aug. 10, and feature photography, painting, sculpture and other mediums. Barry...

Hundreds of people attended the 2024 Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Business Expo Job Fair at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds April 25. “What a wonderful time yesterday seeing everyone having fun while meeting new and old friends,” said Chamber CEO Shaz Roth. ...

Over the next two decades, the city of Watsonville plans to add thousands of trees to its landscape, create a plan to take care of them and train crews of young people to aid in that effort. This comes thanks to the city’s Urban Forest...