Watsonville’s small businesses adjust to county’s shelter-in-place order
WATSONVILLE—Small business owners throughout the Pajaro Valley are feeling increasing financial pressure after Santa Cruz County officials on Monday ordered all “non-essential businesses” to close their doors to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The shelter-in-place order, which went into effect Tuesday and will last until...
Law enforcement, courts grapple with COVID-19 closures
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The shelter-in-place order issued Monday by Santa Cruz County officials applies to most residents, requiring them to stay home except to engage in – or work for – services deemed essential.
Violation of the order is a misdemeanor that can bring fines or...
Santa Cruz County now has 13 COVID-19 cases
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency announced that there are now 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
The announcement comes less than two weeks after Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel announced the county’s first case on March 7.
The increasing...
Spring starts up with light showers, sun
Spring began today and brief shower activity along with a dusting of snow in the mountains helped paint the picture. Tonight there is a 20 percent chance of showers before 8 p.m., the National Weather Service said. On Friday there is a 20 percent...
PVUSD schools transition to distance learning
WATSONVILLE—Days after the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees voted to close all district schools for two weeks, allowing most employees and students to work from home, Gov. Gavin Newsom had a troubling message for educators, parents and students: expect more.
“I would...
We will do our best to keep you informed
Just 13 days ago Santa Cruz County officials announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 within our tight-knit community. Since that fateful Saturday morning press conference, the Pajaronian news team has not had much time to take a moment to reflect and truly process...
Several small business insurance policies won’t cover COVID-19 losses
Many of California’s roughly 3.8 million small business owners have scrambled to find some financial relief after Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 19 ordered all non-essential businesses to close to slow the spread of COVID-19.
That meant bars, breweries and nightclubs were forced to shutter...
Man in early 70s the first COVID-19 victim in Santa Cruz County
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A Santa Cruz County man who tested positive for COVID-19 died Saturday, marking Santa Cruz County’s first death from the coronavirus, the county’s Health Services Agency announced Sunday.
The victim was in his early 70s and had an underlying health condition. He was...
Local breweries donate expired beer for sanitizer production
WATSONVILLE—Fruition Brewing owner David Purgason was making deliveries on Calabasas Road when he suddenly had an idea.
As he drove by Whiskey Hill Farms, he remembered it was the site of Blume Distillation, a biofuel technology company that converts waste into alcohol-based fuel and other...
Local farms respond to changes during COVID-19 crisis
WATSONVILLE—As shoppers flock to grocery stores, stocking up on fresh, frozen and canned foods, California farms are working to keep up with the demand.
In Watsonville, large and small farms alike are sending unprecedented amounts of products to local and national stores, as well as...
Truck plunges into creek in Watsonville
END OVER END Tow operators from Chaz Towing work on a plan to haul a GMC Sierra pickup out of Corralitos Creek on...