Art Happenings: Open Studios tour applications; grant opportunity
Artists invited to apply for Open Studios tour
Arts Council Santa Cruz County is inviting visual artists of all mediums to apply for the 2023 Open Studios Art Tour.
Every year more than 300 artists participate in this self-guided tour that runs over the first three...
Briefs: Youth Poet Laureate; ‘Live Your Dream’ awards
Library accepting nominations for Youth Poet Laureate
The Watsonville Public Library is accepting nominations for the new Watsonville Youth Poet Laureate.Â
The program’s primary goal is to recognize those under the age of 20 for their literary achievements with a commitment to and a passion for...
Nonprofit health providers celebrate 100th day in new facilities
Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH) and Dientes Community Dental recently celebrated their 100th day of care at their new facilities on Capitola Road.
This duo joined forces to provide a comprehensive range of health services to low-income patients on a new 3.7-acre health and housing...
Watsonville man pleads no contest in 2021 fatal crash
A 48-year-old Watsonville man pleaded no contest Wednesday to charges he was intoxicated when he caused a crash in 2021 that killed another man, prosecutors said.
Israel Cruz pled no contest to one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one count of driving...
El Frijolito expanding and remodeling
WATSONVILLE—For nearly four decades, El Frijolito restaurant has been serving traditional Mexican fare in its sit-down dining room at 11 Alexander St.
Now in its 38th year, the place is perhaps best known for its walk-up window on the 400 block of Union Street, which...
Earthquake shakes Watsonville, Bay Area
A 4.5-magnitude earthquake was reported in San Benito County on Tuesday afternoon and could be felt in parts of the Bay Area.
The quake was reported at 3:23pm April 4 and was centered about five miles northwest of Hollister and 19 miles west-southwest of Salinas,...
Suspect sought after abandoning puppy in bag near Highway 1
WATSONVILLE—Police are asking for the public’s help in tracking down a suspect in an animal abuse case.
Ashley Keehn of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said that on March 26 a motorist discovered a severely injured and underweight 4-month-old golden retriever (mix) puppy beneath...
Biden approves emergency declaration for California
President Joe Biden on Monday granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California, a move that triggers the release of federal funds that could help the people and businesses affected by the series of winter storms that have ravaged the Central Coast...
PVUSD continues school resource officer program
WATSONVILLE—Pajaro Valley Unified School District will continue its school resource officer (SRO) program—which pairs a uniformed police officer with a mental health clinician at two comprehensive high schools—while asking Watsonville Police Department and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office to share the cost.
The Board...
Briefs: Benefit show for Pajaro flood victims; prom drive underway
Drag show raises funds for Pajaro flood victims
A Drag Queen & Burlesque benefit show to raise money for the Pajaro community affected by the recent flood will take place on April 2 from 1-7pm at Fruition Brewing, 918 East Lake Ave. in Watsonville.
The event...
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...