Violent, court-ordered removal of children sparks community outcry
SANTA CRUZ—For the purposes of this article, Maya and Sebastian Laing’s story begins on Oct. 20, when a group of strangers paid a late-night visit to their grandmother’s house where they had been staying.
After trying unsuccessfully to convince the kids to come with them...
Political sign drama draws attention
WATSONVILLE—Two wacky sign situations in Watsonville have caught the attention of voters in the final week before the election.
On the east side of the city by the Staff of Life Natural Foods grocery store, a pair of political signs for current District 7 City...
Leaving his stamp: Local post office worker retires after 34 years
After 34 years at the U.S. Post Office in Watsonville, Jimmie Nartates wrapped up his career as a window clerk Monday beneath a large gold banner, “Happy Retirement.”
With signs posted about his work station by fellow workers, such as “Welcome to 7-day weekends,” and...
New documentary showcases Annieglass on 40th anniversary
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Forty years ago, artist Annie Morhauser arrived in Santa Cruz County with a passion for glass and a dream to succeed.
After graduating from the California College of the Arts with a degree in glassmaking, Morhauser set up shop in a small, 400-square-foot...
Cabrillo leaders to decide on renaming college
APTOS—On Nov. 14, the Cabrillo College Governing Board will meet to answer a question that has been vexing Santa Cruz County for two years: should the name of its community college be changed?
The effort to possibly change Cabrillo College’s name began in 2020, as...
Suspect nabbed in Aromas armed robbery
AROMAS—An Oakland man is in custody following a string of crimes that included an armed robbery of the Mobil Gas Station in Aromas on Oct. 22.
During the robbery, at 2961 San Juan Road, a store clerk was held at gunpoint while cash was taken...
Watsonville man stabbed by parolee suspect
WATSONVILLE—A 37-year-old Watsonville man was stabbed in the neck early Monday morning and Watsonville Police were able to round up a suspect within minutes.
Via social media, WPD said Aaron Ibarra, 26, who was recently released on parole, is now facing felony charges following the...
Environmental Science Workshop to host 25th anniversary party
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Parks and Community Services is inviting the community to the Environmental Science Workshop’s (ESW) 25th-anniversary party, Wednesday from 4:30-6:30pm.
Established in 1997 by the California Community Science Workshop in San Francisco, ESW offers free after school science lessons and programs to hundreds of local...
Watsonville man who killed wife sentenced
WATSONVILLE—A Watsonville man who killed his wife and left her body in a vehicle in Santa Cruz—before fleeing to Mexico where he was arrested at the border—was sentenced Oct. 28 to at least 20 years in state prison.
Cesar Hernandez, 49, has been in Santa...
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...