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Aptos
June 7, 2026

School districts brace for looming budget cuts

Watsonville school Covid-19 closures
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 14 released an updated state budget that calls for a 10 percent cut to school districts across the state. Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez said that the district is looking at a $19.18 million slash. Watsonville/Aptos/Santa...

Man shot in Santa Cruz Beach Flats

SANTA CRUZ—A man was shot late Tuesday night in the Beach Flats area of Santa Cruz near the Beach Boardwalk. At least two shots were reported by multiple witnesses around Third Street at Kaye Street at 9:14 p.m. Joyce Blaschke of the Santa Cruz Police...

New label honors California farmworkers

June 10 marked the 17th annual release of Bargetto Winery’s “La Vita” wine. The oldest winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains and one of the oldest in the state, Bargetto Winery is celebrating its 85 anniversary this year with a number of events. “Honestly, I think it was the best ‘La Vita’ event we’ve ever had,” said Director of Winemaking John Bargetto. “At least, it was my favorite. The place was packed — and I think the wine turned out exceptional this year, so of course that made it even better.”

APTOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE official News

Thanks to all of you who came and enjoyed our Hats Off to Spring Fashion show at the Beautiful Seascape Beach Resort. We showcased shopping locally with fashions from many of our local stores: Cinnamon Bay, Aptos Shoes and Apparel, Kickback Boutique, Patr

Apple pie contest needs entries

Entries are sought for the 41st Annual Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Apple Pie Baking Contest during opening day of the Santa Cruz County Fair, Sept. 13. The entry deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 5, postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. This contest is sponsored by the Pajaro Valley apple growers, shippers and related industries as well as pie lovers throughout Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. It has been organized by the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau since 1977. 

Monarch Services celebrates 40 years

Monarch Services held its 40th anniversary celebration with a luncheon at Seascape Golf Club in Rio del Mar recently.

New fitness center at Rancho Del Mar

Anytime Fitness, the ninth addition to a chain business of fitness centers that dot the map between Gilroy, Prunedale and Monterey, is slated to open in early July in Aptos.

PVUSD Trustees mull religious observance

pvusd trustees
WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday heard the first reading of a new district policy which, if adopted on second reading on Sept. 28, would add several religious holidays during which district officials and teachers would not schedule events. PVUSD...

Candidate calls for Councilwoman Parker to resign after probe into his profession

Watsonville government
WATSONVILLE—A candidate for Watsonville City Council is calling for Councilwoman Ari Parker to resign for abuse of power after she challenged his standing as a teacher on his candidate statement, and asked City officials to scrub his designation. But Parker is saying that she...

Bank donates to Teen Kitchen Project

The Santa Cruz County Bank recently donated a gift package to Teen Kitchen Project. Photo contributed