State gives central coast counties greenlight to open dine-in restaurants, barbershops
The California Department of Public Health approved Covid-19 County Variance Attestation Forms for both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, the agencies announced Saturday morning.
The acceptance will allow the neighboring counties to advance into Stage 2 of the state's so-called resilience roadmap.
Restaurants can now...
Sheriff: We will enforce county beach restrictions
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said Friday that his deputies–along with law enforcement officials across the county–plan to enforce the beach restrictions issued Thursday by Health Officer Gail Newel.
The health officer imposed the rules to slow the spread of the novel...
Newsom closes indoor services in restaurants, other businesses
SACRAMENTO—Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday ordered a statewide closure to indoor services in restaurants, theaters, wineries, museums, zoos, card rooms and family entertainment centers. Bars must cease all operations.
In addition, 30 counties on California’s county watchlist must also shutter their churches, gyms, malls, hair...
Cabrillo students wrestle with academic, economic uncertainty
By Jazmin Juarez, Special to the Pajaronian
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The coronavirus has brought many changes to people’s everyday lifestyle. Among them, the transition from in-person to online classes for students.
In Santa Cruz County, Cabrillo College switched to online courses on March 16. The school has...
Santa Cruz County Covid-19 cases see largest jump to date
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County on Monday saw its largest single-day jump, 20, in Covid-19 cases since the virus started its spread along the Central Coast in early March.
The case spike increases the county’s active cases to 100, and raises its total case count...
Temporary aid inbound for PVUSD budget
WATSONVILLE—The road has been rocky this year for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, as the state went from a rosy pre-coronavirus budget surplus in January to the potential of $19 million in reductions in May.
Those numbers have changed yet again, after Gov. Gavin...
With parade nixed, Aptos celebrates Fourth of July from afar
Since 1961, the World’s Shortest Parade has packed Soquel Drive in Aptos with floats, decorated cars, bands and other community displays of patriotism in celebration of Independence Day.
That will not be the case this year.
With the novel coronavirus still spreading and stay-at-home orders in...
Santa Cruz County health officer again limits access to beaches
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel on Wednesday issued new restrictions on the county’s beaches, restricting their use between 11am and 5 pm starting on Saturday.
The new restrictions came after hordes of people crowded the beaches and ignored social distancing rules...
County unveils vendors for senior meal program
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The County of Santa Cruz announced that five local food businesses have been chosen to deliver fresh, nutritious meals to hundreds of local seniors during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Great Plates Delivered serves food to vulnerable older adults through a federal economic stimulus for...
Transportation advocates touting rail-trail project
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A group of local transportation organizers is hoping that, within the span of a decade, a passenger rail will run from Watsonville to Santa Cruz, making stops at hubs where busses will whisk passengers to further destinations.
For commuters who wish to eschew...
