Local organizations rally for awareness of human trafficking
APTOS—Ten years ago, former President Barack Obama made a Presidential Proclamation deeming January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, intending to raise awareness and equip people with the tools to recognize and combat the problem.
It was only 10 years prior to that, that...
Newsom signs several housing bills
WATSONVILLE—Governor Gavin Newsom on the final day of action for the 2019 legislative season signed Assembly Bill 1783, also known as the Farmworker Housing Act of 2019, which creates a streamlined process to build farmworker housing on agricultural land.
The bill was authored by Assemblymember...
Richard Del Piero, one of PVUSD’s founders, dies
WATSONVILLE—Richard Del Piero was a Watsonville High School graduate, a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a local farmer who as a school board member in the 1960s helped reign in several local education agencies to create the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.
Del Piero died...
Sheriff’s Office unveils ‘less-lethal’ devices
APTOS—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies have a new tool to help them arrest uncooperative suspects without serious injury.
Dozens of sheriff’s office personnel on Wednesday were training on the use of the Bola Wrap, a handheld device that fires an 8-foot cord with barbed hooks...
Thousands flock to World’s Shortest Parade
The Fourth of July parade unfolded along a section of Soquel Drive Thursday, with 103 entries in what has been branded as the World’s Shortest Parade.
Two vying for PVUSD Trustee Area 1 seat
APTOS—This is the second of two articles showcasing the candidates vying for seats on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Last week, incumbent Jennifer Schacher and Olivia Flores had their say.
With four seats up for election, two went uncontested. Daniel Dodge Jr....
Soquel water rates to rise
SOQUEL — The Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors on Tuesday approved a five-year rate hike for its customers, which district officials say was created to help the district better maintain its aquifer supplies, fund ongoing operations and prevent saltwater intrusion caused by groundwater overdraft.
State’s undocumented immigrant assistance program starts Monday
The Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County on Monday will begin accepting applications for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants program.
Announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom in mid-April, the program will provide roughly 150,000 undocumented adults a one-time payment of $500 per...
Santa Cruz County again breaks single-day record for Covid-19 cases
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County on Monday identified 22 new Covid-19 cases, breaking its previous single-day record (21) set just a week ago.
There are now 129 active cases in the county and there have been 379 cases overall. Of those residents that have contracted...
Artist sought for La Selva Beach library project
The Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services is seeking an artist to create a public art project for the La Selva Beach Public Library.
