Alleged killer’s former fellow serviceman speaks out after Ben Lomond shooting
As a member of the elite Air Mobility Command 60th security forces—a unit also known as the Phoenix Raven Team—Steven Carrillo was the U.S. Air Force’s version of a Military Police officer.
For a time, one of Carrillo’s jobs was to issue weapons at the...
Rio Theater Concert to benefit Andy Vargas Foundation
WATSONVILLE—Wherever he is touring in the world, Santana lead singer Andy Vargas makes sure to let everyone know about his hometown of Watsonville.
“I’ve always been proud to be from Watsonville,” Vargas said. “I tell people that they’ve probably ate our berries or drank our...
School arts funding bill among seven propositions on Nov. 8 ballot
In 2008, as the economic recession was ravaging communities nationwide, school districts were forced to take a close look at their budgets, and in many cases make massive cuts to preserve the meat of their programs.
The first casualties of this across-the-board slashing were often...
Firefighters battling blaze at Monterey Bay Academy near Watsonville
LA SELVA BEACH—Firefighters on Saturday night were battling a blaze on the Monterey Bay Academy campus on the outskirts of Watsonville.
https://twitter.com/CALFIRECZU/status/1284721308358422530
The fire started around 10:30pm, according to Cal Fire, and was confined to an old movie theater on the private school's campus on 700...
Historic Aptos building faces uncertain future after Sunday night fire
RIO DEL MAR—A fire that apparently started in a pile of rubble in an alleyway behind the SeaBreeze Tavern late Sunday night has destroyed the building, bringing to a close a story that began when it was built 92 years ago in what was...
Woman arrested for felony vandalism
SANTA CRUZ — A Santa Cruz woman was arrested Thursday for allegedly slashing 25 tires on vehicles parked on the 2800 block of Soquel Avenue on Feb. 16.
PG&E customers may be eligible for power shutoff compensation
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers affected by the recent Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) may qualify for reimbursements.
Under its Safety Net program, PG&E pays customers that have gone without power for more than 48 hours due to severe weather events, according to...
Illegal fireworks keep local law enforcement busy on Fourth
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Watsonville firefighters had a “very busy Fourth of July” as they responded to a total of 24 calls in the 24-hour period surrounding the holiday, including medical calls and fires to vegetation, dumpsters and structures. Units were also out patrolling for illegal...
Flea market vendors busted for illegal tobacco sales
SANTA CRUZ—Three vendors at the Santa Cruz flea market were cited for selling tobacco products to minors during a decoy operation on Sunday.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Unit conducted the operation at the market, which is held in the...
Artist raises $1,000 for Ukrainian children through Open Studios
APTOS—Local artist and Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit coordinator Hedwig Heerschop recently raised $1,000 during the Open Studios Art Tour for children in Ukraine.
Heerschop, a fine art photographer and printmaker, raffled off one of her photograph etchings, depicting a blue and yellow sunflower. She sold...
