Local News

WATSONVILLE—Watsonville pilots, and the city’s municipal airport, are asking for help after several aircraft were struck by laser light. The phenomenon, known as laser strikes, occurs when someone on the ground points a laser light at a pilot. It is a federal offense, with five years...

For decades, Watsonville-based Mexican folklórico group Esperanza del Valle (EDV) has been learning from master dance instructors from Mexico.  One of these teachers, Daniel del Valle Hernandez, will join Esperanza for its upcoming show, “Homenaje a Veracruz,” which is scheduled for Nov. 12 and 13...

The sprawling Aptos Village Project got its newest neighbor Monday when Santa Cruz County officials officially opened the Aptos Public Safety Center.

SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office installed a new body scanner Tuesday at the intake area of the Main Jail to help snare contraband before it is brought in.  The Tek84 scanner, which is similar to those used at airports to screen travelers, provides...

A new mid-county safety center will open in the new Aptos Village development in early 2019, county officials announced.

Jurisdictions throughout the U.S. have imposed shelter-in-place orders for their residents in an attempt to slow or stop the spread of coronavirus, casting into doubt nearly all day-to-day activities. So what is and is not allowed under the order? Grocery stores and other retail businesses that...

WATSONVILLE—As lunchtime drew to a close Wednesday, fourth- and fifth-grade students at Starlight Elementary School began to gradually filter into the classroom of art teacher Meredith Branan Freeman. They were there to learn about stop-motion animation and create their own movies. Some students worked individually,...

Once an undeveloped lot abutting Nisene Marks State Park, the 12-acre property includes two new roads, nearly 50 condos and town homes, a grocery store and several eating establishments.

The Slavic American Cultural Organization (SACO) introduced its 2019 High School Scholarship Recipients at the club's annual July picnic. Each of the students received an award of $1000. Pictured from left to right: Carrie Frost (Aptos High, Cabrillo College), Marko Zaninovich (Stevenson School, Cornell...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Since COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China in late December, healthcare professionals, elected leaders and everyday citizens around the world have been looking for answers and trying to unsnarl the constantly-changing situation. There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries,...