60.6 F
Aptos
December 19, 2025

Hundreds of evacuated animals held at Fairgrounds; room still available

CZU Complex fires animals
WATSONVILLE—While the fire evacuation center at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is reaching capacity for humans—only single cots and limited tent camping space are available—there is still room for pets and other animals. Hundreds of animals have been evacuated to the fairgrounds since the CZU...

Esperanza del Valle to highlight Veracruz in new show

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...

State gives central coast counties ​greenlight to open dine-in restaurants​, barbershops

Covid-19 watsonville
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...

Multiple local pilots hit in recent​ laser strikes

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...

Sheriff’s office warns of phone scam

Santa Cruz County Sheriff
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a scam in which callers warn residents they have a warrant, and demand money. The individual has identified himself as “John Steel” with the Sheriff’s Office and requests money from the victim. The number...

Three decades of PVUSD tales

James Baker spent 30 years in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, working his way up from a teacher to superintendent. Over those three decades, the school district was faced with integrating bilingual education, a teacher strike, a year-round schedule, the devastation of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and many other trials and tribulations.

Shakespeare series returns this month

A New York-based theater director and play creator will be one of the speakers at the Saturday Shakespeare Club which begins its new morning series of discussions at 10 a.m. on Jan. 12 in Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

Capturing a wild moment

Coming across wildlife in Santa Cruz County isn’t an uncommon thing. A unique meeting of land and sea, the area is host to a number of species that often make themselves known to their human neighbors. But certain creatures are much easier to spot than others.

Fire breaks out at hotel

Fire swept through at least one room at the Surf City Inn and Suites early Saturday in the Beach Flats area of Santa Cruz.

Coastal Rail Trail in motion

The Coastal Rail Trail includes numerous projects that, together, will provide a 32-mile long separated bicycle/pedestrian path along the coast between Watsonville and Davenport. It is a part of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s (RTC) Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network Master Plan.