Handcrafted gifts, unique artwork, gourmet foods, custom jewelry, home goods and more from Watsonville vendors are the focus Dec. 6 during the Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale, hosted by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and El Pájaro Community Development Corporation.
Ashley Palma-Jimenez
Ashley Palma-Jimenez is a junior at UC Santa Cruz, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in literature. As a writer, she is passionate about telling stories that often go unrecognized, and her goal is to tell these stories in a way that is accurate, honest and trustworthy. She joins Lookout Santa Cruz as an intern through the UCSC Humanities Excel program.
Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency seeking well-owner alternate representatives
The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, which serves the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, is accepting applications for well-owner representative alternates.
UCSC employees stage a two-day strike amid stalled negotiations
UC Santa Cruz employees represented by AFSCME Local 3299 are striking Monday and Tuesday, reducing dining hall hours, health appointments and bus service on campus.
‘It feels impossible right now’: Ahead of Thanksgiving, families turn to food pantries in record numbers
Grocery prices and recent disruptions to federal food aid are pushing more Santa Cruz County residents to local food banks for the first time. Demand at some sites has doubled since early November.
Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County program and Grey Bears launch new help for seniors
Amid a federal government shutdown that has disrupted food benefits, two local nonprofits are joining forces to help homebound seniors access both meals and grocery delivery.
Watsonville food pantry offers veterans food and connections to resources
The Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building hosts a special food pantry every Tuesday to connect veterans who are unhoused or struggling with groceries and essential resources.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office investigating second wave of burglaries in Aptos area
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a second wave of auto and residential burglaries in the Aptos and Day Valley areas.
Santa Cruz County public works director goes to D.C. to lobby for local transportation
Matt Machado, Santa Cruz County’s deputy executive officer and public works director, traveled with other local government leaders from across the country to Washington, D.C., last month to push for federal funding for local roads, bridges and transportation safety.
Medi-Cal changes looming for undocumented immigrants, Dientes warns
Changes taking effect Jan. 1 will mean undocumented adults currently covered by Medi-Cal will no longer have access to full dental benefits, Dientes Community Dental warns.
Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club celebrates 60 years of service
After 60 years of fundraising, the Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club is throwing itself a party to celebrate $4 million in scholarships, accessible playgrounds and grants to charities both local and international.

