Watsonville Interim Police Chief David Rodriguez stepped away from his usual administrative and managerial duties last week to arrest an alleged gang member carrying a backpack with a gun, drugs and ammunition inside, according to a police statement on social media.
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.
Posted inLatest News
Dead gray fox found in illegal wildlife trap in Glenwood Open Space Preserve
State and local officials are investigating after a gray fox was found dead in an illegal tube trap at Glenwood Open Space in Scotts Valley. Local land stewards say they might increase patrols to protect native wildlife.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to host Winter Wonderland series of holiday events
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is hosting its Winter Wonderland celebration from Thursday through Jan. 4.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, El Pájaro CDC collaborate on holiday market to promote Watsonville businesses
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.
Posted inLatest News
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.
Posted inLatest News
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.
Posted inFood & Drink
‘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.
Posted inLatest News
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.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
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.
Posted inLatest News
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.