Watsonville Community Hospital leaders say they’re holding their breath as they wait for the final votes to be counted for Measure N, the $116 million bond measure in Tuesday’s election. The approval rate was 68.15% heading into Friday’s vote update from the Santa Cruz County Clerk.
Watsonville / Pajaro
Posted inFood & Drink
Farmers markets rally to save vital assistance for low-income shoppers
For the past 15 years, the Market Match program has doubled what SNAP recipients can spend at local farmers markets on fresh fruits and vegetables. Now, the state is considering withdrawing its funding.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Two-thirds and apathy’: Watsonville hospital’s Measure N faces uphill battle at the ballot box
Measure N seeks to implement a new tax and raise $116 million for publicly owned Watsonville Community Hospital; however, the campaign will need to rely on the support of a voter base that struggles to turn out.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Take a look inside Watsonville’s hospital as community weighs support for $116M bond
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District is asking voters to approve Measure N, a $116 million bond to replace Watsonville Community Hospital’s aging infrastructure and to purchase the hospital’s building and land it sits on. Community members told Lookout what they think about its potential impacts.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Celebrating lowrider culture at the heart of 2024 Watsonville Film Festival
Lowrider cruising is now legal in California after a new law took effect in January, and the timing couldn’t be better for this year’s Watsonville Film Festival, which kicks off March 7 and includes an exhibition with Pajaro Valley Arts focusing on lowrider culture.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: On Measure N, a yes to our community and individual health
In about two years, Watsonville Community Hospital has moved from the brink of ruin to point of countywide pride. As Santa Cruz County’s population continues to age faster than the state’s, we need a strong second hospital. This measure makes the hospital, and its parent Pajaro Valley Health Care District, stronger.
Posted inLatest News
Sheriff: Pajaro Valley Unified School District principal arrested for rape
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office arrested a principal in Pajaro Valley Unified School District for rape Thursday. According to a media release, officers were informed of the sexual assault Tuesday, which led to the arrest of 58-year-old Dagoberto Garcia on Thursday. He is facing multiple sexual assault charges including the rape of an intoxicated […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Potholes, housing and a crumbling coast: District 2’s next supervisor will confront Santa Cruz County’s biggest issues
Santa Cruz County’s District 2 lays claim to manifold identities: Behind eroding bluffs and expensive beachfront properties sits the more suburban Aptos and its main corridor of Soquel Drive. Those who trek farther inland are greeted by rural tracts of apple orchards and berry farms. The district’s geographic and economic diversity has also placed it at the forefront of some of the county’s most pressing challenges. All this awaits a new county supervisor, with five candidates on the March ballot to replace Zach Friend.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Vote yes on N for a healthier, more equitable Pajaro Valley and support for Watsonville Community Hospital
Pajaro Valley community leaders explain the benefits of Measure N, which would increase property taxes modestly to raise $116 million for Watsonville Community Hospital.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
High school sports roundup: Aptos, Santa Cruz lead local contingent into CCS hoops quarters
The Santa Cruz High and Aptos High boys and girls basketball teams are moving toward possible collisions in the Division III Central Coast Section basketball playoffs. Other local schools advancing include the Soquel High boys and girls teams from Scotts Valley High, St. Francis High, Pacific Collegiate and Monte Vista Christian.