Good morning! It’s June 19 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…
Low clouds, then sunshine in Watsonville / Pajaro
Today will see low clouds giving way to sunshine. The high will be 70 with a low of 58. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (10/11).
Watsonville / Pajaro news
Santa Cruz County home sales and inventory rise, balancing the market amid potential interest rate hikes. In Watsonville, a suspicious high school device was a harmless science experiment.
Police determine suspicious device found at Watsonville High to be ‘nonexplosive science experiment’
By Hillary Ojeda
Jun 18, 2026
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What’s new around you
▼︎ police incidents ▼︎ road incidents ▼︎ real estate ▼︎ food inspections ▼︎ events
Read on to see the details about each item…
Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region
- A lane on westbound Highway 152 at Clifford Drive/Ohlone Parkway is closed for asphalt paving. The closure is expected to last until July 3.
- A traffic collision happened at 2:24 a.m. today on Highway 129. It was first reported as a crash with unknown injuries, but later confirmed that there were no injuries. No other details were given.
Property development
- The Santa Cruz County Planning Department has received a zoning application for a proposed project at 113 Tierra Alta Dr. in Watsonville. The project aims to remodel and reconfigure the existing children’s play area by demolishing and removing current play structures, surfacing, curbs, paving, and some landscaping within the designated 6,156-square-foot area. Plans include installing new play structures, resilient safety surfacing (such as synthetic turf and poured-in-place rubber), new perimeter curbs, and new chain link fencing and gates. Additional improvements will address site drainage and stormwater management, and the project will add game court striping and a tricycle path. Existing shade structures, some fencing, and certain trees will remain in place. The project requires a Coastal Development Permit and is designed to meet accessibility and safety standards. (view application)
Restaurant inspections
County officials regularly inspect food facilities to ensure compliance with state laws. Here, Lookout Santa Cruz reports both those who have passed the inspections and those that the county deems to have a “major” issue. The county’s full ongoing report can be accessed here.
- Al Pan at 412 E. Riverside Dr, Watsonville, passed a county health inspection on June 17 with no critical issues.
- Camp Ramah In Northern California at 783 San Andreas Rd., Watsonville, passed a county health inspection on June 18 with no critical issues.
- Monterey Bay Academy at 783 San Andreas Rd., Watsonville, passed a county health inspection on June 18 with no critical issues.
Community crime report
- A person was arrested for a felony bench warrant from another county. The incident happened near the 600 block of Rodriguez Street, Watsonville, at noon on June 17. The person was taken to Santa Cruz County Jail. (source)
- Two people were found with illegal drugs and arrested for having a controlled substance at an illegal campsite. The incident happened near Kearney Street and Manabe Ow Road, Watsonville, at 6 p.m. on June 17. (source)
- A person was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and for having a controlled substance. The incident happened near Seneca Court and Pennsylvania Avenue, Watsonville, at 10 p.m. on June 17. The person was cited and released to a sober individual without further problems. (source)
Disclosure: Traffic incidents, property development updates and police incidents are partially generated by artificial intelligence. We are constantly working to improve the accuracy and quality of our AI-generated content. However, there may still be errors or inaccuracies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.