Good morning! It’s February 23 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…
Partly sunny and pleasant in Watsonville / Pajaro
Today will be pleasant with clouds and sunshine. The high will be 72 with a low of 51. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of tree pollen in the air. Mostly sunny now, changing to partly sunny at 9 a.m.
Looking ahead: Expect showery weather tomorrow morning through late tomorrow night
Watsonville / Pajaro news
OPINION: Santa Cruz County votes early and often — our tradition could be in jeopardy this November
By Michael Polhamus
February 22, 2026
What’s new around you
▼︎ police incidents ▼︎ road incidents ▼︎ food inspections ▼︎ events
Read on to see the details about each item…
Things to do in Watsonville / Pajaro
Gold Leaf Paint Night: Hummingbird Edition
Join us for a fun night painting hummingbirds with a shiny gold leaf background-no art skills needed!
At on February 24
CEO Works Luncheon | The Co-Intelligence Era: How Nonprofits Scale with AI
Ravi Gauba introduces LiveImpact “Co-Intelligence,” a platform where AI works alongside nonprofit teams to amplify their impact.
At productOps on February 25
Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region
- A three-car crash happened at Crg12 and Elkhorn Rd at 6:45 a.m. today. The crash blocked traffic, leaving only one lane open. One person was trapped in their vehicle because of injuries. Emergency crews, including fire and tow services, responded to the scene.
- South Highway 9 at Lorenzo Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley has one-way traffic because of emergency work. This closure will last until April 1 at 3:59 p.m.
- A lane on westbound SR-152 at Clifford Drive/Ohlone Parkway is closed for asphalt paving. The closure will last until July 3.
- One lane is closed on North Highway 9 at Encinal Street in the Westside/Downtown area because of shoulder work. The closure will last until 3:01 p.m. on February 28.
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.
- Watsonville Cafe & Grill at 410 Rodriguez St., Watsonville, passed a county health inspection on February 20 with no critical issues.
Community crime report
- A person was arrested for shoplifting after being stopped by a citizen. The incident happened near the 2000 Block of Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, at 11 a.m. on February 19. The person was taken to the Santa Cruz County Jail because they did not have proper identification, and the case was sent to the District Attorney’s Office. (source)
- A person was found trespassing in a vacant commercial building and was arrested for trespassing and violating parole. This happened near the 1900 Block of Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville at 10 a.m. on February 19. (source)
Disclosure: Traffic incidents 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.