Watsonville / Pajaro Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, July 6

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Good morning! It’s July 6 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…

Low clouds breaking in Watsonville / Pajaro

Today will be low clouds breaking for some sun. The high will be 68 with a low of 55. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is very high (10/11). Cloudy now, changing to partly sunny at 2 p.m.

Looking ahead: Seasonal temperatures for the next 5 days

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Watsonville / Pajaro news

The EPA is beginning a new cleanup phase at Moss Landing battery plant after the January 2025 fire, with demolition continuing through 2027, potentially causing ongoing work and disruptions for residents.

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What’s new around you

▼︎ police incidents   ▼︎ real estate   ▼︎ events

Read on to see the details about each item…

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Things to do in Watsonville / Pajaro

Add an event to our calendar

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Property development

• The Santa Cruz County Planning Department is currently accepting public comments on a zoning application for a proposed project at 113 Tierra Alta Drive in Watsonville, but will stop accepting comments after July 14. The project involves remodeling and reconfiguring the existing children’s play area, including demolishing and removing current play structures, surfacing, curbs, paving, and some landscaping within the designated 6,156-square-foot area. Plans call for the installation of new play structures, resilient safety surfacing (synthetic turf and poured-in-place rubber), new perimeter curbs, and new chain link fencing and gates. Additional improvements include upgrades to site drainage and stormwater management, game court striping, and a tricycle path, while existing shade structures, some fencing, and certain trees will remain. The project requires a Coastal Development Permit and is designed to meet accessibility and safety standards. Residents who wish to provide input must submit their comments to the Planning Department before the July 14 deadline. (view application)
   

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Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region

• Highway 9 at Cascade Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley has one-way traffic because of ongoing work. This closure will last until August 31.
   
• Alternating lanes are closed on Highway 9 at Riverdale Park in San Lorenzo Valley because of bridge work. The closure is expected to last until 6:59 a.m. on April 30, 2027.
   

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Community crime report

• A person was arrested for causing a deadly crash while driving under the influence, injuring others, driving without a license, not having insurance, and being a minor with alcohol in their system. The incident happened near Natividad Medical Center in Santa Cruz County at 11 p.m. on June 14. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for injuring their spouse or partner, making threats to terrorize, and assaulting someone with a deadly weapon in a way that could cause serious injury. The incident happened near 215 UNION St., Watsonville at 11 p.m. on June 18. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and kidnapping. The incident happened near the 100 block of East Front Street in Watsonville at 10 p.m. on June 19. Multiple charges were filed. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for having drugs and loaded guns, being under the influence of drugs while carrying a loaded gun, and carrying a concealed and stolen weapon. This happened near the 500 block of East Lake Avenue in Watsonville at 8 a.m. on June 21. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for several offenses, including making criminal threats, having illegal drugs, driving under the influence of drugs, violating court orders, elder abuse, showing a deadly weapon, obstructing an officer, contempt of court, being under the influence of drugs, having drug paraphernalia, possessing burglary tools, and reckless driving. The incident happened near the 100 block of Riverside Drive in Watsonville at 4 p.m. on December 31. The person was later released. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for several offenses, including resisting an officer, trying to take an officer’s firearm, making threats, trespassing, trying to take back property after being removed, and having issues with vehicle registration. The incident happened near the 000 block of Loughead Street in Santa Cruz County at 1 p.m. on June 17. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for giving false identification to police, having illegal paraphernalia, writing a bad check for over $950, obstructing a public officer, and grand theft. The incident happened near the 1800 block of Freedom Blvd., Santa Cruz County, at 5 p.m. on June 17. Multiple charges are from incidents on June 16 and June 17. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for having illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, making criminal threats, vandalism, and showing a deadly weapon (not a gun). The incident happened near the 1800 block of Freedom Blvd. in Santa Cruz County at noon on June 18. Multiple charges are from incidents on June 16 and June 18. (source)
   

Note on today’s report: Some of the incidents listed are not recent. This can happen for a couple of reasons: Delays in agency reporting — sometimes officials don’t file reports right away, or agencies release batches of reports weeks later. Delays in public complaints — people may not notice or decide to contact police until some time after an incident. Please contact the responsible law-enforcement agency or your local elected officials if you have concerns about their delay in releasing information.

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.