Watsonville / Pajaro Neighborhood Newsletter for Thursday, Oct. 1

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Good morning! It’s Oct. 1 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…

Mostly sunny and pleasant in Watsonville / Pajaro

Today will be mostly sunny and pleasant. The high will be 74 with a low of 53.

Looking ahead: Expect showers late Wednesday night

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Watsonville / Pajaro news

Santa Cruz County’s agricultural economy grew 2.8% in 2025, driven by a 27% increase in strawberry value to nearly $279 million, amid mixed results for other major crops.

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What’s new around you

▼︎ police incidents   ▼︎ road incidents   ▼︎ 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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Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region

• There are alternating lane closures on both northbound and southbound Highway 9 at Pool Drive in San Lorenzo Valley because of bridge work. This will continue until April 30, 2027, at 6:59 a.m.
   
• South Highway 1 at Park Avenue in Capitola / Soquel is facing closures for paving work. The closure is expected to end at 7:01 a.m. on Nov. 19.
   
• A lane on North Highway 17 at W Vine Hill Road (South) in Scotts Valley is closed for core drilling work. The closure will end at 4:59 a.m. today.
   
• A lane on eastbound SR-152 at Clifford Drive/Ohlone Parkway is closed for core drilling work. The closure will last until 2:01 p.m. on Oct. 5.
   

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Community crime report

• A person was arrested for having an outstanding warrant and for having methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The person was given a citation and released. This happened near the 1400 Block of Main St., Watsonville, at 1 a.m. on Sept. 30. (source)
   
• A male juvenile was arrested for not stopping when told to by police while riding his bike. He was given a citation and released to his parents. The incident happened near Freedom Blvd. and Hyde St. in Watsonville at 11 p.m. on Sept. 29. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for having a narcotic controlled substance, which is a misdemeanor. The incident happened near the 100 Block of Mariposa Ave. in Watsonville at 10 p.m. on Sept. 29. The person was cited and released at the police department. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for shoplifting, which is a misdemeanor. The incident happened near the 1800 Block of Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville at 9 p.m. on Sept. 29. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, having illegal drugs, and child abuse that could have caused serious harm or death. All charges are misdemeanors. The incident happened near Riverside Dr & Lincoln St. in Watsonville at 7 p.m. on Sept. 29. (source)
   
• A juvenile stole two items from CVS without paying. This shoplifting incident happened near the 1900 Block of Main St., Watsonville, at 3 p.m. on Sept. 29. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for chasing a security guard with a handheld propane torch after an argument about smoking. The incident happened near the 400 Block of Rodriguez St., Watsonville, at 3 p.m. on Sept. 29. The person was charged with exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm, which is a misdemeanor. (source)
   
• Possession or purchase of a controlled substance for sale (felony) happened near the 800 Block of Vista in Watsonville at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29. (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.