Good morning! It’s January 20 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…
Partly sunny and beautiful in Watsonville / Pajaro
Today will be partly sunny and beautiful. The high will be 69 with a low of 46. Mostly sunny now, changing to partly sunny at 11 a.m.
Looking ahead: Cool Saturday night
Watsonville / Pajaro news
Santa Cruz County RTC aims to become the rail line’s common carrier for future projects; ICE detained a Watsonville resident Sunday; Flock license plate cameras remain active outside Santa Cruz city limits.
At least one Watsonville resident detained by ICE over the weekend, advocacy group says
By Tania Ortiz
Jan 19, 2026
What to know about Flock Safety’s automated license plate readers across Santa Cruz County
By Max Chun
Jan 18, 2026
What’s new around you
▼︎ real estate ▼︎ food inspections ▼︎ events
Read on to see the details about each item…
Things to do in Watsonville / Pajaro
Author Talks: Julia Hotz
Event date: January 20 Event Time: 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Location: Watsonville 95077
At Register and view more Author Talks at on January 20
Bay Area San Jose Double Header
Anne-Michelle Frances | Blueprint Evictions and Jeffrey Faller | President, Apartment Owners Association //DOORS OPEN FOR CHECK-IN AT 9:30AM
At Fairfield Inn & Suites on January 20
Property development
- The Santa Cruz County Planning Department is currently accepting public comments on a zoning application for a proposed project at No Situs – Dairy Road, but will stop accepting comments after January 27. The project seeks approval to drill a new agricultural well on parcel 052-181-18 to replace an existing well on parcel 052-181-20, which was condemned in anticipation of a water recharge project. The new well, designed to a depth of 350 feet with a 22-inch diameter casing, will serve approximately 140 acres of commercial agriculture—primarily strawberries and leafy greens—and will not increase water use or change the current use of the site. The project also includes the destruction of the old well and installation of the new one, with water conservation measures such as drip irrigation already in place. A Coastal Development Permit is required for this project. Residents who wish to provide input must submit their comments before the January 27 deadline. (view application)
Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region
- 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.
- Long-term projects: The southbound Highway 1 offramp at Park Avenue in Santa Cruz County will be closed today from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while crews pour concrete for a new soundwall near the ramp.
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.
- Don Rafa’s Super Mercado at 50 W Riverside Dr, Watsonville, passed a county health inspection on January 15 with no critical issues.
No crimes to report today
We checked with local police and there were no new incidents to report.
Disclosure: Traffic incidents and property development updates 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.