News Flash

The draft Watsonville Vision Zero Corridor Study is now available and ready for community review. This community-guided effort focuses on improving safety and accessibility along Freedom Boulevard for everyone, whether you walk, bike, use a wheelchair, ride transit, or drive.

The study examines crash trends along the corridor, incorporates feedback gathered from the community, and presents potential design solutions to improve overall traffic safety. Proposed improvements include enhancements to sidewalks, bike lanes, crossings, and other roadway features that support safer travel for all users.

Community input is a vital part of this process. Your feedback will help shape the final plan and guide future improvements that reflect local needs while advancing Watsonville’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.

Residents, businesses, and anyone who travels along Freedom Boulevard are encouraged to review the draft report and share their thoughts.

Submit your comments by February 27, 2026. 

Access the draft report at Watsonville Vision Zero Corridor Study Draft Report

The Egg Drop competition will be held on Friday, February 20th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Participants may register at the library and on-site before or on the day of the event. Registration includes sign-in and placing "eggstronaut" in a container.

The event will take place in the alley between the Civic Plaza and the Post office. Containers will be "launched" from the top story of the Civic Plaza parking structure. 

Free help and materials for participants to build their egg drop devices are available at the Environmental Science Workshop located at 120 2nd Street. See the contest rules below: 

Egg Drop Rules

•  The goal is for the egg to survive the fall with no cracks.
• The egg drop container must be able to pass through a 14" hoop.
•  The following are not allowed: - wood containers or containers made of a material that could shatter - liquids or gel substances - styrofoam packing “peanuts” - duct tape or other kinds of reinforced tape
•  One raw egg and one plastic bag shall be provided for each entry. The egg shall be placed in a plastic bag within the container to minimize mess if it breaks.
•  Each entry is allowed one drop.
•  The container shall be launched by a designated official.
•  Containers must land on the ground and cannot be caught.
•  Participants must clean up and dispose of their own egg and container and repair any damage to public or private property.
•  All minors shall provide a Permission Slip and Emergency Form signed by a parent or legal guardian at the time of registration.
• Participants will have a chance to enter a raffle for a prize. Participants whose eggs remain intact after the drop will receive a second raffle ticket.  

Five new firefighters officially began their careers in the fire service today, January 24, 2026, after graduating from the Santa Cruz County Regional Fire Academy and reporting for duty as Probationary Firefighters.

Gabriel Carrillo, Sergio Ibarra, Gabriel Maloon, Reese Borman, and Emmanuel Mendoza completed the fire academy following 17 weeks and 584 hours of intensive classroom instruction and hands-on training. Their training covered core firefighting skills, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and fireground safety, preparing them to meet the demands of the profession.

Following graduation, the Firefighters will enter a 12-month probationary period. During this time, they will continue to develop their skills while being formally evaluated every three months to ensure they meet the department’s operational standards, values, and expectations.

The department also recognized a significant milestone for Firefighter Reese Bormann, who self-sponsored his academy training and was officially offered a position with the department upon graduation. His dedication and perseverance exemplify the commitment required to succeed in the fire service.

Department leadership congratulated the new firefighters on reaching this major professional milestone and welcomed them as they begin serving and protecting the community.

Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Admission is free.

Airport offers lowest fuel prices on Avgas and Jet A.

Additionally, Pilots displaying their aircraft can obtain Historical Aircraft sign-off per policy.

EAA's Young Eagles program is designed to give the next generation of aviation enthusiasts the chance to ride the skies. EAA Chapter 119 has safely flown over 7000 kids since we started holding Young Eagle Rallies in 1992. The program consists of an explanation of how airplanes fly and a flight of approximately 20 minutes around the Watsonville - Santa Cruz area. After the flight, each child receives a certificate commemorating the experience. Parents / Guardians are required to sign a registration form.

In accordance with the Federal Preemption on Airspace regulation (49 U.S.C. 40101), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has exclusive authority in regulating airspace over the United States and prescribes air traffic regulations on the flight of aircraft.

Although Watsonville Municipal Airport works diligently to make pilots aware of the impact that overflights have on the residential community and asks that such overflights be avoided, safety permitting, the City does not have the authority to address or act upon aircraft in flight.

Therefore, all of Watsonville's noise abatement procedures are requests to pilots, and hence, are voluntary in nature.

After due consideration and outreach to national general aviation organizations for guidance, the Watsonville Airport Advisory Committee believes the following statement from the Watsonville City Council to the WVI pilot community would be reasonable and that the pilot community would not hesitate to voluntarily comply.

The Watsonville Airport Advisory Committee recommends that aeronautical activities be conducted at such a location and in such a manner as to ensure not only safe operations per FAA regulations but also with due consideration for the peace and quiet enjoyment of citizens and adjacent communities.

The City of Watsonville in partnership with Community Arts & Empowerment is seeking community input on preliminary designs that will be translated into mosaics by the community under the guidance of Community Arts & Empowerment for the Plaza Skirt to be completed in the summer of 2027.Three artists and a team of 6 artists were given a stipend for rough designs on the themes below. One of the four will be chosen to respond to community input and refine their designs.Please visit: https://forms.gle/sAv3car2gd9iaRkj7 for access to the Community Input form. 

Themes

‘Watsonville is a diverse community.’  

‘The Plaza is a central Gathering Place.’ 

‘Promote public education and awareness about the City's downtown designation as a Cultural Arts District.’

Join us on Friday, April 17 for the third Annual Polynesian Cultural Event. Celebrate the Polynesian culture with authentic dance, drumming, music and amazing cuisine from the islands!

This event is open to all ages!

Date: Friday, April 17, 3-7 PM.

Ages: ALL

Cost: FREE

Acompáñanos el viernes, 17 de abril para el tercer Evento Anual de Cultura Polinesia. ¡Celebra la cultura polinesia con danza auténtica, tambores, música y deliciosa comida de las islas!

¡Este evento está abierto a todas las edades! 

Fecha: viernes 17 de abril de 3-7 PM

Edades: Todas las edades

Costo: GRATIS

Save the date for a FREE family-friendly Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza. Enjoy a fun-filled day with arts & crafts, games, food trucks, and so much more. And don't forget to snap a picture with the Easter Bunny. Kids ages 3 to 13 years old are invited to participate in the egg hunt. Please bring your own basket (or container) for the egg hunt. We hope to see you there!

A new City Ordinance recently approved by the Watsonville City Council (4-5.1306) will impact the parking of oversized vehicles and trailers. This new ordinance, which goes into effect on March 13, is meant to improve safety, visibility, and access to public streets and parking areas.  

Oversized vehicles and all types of trailers, regardless of size, will be prohibited from parking on city streets, alleys, city-owned and maintained parking lots, and other public property.  

A vehicle is considered to be “oversized” if it meets any of the following criteria:  

•Exceeds 8 feet in height  

•Exceeds 7½ feet in width  

•Exceeds 22 feet in length  

•Has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more  

Starting March 13, 2026, oversized vehicles and trailers parked in violation of the new ordinance can be cited, given a 24-hour Intent to Tow Notice, and towed if not moved within 24 hours. 

More information on this recently approved ordinance, including exemptions, is available at: https://bit.ly/4bKFhfd  𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗟 Una nueva Ordenanza Municipal, aprobada recientemente por el Concilio de Watsonville (4-5.1306), impactará el estacionamiento de vehículos de gran tamaño y remolques. Esta nueva ordenanza, que entra en vigor el 13 de marzo, busca mejorar la seguridad, la visibilidad y el acceso a las vías públicas y las áreas de estacionamiento. 

Se prohibirá el estacionamiento de vehículos de gran tamaño y todo tipo de remolques, sin importar su tamaño, en calles de la Ciudad, callejones, estacionamientos propiedad de la Ciudad o mantenidos por ella, y otras propiedades públicas. 

Un vehículo se considerado de "gran tamaño" si cumple alguno de los siguientes criterios: •Mide más de 8 pies de altura•Mide más de 7½ pies de ancho•Mide más de 22 pies de largo•Tiene un peso bruto vehicular (GVWR) de 10,000 libras o más

A partir del 13 de marzo de 2026, los vehículos de gran tamaño y remolques estacionados en violación de la nueva ordenanza podrán ser multados, recibir un Aviso de Intención de Remolque con 24 horas de anticipación y ser remolcados si no se mueven dentro de las 24 horas. 

Más información sobre esta ordenanza recientemente aprobada, incluyendo las exenciones, está disponible en: https://bit.ly/4bKFhfd

Office of Traffic Safety Awards $128,336 Grant to the Watsonville Police Department for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. 

Watsonville, Calif. – The Watsonville Police Department announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. The program will promote safe practices for pedestrians and bicyclists and emphasize drivers’ responsibility to look out for other people using roads and paths. The grant program runs through September 2026.  "We are excited to receive this grant, which will allow us to significantly expand our bicycle and pedestrian safety program,” Watsonville Police Sergeant Iles Burton said. “By focusing on education, awareness, and promoting safe practices, we aim to reduce crashes and prevent injuries. Ultimately, we’re working toward building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently."  

Grant funds will support various activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:  •Community bicycle and walk “audits” of streets with a high rate of pedestrian and/or bicyclist fatalities and serious injury crashes.  •Participate in “Open Streets” events that encourage biking and walking.  •Bicycle training courses that educate youth on safe riding behaviors.  •Helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to children in need.  •Community and school education presentations.  •Community bike rides that encourage and teach riders safe riding skills.  •Walking field trips with older residents and walking safety education for people who are experiencing homelessness.   •Pop-up events that promote the importance of visibility on roads with safety equipment such as reflective armbands/leg bands and bicycle headlights/taillights.  

The Watsonville Police Department partners with Ecology Action to accomplish the goals of the grant.  

"Through safety programs and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where everyone walking and biking in California can travel safely,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By supporting projects that encourage people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together.”  

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.   

𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗟 La Oficina de Seguridad Vial otorga una subvención de $128,336 al Departamento de Policía de Watsonville para un Programa de Seguridad para Ciclistas y Peatones 

Watsonville, Calif. – El Departamento de Policía de Watsonville anunció hoy que ha recibido una subvención de la Oficina de Seguridad Vial de California (OTS, por sus siglas en inglés) para apoyar su Programa de Seguridad para Ciclistas y Peatones. El programa promoverá prácticas seguras para peatones y ciclistas y destacará la responsabilidad de los conductores de estar atentos a otras personas que utilizan las calles y senderos. El programa de la subvención estará vigente hasta septiembre de 2026. 

“Estamos muy entusiasmados de recibir esta subvención, que nos permitirá ampliar significativamente nuestro programa de seguridad para ciclistas y peatones”, dijo el sargento de la Policía de Watsonville, Iles Burton. “Al enfocarnos en la educación, la concientización y la promoción de prácticas seguras, buscamos reducir choques y prevenir lesiones. En última instancia, estamos trabajando para crear vecindarios más transitables a pie y más amigables para el uso de la bicicleta, donde todas las personas puedan desplazarse de manera segura y con confianza”. 

Los fondos de la subvención apoyarán diversas actividades enfocadas en la seguridad de ciclistas y peatones:  •Auditorías comunitarias de ciclismo y caminatas en calles con altas tasas de muertes y lesiones graves de peatones y/o ciclistas. •Participación en eventos de “Calles Abiertas” que fomentan el uso de la bicicleta y las caminatas. •Cursos de capacitación en bicicleta que enseñan a jóvenes comportamientos seguros al andar en bicicleta. •Inspecciones para el ajuste adecuado de cascos y distribución de cascos a niños que los necesiten. •Presentaciones educativas en la comunidad y en escuelas. •Paseos comunitarios en bicicleta que fomentan y enseñan habilidades de conducción segura. •Caminatas guiadas con personas adultas mayores y educación sobre seguridad al caminar para personas que se encuentran en situación de falta de vivienda. •Eventos temporales que promueven la importancia de la visibilidad en las vías, mediante la distribución de equipo de seguridad como bandas reflectantes para brazos o piernas y luces delanteras y traseras para bicicletas. El Departamento de Policía de Watsonville colabora con Ecology Action para cumplir los objetivos de la subvención. 

“Mediante programas de seguridad y alianzas sólidas, estamos trabajando hacia un futuro en el que todas las personas que caminan y andan en bicicleta en California puedan desplazarse de manera segura”, dijo la directora de OTS, Stephanie Dougherty. “Al apoyar proyectos que alientan a las personas a priorizar la seguridad en sus decisiones diarias, estamos creando juntos una sólida cultura de seguridad vial”. 

El financiamiento para este programa fue proporcionado por una subvención de la Oficina de Seguridad Vial de California, a través de la Administración Nacional de Seguridad del Tráfico en las Carreteras (NHTSA, por sus siglas en inglés).  

The City of Watsonville has selected Brian Shab as its next Chief of Police, bringing more than 27 years of public safety experience and a leadership style rooted in integrity, transparency, fairness, and community trust. 

A native of East San Jose, Chief Shab grew up in one of the region's most diverse communities. His public service career began with eight years in the military, where he developed the leadership foundation that would guide his work in law enforcement. In 1998, he joined the San Jose Police Department, rising through every level of law enforcement to Assistant Chief of Police, where he currently oversees department-wide operations serving nearly one million residents. 

Throughout his career, Chief Shab has managed teams, led major divisions, and earned numerous commendations, including the Medal of Valor, Hazardous Duty Award, Outstanding Police Duty Award, and multiple Special Merit Awards. His experience in highly diverse communities brings a valuable perspective to Watsonville. 

“Chief Shab brings extensive experience in law enforcement and is a proven leader who has dedicated his career to public service,” said City Manager Tamara Vides. “Chief Shab takes great pride in having built a reputation for integrity, fairness, transparency, and earned trust by putting people first; both within the organization and in the communities he serves.” 

Chief Shab holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union University and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He is also a graduate of California POST Command College and PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). 

“I am truly honored, humbled, and excited to have been selected to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City of Watsonville. As a Santa Cruz County resident, Watsonville holds a special place in my heart,” said Chief Shab. “It is a beautifully diverse, hard-working, and family-oriented community. I will lead with accountability, compassion, and respect, and continue strengthening the community trust and relationships that are already a hallmark of the Watsonville Police.” 

Chief Shab is expected to begin his role as Watsonville Police Chief in early 2026, pending completion of the background process. 

In celebration of Read Across America ~ we are hosting a sleepover for cuddly stuffed animals. Join us for a special evening storytime and craft on Monday, March 2 from 7:00-7:30pm at the Main Library, Children’s Area. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their pajamas and bring a stuffed animal that will spend the night at the library ~ patrons will be able to pick up their stuffed animals starting the next day on Tuesday, March 3 through Monday, March 9. 

Audience: Ages 2-12                                                        ________________________________________

En honor de Read Across America ~ estamos organizando una fiesta de pijamas para peluches adorables. Acompáñanos para una noche especial de cuentos y manualidades el lunes, 2 de marzo de 7:00-7:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Niños. Se les invita a los niños que vengan vestidos en pijamas y traigan un peluche que pasará la noche en la biblioteca. Los peluches a partir del día siguiente, martes 3 de marzo hasta el lunes 9 de marzo. 

Audiencia: Edades 2-12

You are invited to the Friends of the Library Annual meeting. Learn more about how the Friends organization works, what it supports, and the impact it makes in our community. We are pleased to welcome our guest speaker June Bloch, a Cabrillo College professor who teaches Ethnic Studies and Native American history, who will introduce our theme for Watsonville Reads: “Native Voices”. This event will take place on Saturday, March 7 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the Main Library. 

Light refreshments will be served. 

All are welcome! 

Watsonville Public Library and the Santa Cruz County Roleplaying Games Group invite anyone in the community interested in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) to come and learn how to play multiple role-playing games. Several games will be presented at the same session at different tables.  

This program will take place on Saturday, February 21 from 12-5pm at the Freedom Branch. 

The focus for this session is for people to experience the games without the commitment of lots of sessions or money spent. Everything needed to play will be provided, and all skill levels are welcome! 

Audience: Adults.                                                               ___________________________________________________________

La Biblioteca Pública Watsonville y el grupo Santa Cruz County Roleplaying Games invitan a cualquier persona de la comunidad interesada en los juegos de rol de mesa (TTRPGs) a participar y aprender a jugar varios juegos de rol. Se presentarán varios juegos en la misma sesión en diferentes mesas.  

Este programa se llevará a cabo el sábado, 21 de febrero de 12-5pm en la Sucursal Freedom. 

El objetivo de esta sesión es para que la personas experimente con los juegos sin el compromiso de muchas sesiones o tener que pagar. ¡Todo lo necesario para jugar será proporcionado, y todos los niveles de habilidad son bienvenidos! 

Audiencia: Adultos.  

Join our Engineers as they celebrate Engineer's Week with their annual egg drop competition.

The Egg Drop competition will be held on Friday, February 20th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Participants may register at the library and on-site before or on the day of the event. Registration includes sign-in and placing "eggstronaut" in a container.

The event will take place in the alley between the Civic Plaza and the Post office. Containers will be "launched" from the top story of the Civic Plaza parking structure. 

Free help and materials for participants to build their egg drop devices are available at the Environmental Science Workshop located at 120 2nd Street. See the contest rules below: 

Egg Drop Rules

•  The goal is for the egg to survive the fall with no cracks.
• The egg drop container must be able to pass through a 14" hoop.
•  The following are not allowed: - wood containers or containers made of a material that could shatter - liquids or gel substances - styrofoam packing “peanuts” - duct tape or other kinds of reinforced tape
•  One raw egg and one plastic bag shall be provided for each entry. The egg shall be placed in a plastic bag within the container to minimize mess if it breaks.
•  Each entry is allowed one drop.
•  The container shall be launched by a designated official.
•  Containers must land on the ground and cannot be caught.
•  Participants must clean up and dispose of their own egg and container and repair any damage to public or private property.
•  All minors shall provide a Permission Slip and Emergency Form signed by a parent or legal guardian at the time of registration.
• Participants will have a chance to enter a raffle for a prize. Participants whose eggs remain intact after the drop will receive a second raffle ticket.  

On October 26, the City Council unanimously approved the 2030 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan....

Our Town is Taking Bold Steps and Committing to Climate Action

On October 26, the City Council unanimously approved the 2030 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan. Thank you to all who came out to show their support!  With this, we have committed to restore our land and prepare our community for the unavoidable impacts of global warming while adapting to our changing climate. Through this plan, we will make changes in policy and in our way of living to cut down greenhouse gas pollutants that are warming our planet and to restore our land to allow it to naturally remove pollution from the air, keeping our water clean and soils healthy. This is a call to action for all of us to come together and actively participate in the transition to a healthier and just future for Watsonville. 

To learn more visit our Climate Action & Adaptation page. 

[SPAN]

Nuestra Ciudad y Comunidad está Tomando Medidas Audaces y se Compromete a Tomar Acción Climática 

El 26 de Octubre, el Concilio de la Ciudad aprobó por unanimidad el Plan de Adaptación y Acción Climática 2030. ¡Gracias a todos los que nos apoyaron en este esfuerzo! Con esto, nos hemos comprometido a restaurar nuestra tierra y preparar a nuestra comunidad para los impactos inevitables del calentamiento global mientras nos adaptamos a nuestro clima cambiante. A través de este Plan, haremos cambios en la política y en nuestra forma de vida para reducir los contaminantes que causan el calentamiento global y restaurar nuestra tierra para permitirle eliminar naturalmente la contaminación del aire, manteniendo nuestra agua limpia y los suelos saludables. Este es un llamado para que todos nos unamos y participemos activamente en la transición hacia un futuro más saludable y justo para Watsonville.

Para aprender más visite nuestra página del Plan de Acción y Adaptación Climática.