$3M Grant To Revitalize City Plaza + Overdoses Spiking

Happy Friday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Sunshine. High: 58 Low: 34.

Here are the top stories in Watsonville today:

1. Artist's 'Gift to the Community' Resumes After Dispute (Good Times Weekly)
2. Watsonville City Plaza to be revitalized with more than $3 million state grant (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
3. County Approves Large Affordable Housing Project (Good Times Weekly)
4. Watsonville Film Festival Launches Fellowship for Local Filmmakers (Good Times Weekly)
5. Overdoses spiking in Santa Cruz County (KSBW Monterey)

Today's Watsonville Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Watsonville!

Today in Watsonville:

• Winter Spirit Week - Watsonville High (12:00 AM)
• Wrestling-Taz Frosh/Soph Tournament - Watsonville High (9:00 AM)
• First Annual Festivus (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Watsonville Rec: "Today @CAStateParks awarded $548.3 million in grants to create new parks throughout the state. Recipients will create new parks or renovate existing ones, such as Watsonville’s City Plaza, contributing to a better quality of life for Cal..." (Instagram)
• City of Watsonville - City Gov't: "With the help of our residents, local schools and businesses, the Salsipuedes Sanitary District, and the Pajaro Valley Water District, the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health investigators have identified the source of the foul odor a..." (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Corralitos: "Happy Wednesday, everyone! - How would you like to help a Peace of Mind Dog Rescue dog for the holidays Well, it's not Friday, but we sure do have some foster needs! Our clinic is full, and we have dogs at the shelters waiting to come ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Nisene Marks: "Hi everyone, I know there was a good discussion going on about a year or so ago about propane companies in our mountains. - I’ve been Dassels for many years and they were giving me a favorable rate but it has been going up steadily and i..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Sunset: "WARNING-Porch bandits going around Rio Del Pajaro Ct. - Filed a report with WPD already. Second day in a row. Be on the lookout" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Pajaro Village: "PAJARO VILLAGE HOA BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2021 - The meeting was convened by president Judy Lazenby at 534 pm. all 5 board members were present. 10 residents were present. the minutes from the meeting in November were approved with..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, East Riverside: "Help with Funeral - Hello neighbors! Recently my close Aunt got hit by a truck crossing the crosswalk. We're all very devastated for our lose. I wanted to make a collage or something in memory of her for the funeral. I'm asking if someon..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Green Valley Terrace: "Hello neighbors! - Several Nutcracker productions happening in the county. Recommendations for family budget friendly?" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Crest/Zils/Lily Way: "Recommendations needed for a photographer for couples/engagement. - Thank you!" (Nextdoor)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Aaron’s Plumbing & Rooter —
• Add your business here

Events:

• ALL NEW Ecom-Biz Owners Profits for the Holidays and Beyond Workshop Live Q&A Friday 3 pm PST (December 10)
• West Cliff Holiday Outdoor Market (December 11)
• Santa's Workshop (December 19)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Caregiver/helper needed on Frederick St, Santa Cruz (Details)
• Add your job listing

Loving the Watsonville Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at courtney.teague@patch.com

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— Courtney Teague