Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will Watsonville’s new fire chief shape the department’s future?
Coming up on the Watsonville Patch calendar: El capulin nursery
Morning Watsonville! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How will Watsonville’s new fire chief shape the department’s future?
- Why are overdoses worsening in Watsonville while county deaths decline?
- How Pajaro neighbors rallied to feed hundreds of unhoused residents
Also on today's calendar: El capulin nursery.
Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Occasional rain and drizzle, with a high of 57 and low of 51 degrees.
- Thursday: Periods of rain, temps: high: 63, low: 50.
- Friday: Occasional rain and drizzle, with a high of 64 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Corey Schaefer promoted to Watsonville fire chief (santacruzsentinel.com) — Watsonville is starting the new year with a new permanent fire chief, as longtime department veteran Corey Schaefer sheds the “acting” title after 27 years of service. City leaders praise his leadership, medical service contributions, and deep ties to local firefighters, while noting this marks a broader refresh of Watsonville’s public safety leadership. 
2. Fatal overdoses decline for second year in a row in Santa Cruz County (santacruzsentinel.com) — Watsonville is identified as one of Santa Cruz County’s key overdose hotspots, with overdose density there worsening slightly even as overall county deaths fall for a second straight year. Local health officials credit Narcan, treatment partnerships and targeted enforcement, while Watsonville Community Hospital staff warn of rising cannabis-related illness in youth and ongoing concerns over unregulated kratom.
3. Locals feed homeless population in Pajaro (pajaronian.com) — Just across the river from Watsonville, Pajaro residents and local businesses teamed up to serve more than 400 hot meals and distribute clothing and hygiene kits to unhoused neighbors. Led by Victor and Norma Aguirre, the grassroots effort drew volunteers from around the area and showed how nearby communities can rally together without even being asked for help.
4. A look back on notable stories of 2025 (pajaronian.com) — Watsonville saw a tumultuous 2025, from big PVUSD budget cuts and teacher layoffs to new tiny-home villages, a new city landfill, and leadership changes in police and fire. Local readers will also recognize stories about Graniterock’s 125th anniversary, new clinics and housing projects, and debates over battery storage, historic buildings, and school safety that will shape 2026 decisions.
📸 Around Watsonville
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Watsonville
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- El capulin nursery
595 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville
8:00 am
Wednesday December 31
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Family Movie Night
Main Library , 275 Main Street, Suite #100 , Watsonville
5:30 pm
Wednesday January 7
📣 Watsonville Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Horses and BEYOND
Beyond Liberty , 185 Dans Dr , La Selva Beach
11:00 am - Bilingual Toddler Storytime
Freedom Branch Library , 2021 Freedom Blvd , Freedom
11:30 am - Fork and Cork: Rio Road New Year’s Eve
Cork and Fork Capitola , 1955 41st Ave Suite B8 , Capitola
7:00 pm - Aptos Youth Chess Club @ Aptos
The Betty Leonard Community Room , Aptos
3:30 pm
Wednesday December 31
Tuesday January 6
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Watsonville PatchAM possible:
- El Capulin Nursery — (831) 840-9195
El Capulin Nursery - Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- We are eating at Panda Inn again.
I keep forgetting how good the new owners and chef are! Don’t let this gem out of our south county community! Let’s support them more so they stay… (Nextdoor Briarwood) - Does anyone recognize this dog?
We found her around 5:30 pm today on Browns Valley Road about 2 miles from split near the bridge near the nursery. 3-4 year old? German Shepard… (Nextdoor Corralitos)
- Pajaro Valley Unified School District posted a job opening for TEACHER (After School Expanded Learning Program) in Watsonville. Apply here.
- The Home Depot, Inc. posted a job opening for Lot Associate in Watsonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Watsonville here.
Ok Watsonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
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