Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What does Watsonville’s new Cultural District status actually bring downtown?

Coming up on the Watsonville Patch calendar: Jeffrey Halford & The Healers at El Vaquero Winery

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Coffee in hand, Watsonville? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What does Watsonville’s new Cultural District status actually bring downtown?
  • How will 81 PVUSD teacher layoffs affect Watsonville classrooms next year?
  • What changes could Watsonville see under its new police chief?

Also on today's calendar: El capulin nursery and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: A morning shower, then rain, with a high of 66 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Thursday: Strong winds subsiding; rain, temps: high: 61, low: 49.
  • Friday: Periods of rain, with a high of 58 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Watsonville earns Cultural District Designation (pajaronian.com) — Downtown Watsonville has been officially named a California Cultural District, bringing state recognition, $10,000 over two years, and new marketing support for local arts. The designation, running through 2030, highlights long-standing festivals, cultural events and organizations that make arts and culture part of everyday life in Watsonville.
   

2. Pajaro Valley school board upholds teacher layoff vote in special meeting (santacruzsentinel.com) — Pajaro Valley Unified’s board has reaffirmed plans to cut 81 teaching and counseling positions, a move affecting programs at schools including Watsonville High, despite intense pushback at a special Watsonville meeting. Trustees say the layoffs are needed to close a $15 million deficit, while educators and students warn of deep impacts on mental health support, arts, and reading intervention services.
   

3. Watsonville taps San Jose assistant chief Brian Shab for police chief (santacruzsentinel.com) — Watsonville has selected San Jose Assistant Police Chief Brian Shab as its next police chief, with his start date expected in early 2026 pending a background check. He’ll replace retired Chief Jorge Zamora and says he plans to lead with accountability, compassion and respect while strengthening community trust in Watsonville’s diverse, family-oriented community.
   

4. MidPen Housing Secures $132.8M in Grants for Three Central California Affordable Housing Developments (rebusinessonline.com) — Watsonville is set to receive $39 million in state funding to transform the downtown transit center into 79 affordable homes built above a modernized regional bus station. The Watsonville Metro project, a partnership with Santa Cruz Metro and the City of Watsonville, is part of a larger $132.8 million package also supporting developments in San Jose and Alameda.
   

5. St. Francis' Peyton Orradre named Cypress Division MVP (santacruzsentinel.com) — Local volleyball fans have plenty to celebrate as St. Francis senior Peyton Orradre earns Cypress Division MVP and several Pajaro Valley and Watsonville High players land on all-division teams. Watsonville’s own Sofia Murillo is recognized on the Mission Division second team and for sportsmanship, highlighting strong performances from city athletes across the PCAL.
   

📸 Around Watsonville

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Watsonville

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events
    Thursday December 25
  • Bilingual Toddler Storytime
    Main Library Meeting Room , 275 Main Street, Suite #100 , Watsonville
    10:30 am
    • Friday December 26
  • Bridge Club @ La Selva Beach
    La Selva Beach Library , 316 Estrella Ave. , La Selva Beach
    10:30 am
  • Scrabble @ La Selva Beach
    La Selva Beach Library , 316 Estrella Ave. , La Selva Beach
    1:00 pm
    • Saturday December 27
  • In-Person Tech Help @ La Selva Beach
    La Selva Beach Branch Library , La Selva Beach
    10:00 am
    • Wednesday December 31
  • El capulin nursery
    595 Green Valley Rd , Watsonville
    8:00 am

📣 Watsonville Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Does anyone know this dog?
    Saw him wandering alone on the Struve Slough trail. Tag says Charlie but he ran away before I could see the phone number. Followed him for about an… (Nextdoor Watsonville Square Center)
  • 2 dogs were found wandering on Mt.
    Madonna Rd. near Casserly this morning by my friend. Looks like a springer spaniel and maybe a flat coated retriever. Very nice dogs. Know and like… (Nextdoor Mt. Madonna)
  • Pajaro Valley Unified School District posted a job opening for Substitute Teacher in Watsonville. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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