Good morning Watsonville! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: Why are elevator jokes so good ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Three injured after SUV plows into 98 Cent Store (pajaronian.com) — An SUV crashed through the front of the 98 Cent Store on Freedom Boulevard, injuring two shoppers and the driver before Watsonville firefighters pulled him from the vehicle. The Friday afternoon collision damaged several cars and caused major damage inside the store, sending all three injured people to local hospitals. Authorities are still investigating what caused the driver to lose control.
2. Santa Cruz County immigration arrests steadily increase as nationwide arrests surge (santacruzlocal.org) — Federal immigration arrests are rising in Santa Cruz County, including a recent ICE arrest in Watsonville that occurred without advance notice to local police. The story breaks down who is being targeted, how often local agencies are informed, and what legal resources Watsonville and county residents can turn to for immigration help. It also explains how to avoid scams when seeking an attorney.
3. Special teams flubs prove costly for St. Francis (santacruzsentinel.com) — St. Francis High's football team in Watsonville fell 20-0 to Greenfield at home, hurt by blocked kicks and punts that flipped field position. Despite the loss, their coach praised senior lineman Rodrigo Abundes Hernandez for a strong performance after past injuries. The Sharks now look to rebound Thursday night on the road against Everett Alvarez in Salinas.
4. A new California law will ban watering decorative grass, even in non-drought years, starting Jan. 1 (lasvegassun.com) — A sweeping new California law will soon ban watering purely decorative grass at many non-residential properties, and a Watsonville landscaping firm is already helping local owners prepare. Starting Jan. 1, government sites face restrictions, with commercial properties and homeowners associations phased in later, so Watsonville property managers and HOA leaders should start planning landscape changes and budgets now.
5. Santa Cruz County releases safety guide for residents ahead of El Niño (santacruzsentinel.com) — Santa Cruz County has released an updated El Niño safety guide with steps Watsonville-area residents can take now, from signing up for CruzAware alerts to preparing evacuation plans and sandbags. Officials say a very strong El Niño is likely, but local impacts remain uncertain, so they urge people in flood-prone areas like the Pajaro River and Corralitos Creek to plan ahead. The guide also covers safe travel, cleanup, and documenting damage for insurance.
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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: Because they work on so many levels ! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
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