Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will a $115K runway upgrade change Watsonville’s airport?

Be sure to catch Cafecitos/Coffee with the Principals ?? on the Watsonville Patch calendar

Thursday August 20th Patch AM
Thursday August 20th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

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:

  • How will a $115K runway upgrade change Watsonville's airport?
  • Sheriff seeks information after former Watsonville teacher's arrest on sex charges.
  • Could steam-treated fields change how Watsonville's berries are grown near schools?

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)


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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Low clouds, then sunshine, with a high of 74 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Friday: Low clouds breaking, temps: high: 75, low: 55.
  • Saturday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, with a high of 76 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Watsonville airport receives $115K federal grant (pajaronian.com) — Watsonville Municipal Airport is getting more than $115,000 in federal funding to upgrade runway markings and meet current safety standards, part of a broader FAA grant package for California airports. Local pilots and businesses relying on the city-owned airport should see improved safety and compliance, while nearby regional airports in Monterey and Hollister are also receiving larger infrastructure grants.
   

2. Former Monte Vista Christian School teacher arrested on suspicion of child sex crimes (santacruzsentinel.com) — Law enforcement has arrested a former Monte Vista Christian School teacher on suspicion of multiple lewd acts with a minor, in a case tied to his time teaching in Watsonville. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office believes there may be additional victims and is urging anyone with information to contact Detective Munoz as the investigation continues.
   

3. Santa Cruz County holds first meeting to discuss soil steam pilot project (santacruzsentinel.com) — Santa Cruz County officials are testing soil steaming in Pajaro Valley fields near Watsonville schools as a possible alternative to pesticide fumigation. The Agricultural Commissioner's Office just held a community meeting at the South County Government Center in Watsonville and plans more outreach as it evaluates impacts on crop yields, water use, and neighborhood health through the end of the year.
   

4. Falcons aspire to return atop of Mission North (pressbanner.com) — Watsonville High's football team will face Scotts Valley in PCAL Mission North play, including a league matchup scheduled for Oct. 23. The article focuses on Scotts Valley's roster, strategy, and schedule, but repeatedly highlights Watsonville among key divisional rivals that local fans will see this fall.
   


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Pajaro Valley Unified School District posted a job opening for Instructional Assistant/Migrant Seasonal Head Start- TEMPORARY 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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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