Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: SUV smashes into Freedom Boulevard discount store, injuring three people
Coming up: Toddler Tumble Time on the Watsonville Patch calendar

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:
- SUV smashes into Freedom Boulevard discount store, injuring three people
- How rising immigration arrests are quietly reaching Watsonville residents
- Why special teams doomed St. Francis in their latest home loss
Today's riddle: Why are elevator jokes so good ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 75 and low of 51 degrees.
- Monday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, temps: high: 82, low: 54.
- Tuesday: Increasing clouds and warm, with a high of 84 and low of 59 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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📸 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!
- Toddler Tumble Time →
Watsonville City Main Calendar Main Library > Main Library Meeting Room - 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville CA 95076
10:30 am - Videogame Tournaments →
Watsonville City Main Calendar Main Library > Main Library Meeting Room - 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville CA 95076
4:30 pm
Tuesday September 8
📣 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
- Back to School Night
Aptos High Aptos, CA 95003
5:00 pm - Read to the Rescues →
Beyond Liberty, 185 Dans Dr, La Selva Beach
3:30 pm - Sewing Classes →
Freedom Branch Library, 2021 Freedom Blvd, Freedom
4:00 pm - La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group →
La Selva Beach Branch Library, 316 Estrella Ave, La Selva Beach
10:30 am
Thursday September 10
Sunday September 13
Tuesday September 15
Wednesday September 23
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Watsonville PatchAM possible:
- Illusive Comics & Games, LLC — (408) 985-7655
- El Capulin Nursery — (831) 840-9195
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
- Another bathroom project completed !
Contact me for any type of project or repairs! (Nextdoor Green Valley Terrace) - Next Regular Meeting of the Board is this Wednesday September 9th at 5pm The meeting will be held at the fire station at 562 Casserly Rd.
Watsonville, CA. Link to agenda and board meeting packet. https://www.pajarovalleyfire.com/board-meeting-agendas-board-packets-minutes/Next (Nextdoor )
- InstaSwim posted a job opening for Private Swim Instructor in Watsonville. Apply here.
- Pajaro Valley Unified School District posted a job opening for FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES COOK/BAKER II 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: Because they work on so many levels ! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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