Business Spotlight

The City of Watsonville features local businesses in a bimonthly Business Spotlight on the City website. Are you interested in having your business featured?

The City of Watsonville features local businesses in a bimonthly Business Spotlight on the City website. Featured businesses are those that have chosen Watsonville as their home and whose story highlights the benefits of locating in Watsonville. ...

Search for Properties

If you're looking for a home for your next start-up business or relocating, Watsonville has the real estate you need. Discover Watsonville, you'll be glad you did!

Watsonville has Opportunities for your business

Watsonville has the space you need for your business.  From Downtown Retail to large industrial sites, we have you covered.  Watsonville also offers fast permitting and a one-stop shop for a...

3rd Healthiest, Happiest City in America

Santa Cruz-Watsonville was selected as the 3rd Healthiest, Happiest City in America! According to the Gallup-Healthways State of American Well-Being 2016.

We're excited to share that Santa Cruz-Watsonville was voted the 3rd Healthiest, Happiest City in America by the Gallup-Healthways State of American Well-Being 2016 Community Rankings. The report measures how residents of 189 United States cities...

Airport Blvd. Improvements Project Begins

Graniterock Company started the Airport Blvd. Improvements Project on Monday, April 23, 2018. This is part of a larger vision for traffic, bike, and pedestrian safety.

The Airport Blvd. Improvements Project began on Monday, April 23, 2018.  Graniterock will be making improvements to the street, sidewalk, and bus stops. Access to driveways and sidewalks will be impacted at various times throughout the project. P...

Honoring Earth Day's History - Environmentalism Never Sleeps

"Every day is Earth Day" was not always so popular. The environmental activism that created Earth Day was part of a larger movement, as concerned citizens collectively rose up and demanded that an ethic of care be extended to our more than human world.

Nature Never Takes a Day Off

There's that slogan "Nature Always Bats Last" that emphasizes the hierarchy and value system that can place the environment in last place when compared to other issues. A spin that we might all agree on is that even w...

Free Healthy Dog Shots Fair

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will be offering: free rabies shots; free distemper/parvo shots; microchip and also free and information about low-cost spray neuter on Saturday, May 19th from 10 am-1 pm.

No reservations needed! These vaccinations are available for all Santa Cruz County resident dogs on a first come, first served basis. Dogs must be on a leash.

Location: Planned Pethood South Clinic, 150a Pennsylvania Avenue, Watsonville

Note: Puppies must b...

Roots and Wings - Tree Planting is a Metaphor for Education

On Saturday, April 14th, 21 volunteers from the Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop, Watsonville Wetlands Watch, and Watsonville High School partnered with the City's Parks and Community Services to plant trees in Marinovich Park on 2nd Street.

Roots and Wings - Planting Trees and Learning to Fly

The City's Environmental Science Workshop participated in a community tree planting on the morning of Saturday, April 14th that included high school aged leaders from the workshop, Watsonville Wetlands W...

Summer in the City Internship Program

Are you an incoming junior or senior this year at Watsonville, Aptos or Pajaro Valley High School? If so, we have the perfect internship program for you! Gain career readiness skills, leadership skills, earn elective credits & receive a $500 stipend!

The Summer in the City program is a partnership between the City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District to provide incoming high school seniors and juniors an opportunity to gain career ready skills, foster interest in leadership and...

Celebrate the 16th Annual Watsonville Day of the Child & Earth Day Festival!

Join us on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 12 pm - 4 pm in our Historic Watsonville City Plaza for our 16th Annual Day of the Child and Earth Day Celebration.

For sixteen years the Watsonville has been hosting two celebrations that fit perfectly together: the Day of the Child, a Latin American tradition honoring our young children, and Earth Day celebrated worldwide as a time to raise public awareness for envir...

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan Meeting

We invite the community to join us on Monday, April 16th at 5:30 p.m. in the former Council Chambers at 250 Main Street to provide input on the City's CDBG Action Plan for 2018.

The 2018 Action Plan proposes activities that will provide low- and moderate-income residents with low-interest housing rehabilitation loans, expand youth recreation opportunities, improve City streets, provide job training, and enhance economic developme...

Wine, Beer & Art Walk

Join us for the Wine, Beer and Art walk on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Downtown businesses will provide great samplings of locally produced wines, craft beers, local art and delicious treats.

This inaugural event is organized by the City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. We will offer special tastings from many different local wineries, craft beer outlets, hard cider and non-alcoholic beverages. Don't mi...

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. Remember that having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly is important.

Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke ala...

4th of July Parade - Volunteers Needed!

The Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July Parade is a huge part of our community. As we prepare to celebrate this year we need community members to join forces with us to continue this beloved tradition in an enjoyable and safe manner.

For 150 years, in one shape or another, the Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July Parade has been part of our community. The powerful notion that on that day we celebrate the independence and freedom in the United States of America certainly, inspires people ...

Downtown Watsonville Complete Streets Plan

The City will be hosting community workshops over the next year to obtain feedback from the community on desired improvements on two identified areas of downtown.

The City of Watsonville is looking to prepare a complete streets plan for the downtown area to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities. The City will be hosting community...

City Offices Closed March 30, 2018

Please note that most City offices will be closed on Friday, March 30, 2018 in observance of César Chávez day.

Public Safety and other essential services will continue. Your garbage and recycling pick-up schedule will not change.

Will You be One of Only 150?

In commemoration of the City’s 150th Birthday, we invite you to be part of the Watsonville Sesquicentennial 150 Club. The 150 Club allows individuals & families to become a part of history.

The 150 Club allows individuals and families to contribute to the Sesquicentennial celebrations and become a part of the town’s history.The 150 Club will be limited to 150 members. Proceeds will be used towards Sesquicentennial community events....

150th Birthday Celebration

On March 30th at 5:30 p.m., we will be having a celebration at the historic Watsonville City Plaza for the 150th Anniversary of the incorporation of our City. We invite you all to join us!

This celebration will feature live music, activities for kids, and cupcakes.  Visit our commemorative website to view historical photos, stories and videos. Please help us build the content on our website by sharing your photos and stories. Email...

Virtual Kidnapping

Recently, there have been three reported “Virtual Kidnappings” by victims in Watsonville. Virtual Kidnapping is an extortion scheme and has been around for decades. There are steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

One victim was on his way to transfer the money when he flagged down an officer. It was Identified as a scam by once the loved one was contacted.  One of the victims wired an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect in Mexico only to find her l...

For the Trees - Watsonville Celebrates Arbor Week

This Arbor Week was literally for the trees, for the birds, for our youth, and for our future park visitors. The City honored the week-long event by hosting a collaborative tree planting at Seaview Ranch, rooting 13 trees for our residents to enjoy.

For the Trees - Watsonville Celebrates Arbor Week 

In celebration of Arbor Week, the City of Watsonville's Parks and Community Services staff, local teacher Mr. Love and his 19 students from the New School, 6 educators from the Web of Life Field S...

More Traffic and Safety Improvements are Underway!

The City of Watsonville’s Engineering Division is excited to begin improvements on Airport Boulevard as part of a larger vision for traffic, bike, and pedestrian safety.

Most of the project costs will be covered by grants the City received through the Highway Safety Improvement Program and the State Transportation Improvement Program with the remaining portion paid by the City’s Gas Tax funds. Thanks to this fun...

It’s compost time!

The City now has a composting program for residents who want to compost at home.

Residents can qualify for a compost bin by following these steps:

1. Attend a 15-minute drop-in workshop at the City’s Nature Center on any Saturday from 11:00am - 4:00pm to learn how to compost properly.2. Mail or drop-off your signed workshop voucher as ...

Town Hall Meeting

Please join us for a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in the Civic Plaza Community Room.

The City Council is currently in the process of creating its next Strategic Plan goals for 2018-2020 and we want to hear from you. The City is committed to developing and implementing a Strategic Plan for Council and staff that reflects the community’s va...

Everyone Poops, Including Your Dog: Pick It Up, Please!

We get it, dog poop isn't super fun to pick up. However, cleaning up after your dog is central to being a good dog parent, and we cannot stress how important it is to support the health of our watershed.

Everyone Poops, Including Your Dog: Pick It Up, Please!

You know that experience, where you are enjoying a stroll in your favorite Watsonville park, the Pajaro River levee, or one of our beautiful shorelines, just minding your own business, having a great ...

Special Municipal Election

The City of Watsonville will be holding a Special Municipal Election on June 5, 2018. The nomination period will open on March 7, 2018, and close on March 14, 2018, to fill the vacancy in District 2.

Those interested in running need to be registered to vote in District 2 (see map). You may call the City Clerk’s Office to make an appointment to pull nomination papers on or after nomination period opens on March 7, 2018.

Read on...

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the "150 Things to Do and See" brochure that the Register Pajaronian put together in commemoration of the City's 150th Anniversary!

There is something for everyone in the family in this brochure! 

• 150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Spring 2018 Youth Soccer

Stop by our Parks and Recreation Department at 231 Union Street to register for youth soccer (ages 6-12). For more information call 768-3240.

The price is $90 resident and $96 for non-residents. Games are played on Saturdays from April 7th-June16th.

Recreation Leagues: Boys & Girls Division Ages

• U6-(2011-2012)
• U8-(2009-2010)
• U10-(2007-2008)
• U12-(2005-2006

Coaches are needed! Call 768-3240 to volu...

Watsonville City Plaza in 1920's

The Watsonville City Plaza was partially donated by Sebastian Rodriguez in 1860. The land was overgrown with bushes, trees and had cattle grazing.

In 1873 a hitching rail was added to the plaza so people were able to tie down their horses.

At about this time, the Board of trustees for the City of Watsonville wanted to beautify the plaza and decided to buy a piece of land on Union Street for the pric...

Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards

The City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department is currently accepting nominations for the 16th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards.

The City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department is currently accepting nominations for the 16^th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Civic Plaza Community Room, 27...

City Offices Closed Monday, January 15, 2018

Please note that City offices will be closed Monday, January 15, 2018 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

City offices will reopen for business on Tuesday, January 16th. t

RISE Community Art Classes

Registration for the RISE Community Art Classes is open until January 22nd. Classes are available for ages 11-22 years old and are $40. Classes offered include: Acoustic Guitar; Expressive Painting; Community Theater; Hip Hop Dance; and African Drumming.

Registration for the RISE Community Art Classes is now open and will be open until January 22nd. Classes are available for youth and adults from 11-22 years old and are $40 for 8 week sessions. The classes will be held at Muzzio Park Community Center.

Here...

Holiday Closure

Happy Holidays! Please note that most City offices will be closed over the holidays. City offices will reopen on Wednesday, January 3, 2018. Except for public safety and other essential services. Your garbage and recycling services will operate as usual.

Starting January 8, 2018-January 12, 2018 you can place your Christmas trees on the curbside next to your garbage bin on your regularly scheduled pick-up day. Please make sure to remove the stand, lights, tinsel and all other ornaments. You can also drop-...

City of Watsonville Temporary Flower Sales Deadline Approaching

City of Watsonville Temporary Flower Sales Deadline Approaching/Se aproxima la fecha límite para solicitar permisos de ventas temporales de flores en la Ciudad de
Watsonville

The City of Watsonville has policies to regulate seasonal transient flower sales within City limits.  Under the policy, there is an annual cap of ten (10) Temporary Use Permits for seasonal flower sales within City Limits.  If more than ...

Watsonville 150th Anniversary Website is Live

Throughout 2018 the City of Watsonville will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary! Information on upcoming events, historical photos and ways to share your memories will be available on the website at www.watsonville150.org.

We have a series of spirited sesquicentennial events planned throughout the year that will give our community an opportunity to come together to celebrate all the history and cultures that have created the fabric of our community. Information about all up...

Vision Santa Cruz County

The County of Santa Cruz is developing their first ever strategic plan and they want to hear from you! Please take a minute to fill out the survey and provide your input.

Read on...

Watsonville Community Bike Repair & Group Ride

Join the Watsonville Bike Shack, Bike Santa Cruz County, and Bike Friendly Watsonville for free bike repairs and a community bike ride on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Watsonville Bike Shack located at 555 Main Street.

Watsonville Community Bike Repair Day & Group Ride

Join the Watsonville Bike Shack, Bike Santa Cruz County, and Bike Friendly Watsonville for free bike repairs and a community bike ride! The event will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 11 a...

Catch the Rain: Using a Rain Barrel to Harvest Valuable Water

Take advantage of the generous rain barrel rebate provided by Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency. Residents in Watsonville & unincorporated areas of the Pajaro Valley are eligible to receive up to a $750.00 rebate on a catchment barrel.

Public Works’ environmental communications staff are encouraging our residents to take advantage of the generous rain barrel rebate provided by our partner, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency. Residents in Watsonville and unincorpora...

The Watsonville Police Pink Patch Project was a Huge Success!

The Watsonville Police Department raised $5,427 to help bring awareness about breast cancer and support those organizations that help those afflicted.

The Watsonville Police Department sold out most of their Pink Patch badges within the first couple weeks and had to order more. They raised $5427.00 to help bring awareness about breast cancer and also support those organizations that help those afflicted...

Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program

Part of the grant is to focus on education and our first school was Starlight Elementary School. Our traffic officers spent the day with kids and school staff to talk about and practice traffic safety.

October was the first month of our Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Grant program.  Part of the grant is to focus on education and our first school was Starlight Elementary School, our traffic officers spent the day with kids and school st...

Senior's/Care Utility Users Tax Exemption

Senior's and Care customers living in the City of Watsonville are eligible for tax breaks on some of their utility bills.

To apply for the exemption:*Download the short application form, linked below*Complete the form*Mail or deliver the form and a copy of recent P.G. & E bill to the City Finance Department at 250 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076.&...

"Watsonville Awakening" featured in Monterey Bay Edibles

There is a vibrant movement happening in Watsonville and folks are starting to recognize the shift!

This hard-working community is shifting and new businesses are thriving! Those of us who live here know the beauty, dedication, love and community spirit this city boasts, but now others are recognizing the movement too! Check out the great article "...

Watsonville is Celebrating 150 Years

The City Council and community leaders are gearing up to commemorate an important City milestone – the sesquicentennial celebration.

On March 30, 1868, the California State Legislature approved a request to incorporate RanchoBolsa del Pajaro into the Town of Watsonville. Now, nearly 150 years after its incorporation, City Council and community leaders are gearing up to commemorate an i...

Watsonville Code Enforcement Division has increased enforcement activities

Please note that the City of Watsonville Code Enforcement Division has increased enforcement activities throughout the City.

Please note that the City of Watsonville Code Enforcement Division has increased enforcement activities throughout the City, both for residential and commercial code violations. 

It is the mission of the Code Enforcement Division to work in partne...

City of Watsonville Announces New Website & Refreshed Logo

We're excited to announce that big changes are coming as we work on revamping our communication efforts and rebranding our City image...

The City of Watsonville is excited to announce that big changes are coming as we work on revamping our communication efforts and rebranding our City image, including a new website, community newsletter, City logo and branding campaign.The City’s...

Keeping Up With Watsonville

Stay up to date with upcoming events happening in Watsonville...

 Earth Day/Day of the Child – Sunday, April 23, 2017: Join us for the 15th Annual Earth Day/Day of the Child Festival! The event is moving downtown to the City Plaza. Over 50 organizations and community services will join together to cel...

Recycle Your Used Motor Oil and Paint

It’s more convenient than ever to recycle responsibly in Watsonville!
In-store take-back programs are free for residents.

It’s more convenient than ever to recycle responsibly in Watsonville! In-store take-back programs are free for residents. They help you return products like used motor oil and unwanted paint for reuse or recycling. These two products are considered househ...

Pinto Lake City Park

The City of Watsonville is saddened to learn of the passing of Patricia McQuade ...

The City of Watsonville is saddened to learn of the passing of Patricia McQuade, the concessionaire at Pinto Lake Park, and offers its condolences to the family of Ms. McQuade.

The City of Watsonville is temporarily overseeing the operations at Pinto Lake ...

Council Approves Transportation Projects to Be Funded by Measure D

The City Council approved an expenditure plan that included seven transportation projects to be funded by Measure D...

Measure D will provide the City with $750,000 per year for the next 30 years.  This funding will be managed and spent in Watsonville and cannot be taken away by the State for other projects. 

The projects were identified through a survey ...

Senior’s/Care Utility User’s Tax Exemption

Senior’s and Care customers living in the City of Watsonville are eligible for tax breaks on some of their utility bills.

• Download the application form
• Mail or deliver the form with a copy of a State/Federal issued identification and one recent utility bill to the City Finance Department at 250 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076

Utility User’s Tax Exemption Form &...

HERO: Home Energy Renovation Opportunity Program

The HERO program is now available to Watsonville homeowners.

The HERO program is now available to Watsonville homeowners.  HERO, which stands for Home Energy Renovation Opportunity, provides a unique financing option for homeowners who want to install energy efficiency upgrades in their home.  The...

Water Line Replacement Project
Crescent Dr., Melrose Ave., & Allston Way

The water line replacement project has started in various streets of Watsonville!

The following streets will be affected this project: 

• Crescent Drive
• Melrose Avenue
• Allston Way

The project will consist of the installation of:

• New water mains
• Isolation Valves
• Hydrants
• Domestic Services

The project will begin on April 10, 2017 and the e...

Cruz511 In Your Neighborhood Coming to Watsonville

Cruz511 In Your Neighborhood is a program designed to connect with people who are interested in leaving their car at home...

What is Cruz 511?

Cruz511 In Your Neighborhood is a program designed to connect with people who are interested in leaving their car at home and making changes in their travel behavior.  The Cruz511 In Your Neighborhood Team will provide customized...

Winning Entry in the 2017 Watsonville Strawberry Festival Poster Contest

Watsonville's Parks & Community Services Dpt. is pleased to announce the winner of the 2017 Watsonville Strawberry Festival...

Local artist Priscilla Martinez has been selected as the contest winner for her art submission entitled, Strawberry Fiestas.This is the fifth consecutive year that Pricilla has won the poster contest. The winning entry will serve as the official poster fo...

Red Curb Parking Enforcement

Red curb painting has been installed adjacent to fire hydrants, curb ramps, and crosswalks in congested areas throughout the City to improve public safety. Please be advised that curbs painted in red indicate no stopping, standing or parking under any cir...

Nixle Registration

Message from Watsonville Police Chief

Dear Community of Watsonville,

Several weeks ago I attended the Community Immigration Forum held at the Watsonville High School to help address concerns and calm fears surrounding the recent presidential elections. With the upcoming Presidential Inaugurati...

Honoring Earth Day's History - Environmentalism Never Sleeps

"Every day is Earth Day" was not always so popular. The environmental activism that created Earth Day was part of a larger movement as concerned citizens collectively rose up and demanded that an ethic of care be extended to our more than human world.

Nature Never Takes a Day Off

There's that slogan "Nature Always Bats Last" that emphasizes the hierarchy and value system that can place the environment in last place when compared to other issues. A spin that we might all agree on is that even w...

Water Line Replacement Project: Upgrades to Impact Streets in Phases

The City's Water Line Replacement Project will provide needed upgrades and will impact Marchant Street from East Beach Street to Riverside Drive.

City of Watsonville Water Line Replacement Project: Upgrades to Impact Marchant Street from East Beach Street to Riverside Drive

The goal of the City’s Water Line Replacement Project is to provide our residents and businesses with high quality wa...

Airport Blvd. Improvements Project Begins

The Airport Blvd. Improvements Project began on Monday, April 23, 2018.  Graniterock will be making improvements to the street, sidewalk, and bus stops. Access to driveways and sidewalks will be impacted at various times throughout the project. P...

Downtown Watsonville Complete Streets Plan

The City of Watsonville is looking to prepare a complete streets plan for the downtown area to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities. The City will be hosting community...