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...

Ask the Wizard

Not sure how to properly dispose of something? Visit and use our new web application to find out if a material can be reused, recycled, composted or disposed.

The City of Watsonville Public Works and Utilities Department is proud to announce the release of their new recycling web-application, the Watsonville Waste Wizard.  This new digital tool will assist residents who currently receive garbage collec...

Installation of Green Bike Lanes

Green bike lanes will be installed beginning Monday 10/14 and continue through 10/18. And on what streets will they be installed?......

Installation of green bike lanes will begin on Monday, October 14th and installation will continue through October 18th. Expect delays during this time. The streets impacted will be as follows:

• Bridge St. from Hushbeck Ave. to E. Lake Ave.
• Beach St. from Wa...

10/13/19 - Update on S. Green Valley Road Street & Sidewalk Improvements Project

Granite Construction will be performing street and sidewalk improvements on S. Green Valley Road between Carey Avenue & Struve Slough

During working hours, traffic may be limited to single lanes in either direction, foot traffic will be limited to one side of the roadway for the duration of this project. At all times, emergency access will be maintained and we will attempt to accommodat...

Watsonville PD Officers raise $3,500 for local kids with cancer

They raised $3,500 for local kids with cancer.

Wow, our officers truly amaze us every day! 

They raised $3,500 for local kids with cancer. The Watsonville Police Officers’ Association presented a check to Jacob’s Heart during their annual Kidrageous Carnival at the city plaza this past weekend...

Watsonville Police Officers grow beards to help children with cancer

The department suspended its “facial hair” policy for its annual fundraiser

For the fourth year in a row, dozens of Watsonville Police Officers are growing out their beards to support local children with cancer.

The department suspended its “facial hair” policy for its annual fundraiser to raise awareness about pediatric...

Familia de la Costa Central cae víctima de secuestradores virtuales

Una familia de la Costa Central vivió una verdadera pesadilla vacacionando en México

Una familia de la Costa Central vivió una verdadera pesadilla vacacionando en México y ahora esa familia está compartiendo su historia para evitar que otros caigan víctimas de una extorción que va en aumento.

Se trata de un secuestro virtual y el FBI conti...

Central Coast family falls victim to virtual kidnappers

A vacation in Mexico turned into a living nightmare for a Central Coast family

A vacation in Mexico turned into a living nightmare for a Central Coast family and now that family is sharing their story to keep others from becoming victims of an extortion that’s on the rise.

It’s called a virtual kidnapping and the FBI continues to war...

UPDATE: 10/10/2019 - Roache Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement

Read the latest update on the Roache Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project.

Update - 10/10/19

The Roache Road sewer replacement project continues. The contractor is installing new sewer on Airport Blvd. to the intersection of Roache Road. During the working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., one lane of Airport Blvd. will be closed,...

Watsonville Receives Grant for Slough Restoration Work

The project will restore one acre of native habitat & enhance wetlands along Struve Slough.

California State Parks announced last week that Watsonville was one of 26 local projects that will receive grants totaling $4.1 million from the California Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) Grant Program. The Watsonville project will restore one acre of nat...

WPD Officers now equipped with body-worn cameras

This is a project that has been in the works for about two years

The Watsonville Police Department has officially rolled out its body-worn camera program with about 95% of uniformed personnel trained.

All officers on patrol are equipped with Axon body-worn cameras.

“If an officer comes to see you for a call for service o...

City of Watsonville Roll Out Safety Campain

The City of Watsonville and the Watsonville Police Department have joined forces to launch a campaign designed to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in certain areas of the city.

The first focus area is the Main St. corridor, which is one of the busiest roadways in Watsonville. Crews have lined the street with banners that provide roadway safety tips and reminders for community members. The area has officially been designated a sa...

Music in the Plaza

June 20 - Sept. 19
Thursdays 6-8pm

Jun 20- Banda Zirys & Fiera Nortena

Jul 11- Tribute to Selena w/ Impacto 5

Jul 25- Beat Street Band

Aug 8- Motown, R&B, Oldies 70's

Aug 22- Zebop! Tribute to Santana

Sept 5- Latin Tropical & Salsa

Sept 19 - Santa Cruz Symphony

Stream Telenovelas for Free with Pongalo

Watsonville Library patrons can now access Pongalo, a streaming service with access to telenovela shows through RB Digital.

Watsonville Library patrons can now access Pongalo, a streaming service with access to telenovela shows through RB Digital.

Pongalo offers unlimited access to the largest collection of Spanish-Language telenovelas and TV series, as well as major U...

Stream British TV Show for Free

Are you a fan of British television? You can now access the ACORN streaming service for free with your library card through RB Digital.

Are you a fan of British television? You can now access the ACORN streaming service for free with your library card through RB Digital. 

Deanne Pernell Reading Buddies Program

Do you have a student in 1st - 5th grade that needs help and support with their reading skills? The Deanne Pernell Reading Buddies Program will begin it's next session on October 18th.

We are excited to announce the Deanne Pernell Reading Program will begin its next session this Fall. 

This program is for students in 1st - 5th grade who need help or support with their reading and literacy skills. 

The reading buddies mee...

8th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration

Community members and families are invited to come together to create art, have fun, and follow a tradition. There will be four craft centers (skull decorating, paper flowers, miniature altars, and coloring sheets) with activities for all ages.

Community members and families are invited to come together to create art, have fun, and follow a tradition. There will be four craft centers (skull decorating, paper flowers, miniature altars, and coloring sheets) with activities for all ages. &...

Chilton Database for Auto Repairs is Now Available

The library now subscribes to the Chilton Automotive Database. Access FREE and reliable automotive help online 24/7 through Chilton Library, now available through Watsonville Library - whether inside the library or remotely from outside of the library.

Studies show consumers are keeping their cars longer. With more older cars on the road, repairs are on the rise. People in Watsonville interested in taking wrench into their own hands to save money, now have a resource to help. 

Chilton Library pr...

Pictures From the Field Photography Exhibition

The Main Library will be hosting a photography exhibit, "Pictures from the Field," by Mimi Plumb with commentary by Miriam Pawel during September and October 2019. There will also be a film, "Adios Amor" shown on October 19th.

A glimpse of the farm worker movement in the Salinas Valley during the summer of 1975 as seen by a young photography student Mimi Plumb with commentary by Miriam Pawel. 

She rediscovered the photographs in 2015. 

Exhibition at the Watsonvi...

Census 2020

We need your help to count everyone in Watsonville for the United States 2020 Census.

We need your help to count everyone in Watsonville for the 2020 census - the census determines how much funding the city will get (based on the number of citizens). This funding impacts public education, housing programs, other public resources, research,...

The Main Library is a Cooling Center

The Main Library is a cooling center. We are located at 275 Main Street in Watsonville.

Come by and keep cool when we are open:
Monday - Thursday: 10-8pm
Friday: 10-6pm
Saturday: 12-4pm
Sunday: Closed

The Main Library is a cooling center. We are located at 275 Main Street in Watsonville.

Come by and keep cool when we are open:Monday - Thursday: 10-8pmFriday: 10-6pmSaturday: 12-4pmSunday: Closed

Youth Action Council

Looking for a way to get involved in the community?

"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future" -Franklin D. Roosevelt

The G.H.W.R. Youth Center is seeking motivated young people who are interested in making a positive impact in our community. Being...

FLYERS Afterschool Program

Registration is now open for the new school year!

The F.L.Y.E.R.S. (Fun Loving Youth En Route to Success) Afterschool Program creates a safe and fun environment where students are encouraged to succeed in school and build assets that will help them thrive. The program also supports working parents who ar...

Summer/Fall Fun Guide Edition is NOW AVAILABLE!

Check your mailbox!

Join us this summer for swim lessons, sports camps, special events, and much more!

Our Summer/Fall Fun Guide is now available!  See what exciting programs and activities you and your family can participate this upcoming season.  

Watsonville PD Officers raise $3,500 for local kids with cancer

Wow, our officers truly amaze us every day! 

They raised $3,500 for local kids with cancer. The Watsonville Police Officers’ Association presented a check to Jacob’s Heart during their annual Kidrageous Carnival at the city pla...

Watsonville Police Officers grow beards to help children with cancer

For the fourth year in a row, dozens of Watsonville Police Officers are growing out their beards to support local children with cancer.

The department suspended its “facial hair” policy for its annual fundraiser to raise aware...

Familia de la Costa Central cae víctima de secuestradores virtuales

Una familia de la Costa Central vivió una verdadera pesadilla vacacionando en México y ahora esa familia está compartiendo su historia para evitar que otros caigan víctimas de una extorción que va en aumento.

Se trata de un secuestro virtual y el FBI conti...

Central Coast family falls victim to virtual kidnappers

A vacation in Mexico turned into a living nightmare for a Central Coast family and now that family is sharing their story to keep others from becoming victims of an extortion that’s on the rise.

It’s called a virtual kidnapping and the FBI continues to war...

WPD Officers now equipped with body-worn cameras

The Watsonville Police Department has officially rolled out its body-worn camera program with about 95% of uniformed personnel trained.

All officers on patrol are equipped with Axon body-worn cameras.

“If an officer comes to see you for a call for...

WPD receives additional state funding to tackle underage drinking

The Watsonville Police Department is receiving additional state funding to help keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.

This is the second consecutive year the WPD receives a state grant from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

The ABC awar...

Oficiales aumentan esfuerzos educativos y de divulgación para vendedores ambulantes

El propósito de esta nota es informar/educar a todo tipo de vendedor ambulante sobre los diferentes permisos que están requeridos tener. De ninguna forma estamos tratando de perjudicar/acosar a estos comerciantes. Más bien...

WPD increasing educational & outreach efforts for street vendors

Many Watsonville residents are expressing their growing concerns over street vendors operating illegally within the city.

While receiving numerous complaints, we realized that many of these merchants (door-to-door sales representatives, food truck vendors,...

City of Watsonville & Watsonville Police rollout safety campaign

The City of Watsonville and the Watsonville Police Department have joined forces to launch a campaign designed to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists across the city.

The first focus area is the Main Street corridor, which is one of the bu...

WPD’s youth diversion program gaining statewide attention

It’s a program aimed at giving teens a second chance while providing the resources and guidance needed to keep them out of trouble.

Watsonville Police Department’s  Youth Diversion Program Caminos Hacia el Éxito is g...

WPD launches online tools aimed to help residents & improve safety

The Watsonville Police Department has launched two online tools that provide residents with the latest information of what’s happening in the city and direct access to a crime reporting system.

WPD is the only agency in Santa Cruz County and one of the ver...

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...

Ask the Wizard

Not sure how to properly dispose of something? Visit and use our new web application to find out if a material can be reused, recycled, composted or disposed.

The City of Watsonville Public Works and Utilities Department is proud to announce the release of their new recycling web-application, the Watsonville Waste Wizard.  This new digital tool will assist residents who currently receive garbage collec...

Installation of Green Bike Lanes

Green bike lanes will be installed beginning Monday 10/14 and continue through 10/18. And on what streets will they be installed?......

Installation of green bike lanes will begin on Monday, October 14th and installation will continue through October 18th. Expect delays during this time. The streets impacted will be as follows:

• Bridge St. from Hushbeck Ave. to E. Lake Ave.
• Beach St. from Wa...

UPDATE: 10/10/19 - Roache Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement

Read the latest update on the Roache Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project.

Update - 10/10/19

The Roache Road sewer replacement project continues. The contractor is installing new sewer on Airport Blvd. to the intersection of Roache Road. During the working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., one lane of Airport Blvd. will be closed,...

Watsonville Receives Grant for Slough Restoration Work

The Watsonville project will restore one acre of native habitat and enhance wetlands along Struve Slough.

California State Parks announced last week that Watsonville was one of 26 local projects that will receive grants totaling $4.1 million from the California Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) Grant Program. The Watsonville project will restore one acre of nat...

Ditch the Bottle & Refill with Watsonville Tap Water

Why spend your hard earned money on single use plastic water bottles?

Why spend your hard earned money on single use plastic water bottles, when you can safely drink Watsonville's tap water for just pennies per gallon?

Every day the City of Watsonville pumps, treats, tests, and delivers nearly 7 million gallons of clean drin...

10/13/19 - Update on S. Green Valley Road Street & Sidewalk Improvements Project

During working hours, traffic may be limited to single lanes in either direction, foot traffic will be limited to one side of the roadway for the duration of this project. At all times, emergency access will be maintained and we will attempt to accommodat...