Community Development will Provide Remote Services

On April 1st, the Community Development Department shifted its service delivery approach to electronic means, due to the Santa Cruz County Shelter in Place Order that has been extended to May 3, 2020.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (CDD) WILL CONTINUE ALL SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC REMOTELY

 CDD will be accepting electronic copies of plans remotely by appointment, and plan review services will continue to be conducted by staff remotely.&...

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...

Price gouging illegal during state emergency

UPDATE 03/19/2020: The Santa Cruz County District’s Attorney’s Office will be handling price-gouging concerns in our community.

To file a report, call 831-454-2050 or fill out the form (access form HERE). The form can be emaile...

Community events and programs canceled amid coronovirus concerns

Along with the County Department of Health, and other cities in our region, we have taken the preventative step of declaring a local health emergency to help slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in our area. We don’t want anyone to panic,...

Community Development will Provide Remote Services

On April 1st, the Community Development Department shifted its service delivery approach to electronic means, due to the Santa Cruz County Shelter in Place Order.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (CDD) WILL CONTINUE ALL SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC REMOTELY

 CDD will be accepting electronic copies of plans remotely by appointment, and plan review services will continue to be conducted by staff remotely.&...

Temporary Moratorium on Evictions Frequently Asked Questions

The ordinance is aimed at protecting tenants who are at risk of eviction due to financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions - Temporary Moratorium on Evictions

Preguntas Frecuentes Moratoria Temporal Sobre los Desalojos

Eviction Moritorium Ordinance

Who does this ordinance apply to?

The ordinance is aimed at protecting tenants who are at risk of eviction...

COVID-19 Resources

To help assist the community in answering questions about the COVID-19 outbreak, the County of Santa Cruz has established a call center to help direct questions to the proper channels.

Santa Cruz County Health Officer, along with six other Public Health Officers from the Bay Area, issued a legal order asking residents to stay home, a unified step to slow the spread of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and preserve critical health care capaci...

Adjourned Special City Council Meeting to March 23, 2020

The City Council will be holding a continuation of the special meeting held Friday to discuss an urgency ordinance to halt commercial & residential evictions.

This meeting will be streamed in English and Spanish via Facebook. The Watsonville Police Department’s Facebook page will stream the meeting in English, while the City of Watsonville will focus on our Spanish-speaking community.

Public ...

Community COVID-19 Resources

To help assist the community in answering questions about the COVID-19 outbreak, the County of Santa Cruz has established a call center to help direct questions to the proper channels.

If you have questions, please call (831) 454-4242 between the hours of 8 a.m.6 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Due to overwhelming call volume and in order to maintain the County’s ability to investigate and respond to the outbreak, members of the public ar...

Price gouging illegal during state emergency

Officers have investigated reports of price gouging

UPDATE 03/19/2020: The Santa Cruz County District’s Attorney’s Office will be handling price-gouging concerns in our community.

To file a report, call 831-454-2050 or fill out the form (access form HERE). The form can be emaile...

Message from Police Chief David Honda

We are asking residents and business owners to follow this order so that we can keep officers from having to issue citations and to avoid any potential criminal charges or civil/administrative sanctions by the County.

 And trust us, it’s the last thing we want to do during a public health emergency.

Our enforcement efforts begin with educating the community of what is expected of all of us; those efforts are already underway.  Resid...

Shelter in Place: What Does it Mean?

The Santa Cruz County Health Officer has issued a shelter-in-place order through April 7. We are posting these frequently asked questions to help residents, businesses and partners interpret these orders.

Spanish Information: Refugiarse en Casa: ¿Qué Significa?

The Santa Cruz County Health Officer has issued a shelter-in-place order through April 7. We are posting these frequently asked questions to help residents, businesses and partn...

City List of Essential Services During Shelter in Place

Given the shelter in place directive, the City will maintain essential services open (Police, Fire, water, sewer and garbage collection). Most city facilities are closed to the public, however the public may still contact certain city services remotely.

Today, Santa Cruz County Health Officer, along with six other public health officers from the Bay Area,  issued a legal order asking residents to stay home, a unified step to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and preserve critical h...

Santa Cruz County Shelter In Place Order

Santa Cruz County Shelter In Place Order - Community Update March 16, 2020By the City of Watsonville 

Español: 
Orden de Refugiarse en el Hogar del Condado de Santa Cruz - Mensaje para la comunidad del 16 de marzo de 2020 por la Ciudad de Watsonville

VIDEO - Community Update on Shelter in Place Order 

VIDEO - Mensaje para la Comunidad Sobre la Orden de Refugiarse en el Hogar

Community Update - 03/16/2020

 Mensaje para la Comunidad - 03/16/2020

Shelter In Place Order

Price gouging illegal during state emergency

Officers have investigated reports of price gouging

Price gouging during a state of emergency is not only illegal but also immoral.

Our officers have gone out to investigate reports of price gouging on essential items. If caught, these folks will face misdemeanor charges accompanied by steep fines.

Keep in m...

Community events and programs canceled amid coronovirus concerns

It’s important to prepare & take preventative measures

Along with the County Department of Health, and other cities in our region, we have taken the preventative step of declaring a local health emergency to help slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in our area. We don’t want anyone to panic,...

Questions Regarding the Census? We can help!

Visit one of the 18 designated locations here in Watsonville available to assist you with questions and concerns regarding the 2020 Census.

Link to Interactive Census Questionnaire Assistance Locations Map: http://bit.do/WatsonvilleQAKs

Fill out your 2020 Census form at my2020census.gov beginning on March 12.

Find the nearest location near you:

Flipping the Lid to Help Residents with Recycling

Every day, we throw away tons of garbage into the recycling bins. When this happens, the facility that processes Watsonville’s recycling has to bury it in their landfill, and charges us additional fees.

When this garbage, such as food scraps, diapers, plastic bags, wrappers, and old clothes is mixed with good recyclables it is impossible to recycle. When this happens, the facility that processes Watsonville’s recycling has to bury it in their l...

Maintaining Our Roads for Smooth Driving

Our Public Works engineering staff are working to make sure that our roads are smooth, safe and in good conditions

How do they know where to start? We recently completed a survey of every city street to measure the extent of cracks and potholes. This information was used to calculate the most efficient use of our limited maintenance budget. When this inspection was fi...

2020 CENSUS RESOURCES AVAILABLE

One of the most powerful things you can do for your community is
to participate in the Census.Starting on March 12, 2020, you can respond to the 2020 Census online.

Your participation helps ensure that Watsonville residents receive the funding we all deserve for important services and programs such as funding for schools, childcare programs, road maintenance projects, healthcare, housing, school lunches and social as...

LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN

Have you ever wondered how prepared are you for a natural disaster?

The City of Watsonville has recently embarked on developing a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to identify potential natural disasters in our community.    

Remember to attend one of our upcoming community planning meetings.

Your input is impo...

Everyone in Watsonville Counts!

The Census is so much more than just a head count. It helps determine how much money communities receive for the critical resources that children and families will depend on for the next 10 years.

It is important to count all children, but those under the age of five (5) are often missed, particularly when they don’t live in the same home as both parents. When newborn babies and young children are not included in the census, support for p...

Officers track down & return tricycle stolen from disabled elderly man

Officers tracked down a tricycle that was recently stolen from a disabled senior citizen

It wasn’t easy but after days of investigating, our officers managed to track down a tricycle that was recently stolen from a disabled senior citizen.

Unfortunately, the trike was found in the slough in three pieces. So, several Watsonville Police officers...

Officers visit fields to provide farmworkers information and guidance

It's part of “Agua con la Chota” or “Water with a Cop” program

Watsonville Police Officers are meeting face-to-face with some of the hardest working people in the community as part of an outreach program aimed at helping farmworkers.

The department’s “Agua con la Chota” or “Water with a Cop” program provides Ag worker...

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...

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

Library Closed Until May 5th

The Main Library and Freedom Branch will be closed until May 5th. All library materials can be returned in the book drops during the closure.

The Main Library and Freedom Branch will be closed until May 5th. All library materials can be returned in the book drops during the closure.

Please note out that of an abundance of caution and to help minimize the spread of the Coronavirus, the City will ...

Virtual Library Available 24/7

The library building may be closed but many of the libraries resources are available online 24/7. If you don't have a library card yet - you can apply online today and get login information to access them.

The library building may be closed, but many of our resources and materials are available online 24/7. 

Don’t have a library card yet, but want to access resources from home? You can now apply for a library card online and get login info...

No Library Card? Apply Online Now Available

Want to access the Virtual Library, but don’t have a library card? You can now get a library card even while the library is closed.

Want to access the Virtual Library, but don’t have a library card? You can now get a library card even while the library is closed ~ fill out the online library card application, and then staff will contact you within 24-48 hours via email or ph...

Got Questions? We will Find Answers

Got Questions? You can still ask questions via email or telephone - even while the library is closed.

Got Questions? You can still ask questions via email or telephone - even while the library is closed.

If you’d like to ask via email, just click on the "Ask A Librarian" button on our webpage and fill out the form, 

If you prefe...

WorldBook Online: Practice Skills, Do Activities, Play Games

Did you know? Worldbook Online is more than just an online encyclopedia ~ you can practice writing, reading, do research, science and other activities, as well as games and some eBooks - all for Free with your library card.

Did you know? Worldbook Online is more than just an online encyclopedia ~ you can practice writing, reading, do research, science and other activities, as well as games and some eBooks - all for Free with your library card. http://www.worldbookonline.com/...

TumbleBook Library is now available

TumbleBook Library is now available with over 250 animated talking picture books for kids.

New! ~ TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of e-books for children. There are over 250 animated, talking picture books! The site also features Spanish books, read-along chapter books, non-fiction books, and exciting games and puzzles!

You can access ...

No Overdue Fines While the Library is Closed

No overdue fines will accrue while the library is closed. Current holds on physical materials will be available when libraries reopen. No new holds will be accepted.

No overdue fines will accrue while the library is closed.

Current holds on physical materials will be available when libraries reopen. No new holds will be accepted.

Community events and programs canceled amid coronovirus concerns

It’s important to prepare & take preventative measures

Along with the County Department of Health, and other cities in our region, we have taken the preventative step of declaring a local health emergency to help slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in our area. We don’t want anyone to panic,...

PARKS AND TRAILS ARE OPEN

During the Shelter in Place Order, parks and trails remain open, with the exception of Pinto Lake.

If you and your family decide to get some fresh air and visit one of our parks and trails, please comply with all social distancing guidelines.

Parks Open:

All Parks (Sunrise to Sunset) except Pinto Lake Park*

Ramsay Park Restrooms - Sunrise to Sunset

Franich...

School Closure Extended Through End of School Year

Santa Cruz County of Education released a letter stating the extension of school closures...

https://santacruzcoe.org/superintendent/health-and-wellness/coronavirus/ 

Read on...

Tax Services Available for Senior Citizens

Tax Services Available for Senior Citizens

Read on...

Community events and programs canceled amid coronovirus concerns

It’s important to prepare & take preventative measures

Along with the County Department of Health, and other cities in our region, we have taken the preventative step of declaring a local health emergency to help slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in our area. We don’t want anyone to panic,...

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...

Community COVID-19 Resources

If you have questions, please call (831) 454-4242 between the hours of 8 a.m.6 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Due to overwhelming call volume and in order to maintain the County’s ability to investigate and respond to the outbreak, members of the public ar...

Message from Police Chief David Honda

 And trust us, it’s the last thing we want to do during a public health emergency.

Our enforcement efforts begin with educating the community of what is expected of all of us; those efforts are already underway.  Resid...

Price gouging illegal during state emergency

UPDATE 03/19/2020: The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office will be handling price-gouging concerns in our community.

To file a report, call 831-454-2050 or fill out the form (access form HERE). The form can be emailed to cfep@sa...

Community events and programs canceled amid coronovirus concerns

Along with the County Department of Health, and other cities in our region, we have taken the preventative step of declaring a local health emergency to help slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in our area. We don’t want anyone to panic,...

Shop with a Cop brings extra holiday cheer for 15 families

Shop with a Cop was once again a hit, helping 15 families who needed a little extra holiday cheer this season.

The young participants were selected from local youth programs.

“It was really nice because I got to spend time with my family...

Officers track down & return tricycle stolen from disabled elderly man

It wasn’t easy but after days of investigating, our officers managed to track down a tricycle that was recently stolen from a disabled senior citizen.

Unfortunately, the trike was found in the slough in three pieces. So, several Watsonville Police officers...

Officers visit fields to provide farmworkers information and guidance

Watsonville Police Officers are meeting face-to-face with some of the hardest working people in the community as part of an outreach program aimed at helping farmworkers.

The department’s “Agua con la Chota” or “Wate...

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...

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...

Message from Police Chief David Honda

We are asking residents and business owners to follow this order so that we can keep officers from having to issue citations and to avoid any potential criminal charges or civil/administrative sanctions by the County.

 And trust us, it’s the last thing we want to do during a public health emergency.

Our enforcement efforts begin with educating the community of what is expected of all of us; those efforts are already underway.  Resid...

LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN

Have you ever wondered how prepared are you for a natural disaster?

The City of Watsonville has recently embarked on developing a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to identify potential natural disasters in our community.    

Remember to attend one of our upcoming community planning meetings.

Your input is impo...