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...

Roache Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement

Potholing on Roache Road will begin on August 22, 2019 and trenching will follow on September 1st.

Potholing on Roache Road will begin on August 22, 2019 and trenching should begin at the beginning of September. The sewer replacement project will consist of the removal and replacement of 1,900 lineal feet of sewer in Roache Road. Some local traffic con...

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...

Tapas on Top - Friday, September 27th

Tapas on Top will feature dishes from five local businesses offering world-wide culinary delights. Local wines and craft brews will be available during the event. Live music will set the tone for an evening of fun and enjoyment.

The city is gearing up to offer a unique first time event titled Watsonville’s Tapas on Top! We would like you all to attend and enjoy the most spectacular views of the Pajaro Valley sunset from the top floor of the Civic Plaza parking garage.&a...

Street and Sidewalk Improvements on Green Valley Road

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

Granite Construction will be performing street and sidewalk improvements on South Green Valley Road between Carey Avenue and Struve Slough. Project began on August 12th and will be completed by December 31. Workdays are Monday – Friday from 7AM – 6PM.&...

Release of a New Special Events Grant Application Process

In an effort to provide support for non-profit organizations providing community special events, the City is pleased to announce that a new Community Special Event Sponsorship Program has been established.

The City of Watsonville welcomes and celebrates special event opportunities throughout the city that benefit our community.  We recognize that special events make significant contributions to the overall quality of life for residents and visitors...

City of Watsonville & PVUSD Open Mello Center to the Community Presenting México en el Corazón

We’re excited to welcome México en el Corazón® on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 12:30 pm. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the beauty, region and culture of México.

The City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District have been working together to maximize the use of the Henry J. Mello Performing Arts Center. The center was originally built in 1994 as a cooperative effort between the Pajaro Valley Un...

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...

Caltrans Seeking Input on Active Transportation Plan Survey

The project is identifying existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities on the State Highway System and nearby locations where improvements are needed.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has initiated a project to develop Active Transportation Plans (ATP) for each of its twelve districts, covering the entire State of California. District 5 is the first in the state to start their ATP....

Watsonville Academy: An inside look at how your local government works!

We're excited to announce the launch of Watsonville Academy. This free program is available to Watsonville residents 21 years and older. Sign-up and get an inside look of local government.

The City of Watsonville is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Watsonville Academy: An Inside look at how your local government works! The goal for this free academy is to provide “understanding through education” and give th...

WPD receives additional state funding to tackle underage drinking

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

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...

Roundabout Planned for Hwy 129 @ Lakeview Rd.

Read about the plan to construct a Roundabout at Highway 129 at Lakeview Road.

Caltrans is planning to construct a roundabout on State Route 129 at Lakeview Road. The roundabout will make the intersection safer as there have been 23 collisions at this location in the past five years, including seven injuries and one fatalit...

Be Safe and Sane with Fireworks!

The City of Watsonville has a zero tolerance on the miss-use of fireworks within the city limits of Watsonville

Here are a list of common violations:

- Allowing someone under 18 to light fireworks

- Lighting illegal fireworks

- Lighting fireworks within 10 ft. of ANY residence

- Using fireworks outside of the approved time (midnight june 30th - midnight July 5th)

the fi...

Watsonville Public Library Summer Reading

Free Summer Reading Program

Saturdays, June 8th - August 12th

Arts and crafts

Live performances

Film making

Film fest and more!

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

Ditch the bottle and refill with Watsonville tap water!

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?

Everyday the City of Watsonville pumps, treats, tests and delivers nearly 7 million gallons of clean drinking water from local groundwater wells and and creeks! Watsonville's water is regulated by the state and federal government to ensure your potable dr...

Take Action by Reporting Abandoned Shopping Carts

Together we can keep Watsonville litter-free and achieve more with the help of your watchful eyes!

Your call will make a difference getting shopping carts off our streets. City staff makes sure all retail businesses shopping carts within City limits are labeled with a retrieval phone number. Join the effort and report any abandoned shopping carts you s...

Oficiales aumentan esfuerzos educativos y de divulgación para vendedores ambulantes

El propósito de esta nota es informar/educar a todo tipo de vendedor ambulante

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

Residents are expressing their growing concerns over street vendors operating illegally within the city.

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,...

Building Safety Month

The Community Development Department, Building Inspection Division has been actively promoting Building Safety Month all through the month of May.

Mayor Francisco Estrada issued a proclamation on  April  23rd, 2019 during a City Council Meeting in recognition of Building Safety Month. The Building Division staff partnered with Ace Hardware and Big Creek Lumber and offered informati...

WPD to ramp up patrol for 100 dangerous days of summer

Watsonville residents will soon see more officers patrolling the streets

Watsonville residents will soon see more officers patrolling the streets. The department will be ramping up its patrol for the start of California’s 100 dangerous days of summer on roadways between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends.

During this time of b...

WPD officer reunites with toddler who suffered medical emergency

They meet face-to-face for a second time

They meet face-to-face for a second time. Watsonville Police Corporal Noé Rocha first met 2-year-old Benjamin and his mother Joyce after a big scare in February.   

“While on patrol, we heard fire and AMR responding to a house for a repor...

City of Watsonville & Watsonville Police rollout safety campaign

It's designed to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians & cyclists

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...

Watsonville Municipal Airport Closure of Primary & Crosswind Runways

The closure will take place from May 9th-May 15th. The closure is being conducted to make various repairs.

Watsonville Municipal Airport (KWVI) is announcing the temporary closure of both the primary 4,501 foot Runway 2-20 and the crosswind 3,998 foot Runway 9-27 for six days as part of an eight day construction effort beginning Thursday, May 9, 2019, and is e...

Summer in the City Internship Program

This unique program gives incoming juniors and seniors enrolled in a PVUSD high school an inside look of the inner-workings of local government, while preparing them to enter into the work force.

Summer/Fall Fun Guide Edition is NOW AVAILABLE!

Check your mailbox! Our Summer/Fall Fun Guide is now available!

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.

WPD’s youth diversion program gaining statewide attention

It’s a program aimed at giving teens a second chance

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 gaining attention statewide, as ...

Community Development Block Grant - 2019 Action Plan

Join us to review the Action Plan which proposes activities such as: low-interest housing rehab loans, recreation opportunities, job training, & more.

YOU ARE INVITED!

A public meeting will be held on Monday, March 26, 2019, at 5:30 p.m., in the former Council Chambers at Watsonville City Hall, 250 Main Street, to review and discuss the City of Watsonville’s Community Development Block Grant (C...

Wine, Beer and Art Walk

Join us for the 2nd annual Wine, Beer and Art walk on Saturday, May 11th from 1:00-5:00 pm. Early bird tickets are now available!

The City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture are pleased to partner together to present our 2nd Annual Wine, Beer and Art walk.

Saturday, May 11th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM.

Early Bird Ticket Price: $30

Event goers wi...

EDITH stands for Exit Drills In The Home

EDITH can help you and your family prepare for an emergency. Do you and your family know how to escape from your home during a fire?

Most everyone has probably done a fire drill at school or maybe at work and they know where the exits are, where to go and what to do in an emergency. But, do you know how to escape from your home during a fire? Do you and your family know where to meet t...

17th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards

The 17th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019. Nominations are currently being accepted until February 28th.

The Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department in collaboration with the Friends of Parks and Community Services, will be hosting the 17th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards on Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Civic ...

City Offices Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

City offices will be closed Monday, January 21, 2019 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

City Offices Closed in Observance of New Years

Happy New Year! Please note City offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday in observance of New Years!

Essential services such as Fire and Police will not be affected. Your garbage and recycling schedule will remain the same.

Holiday in the Plaza continues this Saturday!

Join us for hot cocoa and cookies, popcorn and pictures with Santa! We will also be showing a holiday favorite, The Santa Clause!

Holiday in the Plaza continues this Saturday, December 15th from 5-7 pm in the City Plaza! Come celebrate with us and remember to shop, dine and stay local this holiday season. #watsonville #watsonville150 #pcs 

Holidays in the Plaza

Join us in celebrating the Holidays in the Plaza. To end our year of 150th birthday events, we will be celebrating all month long with a number of fun activities for all ages.

Come and experience an outdoor holiday movie, musical performances and of course, Santa’s workshop. Also, be sure to catch a ride on the holiday train as it makes its way around the plaza on Saturday, December 8th from 4-6 pm and provides a grea...

Thanksgiving Closure

Please note that City offices will be closed Thursday, Nov 22nd and Friday, Nov 23rd in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Essential services will not be impacted. 

• Call 471-1151 for water turn-on or emergency service requests
• Call 911 for health and safety emergencies

Shop Til You Drop at Watsonville's Science Workshop!

The City of Watsonville's Environmental Science Workshop at 120 2nd Street is a stop along the Annual Holiday Factory Sale on Saturday, December 1st, from 9 AM - 4 PM. Support the workshop's free science programs by purchasing a student-crafted gift!

Once a year, special for the holiday season, the Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop opens its doors to both sell and celebrate student-made workshop projects that showcase Watsonville's up-and-coming, dynamic and creative forces, and to raise fund...

Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale

Don't miss the Watsonville Annual Holiday Factory Sale on Saturday, December 1st. Shop high quality, locally crafted and produced gifts with special prices only available on this day!

Watsonville at the Helm: O'Neill Sea Odyssey Provides a Rite of Passage

City officials pause to appreciate a beneficial partnership with O'Neill Sea Odyssey that has spanned nearly two decades.

Where ocean access is a hard-fought right for many in Watsonville, the O'Neill Sea Odyssey program provides a gentle rite of passage for Watsonville youth. The City of Watsonville has been a long-term supporter and partner of the O'Neill Sea Odyssey (OSO)...

WPD launches online tools aimed to help residents & improve safety

Two new online tools will provide residents with the latest information of what’s happening in the city & direct access to a crime reporting system.

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...

Climate Action Tree Planting at Muzzio Park

There’s an old saying that “the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago and the second best time is now." The City of Watsonville is pleased to kick off the fall tree planting season with an event dedicated to climate action. Local residents a...

Watsonville's Affordable Housing Programs

Join us to talk about the process of buying a house on Tuesday, October 16th from 6 pm-7:30 pm at E.A. Hall Middle School.

Learn more about the local programs available to assist you.  A representative from Bailey Properties has been invited to speak about how to obtain a loan.

• Spanish Translation will be available
• Light refreshments
• Childcare will be provided

E.A. Hall ...

Public Workshop for the Unified Corridor Investment Study

Join the discussion on Tuesday, October 16th at 6pm about transportation options for our community's mobility needs now and into the future.

The Regional Transportation Commission is hosting public workshops to get your input on transportation options for our community based on the results of the Unified Corridor Investment Study (UCS) draft Step 2 scenario analysis. The UCS is investigating w...

Come & Celebrate Watsonville's 150th Anniversary at the Giants Game

You're invited to join us on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 to celebrate the City's 150th anniversary at the San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres baseball game.

Come & Celebrate Watsonville's 150th Anniversary at the San Francisco Giants AT&T Park

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

GAMETIME - 7:15PM

YOUR $65 TICKET WILL INCLUDE:

• 1 AUTHENTIC GIANTS T-SHIRT WITH A SPECIAL WATSONVILLE150 L...

First Time Home Buyers Forum

Join us on Wednesday, September 19th from 6-8 pm for a First Time Home Buyers Forum. Learn more about the process of buying a home and local programs that can assist you.

The forum will be held in the Civic Plaza Community Room - 275 Main Street, 4th Floor.

Translation services and light refreshments will be provided.

WE WILL HAVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM: 

• MBEP (Monterey Bay Economic Partnership)

• County of Santa Cruz...

Support WPD & WFD's Pink Patch Project

Watsonville police officers and firefighters are teaming up to help fight the battle against breast cancer and you can help!

Watsonville police officers and firefighters have teamed up to help fight the battle against breast cancer and to support breast cancer awareness.

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, they will wear pink patches on their uniforms.

The a...

Grand Opening of Homeless Day Center in Watsonville

Please join us for the grand opening of the Watsonville Day Center on Monday, August 27th at 12 p.m. located at 104 Grant Street in Watsonville.

The Day Center will serve as a hub for homeless and vulnerable individuals in our community and provide them with the services needed to transition out of homelessness and into stable housing, employment and treatment. The center offers a combination of D...

First Time Home Buyers Forum

Join us on Wednesday, August 22nd from 6-8 p.m. for a First Time Home Buyers Forum. Learn more about the process of buying a home and local programs that can assist you.

The forum will be held in the Watsonville Public Library - Meeting Room 275 Main St #100 in Watsonville.

Translation services and light refreshments will be provided.

WE WILL HAVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM: 

• MBEP (Monterey Bay Economic Partner...

Watsonville's Coastal Cleanup 2018 - Harnessing the Power of People for Environmental Protection

Annual Coastal Cleanup Day is Saturday, September 15th from 9AM - Noon.

Watsonville's Annual Coastal Cleanup Harnesses the Power of People to Protect the Planet

The City of Watsonville joins Save Our Shores, the California Coastal Commission, and the Ocean Conservancy in celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Annual Coas...

Main Library Cooling Center - Beat the Heat!

Our Main Street Library location is also a cooling center, which is very important for hot weather spells like this one.

Please stay safe, hydrated, wear sunscreen, and step into the library or another shady spot if you are feeling overheated!

Come beat the heat at the Main Library located at 275 Main Street in Watsonville.

Monday - Thursday: 10-8pmFriday: 10-6pmSaturday: 12-...

Your electricity service is about to get a lot greener!

Monterey Bay Community Power is your official electricity provider, bringing you carbon-free electricity at rates lower than PG&E. You will see no change or interruption in your service. Learn more about the change and your options below:

A small change for you, a big impact for the community.• Customers see no change or interruption in normal service• MBCP’s rates match PG&E’s with no exception• You receive a rebate on the electricity gen...

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...

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...

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...

Main Library Closed
8/30-9/2 for carpet repair,
Freedom Branch Closed 9/2

The Main Library will be closed from Friday, August 30th - Monday, September 2nd for carpet repair. All library materials can be returned in the book drops during the closure or at the Freedom Branch which will remain open on Friday 8/30 & Saturday 8/31.

The Main Library will be closed from Friday, August 30th - Monday, September 2nd for carpet repair.  All library materials can be returned in the book drops during the closure or at the Freedom Branch which will remain open on Friday & Saturd...

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,...

Library Account Text Messages

You can now opt in to receive text messages about your library account.

You can now opt in to receive text messages about your library account.

Pay Your Fines Online

You can now pay your fines online - a minimum amount of $5.00 is required.

You can now pay your library fines that are $5.00 or over online. 

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.  

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,...

WPD to ramp up patrol for 100 dangerous days of summer

Watsonville residents will soon see more officers patrolling the streets. The department will be ramping up its patrol for the start of California’s 100 dangerous days of summer on roadways between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends.

During this...

WPD officer reunites with toddler who suffered medical emergency

They meet face-to-face for a second time. Watsonville Police Corporal Noé Rocha first met 2-year-old Benjamin and his mother Joyce after a big scare in February.   

“While on patrol, we heard fire and AMR responding to a house for a repor...

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...

Roache Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement

Potholing on Roache Road will begin on August 22, 2019 and trenching should begin at the beginning of September. The sewer replacement project will consist of the removal and replacement of 1,900 lineal feet of sewer in Roache Road. Local traffic control ...

Watsonville Receives Grant for Slough Restoration Work

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...

Street and Sidewalk Improvements on Green Valley Road

Granite Construction will be performing street and sidewalk improvements on South Green Valley Road between Carey Avenue and Struve Slough. Project began on August 12th and will be completed by December 31. Workdays are Monday – Friday from 7AM – 6PM.&...

#PLASTICFREEWATSONVILLE

Join this global movement and the City's #plasticfreewatsonville campaign. To get started, visit us at the downtown Friday's Farmers Market and pick up your free reusable produce bag. During the weekends, come to the City's Nature Center to receive your f...

Green Careers

Where else can you utilize hydrology equipment and meet a City Engineer? At the City's Water Resources Center. Students from the the Pajaro Valley High School Green Careers class sponsored by Watsonville Wetlands Watch discovered City planning with Engine...

Caltrans Seeking Input on Active Transportation Plan Survey

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has initiated a project to develop Active Transportation Plans (ATP) for each of its twelve districts, covering the entire State of California. District 5 is the first in the state to start their ATP....

Ditch the Bottle & Refill with Watsonville Tap Water

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...

Roundabout Planned for Hwy 129 at Lakeview Road

Caltrans is planning to construct a roundabout on State Route 129 at Lakeview Road. The roundabout will make the intersection safer as there have been 23 collisions at this location in the past five years, including seven injuries and one fatalit...

Take Action by Reporting Abandoned Shopping Carts

Your call will make a difference getting shopping carts off our streets. City staff makes sure all retail businesses shopping carts within City limits are labeled with a retrieval phone number. Join the effort and report any abandoned shopping carts you s...