Watsonville, California Development News
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City Council Meeting
Published: Jul 7, 2026
El Pajaro Community Development Corp. Invites City to Tacos en Tapas Event
Carmen Reyna Manzir, Executive Director for El Pajaro Community Development Corporation, invited the City Council and the public to their signature event, Tacos en Tapas, on July 23rd. The event, held at their kitchen incubator, will feature live music from a salsa band, food from 20 vendors, and three drink vendors, offering a taste of diverse cultures. The event aims to be a large celebration and has been a tradition for many years.
Watsonville Police Chief Discusses E-Bike and E-Moto Regulations and Enforcement Challenges
During a discussion on e-bikes and scooters, Police Chief Brian Schaff explained that while the state does not regulate e-bicycles, it does classify high-powered electric motorcycles (e-motos) as off-road vehicles that must be registered by the state. The city police department can cite and impound these e-motos when used illegally on city streets. For e-bicycles, which are pedal-assisted and slower, the state prohibits local regulation. The department's approach focuses on education for riders and parents, citing the success of an educational campaign and video. The chief stated that the department already has tools to enforce existing laws, but education is seen as the most effective way to improve compliance. He mentioned that the state needs to take further action regarding regulations on these devices.
Santa Cruz Metro's Rapid Corridors Project to Improve Transit Speed and Safety in Watsonville
John Ergo, Chief Planning and Innovation Officer for Santa Cruz Metro, provided an update on the Rapid Corridors project, a $27 million investment in state and local funding aimed at improving transit speed and reliability. The project includes upgrading approximately 100 bus stops with shelters, seating, and real-time arrival information, as well as implementing speed and reliability improvements like boarding islands, bus bulbs, transit signal priority, and queue jumps. Specific to Watsonville, three transit island locations are proposed: Freedom Boulevard and Airport, and at Crestview. The project also focuses on enhancing safety and access with new crosswalks and ADA-compliant ramps. The goal is to cut travel time by up to 40% and bring high-quality bus stops within half a mile of over 100,000 residents. The project is currently 50% through design, with plans to submit to Caltrans in April 2027.
Resident Urges City to Ban Flammable Battery Technology
A public comment was made urging the City Council to adopt a city ordinance prohibiting the use of lithium and other flammable battery technologies, referencing the City of Vacaville's ordinance as an example. The commenter highlighted the potential impact of the proposed BESS Seahawk project on the city and emphasized the need for local action to protect public safety and responders, especially since the City of Watsonville is listed as a first responder for thermal runaway for the Seahawk project. The California Energy Commission had previously asked the city to respond to the Seahawk BES application and offered reimbursement for staff time.
Watsonville City Manager Reports on Road Projects, E-Bike Safety, New Website, and Strawberry Festival
The City Manager provided an update on various city projects and initiatives. This included acknowledging staff efforts on the 4th of July parade and fireworks, highlighting business spotlights at Freedom Bakery and Olivia's Cafe, and addressing concerns about the safe use of e-bikes and scooters through an educational campaign and video. Roadwork updates included the completion of Union Street paving and resurfacing, the start of the final phase reconstruction of Freedom Boulevard (expected to take six months), and Caltrans' curb ramp improvements on Main Street. The city is also launching a revamped website next week and promoting the upcoming Strawberry Festival from July 31st to August 2nd.
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