5 Things to Know About the City

Here's the latest from City Hall.

1. The overall crime rate in the city rose by a nominal 0.4 percent in 2011, according to the annual crime statistics released this week by the . Within that, violent crime fell 15 percent and property crime rose 4 percent, but the number of homicides quintupled. Read the full report to the right.
2. At least two people want to follow in Manuel Bersamin's steps as the city council member representing District 1, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reported. City planning commissioners Marty Corley and Felipe Hernandez are both seeking the appointment. and the city council decided Tuesday evening to appoint someone to the position, which also will be up for election in November.
3. And with elections already weighing heavily on people's minds, it's time to make sure eligible Watsonville residents are registered to vote. There's a simple way to check on the County Clerk website (click here) and, for those who aren't, there is an online registration form here.
4. The Planning Commission relaxed restrictions on a trouble Watsonville bar on Tuesday, according to a San Jose Mercury News story. The Villager, which , will be allowed to remain open until 12:30 a.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
5. Nominations for the annual are being accepted through the end of the week. Youth must be between the ages of 13 and 19 years to be nominated.  Nominations forms may be picked up at the G.H.W.R. Youth Center at 30 Maple Ave. or downloaded from the Parks and Community Services Department website.