As we build out our excellent new fiber-backed infrastructure in Watsonville, we want to make sure we’re also giving back to the community. That’s why we’re launching our initiative to bring free WiFi to Watsonville Plaza, and we want you to come celebrate its launch with us.

We’ll be holding a ceremony this Friday, February 16 from 5-7 pm in downtown Watsonville to commemorate the launch of free WiFi in the Watsonville plaza, featuring District 30 Assemblymember Anna Caballero as the primary speaker. The free WiFi service is being brought to you by Santa Cruz Fiber, powered by Cruzio; the City of Watsonville, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, and the DigitalNEST.

“As our economy continues to shift, it’s important that we provide the next generation with the tools they need to be successful in their own communities and careers,” said Assemblymember Anna Caballero. “I am excited that the City of Watsonville is making internet access a priority, especially in the downtown area where local families, high school and college students will be able to use it.”

“The City of Watsonville is thrilled to partner with Cruzio and continue expanding high-speed internet access in our community,” said Watsonville Mayor Lowell Hurst. “Internet access is a critical ingredient for our community’s youth, and will help insure they can successfully compete in the growing digital economy.  

Other speakers will include Watsonville Mayor Lowell Hurst,  Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez and Santa Cruz County Deputy Superintendent Faris Sabbah. Our CEO, Peggy Dolgenos, will also be addressing the crowd about the importance of serving all of Santa Cruz County, and Jacob Martinez from DigitalNEST will be speaking about why equitable internet access is important for communities to remain competitive.

“When Cruzio launched the Santa Cruz Fiber brand and service suite last year we had always envisioned it to serve Santa Cruz County,” said Peggy Dolgenos of Cruzio. “While our first major fiber project is in downtown Santa Cruz, our goal is to bring fiber to every part of the community, which is why this moment is so important.”

The event also marks the launch of Cruzio’s expanded, fiber-backed Watsonville service, which will be available to most of the City of Watsonville through distributed wireless hubs. These access points are connected to a larger fiber backbone that connects to Cruzio’s headquarters in downtown Santa Cruz.

Also featured at the event will be complimentary beer and wine, and light snacks. If you’re ready to come on down and try the new WiFi network yourself, you’re encouraged to RSVP via the Santa Cruz Fiber Facebook Page.

We also want to give a big thank you to our co-sponsors: The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, for helping us make this event a reality.