Watsonville, CA Facts, Population, Income, Demographics, Economy

Population (total): Population in 2017: 54,098 (100% urban, 0% rural). >Population change since 2000: +22.2%

Population (female): 26,075

Median Age: 30.1 years

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $1,434.

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Watsonville: 157.7 (very high, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 15.6%

Poverty (breakdown): (8.1% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 3.0% for Black residents, 17.2% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 7.5% for American Indian residents, 15.3% for other race residents, 16.1% for two or more races residents)

Sex Offenders: According to our research of California and other state lists, there were 77 registered sex offenders living in Watsonville, California as of January 18, 2021. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Watsonville is 697 to 1.The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city

Ancestries:

Median Incomes:
      Estimated median household income in 2017: $55,776 (it was $37,617 in 2000)
      Estimated per capita income in 2017: $20,644 (it was $13,205 in 2000)
      Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $467,302 (it was $207,300 in 2000) Watsonville:$467,302CA:$509,400

Watsonville's land was first inhabited by an Indian tribe called the Costanoans. This tribe settled along the Pajaro Dunes since the land was fertile and useful for the cultivation of their plants and animals. In 1796, European explorers came to the land where they claimed to have seen a big bird along the side of the river, this symbol helped explorers to establish the name of the main river, which they identified as Rio del Pajaro, or River of the Bird. This river that runs along the boundaries of the city divides the Santa Cruz County and the Monterey County. In 1847, the second wave of European explorers was presented to this land where they finally decided to settle. Forty of these explorers officially lived in the city and had animals and some crops. In 1848, the California Gold Rush in the Sierra Nevada Mountains was an important event for the city, because people began to buy land for the low price that it had, allowing them to acquire large areas of property where farming and ranching would be among the simple practices that would shape the economy of the city. The community was incorporated as the Town of Watsonville on or about March 30, 1868 and named after Judge John Watson. The town changed its name to the City of Watsonville about 1889. The voters adopted a charter in 1903. The Watsonville Railway and Navigation Company operated an interurban railway to Port Watsonville on Monterey Bay where it connected with an overnight produce packet boat to San Francisco from 1904 to 1913.

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Recognitions and Certifications

Accredited Drug Testing has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 drug testing companies" for excellent customer service and we have received TPA Accreditation from the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. We are active in all drug testing industry associations and our staff are trained and certified as drug and alcohol testing specialists.

Important Links

National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (https://ndasa.com/)

National Drug Free Workplace Alliance (https://www.ndwa.org/)

Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (https://www.sapaa.com/)

Substance Abuse Mental Health Safety Administration (https://www.samhsa.gov/)

US Drug Enforcement Administration (https://www.dea.gov/)

Office of Drug alcohol Policy Control (https://www.transportation.gov/odapc)

980x250 DOT Drug Testing

DOT Drug Testing Locations Watsonville, CA

Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Watsonville, CA and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes who are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Watsonville, CA including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same day service is available in most cases.

Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7

* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.

846 FREEDOM BLVD 0.6 miles

846 FREEDOM BLVD
WATSONVILLE, CA 95076
Categories: WATSONVILLE CA

1505 Main St 0.9 miles

1505 Main St
Watsonville, CA 95076
Categories: Watsonville CA

75 NEILSON ST STE 1432 2.4 miles

75 NEILSON ST STE 1432
WATSONVILLE, CA 95076
Categories: WATSONVILLE CA

9030 SOQUEL DR 8.8 miles

9030 SOQUEL DR
APTOS, CA 95003
Categories: APTOS CA

6800 Soquel Dr 10.5 miles

6800 Soquel Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
Categories: Aptos CA

7880 WREN AVE STE C133 11.7 miles

7880 WREN AVE STE C133
GILROY, CA 95020
Categories: GILROY CA

7880 Wren Avenue, Suite A114 11.7 miles

7880 Wren Avenue, Suite A114
Gilroy, CA 95020
Categories: Gilroy CA

190 LEAVESLEY RD 12.6 miles

190 LEAVESLEY RD
GILROY, CA 95020
Categories: GILROY CA

8833 MONTEREY RD 12.7 miles

8833 MONTEREY RD
GILROY, CA 95020
Categories: GILROY CA

1595 Soquel Drive, Suite 100 13.6 miles

1595 Soquel Drive, Suite 100
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Categories: Santa Cruz CA

1505 SOQUEL DR STE 3 13.7 miles

1505 SOQUEL DR STE 3
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065
Categories: SANTA CRUZ CA

615 Ocean St 15.2 miles

615 Ocean St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Categories: Santa Cruz CA

3130 Del Monte Blvd 15.7 miles

3130 Del Monte Blvd
Marina, CA 93933
Categories: Marina CA

2 Rossi Cir 16.1 miles

2 Rossi Cir
Salinas, CA 93907
Categories: Salinas CA

50 East Main Avenue, Suite B 16.3 miles

50 East Main Avenue, Suite B
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Categories: Morgan Hill CA

831 S Main St 17.8 miles

831 S Main St
SALINAS, CA 93901
Categories: SALINAS CA

1024 S MAIN ST STE E 18.0 miles

1024 S MAIN ST STE E
SALINAS, CA 93901
Categories: SALINAS CA

546 ABBOTT ST STE 5 18.2 miles

546 ABBOTT ST STE 5
SALINAS, CA 93901
Categories: SALINAS CA

558 ABBOTT ST STE A 18.2 miles

558 ABBOTT ST STE A
SALINAS, CA 93901
Categories: SALINAS CA

558 ABBOTT ST 18.2 miles

558 ABBOTT ST
SALINAS, CA 93901
Categories: SALINAS CA

1212 S Main St 18.3 miles

1212 S Main St
Salinas, CA 93901
Categories: Salinas CA

535 E ROMIE LN STE 4 18.4 miles

535 E ROMIE LN STE 4
SALINAS, CA 93901
Categories: SALINAS CA

212 San Jose Street, Suite 101 18.4 miles

212 San Jose Street, Suite 101
Salinas, CA 93901
Categories: Salinas CA

947 Blanco Cir Ste A 18.8 miles

947 Blanco Cir Ste A
Salinas, CA 93901
Categories: Salinas CA

591 MCCRAY ST STE 101 20.3 miles

591 MCCRAY ST STE 101
HOLLISTER, CA 95023
Categories: HOLLISTER CA

On-Site ONLY 20.5 miles

On-Site ONLY
Seaside, CA 93955
Categories: Seaside CA

1513 FREMONT BLVD STE E1 21.5 miles

1513 FREMONT BLVD STE E1
SEASIDE, CA 93955
Categories: SEASIDE CA

501 Lighthouse Ave 22.0 miles

501 Lighthouse Ave
Monterey, CA 93940
Categories: Monterey CA

245 WASHINGTON ST 22.6 miles

245 WASHINGTON ST
MONTEREY, CA 93940
Categories: MONTEREY CA

275 HOSPITAL PKWY FL 5 22.9 miles

275 HOSPITAL PKWY FL 5
SAN JOSE, CA 95119
Categories: SAN JOSE CA

499 ALVARADO ST 22.9 miles

499 ALVARADO ST
MONTEREY, CA 93940
Categories: MONTEREY CA

757 Pacific Street, Suite B1 23.2 miles

757 Pacific Street, Suite B1
Monterey, CA 93940
Categories: Monterey CA

554 BLOSSOM HILL RD 24.0 miles

554 BLOSSOM HILL RD
SAN JOSE, CA 95123
Categories: SAN JOSE CA

23625 HOLMAN HWY 24.5 miles

23625 HOLMAN HWY
MONTEREY, CA 93940
Categories: MONTEREY CA

25, Via Luigi Pirandello 24.9 miles

25, Via Luigi Pirandello
Pedara, Catania, KS 95030
Categories: Pedara, Catania KS

(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)

Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Watsonville, CA Drug testing locations, Call us Today!

"When you need a test, choose the best"

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How to schedule a DOT drug test in Watsonville, CA

To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Watsonville, CA call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.

The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center which performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smart phone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.

Our laboratories are SAMHSA certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).

In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Watsonville, CA , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.

On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

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What are the DOT drug testing requirements?

In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.

49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as part 40) explains:

  • How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
  • Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
  • What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation

Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:

  • The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
  • Who is subject to comply with these regulations
  • What type of testing is required
  • When testing is required
  • Consequences of non-compliance

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regards to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take affect on January 6, 2020.

The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.

For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!

The Opioid Overdose Crisis

Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

  • Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
  • Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
  • An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
  • About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
  • Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
  • The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
  • Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)

DOT Compliance Checklist in Watsonville, CA

DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)

  • Pre-Employment Tests
  • Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
  • Substance Abuse Professional Process
  • Regulations on File
  • Random Pool Testing
  • *Supervisor Training
  • *Written Policy
  • Post-Accident Testing Situations
  • Previous Employers Checks
  • Employee Education
  • Record Keeping
  • Removal of covered Employee
  • Designated Employer Representative

* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)

If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.

The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.

To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.

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What is a DOT Drug Test in Watsonville, CA ?

On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:

  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Opioids**
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • ** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.

    In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group

    When is a DOT drug test required in Watsonville, CA ?

    All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:

    • Pre-employment
    • Random
    • Reasonable suspicion
    • Return to Duty
    • Post-Accident
    • Follow Up

What is DOT pre employment testing in Watsonville, CA ?

As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.

Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.

What is random DOT Drug Testing in Watsonville, CA ?

All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.

Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.

The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[FMCSA]
25% 10%
Federal Aviation Administration
[FAA]
25% 10%
Federal Railroad Administration
[FRA]
25% - Covered Service
50% - Maintenance of Way *
10% - Covered Service
25% - Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration
[FTA]
50% 10%
United States Coast Guard
[USCG]
(with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
50% N/A
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
DOT Agency
2019 Random Drug Testing Rate
2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA]
25%
10%
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA]
25%
10%
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA]
25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way *
10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration [FTA]
50%
10%
United States Coast Guard [USCG]
(with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
50%
N/A

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What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Watsonville, CA ?

Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use

What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Watsonville, CA ?

If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.

Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.

What is DOT post accident drug testing Watsonville, CA ?

If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.

If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.

Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.

What is DOT follow up drug testing Watsonville, CA ?

DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Watsonville, CA simply call us at (800)221-4291

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DOT Drug Testing Services Watsonville, CA

(800)221-4291

For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here

For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here

Handy Resources

Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

    Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.

  2. FDA: Drug Testing

    Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.

  3. PDR.net

    Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.

  4. BeSafeRx - FDA

    Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.

  5. SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace

    Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.

  6. Drugs.com

    Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.

  7. Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)

    Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.

  8. Merck Manuals

    Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.

  9. SAMHSA Store

    Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.

  10. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)

    Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.

  11. CDC: Workplace Health Promotion

    CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.

  12. Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing

    General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.

  13. MedlinePlus: Drug Testing

    Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.

  14. University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia

    Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.

  15. World Health Organization (WHO)

    International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.

  16. Healthline: Drug Testing

    Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.

  17. WebMD: Drug Testing

    Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.

  18. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

    Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.

AI Overview

Understanding DOT Drug Testing

DOT drug testing is a regulatory requirement enforced by the United States Department of Transportation to ensure that operators and safety-sensitive personnel in the transportation industry are compliant with federal drug-free workplace laws. This testing applies to millions of transportation professionals across various sectors, including aviation, trucking, railways, public transit, and pipelines.

Regulated Entities and Individuals

  • Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers: Includes anyone operating commercial vehicles that require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
  • Aviation Professionals: Applies to pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and aircraft maintenance personnel.
  • Railroad Operators: Covers those who operate trains, prepare vehicles for service, and dispatch operations on the railway.
  • Public Transit Workers: Encompasses bus drivers, mechanics, and any staff responsible for the safety of public transport operations.
  • Pipeline Operators: Includes individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities.

What Substances Are Tested?

The DOT drug testing program focuses on several major classes of drugs:

  1. Amphetamines and Methamphetamines
  2. Opiates, including heroin, codeine, and morphine
  3. Cocaine
  4. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found in marijuana
  5. Phencyclidine (PCP)

Procedure of DOT Drug Testing

The testing process is standardized to prevent tampering and ensure consistent results:

  • Sample Collection: Urine samples are collected under strict conditions to ensure that they are not tampered with or substituted.
  • Screening Tests: Initial screenings are conducted using immunoassay techniques. If a test is positive, further confirmation is required.
  • Confirmation Tests: Confirmatory testing using more precise methods like Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) confirms the presence of specific drugs.
  • Review Process: An MRO reviews confirmed positive results to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation before reporting the result to the employer.

Implications of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with DOT drug testing regulations can lead to significant consequences:

  • Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties: Employees testing positive are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties.
  • Rehabilitation and Return-to-Duty Testing: Before returning to duty, employees must undergo an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), complete any prescribed treatment, and have negative results on follow-up tests.
  • Employment Consequences: Additional consequences may include job suspension, termination, or other disciplinary actions based on the employer’s policies.

DOT drug testing serves as a critical safeguard in the transportation industry, promoting a safe and responsible work environment while ensuring public safety and compliance with federal regulations.

Local Area Info: Watsonville, California

Watsonville is a city in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. The population was 51,199 according to the 2010 census. Located on the central coast of California, the economy centers predominantly around the farming industry. It is known for growing strawberries, apples, lettuce and a host of other vegetables. Watsonville is home to people of varied ethnic backgrounds. There is a large Hispanic population, as well as groups of Croatians, Filipinos, Portuguese, Sikhs, and Japanese that live and work in the city.

The Pajaro Valley, where Watsonville is located, has a climate that is around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout much of the year. This climate makes Watsonville an attractive coastal environment for the neighboring inland communities with very hot summers. The Pajaro Valley Unified School District has an attendance of about 18,000 students kindergarten through 12th grades. There are several private religious-based schools in Watsonville such as Notre Dame School, Monte Vista Christian, Salesian Sisters, and St. Francis. There are also several charter schools and the non-religious independent Pre-K through 12th grade Mount Madonna School. These schools provide a wide range of educational options for local families. Watsonville is generally conservative on the political spectrum, and average relative to the neighboring communities of Salinas, Castroville, and Prunedale. It is, however, a self-designated sanctuary city.

The larger coastal town directly north of Watsonville is the city of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is a draw for many young college students who attend Cabrillo College or University of California, Santa Cruz. Because Watsonville and Santa Cruz are beach towns, they draw many visitors from San Jose and from the Central Valley areas. Like neighboring Salinas in Monterey County, Watsonville produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, primarily apples, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and table mushrooms.

Show Regional Data

Population (total): Population in 2017: 54,098 (100% urban, 0% rural). >Population change since 2000: +22.2%

Population (female): 26,075

Median Age: 30.1 years

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $1,434.

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Watsonville: 157.7 (very high, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 15.6%

Poverty (breakdown): (8.1% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 3.0% for Black residents, 17.2% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 7.5% for American Indian residents, 15.3% for other race residents, 16.1% for two or more races residents)

Sex Offenders: According to our research of California and other state lists, there were 77 registered sex offenders living in Watsonville, California as of January 18, 2021. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Watsonville is 697 to 1.The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city

Ancestries:

Median Incomes:
      Estimated median household income in 2017: $55,776 (it was $37,617 in 2000)
      Estimated per capita income in 2017: $20,644 (it was $13,205 in 2000)
      Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $467,302 (it was $207,300 in 2000) Watsonville:$467,302CA:$509,400

Watsonville's land was first inhabited by an Indian tribe called the Costanoans. This tribe settled along the Pajaro Dunes since the land was fertile and useful for the cultivation of their plants and animals. In 1796, European explorers came to the land where they claimed to have seen a big bird along the side of the river, this symbol helped explorers to establish the name of the main river, which they identified as Rio del Pajaro, or River of the Bird. This river that runs along the boundaries of the city divides the Santa Cruz County and the Monterey County. In 1847, the second wave of European explorers was presented to this land where they finally decided to settle. Forty of these explorers officially lived in the city and had animals and some crops. In 1848, the California Gold Rush in the Sierra Nevada Mountains was an important event for the city, because people began to buy land for the low price that it had, allowing them to acquire large areas of property where farming and ranching would be among the simple practices that would shape the economy of the city. The community was incorporated as the Town of Watsonville on or about March 30, 1868 and named after Judge John Watson. The town changed its name to the City of Watsonville about 1889. The voters adopted a charter in 1903. The Watsonville Railway and Navigation Company operated an interurban railway to Port Watsonville on Monterey Bay where it connected with an overnight produce packet boat to San Francisco from 1904 to 1913.

(800) 221-4291