WATSONVILLE — The Pajaronian celebrated its 150th anniversary with a gathering Saturday inside the Heritage Hall at the fairgrounds.
The event included an historical display of newspapers and other artifacts throughout the R-P’s 15-decade history, as well as a proclamation by Santa Cruz County Supervisors Greg Caput and Zach Friend.
The Pajaronian was established as a weekly newspaper on March 5, 1868 by J.A. Cottle. The paper eventually merged with the Register, and became the Pajaronian in 1937.
With advancements in technology allowing people to publish news themselves, whether truthful or not, Friend said there is “nothing more important than having a consistent local voice in media.”
“Make sure that the first 150 years goes for another 150 years,” he said. “We need that local voice in the Pajaro Valley and throughout Santa Cruz County.”
Pajaronian Publisher Jeanie Johnson said that is the plan.
“The Pajaronian’s history is Watsonville’s history, and we’re proud to be here to provide that record for the community,” she said.
