WATSONVILLE — The Veterans Memorial Building has been a fixture in Watsonville since it was built in 1934 by local architect A.W. Storey.
With a long, rich history—including being the location where Japanese-Americans were held before internment in 1942 — the building, located at 215 East Beach St., has had a number of different uses.
But for a long time now, the building has not been utilized for those it is named — veterans themselves.
The City of Watsonville, particularly Parks & Community Services, has been using the building for various sports groups and activities over the years, as well as renting it out for special events such as wedding receptions.
Recently, the County of Santa Cruz began looking into the Veterans Memorial Building and how it could once again serve South County veterans groups. Applied Survey Research (ASR) was tasked earlier this year by the county to gather information.
According to Senior Research Analyst Jennifer Anderson-Ochoa of ASR, a number of “key informant interviews” with county stakeholders, as well as focus groups of veterans, were held this summer.
And next week, an open-to-the-public community meeting will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building, aiming to continue the study.
Anderson-Ochoa said that the meeting is meant to reflect back the data they gathered, as well as hear opinions from the public, especially South County veterans.
“We are asking: What are the biggest unmet needs?” Anderson-Ochoa said. “We want to know how people think the building can be of better use to them.”
The meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 215 East Beach St.
For information, call 728-1356.
