Censure is a distraction from real issues
While in no way defending the recent behavior of Georgia Acosta, I have to call out those Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees members now involved in the censure pile-on.
Following the Brown Act is the responsibility of every local elected, not just the Chair of the Board. Or the Superintendent. Or the attorney. Each member should take responsibility to avoid illegal meetings.
Board Members chastising one of their own distracts us from real issues, but it plays well in the newspaper. Local politics mimic the national once again.
Dennis Osmer, Watsonville
Improve our bus system first
Frank Anderson’s recent op-ed on improving the local bus system was right on. The degradation in service over the last year, partly due to Covid-19 restrictions and a lack of investment, is nothing short of criminal, especially as people are going back to work and climate change is looming. The huge cost of a train—that will be paid by all of us in many years of increased taxes, whether we can ride it or not—is money that could instead be spent on trails to Watsonville’s unspoiled beaches, a public swimming pool and many more community recreational opportunities that north county has and south county does not. I hope everyone will tell the city council and their county supervisors that we need better bus service—more routes, more frequent service—sooner than later.
Nadene Thorn, Watsonville
Support PV Shelter Services
There could not be a more crucial time for the community to come together and participate in the virtual run, hosted by the Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, for Mother’s Day this May. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all of us in many ways, however, those living in marginalized communities such as homelessness, experience the negative consequences of a pandemic much more due to their already marginalized status.
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services is an exceptional resource for the Watsonville community, it is an organization that prides itself on helping women and children affected by homelessness but also provides wonderful services such as job training. Since the pandemic shutdown in March of 2020, over half of PVSS’ clients have lost their jobs, and the need for its services has grown. One of the most profitable fundraisers for the organization, the Mother’s Day 3k, 5k and 10k run was held virtually for the first time in 36 years last year, and again this year. Participating or donating to this event will provide more services like job training and financial literacy and education to people in our community in need.
Berenice Mejia-Munoz, Watsonville
Additional safety measures are needed for airport
The crash of a small single-engine plane near Pajaro Valley High School that left the pilot and his passenger with minor cuts and bruises, could have ended much worse if it had occurred at a time when students and staff were on campus. It happened on a recent Sunday afternoon about 100 yards from the school. Thank God it was not worse, but in my opinion, some additional safety measures are seriously needed to keep residents safe, on the ground. Meanwhile, let’s fly the friendly skies.
Mike Bobeda, Watsonville
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