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Reflections on the July 16 PVUSD Board Meeting
The July 16 PVUSD Board meeting exposed deep divisions in our community and the urgent need for respectful, reasoned civic engagement—especially concerning student safety. I spoke in strong support of renewing the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, joined by parents, pastors, and community leaders. Our message was clear: student safety must not be sacrificed to satisfy political agendas.
Unfortunately, Trustee Gabe Medina’s conduct was deeply unprofessional and inflammatory—frequently interrupting colleagues, making racially divisive remarks, and creating an atmosphere ripe for escalation. Ironically, the calm, visible presence of armed officers in the room proved exactly why SROs are needed.
Despite Medina’s efforts to derail the vote, the board renewed the SRO contracts—a victory for common sense and student protection. Two surveys this year showed nearly 80% community support. Those still opposed should pursue nonpartisan research—not political theater.
As a pastor, teacher, and former lifeguard, I know prevention requires presence. Like lifeguards, SROs build relationships and deter crises before they erupt. We must not repeat the mistake of 2020, when the program was removed—only to be reinstated after a fatal stabbing.
PVUSD is in crisis from within. In 2026, we must elect leaders who prioritize student well-being over divisive agendas.
Brandon Johnson
Felton
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A message to my Trump-supporting friends
Since 2016, I have tried hard to listen to many of you, hoping to find some middle ground, and you have made some good points. Immigration needs to be regulated, post-adolescent boys should not compete against girls in sports, drug use and crime are out of control–especially in liberal cities, and federal government regulations can be onerous.
But here’s the problem: President Trump and his appointees do not seem to believe in
1) Science: i.e. Global Warming, vaccines, and defunding research universities.
2) Law and Order: i.e. insisting that the 2020 election was stolen after 60+ judges confirmed that Trump lost, as well as firing 17 federal agency Inspectors General, whose purpose is to prevent fraud in those agencies.
3) Facts: i.e. over 30,000 fact-checked lies during President Trump’s first term, and recent lies about grocery prices going down and keeping the US out of war with Iran.
4) The Constitution: 39 judges have ruled against President Trump’s violations of the Constitution, and in a recent interview, the president said “I don’t know if I have to obey the Constitution”.
I cannot allow my beloved country to continue to be run by people who do not believe in science, law and order, facts, or the Constitution, and I’m not alone.
Don Eggleston
Aptos
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PVUSD Needs Leadership, Not Chaos
Pajaro Valley Unified School District cannot succeed under Trustee Gabriel Medina’s divisive leadership. Since his 2024 election, Medina has made antisemitic remarks, mocked a colleague with “Come at me, Barbie,” and threatened fellow board members with a $35,000 defamation lawsuit. He’s violated the Brown Act by leaking closed-session details and pushed personal convenience over district priorities—most recently demanding board meetings change to fit his work schedule. Medina ignored 80% community support for School Resource Officers and rejected a student teacher simply for her Christian college affiliation. His actions put ideology before students and staff. PVUSD deserves trustees who prioritize education, safety, and unity—not personal agendas and disruption.
Michael Lelieur
Santa Cruz
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Good Samaritan comes to the rescue
I went to the grocery store last week for some treats. When I reached the cashier I found that I had left my wallet at home, and told the cashier that I would be right back for my purchase since I lived only a few blocks away. The lady in front of me turned around and told the cashier that she would pay my bill. I protested since it would take me no time at all to return, but this lovely person insisted on paying and said she was sure that I did a lot of good in the community so she was happy to cover my bill. This act of kindness lifted me up for the day, the week and probably the rest of the month. I shared the story at my senior center that day and now I am sharing it with you because we can all use a story to make us smile. I will definitely pay it forward. I am so happy to live in Watsonville where the contentious nature of our federal government does not prevent us from treating our neighbors with generosity and grace.
Reba Condon
Watsonville
