Let’s put Dutra to work at the county
To the Editor,
We are living in a very interesting time in our country. We are sort of living on the edge a little bit, not knowing what will happen next. We try to make reasonable decisions about many things; sometimes we are right and sometimes we miss the mark. We try to stay focused on our own communities, our own cities, our own towns and we do this because it is better to stay connected to what is familiar to us.
I believe that, at this time and place, it may be a whole lot better to step outside the box, make bold moves and commit to something new. I am talking about the election on Nov. 6. It is time to vote, time to get back into the game, be for something or someone. As a citizen … let your voice be heard!
I want to speak about Jimmy Dutra who is running for supervisor for the Fourth District. I am not going to list all of the amazing things he has accomplished for Watsonville, as a City Councilman and now Mayor Pro Tem. He is dedicated to our community. He works tirelessly for our community. He has inspired the young, the old, the rich and the poor. He sees only what needs to be done to make people more comfortable, more connected, and he finds a way to get things accomplished.
You may see a new park, a new garden, a new transportation facility that has been remodeled, with a touch of class, I might add! You may see our sloughs and surrounding areas cleaned up and you might be happy with what you see. You may even say “well, it’s about time”! But what you don’t see is the hard work, the negotiations and the dedication behind the scenes. That is how Jimmy Dutra works! Let’s put him to work on the county level. Let’s make a change, let’s step out of the box. Let’s take a giant step forward! Let’s get out and vote for Jimmy Dutra for Supervisor!
Connie M. Sauer
Watsonville
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Trail without rail will save millions
To the Editor,
It is much more likely that we will have subsidized self-driving vehicles taking anyone in Santa Cruz County safely and efficiently from their doorstep to their desired destination before we will have practical, safe two-way passenger rail service on a single track only intended for slow-moving freight. It is unfortunate that some locals are being duped into heavily subsidizing an outside organization only interested in increasing their profits and who already have a questionable reputation after deceiving many others.
Until anything can be truly proven to better benefit the masses, let’s at least be assured that the corridor through Santa Cruz County will be used in the best interest of locals as a safe and tranquil area for families and all those who desire the freedom to traverse through Santa Cruz County without polluting its amazing environment. Let’s use common sense and choose the trail without rail implementation that will also save millions.
Bob Fifield
Aptos
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The voice we need
To the Editor,
Finding someone in today’s political climate who can stay above the fray, someone who doesn’t tell you that it should be politics over people, but truly puts those people first, is a rarity. We are lucky here in our community to have a leader who truly loves our region and its residents, who has proven that he is there for everyone, and importantly, who understands the importance of giving voice to those who struggle to find one or needs help expressing it. That person is Jimmy Dutra.
Our youth represent a third of our community’s population. They are our future leaders, doctors, educators, entrepreneurs, masters of technology and so much more. As an educator, I appreciate Jimmy’s commitment to investing in our youth, working tirelessly to make sure they have the tools to succeed. He understands that shaping the lives of our young people today means a prosperous, tolerant and inclusive tomorrow. Whether he invests into Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Police Activities League, reading to classrooms, or making sure that resources are getting to young people here, Jimmy has proven to be an integral figure in our community. He is a leader who consistently thinks outside the box and when faced with obstacles, works around them. When he was told there was no money to build a park and community garden in his council district, Jimmy went out and privately raised the money and made it happen.
Jimmy is a true leader. He has offered invaluable foresight over the last four years while serving on the City Council. Jimmy has been a strong voice representing us here in our community and that is why it is so important to elect him as our next county supervisor. We have long felt the impact of the lack of resources, failing infrastructure, and silenced voices. I know Jimmy will make sure we have strong representation at the table and will work hard to make sure our projects and resources get to our community. Jimmy will be the voice we need to make sure South County is heard! Please join my family and I as we vote for Jimmy Dutra for Santa Cruz County Supervisor.
Lisa Martin
Watsonville
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Watsonville Rotary thanks community
To the Editor,
I am writing on behalf of the Rotary Club of Watsonville to say thank you to the community of the Pàjaro Valley for continued support of the Burrito Bash. We just celebrated the fourth annual Burrito Bash and those in attendance had a great time. We thank our many vendors and restauranteurs for being there. The focus of our work is simple — bring the community together for a day of family fun and raise money for a variety of our club’s worthy humanitarian projects, including local scholarships, our Community Grants program and more.
We wish to thank our many sponsors who include the following:
• Couch Distributing
• Allen, Allen & Caroselli
• California Giant
• Chevrolet of Watsonville
• Chuck & Ramona Allen KW – Commercial and Ag
• Estrella TV
• Fatima’s Fine Jewelry
• iHeart Media
• KBK Insurance
• Kirk Schmidt
• KPIG/KWAV/HIPPO
• KSBW/Central Coast ABC
• KSCO AM 1080
• Martinelli’s
• PV Printing
• Rabobank
• Raeid Farhat Real Estate
• Pajaronian
• Renee Mello & Associates
• Santa Cruz County Bank
• Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Watsonville Coast Produce
• Watsonville Community Hospital
• Watsonville Mortgage
Thank you also to our Car Show Award sponsors. These folks donated funds used to provide special awards for our car show participants. They included C&N Tractors, Jack’s Cigar Store, D’La Colmena, Gil Grio DDS, PV Chamber of Commerce and Ag, John Skillicorn-Coldwell Banker, Salinas Valley Surveyors, Konvict Motorsports, Jesse Reyes-Century 21, Tom Johnson and Dennis Chamberlain.
Over 50 Rotarians and friends of Rotarians volunteered that day and many have been working for months to put the event together. So, who has the Best Burrito on the Central Coast, as the sign read? Our own Pajaro Valley’s D’La Colmena won the People’s Choice Award, voted on by the many participants at the event and Super Tacos, from San Jose, won as determined by our professional burrito judges.
Regardless, on that day, the best food in the Central Coast was served at the Burrito Bash — from oysters to carnitas, we had it all. Perfect weather, great live music, a sensational car show, family play area, all sorts of food and drink and families from all over the Central Coast led to a great time! Thank you again to our many friends who supported this event!
Murry Schekman
Rotary Club of Watsonville
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Watsonville renaissance
To the Editor,
A number of local luminaries that I have spoken to mention a “renaissance” taking place in Watsonville. The good news is that it is!
A new hotel and restaurants are being constructed in a most logical place — near Highway 1 which will attract tourists and travelers alike. A new railroad has arrived, the St. Paul & Pacific and is breathing new life into industrial downtown Watsonville by serving existing customers and generating new business. Staff of Life Foods is coming to a revitalized East Lake Village and a great new coffee house is already there. New homes are under construction which will bring a diverse demographic into town which in turn will foster new visions and embrace a welcome change. A little gentrification may not be a bad thing either.
City council candidate Casey Clark stated: “If you aren’t growing, you’re dead.” That is true, especially in agriculture which is the primary economic engine for Watsonville but also applies to attracting other types of businesses as well. Watsonville has been stagnant for so long and the old guard needs to embrace change. Residents are demanding new retail such as Costco and Wal-Mart. Currently, they are shopping and taking tax dollars elsewhere. The downtown looks great but the retail options are limited. The 1950’s and ‘60s are gone and unfortunately, the retail that once was may never return. Historic downtown Watsonville has a lot of potential for conventions, tourism, housing and cultural entities. Showcase the city’s beauty and bounty. All it takes is a commitment, pro-active marketing campaign and improving the city’s image.
In the upcoming election, I do hope the candidates for Watsonville City Council take notice and put forth an effort to keep the renaissance growing. Watsonville … It’s not just a city, it’s a state of mind!
Gary V. Plomp
Gilroy
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Wake up, California
To the Editor,
Why are we in California so stupid, who pay the bill for an additional 12 cents per gallon gas tax, that we are unable to state that all roads with pot holes can be fixed if California does not spend up to $70 billion for a bullet train from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Let’s all wake up.
Hank Schimpeler
Watsonville
