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Watsonville
February 4, 2026

A Year of Service, Growth, and Civic Health in Watsonville

On Dec. 9, I had the profound honor of being sworn in as Mayor of Watsonville.  Standing before community leaders, public servants, and neighbors that evening, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility.  Watsonville is a city defined by service, resilience, and possibility, and...

Letters to the Editor Dec. 12-26

Praise for Watsonville Fire Chief Lopez In 1996, I took my New School students to the Watsonville Fire Department on Second Street for an educational tour.  There I met fireman Rudy Lopez, who took an interest in my "second chance" high school students.  I met...

ICE becomes an autocratic tool

It is generally accepted that, historically, a common survival strategy for autocratic leaders includes forming a personal paramilitary support group. These groups serve to counterbalance the regular military, strengthen security services  and provide an armed force loyal directly to the leaders, rather than the...

PVUSD Trustees should reconsider layoff decision

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Dec. 11 school board meeting was truly dysfunctional, and represents an extreme deviation from sound governance based on community input.  The state of California gives school districts until March 15 to issue initial layoff notices. According to the California...

December Update: 2025 A Year of Delivering Results

As we close out the year, I want to provide District 4 with a clear update on the work we’ve advanced together. My priorities have remained steady: deliver improvements, protect our families, and bring long-overdue investment to South County. This year was defined by...

Letters to the Editor Dec. 5-11

Suggestions for PVUSD My recommendations regarding the Recommended Realignments of PVUSD: 1. Regarding school closure, I have advocated for an idea to sell the District Office Building and move it to a school—which should be considered for closing—since 2024. I also would like to advocate for...

Obey or defy superior orders

Since September, on orders from President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the U.S. military has executed air strikes on more than 21 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.  Many of these vessels have been identified as fishing boats,...

Letters to the Editor Nov. 28-Dec. 4

Medina ‘not shrinking back’ after Lelieur letter Mr. Lelieur’s letter (Nov. 21-28, p. 8) tries to present a clear picture of the PVUSD Nov. 12 board meeting, but anyone who was present or watched the recording knows his version doesn’t match reality. The board president...

Mayor’s message: A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Impact

Dear Community, As I close out my term as your Mayor, I’ve been reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together this year. When I stepped into this role, I made a commitment, not to titles or recognition, but on making a real difference that families...

Letters to the editor Nov. 21-27

Criticism for Medina PVUSD trustee Gabriel Medina never fails to amaze me. From challenging the right of a Christian woman from a Midwest Bible college to student teach, to threatening to sue the district for $35,000, his conduct has been a lesson on how not...
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Team White records shutout to win Central Coast Football All-Star game...

The 40th Annual Central Coast High School All-Star Football Game was a one-sided affair as Team White crushed Team Black, 42-0, at Rabobank Stadium...