Sandy Lydon: How Jack London continues to build fires
These chilly nights have kick-started my personal fire-building season. Wood fires are the only source of heat in our home, so a fire in a woodstove is now a daily necessity.
I first learned how to build a fire from my paternal grandmother who lived...
Commission decision is a ‘disgrace’
I was absolutely shocked to read that the Watsonville Parks and Recreation Commission recommended the removal of the George Washington bust from the City Plaza. George Washington was the first president of the United States. He made many personal and financial sacrifices, as well...
Addressing our local housing crisis
Our state and local housing crisis can be measured in many ways: From the more than $70,000 one has to earn to afford the rent of a two-bedroom apartment locally to our state’s 78,000 unsheltered homeless (nearly half of the nation’s total), to county med
Guest View: Securing our health, keeping our commitment: Vote Yes on Measure N
Our community stands at a pivotal juncture. Access to life-saving, local healthcare for tens of thousands of residents throughout the Pajaro Valley, Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County is on the March 5, 2024 ballot.
Measure N is not just a bond; it is...
Letters to the editor, Oct. 19-25
"Questionable Endorsements of three PVUSD Trustee candidates by CSEA 132
I learned that California School Employees Association( CSEA) Chapter 132 endorsed PVUSD Trustee candidates Ms. Georgia Acosta ( Area 2), MR. Oscar Soto ( Area 3) and Mr. Adam Scow ( Area 6). I also...
A lesson from the temptation of Jesus
The 40 days of Lent observed in Christianity begins with the story of Jesus who fasted for 40 days in the wilderness immediately following his baptism. It is as if before Jesus began his ministry, he needed to go through a spiritual boot camp...
Johanna Miller, July 27: What’s the deal with lane splitting?
Last month, I took a trip to San Francisco to visit my friend, Holly, who had recently moved to the city from Oregon. We had met during college and were looking forward to a weekend of catching up and sight-seeing. A near-accident in the middle of the trip ended up putting quite a damper on our mood.
Hollywood’s harmful fixation on fashion
When I walked into work on Monday morning, a fellow reporter asked me if I’d tuned in to the Hollywood award show known as the Golden Globes, which was broadcasted the previous night. I had not—in fact, I didn’t even know it had aired.
I...
Letters to the Editor, Jan. 23–29
Passenger rail price estimates too high
One can never convince me that restoring the Santa Cruz Branch rail line for passenger rail would cost an estimated $4.2 billion dollars! I am not a transportation planner or consultant however it is obvious something doesn't jive and...
Community leaders host rally for Measure E
Dozens of community members and local leaders gathered at a rally Friday at Watsonville Community Hospital in support of Measure E, the temporary half-cent...

















