65.9 F
Watsonville
November 4, 2025

This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, May 14

pajaro valley's past
25 years ago on May 14, 1996 The program “Home Independent Study” is open in the PV School District at Alianza Elementary School. The 90-plus students enrolled in it are free to explore their own learning styles, interests and ideas while keeping within state and...

The trouble with snakes

Rev. Robin Mathews-Johnson
“ called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” (Mark 8:34) What does that really mean anyway? I can tell you what it...

This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, June 18

Pajaro Valley past
25 years ago on June 18, 1996 Today is the 4th annual celebration of the apparition of the Virgin Mary on one of the trees at Pinto Lake County Park. The image was first sighted by Anita Contreras Mendoza as she walked through the park....

Curbing cancel culture

cabrillo college
Soon the “Name Exploration Subcommittee” of Cabrillo College's Governing Board will transition into the next phase of the process adopted to consider potentially changing our community college’s name and identity. This controversial issue resurfaced mid-2020, and has continued as a topic of discussion of...

How did we lose our sense of living here on Earth?

We are living in an unprecedented time of change and upheaval. Every night when I turn on the evening news, you would think the world is going to hell in a handbasket. In the backdrop of global pandemic that is not abating, wildfires are...

Taking pride in our fairgrounds

Jimmy Dutra
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is a hidden gem that needs to be protected. It has been said that fairgrounds date back to Greek times where they were created to offer a place for people to buy and sell goods. Over the years fairgrounds...

A lesson from the temptation of Jesus

Rev. John Song
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...

Movie Review: 'Moonlight' lives up to lofty expectations

“Moonlight,” which is based off Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue,” does not come without flaws but I think that’s the purpose of this film.

Bill Monning, Aug. 5: Purple Heart Day

On July 20, 2017, the California State Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 55 declaring Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day in California. I am proud to be a coauthor of this resolution that honors Purple Heart recipients and those who serve in the Armed Fo

On my mind, Aug. 26: Three big losses

It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of three important friends, who I believe played a huge role in shaping the fabric of Watsonville: Jim Rector, master home builder, Peggy Avalos, site manager at the Watsonville Senior Center through Community Bridges, and Lorraine Stucki, community activist and former Couch Distributing worker.
7,695FansLike
4,949FollowersFollow
2,895FollowersFollow

Photo story: Proposition 50 on ballot, polls open for election day

A group of abut a dozen people wave their signs advocating for YES of Proposition 50 Monday on the Rio Del Mar over-crossing to...