Luis Alejo | A 25-year movement for peace and unity
Exactly 25 years ago this Sunday, the Watsonville community was shocked after the tragic shootings of 9-year old Jessica Cortez and her 16-year old brother, Jorge Cortez at El Nopal Bakery in Pajaro.
Letters to the Editor, April 23
Immigrants are essential
Immigrants have played a critical role throughout the pandemic in our community. Across the country, nearly 23 million immigrants have been putting their lives on the line in essential roles that keep our children and families healthy, and keep our child care,...
Letters to the Editor, Oct. 29
It’s time for unity
Thanks to Mr. Wierdsma for his piece on the huge and ever-growing divide between both political parties, a well-written editorial. Having said that, I have an opinion as to the cause for said divide.
President Clinton many years back, was able to...
On My Mind: Slowly returning to normal
Last week my wife Sarah and I joined our friends Craig and Norma for dinner at Johnny’s Harborside restaurant in the Santa Cruz Harbor. It was the first time any of us have enjoyed a sit down meal indoors since November due to pandemic...
Gullible grandma vs. determined scammer
By DeAnne Hart, of Watsonville
I return to my country home with two canisters of propane for the camp stove and lantern in anticipation of a third long dark evening without power. My husband and helper Joelle meet me at the door, pulling up a chair...
Erica Padilla-Chavez: We are the Food Bank
What is normal? I thought things would return to normal following the three-year Covid pandemic and devastating Santa Cruz Mountain fires. I thought we’d survived the worst. But nothing could have prepared me for the first three months of 2023 and the meteorological disasters...
Supervisor’s Update: Year-end reflections
Editor’s note: This is the first part of a two-part Supervisor’s Update.
As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest Happy Holiday wishes to each and every one of you and to also wish you all...
Letter: No more outsiders for hospital
I would strongly recommend that the Watsonville City Council make their opinion known that the Council views the control of the operation and planning for the Community Hospital to be in the hands of a person that has been with the hospital and community...
Mayor’s and Supervisor’s November updates
Shaping Watsonville’s Future Together
By Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco
Our 2025 State of the City on Oct. 22 was a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and look forward—to recognize how far we’ve come and how we’re shaping a brighter future for Watsonville together.
This year’s theme, Shaping...
New leadership, shared priorities: Investing in the future of public safety
As we begin a new year, I want to reflect on the direction of public safety in Watsonville and the leadership helping guide that...

















