Rewriting America’s history
George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984” contains the famous slogan: “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
This quote from Orwell’s book is intended to mean that those in power manipulate historical records to shape public perception, justify current...
For the Love of Flicks: Chazelle does it again with ‘First Man’
Two things are at the essence of emotionally moving and thought-provoking films: sights and sounds. Damien Chazelle wholeheartedly understands this. It was apparent in “Whiplash,” his directorial debut in 2014, and only further confirmed with 2016’s “La La Land.”
From the editor's desk, Jan. 9: Stay home if you are sick, please
The flu season this year is shaping up to be worse than normal, as I can attest to.
Summer school programs
By Jennifer Holm & Jennifer Schacher, PVUSD Board President & Vice-President
In a little less than a month, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District school year draws to a close, and we move into summer. While the gap between June and August can be a...
Guest View: County jails are failing people awaiting trial
Recently, we learned of a hunger strike in the Santa Cruz County main jail. Due to intolerable conditions, nine men awaiting trial started a hunger strike on Nov. 8. Five remained on hunger strike for nearly a month. Their demands?
• That jail staff treat...
Giving thanks
There is a unique term in Japanese that is used by Buddhists as they sit down to partake of a meal. The term in itadakimasu 頂きます. Before someone begins to eat they place their palms together and say the words itadakimasu. In a simple...
This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, May 14
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...
True and real
MEMO FROM REV. SHINSEKI
“A human being, his material possessions, and his surroundings are merely shadows of his mind. However, this Truth cannot be understood by an ignorant person who thinks the thought that things exist everlastingly or that things become completely extinct. These two...
Charles Montoya, Feb. 3: Past accomplishments, future challenges
As we embark on Watsonville’s 150th birthday, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what the City Council, staff and community partners have accomplished over the last two years and look forward to the year ahead.
Aptos wins first-ever CCS championship in school history | Boys soccer
The Aptos High boys’ soccer team went on an unprecedented postseason run during the 2025-26 winter season.
It began with bringing home the program’s first-ever...



















