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Watsonville
February 19, 2026

Santa Cruz County Supervisors year in review

In previous years, I have written about the year in review, however, since we are approaching the turn of the decade this coming year, it seems appropriate to have a decade in review.  As many of you are already aware, the county has been...

Concerned residents say ‘no’ to pesticide sprays

letter to the editor pajaronian
On Aug. 24, four of five Santa Cruz County Supervisors, except Greg Caput, from Pajaro Valley’s District 4, rejected the County Civil Grand Jury’s recommendation that they support an online pilot program to provide the public with advance notice of hazardous pesticides being applied...

Avocado toast on a budget | Try This

"Try This" is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. Tony Nuñez FOOD: El Valle Produce's Avocado Toast I believe I’ve written about El Valle Produce, 530 Walker St., before but I’ve never mentioned their incredible and...

Movie Review: Dense 'Alien: Covenant' wastes great performances

Scott’s second go-around in the prequel series is dense, plodding and just plain boring in moments. If you liked the pace and the deep universe building of “Prometheus,” you’ll find bits and pieces that will help make the movie manageable. Everyone else,

It’s not a goodbye; it’s a see you later

Tony's Thoughts
Nearly 10 years ago I took the advice of former Pajaronian Sports Editor Glenn Cravens to apply for his position as he was leaving for another regional publication. At the time, I was three years removed from my Watsonville High School graduation, and still...

Australia, a country on fire | On My Mind

Major bush fires continue to burn in Australia garnering worldwide concern. Thus far 24 fatalities have been reported, including three volunteer firefighters, and experts are assuming that entire species of animals and plant life will be wiped out by the fires, according to various...

The Oscars don’t care about your feelings | Tony’s Thoughts

Over the last few years there has been so much talk about how the  Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences can make the Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, relevant again.  The annual show, which is scheduled for its 92nd running next month,...

Letters to the Editor, Dec. 2

letter to the editor pajaronian
Name change decision defies wishes of majority I read with regret Todd Guild's article in your Nov. 18 edition, “Cabrillo College trustees vote for name change.” According to the article, 76% of our community did not want to change the name of our excellent community...

Letters to the Editor, May 7

letter to the editor pajaronian
Railbanking is the answer Who, what, why, where, when and how? These are the questions that need to be considered in any public transportation project. According to the RTC's planning documents, a $1.3 billion train would primarily serve a projected 300 Watsonville commuters, making an insignificant impact...

Three ways to help friends in crisis

Memo from Pastor Rene Schlaepfer
Memo from Pastor Rene A friend who is a local marriage and family therapist told me recently she’s booked solid with Zoom counseling sessions every day. “People are feeling so much anxiety now,” she said, “more than I’ve ever seen in my practice.” Stress from...
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LEVEE MONEY The Pajaro River meanders through a course of trees and brush near downtown Watsonville.

Padilla, Schiff secure $54M for Pajaro River Levee

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla announced Tuesday that he and Sen. Adam Schiff secured $54 million in federal funding for the Pajaro River Flood Risk...