Theo Wierdsma column: Counting the votes
Joseph Stalin famously remarked that in an election, “Those who vote decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything.”
While stakeholders in our democratic system insist that our votes count, in reality, given our electoral system, which consistently features two major political parties, in...
Ed Durkee, Nov. 21: Let’s be thankful, all year long
The dinner table is about to be set, the turkey and the stuffing are ready, and the holiday season is officially upon us.
Letters to the Editor, March 4
We must address homelessness
On Wednesday morning I went to our dog groomers, Vanity Fur, at 10 Alexander St. in Watsonville. There was a huge mound of black garbage bags near their door and I wondered if they were going out of business. As I...
This week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, March 5
Compiled by Steve Bankhead
25 years ago on March 4, 1996
Watsonville High teacher Kathy Anderson was named Santa Cruz County’s Teacher of the Year for her work in the Interactive Mathematics Program. She sought help from the Packard Foundation and received a $150,000 grant to...
Holiday hopes, gratitude from Mayor Jimmy Dutra
By Jimmy Dutra, Watsonville Mayor
The holidays are typically the happiest time of the year. However, this has not been a typical year. Our businesses have taken a financial hit. Food insecurity is at an all-time high. Stimulus checks are not cutting it. Restless nights...
Letters to the Editor, Oct. 2
Vote for Gomez
Tony Gomez has been actively involved in supporting youth in the community of Watsonville for many years.
He has volunteered his time and resources in support of the Boy Scouts of America in many capacities. He has been an adult leader for Troop...
Valuing those who teach our kids
Like so many others who live on the beautiful Central Coast, I make the daily trek over the hill to my workplace in Silicon Valley. However, unlike so many of my fellow Highway 17 warriors, I am not a techie at Google or Facebook, but rather I am a teache
Awakening for a better world
The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
—Jesus
When...
Faith sees obstacles as opportunities
The surprising success this season of the San Francisco Giants had me thinking the other day of Dave Dravecky. Beloved by Giants fans, Dravecky was a popular pitcher until a tumor invaded his throwing arm. After surgery he forged a surprising comeback—until the cancer...
Man arrested after brandishing replica firearm
A man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly brandished an altered replica firearm in Watsonville.
Eduardo Lopez, 32, was cited and released.
Witnesses called police after...





















