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Watsonville
January 28, 2026

Simón Salinas belongs in the Watsonville High School Hall of Fame

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) and reflect on the trailblazers who have opened doors for future generations, it’s time for the Watsonville High School Foundation to honor one of its most distinguished alumni, former California State Assemblymember Simón Salinas, with...

When we silence teachers, we teach fear instead of freedom

There are moments in a community’s life when silence is not neutral. It is a decision. This is one of those moments in Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Our Board of Trustees is preparing to approve revisions to Policy 6144 - the so-called “Controversial Issues” policy....

We deserve better communication skills

President Donald Trump's recent struggle to pronounce the word “acetaminophen” during a press conference in which he advised pregnant women against using Tylenol, elicited mockery across social media.  Acetaminophen is the primary ingredient in Tylenol, widely used for pain relief, which the administration alleges is...

Keeping Health Care Local, Together

The Pajaro Valley Health Care District is evolving to better reflect and represent the diverse voices that make up our community. Today, our board of directors is elected “at-large,” meaning that every registered voter within the District votes for each seat. Beginning in 2026,...

Letters to the editor Oct. 3 – 9

Bring tennis back to Callaghan Park There are many American legends of men’s professional tennis. And from its beginnings, the United States has produced the finest players the world over. In recent decades that has not been the case. Why? The decline of interest in...

Watsonville’s Firefighters and Their Lifesaving Mission

When a call comes in for a medical emergency, every second counts.  While an ambulance may be on its way from other parts of the county, it is often the Watsonville Fire Department that arrives first. What many people may not know is that every...

Supervisor Felipe Hernandez – September 2025

santa cruz county supervisor felipe hernandez
As summer concludes and we transition into the fall season, I am pleased to share updates on recent accomplishments and upcoming initiatives in our district. Summer is always a busy time for infrastructure improvements, community events, and public engagement, and this year was no...

Reshaping the focus of history

From the first day his administration assumed office this January, President Trump broke all records issuing executive orders.  He generated 26 on his first day alone. These presidential directives covered a wide swath of topics, from sweeping changes in how the federal government works to...

Mayor’s column August 2025: In praise of the airport

When people hear “Watsonville Airport,” it often brings to mind moments of resilience and pride—whether it was serving as a crucial lifeline after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, playing a key emergency role during the 2020 CZU fires, or even welcoming a presidential visit...

In support of CASA: California’s budget decisions are failing its most vulnerable children

Difficult decisions were made to pass the California state budget this year. We understand lawmakers worked hard to protect essential programs. However, much more could have been done for foster and justice-involved youth. Among the most alarming cuts was the elimination of statewide CASA...
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How are watsonville late-night businesses adapting to changing entertainment habits

How Are Watsonville’s Late-Night Businesses Adapting to Changing Entertainment Habits?

Published in cooperation between Cardplayer and Pajaronian Evening routines in Watsonville look different than a decade ago. Where late nights once revolved around a narrow...

Alliances in turmoil

Boys To Men