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 work forward.
Our Police and Fire Departments are entering this next chapter with experienced leaders who bring strong values, proven track...
Letters to the Editor Jan. 9-15
Addressing boisterous, long PVUSD meetings
What occurred at the PVUSD board meeting last month should never have happened. Trustee Joy Flynn’s response to a shout from the crowd about “blood on your hands” posed no threat, and was likely a reference to a belief that...
Letters to the Editor Dec. 31-Jan. 6
PVUSD board was right to make cuts when they did
Brandon Diniz has written an impassioned guest Sentinel editorial; but he left out details on why the expediency, the reason for the cutbacks, and the continual disruption.
The District is required to submit their proposed budget...
A Year of Service, Growth, and Civic Health in Watsonville
On Dec. 9, I had the profound honor of being sworn in as Mayor of Watsonville.
Standing before community leaders, public servants, and neighbors that evening, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility.
Watsonville is a city defined by service, resilience, and possibility, and...
Letters to the Editor Dec. 12-26
Praise for Watsonville Fire Chief Lopez
In 1996, I took my New School students to the Watsonville Fire Department on Second Street for an educational tour. There I met fireman Rudy Lopez, who took an interest in my "second chance" high school students. I met...
ICE becomes an autocratic tool
It is generally accepted that, historically, a common survival strategy for autocratic leaders includes forming a personal paramilitary support group. These groups serve to counterbalance the regular military, strengthen security services and provide an armed force loyal directly to the leaders, rather than the...
PVUSD Trustees should reconsider layoff decision
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Dec. 11 school board meeting was truly dysfunctional, and represents an extreme deviation from sound governance based on community input.
The state of California gives school districts until March 15 to issue initial layoff notices. According to the California...
December Update: 2025 A Year of Delivering Results
As we close out the year, I want to provide District 4 with a clear update on the work we’ve advanced together. My priorities have remained steady: deliver improvements, protect our families, and bring long-overdue investment to South County. This year was defined by...
Letters to the Editor Dec. 5-11
Suggestions for PVUSD
My recommendations regarding the Recommended Realignments of PVUSD:
1. Regarding school closure, I have advocated for an idea to sell the District Office Building and move it to a school—which should be considered for closing—since 2024. I also would like to advocate for...
Obey or defy superior orders
Since September, on orders from President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the U.S. military has executed air strikes on more than 21 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Many of these vessels have been identified as fishing boats,...
Letters to the Editor, April 24-30
Keeping our eye on the Clock
My father, an Air Force fighter pilot, and our family, were stationed in Yokohama Japan in 1947 as part...













