Tony’s Thoughts: Hank Garcia, please reopen Fox Theater
Hank Garcia, we’ve never met before—I hope that changes in the near future—but I want you to know you’ve had a massive impact on my life. You helped me see new worlds. You helped me learn English. You helped me fall in love with...
Letters to the Editor, Dec. 7, 2023
Hospital is a lifeline for Watsonville
I had an array of emotions after reading that the Watsonville Community Hospital got approved for a bond to fund much-needed repairs.
Currently, Watsonville is home to around 51,000 people, and for many, this hospital is all that they have...
From the editor's desk, Feb. 20: Parking 'woes'?
Can’t find a place to park in downtown Watsonville? You’re not looking hard enough.
This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, Aug. 13
25 years ago on Aug. 12, 1996
Thousands of farm workers and their families marched through Watsonville, waving flags and banners to protest the United Farm Workers organizing efforts. In March, the UFW announced plans to organize the 15,000 berry workers in the Pajaro and...
Letters to the Editor Nov. 14-20
PVUSD cuts necessary
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District is finally being forced to face financial reality. Many of the positions now being eliminated were funded by one-time Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, which expired in February 2024. That temporary COVID money...
Letters to the Editor, April 13, 2023
What is wrong with us?
One hundred days into 2023. One hundred and fifty mass shootings under our belt. More than 11,500 people killed by gun violence thus far. Across our country, “Amazing Grace,” our new national anthem, is heard more often than the “Star...
Three ways to help friends in crisis
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...
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...
Supervisor’s Update, April 2025
Spring into Action
Spring is here, bringing with it a season of exciting community events, important updates, and opportunities to get involved! From a family-friendly bike ride this weekend to the return of the Young Supervisors Academy. Here’s a look at what’s happening in our...
Movie Review: Bloated 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' forgets its heart
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” disappointingly, is just that. There is no real sense of purpose to this film and there is way too much going on for its own good. The sequel to director James Gunn’s smash hit — and my favorite Marvel cinematic universe
Manny Contreras out as Watsonville High’s head football coach
In a stunning turn of events, Manny Contreras will not return as Watsonville High’s head football coach for the upcoming 2026 fall season.
Contreras received...
















