From the editor's desk, July 25: Experiencing Cajun cuisine
Who knew that frog legs taste like chicken? Despite assurances from Executive Chef Erick J. Ponce that the green amphibian’s mode of travel does indeed taste like the most populous domestic bird, I was a bit skeptical when trying out the delicacy during t
Dutra: Democracy is on the ballot
By JIMMY DUTRA
We have seen politics hit an all-time low in our community. Behavior that has been more common at the national and state level has arrived in our local politics. It has moved from “what I can do for the people” into “how...
Modeling accountability: Relational, cultural and restorative safety
The Pajaro Valley community recently learned about the tragic death of an Aptos High School teen on the school’s campus. This has led to outrage, grief and racialized commentary. During this critical time, trauma-fueled responses, reactionary behavior and near-sighted solutions can lead to collateral...
Letters to the Editor, Jan. 6
Appreciate outgoing councilmembers
Thank you Watsonville Councilmembers Rebecca Garcia and Lowell Hurst for your longtime dedication to the Watsonville City Council. Please know that the Watsonville community is forever thankful for your leadership.
—Daryl Wise, Watsonville
Ancestral guilt
As an amateur genealogist, I would like to add my...
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...
Bill Monning, Aug. 5: Purple Heart Day
On July 20, 2017, the California State Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 55 declaring Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day in California. I am proud to be a coauthor of this resolution that honors Purple Heart recipients and those who serve in the Armed Fo
Six months later, a reflection
This week marks six months since the insurrection at the United States Capitol building, the death of five people, the attempted assassination of the Vice President and members of Congress, and the first flying of the Confederate Battle Flag in our capitol building. It...
Guest view: Call for a compromise
By Abel Sanchez, Chair of Parks & Recreation Commission
The Aug. 7 deadline has passed and Congress could not come up with an agreement on the next stimulus package. This is despite wide support amongst many lawmakers that Americans desperately need assistance during these tough...
Let’s enjoy this summer
Summer is here and just in time. We are coming out of a pandemic that has affected our lives for more than a year. So many of us were confined to our houses as we continued to live our daily lives. In-person engagement was...
Letters to the Editor, May 6
Responding to levee assessment concerns
In response to Sandra Haven’s letter about things people should consider prior to voting on the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency’s proposed assessment for levee maintenance, I’d like to add the following considerations:
The proposed assessment is for current and ongoing...
Graniterock polluted the Pajaro River, lawsuit alleges
Two environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday accusing Granite Rock Company of violating the Clean Water Act for more than 1,000 days at...





















