Opinion

There is a unique term in Japanese that is used by Buddhists as they sit down to partake of a meal. The term in itadakimasu 頂きます. Before someone begins to eat they place their palms together and say the words itadakimasu. In a simple...

One of my best friends is a university professor of chemistry. Last Saturday, he took his youngest down to Walgreens to receive her first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination. Never one to miss the opportunity to pick a scientist’s brain, I asked how he...

In March 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic set in, a large collective of nonprofits, public institutions and individuals serving the Pajaro Valley mobilized weekly meetings. The intent was to become informed and advocate for equitable public health resources and transparency in the County’s Covid-19...

I hope you enjoyed Halloween with your friends and family. Whether it was carving pumpkins, trick or treating or attending parties, many of us were happy to be out again enjoying the interaction with our communities. This time of year brings with it many...

What happened to civility?  Thank you Theo Wierdsma, for your thoughtful opinion piece that was published in the Pajaronian on Oct. 22 about the growing polarization in our political country. I am worried as well, about the future of our democracy.   More specifically, I was saddened...

Last week, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees swore in a new student trustee, Itzi Sanchez. Ms. Sanchez attends New School and is looking forward to providing a voice for all the district students. We had an opportunity to speak with...

It’s time for unity Thanks to Mr. Wierdsma for his piece on the huge and ever-growing divide between both political parties, a well-written editorial. Having said that, I have an opinion as to the cause for said divide. President Clinton many years back, was able to...

Every year we have concerns about the Pajaro River and the stability of the levee system. The Pajaro River levee has one of the lowest levels of flood protection of any federally funded project in the United States and has been providing inadequate protection...

In the month of October, many will be celebrating or observing Halloween. It is surprising how many people have embraced this “holiday.” As Buddhists living here in America, we have assimilated into the culture and traditions and many will observe Halloween with parties, giving...

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is a hidden gem that needs to be protected. It has been said that fairgrounds date back to Greek times where they were created to offer a place for people to buy and sell goods. Over the years fairgrounds...