What should replace Kmart?
It’s been more than half a year since the Kmart on Freedom Boulevard closed its doors for good. And as someone who constantly drives past the shell of the former community hotspot, it pains me to see what that location has become. On top...
Speaking of cults
I recently read “The Cult of Trump” by Dr. Steven Hassan, which was published in 2019—before Mr. Trump was first elected president.
Hassan was actually in a cult in the early 1970s: The Unification Church, nicknamed “The Moonies,” so named because its leader was Reverend...
Letters to the Editor, Sept. 2
Proud to remain your community hospital
Dear Pajaro Valley Community,
It is an exciting and historic time for the Pajaro Valley. As a result of the dedication and support Watsonville Community Hospital received from this incredible community over the past several months, the Pajaro Valley Health...
Letters to the Editor, Nov. 1
Corruption runs deep
As a Progressive I enjoy watching the Republicans and Democrats (Hillary, Trump and Biden) accuse each other of corruption. Of course both sides are correct. If you doubt this, go to opensecrets.org to find lists of their big-money corporate donors.
Corrupting corporate money...
Letters to the Editor, March 26
Time for a change
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees rightfully denied a bill for legal services hired solely, against Board Policy, by Georgia Acosta. Knowing the board has its own attorney (separate from PVUSD), she hired outside attorneys without authority to...
Sandy Lydon: The Porter family legacy
The myth about how Watsonville’s original Chinatown (1870-1888) moved from the corner of Maple and Union to a new site across the river in Monterey County began even before the move was completed in September 1888.
The story of the delicate negotiations and the Chinese...
Letters to the Editor, Nov. 24
Bus-Trail is the best option
Bus-Trail allows the present unused Santa Cruz County Corridor to be totally Trail-Only, totally Bus-Only or anything in-between at any time.
Those who liked the recent TIG “wannabe bus” demonstration when it was standing still or ramping up to the full...
Mayor’s message: A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Impact
Dear Community, As I close out my term as your Mayor, I’ve been reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together this year.
When I stepped into this role, I made a commitment, not to titles or recognition, but on making a real difference that families...
Supervisor’s Update, May 2023: Onward to the road to recovery
We are almost in the middle of the year and so much has already happened. Parts of the District are still recovering from the floods, construction has begun for the College Lake Water Supply Project, we are seeking community input for the County Housing...
This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, June 25
25 years ago on June 24, 1996
For the first time in its 15 years of existence, the Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival has awarded its title of Strawberry Queen to two contestants: North Monterey County High junior Nikki Gillot and Watsonville High graduate Norma Fabian....
Community leaders host rally for Measure E
Dozens of community members and local leaders gathered at a rally Friday at Watsonville Community Hospital in support of Measure E, the temporary half-cent...



















