A Christmas song of subversion
What sort of news would make you celebrate wildly? A clean bill of health? Escaping financial worries? Newfound safety? The true end of the pandemic? How might you respond? Would you run? Would you dance? Would you sing? Would you write a new song...
Christmas tree sellers optimistic despite national shortage
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, tree farms across the nation are thrust into the spotlight and sellers start their busiest time of year.
This year, the industry is holding steady, despite a nationwide shortage that is pushing up prices. Heatwaves and fires that...
Strong schools, strong communities
A question we often hear from constituents is, “I don’t have kids at PVUSD. Why should I invest my time, energy, and tax dollars in schools?” However, a study in The Journal of Urban Affairs noted a strong correlation between community satisfaction and school...
Letters to the Editor, Dec. 3
Save our hospital
I want to give heartfelt thanks to Mimi Hall and all the other individuals and organizations that are working to save our Watsonville Community Hospital by converting it to a District hospital. Bravo. That would be the next best thing to reviving...
The timeless message of the Messiah
Every year around this time, choirs perform Handel’s Messiah (including in my own congregation). What is it about a piece of music written 260 years ago that still captures hearts today––in fact, especially today, as we endure our long, strange journey through the pandemic...
Watsonville Works
Over the past year, the County has made significant investments in South Santa Cruz County. From the purchase of a new South County Service Center so residents of South County can have access to County services in a way never previously afforded, to setting...
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...
Letters to the Editor, Nov. 19
Immigration reform bill needed in the Build Back Better bill
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make life better for America’s families and boost our economy. Whether you have small kids or elderly family members, the positive impact of the Build Back Better Act will...
Giving thanks
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...
Ag Commissioner releases annual Crop Report
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The 2020 Crop Report for the County of Santa Cruz has been released, detailing the region’s agricultural commodities during one of the most challenging years on record.
The Crop Report is presented each year by Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo through the Department of...
County unveils “transformative” youth crisis center
For years, Santa Cruz County lacked a youth crisis center, meaning that young people experiencing a mental health crisis were taken to overloaded emergency...