Tony’s Thoughts: Watsonville staff finally gets it
An updated version of Measure G—the half-cent public safety sales tax passed by voters in 2014—will be on Watsonville residents’ ballots next year.
The new measure, which is still unnamed at the moment, has the same spirit as Measure G. Its goal is to provide...
California Senate recognizes Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
The California State Senate has recognized May as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month with the passage of Senate Resolution 34, which I was proud to have authored. This designation will help bring attention to this life debilitating disease.
Watsonville to deactivate crosswind runway
The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday voted to close the crosswind runway at the airport, a move city officials say will open up more of the city for development of housing and commercial space.
Airport Director Rayvon Williams told the council that closing the shorter...
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...
Hanamatsuri–The Flower Festival
This month Buddhist throughout the world are celebrating the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha with the celebration called Hanamatsuri the Flower Festival. The name comes from the legend of Shakyamuni’s birth in Lumbini’s Garden and the many flowers that were in bloom that day in...
Movie Review: 'It' transcends horror genre en route to box office success
Directed by Andy Muschietti (“Mama”), the second live-action adaptation of the beloved Stephen King book about a cosmic entity that terrorizes kids by disguising itself as a clown is a near perfect movie in several respects. It sinks its teeth into you with its gripping horror and keeps you laughing, smiling and engaged with its excellent script and top-notch cast.
Manuel Quiroz Jr., Nov. 16: To our leaders: The children are watching you
You lack honesty and moral purpose. The children are watching the kind of world you are creating.
Parks and recreation update
By Rebecca J. Garcia, Watsonville Mayor
All my grandchildren learned to swim through the Watsonville summer aquatics program. They went underwater, they floated, they played and they swam. So much fun. However, there will be no summer aquatics program this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic....
Sesario Escoto: Why Spanish-speaking and Latino volunteers are important for youth in foster care
The parents of 13-year-old “Esmerelda” were desperately trying to keep her safe, as the girl was acting out and exhibiting high-risk behaviors. However, the parents had their own struggle with alcohol, and one night things escalated into physical violence, and the police were called.
Don’t quit now
I just finished an article headlined, “Looming Mass Exodus of School Principals Feared This Summer.” That was right after another column titled: “Houses of Worship Face Clergy Shortage as Many Resign During Pandemic.” And there’s this from a few months ago: “After a Nightmare...
Community celebrates Mexican Independence Day
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Watsonville Sunday for the annual Mexican Independence Day Festival.
Hosted by Fiestas Patrias, the free event featured a wealth...