Opinion

By Jazmine Juarez, Special to the Pajaronian WATSONVILLE—Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) is calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to take urgent steps to protect farmworkers and the food supply chain in the wake of COVID-19.  Following reports of 41 agricultural workers being diagnosed with COVID-19 in...

Editor's note: This column was submitted in December and should have run earlier in January. As we enter the new year, I’m reflecting on our achievements in 2024—progress made possible through collaboration with community members, colleagues, county staff, and you. Together, we’ve worked to ensure Santa...

The worst wildfires in California’s history have burned more than 3 million acres, about 3 percent of the state’s total acreage, and included Santa Cruz County vineyards, orchards and tree farms. The fires scorched fields, destroyed barns, melted irrigation lines and disrupted power, water...

The Elks lawn grew rapidly during the rains. We tried to use the largest lawn mower we had and it wouldn't go through. Cesar Paz stepped in and got it done. Thank you for your help with yard work Cesar! It looks amazing.  We are looking forward...

“ called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” (Mark 8:34) What does that really mean anyway? I can tell you what it...

The Pajaro Valley has a beautiful and rich culture of visual and performing arts. From long established dance groups, murals, music, film, to the new arts presence along Main Street in downtown Watsonville, art is an essential part of our lives. As a professional artist...

Hospital rating is unacceptable This is the type of news that does us no good. This is not the only article that has placed Watsonville Community Hospital in a less than positive view for the general public. What is to be done about this current...

“Hereditary” is definitely one of the more terrifying movies I’ve seen in recent years, but it doesn’t throw away characters and relationships in favor of jump scares. It does the exact opposite, making the tension between the family the real reason behind the dense layer of horror that never dissipates.

Grandpa wants to eat an apple. This is a simple act. Yet, one in five people over the age of 65 living in the U.S. have lost all their teeth according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To make matters worse, Medicare—the...

CENTRAL COAST—Executive director of the Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) Andy Fisher had only been in the position for six months before the pandemic hit California.  Fortunately, Fisher and his team had been able to hold their 40th annual conference in Pacific Grove that January. But...