Healing together: How health care districts can transform care
Taking care of our health is one of the most important things in life. But for many in Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley, getting the care and support they need has not always been easy. That’s why the Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD)...
It’s not too late to file your taxes
Thousands of families are leaving money on the table in Santa Cruz County. That’s cash that could pay for much-needed food, rent and more. The latest numbers show that 19,343 Santa Cruz County residents have claimed $5,496,402 from the cashback tax credits like the...
Work on E. Lake Ave./Holohan Rd. intersection expected to wrap up in July
Work continues on roadway and signal improvements at the intersection of Holohan Road and East Lake Avenue (Hwy 152).
The job is part of a $4.3 million project that will rearrange the heavily traveled intersection, including a left-turn lane and a merge lane from...
Bill bolstering wildfire protections for farmworkers advances
SACRAMENTO—A bill that would increase protections for California’s farmworkers during hazardous smoky conditions created by seasonal wildfires is making its way through the state legislature.
Assembly Bill 73, also known as the Farmworker Wildfire Smoke Protections Act, recently passed the Assembly Committee on Labor and...
Zach Friend and Greg Caput, Oct. 5: Progress on the Pajaro River
As we move into the rainy season, we know that many share our concerns about the Pajaro River and the stability of the levee system.
The virus isn’t done with us
As more people get their second shot of the Covid-19 vaccine, I’ve heard numerous reactions. Some say, “It was awful.” Others say, “I felt nothing.” Nearly everyone feels they have to weigh in on the topic, similar to when an earthquake rumbles through and...
EcoFarm rescheduled as a virtual conference in March
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...
Guest View: Working for a common good
It was 1995 the last time the Pajaro River flooded this badly. Local clergy responded, organizing charitable efforts to help those affected. But when we showed up to meetings where key decisions would be made, we were dismissed and sent back to our places...
Key environmental legislation passes assembly
CALIFORNIA—As California recovers from a historic heatwave, the State Assembly last week passed three bills by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to help fight the climate crisis, incentivize sustainable agriculture, and advance environmental justice for all.
“California has ambitious environmental goals, and the advancement of my...
Watsonville City Council to mull plastic bag, oversize vehicle parking ordinances
The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday is set to consider two ordinances aimed at reducing plastic waste at retail checkouts and tightening rules on...
