This week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, Feb. 26
Compiled by Steve Bankhead
25 years ago on Feb. 23, 1996
A 13-member delegation from Watsonville’s sister city Kawakami, Japan began a whirlwind tour here of our lettuce industry. The lettuce industry began in Japan during the U.S. occupation after World War II when a mess...
From the editor's desk: A boost for local organizations
It was a good weekend for fundraising in the Pajaro Valley and surrounding area.
Youth offenders must be housed locally
As part of the Governor’s “commitment to providing more treatment and rehabilitative services for youth closer to home” under SB 823, the state is closing the juvenile prison in Stockton (DJJ). This means that Santa Cruz County will soon be tasked with housing and...
Fireworks in the sky are not always a celebration
Each year we hear and see an increase in fireworks throughout our community. This can be distressing to so many people and their pets. These bombs in the sky can trigger unthinkable feelings in people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), anxiety...
Support needed for the immigrant community facing Trump policies
The incoming Trump Administration has announced its intention to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
As religious leaders in Santa Cruz County from across the faith traditions, we cannot remain silent in the face of these policies that will cause untold damage to our...
Vote YES on 15 for a better community
By Felipe Hernandez, Watsonville City Councilman
This election, we have the opportunity to reclaim millions for the future of Watsonville—without raising taxes on residents or small businesses. That’s why I’m a strong supporter of Proposition 15, the ballot measure that will make big corporations pay...
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...
Easter: From Locked to Unleashed
“On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear…” (Gospel of John 20:19a)
The time: Passover week.
The place: Jerusalem.
The scene: An upper room. Locked doors. The stale air is thick with uncertainty about the...
Year In Review: Arts, loss and grand returns
How do you wrap up the year without saying Covid 100 times? It spills across nearly everything.
But the world keeps turning and things happen.
For me, the following topics we covered have left a lasting impression:
‘Watsonville Brillante’
Another giant mosaic from Watsonville artist Kathleen Crocetti and...
Letters to the Editor, April 24-30
Keeping our eye on the Clock
My father, an Air Force fighter pilot, and our family, were stationed in Yokohama Japan in 1947 as part...


















