Opinion

In the decade between 2013-23, volunteers and nonprofits picked up 439,358 cigarette butts from Santa Cruz County’s beaches and natural areas, accounting for a quarter of all litter found here. That’s according to Save Our Shores (SOS), a Santa Cruz-based nonprofit that works to support...

Letters to the Editor, Aug. 24, 2018

MEMO FROM REV. MATHEWS-JOHNSON It’s that time of year again. Christmas brings up wonderful memories for me. Maybe some of you can relate. But this year it just “ain’t like it used to be” on a lot of levels. Somehow, in some way, I believe we’ve...

Do you feel safe in Watsonville? Yes: 338 | No: 126 Public comment Jennifer Banchero Olds: I don't feel particularly unsafe, but I would say I'm definitely wary. I moved out of Watsonville in 1997, and I will say I did NOT feel safe living there. But...

For many farmers, the winter months are spent recovering from harvest season and getting ready to plant. Even in a Mediterranean climate like the Central Coast, it is common for farms to use the slower time to reassess. But at JSM Organics in Royal Oaks,...

Since 2017, Esperanza Community Farms in Watsonville has provided affordable organic produce to hundreds of local families, while aiming to promote healthy eating, sustainability and economic justice.  And now, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the No Kid Hungry Centering Equity Fund, Esperanza has linked...

Thank you Cesar Paz for having this beautiful elk made and installing it at the Watsonville Elks Lodge! Steve Nelms is working on keeping the lawn trimmed. Rodger Silva and Jim O repaired the lawn mower. Ashley Valdivia made a delicious beef stroganoff last week. Randy and...

Letter to the Editor, Feb. 27, 2018

“The Circle” is possibly the most disappointing movie I’ve seen this year. It’s a perfect example of a film that asks a great question but doesn’t ever follow through on the ideas and answers that follow. It’s also a great example of how smart moviegoers

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is a hidden gem that needs to be protected. It has been said that fairgrounds date back to Greek times where they were created to offer a place for people to buy and sell goods. Over the years fairgrounds...