Strong schools, strong communities
A question we often hear from constituents is, “I don’t have kids at PVUSD. Why should I invest my time, energy, and tax dollars in schools?” However, a study in The Journal of Urban Affairs noted a strong correlation between community satisfaction and school...
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.
Ask Nicole: Giving Thanks
I often start this monthly column with a true story about my experiences as a parent. Writing about my own parenting challenges is like giving myself free therapy. I relive memories of difficult situations, work through my emotions in a safe environment (my office,...
Is freedom more than an illusion?
A recent visit to a very moving, emotionally taxing Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial on Bainbridge Island in Washington State's Puget Sound generated some disturbing thoughts about the concept of freedom.
The exhibition memorialized one of the darker episodes in our country's history. After the attack on...
Was this the right time to increase utility rates?
Our council passed a rate increase this week on water, wastewater and solid waste utilities. It was a 6-1 vote. I was the sole vote against the rate hike. This was a difficult decision for all of us. Here is my explanation on why...
Measure U apathy is troubling
At the moment, it seems that there is a very small number of Watsonville residents that have a grasp of the enormous question they will face in the November election.
That is extremely troubling.
Come Nov. 8, Watsonville voters will decide whether they would like to...
A lesson from the temptation of Jesus
The 40 days of Lent observed in Christianity begins with the story of Jesus who fasted for 40 days in the wilderness immediately following his baptism. It is as if before Jesus began his ministry, he needed to go through a spiritual boot camp...
Trina Coffman-Gomez, Nov. 2: The complex Unified Corridor Investment Study and what this decision can mean for relieving our traffic congestion
The City of Watsonville received a presentation from the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) at our council meeting on Oct. 23 regarding the Draft Unified Corridor Investment Study (UCIS).
Alliances in turmoil
In September of 1938, Adolph Hitler issued an ultimatum to Czechoslovakia, demanding it transfers the Sudetenland, a border region, to Germany.
He threatened acquisition by force if the country did not comply. This ultimatum led to the Munich Agreement, in which Britain, France, and Italy...
Letters to the Editor, May1-7
Who Really Saved Watsonville Community Hospital
Tony Nunez’s claim that he “saved” Watsonville Community Hospital is simply not credible.
The hospital remains in a fragile financial...






















