Opinion

Santa Cruz County residents are no stranger to powerful and dangerous natural disasters, including winter storms with lasting impacts on our community.   The Santa Cruz County Department of Community Development & Infrastructure (CDI) knows that even as we continue to pick ourselves up after last...

After the 2023 flood, $434 million was given by the state and government under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund a new levee. The 100-year floodplain levee would sustain the Pajaro River, Salsipuedes Creek and Corralitos Creek with the idea that there is 1%...

In the heart of Santa Cruz County, our community is rallying around a powerful commitment to equity.  Our recent equity statement reflects a transformative spirit, embracing every individual with support, dignity and compassion. Together, we're striving for systemic changes to address historical underfunding, language barriers,...

The selection of the “Dirt Road To Davenport” over a badly needed county light rail system demonstrates that climate change means little to the supervisors, councilmembers and bureaucrats of Santa Cruz County. Monies are found for a dirt road for bicyclists and tourists. Meanwhile the...

I cannot remember the first time I visited Kelly’s bookstore. I had previously known it as Crossroads Books back in high school. It was within a short walking distance from Pajaro Valley High School, and I had a habit of stopping by after school.  I’d...

Power poles are visual blight I had the opportunity to drive on an improved and repaved Freedom Boulevard recently.   Traversing it nice, however, I wish the powers that be had the foresight to include in the budget, PG&E undergrounding of those unsightly poles, electrical transmission wires...

One of the basic teachings of the Buddha is the truth of change. This is an undeniable reality that we are all aware of. However, we resist change and cling to the illusion that we are always in control of our lives. When life...

“Where ever you are is the entry point.” ~ Kabir  I am beginning to see the changing of the season all around me. I smell the whiff of autumn arriving in the air. It is a good season for deep listening to what God (the Universe,...

The flooding in January in Watsonville was traced to the buildup of debris in the Salsipuedes and Corralitos creeks. With the threat of El Niño this winter, we can have a repeat of this year’s flooding.  With the release of Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-10-23,...

I would strongly recommend that the Watsonville City Council make their opinion known that the Council views the control of the operation and planning for the Community Hospital to be in the hands of a person that has been with the hospital and community...