Opinion

By Jimmy Dutra, Watsonville Mayor The holidays are typically the happiest time of the year. However, this has not been a typical year. Our businesses have taken a financial hit. Food insecurity is at an all-time high. Stimulus checks are not cutting it. Restless nights...

“The tribe is like an eagle and the eagle will only fly true and high when the wings are equal.” —South American Indian Proverb In 1973, the U.S. Congress designated Aug. 26 as “Women's Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th...

A response to pro-rail letters The Pajaronian has printed pro-rail opinion pieces that, in fairness, require a response. First, it should be said that almost everyone initially likes the idea of a train. Many of us have been to mega cities and rode the rail. But...

Over 2,500 years ago Siddartha Gautama attained Enlightenment at the age of 35 as he sat meditating under the Bodhi Tree. The term Bodhi means Enlightenment and since that time each Dec. 8, Buddhists throughout the world express their gratitude to the Buddha for...

Letter to the Editor, March 13, 2018

As we begin a new year, I want to reflect on the direction of public safety in Watsonville and the leadership helping guide that work forward.  Our Police and Fire Departments are entering this next chapter with experienced leaders who bring strong values, proven track...

Watsonville mayor's update, August 2017

As we enter the 2018 election cycle, unfounded allegations of voter fraud and voter suppression efforts remain in many states. In California, however, there are new laws and programs to improve the voter experience and make it easier to register and vote.

Memo from Pastor Rene In my last column I wrote about how a constant focus on grim news actually changes the way your brain works, because you’re in constant threat analysis mode. Higher reasoning is diminished. You’re more prone to emotional instability.  Yet there is a...

As the year comes to end, I want to take a moment to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. I also want to share some of the county’s major initiatives we’ve been working on during the past year.