The virus isn’t done with us
As more people get their second shot of the Covid-19 vaccine, I’ve heard numerous reactions. Some say, “It was awful.” Others say, “I felt nothing.” Nearly everyone feels they have to weigh in on the topic, similar to when an earthquake rumbles through and...
I’m voting yes on Measure Q for the Pajaro Valley
The people of the Pajaro Valley have shown we are resilient as we’ve faced the impacts of a changing climate, from severe flooding to the threat of wildfire. But more—a lot more—can be done to help reduce the effects on our community from future...
Guest View: Protect farmland, prevent sprawl
Social issues being faced by Watsonville are being encountered by every town and city in California and across the country. Rising real estate prices, housing needs and homelessness are not solved by paving over farmland.
Watsonville is a special and unique place and does not...
Sandy Lydon: The 2023 Pajaro flood and Vallejo’s legacy
Again! The long-time residents of Pajaro stand in the mud, their voices filled with frustration and anger. Some remember back to the March day in 1995 when they heard the assurances from politicians. Be patient! Help is coming! We’ve got your back!
The rampant cynicism...
Don’t quit now
I just finished an article headlined, “Looming Mass Exodus of School Principals Feared This Summer.” That was right after another column titled: “Houses of Worship Face Clergy Shortage as Many Resign During Pandemic.” And there’s this from a few months ago: “After a Nightmare...
God, guns and a confused nation
The early Christian church, up until the conversion of Roman Emperor Constantine in 312 C.E., was by and large a pacifist religion. Christian, the noun, came from those outside the religion describing Jesus’ followers as people who were trying to be little-Christs or Christ-ians....
Addressing crime from all angles
I didn’t know Feliciano Martinez Perea but his story is not foreign to me. It’s a story that many Watsonville residents know. It’s the immigrant’s story. Martinez Perea hailed from the small town of San Martín Peras, Oaxaca, Mexico. He came to Watsonville to...
This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, Feb. 12-18
Compiled by Steve Bankhead
25 years ago on Feb. 6, 1996
Some workers from the closing Norcal-Crosetti plant at Ford & Walker streets will be hired by Dean Foods (former Richard Shaw Frozen Foods) which purchased Norcal Crosetti when it failed last August. Dean Foods plans...
Let’s Build a Stronger Watsonville Together – Vote YES on Measure V
Watsonville is a community built on the hard work, dreams, and diverse experiences of its residents. Every voice here matters, but right now, not every voice is given equal access to be heard in city government. Currently, only registered voters can serve on city...
Aptos duo awarded top honors for stellar play on the pitch...
Aptos High seniors Ivan Zavala and Daniel Lozano each were recognized as two of the top players in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League...




















