New leadership, shared priorities: Investing in the future of public safety
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...
Year In Review: Highlighting the good in a challenging year
Around this time last year, I wrote that 2020 was “a year that changed the world.” And I stand by that. But in my opinion, 2021 was just as challenging, if not harder. Sure, we got to see friends and family again, maybe go...
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...
Mayor’s and Supervisor’s November updates
Shaping Watsonville’s Future Together
By Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco
Our 2025 State of the City on Oct. 22 was a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and look forward—to recognize how far we’ve come and how we’re shaping a brighter future for Watsonville together.
This year’s theme, Shaping...
Letters to the Editor Nov. 28-Dec. 4
Medina ‘not shrinking back’ after Lelieur letter
Mr. Lelieur’s letter (Nov. 21-28, p. 8) tries to present a clear picture of the PVUSD Nov. 12 board meeting, but anyone who was present or watched the recording knows his version doesn’t match reality. The board president...
Letter: Watsonville Elks Lodge lands metal elk
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...
Johanna Miller, Nov. 2: A bad case of election fatigue
A few blocks from my house, there is a residence that has become well-known in the neighborhood for its extensive Halloween and Día de los Muertos decorations every year.
Gas pipeline rupture stalls city
Riverside Drive was closed to traffic and two homes were evacuated Wednesday afternoon between Union Street and Marchant Street after construction crews ruptured a natural gas line.
Watsonville Fire officials said the pipeline break was reported at 2:29pm in a section of the road that...
Movie Review: Coogler continues rise with impressive ‘Black Panther’
Most big-budget superhero movies that try to ground their lore or story in the real world never work, because it quickly devolves into a pandering fest. This film does not feel that way in the slightest. Instead, it feels like Coogler is taking us through a fever dream he had as a youth growing up in the East Bay, and only now does he have the tools to depict it correctly.
Santa Cruz, Monterey counties to test wireless emergency system Thursday
Officials in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties will conduct a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system on Thursday, sending emergency messages to mobile...

















