June 14: several notable historic events, Trump’s military parade
June 14 is a significant date in our country's history.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the United States Flag Act resolution. This resolution stipulated that the official American flag should have 13 stripes, alternating between red and white, 13 stars to...
Hospital fundraising nears the finish line
In Santa Cruz County, keeping our communities healthy is a collaborative effort by many health care service providers, and Watsonville Community Hospital is an essential piece of that puzzle.
For several months now, Watsonville Community Hospital has been teetering on the verge of closure and...
Support needed for the immigrant community facing Trump policies
The incoming Trump Administration has announced its intention to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
As religious leaders in Santa Cruz County from across the faith traditions, we cannot remain silent in the face of these policies that will cause untold damage to our...
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...
Letters to the Editor, July 11: Thanking all who helped with Spirit of Watsonville parade
Letters to the Editor, July 11, 2017
Thanksgiving 2020: The commonplace, remarkable & lunatics
Memo from Rev. Mathews-Johnson
I’ve read that Mark Twain once categorized people into three groups: commonplace, remarkable and lunatics. I don’t know about you, but I can think of people who belong in all three groups.
Of course, that’s a put-down, so three compliments are in...
Tri-county dairy farms showcased in new exhibit
WATSONVILLE—A new exhibit at the Agricultural History Project (AHP) has been set up to give visitors a glimpse into the dairy industry in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties.
Dozens of early-day milk bottles make up the bulk of the display, but numerous butter...
Movie Review: 'It' transcends horror genre en route to box office success
Directed by Andy Muschietti (“Mama”), the second live-action adaptation of the beloved Stephen King book about a cosmic entity that terrorizes kids by disguising itself as a clown is a near perfect movie in several respects. It sinks its teeth into you with its gripping horror and keeps you laughing, smiling and engaged with its excellent script and top-notch cast.
This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, June 25
25 years ago on June 24, 1996
For the first time in its 15 years of existence, the Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival has awarded its title of Strawberry Queen to two contestants: North Monterey County High junior Nikki Gillot and Watsonville High graduate Norma Fabian....
ICE agents detain man in Watsonville
At least one person was detained in Watsonville on Sunday morning by armed men who appeared to be U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents,...




















