Guest View: Salinas Valley sets the standard on farmworker housing
The tragic deaths of seven farmworkers in Half Moon Bay in January revealed an ugly, persistent truth: there are parts of our state where our essential, agricultural workers still live in deplorable conditions. There are no permits, no inspections and conditions are substandard. But...
Letter: Oral health for all
We celebrate National Health Center Week (NHCW) by honoring the amazing people who create lasting oral health for those most disadvantaged.
In Santa Cruz County, only one in three of our low-income neighbors with Medi-Cal can access the dentist. As the largest dental provider in...
2019 EcoFarm Bus Tour to visit Pajaro Valley farms
The 39th Annual EcoFarm Conference will host its annual farm tour on Jan. 23.
It’s time for truth
At the beginning of the year, I made a promise to myself that I would write more editorials about issues that are impacting our city—something that has been lacking in my first two years as Managing Editor. But as much as I would like...
In support of CASA: California’s budget decisions are failing its most vulnerable children
Difficult decisions were made to pass the California state budget this year. We understand lawmakers worked hard to protect essential programs. However, much more could have been done for foster and justice-involved youth. Among the most alarming cuts was the elimination of statewide CASA...
Land Trust plans Rocks Ranch conservation
AROMAS—The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County plans to protect nearly all of the 2,640-acre Rocks Ranch in Aromas from development, the organization announced Feb. 11.
The ranch has been in the spotlight recently following the San Benito County Supervisors’ intent to rezone a portion...
Guest View: We can forge a better Watsonville
By Casey Clark
Hi neighbor! We may have already met.
Yes, it is election season. Yes, I am running unopposed, but believe me, I would never dream of taking your vote for granted. Let me tell you of the dreams I do have.
I have a dream...
Racism is a ‘WE’ issue
By Jimmy Dutra, former Watsonville City Councilman
In 1992, some of us witnessed the ugly truth of racism for the first time. We heard the outcry over the beating of Rodney King. I was a teenage student at Watsonville High School, who believed in an...
On My Mind, Nov. 2: No passwords or passcodes, please
If I can afford a gravestone, when that time comes, it will simply offer these words: “No Password, No Passcode, No User name, no iTunes password, No iMac User name, No PIN code, No SSI.” None of this will be necessary to stop and think about Tarmo and what he meant to you and this kind Earth.
Holiday lights show opens at fairgrounds
For the past year, volunteers at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds have been working to build up the annual holiday lights show.
Now in its...





















