A response to Geraldine Ridgway
By Mercedes Garcia
These are the messages I received from Geraldine Ridgway’s op-ed published in Nov. 20 edition of the Pajaronian:
“Why can’t you Mexicans be like all the other ethnic groups that were mistreated in the past? Why don’t you just grin and bear it...
Supervisor’s Update: Pajaro Valley rising
As the days get longer, we have the opportunity to cherish the beauty of our community under the warm sunshine. However, our community has also been impacted by the effects of climate change, with frequent flooding and atmospheric storms in parts of Watsonville and...
Guest View: County jails are failing people awaiting trial
Recently, we learned of a hunger strike in the Santa Cruz County main jail. Due to intolerable conditions, nine men awaiting trial started a hunger strike on Nov. 8. Five remained on hunger strike for nearly a month. Their demands?
• That jail staff treat...
The Oscars don’t care about your feelings | Tony’s Thoughts
Over the last few years there has been so much talk about how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences can make the Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, relevant again.
The annual show, which is scheduled for its 92nd running next month,...
Trina Coffman-Gomez, Nov. 2: The complex Unified Corridor Investment Study and what this decision can mean for relieving our traffic congestion
The City of Watsonville received a presentation from the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) at our council meeting on Oct. 23 regarding the Draft Unified Corridor Investment Study (UCIS).
Corny, action-packed, 'F8' understands what it is
This is a wash-rinse-repeat heist movie that has some heart, solid action and a dash of humor. Don’t expect anything else and you’ll be fine.
A call for voice of reason
There are always two sides to every story, and Trustee Georgia Acosta and the three other trustees who voted to terminate Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez need to tell us why they took that drastic action. Unfortunately, they cannot do so...
Taking Pride in our community
Rainbow flags are flying at PVUSD schools this month. The colored bars represent different aspects of our LGBTQ+ community, that we come from all races and backgrounds, and that—despite differences in how those aspects intersect—we are all together. The Progress Flag, as it is...
It’s not a goodbye; it’s a see you later
Nearly 10 years ago I took the advice of former Pajaronian Sports Editor Glenn Cravens to apply for his position as he was leaving for another regional publication. At the time, I was three years removed from my Watsonville High School graduation, and still...
Manny Contreras out as Watsonville High’s head football coach
In a stunning turn of events, Manny Contreras will not return as Watsonville High’s head football coach for the upcoming 2026 fall season.
Contreras received...
















