New Logo, New Chapter: Watsonville Community Hospital Looks Ahead with Purpose
There’s something powerful about a fresh start—especially when it’s backed by real progress, deep community roots, and a bold vision for the future.
At our April 18 State of the Hospital event, Watsonville Community Hospital unveiled a new logo symbolizing its transition back to community...
Fighting the pandemic of contempt
When my wife Laurie and I teach at marriage retreats we often refer to the work of Dr. John Gottman. In his famous “glass house” at the University of Washington, Gottman has studied thousands of married couples over decades of research to see what...
This week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, April 16
25 years ago on April 9, 1996
Watsonville High graduates chosen as recipients of this year’s Hall of Fame awards include Burton LeRoy Gordon, Class of 1936, who earned a Ph.D. at UC Berkeley, and researched at the Moss Landing Marine Lab where he received...
Holiday hopes, gratitude from Mayor Jimmy Dutra
By Jimmy Dutra, Watsonville Mayor
The holidays are typically the happiest time of the year. However, this has not been a typical year. Our businesses have taken a financial hit. Food insecurity is at an all-time high. Stimulus checks are not cutting it. Restless nights...
Letters to the Editor, Nov. 22
Incidents of convenience
Please realize that there are more guns in our country than there are people. That came to light again in one of the latest senseless shootings in Santa Clarita.
The shooter’s late father had six guns. While reports aren’t clear on the impact...
Letters to the Editor, May 11, 2023
Mother’s Day tribute
Among the residents of the Central Coast exists a mother whom I remain in awe of and hold deep reverence and respect for. Her capacity to “mother” far exceeds what any normal person is capable of.
Since 1989, she has tirelessly both mothered...
Trina Coffman-Gomez, Nov. 16: Identifying common ground
There has been such a polarization and passion of opinions about what the future of our transportation will look like that I thought it best to share where we can all reach a consensus.
Johanna Miller, July 27: What’s the deal with lane splitting?
Last month, I took a trip to San Francisco to visit my friend, Holly, who had recently moved to the city from Oregon. We had met during college and were looking forward to a weekend of catching up and sight-seeing. A near-accident in the middle of the trip ended up putting quite a damper on our mood.
Students learn the power of the vote at Civics Summit
On Friday, about 150 high school juniors from across Santa Cruz County cast their first ballots on three issues that, if passed, would dramatically...



















