Reshaping the focus of history
From the first day his administration assumed office this January, President Trump broke all records issuing executive orders.
He generated 26 on his first day alone. These presidential directives covered a wide swath of topics, from sweeping changes in how the federal government works to...
Letters to the editor: Aug. 29–Sept. 4
Children are taught inegrity
In 1972 I started teaching sixth grade at Hall District Elementary School in Las Lomas, in north Monterey County. It was my first real teaching job, and the class was not very well-behaved. So, entering my second year I made some...
Mayor’s column August 2025: In praise of the airport
When people hear “Watsonville Airport,” it often brings to mind moments of resilience and pride—whether it was serving as a crucial lifeline after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, playing a key emergency role during the 2020 CZU fires, or even welcoming a presidential visit...
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...
Gaslighting the effects of tariffs
President Donald Trump continues to “gaslight” the country about the effects of his ever shifting tariff policies.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation designed to intentionally mislead someone. When used over a considerable amount of time, we begin to doubt ourselves, believe an...
Letters to the editor, Aug. 8-14
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Tiny home village not enough
A band aid on a missing limb is not the only answer. Westview Presbyterian Church is doing an honorable part in the helping of human suffering. But 36 rooms is not enough to help...
Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation – Making strides during challenging times
Not long ago, our community came together around a powerful shared belief: that everyone deserves access to healthcare.
That belief fueled the effort to save Watsonville Community Hospital and bring it under local control—a major victory.
But like many hospitals across the country, we continue to...
Letters to the editor, Aug. 1–7
We want to hear from you! Visit pajaronian.com/submit-letter/
Reflections on the July 16 PVUSD Board Meeting
The July 16 PVUSD Board meeting exposed deep divisions in our community and the urgent need for respectful, reasoned civic engagement—especially concerning student safety. I spoke in strong support of...
Demonizing immigrants threatens core values
A foundational aspect of our national identity is the widely regarded notion that the United States is a nation of immigrants.
While the country has also seen periods of restrictive immigration policies, our history is deeply intertwined with the movement of people from other nations....
Reject Georgia Acosta for Watsonville Planning Commission
Editor’s note: This letter was written to the Watsonville City Council.
We are Pajaro Valley for Ethnic Studies and Justice (PVESJ), a local grassroots coalition that has been organizing students, teachers, and community members at PVUSD for almost two years.
In last November’s election, our group...
Deputies: Man drove stolen car to face charges for stealing a...
A man was arrested Tuesday for driving a stolen car to the Monterey County Superior Courthouse in Salinas, where he was scheduled to appear...












