Commission decision is a ‘disgrace’
I was absolutely shocked to read that the Watsonville Parks and Recreation Commission recommended the removal of the George Washington bust from the City Plaza. George Washington was the first president of the United States. He made many personal and financial sacrifices, as well...
Ask Nicole: Giving Thanks
I often start this monthly column with a true story about my experiences as a parent. Writing about my own parenting challenges is like giving myself free therapy. I relive memories of difficult situations, work through my emotions in a safe environment (my office,...
35 years is long enough for immigration reform
By Manuel Perez and Luis A. Alejo
Jan. 20 will mark a significant day, not only for the United States as Joe Biden is sworn in as our 46th President but also for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in our country. They have been waiting...
Reinstate Barrios Unidos at Pajaro Valley High School!
A month and a half ago, Principal Todd Wilson of Pajaro Valley High School decided against renewing a contract with Barrios Unidos, a grassroots Santa Cruz organization that has long worked with incarcerated and system-impacted people, drawing wisdom and leadership from those with lived...
Letters to the Editor, March 5
Regarding moving the bust of Washington
Seeing as how the City Council caved to the cancel culture mob I have decided to make as many of my purchases as possible out of the city limits. The city does not have anything that can’t be purchased...
Are the inmates running the asylum?
If there was any doubt that the inmates are running the asylum in our administration right now, the group chat on the Signal messaging app about the attack on Yemen should have erased it for all but the most diehard MAGA supporters.
The conversation intended...
Letters to the Editor, April 2
Thanks to the staff at the fairgrounds
My husband and I received our second Covid-19 vaccination at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. As with our first vaccination, the entire staff, from those giving directions to the nurses injecting the vaccine, was very polite, friendly and...
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: Feeding hope and nourishing community
By Erica Padilla-Chavez, Cindy Larive and Susan True
Shelly and Marty Hernandez go big on their annual Holiday Open House. Shelly, who has a passion for cooking, starts prepping weeks ahead. Over the years, the Hernandez open house has raised tens of thousands of meals...
Watsonville oversized vehicle ordinance takes effect
A new city ordinance restricting where oversized vehicles and trailers can park took effect on March 13.
The ordinance prohibits oversized vehicles and all types...


















