On My Mind, Aug. 24: What stop sign? What speed bump?
I live between a stop sign and a speed bump. There’s an official city traffic sign posted standing at the edge of my front yard: “Speed Bump, 15 mph.” No one does that.
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...
The future of the Rail-Trail: Montesino and McPherson share their thoughts
As long-time elected representatives for the northernmost and southernmost reaches of Santa Cruz County, we believe the community conversation over the Rail Trail should be thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive. We have sought to model those ideals both through our respective roles within county and...
Pajaro Valley Health Care Board Chair John Friel Dies
Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board (PVHCD) Chair and former Watsonville Community Hospital CEO John Friel, who took the lead of the fledgling agency at its outset in 2022, died March 21 after battling an undisclosed illness.
Friel resigned from his position on March 19,...
Letters to the Editor, Oct. 12, 2023
Power poles are visual blight
I had the opportunity to drive on an improved and repaved Freedom Boulevard recently.
Traversing it nice, however, I wish the powers that be had the foresight to include in the budget, PG&E undergrounding of those unsightly poles, electrical transmission wires...
Letters to the Editor, Oct. 2
Vote for Gomez
Tony Gomez has been actively involved in supporting youth in the community of Watsonville for many years.
He has volunteered his time and resources in support of the Boy Scouts of America in many capacities. He has been an adult leader for Troop...
Noah and the Climate Crisis
Once when I was a youth pastor, a sixth-grade boy came up to me and asked, “Robby, where’s the rules part in the Bible?” Not sure exactly what he meant, I asked if he was looking for the Ten Commandments. “No, the rules part!”...
On My Mind, Aug. 3: A neighborhood comes to life
My neighbor, Jan, and her son Tyler had a yard sale Saturday.
Supporting Watsonville athletics
My name is Marcus Northcutt and I am in my first year as athletic director at Watsonville High School. I write today in support of the Ninth Annual Watsonville High Alumni Golf Tournament scheduled for Friday, June 16 at Spring Hills Golf Course.
K9 helps nab suspect, find drugs, cash, gun
A man was arrested Dec. 4 after Monterey County Sheriff's deputies found drugs, cash and a loaded gun in a vehicle.
Around 3:15pm, detectives with...





















