Opinion

Politics is keeping Watsonville stuck I was quite bemused when I read that the Watsonville Planning Commission denied issuing a use permit to the developers of the drive-thru establishments on N. Main Street because of air pollution from idling cars! This is such shortsighted thinking!  Sure,...

"Try This" is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. Tony Nuñez FOOD: El Valle Produce's Avocado Toast I believe I’ve written about El Valle Produce, 530 Walker St., before but I’ve never mentioned their incredible and...

In the days leading up to Tuesday’s Watsonville Planning Commission meeting I did several hours of background research on the proposed project at 975-1075 Main St. The more research I did, the more disappointed I became. The project is straightforward: 20,000 square feet over three commercial...

Clearing up the attacks on Panetta You may have seen strange and vague ads on TV this last week that mention our Congressman, Jimmy Panetta, and a bill that he introduced. I want to set the record straight and share how this bill will restore...

Special events SCDG Turkey Bowl (Nov. 27) The Santa Cruz Derby Girls invite fans, friends and supporters to participate in their 11th Annual Turkey Bowl at the Boardwalk Bowl from 6-9 p.m. This annual tournament raises funds to help offset costs for the league’s travel teams. Teams...

Are you in favor of renewing the updated public safety sales tax—previously known as Measure G—set for the March 2020 election? Yes: 24 | No: 47 Public comment: Daniel Dodge Jr. Yes. We need to continue to support our police, firefighters, and parks... Carl Vucinich in...

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...

CALIFORNIA—Five California Congress members, including Zoe Lofgren (District 19) and Jimmy Panetta (District 20) have unveiled a House bill to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented farmworkers. In an Oct. 30 “tele-press conference,” Lofgren and Panetta said their Farm Workforce Modernization Act would provide...

Nov. 22 Pumpkin Floral Workshop Sarah’s Vineyard, 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy Come visit Sarah’s Vineyard 6:30-8:30 p.m. for the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Floral Workshop to create a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table using fresh cut flowers and fall accents. Tickets are $65 for the public and...

APTOS—Wells Fargo has announced a boost to diverse small businesses with $1.7 million in grants from its Diverse Community Capital program, which offers capital and technical assistance to minority-owned small businesses through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).  “Diverse small businesses face unique challenges to start...