Opinion

Letters to the Editor, Jan. 6, 2018

SACRAMENTO—A bill that would increase protections for California’s farmworkers during hazardous smoky conditions created by seasonal wildfires is making its way through the state legislature. Assembly Bill 73, also known as the Farmworker Wildfire Smoke Protections Act, recently passed the Assembly Committee on Labor and...

Building a real bridge over Pajaro River on Murphy Crossing Road “needs to be an immediate priority," according to an editorial in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.  I have advocated for building a real bridge over Pajaro River on Murphy Crossing Road by replacing the current...

In U.S. cities just prior to the automobile revolution, there was plenty of social inequality, but a lot more equality of mobility than we have now.

Dear Community, As I close out my term as your Mayor, I’ve been reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together this year. When I stepped into this role, I made a commitment, not to titles or recognition, but on making a real difference that families...

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...

As I complete my second year as Watsonville High School Athletic Director, my appreciation for community involvement and support continually increases.

WATSONVILLE—A group of 21 community leaders have been selected for Class 31 of the Focus Agriculture program.   The “first-in-the-nation” program, created by Watsonville’ Agri-Culture organization, is designed to teach community leaders about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.  After receiving a number...