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Watsonville
November 30, 2025

Bill bolstering wildfire protections for farmworkers advances

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...

Letter: Need a true bridge on Murphy Crossing

letter to the editor pajaronian
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...

Rick Longinotti, March 10: Our county needs transportation justice

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.

From the editor's desk: Stories of commencement

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how Cabrillo College kicked off the graduation season on May 19. This week, graduations are shifting into a high gear.

Gail McNulty, Nov. 16: Bold choices today could save tomorrow

The UN’s October Climate warning is terrifying. We need profound changes in the next 10-12 years to build a more equitable world and sustain life as we know it. News of increasingly destructive, deadly California forest fires offer a grim vision of how continuing with “business as usual” might impact us locally.

Mayor’s message: A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Impact

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...

Undocumented farmworkers focus of legislation

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...

Marcus Northcutt, May 25: A day of great golf for an important cause

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

Leaders selected for 2020 Focus Agriculture class

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...
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Man arrested for agriculture-related crimes

A Prunedale man was arrested Nov. 26 on suspicion of a lengthy list of agriculture-related crimes including theft of a tractor. On Oct. 22, deputies...