Farm Bureau receives awards
The Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau (SCCFB) was honored with five County Activities of Excellence Awards, and was a finalist in the statewide Innovator Awards at the California Farm Bureau’s 104th meeting in early December.
A local delegation of five attended the annual meeting in...
On my mind, June 10: The song of life
For the past several weeks the mockingbirds have returned to our yard. This is the normal pattern, around May and June. Let’s face it — they’re noisy and a nuisance. It used to really bother me, but for reasons unknown, I’ve come to enjoy their morning sy
Guest View: Flooding lessons have not been learned
How quickly we forget. Recent activity centers around the levee system on the Pajaro River. Yet, the first flooding in 2023 was in Watsonville, when the Salsipuedes and Corralitos Creeks overflowed. There are lessons from that flooding that need to be applied to those...
Answering the wrong phone
MEMO FROM REV. MATHEWS-JOHNSON
It’s that time of year again.
Christmas brings up wonderful memories for me. Maybe some of you can relate. But this year it just “ain’t like it used to be” on a lot of levels. Somehow, in some way, I believe we’ve...
Woody Rehanek: Science proves pesticide’s destructive nature
For the last 18 years, I taught a special education class in the Pajaro Valley. Many of my students were farmworker children with learning disabilities: problems paying attention, reading difficulties, hyperactivity, autism, lower IQ and struggles with self-control. I was shocked to discover that one of the most widely used pesticides in the world — chlorpyrifos — has, after over 20 years of solid research at UC Davis, Berkeley, Columbia University and elsewhere, been linked to these difficulties in learning and behavior.
Supervisor’s Update: Embracing progress and community
In the vibrant tapestry of our community, positive change is often driven by the dedication and collaboration of individuals who care deeply about the betterment of our shared spaces. From rejuvenating local landmarks to fostering future leaders, and recognizing outstanding contributions, the recent events...
An economy of neighborliness
I recently heard an interview with Hebrew Bible scholar, Dr. Walter Brueggemann. When asked about the atonement—a much discussed and much argued Christian theological concept—Brueggemann replied, “I’m much more interested in the economy than I am in atonement.” He went on to explain that...
Pat Fohrman, April 7: A private initiative to solve a very public problem
At the March 13 meeting of the Watsonville City Council, prominent business people, Sherry Dang and Kirk DiCicco, outlined for the City Council a project that they have been engaged in over the past eight years, helping one homeless person at a time find stability and a way back to self-reliance and self-respect by providing jobs, positive reinforcement and training.
Letters to the editor Oct. 31-Nov. 13
Trump is a Vector of Chaos
Using a phrase I learned from my wife's family, this is only my “pee pot opinion”, but I've been writing these observations for nine years, and almost all have turned out to be spot on. So, here we go:
Trump...
California Senate recognizes Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
The California State Senate has recognized May as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month with the passage of Senate Resolution 34, which I was proud to have authored. This designation will help bring attention to this life debilitating disease.
Man missing at sea in Big Sur
A man was swept from the rocky shoreline at Soberanes Point at Garrapata State Park Saturday and is reportedly still missing.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s...

















