Todd Guild, Dec. 5: Reflections on help in the wake of a crash
In what felt like a fraction of a second, I heard my wife scream and a crunching-banging sound I later learned mostly came from the car’s airbags inflating.
Watsonville’s Firefighters and Their Lifesaving Mission
When a call comes in for a medical emergency, every second counts.
While an ambulance may be on its way from other parts of the county, it is often the Watsonville Fire Department that arrives first. What many people may not know is that every...
Adrian Gonzalez’s bid for freedom denied, case heads to jury trial
A Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge ruled Tuesday that there is enough evidence that the man who raped and killed 8-year-old Madyson (Maddy) Middleton in 2015 would pose a continued danger to the public if he is released.
Adrian Jerry (A.J.) Gonzalez, now 24,...
Charles Montoya, Feb. 3: Past accomplishments, future challenges
As we embark on Watsonville’s 150th birthday, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what the City Council, staff and community partners have accomplished over the last two years and look forward to the year ahead.
Tony’s Thoughts: Hank Garcia, please reopen Fox Theater
Hank Garcia, we’ve never met before—I hope that changes in the near future—but I want you to know you’ve had a massive impact on my life. You helped me see new worlds. You helped me learn English. You helped me fall in love with...
On My Mind, Jan. 2: Hansen Feed owner passes on
I am deeply saddened to learn that my friend Richie Hansen, owner of Hansen Feed and Pet Supply on Freedom Boulevard, has passed on. He was only 65.
Letters to the Editor, Dec. 16
Hats off to the multitude of volunteers that have pulled off the Holiday Lights display at our Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. My understanding is that with the state’s intervention in the leadership at the fairgrounds, staff hours were cut from 48 hours to just...
The Best of the Pajaro Valley, decided by you
Mid-January is one of my favorite times of the year. The NFL playoffs are just getting started, and my San Francisco 49ers don’t stink this year, which is a plus. The weather is starting to heat up to the perfect temperature in which I...
The circus comes to town
The Circus has come to town, this time at Ramsay Park on Main Street in Watsonville.
Circus Royal Spectacular—out of Las Vegas—rolled into town Tuesday, and crews quickly began driving giant tent stakes into the softball diamond to set up their mammoth bigtop tent.
Circus spokesperson...
December Update: 2025 A Year of Delivering Results
As we close out the year, I want to provide District 4 with a clear update on the work we’ve advanced together. My priorities...





















