On My Mind: The sound of music
A friend once asked me, “What kind of music do you like?” I said, “Good music.” I hope my answer wasn’t snooty or conceited. It was an earnest attempt at addressing my approach to music — and the arts — of trying to leave the doors open, and not narrowing my world.
Is freedom more than an illusion?
A recent visit to a very moving, emotionally taxing Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial on Bainbridge Island in Washington State's Puget Sound generated some disturbing thoughts about the concept of freedom.
The exhibition memorialized one of the darker episodes in our country's history. After the attack on...
Supervisor’s Update: Connecting communities
In this edition, we’ll discuss the collaborative efforts of a safer, stronger Santa Cruz County, the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Bond, seek representatives for the Measure D Taxpayer Oversight Committee and shaping the “Age Well Santa Cruz County” Master Plan. Join us in staying...
Miguelina Manriquez, Nov. 2: Education matters — now more than ever
While most kids grew up running around their daycare after school, I grew up hanging out in my parents’ classrooms. Both of my parents work in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District — a district that is severely underfunded. This district is largely populated by low-income, immigrant families.
Letters to the Editor, July 15
Have your say in downtown’s future
The Watsonville Downtown plan needs attention. Watsonville is an agricultural town. Walker Street, running through a busy industrial area, is its backbone. Please do not reimagine the Walker Street area. We do need good, safe access from the train...
Letters to the Editor, Feb. 19
Helping to feed the community
It felt so good to read the article about the San Jose nonprofit organization called Martha’s Kitchen that is now offering free food distribution to the Pajaro Valley, as reported on, in the Pajaro Valley magazine. They will be handing...
This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, Aug. 6
25 years ago on Aug. 5, 1996
A crowd of 200 parents, children and friends gathered for the third annual “Watsonville Peace and Unity Day 96,” a call for peace and to remember those who have fallen to violence. “We just want to stop the...
Letters to the Editor, March 5
Regarding moving the bust of Washington
Seeing as how the City Council caved to the cancel culture mob I have decided to make as many of my purchases as possible out of the city limits. The city does not have anything that can’t be purchased...
Salinas Valley Fair to be held May 18-21
On May 18, the Salinas Valley Fair returns to King City for four days of family-friendly events, exhibits and activities.
A year without stages
Last month we observed the one-year anniversary of when Covid-19 brought all of our lives to a sudden halt.
Personally, this year has been a challenge not only health wise and financially, but emotionally and creatively as well. Like many of you, I lost so...
Body discovered during search for 73-year-old hiker
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office announced the discovery of a body in a densely-wooded area off of Ice Cream Grade on the north...


















