Australia, a country on fire | On My Mind
Major bush fires continue to burn in Australia garnering worldwide concern. Thus far 24 fatalities have been reported, including three volunteer firefighters, and experts are assuming that entire species of animals and plant life will be wiped out by the fires, according to various...
Letters to the Editor, Sept. 2
Proud to remain your community hospital
Dear Pajaro Valley Community,
It is an exciting and historic time for the Pajaro Valley. As a result of the dedication and support Watsonville Community Hospital received from this incredible community over the past several months, the Pajaro Valley Health...
Easter: From Locked to Unleashed
“On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear…” (Gospel of John 20:19a)
The time: Passover week.
The place: Jerusalem.
The scene: An upper room. Locked doors. The stale air is thick with uncertainty about the...
Letters to the Editor, Sept. 17
SRO reversal is disappointing
We are upset, but not surprised, to hear that the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees has voted to bring School Resource Officers (SROs) back to campus A pilot program using education money, funding that was meant to go...
A deep look into the Watsonville Police Department
By Rebecca J. Garcia, Watsonville Mayor
Black Lives Matter. Consequently, Watsonville wants to assure that the police department provides the best services available for public safety and racial and social equity. Police Chief David Honda has shared the many successful programs provided to youth and...
Modeling accountability: Relational, cultural and restorative safety
The Pajaro Valley community recently learned about the tragic death of an Aptos High School teen on the school’s campus. This has led to outrage, grief and racialized commentary. During this critical time, trauma-fueled responses, reactionary behavior and near-sighted solutions can lead to collateral...
Zach Friend and Erica Padilla-Chavez: PVPSA helping young people thrive
For more than 25 years, an important nonprofit has been quietly working in our community to support our schools, students and their parents — Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA).
Late heroics help ‘Catz boys squad edge Independence | CCS basketball...
Ahmi Martin has been the main ball distributor as a point guard for the Watsonville High boys’ basketball team throughout the 2025-26 winter season.
The...

















