Giving thanks
There is a unique term in Japanese that is used by Buddhists as they sit down to partake of a meal. The term in itadakimasu 頂きます. Before someone begins to eat they place their palms together and say the words itadakimasu. In a simple...
From the editor's desk, Jan. 16: Some goals for the council in 2018
When the Watsonville City Council meets for the first time in 2018 Tuesday night, it will mark the beginning of another year of decisions that will shape the community far into the future. Here is what I hope to see the council achieve over the year.
Let’s give thanks
I hope you enjoyed Halloween with your friends and family. Whether it was carving pumpkins, trick or treating or attending parties, many of us were happy to be out again enjoying the interaction with our communities. This time of year brings with it many...
Mr. City Manager, please answer these questions
By JOHN MENKE, Hyde Street Neighborhood Association Representative
On Sept. 25, I emailed you a letter discussing the proposed Hilton Hotel at 1 Western Drive. Excerpts from that letter subsequently appeared in the Oct. 4 issue of The Pajaronian as an “open letter’’ to you....
Irrigation enhancement project helps farmers regulate water usage
A new irrigation enhancement project has seen positive results for farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.
Letters to the Editor, May 6
Responding to levee assessment concerns
In response to Sandra Haven’s letter about things people should consider prior to voting on the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency’s proposed assessment for levee maintenance, I’d like to add the following considerations:
The proposed assessment is for current and ongoing...
From the editor's desk, Feb. 13: Bearing the brunt of jury duty
In July, I received a dreaded piece of mail: a summons for jury duty.
Watsonville farm, biotech company receives major grant from USDA
Since 2009, Blume Industries (BI) and Whiskey Hill Farms (WHF) have jointly operated a research and development incubator in Watsonville, aiming to find regenerative solutions for food, fuel and waste management.
And now they will have the opportunity to expand their reach, sharing what they...
Theo Wierdsma column: Counting the votes
Joseph Stalin famously remarked that in an election, “Those who vote decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything.”
While stakeholders in our democratic system insist that our votes count, in reality, given our electoral system, which consistently features two major political parties, in...
Jim Barsi—owner of Barsi’s Liquor Store—dies
James Joseph “Jim” Barsi, who ran his eponymous liquor store on East Lake Avenue for a half-century before selling the business and retiring in...


















