From the editor's desk: Step forward and report crimes
I am relieved to say that we finally got through a Monday without reports of child abuse popping up from somewhere in Santa Cruz County.
Rick Longinotti, March 10: Our county needs transportation justice
In U.S. cities just prior to the automobile revolution, there was plenty of social inequality, but a lot more equality of mobility than we have now.
Hernandez: The future of the Pajaro Valley is on the ballot
By Felipe Hernandez
Pajaro Valley voters of the County Supervisorial District 4 need someone who will fight for a fair share of the county’s resources. I am that person. This Nov. 8 election is about the issues that local seniors, families and businesses care about...
Keeping Health Care Local, Together
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District is evolving to better reflect and represent the diverse voices that make up our community. Today, our board of directors is elected “at-large,” meaning that every registered voter within the District votes for each seat. Beginning in 2026,...
Guest view: Call for a compromise
By Abel Sanchez, Chair of Parks & Recreation Commission
The Aug. 7 deadline has passed and Congress could not come up with an agreement on the next stimulus package. This is despite wide support amongst many lawmakers that Americans desperately need assistance during these tough...
Movie Review: McAvoy shines in so-so ‘Split’
If there’s any doubt that James McAvoy is one of the best actors working in Hollywood today, “Split” serves as a testament to his overwhelming talent and devotion to every role he takes.
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
100 year flood protection is within grasp for Pajaro, Watsonville
Now, let’s say the levees that protect your home from flooding are old and deficient. They could fail during the next big storm, causing a major flood. The federal and state government offer to pay $400 million for new and improved levees. The only...
Ray Cancino: Community Bridges is committed to transparency and equity
Since the beginning of the year, Community Bridges has been busy helping Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County residents who have been devastated financially, emotionally and mentally by the recent unprecedented spate of storms and floods.
We walked door-to-door in the immediate aftermath of...
Nourishing Today, Building Tomorrow: The Next Chapter of Our Food Bank
For more than 50 years, our community has demonstrated what’s possible when neighbors care for one another.
Through floods, emergencies, economic downturns and a global...


















