You make a mess, you clean it up
There are times when we need to take a break, and consider our options. In the Bible, we call it the Sabbath, the seventh day, a day of rest and reflection; a day for God.
For someone like me, it’s a very hard thing to...
Commission decision is a ‘disgrace’
I was absolutely shocked to read that the Watsonville Parks and Recreation Commission recommended the removal of the George Washington bust from the City Plaza. George Washington was the first president of the United States. He made many personal and financial sacrifices, as well...
Destruction of the Administrative State | Letters to the Editor
Destruction of the Administrative State
Perhaps you remember that the title above was Steve Bannon’s goal. I wasn’t sure what that meant in the beginning, but it is clear now that Bannon (through Trump and his Republican supporters) is achieving his goal, and weakening our...
Letters to the Editor, Oct. 27
Dutra always puts the people first
I will begin my “opinion piece” with a quote: “There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim they accomplish things. The first group is less crowded." —Mark Twain
I will be voting for...
The grass is greener when we’re on the same field
Distributing limited resources fairly and equitably in a way that best serves students, staff, families and the community is an ongoing challenge for any school board. On July 21, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will review and discuss the Elementary...
Guest View, Ray Cancino: More must be done to prepare for disasters
To strengthen our community, we must continue to build resiliency to respond to the next disaster. The last three disaster-impacted years should not be chalked up to once-in-a-lifetime occurrences. For some, the March 11 flood in Pajaro was the fourth time in the past...
From the editor's desk, Jan. 9: Stay home if you are sick, please
The flu season this year is shaping up to be worse than normal, as I can attest to.
This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, Feb. 12-18
Compiled by Steve Bankhead
25 years ago on Feb. 6, 1996
Some workers from the closing Norcal-Crosetti plant at Ford & Walker streets will be hired by Dean Foods (former Richard Shaw Frozen Foods) which purchased Norcal Crosetti when it failed last August. Dean Foods plans...
Simón Salinas belongs in the Watsonville High School Hall of Fame
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) and reflect on the trailblazers who have opened doors for future generations, it’s time for the Watsonville High School Foundation to honor one of its most distinguished alumni, former California State Assemblymember Simón Salinas, with...
Santa Cruz County Fair theme announced
The folks at the Santa Cruz County Fair have chosen a theme for the 2026 fair: “Apple Pies and Starry Skies!”
“This winning theme for...





















