Center of the Christian map
Memo from Pastor Erickson
This week’s Gospel lesson is about the Baptism of our Lord. In it, you may find the geographical references quite interesting.
Mark tells us that John the baptizer appears in the wilderness along the Jordan River and that folk from the Judean...
Letters to the Editor, March 18
We stand with LGBTQ+ people
We are a group of LGBTQ+ and allies in fifth through eighth grade at Watsonville Charter School of the Arts, and are members of our Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs. We were very upset to learn about the hate crime...
Supervisor’s Update: Embracing progress and community
In the vibrant tapestry of our community, positive change is often driven by the dedication and collaboration of individuals who care deeply about the betterment of our shared spaces. From rejuvenating local landmarks to fostering future leaders, and recognizing outstanding contributions, the recent events...
Letters, Oct. 21, 2022
Save our irreplaceable farmland
Our farm, Lakeside Organic Gardens, now in our 26th year, creates hundreds of jobs and supports local businesses that rely on the strength of our local agriculture. Growing food provides employment at all skill levels, from the newest technologies to business...
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...
Letters to the editor Oct. 31-Nov. 13
Trump is a Vector of Chaos
Using a phrase I learned from my wife's family, this is only my “pee pot opinion”, but I've been writing these observations for nine years, and almost all have turned out to be spot on. So, here we go:
Trump...
What should replace Kmart?
It’s been more than half a year since the Kmart on Freedom Boulevard closed its doors for good. And as someone who constantly drives past the shell of the former community hotspot, it pains me to see what that location has become. On top...
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
This Week in Pajaro Valley’s Past, Aug. 13
25 years ago on Aug. 12, 1996
Thousands of farm workers and their families marched through Watsonville, waving flags and banners to protest the United Farm Workers organizing efforts. In March, the UFW announced plans to organize the 15,000 berry workers in the Pajaro and...
Students learn the power of the vote at Civics Summit
On Friday, about 150 high school juniors from across Santa Cruz County cast their first ballots on three issues that, if passed, would dramatically...


















