Gullible grandma vs. determined scammer
By DeAnne Hart, of Watsonville
I return to my country home with two canisters of propane for the camp stove and lantern in anticipation of a third long dark evening without power. My husband and helper Joelle meet me at the door, pulling up a chair...
On My Mind | ‘Fake news,’ ‘the enemy of the people’ — really?
As you might imagine, I’ve met a lot of people on this job — bankers, drifters, teachers, painters, priests, janitors, surgeons, pilots and other reporters.
Is the Electoral College still appropriate?
We are again just weeks away from another presidential election. An election that won't be decided by a plurality of the popular vote, but by what even our Supreme Court has referred to as the “anachronism of the Electoral College.”
A perpetual majority of voters...
Year In Review: Recapping an up and down 2021
For most elected bodies, the new year brings newly appointed Presidents and Vice-Presidents—or board chairs and vice-chairs. This seldom controversial move is a way to end the year and begin with new leadership.
The first meeting of the new year is usually the first time...
Johanna Miller, July 27: What’s the deal with lane splitting?
Last month, I took a trip to San Francisco to visit my friend, Holly, who had recently moved to the city from Oregon. We had met during college and were looking forward to a weekend of catching up and sight-seeing. A near-accident in the middle of the trip ended up putting quite a damper on our mood.
Guest View: Measures Q and S are flawed
By Kathleen Kilpatrick
Twenty years ago my family and I supported Measure U. Measure U was a compromise measure that came from Action Pajaro Valley, a robust stakeholder process that created the Watsonville Urban Limit line to allow for some growth and protection of farmland...
Ask Nicole: Simple summertime ideas
When I was a child, Summer. Lasted. For. Ever. I remember long days that usually began with picking beans and then weeds in the hot sun, followed by endless hours of playing (and bickering) with my siblings in the hot sun. By the end...
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...
Mayor’s message: A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Impact
Dear Community, As I close out my term as your Mayor, I’ve been reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together this year.
When I stepped into this role, I made a commitment, not to titles or recognition, but on making a real difference that families...
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...




















