Opinion

The start of 2023 was far from what anyone expected it to be. Our region was battered by an unprecedented atmospheric river that brought heavy rains, flooding and evacuations for our residents.   While this was unexpected and severely impacted thousands in our community, I was...

After the 2023 flood, $434 million was given by the state and government under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund a new levee. The 100-year floodplain levee would sustain the Pajaro River, Salsipuedes Creek and Corralitos Creek with the idea that there is 1%...

"Try This" is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like. Tony Nuñez FOOD: El Valle Produce's Avocado Toast I believe I’ve written about El Valle Produce, 530 Walker St., before but I’ve never mentioned their incredible and...

I live between a stop sign and a speed bump. There’s an official city traffic sign posted standing at the edge of my front yard: “Speed Bump, 15 mph.” No one does that.

When I walked into work on Monday morning, a fellow reporter asked me if I’d tuned in to the Hollywood award show known as the Golden Globes, which was broadcasted the previous night. I had not—in fact, I didn’t even know it had aired.  I...

By Dennis Osmer, former Watsonville Mayor Hardly anybody likes to work with somebody looking over their shoulder. And of those, nobody likes getting advice from somebody outside the circle. But for City Council and the City Manager, that’s the job they sought and got. According...

I’m here today to give you a pitch, A burning desire, It’s more than an itch, Underscoring the fact that this valley’s so rich Painting a picture imagine this course Make a reality Our place mighty force. The nature, the earth, the sea, and the sloughs The farms, and the people, so good and so...

To her very last breath, Laura Segura was caring—and fighting—for us all. Laura, who died June 9, 2022, was a beloved “justice warrior” who spent her life fighting for the opportunity and dignity of others. Just a few days ago, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County...

Do you feel confident in the direction Watsonville is heading? Yes: 84 | No: 122 Public comment Steven Diaz: You mean the direction of keeping things status quo, right? Watsonville needs to get with the times, enough living in the past. Time to...