Opinion

Not long ago, our community came together around a powerful shared belief: that everyone deserves access to healthcare.  That belief fueled the effort to save Watsonville Community Hospital and bring it under local control—a major victory.  But like many hospitals across the country, we continue to...

Compiled by Steve Bankhead 25 years ago on March 9, 1996 Pajaro has developed community spirit in efforts to clean up and rebuild after last year’s flood. A major assist came from “Together in Pajaro” (TIP) organized by Diane Young to guide the effort. One target...

Clearing up the attacks on Panetta You may have seen strange and vague ads on TV this last week that mention our Congressman, Jimmy Panetta, and a bill that he introduced. I want to set the record straight and share how this bill will restore...

As we entered the second week of March, we once again prepared for storms and another atmospheric river event that was expected to bring heavy rains and flooding. The City is working tirelessly with many partners to prepare and be ready to assist our...

Two things are at the essence of emotionally moving and thought-provoking films: sights and sounds. Damien Chazelle wholeheartedly understands this. It was apparent in “Whiplash,” his directorial debut in 2014, and only further confirmed with 2016’s “La La Land.”

Trust is not built on words alone—it is forged through action, teamwork, and empathy. This holds true in times of prosperity, but is even more critical during hardship and crisis. Few experiences unite people like the shared journey from loss to pain, to recovery,...

Watsonville Mayor's Update, June 2018

The recent struggle between the leaders of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District made a big impression on me. Those who follow the district know by now that PVUSD Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez was abruptly fired by the Board of Trustees in a split 4-3...