Sesario Escoto: Why Spanish-speaking and Latino volunteers are important for youth in foster care
The parents of 13-year-old “Esmerelda” were desperately trying to keep her safe, as the girl was acting out and exhibiting high-risk behaviors. However, the parents had their own struggle with alcohol, and one night things escalated into physical violence, and the police were called.
Letters to the Editor, Jan. 23–29
Passenger rail price estimates too high
One can never convince me that restoring the Santa Cruz Branch rail line for passenger rail would cost an estimated $4.2 billion dollars! I am not a transportation planner or consultant however it is obvious something doesn't jive and...
What Makes Watsonville Community Hospital—and America—Great
Thirty-three years ago, while my family was preparing for a birthday party, I decided to arrive early. My mother was shopping for a cake for my sister’s second birthday in our small hometown of Cuerámaro, Guanajuato, Mexico—a rural town of at the time just...
It’s an old story
It’s an old story. It would be hilarious if it weren’t so sad.
A young soldier fighting in Italy during World War II managed to jump into a foxhole just ahead of a spray of bullets. He immediately attempted to deepen the hole for more...
A response to Geraldine Ridgway
By Mercedes Garcia
These are the messages I received from Geraldine Ridgway’s op-ed published in Nov. 20 edition of the Pajaronian:
“Why can’t you Mexicans be like all the other ethnic groups that were mistreated in the past? Why don’t you just grin and bear it...
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...
Reviewing an unprecedented year
By Greg Caput, County Supervisor
It is no surprise to most of us that this has been an unprecedented year with the emergence of Covid-19 and the CZU fires. During these times of uncertainty, we are facing deep emotional distress. The residents of Santa Cruz...
Manuel Quiroz Jr., Nov. 16: To our leaders: The children are watching you
You lack honesty and moral purpose. The children are watching the kind of world you are creating.
Photo Story: Two-vehicle crash on Center Street
A Watsonville firefighter cleans up at the scene of a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on Center Street in Watsonville. Watsonville police said the female...


















