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Watsonville
March 7, 2026

Giving thanks

Jay Shinseki Watsonville
There is a unique term in Japanese that is used by Buddhists as they sit down to partake of a meal. The term in itadakimasu 頂きます. Before someone begins to eat they place their palms together and say the words itadakimasu. In a simple...

Letters to the Editor, Sept. 9

letter to the editor pajaronian
Naloxone can save lives A billboard will be unveiled in Watsonville presenting how Naloxone can easily save and reverse an opioid overdose.  True convenience arrives as soon as anyone views the value and significance of this tool. It has the power to save a life. Why...

Letters to the Editor, May 7

letter to the editor pajaronian
Railbanking is the answer Who, what, why, where, when and how? These are the questions that need to be considered in any public transportation project. According to the RTC's planning documents, a $1.3 billion train would primarily serve a projected 300 Watsonville commuters, making an insignificant impact...

Ask Nicole: Giving Thanks

letters to the editor
I often start this monthly column with a true story about my experiences as a parent. Writing about my own parenting challenges is like giving myself free therapy. I relive memories of difficult situations, work through my emotions in a safe environment (my office,...

Bonsai enthusiast bids farewell

My long-time friend Don White has died. If the name escapes you, he was the friendly man whose photo I ran in the R-P each year for the past 10-plus years tending his vast collection of bonsai trees in the back yard of his Carmel Street home.

California Senate recognizes Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

The California State Senate has recognized May as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month with the passage of Senate Resolution 34, which I was proud to have authored. This designation will help bring attention to this life debilitating disease.

Words matter: From stigma and apathy to empathy and action

letters to the editor
By Denise Elerick, of the Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County Substance use disorder is now widely recognized in the medical community as a chronic illness which responds to treatment. Similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, remission and recurrence...

The story behind the Washington bust

letters to the editor
To some, George Washington represents patriarchy and oppression. To Lloyd Alaga, the person who commissioned the bust of George Washington for Watsonville’s Plaza, Washington represented the opportunity in America for immigrants who have come, and continue to come, to this country. Lloyd Alaga’s uncle was...

Emily Balli, May 4: May is CalFresh Awareness Month

CalFresh (formally known as Food Stamps) helps struggling families and individuals in California purchase healthy, nourishing food, including at farmers markets.

Welcome to Watsonville, Pastor John

Rev. Robin Mathews-Johnson
It is so easy, ridiculously easy, to simply point at someone else and say, “He’s not in our group.”  Ever felt that way? I know I have, but I confess I’m not proud of it.  Even churches make that mistake. Arthur Herman’s book “How the...
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RTC looks to federal, state government to fill rail funding gap

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) will seek funding from the state and federal government to support construction planning for a passenger...