I’m voting yes on Measure Q for the Pajaro Valley
The people of the Pajaro Valley have shown we are resilient as we’ve faced the impacts of a changing climate, from severe flooding to the threat of wildfire. But more—a lot more—can be done to help reduce the effects on our community from future...
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...
Dori Rose Inda: Senate health care bill threatens the well-being of our community
Having lived in and served the Pájaro Valley for 25 years, I am deeply concerned about the potential impact our community faces if the Senate’s version of the American Health Care Act (the Better Care Reconciliation Act) is passed. Like the House version,
Looking within during trying times
MEMO FROM REV. SHINSEKI
“It is wrong to think that misfortunes come from the east or from the west; they originate within one’s own mind. Therefore, it is foolish to guard against misfortunes from the external world and leave the inner mind uncontrolled.”
Teachings of the...
Independence Sunday
Memo from Rev. Mathews-Johnson
While I was growing up, whenever we moved—which was often in those days because my dad was a Navy officer—my mother would find a job at the local United Methodist Church in our new town playing the organ and piano. As...
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.
Movie Review: All flash, no substance: 'Kong: Skull Island' underwhelming
If you are looking for destructive beast-vs-beast action you won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking for story, character development or good pacing and dialogue, you will be left wanting your money back.
Letters to the Editor Nov. 14-20
PVUSD cuts necessary
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District is finally being forced to face financial reality. Many of the positions now being eliminated were funded by one-time Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, which expired in February 2024. That temporary COVID money...
Letters to the Editor, Dec. 9
Grateful for opportunity to run for PVUSD board
With sincere appreciation to my community, CSEA, KSCO and all that supported my candidacy. I would also like to acknowledge the remarkable and tireless support team that unexpectedly pitched-in with help and guidance. Your generous contributions, personal...
Letters to the editor Oct. 10 – 16
Stein’s letter was misguided
Reading Gil Stein’s demand for PVUSD Trustee Joy Flynn’s resignation (Sept. 19-25, page 9), it seems clear that this is an instance of a white man attempting to police the behavior of a Black woman.
He comments on grammar and spelling mistakes;...
‘Catz storm back to win first-ever NorCal Championship | Boys soccer
The ‘Catz’s mystique is back, ladies and gentlemen.
The Watsonville High boys’ soccer team made history Saturday evening after winning their first-ever NorCal Championship in...

















