Photo story: Spirit of Watsonville approaching
Paola Fregoso (left) and Lorelai Oliveira are joined by their dog, Luna, Monday in a promotion of their fireworks for sale at the Watsonville High Junior Wildcatz stand.
Their temporary fireworks stand, at 716 East Lake Ave., is one of close to two dozen...
God so loved the world…
The gospel of John (one of four gospels in the New Testament) proclaims, “God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). It is the proclamation of the mystery of Incarnation.
Lutheran Bishop Stephen Bouman tells of standing behind an altar in a small crypt chapel of...
Letters to the Editor, April 13, 2023
What is wrong with us?
One hundred days into 2023. One hundred and fifty mass shootings under our belt. More than 11,500 people killed by gun violence thus far. Across our country, “Amazing Grace,” our new national anthem, is heard more often than the “Star...
Sandy Lydon: The false myth that Watsonville drove its Chinese community across the river in 1888
I first heard the story in the 1970s when beginning my research on the history of the Chinese in the region. I read it in community histories, newspaper history columns, and both Chinese and non-Chinese old-timers told me the story with conviction.
It was true...
Strawberries once again take top spot as crop values rise
MONTEREY COUNTY—Monterey County agriculture’s gross production value bounced back by 4.8% in 2021 to just over $4.1 billion, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that also resulted in supply chain shortages.
This increase represents a $190 million rise from 2020, when the gross production value was...
Trina Coffman-Gomez, Nov. 9: Unified Corridor Study: How we got to this juncture
While there are many more reports and milestones the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) has accomplished, here is my summary of the history lesson.
Letters to the Editor, Oct. 8
Councilman’s claims of racism were wrong
I'm a member of the board of directors of the Watsonville Pilots Association and the vice-chairperson of the Watsonville Airport Advisory Committee. However, I write this letter solely in my individual capacity as a long-time resident of the County...
Mayor’s Update: Stay prepared
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...
Laina Farhat-Holzman, June 3: Where are the university grownups?
For some years now, we have seen a transformation in university life that does not bode well. These changes are in line with changes in public behavior in our society at large, a general coarsening of language, ideas and actions.
Farm Discovery at Live Earth raises $87K for education, produce programs
WATSONVILLE—Watsonville-based organization Farm Discovery at Live Earth announced that it raised $87,800 at its annual benefit dinner on Sept. 24.
“Mesa: Farm Discovery Fall Feast in the Fields” was held at Live Earth Farm in Watsonville, and drew attendance from across the region. Guests were...
Jim Barsi—owner of Barsi’s Liquor Store—dies
James Joseph “Jim” Barsi, who ran his eponymous liquor store on East Lake Avenue for a half-century before selling the business and retiring in...





















