It has been a tough few months for the Pajaro Valley. Back in December, we lost the great Lou Arbanas, a key historian with the Pajaro Valley Historical Association. Then, in January, Judy Doering Nielsen, a stalwart volunteer who served as Watsonville Mayor, died. Now, in back-to-back strikes, we say goodbye to Steve Bankhead and Diane Porter Cooley. The former was a longtime columnist for this publication, and the latter helped form land conservation—near and far—in numerous ways.
Because of this job, I worked closely with Arbanas and Bankhead in several instances. And I often exchanged emails with Doering Nielsen, providing feedback to her for her letters to the editor. I, however, did not have the opportunity to personally meet Cooley or work with her on any projects.
It has been enlightening to hear about her legacy since her death last week. She was involved in many key Watsonville issues over the decades. Nearly everyone that I have talked to has a great memory or story about Cooley. Several people called her a “force of nature,” and, after reading our front-page story from reporter Todd Guild, I understand why.
Thank you to the Porter Cooley family for sharing Diane with the Pajaro Valley. She will be missed.
Welcome Back, Sandy
For several months now we have not had a consistent history columnist that could satisfy our readers’ need to journey back into Pajaro Valley’s past. I’m happy to say that we have finally made some headway on this issue.
Sandy Lydon, an educator and all-knowing author of several books based in the Pajaro Valley, is rejoining the Pajaronian for a recurring monthly column that will run on the first Friday of every month starting in April. He, however, makes his grand return this week with a column about Cooley, who he knew as DPC. Pick up a physical copy of the Pajaronian or subscribe to our E-edition to give it a read.
Lydon is celebrating his 60th year as a classroom teacher, 54 of which have been at Cabrillo College. He was a columnist for this newspaper from October 1988 to March 1990 and is a proud member of the Hollister Haybaler Hall of Fame.
We are still looking for another monthly columnist who is interested in writing about the Pajaro Valley’s history. Have an itch to dive into our region’s past? Know someone who would be a great fit? Shoot me an email.
History awaits!
Covering Local Politics
We are also looking for a freelance reporter(s) to cover Watsonville politics. This would include attending and recapping Watsonville City Council meetings, as well as the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Board of Directors and Watsonville Planning Commission meetings.
There’s a lot going on in the local political landscape as we inch toward the June 7 primary, and we want to be able to accurately report on the issues that will impact our readers.
Tony Nuñez is the Managing Editor of the Pajaronian. Contact Nuñez at tn****@pa********.co
