The COVID-19 crisis has without a doubt been a challenging ordeal. Our businesses are suffering, our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet and there do not seem to be many quick solutions to the problems created by this tricky, highly-infectious virus. Yet, the vast majority of our community has remained strong by sticking together. It has been inspiring to see how many nonprofits, businesses and volunteers have stepped up to keep everyone in our community safe, fed and chipper during this whirlwind. I also tip my cap to multiple local agencies for keeping everyone in our community informed about the constantly changing landscape associated with the coronavirus.
As the voice of Watsonville and the greater Pajaro Valley for the past 151 years, we realize that we, too, need to play a larger role in keeping everyone in our community informed. That is why this week we unveiled our Spanish webpage Nuestra Ciudad at our website. Our goal is to help keep our community safe and knowledgeable on the ever-changing COVID-19 crisis and beyond. This has long been a passion project of the Pajaronian staff and it is something we believe is long overdue.Â
Watsonville’s population is a little more than 80 percent Hispanic or Latino, and although the majority can read English and follow along with our coverage of their city and county, a large portion cannot. There are other media outlets that have provided valuable coverage of our area for our monolingual Spanish speaking population, but we believe there must be more in order to keep as many members of our community as informed as possible.
I’m a big believer that beautiful projects and ideas can arise from times of despair. When the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake shook Watsonville to its core, an emergency feeding and aid program began at St. Patrick’s Church to help community members in dire need. That simple, righteous project blossomed into Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, still a staple in the community today. We hope Nuestra Ciudad will help those that want to stay informed during this crisis and eventually grow into another useful, reliable tool for the community—one that boosts inclusivity and participation for all.
Contact Managing Editor Tony Nuñez at tn****@pa********.com or 761-7353.
