By LOWELL HURST, Watsonville Mayor
Holiday Message: The holidays are a festive time of year when we share special moments with our family, friends and loved ones, and look ahead to a new year filled with promise and opportunity. During this season of hope and joy, I offer my sincere thanks to all of our residents and community partners for your continued collaboration, cooperation and support. You are the foundation of Watsonville and your active civic engagement contributes significantly to the progress and advancement of our city. As we look forward to new and exciting opportunities that lie ahead, we remain passionate about working cooperatively with all of you to make Watsonville the best place to live, work, play, visit and raise a family. My warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyous holiday season and a happy, healthy and successful New Year.
Household Hazardous Materials Notice: Due to maintenance upgrades, the city’s Public Drop-Off Center will not be accepting household hazardous waste in the month of December. Collection services will continue after the upgrades are complete. For information, call Customer Service at 768-3133.
Carbon Monoxide (The Silent Killer): With the recent cold temperatures, please remember the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). It is called the silent killer because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, yet this deadly toxic gas can overcome you without warning. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can cause neurological damage, illness, coma and even death. Here are some ways you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:
• Never take a barbecue pit into your home
• Never use a generator or gas powered equipment indoors or in an enclosed or partially enclosed area
• Never use gas powered devices such as stoves, heaters or dryers to heat your home
• Never leave your car running in an attached garage
Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are: headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tightness across the chest, feeling better when you are away from home, or everyone at home feeling sick at the same time. If you experience these symptoms, get to fresh air right away and call 911! Every home should have at least one operational CO alarm within 10 feet of every room used for sleeping. For any questions about fire safety, you can call our Fire Prevention office at 768-3231.
2019 Parking Permits: The 2019 parking permits are now available for purchase. Get yours today in our Finance Department located at 250 Main St.
Garbage and Recycling Pick-up Schedule Will not Change during the Holidays: Christmas trees will be collected from Jan. 7-11.
• Please place the tree on the curbside next to your garbage bin on your regularly scheduled pick-up day
• Please remove the stand, lights, tinsel and all other ornaments
You can also drop off your tree at: Garbage and Recycling Drop-Off Center, 320 Harvest Drive, or at Fire Station 2, 370 Airport Blvd. For information, please call our Customer Service staff at 768-3133.
Watsonville Police Launch New App & Online Reporting: The Watsonville Police Department recently launched a new mobile app that promotes two-way communication with the community. The app called “Watsonville Police Department” is available to Android and Apple users. The app allows officers to send emergency alerts, post news about traffic delays, missing persons and crime reports. During an emergency, app users will immediately receive a notification on their mobile devices. The app also allows residents to send comments, photos and crime tips — anonymously if they wish direct to the Watsonville Police Department. Another tool that’s available is the police department’s new Online Reporting System. Residents can file a report on certain incident types such as: minor theft, vehicle burglary, lost property, hit-and-run, crime tips, etc. over the Internet. The app and online crime reporting system are valuable tools to keep the city safe and improve communication between the police department and residents. For information, visit our website at www.cityofwatsonville.org/197/Police or contact Michelle Pulido at 750-2959.
Holiday in the Plaza – Jingle Bell Rock: Join us on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. in the Plaza and ring in the holiday cheer with musical performances, pictures with Santa, cookies and cocoa and take a ride on the Holiday Train sponsored by Driscoll’s.
Holiday Movie in the Plaza: Join us on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 5 -7 p.m. in the Plaza and enjoy a holiday-themed movie under the stars. There will be heat lamps to snuggle up to, as well as pictures with Santa and cookies and cocoa.
I love to hear from our community, so please feel free to email me directly at:
lo**********@ci***************.org
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Lowell Hurst is mayor of Watsonville. His opinions are his own and not necessarily those of the Pajaronian.
