By Oscar Rios, Watsonville mayor
Increased Code Enforcement Activities for Commercial & Residential
Please note that the City of Watsonville Code Enforcement Division has increased enforcement activities throughout the city, for both residential and commercial code violations. It is the mission of the Code Enforcement Division to work in partnership with the community to promote and maintain a healthy, safe and desirable environment. Please visit our website for more information: www.cityofwatsonville.org/983/Code-Enforcement.
New Website and Refreshed Logo
We’re excited to announce the official launch of our new website. The new website is built on a new powerful, efficient and user-friendly content management system that will help users surf the city’s website with greater ease and offer online services such as utility bill pay, employment submissions, the ability to search available commercial properties, and customize the information they receive all from the convenience of their home or any mobile device.
As part of the new website, we also refreshed the city logo and the Our Town Newsletter to reflect the beauty of our community. The new website, logo and newsletter will help implement a consistent look and feel that aids in the creation of a strong city identity, builds recognition for the city and is representative of the forward-thinking and collaborative leadership that exemplifies Watsonville. The new logo will be phased in over time and will eventually replace decals on city-owned vehicles, letterhead, badges and uniforms, street signs, parks and buildings. Visit our new website at www.cityofwatsonville.org.
Graffiti and Shopping Carts
Residents, report abandoned shopping carts, graffiti and illegal dumping in city streets. Do your share to keep Watsonville safe and clean. Report by emailing cu*************@ci***************.org or by calling customer service at 768-3133.
Your Dollars at Work
The City of Watsonville strives to maintain a high level of service at the lowest cost to our residents. Utility rates support infrastructure improvements required to continue delivering safe and reliable water, sewer, and solid waste services to our customers. Our customers get clean potable water on-demand for less than a penny per gallon. However, our aging infrastructure is creating costly maintenance issues and frequent service disruptions. The cost of replacing old water mains is about $750,000 per mile. Watsonville is taking a proactive approach to reduce this cost and disruption to customers with our Water Main Replacement Program.
The city is also in the process of meeting increasingly stringent drinking water regulations that require new treatment technologies. It will take a combination of grants, loans and water rates to maintain our city’s water system in compliance with state regulations. The city’s combined rates for water, sewer and garbage services are the lowest in the area. Our commitment to you is to continue providing a high level of service at the lowest cost!
Watsonville Summer Activities and Programs
The Parks and Community Services Department is now taking registrations for a variety of fun activities for youth this summer. The popular summer aquatics program, which features swim lessons and drop-in recreational swim, will be held again this summer at the Watsonville High School pool. Camp WOW, a good, old-fashioned day camp, will take place at the Ramsay Park Family Center. Each of the camp’s weekly sessions features a different theme and a trip to an exciting destination. The Gene Hoularis and Waldo Rodriguez Youth Center features its award-winning Get Out, Get Fit camp that gets youth moving on a path to a healthier lifestyle. In addition, two new programs, the Play as One Basketball Clinic and the Summer Beach Series of trips to local beaches will also be offered at the G.H.W.R. Youth Center. This is just a sample of all of the fun being served up this summer by the Parks and Community Services Department. For information and to register, visit the PCS customer service office at 231 Union St., or call the department at 768-3240 or visit www.watsonvillerec.com.
Public Works Conservation Summer Programs
Join us for a variety of free, fun and educational activities!
• Nature Center behind Ramsay Park is open Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us for Bilingual Trail Walks every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. For information, call 768-1622.
• Science Workshop Drop-In Program at 120 Second St., Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Come create, build and learn for ages 7 and older! For information, call 768-3256.
• National Trails Day Event – Join us on June 3 for fun family activities on our award-winning trails. For information, call 768-1622.
• “Wetlands to Sea” Outdoor Field Trips: Join us on July 20 and 27, Aug. 3 and 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Watsonville Nature Center at Ramsay Park. For information, call 768-1622.
• Watsonville Wastewater Recycling Plant: Call 768-3107 to schedule a tour.
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party — All ages are welcome!
Our annual Summer Reading Launch Party is for children, teens and their families. Join us for arts, crafts, games and fun in building a better world together! The event will take place on Saturday, June 10 from 1-3 p.m. in the Main Library, Children’s Room.
• Open Streets Watsonville: Open Streets Watsonville will be held on Sunday, May 21, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the historic downtown Watsonville on Brennan/Union Street from Callaghan Park to the City Plaza. Come out and enjoy the car-free Pop-up Street Park, free activities and performances! While you’re there stop by and visit the Public Works booth. For information, visit www.scopenstreets.org/activities-presenters.
• Save the Date – The Spirit of Watsonville Parade: The Spirit of Watsonville Parade will be held on Tuesday, July 4 and follow the traditional route down Main Street, but there will be one important change. This year, the parade will begin at 1 p.m.
• Fire in the Sky: The Watsonville Municipal Airport is holding an open house on Tuesday, July 4 at 5:30 p.m.! Come learn about the value and viability of this City asset. Visit the Municipal Airport and stay late to enjoy the fireworks!
I love to hear from our community, so please feel free to email me directly at os********@ci***************.org.
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Oscar Rios is the mayor of Watsonville. His opinions are his own and not necessarily those of the Pajaronian.
