By OSCAR RIOS, Watsonville Mayor
Pajaro River Levee Project: Please join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a presentation of the results from the draft feasibility study that describes the federal flood protection project on the Pajaro River. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Watsonville Civic Plaza, 275 Main St., fourth floor. There will also be a discussion on the status of flood protection efforts for the Pajaro River Levees and an opportunity for the public to comment on the draft report.
In with the New and Out with the Old: Start the year de-cluttering your home and donate your unwanted items to any of these local shelters or second hand stores. Call ahead to ask what items are accepted:
• Teen Challenge Monterey Bay: 761-3191
• The Salvation Army: 724-3922
• Goodwill: 722-2376
• Pajaro Rescue Mission: 724-9576
• Pajaro Valley Shelter Services: 728-5649
Garbage & Recycling Will Not Change: Your garbage and recycling pick-up schedule will not change during the holidays. Please remember to set out carts at the end of your driveway or curb the night before your service day.
Holiday Factory Sale: The Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale is a perfect opportunity to shop local on this holiday season. The factory sale will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Participating businesses include: Smith & Vandiver, Annieglass, S. Martinelli & Co., La Selva Designs, El Pajaro CDC Kitchen Incubator, American Hat Makers – Head’n Home, Integrity Wines, Roche Leather Company, Hidden Fortress Coffee, Creator Haven LLC. Visit our website for more information: www.watsonvillefactorysale.com.
Vision Santa Cruz County: Santa Cruz County is embarking on its first strategic plan and they want your input. The community is invited to participate and give input at the strategic planning meeting taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St., fourth floor.
Watsonville Lends a Hand: Thank you to the Watsonville firefighters who were assigned to aid residents during the devastating fires in Napa and Sonoma County. Two Watsonville Fire Engine Companies were assigned to the fires and both captains reported the devastation as surreal. In addition, the city will also be sending building inspectors to help inspect structures for safety and determine what will be required to repair and rebuild them. Municipalities from all over the state offered their services to Watsonville during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and it’s our honor and responsibility to help our neighboring communities in a time of need.
Multicultural Celebration & Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Celebrate the holiday season at the Multicultural Celebration and Holiday Tree Lighting at the City Plaza on Sunday, Dec. 3. The Multicultural Celebration begins at 2 p.m., and Santa Claus arrives at 4 p.m. in preparation for the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.
A new addition to the festivities this year will be a holiday train that will offer children rides around the City Plaza.
City of Watsonville Holiday Closures: City of Watsonville facilities will be closed on the following days:
• Nov. 10 – Veterans Day
• Nov. 23-24 – Thanksgiving
• Dec. 25-26 – Christmas
• Jan. 1-2 – New Year’s
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.
