By OSCAR RIOS, Watsonville Mayor
Watsonville is Celebrating 150 Years
On March 30, 1868, the California State Legislature approved a request to incorporate Rancho Bolsa del Pajaro into the Town of Watsonville. Now, nearly 150 years after its incorporation, City Council and community leaders are gearing up to commemorate an important city milestone — the sesquicentennial celebration. The sesquicentennial celebration will be an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate all the history and cultures that have created the fabric of our community. The city is compiling a master calendar of activities that take place throughout the year, and hopes to work with community stakeholders to incorporate a historical theme to many of these events. Those interested in contributing to the City of Watsonville 150th celebration can contact Tamara Vides at ta**********@ci***************.org.
Free Mattress Recycling Program
City of Watsonville residents can now drop-off used mattress and box springs for free at the city’s Waste & Recycling Drop-Off Center. Commercial customers can dispose their mattresses for a small fee. Attendants will inspect the mattress to ensure it can be recycled. Sofa beds, futons, soiled mattresses and crib mattresses are accepted for a fee. For information, call 768-3133.
Visit Your Free Conservation Headquarters
Are you interested in reducing the amount of your utility bill? The City of Watsonville Nature Center is your Conservation Headquarters and the place to come for free assistance and conservation tools. The helpful staff and exhibits are here to show you and your family different ways you can save money and conserve resources. Receive free water conservation devices you can install in your home in just seconds! Cash in on the city’s rebates by getting great ideas and information on how to replace your lawn, high-flow toilet or washer. Visit our website for more information: www.cityofwatsonville.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=188.
Watsonville’s Annual Coastal Cleanup Day
Join us at one of our city-hosted cleanup sites on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. We will provide a safety talk, all necessary cleanup supplies and snacks. Here is a list of cleanup sites:
• West Struve Slough at Pajaro Valley High School
• Watsonville Slough at Nature Center Ramsay Park
• Pajaro River at River Park
• Palm & Sunset State Beach hosted by Save Our Shores
You can pre-register your group to volunteer at one of our sites or just show up at your favorite location. For information, call 768-3165.
Call if You Can, Text 9-1-1 if You Can’t
Text to 9-1-1 will provide another means for the public to report emergency incidents requiring a law enforcement, fire protection or emergency medical response. The slogan “Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t” targets the deaf and hard of hearing or speech impaired community or those who are in a situation where they cannot speak. It’s available to Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito County residents.
Family Days
The Nature Center will be hosting free bilingual nature walks at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m. in honor of the Monterey Bay Birding Festival. They will also have crafts and games from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, call 768-1622.
Music In the Plaza
Join us for our last summer concert on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 6-8 p.m. featuring Jazz Night with the 7th Street Band at the Plaza in downtown Watsonville. Bring your lawn chair and grab some dinner downtown.
Fiestas Patrias – Sept. 17
Celebrate the independence and beautiful cultures of Latin America by joining Fiestas Patrias on Sunday, Sept. 17 in downtown Watsonville! There will be plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy!
I love to hear from our community, so please feel free to email me directly at os********@ci***************.org.
•••
Oscar Rios is mayor of Watsonville. His opinions are his own and not necessarily those of the Pajaronian.
