Make A Difference, This Weekend

Join millions of Americans in service on Make A Difference Day (October 22nd) to improve and revitalize our Watsonville Community!

Outdoor 'Buddy' Lessons

It's more than just a "walk in the woods"—students learn about Earth science, biology and building community. Cross-age learning can flourish when students are given time to hike and learn together.

On a Mission to the Carmel Mission

Taking a field trip with your kids can be a learning experience for the chaperones too, sometimes maybe even more so. Read this parent's story about a field trip Mission Carmel.

Hands-on History: Students Travel to Sacramento

Local elementary school students travel to Sacramento for a close-up history study and a view of the state capitol.

Edible Learning: Baking with Young Children

Baking bread with three to six-year-old children can be a fun, educational—and tasty—lesson.

'Occupy Wall Street'

No voice in current American politics for "Main Street."

A Latina's Thoughts on the California State Dream Act

As soon as people hear I am a Latina Republican and that I was born and raised in Santa Cruz they get confused. But here are my thoughts on the New California State Dream Act.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Promoting Community Awareness

Promoting awareness about domestic violence during the month of October and why community involvement is needed.

Picture the Starlite Drive-In (Literally)

This Corralitos musician is looking for photos of the Starlite Drive-In for a new music project.

Take a Walk, Learn About the Watsonville Business Community

The second annual Watsonville Business Walk is coming up next Wednesday at the Watsonville Civic Plaza starting at 8:30 a.m. Join us!

A Decade Since 9/11, Rebuilding Hope 3,000 Miles Away

I remember September 11, 2001, in vivid detail, despite being thousands of miles from Ground Zero or having any direct connection with the victims, it still affected me deeply.

Engaging Youth To Resolve Conflict and Envision Peace

The 9/11 Projects For Peace answer the call to give youth a voice in addressing community violence and envisioning peace

The Incredible Shrinking Food Package: Is This Silent Inflation?

Consumers are paying more for less at the check stand, and they might not even know it. This form of silent inflation may affect more American households than you probably realize.

Another Happy Dog Story: Bodie Goes Home

Bodie, a foster dog from Monterey, gets his new forever home.

MADD National President: Tools to Reduce Underage Drinking

As we prepare to send kids back to classrooms for another school year, it’s important to equip parents and caregivers with the tools for talking with their children about alcohol.

A Very Special First Day for a Very Unique PVUSD School

The first day of school is not what you think for this PVUSD charter school. A picnic, barbecue and fun? Can it be so?

Some Gigs Are Worth the Wait

This Sunday, Americana songwriters Michael Gaither, Laurie Jennings and Dana Keller play the Corralitos Cultural Center.

A Fair Perspective: The Domino Effect of Closing the Speedway

What closing the Ocean Speedway in Watsonville could mean to our community and the fairgrounds—it's a feeling of deja vu for this blogger.

Back to School Means Back to Stress?

Ways that you can help relieve Back to School stress for you and your children.

Help Save the SC County Fairgrounds

Please, if you feel as strongly as I do about keeping our fairgrounds operating for the benefit of all of us, sign this petition and make your voice heard.

La Selva Beach Teen Takes 100 Spins at the Boardwalk

An interview with Nicholas Laschkewitsch, a La Selva Beach teen and Aptos High student, after he rode the Looff Carousel 100 times at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the ride’s 100th birthday.

Anti-Smoking Group Objects to Marketing of “Eco-Friendly” Cigarettes

Vince Willmore, of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, called the ad “egregious.”

Do You Feel Safe In Watsonville?

Gang related violence has become even more a topic of conversation after the tragic shooting at 6 p.m. at Target. I was asked by someone recently if I felt safe in Watsonville- here is my answer.

What Parents and a Community Can Do—Ending Gang-Violence in Watsonville

Ideas and thoughts about what families and community members can do about gang-activity in Watsonville.

The Long Road To Re-Entry: Why No One Should Have To Walk Alone

When inmates are initially released from the jail near Buena Vista Road, they immediately face a formidable hurdle; overwhelmed and without support networks they are often forced to walk four miles...

We’re expecting great things from you—don’t let us down.

News reports indicate that crime is down in Watsonville. It sure doesn't feel that way. What's the police department doing to address the recent violence? And, what do I tell my kids?

The Lost Art of People Watching

Real people watching is harder than it looks—and it’s more fun doing it with a friend—but there’s a fine line between perverted staring and the simple observation of pedestrians.

Dealing with Gang Violence—How Does it Affect Your Family?

Are the local incidents of gang violence affecting how you feel about the safety of your family? Parents and families weigh in with your thoughts.

Top 10 Wedding Etiquette Tips From Yours Truly

We all know summer is wedding season. Here are a few etiquette tips for guests.

Remembering Songwriter Chuck McCabe

Chuck meant a lot to a lot of people. He still does. So we're remembering Americana songwriter Chuck McCabe, one year later.

Drug Testing Welfare Recipients

If we give our government the right to strip Fourth Amendment rights from anyone who benefits from public assistance programs, we may all live to regret it.

The Pot Versus The Kettle: Alejo and His Spending Spree

What does Luis Alejo know about saving money during a fiscal crisis?

What It Takes To Be a True Maverick

Through his blog, Emilio Martinez shows what it takes to be a true political maverick. It does not come easy—our family has seen consequences for speaking out.

New Winery in Town: Mica Cellars

Wine tasting, appreciation, education in Watsonville? Yes.

Small Projects in Watsonville's Downtown Add Up to Big Things

The City of Watsonville Redevelopment Agency is engaged in a number of ongoing projects to revitalize our Downtown. This post is a run down of some of our smaller projects designed to reduce blight.

Protect California's Youth and the Public Health and Safety of all Californians

Easy access to alcohol is a key driver of underage drinking, which in turn causes violent crime, car crashes, and high-risk sex.

Corralitos Music Series - This Sunday's Show at 6:00 pm

Singer/Songwriters George Kincheloe, Marty Atkinson, and Scott Beynon perform this Sunday evening at the Corralitos Cultural Center.

Redevelopment Helps Watsonville Businesses Grow and Thrive

In discussing Redevelopment with a number of individuals, it's clear most people don’t know what Redevelopment is or what RDAs do – and funded entirely through local property taxes.

Summer Time is the Perfect Time for Pool School

Watsonville has excellent options in swim programs for children. Find the program that works best for you. Get your kids into it. Give them the opportunity to learn this necessary life skill.

Watsonville Troubador Returns—To Soquel—This Wednesday

One-time Watsonville resident (and full-time songwriter) James Hurley plays The Ugly Mug in Soquel this Wednesday.