The Pajaronian

Watsonville leaders, state officials and community members gathered Thursday afternoon at City Plaza to celebrate the start of a long-awaited revitalization project aimed at preserving the historic downtown gathering place while expanding its use for future generations.

The project, which city officials said is expected to take about a year to complete in two phases, will renovate the plaza’s historic gazebo and fountain and add new amenities including a permanent stage, public art, seating areas and ADA-accessible pathways.

Deputy City Manager Nick Calubaquib called the plaza “the heart of the city,” noting it has hosted cultural celebrations, rallies, markets and community events for more than a century.

BACK THEN This 1900 photograph shows Watsonville Plaza with what was Third Street (now East Beach Street) at left. (photo, Pajaro Valley Historical Association)

“In too many communities, access to quality parks and open space is considered a privilege when it really should be a right,” Calubaquib said.

The first phase of construction will focus on restoring the historic gazebo and fountain and upgrading electrical infrastructure. That work is expected to take five to six months. A second phase, projected to last another eight to nine months, will include construction of a new permanent stage, expanded seating and picnic areas, public art installations and other improvements designed to support the more than 20 annual events held at the plaza.

LOCAL TOUCH Folkloric dancers were on hand after the ceremony to add local color to the event. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

The project received $3.35 million through California’s Proposition 68 Statewide Park Program grant, along with local funding through Watsonville’s Measure R parks initiative, officials said.

George Romero of the Pajaro Valley Historical Association said the plaza has been central to Watsonville life for 166 years and has evolved alongside the city itself.

“The plaza has served and continues to serve Watsonville well, providing a place for speeches, for rallies, for concerts, for protests, for festivals, for markets,” Romero said.

NEW ART This artist’s drawing shows one of four large sculptures designed by  Watsonville artist Kathleen Crocetti—with input from the community — planned for installation in the plaza. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Romero also reflected on the generations of residents who have gathered there, noting the many languages spoken at the plaza over the years, including Spanish, English, Chinese, Japanese, Tagalog, Zapotec and Mixteco.

Mayor Crystal Salcido credited former city councils and years of community feedback for bringing the project to fruition.

“This is our crown jewel,” Salcido said. “This is the epitome of what we mean by cultural designation.”

City Manager Tamara Vides described the project as part of a broader effort to create a more vibrant downtown that attracts residents, visitors and businesses.

“When I think about this project in particular, I don’t think it’s only improving infrastructure,” Vides said. “We are preserving history and we’re lifting culture and the identity of Watsonville while we are creating a space for future generations.”

Representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren and state Sen. John Laird also attended the ceremony, along with California State Parks officials, who praised the project as an example of community-driven investment in public spaces.

Construction is expected to begin immediately.

Watsonville native Eli Alvarado just celebrated his 14th birthday in February.

But the list of his most recent wrestling accomplishments might indicate it could easily be someone with a lot more experience under their belt.

Or in this case, under their headgear.

It began on Feb. 21 with a first place trophy in the 136-pound division at the Rumble in Reno Tournament, which featured hundreds of athletes from across the nation. Alvarado was also runner-up in the 140-pound division.

The youngster went on to win the 140-pound 14-U division at the California USA Wrestling Folkstyle Tournament in Fresno on March 14. There he faced a group of challenging wrestlers from all over the state, which made the victory much sweeter.

“It was better than Rumble in Reno,” Alvarado said. “It wasn’t as hard as the 140 [pound division] in Rumble in Reno, but because they’re only from California it was still pretty challenging.”

Alvarado finished with a 6-1 record in the 140-pound division at the CA USA Wrestling Greco Tournament in Fresno on April 17-19. The one defeat bumped him down to No. 3 in his weight class, and is no longer in the running for the triple crown.

But, a loss on the mat won’t deter him from training even harder for next month’s CA USA Wrestling Freestyle Tournament in Fresno on May 29-31. 

Alvarado began his undeveloped wrestling career for the Watsonville Rivercatz, which is now known as Okie’s Kids Wrestling Club. 

Over the past few years, he’s been making the trip twice a week to Gilroy to train at the Daniel Cormier Wrestling Academy with Daniel Cormier—a former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist.

“[Cormier’s] not always there, but when he is there it’s cool,” Alvarado said. “I like the other coaches that are there, and it’s a pretty big club.”

Cormier has quite the wrestling resume himself, including a gold medal in the 96-kilogram division at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo and 2002 Pan American Championships in Maracaibo. 

Alvarado hasn’t had the chance to wrestle Cormier but best believe the student is soaking in everything the coach has to say, exactly like a sponge.

Alvarado said the biggest takeaway from attending the academy is learning how to be accountable for his own actions, and the results that come from it.

“Wrestling is on me, and I can’t rely on anyone else to help me win,” Alvarado said. “There’s not a team in wrestling.”

However, the youngster isn’t completely alone. His mother, Monique Montes-Alvarado, has been riding alongside his son’s journey the entire time. So far, the family has traveled as far as Ohio and South Dakota.

“It’s definitely exciting, and I think it’s a lot of fun, too,” Montes-Alvarez said. “That is our family vacation.”

Alvarado had a strong run both athletically and academically during the month of February. He maintained a 3.5 grade point average, while putting in extra work to finish his Folkstyle season on a high note.

Alvarado, who is currently homeschooled, mentioned that having good grades is a big must if he wants to continue wrestling in high school.

“If you can’t do sports, then you probably can’t get into a good college,” he said. “I”m trying to get a scholarship to get into college, and I can’t do that without a high GPA.”

Alvarado has a couple of dream schools in mind, including Stanford because it’s one of the best colleges academically and it’s close to home. 

His other choice is across the country at Penn State University, which is currently one of the top colleges for wrestling having won five consecutive NCAA Division I team titles.  

Alvarado’s path to a collegiate career became a lot more sturdier after he received some exciting news Tuesday afternoon. He was invited to represent the state of California in the 140-pound weight class as a member of the US national team. 

“It’s been interesting to see the more we travel to see the competition and kind of gauge where he’s at, which is pretty cool,” Montes-Alvarado said. “He stands pretty tall amongst the crowd. He’s got a really good work ethic.”

Alvarado will travel to Florida alongside a team made up of top wrestlers from across California to compete against other elite state teams in a week-long dual tournament in June.

On top of that, he was selected to represent his region in a California dual team tournament that will take place in Fresno, also in June.

“[Eli] is extremely excited for these opportunities, and as parents, we couldn’t be more proud of his hard work, dedication and accomplishments,” Montes-Alvarado said.

High standards needed for Minto Road BESS facility

Battery energy storage may be part of California’s clean-energy future. I am not opposed to it. But clean energy should not become a shortcut around local accountability.

The proposed Minto Road BESS project would place an industrial-scale battery facility near the College Lake Water Storage Project, agricultural land, residents, and regional water infrastructure. That should concern every South County resident.

The College Lake Water Storage Project was built to reduce groundwater pumping, protect the aquifer, address seawater intrusion, and support agricultural water reliability. If a fire, runoff event, or contamination concern limits that water source, even temporarily, growers could be forced back into groundwater pumping—undermining the very purpose of the project.

Now that state approval is being pursued, the standard should be even higher, not lower. If the state approves this project, then the state must also be prepared to help carry the consequences if something goes wrong. South County should not be left alone to deal with impacts to water, agriculture, emergency response, public health, or cleanup costs.

Before approval, the developer and state should publicly prove the worst-case scenario is bounded, runoff can be contained, emergency response is ready, and agriculture, drinking water, and public health are protected.

Clean energy still needs responsible siting. South County should not be asked to accept risks that have not been fully proven, planned for, and accounted for.

Eduardo HurtadoWatsonville

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Berry growers should go organic

I am concerned for the marginalized who have no voice.  A group of us from our farmworker ministry at Santa Teresa Church in San Jose went to Watsonville for a pesticide reality tour led by the Center for Farmworker Families. It was shocking and disgusting to see Driscoll’s and Giant’s berry fields with toxic pesticides next to schools and homes. There are reports of brain and leukemia cancers, ADHD, autism, respiratory problems, learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders. Because Hispanic students are disproportionately exposed to these poisons, it is also a health justice issue.

CFF has made a reasonable request to have fifteen parcels adjacent to schools and homes be converted to organic farming.  Aside from a small Driscoll’s concession, the two corporations have dragged their feet in accepting this modest proposal.

Because berries with pesticides last longer, Driscoll’s response that they need to sell as many berries as possible throughout the world is an unacceptable excuse. They can meet their goal with as many conventional pesticide fields as they want as long as they are away from inhabited areas. These corporate farmers’ donations to various charities are appreciated, but money cannot buy a healthy life.  Besides, don’t they want to be locally known to have compassion for their workers?  The elephant in the room is that most of these workers are migrants. This reality does not make any one of them less of a person.  

Living in a healthy environment is a basic human right.  We urge Driscoll’s and Giant to agree to complete the transition from conventional to organic fields.  It is the humane thing to do.

Gino Sartor

San Jose

•••

Conservatives facing harassment

Santa Cruz County prides itself on tolerance, but local politics tell a different story. Increasingly, conservatives, especially supporters of Donald Trump, are treated not as neighbors with different views, but as outsiders.

Reports of Republican candidate yard signs being removed or vandalized, harassment during sign waves, and protests targeting conservative events point to a growing pattern. Some residents also describe vehicles being vandalized over bumper stickers or feeling intimidated on the road because of political decals. Even if not every incident is formally documented, the perception is clear, expressing conservative views can come with consequences.

Nationally, conservatives have spoken about threats tied to rising political hostility. That same climate is felt locally.

When one political viewpoint dominates, respect for dissent can erode. That’s not healthy for a democracy. Santa Cruz County needs a reset—where disagreement is allowed, debate is encouraged, and no one is silenced for their beliefs.

Mike Lelieur

Santa Cruz 

These women enjoy an evening with the Grandmother’s Club in April of 1957.

Olive D. Wilson discovered her love for writing early in life, chronicling her thoughts, experiences and ideas the way many writers do. Over time, that practice evolved.

What emerged from that reflective work, she realized, was both a story that needed to be told and the first step toward her life’s calling.

“All of a sudden, I had a 400-page manuscript,” she said.

That manuscript became the seed for her first novel, which she self-published at 15. It was the first in a three-book series — the “Misfits of Morality Trilogy” — about four teens who band together to overcome the pressures placed on them.

The books are available at Bookshop Santa Cruz and through online retailers such as Walmart, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Her fourth book, “Our Tragic Legacy,” will be released July 10.

The novel examines the pressures teen athletes face from coaches, parents and peers — a “shake it off” culture so embedded in sports that it is accepted even when it becomes abusive, she said.

“With coaches, it would be reasonable and rather normal, I found, for them to make you run until you throw up or something like that,” she said. “If a teacher did that or anything comparable, they would be fired.”

Wilson said she temporarily quit playing basketball to research and write the book, which centers on the children of intense sports parents.

“It’s about these children who maybe originally loved the game but are forced into it by parents and coaches and pressured to become good,” she said. “And it’s about their lives.”

Her research included interviews with Erin Wilson, an Olympic athlete and founder of Canada-based AthletesCAN; Indra Eliasson, a Swedish sports professor who specializes in coach abuse; and physician Charles Yesalis, an expert in performance-enhancing drugs.

“I had questions after quitting, like why are coaches and parents allowed to do so many more things than, say, teachers are allowed to do in the context of sport,” Wilson said.

She pointed to a study by AthletesCAN that found 60% of athletes experienced psychological abuse, 24% suffered an eating disorder and 18% engaged in self-harm.

“That led me down a rabbit hole of research where I was trying to find out why abuse is more prevalent in sports,” she said. “My job as a writer is to turn those statistics into emotion.”

Wilson hopes to help readers see beyond the idealized facade of sports into a largely unseen world where pressure from coaches, parents and peers can harm athletes.

Many athletes also fail to report such behavior because they fear repercussions from coaches or a loss of playing time, she said.

“My goal is to get people to actually care about this issue,” she said. “Because right now, as an athlete, it seems like they don’t. I think it’s that they don’t really understand how prevalent it is, and they also don’t understand how it affects athletes.”

That lack of awareness can extend to teen athletes themselves, who may not recognize abuse.

“They think that’s what love looks like,” she said.

After graduating from high school, Wilson hopes to attend Columbia University and land an internship with The New York Times as she pursues a career in writing.

“I always wanted to write with a purpose — to uncover something — like a modern-day muckraker,” she said. “I want to bring my books to a larger audience and gain the resources to learn more about communities that don’t have a voice, so I can help give them one through my writing.”

Santa Cruz County officials on Tuesday opened public hearings on a proposed $1.29 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, warning that federal funding cuts, rising labor costs and growing structural deficits are forcing difficult financial decisions in the years ahead.

The recommended budget includes an $844.1 million General Fund and closes a projected $23.2 million deficit without layoffs by relying heavily on one-time funding sources, a countywide hiring freeze and the elimination of nearly 60 vacant positions.

County Administrative Officer Nicole Coburn described the spending plan as one crafted during one of the toughest fiscal periods the county has faced in years.

“This is a balanced budget that we present today, and we’ve developed it under one of the most challenging fiscal environments that I’ve ever faced,” Coburn told the Board of Supervisors.

County officials said the budget was affected by federal policy changes under H.R. 1 — also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — which reduce funding for health and human services programs while increasing mandated local costs. Officials also warned of a possible recession and uncertainty surrounding California’s state budget.

Coburn said the county has not declared a fiscal emergency, but noted the issue could return later this month when Gov. Gavin Newsom revises the state budget proposal and again in June when the budget is finalized.

The proposed spending plan relies on about $43 million in one-time funding, most of it from Health and Human Services reserves and trust funds, to preserve services and avoid layoffs. County officials said the county workforce of roughly 2,682 employees would remain intact despite the elimination of vacant positions.

Budget Manager Marc Pimentel cautioned that drawing down reserves to balance the budget carries significant risks. Under the proposal, county reserves would fall from 12.5% of expenditures to 10.4% — just above the county’s minimum reserve policy and well below its 15% target.

“That’s when we start getting a little nervous, about getting down to that level,” Pimentel said. “From a budgetary standpoint, we’re relying on that to balance our budget.”

Pimentel said the remaining reserves would be enough to cover roughly one payroll cycle if needed. At the same time, he projected continued growth in local tax revenue, estimating a 4.5% increase in property and sales tax collections.

Despite the financial pressures, county officials said the proposal preserves funding for roads, parks, affordable housing and homelessness programs, while also investing in modernization efforts and artificial intelligence tools intended to improve county operations.

The budget also continues Measure K investments, including $2 million for road paving and infrastructure repairs, $1 million for housing projects and another $1 million toward homelessness services.

Still, several proposed cuts and policy changes drew concern during Tuesday’s discussion.

One flashpoint involved a recommendation to cancel the county’s longstanding contract with the Page & Dudley law firm, which handles criminal conflict cases for the Public Defender’s Office.

Under the proposal, those cases would instead be folded into a newly created Alternate Public Defender’s Office.

Attorney Mitchell Page criticized the plan, arguing the county underestimated the costs and warning that shifting the caseload would strain public defenders while eliminating about 15 jobs at the firm.

“We’ve been contracting with the county for a long, long time providing excellent work,” Page told supervisors.

Defense attorney T.J. Brewer added that the change would significantly increase workloads for county public defenders.

Supervisors also debated a proposed parking fee pilot program at county parks. Supervisor Manu Koenig opposed the idea, saying it was the wrong time to charge families additional fees.

“I think it’s probably a pretty bad time to try to start charging people parking fees when they’re taking their kids to little league,” Koenig said.

Supervisor Felipe Hernandez pushed back on suggestions to redirect Measure K funding to address deferred park maintenance, saying voters approved the sales tax measure with specific priorities in mind.

Budget hearings will continue June 10, with final adoption scheduled for June 24.

Cabrillo College opened its new Watsonville Wellness Center and Food Pantry on Monday at the Watsonville campus on Union Street.

“We are very excited to launch the Watsonville Wellness Center, which allows us to equitably provide students with basic-needs services at both our Aptos and Watsonville campuses,” said Cabrillo College Superintendent and President Jenn Capps. “The Watsonville Wellness Center represents our commitment to increasing Cabrillo’s presence in and access to services in Watsonville — a vital part of the Cabrillo College community.”

Funding for the Watsonville Wellness Center and Food Pantry came from the U.S. Department of Education’s Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program.

Cabrillo spokesperson Kristin Fabos said the three-year, $950,000 grant supports college programs “that address students’ basic needs and improve persistence, graduation and transfer outcomes.”

Officials said the center, located in the former Digital NEST space — the organization relocated nearby to 349 Main St. — aims to improve students’ social, emotional, academic and career development by connecting them with resources for food, housing, transportation, technology and other services.

Jenn Capps (right), Cabrillo College Superintendent and President head out of the Wellness Center on Union Street Monday. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

The space includes a food pantry and kitchen, offices for a coordinator and “Wellness Ambassadors,” full-time mental health counseling services, an outreach and recruitment office for South County and a conference room.

A program called CHEFS offers hands-on cooking instruction in which students prepare full meals using pantry ingredients while building practical cooking skills.

“This is a huge step for Cabrillo College,” Capps said. “One of my goals is to create access to education, to invite people in and ask how we can support their success with food and counseling. Let’s face it — things are expensive, and it’s becoming even more difficult for students to afford rent in what is already one of the nation’s most expensive housing markets. As an educational institution, we have to do all that we can.”

Watsonville Community Hospital has earned its first “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group, marking a dramatic improvement in patient safety since the hospital came under public ownership in 2022.

The national nonprofit released its Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Grades this week, awarding Watsonville Community Hospital the highest possible designation after years of lower scores under previous private ownership. When the Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD) took control of the hospital in fall 2022, the facility carried a “D” grade.

Leapfrog evaluates nearly 3,000 acute-care hospitals nationwide twice a year using up to 32 measures tied to patient safety, including rates of infections, injuries and preventable medical errors.

Hospital officials said the improvement reflects a broad effort to strengthen care quality and accountability.

“This ‘A’ grade belongs entirely to the hardworking, dedicated people who work at this hospital — the nurses, physicians, technicians, support staff, and every team member who shows up every day committed to doing right by our patients,” Watsonville Community Hospital CEO Stephen Gray said in a statement.

Gray said the district promised the community a “safer, more accountable hospital” when public ownership began nearly four years ago.

Hospital leaders cited several changes tied to the improved rating, including the addition of board-certified physicians for adult hospitalized patients, implementation of bar code medication administration technology, reductions in serious patient falls and infection rates, and higher patient satisfaction scores related to care and communication.

According to the hospital, infection rates dropped by more than 70 percent during the transition.

“The medical staff is proud of the hard work of Watsonville’s ancillary staff, nurses and physicians who contributed to this important patient safety recognition,” Chief of Medical Staff Christopher O’Grady said in a statement.

Gray called the improvement evidence that community ownership has strengthened the hospital.

“Going from a ‘D’ to an ‘A’ is proof that public ownership works, that community investment works, and that the people of Watsonville deserve — and now have — a hospital they can trust,” he said.

Watsonville Community Hospital serves patients throughout the Pajaro Valley, Santa Cruz County and northern Monterey County with inpatient and outpatient medical services. The hospital is governed by the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, a publicly elected local agency.

PVHCD Board Chair Tony Nuñez said the past year was a difficult one for the members as it worked to raise the hospital’s grade from a D.

“I am incredibly proud of this accomplishment because it reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the entire Watsonville Community Hospital team and the greater Pajaro Valley community,” he said in an email.

“Today, Watsonville Community Hospital is not only the safest hospital in the county by Leapfrog’s grading system, but also one of the best reviewed by the patients and families who rely on it.”

Nuñez said the hospital in the coming months will get new imaging equipment thanks to Measure N, a $116 million bond passed by voters in 2024 to pay for upgrades and to purchase the building and property.

“The Pajaro Valley deserves excellent care close to home,” he said. “We will continue fighting to keep Watsonville Community Hospital open, strengthen its services, and expand local health care for the people of the Pajaro Valley.”

Hospital safety grades are available at the Leapfrog Group’s website, hospitalsafetygrade.org.

The man who was struck by a pickup as he drove into its path on an electric scooter Wednesday afternoon has died from his injuries.

Around 1:50pm, Watsonville Police and Firefighters got a report of a man that was struck by a Dodge Big Horn pickup on Second Street just west of Rodriguez Street.

When emergency officials arrived the 38-year-old man was sprawled on the pavement bleeding heavily in front of Watsonville Fire Station 1. 

The female driver of the truck remained on the scene, said WPD spokeswoman Erika Vazquez.

Police cordoned off the area with yellow tape and closed down Second Street between Walker and Rodriguez streets.

Sgt. Jarrod Pisturino said the man sped out from a sidewalk along Rodriguez Street into Second Street where he was struck. The victim, who was wearing headphones, apparently drove quickly into the path of the truck. The impact hurled him about 20 feet up Second Street while the scooter ended up beneath the truck.

The victim was rushed to an out-of-county trauma center where he later died.

The victim’s name has not been released. The incident is still under investigation.

Workers put up temporary fencing around a section of Watsonville Plaza in preparation for the City Plaza Revitalization project. The project is expected to take about one year. A groundbreaking Ceremony will take place Thursday from 4-5pm. 

A red 1963 Chevrolet Impala (seen above) was one of scores of Impalas and other vintage cars a trucks that lined Main Street May 2 during the 15th-annual Cruise Night put on by Watsonville Impalas. Established in 2011, the local car club welcomes all such clubs to the event where car owners engaged with the community, cruised Main Street and shared stories of surviving and maintaining early-day vehicles. 

A section of Main Street in downtown Watsonville was transformed into classic car showroom Saturday during the annual Cruise Night. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

A man suffered major injuries Wednesday when he was struck by a pickup as he drove into its path on an electric scooter. Around 1:50pm, Watsonville Police and Firefighters got a report of a man that was struck by a Dodge Big Horn pickup on Second Street just west of Rodriguez Street.

When emergency officials arrived the man was sprawled on the pavement bleeding heavily in front of Watsonville Fire Station 1. The female driver of the truck remained on the scene.

Police cordoned off the area with yellow tape and closed down Second Street between Walker and Rodriguez streets.

Sgt. Jarrod Pisturino said the man sped out from a sidewalk along Rodriguez Street into Second Street where he was struck. The victim, who was wearing headphones, apparently drove quickly into the path of the truck. The impact hurled him about 20 feet up Second Street while the scooter ended up beneath the truck.

The victim was rushed to an out-of-county trauma center.

No information was available as to his name or age. The incident is still under investigation.

New Leaf Energy will bypass Santa Cruz County’s permitting process and instead seek state approval for its proposed battery energy storage system near Watsonville, a move county officials long anticipated as local regulations tightened.

In a May 1 letter to County Executive Officer Nicole Coburn, the company said it will withdraw its application for the Seahawk project at 90 Minto Road and pursue the California Energy Commission’s “opt-in” permitting process under Assembly Bill 205.

The decision follows months of friction between the company and county leaders over a proposed ordinance regulating large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in unincorporated areas.

New Leaf had previously supported a draft version of the ordinance, calling it among the strongest in the nation. But amendments added by the Board of Supervisors in January created “significant commercial risks” and uncertainty that made the local process “unviable,” according to Max Christian, a senior project developer for the company.

In particular, a requirement that future ownership transfers receive additional approval from the Board of Supervisors would complicate financing and delay procurement timelines needed to meet deadlines set by the California Independent System Operator, Christian wrote.

“Those amendments … created too much timing and commercial risk for Seahawk to be able to meet the CAISO’s March 2027 commercial viability deadline,” he said.

Instead, New Leaf will apply to the CEC in early summer, citing a more predictable review process with defined timelines that would allow the company to move forward with engineering and equipment procurement.

The move was foreshadowed in April, when the company submitted a pre-application to the CEC while continuing to work with the county on a local ordinance.

County officials said the shift was not a surprise.

“Given that New Leaf has been meeting with the state, this development is not unexpected,” county spokesperson Tiffany Martinez said in a statement. “While the project may move forward under state jurisdiction, the County’s expectations remain unchanged.”

The county emphasized that environmental review will still be required under the state process and said it expects local priorities—including protections for agricultural land, safety setbacks, emergency response planning and long-term site restoration—to be incorporated.

The proposed Seahawk facility has drawn scrutiny since it was introduced in 2025, particularly in the wake of a high-profile fire at a Vistra battery storage facility in Moss Landing that burned for days and raised concerns about toxic emissions.

New Leaf has said its project would use newer technology that does not rely on the same materials implicated in that fire.

In his letter, Christian said the company expects the CEC to incorporate elements of the county’s draft ordinance into its review, providing a degree of local control through the state process. He also said New Leaf will continue working with the county, including negotiating a community benefits agreement.

The company began public outreach in late 2024, meeting with local fire agencies, civic groups and elected officials, and hosting community meetings in Watsonville.

Despite the shift to state oversight, New Leaf said it remains committed to what it described as a “safe and thoroughly vetted project” that would improve grid reliability, lower energy costs and support climate goals.

The CEC process will include a full environmental review, consultation with battery safety experts, coordination with local fire agencies and public input meetings, the company said.

For county leaders, the key question now is how much influence local officials will retain as the project moves into state hands.

Josephine Vidal (from left), Esther Herrera, Ignacia Gonzalez and Maria Cornejo join in folkloric dancing during Cinco de Mary celebration at the Watsonville Senior Center. 

Older Adult Services Supervisor Katie Nuñez said about 73 regulars to the center were present for food, fun and dancing. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

The annual Cinco De Mayo Festival drew thousands of people to downtown Watsonville Sunday with live music, food booths, arts and crafts and information tables. 

The free five-and-a-half-hour event was put on by Fiestas Patrias. It drew to the stage the popular singer Graciela Beltran, folkloric dance troupe Esperanza del Valle, Mariachi Perla de Mexico and popular bands from Mexico, including La Calle Show and Banda S7.

A huge crowd takes in the music at the Cinco De Mayo Festival (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

“The festivals of Fiestas Patrias bring residents together from throughout the Monterey Bay to celebrate and to learn about the heritage and culture of Mexico,” organizers said.

May 5  is the actual day of celebration for Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

The Aptos High track and field programs will enter the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League finals riding a perfect wave.

Both the boys and girls squads finished dual meet competition at 5-0, but now they have a chance at perfection with their sights set on a championship Saturday at Harbor High School. The meet is scheduled to begin at 10am.

The stakes could not be higher for the Mariner girls team, which needs one more win to claim the SCCAL team title outright. In order to do so, they must defeat rival Santa Cruz one final time. 

The two programs have been the class of the league all season, and Saturday’s showdown promises a fitting conclusion to the campaign.

The boys group, meanwhile, have a bit more margin. A second-place finish would still be enough to secure the overall SCCAL crown, a testament to the depth and consistency the Mariners have shown throughout the year.

Leading the charge for the boys are Bryce Boudreault and Brady Bliesner, two athletes who have powered Aptos across a range of disciplines all season. Boudreault has been a force in the field events, excelling in pole vault, discus and shot put. 

Bliesner has anchored the distance program, starring in the 800 meters and middle-distance relays. 

Together, Boudreault and Bliesner represent the kind of versatile, high-point production that championship teams are built around.

On the girls side, Ella Boyes and Kenzie Culbertson have been the program’s standard-bearers. 

Boyes has dominated the hurdles while also contributing in the long jump, making her one of the league’s most dangerous multi-event threats. 

Culbertson has been a workhorse in the distance events, racking up points in the 800 meters and relays throughout the season.

But what has defined this year’s Aptos program goes beyond its top performers.

Aptos head coach Thad Moren pointed to the willingness of several athletes to stretch themselves across multiple events. It’s a key reason the Mariners have remained so competitive in the team standings. 

Isabella Hernandez, Ryder Yamaguchi, Bella Briceño-Nichols and Anthony Sandford-Carroll have each answered the call to compete in a wide range of events, filling scoring gaps and proving that Aptos’ depth is genuine.

“In order to be a competitive championship team, we need athletes that are willing to do a wide range of events and challenge themselves to score points for the team,” Moren said.

Moren said for the girls, it ends with a chance to add a league banner to a perfect record. For the boys, the math is already in their favor — now it’s just a matter of finishing the job.

Watsonville city officials have ended a short-lived paid parking pilot along Aviation Way after pushback from local businesses, removing meters just days after the program launched.

The 30-day pilot, which began earlier this week along the busy commercial strip at 45 Aviation Way, was intended to test whether paid parking could improve turnover and availability. The program charged $1 to $2 per hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and was scheduled to run through May 27.

But business owners reported a drop in customers and raised concerns that the fees would discourage visitors from stopping at the cluster of restaurants and shops, including Honeylux Coffee, Beer Mule and Slice Project.

In a statement released after the program was halted, City Manager Tamara Vides said the pilot achieved its purpose by quickly generating feedback.

“This pilot program is doing exactly what it’s intended to do. It’s giving us immediate, real-world feedback from the people who use these areas every day,” Vides said. “We heard our community clearly, and we are responding.”

The city said it observed some early improvements in parking use and turnover in both Aviation Way and downtown Watsonville, where meters remain in place. Officials will continue evaluating the downtown portion of the pilot while exploring alternative solutions for Aviation Way.

The Aviation Way test had drawn sharp criticism during this week’s City Council meeting, where business owners said the meters were already affecting foot traffic.

Brando Sencion, co-owner of Slice Project, previously told the council his business saw a “huge dip” in customers almost immediately after the meters were installed. He also said he had to pay to park while making deliveries to his own shop.

Shawd DeWitt, co-owner of Beer Mule, warned the added cost could drive customers elsewhere and force businesses to absorb new expenses, such as subsidizing employee parking.

Some council members also expressed concern about the rollout. Councilman Jimmy Dutra called the Aviation Way corridor “one of our successful areas” and said he did not want to “put a wrench in it,” while Councilman Eduardo Montesino said he had received complaints from residents and questioned the need for meters in that location.

Following the city’s decision to remove the meters, Sencion said business owners felt heard.

“We are really grateful to the city for listening and taking action so quickly,” he said in the press release. “We left the meeting feeling heard and optimistic about better solutions moving forward.”

City officials said the brief Aviation Way pilot still provided useful insights and helped open dialogue with the business community as they consider future parking strategies. Any long-term changes would require City Council approval.

A 42-year-old Castroville man has been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, attempted murder and multiple other felony charges following an investigation that began with a reported assault outside a local shopping center, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Eric Adam Melendrez was taken into custody April 28 in Salinas after detectives located him driving a silver Honda CR-V, the sheriff’s office said. He was arrested without incident.

The case began on April 23, when witnesses reported seeing a man strangling a woman near the shopping center at 11290 Merritt St. in Castroville around 11:45pm. A sheriff’s sergeant responded and located the woman, while deputies also found a vehicle linked to the suspect nearby containing evidence, authorities said.

During the initial investigation, the woman told deputies she had been sexually trafficked by Melendrez, who had fled before law enforcement arrived, according to the sheriff’s office.

Detectives with the agency’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the case. Authorities said that when Melendrez was arrested five days later, he was found with suspected methamphetamine, as well as smaller quantities of heroin and fentanyl, along with cash and scales consistent with narcotics sales.

Melendrez was found to be in possession of this suspected methamphetamine. (Contributed)

Search warrants served at multiple locations in Monterey County led to the seizure of additional narcotics, a firearm and items investigators believe are connected to sex trafficking, including condoms, lingerie and perfumes, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives also said they obtained evidence that Melendrez threatened the victim with a knife and attempted to prevent her from cooperating with law enforcement.

Based on the investigation, authorities sought a $1 million bail enhancement and obtained an emergency protective order for the victim.

Melendrez was booked into Monterey County Jail on charges including human trafficking, attempted murder, pimping, pandering, corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, possession of controlled substances for sale, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and dissuading a victim, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators said they believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Janelli Arroyo at 831-755-7261 or Detective Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy at 831.755.3773.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Protesters gathered in the Overlook Center in Watsonville Friday to highlight worker’s rights, condemn Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) round ups of immigrants, the use of Flock surveillance camera systems on city streets and other issues.

More than 120 people gathered and waved signs and chanted in front of the Target Store claiming the chain retailer endorses ICE presence and is “one of the biggest union busters in the country.” Protesters also said Target has eliminated their Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies. After an hour, the group marched south on Man Street to Romo Park in downtown Watsonville to join the annual May Day Picnic. 

Headed up by the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council Friday’s  theme for May Day was “Honor Working People.” 

The 4pm rally and escuelita (little school) at Romo Park addressed issues such as “Tax billionaires and corporations,” “Fund healthcare and education,” and “Not war and deportation.”

Source: Watsonville Police Department

April 24

• Someone stole a vehicle parked on the 100 block of Menker Street at about 6am.

• An unknown suspect kicked in the door of a residence on the 100 block of Rio Del Pajaro Court at about 7:30pm. No suspect was located. 

April 25

• Officers responded to a shoplifting report at a business on the 1400 block of Main Street at 8:18am. Police searched the area, but no suspects were found.

• A 49-year-old man was arrested for brandishing a knife at multiple victims on the 100 block of Marchant Street at 6:59pm. He was taken to Santa Cruz County Jail.

• Police responded to a report of a shoplifter who had just left a business on the 1400 block of Main Street. A 51-year-old man was arrested and taken to Santa Cruz County Jail.

• A victim reported being assaulted by two suspects with sticks on the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue at 2am on April 19. The suspects fled in a gray Camaro.

April 26

• Watsonville Police reported an attempted burglary at Cal Giant on the 100 block of Sakata Lane. Surveillance video showed a man attempting to break into the business around 5:30am. He was unidentifiable in the video.

• A father reported that his 35-year-old son was causing a disturbance at his residence on the 600 block of Delta Way. The son was under a restraining order, and remains at large.

April 27

• A 65-year-old man was arrested for public intoxication after he was seen urinating in front of a residence on the 900 block of Freedom Boulevard.

April 28

• Unknown suspects tried unsuccessfully to break into a business on the 400 block of Main Street at about 4am. The suspects have not been identified, but video surveillance is available.

• A 44-year-old man was arrested for shoplifting and trespassing from a business on the 1400 block of Main Street at 1:50pm.

April 29

• A man disappeared like smoke after he stole two packs of cigarettes from the Chevron gas station on the 1900 block of Freedom Boulevard at 9:44pm. The suspect is still at large.