The Pajaronian

A man was taken to a trauma center Friday night after he was shot in the head while driving along Freedom Boulevard.

According to radio dispatches, the man was driving north on Freedom when a pickup with several people onboard pulled alongside his Toyota sedan in front of a Valero gas station just before 10pm. At one point, someone in the truck aimed a rifle at the sedan and shot the driver in the head. The pickup driver then sped off. 

Watsonville police shut down all lanes of Freedom Boulevard in the area as Watsonville firefighters and paramedics treated the victim for transport to a hospital as a large crowd of people flocked to the crime scene to watch the drama unfold. As of 11pm no suspects had been found. 

Facing years of declining enrollment likely to take a multimillion-dollar bite out of its budget—coupled with federal education cuts and an impending recession—Pajaro Valley Unified School District has taken the first step toward possibly closing some schools.

District officials this week announced the creation of the Sustainable Schools Advisory (SSA), a group of 23 parents, staff and community members described in a press release as “a community-informed effort focused on the long-term strength of our schools.”

The Board of Trustees on Wednesday heard its first report on the group—including a summary of its inaugural meeting Tuesday—but took no action.

No decisions have been made about which schools could face closure. But the issue has surfaced at board meetings, with officials noting many campuses are below capacity and some classrooms sit empty.

PVUSD Chief Business Officer Gerardo Castillo said the SSA will examine demographics, enrollment and transportation as it meets twice a month through November. The group will present its findings and recommendations to the board that month.

Castillo acknowledged it will be a “very difficult process,” noting generations of families have attended neighborhood schools.

“Our schools, for many of us, are like our family,” he said. “That’s where we grew up.”

Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge John Salazar will serve as the advisory’s independent facilitator.

In other PVUSD news, the district will soon form a committee to consider renaming Cesar Chavez Middle School.

Communities across the U.S. have taken similar steps following a March New York Times report in which two women accused Chavez of sexual assault. Civil rights leader Dolores Huerta later said Chavez raped her twice, and that she bore two children from those encounters.

She said she kept quiet for decades to help protect the civil rights movement, with Chavez as its de facto leader.

Castillo said forming the committee will be a “key moment for our district.”

Renaming the school would be “a significant undertaking,” he said, estimating the cost at about $100,000. That includes researching a potential new namesake and replacing signage.

The 11-member committee will include students, staff, teachers and community members, and will be led by the principal.

Trustee Gabe Medina said he supports renaming the school but suggested delaying the process until the district’s financial outlook improves. When that time comes, he said, the honoree should reflect local culture and community.

“I’m hoping we generate local names and highlight those people who had the courage to really organize in our community and, dare I say, stand up to power that abuses its authority,” Medina said.

PVUSD has proposed capping teacher health benefits as part of ongoing contract negotiations, a move expected to draw significant opposition.

Both the district and the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers announced the proposal Tuesday. The district is offering a 7.77% salary increase over three years and a $36,000 annual contribution toward family health coverage. District spokesman Alejandro Chavez called it a starting point for negotiations.

Teachers say the proposal would shift substantial costs onto employees. Cesar Chavez Middle School teacher Emily Halbig said the raises — about $177 per month in the first year — would not offset higher premiums. District projections show a family PPO plan costing about $47,900 next year, leaving teachers to pay roughly $12,000 annually if the cap is adopted.

“That’s not close to breaking even,” Halbig said.

She said the union expects strong opposition, noting similar benefit caps elsewhere have effectively reduced take-home pay over time. The union is also questioning the district’s financial outlook and seeking updated data.

Halbig said members are unlikely to accept the proposal, raising the possibility of an impasse and state mediation.

“This is the one thing people have told me they would strike over,” she said.

Clouds build up over the Pajaro Valley recently. A new weather system will most likely bring showers and a possibility of thunderstorms starting Monday. Roger Gass of the National Weather Service of Monterey, said, “We are expecting to get showers Monday and a possibility of thunderstorms Tuesday. The upper level low is dropping in out of Gulf of Alaska.”
Gass said that while high winds are not expected, rain could be heavy at times. He said the Pajaro Valley could get from 1/2 to 1-inch of rain and 1-3 inches in north Santa Cruz County, the heaviest in the mountains.
“This rainfall could bring minor flooding in urban areas that could interrupt the morning and evening commutes Monday and into Tuesday. Showers are expected to taper late Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Lately, I see artichokes growing all along the coast in farms from the Pajaro Valley to Marina. 

I think they’re an unusual food. One way that I’m familiar with eating them is to first dip the steamed leaf in butter or mayonnaise, then scrape the meat off of the inside part of the outer leaves with your teeth. The inner leaves are more challenging but get what you can then discard. Then you scoop out the fuzzy part with a spoon and toss. Finally, you are left with a little bowl of tender pulp — the choke — most likely the only part of the entire thistle that is large enough to enjoy. I would guess that for one good-sized artichoke, you might get all of one cup if you’re lucky.

In its native state, the artichoke is a thistle. Its predecessor, the cardoon, was a garden flower mentioned by Homer in the eighth century BCE. It was bred to develop meaty leaves and a base that can be eaten before it has bloomed into a beautiful purple flower. Around the 1400s, its cultivation spread to France, Spain, England and beyond. They became a status symbol according to François Pierre La Varenne, the author of Le Cuisinier François in 1651; they were claimed to be an aphrodisiac.

There are many varieties from small to large and many ways to prepare them. The large globe variety is mostly grown around here and is best for the recipe below. Castroville, the part of Monterey County that grows 80% of the nation’s artichokes, has given itself the title of “The Artichoke Center of the World.” However, worldwide, the US is ninth in production of globe artichokes with Italy, Egypt and Spain in the lead. 

There are a lot of steps to preparing them. One main thing is to make sure they are sufficiently cooked. 

2-3 large artichokes, about 4 by 7 inches 

3 cups water

4 big cloves garlic, smashed and roughly chopped

3 bay leaves

1 teaspoon whole Sichuan peppers, whole allspice or black peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

1 tablespoon kosher salt

½ cup apple vinegar

1/3 cup honey 

3-4 tablespoons butter

Prepare the artichoke so that it is safe and easy to eat. Leave about 1 inch of the stem or less if you want them to sit by themselves. Pull off the small outer leaves around the base. Cut off about a ½ inch from the top.  Cut the spines off the tips of the larger outer leaves. Submerge in water, slosh around, then invert to dry.

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a dutch oven or heavy-duty sauce pan that comes with a lid; it should be large enough to hold two to three large artichokes. Add garlic, bay leaves, peppers, chili flakes and salt. Add artichokes, lower heat, put on the lid and simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes. Turn artichokes over and cover and steam another 5-15 minutes. Coating on the inside of the outer leaves should start to come off between your teeth. 

At that point, remove artichokes from pan, set aside and boil down liquid to about 1 1/2 cups. Stir in apple vinegar and honey. Add artichokes and boil for another 15 minutes with the lid off turning once so all sides get coated. The inside coating of the leaves should be soft now. Remove artichokes and keep warm.

Boil down the liquid again to about 1/2-3/4 cup. Strain out leaves, peppers etc. Add butter. Serve alongside artichokes as a dipping sauce.

A Letter to my Republican Friends

Our current president has launched what could very possibly become World War Three—a religious war that may even become nuclear. Is this really what you want for our children?

If not, please call your Congressional Representatives. We only need a few of the representatives that you elected to vote to stop the escalation.

Don Eggleston

Aptos

•••

BESS plays ‘vital role’

The battery facility proposed for Minto Road has been delayed. That’s a problem because it needs to be online as soon as possible if we are to stop burning fossil fuels. The delay is caused by resistance to the facility by some in the community. This resistance hurts my heart because a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) plays a vital role in fighting global warming. We must develop wind and solar energy. But the wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine. We need batteries to store that energy. We experienced climate warming the third week of March when temperatures neared 100 degrees. It’s even worse for places like Africa where there are multiple regions stricken with drought and other places hit with catastrophic flooding.

A BESS facility must be regulated, but those regulations already exist. California Senate Bill 283 calls for the highest safety standards for fire and other dangers. It was authored by our own Sen. John Laird and signed into law. These regulations were prompted by the Moss Landing BESS fire. There were several serious design flaws in that facility. In the first place the batteries were all housed in one building. Once a fire started it could easily spread to the whole place. The BESS proposed for Minto Road will be made up of several buildings. At Moss Landing the batteries were stacked on top of each other At Minto Road they will be insulated from each other. At Moss Landing the fire protection system was inadequate. At Minto Road there will be a robust response to fires.

Emelyn Buskirk

Watsonville

•••

Tony Nuñez Leads with Integrity and Hard Work

As a mother raising my family here in Watsonville, I think a lot about the kind of community we’re building for our kids and who we can trust to lead it. This upcoming June 2 election for 4th District Supervisor feels especially important to me, because I’m looking for someone who truly understands our community’s needs. I believe Tony Nuñez is the right person for our district.

Tony went to Watsonville High, studied at Cabrillo College, and San Jose State, and has spent years telling our community’s stories as editor of the Pajaronian. Through his work with Community Bridges, he continues to stay connected to the people and families who call this place home. He lives here with his wife and son so he understands firsthand what it means to raise a family in South County right now.

What stands out to me most is that Tony shows up and he truly listens. And more importantly, he follows through. Tony’s leadership was invaluable in saving Watsonville Community Hospital, and then keeping it operating by working hard to get Measure N passed in 2024. That kind of leadership matters.

District 4 deserves someone who will do the work, stand up for our families, and fight for the future our kids deserve. Tony Nuñez has proven he will.

Joanne Sanchez

Watsonville

•••

Concerns about Valencia Elementary School closing

Community members who have spoken out, written in, or shared concerns about the possible closure of Valencia School have likely encountered the same dismissive responses: “take a breath,” “no decision has been made,” or “a Sustainable Schools Advisory is being formed.” While it is true that PVUSD has not formally announced a closure, it is important to clarify that these concerns are not based on rumor or speculation. Statements suggesting that Valencia is the school under consideration have come from individuals in positions of authority within the district, including an assistant superintendent, a principal at another site, and a board trustee. These are informed voices, not casual observers.

Many in our community have experienced similar situations before. We have participated in processes where input from staff and families was gathered, only to see it reshaped—or set aside—after the fact. Time and again, it has felt as though decisions were made before meaningful engagement ever began. Given this history, it is understandable that calls to “take a breath” or remain patient are met with skepticism.

This is about our children, our educators, and the integrity of our community. Trust is not built through reassurances—it is built through transparency and genuine engagement. Until that happens, we will continue to question and speak out.

Lily Gerrans

Aptos

•••

Farmworker rights movement still strong, despite Chavez scandal

As someone who has worked in and around the farmworker movement since 1970, I was devastated by the recent credible allegations of serious sexual misconduct by Cesar Chavez.

Many who fought for farmworker rights (an ongoing battle) have been stunned or angered by the sudden removal of Chavez’s name from streets, schools and celebrations and by the readiness of some who were never aligned with the goals of that movement to pile on. That anger was expressed in Charles Birimisa’s letter saying that the anti-immigrant forces behind ICE abuses are seeking to remove ethnic heroes. I don’t disagree with him there. 

He goes on to opine that Dolores Huerta revealing rape by Cesar Chavez over 50 years ago represented her being manipulated “…by some nefarious power” to steal Cesar’s place in history and get her own holiday. This is where his letter goes off the rails.

In the late 1960s Dolores had very good reason to not speak publicly about what Cesar did to her. At the time, rape was viewed as something that happened in an alley with a knife, not by a coworker or family member. Had she spoken out at the time she would likely have been discredited and disbelieved. Believe it or not, that might well have killed the nascent movement struggling to survive, in which she and Cesar were key organizers.

Dolores only spoke out when she learned that there were other women who had been molested as children by Cesar Chavez. These were not strangers, but women whom she had known all of their lives. Dolores’ disclosure authenticated their stories at real emotional and reputational cost to herself.

I applaud Dolores’s courage in supporting those women. Her place in history is secure, and she gains nothing by this but pays a huge price of emotional disruption within her own family.

It is wrong to see the farmworkers movement as Dolores or Cesar or both, as they are only two of the literally thousands of farmworkers and their allies who devoted years of their lives to building that movement.

The reports of Cesar Chavez’s sexual abuse of women are disheartening, but this whole affair does nothing to diminish my respect for the movement that he and Dolores Huerta and those thousands of other built, nor my pride in the tiny role that I played in it.

Mike Johnston

Watsonville

A 15-year-old was arrested Wednesday on the 500 block of Rodriguez Street in connection with a Feb. 8 shooting.

Watsonville police placed nearby Radcliff Elementary School on lockdown at about 11:50am as a preventative measure. The lockdown was lifted about 10 minutes later.

The suspected 16-year-old shooter was arrested on Feb. 20 in connection with the shooting, which occurred at Main Street and Green Valley Road, but left no reported victims.

The investigation is ongoing. Watsonville police did not release further details.

A wanted suspect out of Santa Cruz County has been arrested after Watsonville Police, aided by their Flock camera system, found him driving a stolen car in Watsonville.   

Officers on patrol were alerted that a stolen silver Toyota Avalon was in the area of the 1000 block of Green Valley Road on Monday morning. About five minutes after being alerted, 46-year-old Armando Zepeda was pulled over.   

Police learned that Zepeda had an active felony warrant out of Santa Cruz County for false imprisonment and vandalism. He was taken into custody and booked on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle.  

“Thanks to technology such as our Flock cameras, our Officers were able to recover the stolen Toyota Avalon in less than 24 hours and eventually get it back to its rightful owner,” ” WPD said on a social media post.

Fruition Brewing and Kitchen in Watsonville has been named Small Brewery of the Year at the 2026 Best of Craft Beer Awards, a national competition that drew nearly 1,400 entries from breweries around the world.

The Watsonville-based brewery in the East Lake Village Shopping Center earned the top small-brewery honor after winning a gold medal for its “Yuzu Haze” hazy IPA and a silver medal for its “Watsonville Wildflower” honey blonde ale.

The awards were announced following judging held April 10–12 in Central Oregon, where nearly 60 international judges evaluated more than 9,000 beer submissions across 51 categories.

Fruition Brewing was one of 108 breweries to receive medals this year, with 153 awards handed out overall, according to event organizers.

The gold medal-winning Yuzu Haze features locally grown citrus sourced from Red Sands Orchard and Pretty Good Farm in Santa Cruz County. Brewers hand-zest the fruit, and the beer is currently available only on tap, though the company said the award is prompting plans to expand into canning.

The silver-winning Watsonville Wildflower uses local honey from Lazy G Bees. The beer has previously earned a gold medal at the U.S. Beer Tasting Championship and is already distributed more widely.

Co-owner David Purgason called the awards “a huge surprise.

“But it’s great motivation to continue working hard,” he said. “Brewing is an art of constant adjustments, endlessly chasing perfection, especially when working with local agriculture that varies year to year.”

The Best of Craft Beer Awards, now in its 12th year, has grown into one of the largest professional brewing competitions in North America.

Breweries of all sizes sent over 9,000 containers of their finest product for evaluation in 51 categories and sub-categories.

Fruition Brewing is one of several food and beverage establishments in the shopping complex. This includes Sushi-Q, Silver Spur, Hong Kong Garden II and Staff of Life.

Anyone rolling along Riverside Drive into Watsonville from Highway 1 lately must have noticed the new, healthy welcome mat—20 acres of organic artichokes popping their thistle heads up at the Sadie Ranch. The organic crop is a first for the Pajaro Valley. 

The crop, known as globe artichokes, is the work of the crew at Lakeside Organic Gardens who have been harvesting the prickly vegetables that are being distributed around the nation.

“We’re using an excellent new hybrid seed that comes from Europe,” said Lakeside Organic Gardens owner Dick Peixoto. “They’re very expensive—each seed costs 60 cents—but it’s worth it because right now we’re harvesting between 800 and 1,000 cartons per acre; traditional artichokes commonly yield 200-300 cartons per acre.”

A harvest of globe artichokes along Riverside Drive. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Production, from the time of planting to harvest, takes about 90 days.

“We can grow them year-round, easily,” Peixoto said. “Right now we are the largest organic artichoke grower in the country. While Castroville claims to be the artichoke capital of the world, Watsonville is the organic artichoke capital of the world.”

Around eight years ago Lakeside teamed up with Ocean Mist, a major artichoke grower in Monterey County and beyond, to produce artichokes.

“They didn’t want to go the organic route so, after a while, we launched our project and expanded our own way into organic production. This is our fifth year of doing artichokes. I have friends that have sent me photos of our artichokes in the grocery store in New York City and another grocery store in Maui.”

At the Sadie Ranch in Watsonville field workers have been harvesting between 800 and 1,000 cartoons of artichokes per acre. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Peixoto says his company grows artichokes between Watsonville and Moss Landing and in Ventura Valley, south of the Salton Sea near El Centro.

“We’re doing around 1,000 acres in Holtville,” he said. “And all the crops we do here in the summer we do there in the winter.”

He added that people can purchase their artichokes in Watsonville at Staff of Life Natural Foods in the East Lake Village Shopping Center.

“And, of course, we prepare them for the dinner table at our California Grill restaurant on Green Valley Road,” he said. “These are the right variety and we have the right weather; they taste as good as any artichoke you’ll find.”

The 1882 Records Building—today called the Octagon Building—is shown in Santa Cruz in 1954. It is now part of the popular Abbott Square at Cooper and Front streets.v(Sam Vestal/Pajaronian file)

Eighteen artworks by Watsonville artist Sefla Joseph are now on exhibit at the Aptos Public Library, along with a show by Aptos artist Diane Levin.

Spread around the facility, Joseph’s works include abstract portraits done with charcoal, chalk, and ink and paintings in  acrylic/mixed media on canvas. 

“I found myself  starting to work with charcoal, chalk and ink in the Covid period during a time of isolation,” she said. “I fell in love with the forgiving nature of  charcoal. The mark making felt emotional and the hands-on experience helped me have a less controlled approach to my work. The abstract portraits were a perfect fit for me and the portraits helped me to find the spirit of the work.”

This portrait by Sefla Joseph is from her latest direction of artwork now on display. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Joseph has shown her work in numerous group and solo shows, including PV Arts in Watsonville and at the Blitzer Gallery on the west side of Santa Cruz.

“I was very fortunate to have begun my  formal art training with Master Charles Reid who I studied with for many years,” Joseph said. “I was an Open Studio artist  for over 20 years. My work is about discovering our shared humanity.”

Levin’s works are hanging in the Children’s room at the library.

Aptos artist Diane Levin is currently showing nine of her paintings of animals at the Aptos Public Library. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

“These paintings are acrylic on canvas, done in a figurative/abstract style, meaning they are not literal, and sometimes, may not even look like a finished piece of work,” Levin wrote in a statement. “My goal, in particular, is to create a loosely defined image that evokes an emotion, as if the image is saying something to you.”

The San Francisco native has been living in Aptos for the past 46 years and has been a student of Joseph over the years.

“I’ve been doing painting since I was a kid,” she said. “My dad was a painter.” 

Levin created this acrylic painting of a lion for the new exhibit. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Her show features several portraits of animals. Her abstract expressionist paintings have appeared in numerous shows around the county.

Joseph currently teaches in-person private classes and zoom classes in painting that include two-day workshops two to three to 3 times a year.

Of Levin, Joseph said, “She is a natural and one of the best painters in the county.”

And on April 25 Joseph will be teaching a mini-workshop at PV Arts from 10am to 12:30pm at 280 Main St. in Watsonville. To register, call PV Arts at 722-3062 or visit pvarts.org. The shows run through June 30 at 7695 Soquel Dr. in Aptos.

A countywide celebration of visual and performing arts kicked off Thursday and will run through April 26. 

The Ripple Effect Santa Cruz County Arts Festival is the County’s effort to highlight the creative community during California’s Arts, Culture and Creativity Month. 

Organizers said the event brings together local artists, cultural organizations, and venues to showcase a broad range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, poetry, fashion and interactive workshops.

The festival opens with “Santa Cruz Dancing in the Streets” from 5–9pm in downtown Santa Cruz Thursday and concludes with a grand finale at The Grove near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from 4–9pm. 

Events include exhibitions, performances, pop-ups, and hands-on workshops across multiple venues throughout the county. While some activities are free, others, such as the finale, require tickets. 

Each venue manages its own events and ticketing, and parking options vary by location. 

The grassroots, volunteer-driven festival aims to strengthen the local arts community and economy, organizers said.
Watsonville events include various shows, performances by Esperanza del Valle, Ballet Folklorico Dance Company; “Many Truths, One World: Mariposa Arts Showcase & Artwork” by Claraty Arts at Watsonville Center for the Arts; the ongoing PV Arts exhibit, “Hot off the Walls: Art to Go!,” recent paintings by Annie Morhauser at Annieglass; and the Guelaguetza Festival on April 26.For information, visit rippleartsfestsantacruz.org.

Pajaro Valley senior Olivia Contreras may have saved her best for last going into the final season as a member of the girls’ basketball team.

The Grizzly star player put together an unforgettable campaign as she helped lead the program to a Pacific Coast Athletic League Cypress Division championship, their first since 2018-19. 

Contreras was a force to be reckoned with on offense by leading the team in scoring points and assists, while also contributing on the other end of the court on defense. 

Her all-around production on the court resulted in being named the division’s co-Most Valuable Player by the coaches within the league.

“Olivia earned the right to be co-MVP for all her hard work on the court,” said Pajaro Valley head coach Darren Jackson.

Contreras wound up sharing the Cypress Division’s top award with Pacific Collegiate junior Kat Buckley, while teammate senior Julia Guth received Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Jackson said Contreras was a hard-working player, intelligent to the game of basketball and a great leader for him.

“She tried to do whatever was necessary to get her team across the finish line,” Jackson said.

Contreras was asked to play up top at the guard position on both defense and offense, which was something she wasn’t used to, but quickly adjusted to it.

Jackson added that Contreras was a great defensive player because the scheme the Grizzlies had made it difficult for opponents to set up in their offense by applying pressure up top.

“Olivia deserves to be MVP because of all the things that she did,” Jackson said. “We will ask her to score a lot of points, she had about 12 points a game. But her main [goal] was to ignite our defense and everything else you did was just a bonus.”

Contreras played under Jackson for just one season, yet the veteran coach appreciated their time spent together.

“[Contreras is] a kind of player and person that a coach enjoys coaching,” Jackson said. “She’s committed to doing her very best every game.”

Watsonville High senior Leilani Yasin-Espinoza held her own as a lock-down defender and rebound machine in the Gabilan Division—the highest tier of the four divisions within the PCAL. She received the division’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Alisal senior Nayeli Gil Silva was named the division’s Most Valuable Player, while Salinas Alice Uchida-Dohrmann received the Offensive Player of the Year award.

“Leilani was probably the most underrated player going into the season outside of Watsonville High,” said Watsonville head coach Zach Cook.

Cook said everyone in the league was aware the Wildcatz had lost Isabella Alvarez, who transferred to Aptos High in the summer, and point guard Stephanie Martinez was a key returning player.

“But no one had Leilani on their radar,” Cook said.

Cook added the Gabilan Division wasn’t just the most challenging in the PCAL, but it was also one of the best and toughest in the tri-county area (Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito).

Yasin-Espinoza was an absolute presence on both ends of the court, finishing with averages of 14 points and 15.1 rebounds per game for the Wildcatz, who placed fifth in the Gabilan with 6-8 record in league play.

Yet, it was her outstanding defense that earned her the recognition by coaches within the league.

The Wildcatz standout forward finished with an average of 5.2 blocks per game—tops in Central Coast Section and fifth in California while also averaging 3.9 steals per game, which was ranked third in CCS Division I.

“[Yasin-Espinoza’s] ability to affect shots and deter players from attacking helped us stay in games that we wouldn’t have been able to without her,” Cook said.

St. Francis sophomore Liliana Whitmeyer capped off a great season after surpassing the 1,000-point mark in just two years with the program.

The Sharks star player finished with an average of 22.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.5 steals per contest this past winter season. Whitmeyer was named the Mission Division’s Offensive Player of the Year by the coaches within the league.

Palma sophomore Carolina Lorca was named the division’s Most Valuable Player, while teammate junior Aleena Salas received the Defensive Player of the Year award.

St. Francis head coach Jesse Yniguez said Whitmeyer plays like a seasoned veteran despite being only a sophomore, and sometimes he tends to forget how young Whitmeyer is. 

“Liliana plays basketball with passion and you can tell she loves the game and wants to win,” Yniguez said. “She is one of the front players in our defensive press and does a great job in that role but offensively she has a gift.”

Yniguez added that Whitmeyer has the ability to create her own shot, and when she gets to her spots she can knock them down with ease. 

“Sky’s the limit for her and we have her here at St Francis for two more years,” Yniguez said. “I just can’t wait to see [what’s in store] for the upcoming season.”

Pacific Coast Athletic League All-League Girls Basketball Teams Cypress Division Individual Awards

Co-Most Valuable Player: Olivia Contreras (Sr.), Pajaro Valley and Kat Buckley (Jr.), Pacific Collegiate

Defensive Player of the Year: Julia Guth (Sr.), Pacific Collegiate

First Team

Kat Buckley (Jr.), Pacific Collegiate

Olivia Contreras (Sr.), Pajaro Valley

Julia Guth (Sr.), Pacific Collegiate

Alizah Carillo (Jr.), King City

Crystal Paramo (So.), King City

Iliana Perez (Sr.), North Salinas

Second Team

Kendyl Burpo (Sr.), King City

Bella Figueroa (Sr.), Greenfield

Ashanti WIlliams (Sr.), North Salinas

Nina Gramkowski (Jr.), Pacific Collegiate

Monique Ayala (Sr.), Pajaro Valley

Elizabeth Zamora (So.), Pajaro Valley

Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team

Mikayla McLane, King City

Amaya Ibarra-Castillo, Pajaro Valley

Paola Rico, Marina

Priya Naschal, Seaside

Genavieve Keefe, Pacific Collegiate

Ashley Ramos, Greenfield

Priscilla Hurtado, Gonzales

Arely Perea, North Salinas

Elgie Bellizio All-Sportsmanship team

North Salinas

Gabilan Division Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Nayeli Gil Silva (Sr.) Alisal

Offensive Player of the Year: Alice Uchida-Dohrmann (Sr.) Salinas

Defensive Player of the Year: Leilani Yasin-Espinoza (Sr.) Watsonville

First Team

Nayeli Gil Silva (Sr.), Alisal

Mia Rivera (Sr.), Alisal

Madelyn Davis (Sr.), Hollister

Alice Uchida-Dohrmann (Sr.), Salinas

Alissa Escutia (Sr.), Salinas

Leilani Yasin-Espinoza (Sr.), Watsonville

Second Team

Lucy Peinado (Sr.), Alisal

Jadah Gonzalez (Jr.), Hollister

Erin Uchida-Dohrmann (Sr.), Salinas

Delylah Ocampo (Jr.), Soledad

Kobie Crutcher (So.), Stevenson

Stephanie Martinez (Sr.), Watsonville

Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team

Aliyah Quintero (Sr.), Alisal

Carlie Rowen (Sr.), Hollister

Susana Latu (Sr.), Monterey

Jasmine Booker (Sr.), Pacific Grove

Soraya Alonzo-Hernandez (Sr.), Salinas

Jessica Morales (So.), Soledad

Jessie Chen (Sr.), Stevenson

Itzury Vazquez (Sr.), Watsonville

Elgie Bellizio All-Sportsmanship team

Soledad

Mission Division Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Carolina Lorca (So.), Palma

Offensive Player of the Year: Liliana Whitmeyer (So.), St. Francis

Defensive Player of the Year: Aleena Salas (Jr.), Palma

First Team

Carolina Lorca (So.), Palma

Liliana Whitmeyer (So.), St. Francis

Aleena Salas (Jr.), Palma

Alyssa Hernandez (Jr.) Rancho San Juan

Ashleigh Ducusin (Fr.), North Monterey County

Jeanine Williams (Jr.), Palma 

Second Team

Zaniyah Washington (Fr.), Palma

Shekinah Williams (Jr.), Palma

Keira Grio (So.), St. Francis

Xochitl Ramirez (Sr.), NMC

America Jimenez (Jr.), NMC

Ella Cleary (Jr.), Carmel 

Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team 

Ruby Tomas Hernandez (Sr.), NMC

Ella Cleary (Jr.), Carmel

Miyah Nickerson (So.), Palma

Heliana Martinez (Sr.), Rancho San Juan

Natalie Stott (Sr.), St. Francis

Rebekka Luna (Sr.), Alvarez

Elgie Bellizio All-Sportsmanship team

Rancho San Juan

Santa Lucia Division Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Olivia Wong (Jr.), Oakwood

Offensive Player of the Year: Lydia Ostos (So.), Santa Catalina

Defensive Player of the Year: Mikeyla Coley (Jr.), Oakwood

First Team

Olivia Wong (Jr.), Oakwood

Kailee Barlics (Sr.), Oakwood

Lydia Ostos (So.), Santa Catalina

Cristina Vogel-Martin (Jr.), Santa Catalina

Esme Gonzalez (Sr.), Anzar

Mikeyla Coley (Jr.), Oakwood

Second Team

Lucy Uhl (Jr.), Notre Dame

Chloe Wigdal (So.), Santa Catalina 

Evelyn Velazquez-Diaz (Sr.), Ceiba

Gracie Grio (So.), Anzar

Ava Hoffmeister (Sr.), York

Emika Koubong (So.), Monterey Bay Academy

Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team

Georgia Alves (Sr.), Oakwood

Minh Vy Le (Fr.), Santa Catalina

Nadia Blas (So.), Notre Dame

Julia Rao (Sr.), York

Samantha Leon (Fr.), Anzar

Azailee Espinoza (So.), Ceiba

Miyako Hinoki (Jr.), MBA

Elgie Bellizio All-Sportsmanship team

Notre Dame

The Monterey Bay region has long stood as a place of resilience, hard work, and community care. From the agricultural fields to the neighborhoods of our cities and rural towns, our strength has always come from how we support one another, especially in times of need. Today, that commitment is being tested in very real and immediate ways.

The recently enacted federal H.R. 1 legislation presents serious challenges for counties like ours. While decisions made in Washington, D.C. may seem distant, their impacts are felt most acutely at the local level, where public health systems, safety-net programs, and essential services operate every day. In our region, those impacts will fall disproportionately on our most vulnerable residents: low-income families, seniors, children, immigrants, veterans and individuals already struggling to access basic care.

At the center of this concern is the strain H.R. 1 places on safety-net programs such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh (SNAP). These programs are not abstract line items in a federal budget, they are lifelines for thousands across the Central Coast. In Monterey County alone, more than 51,000 residents rely on CalFresh to put food on the table. Santa Cruz County has approximately 30,000 residents enrolled, and San Benito County has about 3,800. Statewide, more than 665,000 Californians are projected to lose CalFresh nutritional benefits. 

Thousands more depend on Medi-Cal for preventive care, chronic disease management, and emergency services. Reductions in eligibility, funding, or federal support will not eliminate need, they will simply shift the burden to local governments and already constrained community systems. When individuals lose access to preventive care, they often delay treatment until conditions worsen, leading to higher-cost emergency interventions. When families lose food assistance, we see increased food insecurity, poorer health outcomes, and greater strain on local food banks and community organizations.

Nowhere will this pressure be felt more directly than in our public health systems, including Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, our state’s oldest public hospital and a cornerstone of care in the county. Natividad serves as a critical provider for Medi-Cal patients, the uninsured, and those requiring specialized, trauma and emergency care. According to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, 2.98 million Californians could lose their Medi-Cal coverage, with 41,000 across Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. 

As federal support diminishes, public hospitals like Natividad face a dual challenge: rising demand for services coupled with shrinking resources. This is not a sustainable equation. Without adequate funding, counties will be forced to make difficult decisions that could impact staffing, reduce services, and limit access to care. The impacts will not be confined to those who rely on Medi-Cal, but all residents who depend on these hospitals for emergency and critical care. Other regional hospitals, including Watsonville Community Hospital and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister, are already facing financial instability that will be further exacerbated.

That is why it is critical, now more than ever, for the State of California to partner with counties to mitigate these impacts. Counties estimated that H.R. 1 will cost up to $9.5 billion annually. Without state partnership and investment, the consequences will be severe and far-reaching.

The only way to protect the safety net in our local communities is for our state’s leaders to step up, including our Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers. Counties have a clear, fiscally responsible proposal to prevent the worst of H.R. 1’s devastating impacts. It would mitigate potential losses in Medi-Cal and CalFresh, support public hospitals, and ensure counties have the tools and the eligibility workers needed to continue serving our residents effectively.

California has consistently led the nation by investing in its people, and now is not the time to turn back. We must continue to lead the nation in advancing opportunity and protecting vulnerable populations. But leadership requires action. Counties cannot, and should not, bear this burden alone, and we look forward to partnering with the state to protect our communities across the Central Coast and throughout California.

Luis A. Alejo is a Monterey County Supervisor for District 1, representing most of the city limits of the City of Salinas, and is the first vice-president of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC).

Every year the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture names its annual awardees, selecting the people, organizations and events that help shape the Pajaro Valley and the communities that live there.

As every year, the Pajaronian is proud to feature this year’s awardees.

Lifetime Achievement

Dominic and Martha Muzzi, longtime Watsonville farmers and business owners whose family enterprises have shaped the local agriculture industry for decades, were awarded a lifetime achievement honor.

The couple’s story traces back to 1950, when Dominic Muzzi emigrated from Calabria, Italy, with his parents and seven siblings. After initially settling in Canada, the family moved to the Bay Area. During his senior year of high school, Dominic relocated to Pescadero, where he met Martha—the beginning of a partnership that would span more than six decades.

They married in 1962 and, after a brief period in Santa Cruz, established their home in Watsonville. There, in the 1960s, they began farming vegetables along the Central Coast, laying the groundwork for what would become a multigenerational agricultural business.

As their children, Dominic Jr. and Lisa, grew up, they became part of the family’s daily work in the fields. In 1975, the Muzzis opened a roadside produce stand, where Martha became a familiar presence to customers, helping build lasting relationships within the community.

The family expanded its operations in 1984 with the founding of Watsonville Produce, a company focused on cooling, sales and shipping. Over time, the business developed a reputation for quality, food safety and customer service. That growth led to additional facilities in Moss Landing and Yuma, Arizona, and, in 2007, the family became managing partners of Blue Ribbon Frozen Foods in Watsonville.

In 2012, the next phase of the business took shape with the creation of Muzzi Family Farms, which manages sales for both fresh and frozen products produced across the family’s operations.

Despite the growth of their business, those close to the Muzzis say their focus has remained rooted in relationships and community. Over the years, the couple has supported numerous local organizations and contributed time and resources throughout the Pajaro Valley.

Their recognition with a lifetime achievement award highlights not only their business accomplishments, but also their decades-long commitment to the region.

Family members say Dominic and Martha view their legacy not just in terms of the companies they built, but in the people they’ve worked with and the community they’ve supported.

Dominic and Martha Muzzi earned the Lifetime Achievement award. (contributed)

Woman of the Year

Michele Bassi

Michele Bassi said she was “speechless” and honored to be named Woman of the Year, crediting the community she has called home for more than three decades.

“I love this community. I’ve raised my kids here. I have done everything to be involved,” Bassi said. “I’m just really honored to be part of this and to be recognized. There are so many, to me, more deserving people, but I’m thrilled.”

Bassi moved to the Pajaro Valley area about 32 years ago and now lives in Santa Cruz County near Watsonville. While she cited the area’s natural beauty, she said it is the people who have made the strongest impression.

“The people of Santa Cruz County are special,” she said. “The generosity, the compassion, the camaraderie of this community is just incredible.”

After a 32-year career in banking—including 22 years at Wells Fargo and a role as senior vice president at 1st Capital Bank—Bassi transitioned into nonprofit work, following what she described as her passion for service. She now serves as chief development officer for Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, where she has led record-breaking fundraising efforts.

Her connection to the organization dates back more than 30 years, when she first organized a holiday food drive as a young banker.

“I got connected to Second Harvest 30-plus years ago,” she said.

Bassi later served on the organization’s board and as board chair before stepping into her current role.

“As I’m describing what we’re looking for, I’m like, ‘We’re looking for me—that’s my job. I want to do that,’” she said.

Beyond Second Harvest, Bassi has held leadership roles across the county, including serving on the Cabrillo College Foundation board, president of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation board, and as a board member of Nonprofit Connection Santa Cruz and Capitola Aptos Rotary. She also helped found Digital NEST and served as president of both Second Harvest and the Food Bank Santa Cruz County.

Her community service has earned numerous honors, including Aptos Chamber Woman of the Year in 2018, the Be the Difference Award from the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County in 2019 and 2023, and the Community Champion Award in 2021. She was also recognized as one of the “15 Women to Know in Santa Cruz County” in 2025.

Bassi holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Fresno, and a graduate degree in banking from Pacific Coast Banker School at the University of Washington.

She said the recognition reflects the broader community she has worked alongside for decades.

“I get to see [that generosity] every day,” she said. “So it’s really special to me.”

Michele Bassi has been named Woman of the Year by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.(Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Man of the Year

Kirk Schmidt

The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture has named longtime agricultural leader and community volunteer Kirk Schmidt as its Man of the Year, recognizing decades of service across the region.

Schmidt has spent more than 40 years shaping local agriculture while supporting community institutions. His leadership includes serving as president of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, where he was twice named Farmer of the Year.

“I am quite flattered that the Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture selected me as Man of the Year, and I’m very pleased to share the stage with the other people,” Schmidt said.

He currently serves on the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation Board of Directors.

Beyond agriculture, Schmidt has held roles with the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency. Supporters say his financial and legal expertise helped guide major decisions, including efforts that prevented the closure of Watsonville Community Hospital and returned it to local ownership.

Schmidt’s work also extends internationally through Rotary programs. He recently traveled to Uganda with the Freedom Rotary Club, where he worked with farmers and helped develop a well project. The trip also brought him to schools, orphanages and centers supporting pregnant teens who have been cast out of their communities.

“They’re literally kicked out of their village, and if they’re lucky enough to be invited to one of these programs, it’s wonderful—otherwise they’re going to die,” Schmidt said.

Colleagues describe Schmidt as a thoughtful, detail-oriented leader whose understated approach reflects a deep commitment to the Pajaro Valley.

Business

C&N Tractors

The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture has named C&N Tractors its 2026 Business of the Year, recognizing the company’s long-standing role in supporting local agriculture and its deep involvement in the community.

Founded in 1974, C&N Tractors has served generations of farmers in Watsonville and across the Central Coast, building a reputation as a reliable partner in the region’s agricultural economy. The company has grown into one of the largest Kubota dealerships in the United States, with a broad presence across Central California and beyond.

C&N offers a full range of services, including equipment sales, parts, repairs, rentals and small engine service, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for farmers. Its in-house fabrication shop allows for custom tractor modifications tailored to local needs.

The business also maintains partnerships with major agricultural brands, including Kubota, STIHL, Gearmore and Brouwer, and serves as a Brouwer dealer for both California and Arizona.

Chamber officials highlighted the company’s strong community involvement as a key factor in the award. C&N has supported local events such as the Pajaro Valley Business Expo and the Santa Cruz County Fair, and has stepped in during emergencies—providing repairs to some farmers during recent flood recovery efforts, in some cases at no cost.

C&N Tractors in Pajaro has been named Business of the Year. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Organization

Slavic American Cultural Organization (SACO)

The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture has named the Slavic American Cultural Organization (SACO) as its 2026 Organization of the Year, recognizing decades of cultural preservation, education and community outreach in the Pajaro Valley.

Founded in 1979, SACO brings together people with roots in the former Yugoslavia and works to promote Slavic culture, history and traditions while educating the broader community about those contributions.

The organization has more than 400 members and hosts cultural events, fundraisers and educational programs throughout the year. Proceeds support scholarships for local students and help maintain community gathering spaces. Since 1981, SACO has awarded more than 200 scholarships totaling over $240,000.

A centerpiece of its work is the Student Ambassador and Exchange Program, which sends local students to Croatia and other countries in the region while hosting visiting students in Watsonville. The program aims to build cultural understanding and highlight the Pajaro Valley’s agricultural history and international ties.

SACO President Kirt Vojvoda said the organization also focuses on preserving the legacy of Slavic immigrants—particularly Croatians—who helped shape the region’s farming industry.

“I think history is important. Everybody has a story,” he said, noting many immigrants “came over here with nothing and worked to become part of the valley’s agricultural backbone.”

Kirt Vojvoda takes a break from painting a home in Bay Village to reflect on the Slavic American Cultural Organization being tapped as the organization of the year. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Event of the Year

Cal-Giant Skirt Steak BBQ

The annual skirt steak BBQ is the largest fundraiser for the California Giant Foundation, California Giant’s nonprofit arm. The BBQ is an employee-led fundraiser, serving approximately 1,200 meals in the day. Event proceeds benefit the CG Foundation, and are matched by the founder, Bill Moncovich. The CG Foundation also benefits many local non-profits. 

Joe Barsi, left, and Bill Moncovich of California Giant at a recent Cal-Giant Skirt Steak BBQ event. (Contributed)

There comes a time and moment during a game when a player simply takes over a game for his basketball team.

St. Francis senior Robert Gomez Jr. and Pajaro Valley sophomore Alan Cervantes were those go-to guys for their respective squads this past winter season.

The two local ballers displayed their offensive skills by scoring from all parts of the hardwood court while also dishing the rock to open teammates for the easy bucket.

Gomez Jr. and Cervantes didn’t just meet expectations, they exceeded them. 

The coaches within the Pacific Coast Athletic League took notice by naming Gomez Jr. and Cervantes the Offensive Player of the Year in the Mission and Santa Lucia divisions, respectively.

“[Gomez Jr.] had a heck of a year,” said St. Francis head coach, and father, Robert Gomez. “What impressed me most about his year was his consistency.” 

Gomez Jr. scored more than 20 points in 10 of the 12 games in Mission Division play, and in both of the Sharks’ Central Coast Section playoff games. 

The times he didn’t reach that marker was because they were ahead by a large margin, forcing Gomez Jr. to not play much in the fourth quarter. 

Gomez Jr. finished with an average of 18.8 points per game in 25 games played, scoring a total of 471 points this past winter season, according to statistics on the Monterey Bay Preps website.

The Sharks standout was a sharpshooter from beyond the arc with a total of 89 3-pointers, and also led the Mission Division in steals while playing a full 32 minutes in most games. 

“His basketball maturity stepped up big time, and he came to play on both sides of the ball every night,” Gomez said. 

Marina senior Kaleb True and Hollister freshman Rudy Lopez Jr. were named the Mission Division’s co-Most Valuable Players for the 2025-26 season.

PV head coach Eddie Marin said Cervantes is a combo player who can play a forward/guard hybrid-type position, or as the skipper calls it the “point-forward”, with tons of potential and room for growth. 

“[Cervantes] maturity level and the way he continues to improve every year have been amazing,” Marin said. 

Cervantes played during some critical minutes this past winter campaign for PV, which were runners-up in the PCAL Santa Lucia standings. He was recording double-double numbers, finishing with an average of 14 points and 11 rebounds per game.

“[Cervantes’] leadership on and off the court has been great, and the sky is the limit for him this upcoming year,” Marin said. 

The Grizzly standout said his sophomore season had a lot of great challenges. Cervantes added that seeing the game differently made him realize new ways to improve, letting the game come to him while making the team better.

“I feel honored to be chosen for such an award,” Cervantes said. “I appreciate everyone who’s been with me along the way, from teammates to coaches. I will continue to improve and learn a lot from my experiences, and work hard in the offseason.”

Kirby senior Chris Lively was named the Santa Lucia’s Most Valuable Player, while York sophomore Andrew Boyce took home the Defensive Player of the Year award. 

Cervantes’ goal has always been to play at the college level, saying he’s willing to do anything to make that possible, starting by working hard and getting better every year. 

“Basketball has always been on my mind since I was young, and it is sometimes my only way to escape reality and find joy and excitement,” he said. 

Pacific Coast Athletic League All-League Boys Basketball Teams Mission Division Individual Awards

Most Valuable Players: Kaleb True (Sr.), Marina and Rudy Lopez Jr. (Fr.), Hollister

Offensive Player of the Year: Robert Gomez Jr. (Sr.), St. Francis

First Team

Kingston Salviejo, Rancho San Juan

Cooper Olin, Stevenson

Sebastian Jones, Alvarez

Kaleb True, Marina

Rudy Lopez Jr., Hollister

Robert Gomez, St Francis

Second Team

Darrian Kelly, Marina

Nate Kombe, Marina

Ray Bojorquez, Alvarez

Rollins Bastien, Hollister

Jacob Jimenez, St. Francis

Donovan Diaz, Hollister

Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team

AIdan Petrossi , Marina

Aiden Jones, Alvarez

Isaiah Villalobos, St Francis

Kody Dickens, Hollister

Jack Dalhamer, Stevenson

Marcos Garcia, RSJ

Conor Perez, North Monterey County

Santa Lucia Division Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Chris Lively (Sr.), Kirby

Offensive Player of the Year: Alan Cervantes (So.), Pajaro Valley

Defensive Player of the Year: Andrew Boyce (So.), York

First Team

Chris Lively, Kirby 

Alon Teragawa, Kirby 

Juanito Montiel, Pajaro Valley 

Alan Cervantes, Pajaro Valley  

Andrew Boyce, York  

Brady Ramones, Trinity Christian 

Second Team 

Henry Gorecki-Cook, Kirby 

Jude Epega, York 

Adrian Valdez, Pajaro Valley 

Felix Io, Anzar 

Xavier Contreras, Anzar 

Rey Magana, Ceiba 

Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team 

Jerry Zhao, York 

Manuel Florean, Kirby 

Mario Ramirez, Pajaro Valley 

Brayden Tollison, Anzar 

Marcos Arellano, Ceiba 

Nathan Leta, Monterey Bay Academy 

Joel Torres, Trinity Christian

Elgie Bellizio All-Sportsmanship team

Ceiba

Cypress Division Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Pedro Morales (Sr.), Soledad

First Team

Pedro Morales (Sr.), Soledad

Calvin DeShazo (So.), Soledad

Johell Carrillo (Sr.), King City

Jeremy Silver (Sr.), Monte Vista Christian

Matteo Vidal (Jr.), MVC

Andre Lizaola (Sr.), North Salinas

Second Team

Jeronimo Morales (So.), Soledad

Go Kamashita (Sr.), MVC

Johnny Miranda (Sr.), Greenfield

Fernando De Leon-Amador (Sr.), Gonzales

Tulua Timote (Sr.), Seaside

Angel Lizaola (Sr.), North Salinas

Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team

Jose Estrada (Sr.), Soledad

Niel Rader (So.), MVC

Benny Navarro (Sr.), North Salinas

Fernando Camacho (Sr.), King City

Frankie Hernandez (Sr.), Greenfield

Caine Viallanueva (Fr.), Seaside

Ian Bulfin (Sr.), Pacific Collegiate

Alex Hernandez (Fr.), Gonzales

Elgie Bellizio All-Sportsmanship team

Seaside

Gabilan Division Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: JT Herreld (Sr.), Palma

Offensive Player of the Year: Tai Suich (Jr.), Palma

Defensive Player of Year: Gabriel Valencia (Sr.), Pacific Grove

First Team 

J.T. Harreld (Sr.), Palma 

Tai Suich (Jr.), Palma 

Gabriel Valencia (Sr.), Pacific Grove 

Max Aceves (Sr.), Watsonville  

Bryce Smith-Keeney (Jr.), Oakwood 

Dekota Ordonio (Sr.), Monterey 

Second Team

JJ Saucedo (Sr.), Palma

Andrew Nimri (Jr.), Pacific Grove

Bronson Gulley (Jr.), Monterey 

Christian Lopez (Sr.), Alisal

Sebastian Reiser (Jr.), Carmel

Mikkah Claspell (So.), Salinas

Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team

Luke Hansotte, Oakwood

Diego Garcia, Watsonville

Aaron Dimaano-Antolin, Alisal

Bobby Pineda, Salinas

Don Desai, Carmel

Elgie Bellizio All-Sportsmanship team

Palma

Pajaro Valley Unified School District on Tuesday announced the formation of the Sustainable Schools Advisory, a group of 23 parents, staff and community members described in a press release as “a community-informed effort focused on the long-term strength of our schools.”

District officials have not officially stated that the group will consider closing schools, but that has been a central topic of conversation at board meetings for more than a year, as projected declining enrollment over the next decade threatens to take a multimillion-dollar bite out of the district’s finances.

Officials have, however, noted that many schools are far below capacity, with several classrooms sitting empty.

Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge John Salazar will serve as the advisory’s independent facilitator.

The Board of Trustees will announce the formation of the group during its meeting Wednesday. It is not an action item, however, and no action will be taken.

The Sustainable Schools Advisory was set to hold its first meeting Tuesday, during which members were expected to discuss the group’s charter and lay out meeting rules. It is scheduled to meet every two weeks thereafter. The group will bring its findings to the board later this year.

In other PVUSD news, the district has proposed a cap on teacher benefits during ongoing negotiations, an item not on the meeting agenda but likely to draw a sizable crowd to speak against the proposal.

Both the district and the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers posted announcements on their Facebook accounts Tuesday.

The district is proposing a 7.77% salary increase over three years, coupled with a $36,000 annual contribution toward family health benefits.

District spokesman Alejandro Chavez said the proposal is the “start of negotiations” and that there was no further information.

Cesar Chavez Middle School teacher Emily Halbig, who serves as the PVFT Vice President of Communications, said the salary increase — about $177 per month in the first year — would not cover the additional costs teachers would pay for their health plans.

Under the proposal, Halbig said teachers would either need to switch to a lower-cost HMO plan or pay the difference to keep their current PPO coverage.

Using district-provided projections, she said a family PPO plan is expected to cost about $47,900 next year. With the district contribution capped at $36,000, that would leave employees paying roughly $12,000 out of pocket — about $1,000 per month.

As part of the proposal, Halbig said the district is offering cost-of-living adjustments of about 2% in each of the first two years and 3% in the third year, totaling roughly 7%.

“That’s in no way close to breaking even for those teachers who have family plans,” she said.

Halbig said the union is preparing to oppose the proposal and expects strong resistance from its members.

“We know our membership is going to be opposed,” she said, noting that even the idea of a benefits cap has drawn pushback at school board meetings.

She added that, while the proposal is concerning, having it formally presented provides some clarity.

“Now we can plan moving forward,” she said.

Halbig questioned the district’s financial outlook, pointing to past projections that resulted in surpluses.

“We’re not convinced that the district is in as bad of a shape as it seems,” she said, adding that the union is seeking updated financial data, particularly after recent staffing changes and incentives.

She also argued that other cost-cutting measures should reduce the need for changes to benefits.

“If they’re making all these other cuts, then they shouldn’t also need to come after benefits,” she said.

Halbig noted that several school districts across California have faced labor actions over similar issues, particularly where benefit caps were previously adopted.

“In many cases, those caps have turned into annual pay cuts, with employees paying more each year,” she said.

Based on that, she said the union is unwilling to accept a similar structure.

“We’re not going to give away what other districts are fighting to win back,” she said.

Halbig said the proposal is likely to be rejected by members and could lead to an impasse in negotiations, potentially triggering state mediation.

“This is the one thing people have told me they would strike over,” she said.

She emphasized that any agreement would have to be negotiated, not imposed.

“They can’t force it on us,” she said. “But if people don’t want it to happen, they’re going to have to show up and fight for it.”

Sustainable Schools Advisory Members

Planning/Facilities/Land Use Expertise
John U. Fry — Trustee Area 7

Businesses located within PVUSD
Raymon Cancino — Trustee Area 3
Caitlin Elfving — Trustee Area 6

Special education
Megan Albaugh — Trustee Area 2
Mads Realmuto — Trustee Area 7
Administrator — Elementary: Heather Bailey

Administrator — Secondary
Selene Munoz

Classified employees
Ashley Yoro — CSEA president
Maciel Chavez — Trustee Area 2
Imelda Hernandez

Landowners/renters/neighborhood associations
Joanne de los Reyes-Hilario — Trustee Area 3
Metodi Dinolov — Trustee Area 1
Steve Landau — Trustee Area 1

Elementary school teacher
Kat Chien

Middle school teacher
Brandon Diniz — PVFT president

High school teacher
Jorge Bermudez — Trustee Area 5

Charter school teacher
Lucia Zarate — Trustee Area 3

Parent/guardian of an elementary student
Jessica Magana — Trustee Area 3

Parent/guardian of a middle school student
Paul De Worken — Trustee Area 5

Parent/guardian of a high school student
Delilah Macedo — Trustee Area 2

Community members
Artemisa Cortez — Trustee Area 4
Kaycee Brittian — Trustee Area 6
Anya Bates — Trustee Area 4

•••

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet at 6pm Wednesday at the district office boardroom at 294 Green Valley Road in Watsonville.

The Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League girls soccer season was so jam-packed with talent this past winter campaign that coaches had no choice but to hand out two awards for the league’s top player.

Aptos High senior Alexa Castañeda and Santa Cruz senior Lia Guilarte were named the SCCAL’s co-Players of the Year during last month’s end-of-the-season meeting.

Castañeda, who was named the league’s POY as a sophomore in 2023-24, tallied 16 goals and eight assists in the 2025-26 season.

“I’m very grateful for the coaches voting for me and [Guilarte],” Castañeda said in a previous interview with The Pajaronian. “Everybody that won an award is obviously deserving for putting their time and work into the sport. It was definitely a reflection of my hard work.”

Aptos junior Bella Hartnett took home the Attacker of the Year award, and teammate senior Maddie Redding was named the Midfielder of the Year.

Soquel senior Hailey Betterman was awarded the SCCAL’s Defensive Player of the Year, while Santa Cruz junior Ari Flores earned Goalkeeper of the Year honors.

Hartnett used her blazing speed to get past defenders and attack the net, finishing with 22 goals and eight assists. 

“[Hartnett’s] been nominated every year, I think she deserved it every year if you lead the league in goals,” said Aptos head coach Gina Castañeda in a previous interview with The Pajaronian. 

Redding contributed six assists as the Mariners’ main defensive midfielder, controlling the tempo of the game while being the first to support the defensive line and transition into attack mode.

“We tried different players in that position,” Gina Castañeda said. “[Redding] accepted the responsibility and her hard work paid off.”

Gina Castañeda won her second Coach of the Year award after she led the Mariners to a fourth consecutive SCCAL title, and 16th overall since 1985-86.

Aptos seniors Izzie Schenone and Anahi Najera along with sophomore Emily Santiago each earned All-SCCAL First Team honors. Teammates Aubrie Ford, Tayanna Bonilla and Kenzi Culberson were recognized on the all-league second team.

The Central Coast Section Division III champion Mariners conceded just four goals and recorded six shutouts in SCCAL play this season, finishing undefeated at 10-0 for the first time since going 12-0 in 2016-17.

“You’re talking four months of dedicated work to these young ladies to get them to win a CCS championship,” Castañeda said. “It’s not just about training a team and having the best staff that’s at your side. It’s all the other stuff that goes into it, the pasta nights, film, PowerPoints, empowering them to make decisions on the field.”

Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League All-League Girls Soccer Teams Individual Awards

Co-Players of the Year: Alexa Castaneda (Sr.), Aptos and Lia Guilarte (Sr.), Santa Cruz

Attacker of the Year: Isabella Hartnett (Jr.), Aptos

Midfielder of the Year: Maddison Redding (Sr.), Aptos

Defensive Player of the Year: Hailey Betterman (Sr.), Soquel 

Goalkeeper of the Year: Ari Flores (Jr.) – Santa Cruz 

Coach of the Year: Gina Castaneda, Aptos

First Team

Izzie Schenone (Sr.), Aptos 

Anahi Najera (Sr.), Aptos 

Emily Santiago (So.), Aptos

Savannah Henry (Jr.), Santa Cruz 

Hayden Kriege (Sr.), Santa Cruz

Lianna Cerdas (So.), Santa Cruz

Ella Ireland (Sr.), Scotts Valley 

Isabella Agnone (Jr.), Scotts Valley

Caitlyn Grey  (Jr.), Soquel

Caitlin Curly (Jr.), Soquel

Simone Mugnier (Sr.), SLV

Athena Forbus (Jr.), Harbor

Second Team

Aubrie Ford (Jr.) – Aptos

Tayanna Bonilla (So.) – Aptos

Kenzi Culterson (Jr.) – Aptos

Cary Baron (So.) – Santa Cruz

Madeline Gibson (So.) – Santa Cruz

Sienna Cook (So.) – Santa Cruz

Ximena Madrigal (Jr.) – Harbor

Samantha Lyons (Jr.) – SLV

Zoe Plotsky (Fr.) – Soquel

Marissa Garcia (Jr.) – Soquel

Isabella Moriarty (Sr.) – Scotts Valley

Taylor Ericson (Jr.) – Scotts Valley

Honorable Mention

Kate Deteso (Fr.), Aptos 

Mata Overby (Jr.), Aptos

Aria Slawinski (Fr.), Aptos

Tamar Deutsch (Sr.), Santa Cruz

Dahlia Montesinos (Sr.), Santa Cruz 

Allie Rodriguez (Sr.), Santa Cruz

Dahlia Cardenas (So.), SLV

Danielle Stiles (Jr.),SLV

Evelyn Bird (Fr.), SLV)

Maya Teves (Sr.), Scotts Valley

Campbell Flores (Jr.), Scotts Valley

Jazzelyn Phillips (Sr.), Scotts Valley

Marina Tucker (Sr.), Harbor

Kenzie Simon (So.), Harbor

Sophia Forbus (Fr.), Harbor

Laela Bennet (Fr.), Soquel

Lani Gilbert (Jr.), Soquel

#tdi_1 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 { background: url(https://pajaronian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bella-Hartnett-Aptos-High-girls-soccer-All-SCCAL-web-1-80x60.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat; } #tdi_1 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item2 { background: url(https://pajaronian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Maddie-Redding-Aptos-High-girls-soccer-All-SCCAL-web-1-80x60.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat; } #tdi_1 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item3 { background: url(https://pajaronian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Alexa-Castaneda-Aptos-High-girls-soccer-All-SCCAL-web-1-80x60.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat; } 1 of 3 Aptos High junior Bella Hartnett was named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League's Attacker of the Year for the 2025-26 girls soccer campaign. (Raul Ebio/The Pajaronian file) Aptos High senior Maddie Redding was named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League's Midfielder of the Year for the 2025-26 girls soccer campaign. (Juan Reyes/The Pajaronian file) Aptos High senior Alexa Castañeda was named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League's co-Player of the Year for the 2025-26 girls soccer campaign. (Raul Ebio/The Pajaronian file)

Aptos High seniors Ivan Zavala and Daniel Lozano each were recognized as two of the top players in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League during the 2025-26 winter season. 

The coaches within the league awarded Zavala as the Attacker of the Year for his offensive production on the pitch, while Lozano was named Defender of the Year as a stalwart on the backline for the Central Coast Section Division IV champion Mariners.

“Daniel Lozano has been a committed player on the varsity team since freshman year,” said Aptos head coach Roberto Zúñiga in a text message. “His dedication and passion for the game have helped him grow as an individual. He has taken constructive criticism over the years to further elevate his game.”

Zúñiga said working with Zavala for the past three years has been a pleasant experience, noting that his drive and work ethic have helped Zavala to continuously improve his performance.

“Ivan has been instrumental in helping the team come together when needed the most, as he would dig deep to find the back of the net,” Zúñiga said. “His ability to keep composed and drive forward in times of desperation made him a valuable force on our team. His speed, athleticism and creativity has been recognized and rewarded with the honor of Attacker of the Year, All-SCCAL.”

Zúñiga and Harbor coach Michael Vahradian were named co-coaches of the year. Harbor sophomore Andres Reyes was named the SCCAL’s Most Valuable Player, while teammate senior Max Cuevas was awarded Goalkeeper of the Year. Santa Cruz senior Cutler Bausher was named Midfielder of the Year.

Aptos seniors David Sebastian-Killpatrick and Josiah Siqueiros along with junior Damian Garcia each earned All-SCCAL First Team honors, while teammates juniors Benjamin Maciel, Nicolas Topete and Haziel Parra each earned all-league second team honors.

“This season has been one for the record books,” Zúñiga said. “Undoubtedly the best season in my tenure as head boys soccer coach.”

Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League All-League Boys Soccer Teams Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Andres Reyes (So.), Harbor

Attacker of the Year: Ivan Zavala (Sr.), Aptos

Midfielder of the Year: Cutler Bausher (Sr.), Santa Cruz

Defender of the Year: Daniel Lozano (Sr.), Aptos

Goalkeeper of the Year: Max Cuevas (Sr.), Harbor

Coaches of the Year: Roberto Zúñiga, Aptos; Michael Vahradian, Harbor

First Team

Damian Garcia (Jr.), Aptos

David Sebastian Killpatrick (Sr.), Aptos 

Josiah Siqueiros (Sr.), Aptos

Mateo Ortega (Jr.), Harbor

Sai Nyugen (So.), Harbor

Phinn Hilton (Sr.), Harbor

Danny Garcia (Sr.), Harbor

Stefan Ciesiolkiewicz (Sr.), Santa Cruz

Sam Granados (So.), San Lorenzo Valley 

Reed Johnson (Sr.), Scotts Valley

John Randolph (So.), Soquel

Second Team

Benjamin Maciel (Jr.), Aptos

Nicolas Topete (Jr.), Aptos

Haziel Parra (Jr.), Aptos

Nico Mojica (Sr.),  Harbor

Moi Hernandez (Sr.), Harbor

Charley Ellison (Jr.), Harbor

Kelvin Ramos (Jr.), Harbor

Desmond Boutelle (Sr.), Santa Cruz

Colton Ryssemus (Jr.), SLV

Evan Wong (Sr.), Scotts Valley

Torin Miller (Jr.), Soquel

Honorable Mention

Herbeth Santiago-Toledo (Sr.), Aptos 

Isaiah Acevedo (Sr.), Aptos 

Julian Torres (Sr.), Aptos 

Jair Martinez (Sr.), Harbor

Javi Alfaro (Fr.), Harbor

Gabby Melesio (Sr.), Harbor

Andres Gonzales (Sr.), Santa Cruz 

Garret Dahlen (Jr.), SLV

Damian Spracklen (Jr.), SLV

Emmett Phleger (Fr.), SLV

Seamus Drees (Sr.), Scotts Valley

Jacob Berman (Sr.), Scotts Valley

Logan Barry (Sr.), Scotts Valley

Nikan Jayo (Sr.), Soquel

Joel Baez (Fr.), Soquel

Ben Willcox (Jr.), Soquel

Watsonville officials on Friday said the owner of a Main Street motel has withdrawn from a proposed agreement to house Michael Cheek, a designated sexually violent predator, halting a placement that had drawn community opposition.

The City of Watsonville and the Watsonville Police Department said they received confirmation that the owner of the Valley Inn at 970 Main St. will no longer participate in the plan to house 74-year-old Michael Cheek. The California Department of State Hospitals had recommended placing Cheek at the site.

City leaders and police cited strong public response in opposing the proposed placement, noting concerns about the motel’s proximity to schools, parks and organizations serving children.

Police Chief Brian Shab said he spoke directly with the motel owner about potential impacts.

“We discussed the significant challenges this would create for the neighborhood, parents and their children, nearby community-based organizations, and the broader community,” Shab said in a statement. “We appreciate the owner taking the time to listen and consider the real impacts this would have had on Watsonville residents.”

Two town hall meetings previously scheduled for April 13 and April 20 have been canceled.

City officials said they will continue to monitor the case and remain involved if future placement proposals are considered in Watsonville.

The status of Cheek’s alternate site—the Ocean Gate Inn at 111 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz—is not clear. The city has expressed opposition to that plan, saying it is frequently occupied by families and children, creating unavoidable contact with potential victims

Cheek was convicted in 1980 in Santa Cruz County of kidnapping, rape and forcible oral copulation of a 21-year-old woman. Before beginning his sentence, he was transferred to Contra Costa County to face allegations of violating probation terms.

Authorities said Cheek escaped from a jail facility and fled to Lake County, where he raped a 15-year-old girl.

In 1997, the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office successfully petitioned to have Cheek designated a sexually violent predator under the state’s Sexually Violent Predator Act. He was subsequently committed to the California Department of State Hospitals for treatment.

Under state law, a sexually violent predator is defined as a person with a diagnosed mental disorder that makes them likely to commit sexually violent criminal acts and poses a danger to the public.

In 2019, the Department of State Hospitals determined Cheek was suitable for conditional release, and Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Siegel ordered his release into the county under supervision. From 2019 through 2026, state officials and Liberty Healthcare were unable to secure a placement for him.