Watsonville, a community steeped in history predating John Watson’s arrival in the 1850s, bears the mark of the indigenous Ohlone people, Spanish colonization, and various other cultures. Chronicling the community’s stories, both tragic and triumphant, is the ongoing task of the Register-Pajaronian, now The Pajaronian.
This responsibility feels especially significant as I officially step into the role of the newspaper’s new editor. We are grateful for Erik Chalhoub’s contributions over the past decade. He was a world-class editor, and his new company is fortunate to have him.
Serving Watsonville at a newspaper as old as the city itself is an honor. While much has changed, The Pajaronian’s mission remains constant: to report fairly and accurately.
During my 17 years as a reporter, I’ve witnessed truly remarkable things. The city of Watsonville, by the will of its voters, changed how it elects its mayor.
In 2012, voters passed Measure L, a $150 million bond, allowing the Pajaro Valley Unified School District to complete maintenance, renovation, and construction projects districtwide. This included the completion of a stadium at Pajaro Valley High School in 2021, 20 years after the school was built.
I watched as school district leaders had to cut programs, services, and jobs during the 2008 recession, and then slowly rebuild the district.
I proudly tell friends in other states that the Martinelli’s & Co. apple cider they’re drinking hails from Watsonville, a company I’ve written about and interviewed leadership from. I’ve walked through the verdant wetlands of South County, the quiet a stark contrast to the bustling city nearby.
Perhaps what I love most about Watsonville is the community. It’s not hard to find someone who attended Watsonville High School, and whose children and grandchildren attend it as well.
Watsonville residents care deeply about what happens to their community, evident in city council meetings, other public forums, and in the letters we receive.
As I begin this new chapter with The Pajaronian, I want the community to know that we can’t do it without you. We rely on tips and advice from the public, and truly, some of our best stories have come from someone reaching out to us.
I also appreciate hearing from you when we make mistakes. When that happens, readers help us become better journalists and The Pajaronian a better newspaper. So, please reach out. We want to hear from you.
