Movie Review: 'The Last Jedi' feels bloated, empty at same time
Truth is, “The Last Jedi” feels more like a filler television episode than the grand galactic opera the series is known for. There is no doubt that this film is beautiful and it definitely has the whimsical DNA that has kept the franchise trucking forward for 40 years. But the eighth installment in this storyline feels a bit empty, has some weird tonal problems and sticks around longer than it should.
Sesario Escoto: Why Spanish-speaking and Latino volunteers are important for youth in foster care
The parents of 13-year-old “Esmerelda” were desperately trying to keep her safe, as the girl was acting out and exhibiting high-risk behaviors. However, the parents had their own struggle with alcohol, and one night things escalated into physical violence, and the police were called.
Tony’s Thoughts: Hank Garcia, please reopen Fox Theater
Hank Garcia, we’ve never met before—I hope that changes in the near future—but I want you to know you’ve had a massive impact on...
Sandy Lydon: The plan to obliterate Santa Cruz County
There were 27 original counties when California became a state on Sept. 9, 1850, but adjusting boundaries and forming new ones was nowhere near...
Growing roots at Pajaro Middle School
On Aug. 14, about 400 students will return to Pajaro Middle School, more than a year after flood waters forced the campus to close....
Sandy Lydon: The legacy of the county boundary in the river
Back in three successive Pajaronian columns (July 1, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2), I laid out the convoluted story of how a group of...
We need you, now more than ever
By John Gallagher, Grand Jury Supervising Judge
We need the Grand Jury and the Grand Jury needs you. In this time of political polarization at...
Movie Review: 'The Circle' disappoints, rightfully thuds in box office
“The Circle” is possibly the most disappointing movie I’ve seen this year. It’s a perfect example of a film that asks a great question but doesn’t ever follow through on the ideas and answers that follow. It’s also a great example of how smart moviegoers
Investing in safer streets and upholding our community values
Watsonville is making meaningful investments in our streets, sidewalks, and neighborhoods this year—improvements that reflect both our infrastructure priorities and our shared commitment to...
Aptos takes down Watsonville in battle of the ‘Black and Blue...
At one time in the teams’ long history, Aptos and Watsonville were nemesis on the gridiron as members of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic...


















