Watsonville / Pajaro
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices

I’m a nurse. I advocate for my patients. That’s why I’m questioning how Watsonville Community Hospital is spending its money.

by Driss Hassam

Watsonville Community Hospital nurse Driss Hassam is calling for greater transparency in how the publicly funded hospital spends its money, citing shortages of basic supplies and delayed patient care. Hassam questions hospital priorities as more than $200 million in bonds, grants and donations have flowed through Watsonville Community Hospital in recent years. He contrasts front-line conditions with administrative spending, consulting contracts and unfulfilled promises tied to voter-approved Measure N. Hassam argues that financial decisions should be publicly scrutinized and focused on expanding clinical services and patient care.

Posted inEducation

Teachers stage coordinated walkout during tense PVUSD board meeting

by Kevin Painchaud

More than 150 teachers and union supporters staged a coordinated walkout during a tense Pajaro Valley Unified School District board meeting Wednesday night, protesting the board’s approval of 160 layoffs amid an ongoing budget crisis. Organized by the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, the demonstration underscored escalating tensions over enrollment declines and the loss of pandemic-era funding as district leaders move forward with cuts.

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