150 Things to Do & See in Watsonville by Weeklys

Greetings from Mayor HurstHurst Greetings from Mayor

W Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

elcome to the City of Watsonville! Throughout 2018 the City of Watsonville will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary! We have a series of spirited events planned that will give everyone an opportunity to celebrate the history and cultures that have created the fabric of our community. There is something for everyone in Watsonville. Take a look at our list, think outside the box, and explore the many delights of our community which remains one of the best places to live, work and play in the region. With 150 years of history and a progressive present, we have a great future for you to enjoy. Please join me in celebrating our Sesquicentennial all year long and the wonderful ambience that Watsonville provides.

Adventures Around Watsonville: Things to Do, See and Experience Compiled by Sarah Ringler

atsonville is an area rich in geography, history and culture. The Pajaro Valley is surrounded in the north and east by forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. To the south, the valley drops and flattens out into sloughs and wetlands. Finally, to the west is the dramatic sweep of the Monterey Bay. The activities and events in the area reflect its geography. Nature provides many opportunities to hike, bike and stroll while observing terrains rich with varied tree, plant, sea, mammal and bird life. The rich alluvial soil of the valley has brought agriculture and is an integral part of the economic life of the area. It has contributed to the cultural diversity and the history of the area as succeeding groups of people have come to participate in the growing, harvesting, packing and selling of its bounty. This compilation covers the Pajaro Valley from Aptos in the north, Moss Landing in the south, the Santa Cruz Mountains and Aromas in the east and west to the Monterey Bay.

Geography

he Pajaro Valley is centered geographically between the Santa Cruz Mountains to the east and the Monterey Bay to the west. The Forest of Nisene Marks lies to the northwest and the valley rises slightly then drops into the Elkhorn Slough and the Salinas River mouth to the south. The Zayante Vergeles Fault Zone slices through the eastern part of the valley in a northwest to southeast direction. The valley is low lying with the elevation of the city of Watsonville nearly at its midpoint at a mere 29 feet above sea level. The valley has seven lakes with the largest ones being Kelly, College, Pinto, Drew and Tynan Lakes. It has a vast slough system that serve as fresh water for baby fish, bird, animal and plant life. The main sloughs are Watsonville, Continued on Page 3 22

150Things Things to to Do Do and 150 andSee SeeininWatsonville Watsonville

Geography - Continued Geography - Continued

Beaches, Wetlands and Camping qManresa State Beach - This beach features views, fishing and tent camping. The ocean is dangerous with rip currents, frigid water and deep offshore drop-offs so swimming and surfing is not recommended. Western Snowy Plovers use this beach and Sunset Beach for nesting. There is a $10 day use. Call 831-7243750 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=545 qSand Dollar Beach - Located at the end of Sand Dollar Drive off of

San Andreas Road

qSunset State Beach - Picnicking, RV and tent camping, fishing and

strolling in the sand alongside the Monterey Bay are some of the activities available at this beach. Rip tides, cold water and deep offshore dropoffs make surfing and swimming dangerous. There are day use fees. Located off of Highway 1 at the San Andreas Road exit. Go south to Sunset Beach Road, then west to beach entrance. Call 831-763-7063 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=544

qPalm Beach - Sand dunes and beach walks along the bay, this is part of Sunset State Beach. Locate by taking the Riverside Drive exit off of Highway 1 and head west to Lee Road. Then go west on West Beach Street and drive between the farmlands to the end where there is a parking lot. One mile south is the dramatic mouth of the Pajaro River as it flows into the bay. Contact Sunset State Beach at 831-763-7063 or visit www.californiabeaches.com/beach/palm-beach/ qSanta Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA - This privately operated campground is open all year long and is located at 1186 San Andreas Road, near Palm, Sunset, Sand Dollar and Manresa beaches. It has cabins and tent and RV camping. Call 831-722-0551 or reserve sites at 800-562-7701 or visit koa.com/campgrounds/santa-cruz/?utm_source=power-listings&utm_medium=yext-partner&utm_ content=website-link&utm_campaign=Yext qFitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center - Hanson, Harkins, Struve, West Struve and Watsonville Sloughs are part of a vast drainage system that eventually flows into the Pajaro River and out to sea. It provides protection for migrating birds and is a breeding ground for birds, fish, plants and mammals. The Fitz Center is located on the Pajaro Valley High School Campus at 500 Harkins Road. They provide tours, education and support for the sloughs. Call 831-7281156 or 831-728-4106 or visit www.fitzwerc.org/about.htm qCity of Watsonville Nature Center - Located at 30 Harkins

Slough Road, behind Ramsay Park at 1301 Main Street. The Center features a museum with children’s discovery center with animal crafts, games, books and other fun activities. Also, tour the nearby wetlands and get information on water conservation, recycling and city rebates. Open Saturdays and Sundays. Hours vary with season. Call 831-768-1622 or visit www.cityofwatsonville.org/684/Nature-Center Producedby bythe the Register-Pajaronian Register-Pajaronian Produced

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Commemorating Watsonville’s 150th Anniversary Commemorating Watsonville’s 150th Anniversary

Struve, West Struve, Harkins, Hanson and Elkhorn Sloughs. Pajaro River was named by the Spanish after they witnessed a large stuffed condor at an Ohlone village that they visited as they passed through the area. (Ohlone is the name of the people who have lived here for tens of thousands of years and originally came from Asia across the Bering Straits during the Ice Age about 20,000 years ago.) The Salinas River empties out at the southern part of our zone. Since the Monterey Bay borders the valley, there are numerous beaches where people can camp, surf, wade, swim or picnic. Seacliff and Rio Del Mar beaches are located around shops, gas stations, restaurants and houses. The rest of the beaches are wilder and farther away the facilities listed above. Some sites below have camping. Contact www.reservecalifornia. com to reserve sites at state beaches from early spring to October. It is recommended to reserve state park campgrounds in advance.

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

Parks Parks qThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - A jewel of a forest with waterfalls, ferns, mushrooms, banana slugs, old growth redwood, a crazy forest where redwoods grew twisted from the 1906 earthquake, remains of a narrow gauge railroad used when the forest was logged as well as old buildings from that same time. There are 30 miles of hiking, jogging and bike trails. There are fees for vehicle day use. Park hours are sunrise to sunset. For more information call 831763-7063 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666

qScott Park - This tiny 4.5 acre County Park is at 3101 Freedom Boulevard between Aptos and Watsonville. It’s a nice park to have a picnic. It is adjacent to Freedom Lake and open from sunrise to sunset. Both the park and the lake were donated to the County of Santa Cruz in 1971 by Bert Scott, former CEO of Granite Construction. To reserve space call 831-454-7901 or visit www.scparks.com/Home/ Parks/ListofAllCountyParks/ScottPark.aspx qMt. Madonna County Park - In the Santa Cruz Mountains above

Watsonville, this 4,605 acre park in the redwoods offers hiking on nature trails, horse back riding through the Mt. Madonna Stables, and the opportunity to practice your archery skills at the archery range. Park also has a visitor center, campsites and an amphitheater that features free shows provided by park docents on Saturdays at 7:30 pm. The park is located off of the summit on Highway 152 or Hecker Pass at 7850 Pole Line Road. Contact park office at 408-842-2341 or visit www.sccgov. org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/MtMadonna.aspx

qPinto Lake County Park - East outside of Watsonville at 757

Green Valley Road is a 183-acre regional park with a lake, fishing pier, playground, picnic pavilions with barbecues and a baseball field. (Note that Pinto Lake City Park is down the road at 451 Green Valley Road.) This is the park where Anita Contreras, as she was strolling through the park by the lake, looked up and saw the image of the Virgin Mary on a limb of a massive oak tree in 1992. The site instantly became a shrine filled with candles and images of the Virgin. The site has been dismantled but still stands in memory of a local phenomenon. Call 831-722-8129 or visit www. scparks.com/Home/Parks/ListofAllCountyParks/PintoLakePark.aspx

qPinto Lake City Park - Located at 451 Green Valley Road is Pinto Lake City Park. (Note that Pinto Lake County Park is further down the road at 757 Green Valley Road.) The park has 78 acres and offers boating on the lake, a playground, picnic areas, barbecues, sports areas and overnight RV camping. Bring your own boat, canoe, kayak or inflatable boat out onto the lake for a small launch fee and be prepared for a boat inspection. You can also rent boats in the summer. Call 831-768-3170 or visit www.cityofwatsonville.org/715/Pinto-Lake qRamsay Park - Inside the city of Watsonville, this 26-acre park at 1301

Main Street, along with the downtown plaza, is one of the focal points of the community. The park contains a skate park, soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, nature walks, tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, barbecue pits, picnic tables, restrooms and the Ramsay Park Family Center (see below). Visit cityofwatsonville. org/1563/Ramsay-Park

qRamsay Park Family Center - This community center, at 1301 Main Street, has a Gymnastic Program for children up to 10 years of age. They also rent out facilities for receptions and family events. Call 831-768-3240 and visit cityofwatsonville.org/1563/Ramsay-Park

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here are many large and small parks in the area from state parks, to county parks and to city parks. In Watsonville alone, there are 27 neighborhood parks of varying sizes. Here are some of the larger and more popular county and city parks, with varying services from boat rentals, hiking trails, horseback riding, camping and picnicking. They are listed from north to south.

Commemorating Watsonville’s 150th Anniversary

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150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Activities Activities

qPacific Golf Centers - Driving range is a full golf practice facility

with 25 turf mats, 1,500 square feet of chipping green and 1,200 square feet of putting green. It also has a golf shop and clubhouse with beverages and snacks. It’s located across Highway 1 from the Watsonville Municipal Airport at 101 Ranport Road, Watsonville. Call 831-274-3271 or visit www.pacificgolfcenters.com/

qCasserly Par 3 Golf Course - This is a beautiful 9-hole course, six miles east of Watsonville in the foothills at the base of Mt. Madonna at 626 Casserly Road. Call pro-shop at 831-724-1654 or visit casserlygolf.com/

Park, 26-acre park inside the city at 1301 Main Street. The park contains a skate park, soccer, baseball and softball fields, nature walks, tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, barbecue pits, picnic tables, restrooms and the Ramsay Park Family Center. Visit cityofwatsonville.org/1563/Ramsay-Park

qJump-N-Around - Take the kids to the giant playroom and let them go at it. With multiple jump houses, the goal here is to provide a safe, fun and clean environment where children of all ages can play. Located at 555 Main Street, Watsonville. Call 831-761-5321 or visit www.jumpnaround.com/about-us qWatsonville Family YMCA - Located at 27 Sudden Street, Wat-

sonville Family YMCA has an indoor pool, exercise studio, racquet/handball courts and a youth and family center. They accept out of town drop-ins for a fee. Call 831-728-9622 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org/watsonville-ymca-family-center/ watsonville-ymca-family-center/

qPajaro Valley Golf Club - Located at 967 Salinas Road, Royal Oaks, it is open to the public for golf. It also has the Cypress Grill and Bar. Call 831-7243851 or visit pajarovalleygolf.com/Default.aspx?tabid=4815

qGold’s Gym - Gold’s Gym is at 120 Westridge Drive and has an indoor

pool, classes, weights, bikes, etc. They have various day use options. Call 831-728GOLD or visit www.goldsgym.com/watsonvilleca/

qFit Republic - Fit Republic is located at 25 Penny Lane. They have an outdoor pool, racquetball, tanning, hydro-massage, circuits and more. They accept out of town drop-ins for a fee. Call 831-325-0278 or visit citizenoffit.com

Equestrian qPleasant Valley Horse Club - Offers horseback riding lessons and camps throughout the year for beginners on up. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 710 Del Valle in Aptos, California. Contact 831-763-2733 or https://www.pleasantvalleykidsclub.com/#pvhc-welcome qMt. Madonna Stables - Rents gentle horses with knowledgeable guides at Mt. Madonna State Park is located off of the summit on Highway 152 or Hecker Pass at 60 Summit Road. Also offers summer camps. Contact 408-663-1665 or see website at http://mtmadonnastables.com/home.html

qPleasant Valley Horse Club -

Offers horseback riding lessons and camps throughout the year for beginners on up. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 710 Del Valle in Aptos. Call 831-763-2733 or www.pleasantvalleykidsclub.com/#pvhc-welcome Produced by the Register-Pajaronian

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qRamsay Park - Skateboard park, soccer and baseball games at Ramsay

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

Food, Farms and Agriculture Food, Farms and Agriculture

qCalifornia Grill - Lakeside Organic Gardens, started in 1996, is the largest family owned and operated organic grower and shipper in the United States. Everything they grow is organic and they grow many crops all over the Pajaro Valley. You can eat their food at the family’s restaurant at 40 Penny Lane. Call 831-722-8052 or visit californiagrillrestaurant.com/ qCorralitos Wine Trail - Four wineries are featured from the Corralitos

qCountry Crossroads Map - Access a map of farms and over 100 categories of locally grown food at countrycrossroadsmap.com/ qCrystal Bay Farms - Crystal Bay Farms has farm camps, seasonal U-Pick berries, squash and pumpkin days, FarmStays, art shows and is also available for weddings and other events. It’s located at 40 Zils Road. Call 831-724-4137, visit www. crystalbayfarm.com/ or email crystalbayfarm@me.com and organicfarmgirl@me.com. qGizdich Ranch - At 55 Peckham Road, east of Watsonville, this ranch offers many opportunities to engage with local agriculture from harvesting with seasonal PikYor-Self (check schedule), to purchasing fresh berries and apples in season. The bakeshop has fresh pies baked on site as well as sandwiches and box lunches. Also, apples and berries are preserved in juices, jam and jellies. Also, don’t miss Nita Gizdich herself, often presiding over her Antiques and Gift Shop. Open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. Call 831-722-1056 or visit www.gizdich-ranch.com/index.php qGlaum Egg Ranch - If you’d like to watch seasonally adorned dancing chicken puppets and you need to buy some eggs, drive up to 3100 Valencia Road in Aptos, and try out the Egg Vending Machine. Bring four crisp dollar bills. Since the 1920s, the Glaum family has been supplying eggs to the public. Open Mondays through Saturdays with reduced hours on Saturdays. Email info@glaumeggranch.com or visit www.glaumeggranch.com/glaum-family-history.html qLive Earth Farm - Live Earth Farm offers farm tours and other farm related events like U-Pick from May until October. They promote organic farming and land stewardship. They have two locations. The Upper Farm and Discovery Program is at 172 Litchfield Lane and the Lower Farm is at 1275 Green Valley Road, both on the outskirts of Watsonville. Call 831-763-2448 or 831-728-2032 or visit liveearthfarm.staging. wpengine.com/ qS. Martinelli and Company - Started by Swiss immigrant brothers,

Stephano and Luigi, as a soda water business in 1861 in Watsonville, it is now the world renown producer and seller of apple juices, ciders and sparkling cider with over 50 gold medals of excellence. You can visit their new main Company Store at 345 Harvest Drive or contact them at 800-662-1868 ext. 418. Their beautiful old warehouse is at 227 E. Beach Street across from Watsonville High. Visit www.martinellis.com/about/

qPrevedelli Farms - A fourth generation organic family-run farm has been in operation since 1945. They sell their apples, jams, butters and preserves at their farm store, online and at over 12 farmers’ markets around the area. Located at 375 Pioneer View Road. Call 831-724-9282 or visit www.prevedelli.com/ qTaylor Bros Hot Dogs - A Watsonville standard since 1954. Buy a dog and eat in the plaza. Located at 336 Union Street across from the City Plaza. First opened in Porterville, California in 1949. A second location was opened in Delano in 1950 but then moved to Visalia in 1952. Hot dogs were 20 cents and soda was a dime. Taylor’s is open everyday but Sundays. For hours call 831-722-2402 or visit local. register-pajaronian.com/watsonville-ca/food-and-beverage/restaurants/taylor-bros-hotdog-831-722-2402 qWatsonville Farmers’ Market - This market operates year round every Friday afternoon from roughly 2 pm to 7 pm in the Watsonville City Plaza. It sells some of the local produce with mostly good prices. Locals buy at this market. They also sell ready to eat food like kettle corn, pupusas, corn on the cob, mushrooms, tacos and much more. Produced by the Register-Pajaronian

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microclimate, northeast of Watsonville. This area is suitable for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. See this website for the map: www.winery-sage.com/data/ACpage. php?id=62&-Corralitos-Wine-Trail. Contact each winery separately to determine their hours. Alfaro Family Vineyards: 831-728-5172, Nicholson Vineyards: 831-724-7071, Pleasant Valley Vineyards: 831-728-2826, and Windy Oaks Estate Vineyards and Winery: 831-786-9463.

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

Activities On Activities On and By the Water and By the Water qCity of Watsonville Nature Center -

qWatsonville Wetlands Watch - Watsonville Wetlands Watch sponsors many events and walks through the Pajaro Valley slough system. There are great places for bird watching and it is one of the largest fresh-water stop-over spots for birds on the Great Pacific Flyway. They sponsor wetland tours each month between April to September. Call 831-728-1156 or check their website at www. watsonvillewetlandswatch.org/calendar.htm qPinto Lake City Park - During the summer, rent a boat at Pinto Lake City Park, located at 451 Green Valley Road. (Note that Pinto Lake County Park is further down the road at 757 Green Valley Road.) The park has 78 acres and offers boating on the lake, a playground, picnic areas, barbecues, sports areas and overnight RV camping. Bring your own boat, canoe, kayak or inflatable boat out onto the lake for a small launch fee. Be prepared for a boat inspection. Call 831-7683170 or visit www.cityofwatsonville.org/715/Pinto-Lake qElkhorn Slough Reserve - This reserve is a 1,700 acre part of the Elkhorn Slough that is reserved for education, research and conservation. It has five miles of trails that go through oak woodlands, by tidal creeks and fresh water marshes that teem with wildlife and breath taking views. The visitors’ center has award winning displays and gift shop and bookshop. Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9-5. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and major holidays. Visitor Center, restroom and picnic area admission is free but $4.12 day use and trail walk fee is charged for adults 16 years old or over. Call 831-728-2822 or visit www. elkhornslough.org/story/ qElkhorn Slough Safari - Explore Elkhorn Slough aboard a 27 foot, U.S.

Coast Guard inspected pontoon boat with informative guides. See sea otters, harbor seals, and hundreds of bird species like brown and white pelicans. Boat leaves from “A” Dock in the Moss Landing South Harbor, 7881 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing. Call 831-633-5555 or visit elkhornslough.com/

qKayak Connection - Rent a kayak or Nelo 510 Surfski and explore the Elkhorn Slough at 2370 Highway 1, Moss Landing. See frolicking otters, shore birds and more. Call 831-724-5692 or visit www.kayakconnection.com/elkhorn-slough/ qMonterey Bay Hydrobikes - As an alternative to kayaking, ride the Elkhorn Slough on bikes floating on pontoons. Located at 2370 Highway 1 in Moss Landing. Call 831-238-6467 or visit www.montereybayhydrobikes.com/ qWhisper Charters - Take an eco-friendly, quiet electric boat to explore

Elkhorn Slough. They specialize in morning, afternoon and evening aloha tours for all ages. They are located at 2370 Highway 1. Call 831-207-6305 or visit whispercharters.com/

qBlue Ocean Whale Watching - Humpbacks, gray whales, blue

whales, orcas, dolphins, porpoises, turtles, Mola molas, sharks and jellyfish are some of the marine life you might see on one of these boat tours. Boats depart all year long from Moss Landing Harbor on 7881 Sandholdt Road. Call 831-600-5103 or visit www.blueoceanwhalewatch.com/

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Commemorating Watsonville’s150th 150th Anniversary Anniversary Commemorating Watsonville’s

Located at 30 Harkins Slough Road, behind Ramsay Park at 1301 Main Street. The Center features a museum with children’s discovery center with animal crafts, games, books and other fun activities. Also, tour the nearby wetlands and get information on water conservation, recycling and city rebates. Open Saturdays and Sundays. Hours vary with season. Call 831-768-1622 or visit www.cityofwatsonville.org/684/Nature-Center

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

In-Air Activities In-Air Activities

qSpecialized Helicopters - Specialized Helicopters offers helicopter

rides over the spectacular California coastline for tours, business or charter. See the Monterey Bay or Big Sur from the air. They also offer pilot training for helicopters or airplanes. Located at the Watsonville Airport at 150 Aviation Way and in Monterey. Call 831-763-2244 or visit www.specializedheli.com/

qSkydive Surfcity and Santa Cruz Skydiving Adventures -

Art, Architecture,Murals and Museums

atsonville has been actively supporting the painting of town murals. There are Apple Crate murals and some trompe l’oeil on Walker Street done by local artists Arturo Thomae and Jon Ton. Many Pajaro Valley schools have murals designed by Guillermo Aranda and painted by students with his assistance.

qPájaro Valley Art Gallery - For 30 years this gallery has expanded in its commitment to reflecting and exposing art from artists and the community of the Pájaro Valley. Exhibits change regularly. Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 to 4. Located at 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville. Call 831-722-3062 or visit pajarovalleyartscouncil.org/ qSierra Azul Sculpture in the Gardens - There is always something interesting to see whether it’s the large selection of native plants, grasses, drought tolerant species or the life-sized sculptures. They also offer classes on garden related subjects. East of town at 2660 East Lake Avenue or Highway 152. Call 831-728-2532 or visit www.sierraazul.com. qShakespeare Society of America - This smallish museum/shop in Moss Landing, also called the New Shakespeare Sanctuary, evolved out of the contents of a replica of the 1599 Globe Theater that was built in West Los Angeles by R. Thad Taylor in 1972. It staged all 38 of Shakespeare’s plays in succession from 1876 to 1979. Unfortunately when Taylor passed away, the over 15,000 items had to find a new home and came to live in Moss Landing. According to the website, it is “usually open 10am to 5pm daily. Located at 7981 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing. Call 831-633-2989 or visit shakespearesocietyofamerica.org/index.html qShakespeare Society of America - This smallish museum/shop

in Moss Landing, also called the New Shakespeare Sanctuary, evolved out of the contents of a replica of the 1599 Globe Theater that was built in West Los Angeles by R. Thad Taylor in 1972. It staged all 38 of Shakespeare’s play in succession from 1876 to 1979. When Taylor passed away, the more than 15,000 items had to find a new home and came to live in Moss Landing. According to the website, it is “usually open 10am to 5pm daily. Located at 7981 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing. Call 831-633-2989 or visit shakespearesocietyofamerica.org/index.html

qAptos History Museum - A small museum through artifacts and displays

chronicles the town’s history as it changed from native Ohlone land, to Spanish Ranchos, to Mexican land and finally becoming part of the United States. Open Monday through Fridays, 9 to 4. Off of Highway 1 across from the Seacliff Inn and Severino’s at 7605-A Old Dominion Court. Call 831-688-1467 or visit aptoshistory.org/index.html Produced by the Register-Pajaronian

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Commemorating Watsonville’s150th 150th Anniversary Anniversary Commemorating Watsonville’s

Experience safe tandem skydiving over the Monterey Bay region. Take unique photos from unusual angles. They are located at 160 Aviation Way, in Watsonville and can be contacted at 831-435-5169. Visit www.santacruz-skydiving.com/

Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary State Lic. #658346

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Historic Places Historic Places

qChitactac - Adams Heritage County Park was once an Ohlone Village occupied by the Amah Mutsun tribe for thousands of years before the arrival of, first the Spanish, then the Mexicans, and now the Americans. It is a beautiful site along Uvas Creek that shows evidence of their village life with rock art carvings and grinding holes in the granite that was used to grind acorn meal. You can imagine kids jumping off the rocks into the creek pond below. It is located at 10001 Watsonville Road, Gilroy. Head east out East Lake Avenue that turns into Highway 152. Go over Hecker Pass and shortly after you have reached the bottom of the hill, turn left at Watsonville Road. It’s a few miles up the road. Contact Park Office at 408-842-2341 or visit www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/Chitactac-Adams.aspx qRancho San Andrés Castro Adobe State Park - This two-story historic rancho hacienda and surrounding gardens was built between 1848-1849 and is an example of the typical Californio house during the Spanish and Mexican era of California history. It is located at 184 Old Adobe Road. You can see the house from the road. The house is closed to the public except for special events or by appointment. Call 831-226-9669 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22271

qBroadis Hill - It is now just a neighborhood but it is named after Jim Broadis. He came to the area as a slave in 1850, not knowing that California was a free state. He hauled lumber and supplies between downtown Watsonville and Mt. Madonna. Later he married, had a family and bought land where Broadis Street is today qCity Plaza - City Plaza at Main, Peck, Union and East Beach Streets. The plaza was donated to the people of Watsonville by Don Sebastian Rodriguez in 1860. The gazebo was designed by architect William Weeks. Notice the various species of trees, in particular, the three different species of redwood trees.

ld Chinatown was located at Union and Maple Streets, south of the plaza. It started with one Chinese laundry there in 1869 and soon grew. Most Chinese worked as farm workers and businesses grew in that area to support those workers, who were primarily men. John T. Porter, sugar beet farmer, processor and land owner of the Union and Maple Street Chinatown, met with other Watsonville land owners and Vice-Consul F. A. Bee from the Chinese Imperial government in San Francisco to explore relocating the Chinatown to Porter’s property on the other side of the Pajaro River in Monterey County in 1888. All sides agreed to the move and the entire Union and Maple Street Chinatown was moved across the river. See 29 Bishop Street below. For more information about the Chinese in the Monterey Bay region, read Sandy Lydon’s “Chinese Gold.”

qPioneer’s Cemetery - Charley Parkhurst’s grave is in the Pioneer’s cem-

etery off of Freedom Boulevard at 66 Marin Street. Charley Darkey Parkhurst, born Charlotte Darkey Parkhurst (1812-1879), and also known as One Eyed Charlie or Six-Horse Charley, was famous for his skills as a stagecoach driver but also for the surprise he caused after his death when it was discovered he was a woman. In 1868, he may have been the first transgender person to vote in a California election. He was raised in New England as a girl and ran away to work as a stable hand after his mother died and he was put in an orphanage. He later moved to California. He lost one eye when kicked by a horse. Call 831-722-0310. Learn more at en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Charley_Parkhurst

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n the 1840-50s, Watsonville was a fenced town. To keep the public safe, they had to build a fence to keep the cattle from the ranchos out. The east gate was at Main Street and Maple Street, the west gate was at Main Street and East Lake and another gate was on Beach Street. Sebastian Rodriguez was given the Rancho Bolsa del Pájaro from the Spanish government in 1823. Most of the 5,496 acres was used to raise cattle whose hides were later transported to Mexico and beyond. When California became part of the United States in 1849, mostly inspired by the Gold Rush, Americans and others came to settle and to try and make their fortune. Some came here to grow potatoes to sell in Gold Country. The enterprising John Watson, who was born in Georgia and lived in Texas, came here with a slave named Jim. After filing a claim in 1851 against Rodriguez, he started renting land to farmers. At this point the small town was called Pajaro, but as more people did business with Watson, the town’s name evolved into Watsonville. The potato business, which was harvested by the native indigenous population, boomed until it busted in 1853. But, the town was now established. In 1860, Watson’s claim was denied. Rodriguez, vindicated, donated the plaza to the people of Watsonville. Watson left town around 1862 and headed to the Nevada Territory where he continued to claim land rights. For more information on Watsonville history, read “Watsonville - Memories That Linger” volumes one and two, by Betty Lewis.

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

Historic Places Continued Historic Places - Continued qThe Rodgers House - This refurbished old Victorian house was built in the 1870’s. It contains furniture and artifacts from the Rodgers family including photographs of Esther Rodgers’ brother, the writer John Steinbeck. The house, a national landmark, was moved from its previous site and now sits at the entrance to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Located at 2601 East Lake Avenue, on Highway 152, east of Watsonville and west of Gilroy. Contact fair office for hours at 831-724-5671. qWatsonville Junction and Watsonville Depot - Wat-

qCallaghan Park - This park on Freedom Boulevard and Sudden Street

became a campground after the Loma Prieta Earthquake on October 17, 1989. Lincoln Street, nearby, had been badly hit with many homes thrown off their foundations. With the many aftershocks, people were nervous about staying inside and found comfort sleeping outside in this impromptu village.

qCalifornia Agriculture Workers’ History Center - Located

upstairs in the Watsonville Public Library, the History Center has exhibits and a room that is dedicated to research on the “diverse and multicultural ongoing history of the people who work in California agriculture.” The library is located at 275 Main Street, suite 100. Call 831-768-3400. It is open Monday - Saturday. Visit www. cityofwatsonville.org/440/Local-History

qGene Friend Fire Museum - Located at 115 Second Street, this museum shows protective equipment and fire apparatus that was used as far back as the late 1800s. The two-story building was used by the Watsonville Fire Department from 1923-1982. Call 831-471-1170. To tour the museum, complete a Museum Tour Request at www.cityofwatsonville.org/465/History-of-the-Department qPajaro Valley Historical Association - 322 E. Beach Street

is the headquarters for a group of historians that has been keeping an interest in the history of the Pajaro Valley alive since 1940. The house with exhibits is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 am to 3 pm plus the second Saturday of the month at the same times. Special tours can be arranged. Call 831-722-0305 or visit www.pajarovalleyhistory.org/#

Architecture Driving Tour

hanks to historian Betty Lewis, here is a brief description of some early buildings in Watsonville. The list is organized as a driving tour although the first half is walkable. You can park around the City Plaza and start the walk on the East Beach Street side. Note that many have a blue plaque that designates their historical significance. The tour starts at the Watsonville City Plaza where there is usually parking available. William H. Weeks was an architect who designed many houses, libraries, office building, schools and churches in Northern and Central California. He was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in 1864. He opened up an office in Watsonville in 1894 and designed many buildings and homes in Watsonville. His homes are so valued and well built that more than a few have been moved from their original locations.

q Start at City Plaza on East Beach Street and go towards the mountains. William Weeks designed the gazebo in the middle of the plaza.

q 124 East Beach St. - Built in 1893 for June Fletcher, sister of the

early banker, H.S. Fletcher.

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sonville was a major railway hub with two stations. The Southern Pacific Railroad Company in 1871 built a line between Gilroy and Salinas that passed through Pajaro Junction. It became a full service station and by 1900 was a railroading hub with a turntable, a massive water tower, multiple platforms, and telephone service, making it the largest transfer station in Santa Cruz County area. Later it was renamed the Watsonville Junction. Now only the tracks remain but it was located on Salinas Road on the outskirt of Pajaro, south of Watsonville between Railroad Avenue and Lewis Road. Watsonville Depot, which still stands, was a stop along the way in Watsonville where West Lake Avenue ends at Walker Street.

Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

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150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

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Architecture Driving Tour Architecture Driving Tour - Continued - Continued q128 East Beach St. - First house designed in Watsonville by Weeks in

1894 for Judge Julius Lee, who set up law practice in 1862 and became the first district attorney from Watsonville.

q134 East Beach St. - Built in the 1860s and owned by Professor Van

Doren, Dr. Will Rodgers and Josie Daly who ran it as a men’s boarding house in the early 1900s.

to the Pajaro Valley Historical Association in 1965 but later sold when the museum moved up the street to 332 E. Beach. Designed by William Weeks.

q302 East Beach St. - Built in 1900 for Warren Porter, Lt. Governor of California from 1906-1910. Designed by William Weeks.

q332 East Beach St. -

Bockius-Orr House was designed by architect Alex Chalmers in 1870 for Godfrey Bockius, farmer, banker, judge and member of the state legislature. It is the site of the current Pajaro Valley Historical Association. See above for events and visits to see exhibits. Continue up East Beach to Blackburn Street then go left and walk two blocks to East Lake.

q507 East Lake Avenue - Site of the African American school built in 1866 but destroyed in the 1989 earthquake and then demolished.

q723 East Lake Avenue - Now known as the Tuttle Mansion, it was built in 1899 for Morris Tuttle, an orchardist who came to Watsonville with his parents in 1873. Designed by William Weeks. q823 East Lake Avenue - Built in 1867 for James M. Rogers, an orchardist and hop grower. Designed by architect James Waters. Head back East Lake west towards Main Street.

qMain and East Lake is the Jefsen Building built in 1903 and designed by William Weeks. The YMCA used to be on the second floor. From here go left and continue back towards the plaza. On the way you will see:

q418 Main Street - The Mansion House was Watsonville’s premiere hotel

in its early days. It was designed by architect Thomas Beck and built in 1871. It was moved to its present location in 1914 from the corner of Main and East Beach Streets. It was restored by Hoffman and Associates in 1980 and now includes offices and a restaurant.

qAcross the street is the former location of Ford’s Department Store founded in 1852 by Charles Ford and one of the oldest operating department stores in California. It was damaged in the 1989 earthquake and then demolished.

q40 West Beach Street - The Appleton Hotel was designed by William

Weeks and built in 1911 in Neo-Classical Revival style. It is now a restaurant, the Appleton Grill. Sit down and have a nice lunch or dinner at their outdoor patio or inside in the old style dining room. They have evening entertainment. Call 831-7681683 or visit appletongrill.com/ Return to your car on the City Plaza and take Union or Main Street south to Maple Street, a block from the plaza. Go left on Maple.

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q227 East Beach St. - Martinelli’s original cider business started in 1868. q261 East Beach St. - Built in 1901 for farmer Richard Pearson. Given

Architecture Architecture Driving Tour Driving Tour - Continued - Continued qUnion Street and Maple Street was the location of the old Chinatown. q110 Maple Street - Built in 1889 for Mateo Lettunich, a fruit grower. q134 Maple Avenue - Built for grocer, Antone Faustino. q148 Maple Ave - Built in 1892 for T.C. Pierson. q163 Maple Avenue - Designed by William Weeks in 1900 for P.H. Sheehy, a liquor dealer.

q29 Bishop Street - Porter-Vallejo Mansion - This house started as a

salt-box style house built in the 1850s by Antone Vallejo. Later, it was moved to its present location in Pajaro, by John T. Porter. He renovated by adding Gothic Revival accents. Later between 1895-1899, noted architect William Henry Weeks redesigned it into the current historic Queen Anne style. In 1991, it was bought by former Monterey County Supervisor Marc del Piero who converted it into a public library, day care and senior citizen center. John T. Porter was a sugar beet grower and processor who was utilized Chinese farm labor in the late 1800s. He provided rental housing in what became Watsonville’s first Chinatown at Maple and Union Streets. Later, because of anti-Chinese community pressure, he negotiated with his workers and the community to move the Chinatown across the bridge to his land in 1888. The buildings were moved across the river to what became called Brooklyn Street, inferring that it was the working class area across the bridge from Manhattan, really Watsonville. Brooklyn Street is just around the corner from Porter’s house on Bishop Street.

qAgricultural History

Project Museum - Dedicated to honor and promote respect for past and current agriculture on the Central Coast, this free museum contains exhibits of old farm machinery, kitchen from the past and other items and displays. Open to the public on the Second Saturday of the month from 11 am to 3 pm. It is located at the entrance to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Avenue, 831-724-5898, aghistoryproject.org/

qAptos History Museum - A small museum through artifacts and displays chronicles the town’s history as it changed from native Ohlone land, to Spanish Ranchos, to Mexican land and finally becoming part of the United States. Open Monday through Fridays, 9 to 4. Off of Highway 1 across from the Seacliff Inn and Severino’s at 7605-A Old Dominion Court. Call 831-688-1467 or visit aptoshistory.org/index.html

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Commemorating Watsonville’s Commemorating Watsonville’s150th 150th Anniversary Anniversary

Turn right at Marchant Street and then right onto Front Street. Go left onto Main Street and cross the bridge. You have now crossed into Monterey County and are in the town of Pajaro. Continue on Salinas Road around the curve and go left on Bishop Street.

Unique and Interesting Unique and Interesting Places Places

qCorralitos Meat Market - Well-known through out the county for its sausages. Located at 569 Corralitos Road. Call 831-722-2633

CommemoratingWatsonville’s Watsonville’s 150th Commemorating 150thAnniversary Anniversary

qHead’n Home Hats -

This store makes and sells well made hats like you probably haven’t see before. Gary Watrous started making hats in the 1970s and now has a broad selection that includes fedoras, cowboy hats, bowlers, sunhats, top hats and more. Come to the store and see their Steampunk style. Decorated with studs, bullets and buckles, these leather hats are one of a kind. Located at 125 Aviation Way by the Watsonville Airport. Store hours are Monday-Friday from 9 am. to 5 pm. 831-722-3324. www.headnhome.com/

qSt. Patrick’s Church - This church is prominently located at 721 Main

Street. It was first built in 1865 and later in 1903, the new Gothic brick building was built and dedicated. The tower was destroyed in the 1989 earthquake but was reconstructed in 1994. Call 831-724-1317

qYamashita Market - This small market packs a large assortment of Jap-

anese food products from fresh vegetables, noodles, sake, tamari, to fresh tofu on Thursdays. They also have a beautiful selection of bowls, teacups and plates. Cash only. They are located at 114 Union Street, Watsonville, 831-724-3219

qJack’s Cigar Store - A long time institution going back to 1914 that

features cigars, tobacco and sandwiches. It’s hidden behind Main Street and is best accessed by the parking lot off Union Street behind the large pink Mansion House on Main Street. The address is 446 Main Street, 831-722-5182.

qFreedom Meat Lockers - Located at 160 Hi Grade Lane off of Green Valley Road in Freedom. this is the place for buying meat, sausages, sandwiches and more. Call 831-724-4355 or visit www.freedommeatlockers.com

qOriental Store and Food To Go - This store, commonly referred to as the Filipino grocery, is at 205 E. Lake Ave. Come early for pancit and egg rolls. 831-722-4784

qD’La Colmena - Opened as a bakery in 1978 on Rodriguez Street, Manuel Gonzales then added a tortilla machine. In 1984, they moved to their current location and added a 10-foot meat case. Now they have over 46 feet of meat cold cases. They serve excellent egg and potato breakfast burritos in the morning. They also cater. Located at 129 W. Lake. Call 831-724-4544 or visit dlacolmenacatering.com/

qPajaro River Levee - Take a peaceful walk away from traffic down the Pajaro River levee towards the mountains and see berry fields and row crops. Park across from the Buddhist Temple at 423 Bridge Street, in the small lot. 22

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

qRecycled Water Facility - Take another peaceful walk towards

the ocean through artichokes and strawberries. Drive to the Recycled Water Facility at the end of Clearwater Lane off of West Beach Street. Before noon on Sundays, watch pilots fly radio-controlled aircraft over the fields taking off and landing on the airstrip between the levee and the river.

qAnnieglass Studio - Annie Morehauser discovered

the art of glass 30 years ago and has turned it into a successful business. Her Watsonville store offers her full collection of products, discounted seconds and free glassmaking tours. Recently she has added an organic farm stand and a wine and craft beer bar. Her location is 310 Harvest Drive, 800-3476133 ext. 21 for the Watsonville store. annieglass.com

qLa Asuncion Church - La Asuncion Church or Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church at 100 Salinas Road in Pajaro has a lovely life sized copy of Michelangelo’s La Pietà viewable from the parking lot. qRegister-Pajaronian - Celebrating 150 years since its first issue, the

Register-Pajaronian received the Pulitzer Prize in 1956, the highest honor an American newspaper can receive. The Pulitzer Prize is on display at the newspaper’s office at 100 Westridge Drive.

152 at the summit, this temple, founded by the students of Baba Hari Dass in 1978, is a retreat and conference center that hosts yoga classes, massage services and personal retreats. It’s also the site of Mount Madonna School. It’s located up the mountain at 445 Summit Road, Mount Madonna Center 408-722-0226, temple. mountmadonna.org/

qSecond Street Cafe - This small, locally-owned cafe at 28 Second St.

features rotating art exhibits and events throughout the year. For information. visit www.secondstcafe.com.

Local Haunts qTuttle Mansion - Investigators from Santa Cruz Ghost Hunters, Los Angeles’ Darklands Paranormal, a group from San Francisco, as well as the popular television show “Ghost Adventures” have visited the mansion on East Lake Avenue over the years. There have reportedly been sightings of Morris Tuttle himself, gazing out of the large second-story window at where his apple orchards once were. His wife, Mary Tuttle, has been spotted toward the back of the house. At least five different people have claimed to have seen the apparition of a small boy, believed to be one of the Tuttle Family’s many children who died at a young age. qVeterans Memorial Building - Located across the street from

Watsonville High, the historic venue is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a boy, who has been seen running across the stage of the building during events, moving the curtains during performances and bouncing a ball when the auditorium is empty in the night.

qMt. Madonna County Park - For decades, visitors and locals alike

have claimed to have seen the spirit of Henry Miller and his daughter, Sarah Alice, riding horseback around the ruins of their former mansion, which burned down after both had died in the early 1900s. Sarah Alice died in a horseback riding accident at age of 8 in 1879 and was buried on the mountain only to be later exhumed and transferred to the family plot in Colma. Campers have claimed to have awoke to find their tents encircled by horse tracks and small human footprints. While still in operation, the Mt. Madonna Inn was also haunted by Sarah Alice, whose screams could be heard echoing through the halls. Produced by the Register-Pajaronian

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CommemoratingWatsonville’s Watsonville’s 150th Anniversary Commemorating 150th Anniversary

qSanKat Mochan Hanuman Temple - East of town out Highway

Year-Round Events Year-Round Events

qKids Fly Free Day - Young Eagles, founded in 1992, provides the opportuCommemorating Watsonville’s 150th Anniversary Commemorating Watsonville’s 150th Anniversary

nity for young people from 8-17 to fly free for their first airplane ride at the Watsonville Municipal Airport, 60 Aviation Way. Email to check for dates: info@eaa119.org

qSecond Saturday on the Farm - Every second Saturday of the month from 11 am to 3 pm, the Agricultural History Project sponsors a family event with a different theme. Milk a wooden cow or let your child drive a tractor. It is held at the Agricultural History Project Center and Museum at 2601 East Lake Avenue. Call 831-724-5898 or 831-5662817. Visit aghistoryproject.org/2nd-saturday-on-the-farm/

qHorse Shows - Thirty various types of horseshows a year come to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue to perform in the three arenas. There have been horse shows at the fairgrounds since Oct. 16, 1941. Call 831-7245671 or email info@santacruzcountyfair.com.

Annual Events qMonterey Bay Youth Outdoor Day - This free event is open to the public. Its focus is to expose kids to myriad outdoor activities there are right here in our area. Over 40 different organizations are involved. In its seventh year, this event is held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue. Contact Elyse Destout, Event Coordinator at elyse@mbyod.org or www.mbyod.org/default.html qWatsonville Film Festival - Growing larger every year, this festival started in 2012 with the goal of promoting multicultural films that reflect the diverse community of the Pajaro Valley. Festivals are held throughout the year and include filmmakers, activists and educators. Visit watsonvillefilmfest.org/ contact/

qPájaro Valley Pride sponsors events

throughout the year. Visit their website at pajarovalleypride.org/home

qAnnual Vintage Picnic - This picnic is sponsored by the Pajaro Valley Historical Association at the Bockius-Orr House at 322 E. Beach. Awards are given out at this themed event. Call 831-722-0305 or visit www.pajarovalleyhistory.org/#

qWatsonville 150th Anniversary - Celebrate 150 years since the City of Watsonville was incorporated with a party on March 30 at the Watsonville Plaza, featuring cake, a time capsule burying and more. 24

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

Monthly and MonthlyEvents and Seasonal Seasonal Events

qFebruary - Pajaro Valley Quilt Association Show, now in its

qFebruary - World Wetlands Day is celebrated at sloughs throughout Watsonville, with cleanups, plantings and other activities. World Wetlands Day marks the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on Feb. 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Rasmar. Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the City of Watsonville have been holding restoration events for the international celebration for more than 10 years. For information, visit www.watsonvillewetlandswatch.org. qSpring -

Annual Crab Feed is held at the

J.J. Crosetti Building at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue. This all you can eat event is a fund-raiser for the Fairgrounds Foundation and is in its 15th year. Call 831-786-9698 or email support@faigrounds-foundation.org

qApril - Earth Day/Day of the Child is a family friendly event

that emphasizes caring for our environment and the earth. It is sponsored by the City of Watsonville and takes place downtown at the City Plaza on Main Street. Call 831768-3040 or visit www.cityofwatsonville.org/1224/2017-Earth-DayDay-of-the-Child

qApril - Pajaro Valley Business Expo. The public is invited to visit the booths of Chamber member businesses to win prizes, play games, try new products and enjoy other activities. The expo takes place at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. For information, visit www.pajarovalleychamber.com.

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40th year, is held every February at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. More than 350 quilts are typically on display inside three buildings at the fairgrounds. Pajaro Valley Quilt Association also show a variety of smaller handmade items, such as dolls, pincushions, bags, clothes and more. For information, visit pvqa.org

Monthly and Monthly and Seasonal Seasonal Events Events - Continued - Continued qApril-May - Reelwork May Day Labor Film Festival has

Commemorating Watsonville’s 150th Anniversary Commemorating Watsonville’s 150th Anniversary

for 16 years organized films in the Santa Cruz County region, that focus on the concerns of working people. Pájaro Valley Federation of Teachers sponsors films for the festival at Cabrillo College, Watsonville branch. Visit www.reelwork.org/ for 2018 films.

qMay - Cinco de Mayo Festival - On a weekend around May 5, downtown Watsonville turns into lively fiesta with music, dancing, food and fun. This event is in its 28th year. Organized by Oscar Rios. Check the local newspaper, the Register-Pajaronian for details.

qMay - Mothers’ Day Run/Walk - This event, which is in its 33rd year, is a fundraiser for the Pájaro Valley Shelter Services that provides assistance to homeless women, children and families through temporary shelter and services. Call 831-728-5649 or email info@pvshelter.org qMay - Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby - Free fishing derby for kids

12 and under with a parent sponsored by City of Watsonville, Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club and the Pajaro Valley Host Lions at Pinto Lake City Park, 451 Green Valley Road. Call 831-768-3170 or visit www.cityofwatsonville.org/715/Pinto-Lake

qMay Lumberjack

Breakfast - For nearly 60 years, the Corralitos Padres host the annual Lumberjack Breakfast in Corralitos. Enjoy live music and pancakes while socializing with community members.

qMay 20 - Strawberry

Fields Forever 29th annual bike ride with rest stops and snacks along the way. Tour some of the most beautiful parts of Santa Cruz County. No same day entry. Email sff@strawberryfields.org or visit www.strawberryfields.org/about-theride/

qSpring - Hanamatsuri means Spring Flower Festival in Japanese. This event is an excellent

way to try some remarkable homemade Japanese food and observe demonstrations of Japanese arts and crafts kept alive by the Japanese American community of Watsonville. It is held at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple at 423 Bridge Street. Call 831-724-7860 or visit www.wbtemple. org/events.html 26

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

qSpring - Down to Earth Women’s Luncheon - For over

10 years, Down to Earth Women (DEW) have a special luncheon to raise money for the Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program, the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship fund and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s educational programs. Call 722-6622 or email agri-culture@sbcglobal.net

qJune - Father’s Day Event with free food, “Dad and Me” activities, live

music, Fatherhood Award, and raffles. Event is sponsored by PÁPAS, an organization that researches the best ways for fathers to participate in their families and communities. See website at papassfi.org/index.php

qJuly 4th - “Fire in the Sky” at the Watsonville Air-

port. Air shows, parachute demonstrations, food trucks and vendors, fireworks and more. Call 831-768-3575 or visit cityofwatsonville.org/1478/Airport-OpenHouse.

qJuly - Obon Festival

celebrates family heritage and shows gratitude to preceding generations. The highlight of the event is a dance performance that the community is invited to join and there also is food, Farmer’s Market, games for kids, a raffle and a silent auction. It is held at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple at 423 Bridge Street. Call 831-7247860 or visit www.wbtemple.org/ events.html

qAugust - Watsonville Strawberry Festival celebrates Pajaro Valley’s largest cash crop with family entertainment, food booths, contests and carnival. Meet the community, dance and enjoy great food. Held at the Watsonville downtown plaza on a weekend in August. Visit watsonvillestrawberryfestival.com Continued on Page 28 Produced theRegister-Pajaronian Register-Pajaronian Produced bybythe

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qSpirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade - This popular downtown parade goes from St. Patrick’s Church to First Street, midday on the fourth of July. Visit www.cityofwatsonville.org/1124/Spirit-of-Watsonville-4th-of-July-Parade

Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

Monthly and Seasonal Events Monthly and Seasonal Events - Continued - Continued qSummer - Monterey Bay Greenhouse Open House - Tour local flower, herbs, succulents and plant greenhouses. For eight years, Monterey Bay Greenhouse Growers has published a map and growers have opened their greenhouses to the public for free. Call 831-818-1193 or visit www.montereybayfarmtours.org/ qSummer - Ocean Speedway races

at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue. This track saw its first race on May 27, 1960 and still continues to have races. Call 855-410-7223 or email info@racepmg.com

qSummer - Aromas Day - An all day event with food, music, crafts and activities that honor the small community of Aromas, east off of highways 156 and 129. Visit aromasday.com

qSummer - Watsonville Criterium - A 40-year-old bike race through the Central Coast. Call 209-533-4996 or visit www.velopromo.com/ qSummer - National Night Out. For 20 years, Watsonville has joined with other places around the country to bring communities together with free dinners, give-aways and entertainment to encourage neighborhoods to support and participate in local anticrime efforts by working with each other and police to make their towns safer. Contact the Watsonville Neighborhood Services at 831-7635678 or 831-724-4434.

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

qSummer - Camp WOW at the Ramsay Park Family

Center, 1301 Main Street, holds weekly sessions of day camp with field trips and activities. Call 768-3240.

qAugust or September - Testicle Festival - For nine years, Young Farmers and Ranchers and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau have held this fundraiser that provides the opportunity to enjoy all you can eat Rocky Mountain Oysters - aka USDA inspected bull testicles. Family fun for all. Contact the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau at 831-724-1356 or sccfb@sbcglobal.net qSeptember - Santa Cruz County Fair usually happens for five

days every September and features Pajaro Valley agriculture, arts, crafts, animal husbandry and an old style carnival with rides and a midway. For a small county, the fair is lively and is a nice way to spend an afternoon or evening if it’s occurring while you’re visiting. Although beginning back to the 1880s, the Santa Cruz County Fair has been at its present location since 1941. Located on 2601 East Lake Avenue, call 831-724-5671 or visit www.santacruzcountyfair.com

Estuaries Week, the Elkhorn Slough Reserve at 1700 Elkhorn Road is free and open to the public. It features walks, talks and other activities with scientists, conservationists, educators and volunteers. Call 831-728-2822 or visit www.elkhornslough.org/story/

qOctober through May Santa Cruz County Symphony performs 10 classical

concerts between Watsonville at the Henry J. Mello Center and in Santa Cruz at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. The symphony has performed since 1958. Visit localsantacruz.com/concert/santa-cruz-symphony/

qFall - Open Farm Tours is a self-guided tour of farms that are committed to sustainable agriculture. One day a year, these family run organic farms invite the community to visit while they provide demonstrations of canning, fermentation and food preservation. Kids can pet friendly farm animals. Visit www.openfarmtours.com/ qFall - Evening of Wine and Roses - For 34 years, the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust has sponsored a fundraising dinner at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Avenue that is open to the community. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, food and a lively auction of unique gifts, collectibles and art fill the evening. Call 831-761-5639.

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qSeptember - Elkhorn Slough Open House. In honor of National

Monthly and Monthly and Seasonal Seasonal Events Events - Continued - Continued Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary Commemorating Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

qFall - Monterey Bay Birding Festival - This yearly event focuses on the birds and their habitat in the Monterey Bay region. The wetlands in the valley provide a safe place for migrating birds to stop over as they fly to and from their nesting grounds. This event won the 2015 Mindful Birding Award for their efforts to promote ethical birding. People come from around the world for the workshops and guided tours. Call 888-909-7829 or visit www.montereybaybirding.org/

qFall - Harvest Dinner - Agricultural History Project Center and Museum presents this dinner with entertainment, a live auction and a silent auction at the Harvest Building at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Avenue. Contact the AHP office at 831724-5898. qNovember - Turkey Shoot and Skins Game - Golfing contests held at the Pajaro Valley Golf Club, 967 Salinas Road, Royal Oaks, south of Watsonville. Nonmembers of the club are welcome and encouraged to play. Call 831-724-3851 or visit pajarovalleygolf.com/Portals/Pajaro_Valley/2017TurkeyShootEntry.pdf?ver=2017-10-11-165508-700 qNovember - Veterans Day Parade. Local veterans are celebrated

with a march through downtown Watsonville and a program at the Veterans Memorial Building, 215 East Beach St.

150 Things to Do and See in Watsonville

qDecember - Learn to make mochi, a Japanese rice cake made

from special glutinous rice that is energetically pounded and molded into shapes. This is done every year on a Sunday morning in December. It is held at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple at 423 Bridge Street. Call 831-724-7860 or visit www.wbtemple. org/events.html

qDecember - Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue. This three-day event features crafts, collectibles, toys, food and has been going on for over 40 years. Call 831-786-9698 or email support@fairgrounds-foundation.org

Bockius - Orr House at 322 E. Beach by the Pajaro Valley Historical Association. Call 831-722-0305 or visit www.pajarovalleyhistory.org/#

qDecember - Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Multicultural Celebration held every year in the downtown City Plaza Park on Main Street. This event has live entertainment, multicultural food, Santa Claus and more. It starts in the afternoon and goes into the evening. Visit www.cityofwatsonville.org/ Calendar.aspx?EID=1103

Produced by the Register-Pajaronian Produced by the Register-Pajaronian

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Commemorating Anniversary CommemoratingWatsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Watsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s150th 150th Anniversary

qDecember - Old Fashion Christmas Tea held at the

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