Watsonville has several events on tap in April
I am pleased to report that March saw the city move forward on several major fronts. First, the longawaited Ramsay Park Renaissance Project was approved by the council. This project is expected to break ground in May and will last approximately 15 months to complete.
Ramsay will have several new and enhanced amenities, including enhancements to existing soccer and softball fields, an inclusive playground, a dog park, picnic areas, and parking lots. The park will also house a brand new, LEED-certified Nature Exploration Center.
The City Council formally adopted the 41 developmental assets as our Framework for Youth Development, which we hope will help strengthen the collective impact for all youth and help coordinate, organize, and align the efforts of all youthserving organizations in our community. The council held a special meeting in March on the state of homelessness in our city.
This workshop, which was well attended by the community, is the first step toward developing a homeless strategic plan. During the workshop, the council was able to interact and hear directly from community members on two key questions: (1) how the situation has affected our community and (2) what opportunities there are to improve the situation. As we continue to develop our homelessness strategic plan, I urge you to participate and provide your input to the council.
In March, the city launched See-Click-Fix, which is Watsonville's new tool to report nonemergency issues within the city's jurisdiction such as potholes, graffiti, sidewalk damage, and damaged or not working streetlights. Please download the app or visit watsonville.gov to use See-Click-Fix to report.
With spring in full swing,
I am excited to share upcoming events. Join us from noon to 4 p.m. April 22 at the Watsonville Plaza to celebrate Earth
Day 2024. Mark your calendars and enter your car or truck and/ or simply join us at this year's Wheels Car Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27 at the Watson
ville Airport. Tickets are also on sale for the annual Wine, Beer and Art Walk scheduled for 1-5 p.m. June 1. This fun event not only celebrates our historic downtown, but also showcases many of our local wines and beers. Tickets typically sell out, so please go to our website to purchase your tickets.
The theme for this year's Fourth of July Parade
is “Star Spangled Everything.” Applications are now being accepted for this year's parade. Get your creativity caps on and plan a festive, show entry. Earlybird registration rates are in effect through May 24, and the application period closes June 4.
Finally, we are accepting applications for the 2024 Summer in the City Youth Program. This program is a partnership between the city and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District and provides incoming high school juniors
and seniors an opportunity to gain careerready skills, foster interest in leadership and civic matters and creates a voice for youth to address real city and community issues. Plus, students who participate in the program receive a $1,000 stipend at program completion and earn five elective credits.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Until next month.