Best of PV 2018 by Weeklys

SUPERHERO EDITION

SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE REGISTER-PAJARONIAN

Best of the Pajaro Valley ~ Superhero edition

Table of Contents Welcome to the Best....................................................................................... 4 Best of the Pajaro Valley Winners List......................................................... 5 Wonderful Places to Stay.............................................................................. 6 Super Bites....................................................................................................... 6 Mighty Celebrations..................................................................................... 10 Powerful Services.........................................................................................12 Pajaro Valley HeroEs - Watsonville Police Officers...................................14 Pajaro Valley HeroEs - Div. Chief Rob Ryan..................................................15 Fantastic Auto Services............................................................................... 18 Behind the Mask............................................................................................20 Super Suits & More....................................................................................... 23 Who’s Super in the Pajaro Valley................................................................ 25

Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

Welcome to the Best of the Pajaro Valley The Register-Pajaronian is proud to bring you our 11th And thanks to the advertisers for recognizing the community's efforts by expressing their gratitude. annual Best of the Pajaro Valley Superhero Edition, Remember, shop local to support local businesses honoring the businesses and attractions that make living here special. and the local people who strive to make the community Through a ballot that appeared throughout a month a better place for all. in the Register-Pajaronian, readers were offered a chance to write in their choices for a variety of categories, from dining, to hotels, local events, wineries and more. This year we added online voting for the first time and the response was overwhelming. Per contest rules, a minimum number of category responses were required to constitute a valid ballot. Duplicate ballots by the same person, or those that didn't meet the minimum required responses, were disqualified. In this issue, we unveil the best of the best, as determined by the readers. Thanks to you, the readers, for participating in this annual exercise of determining the best of the best.

4 Best of Pajaro Valley â&#x20AC;˘ February 2019

Winners list BED & BREAKFAST Captain’s Inn at MOSS LANDING HOTEL OR INN HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & Suites BAKERY FREEDOM BAKERY BREAKFAST COWBOYs CORNER CAFÉ BURGER WOODEN NICKEL Bar & Grill SANDWICH ERIK’S DeliCafe COFFEE STARBUCKS coffee PIZZA CASSIDYS pizza FAMILY FRIENDLY CALIFORNIA GRILL & Bar DINNER DATE CALIFORNIA GRILL & Bar DESSERT BASKIN ROBBINS CATERING MONTEREY BAY CATERERS FLORIST FLOWERS BY TOSHI MEAT MARKET FREEDOM MEAT LOCKERS BREWERY CORRALITOS Brewing Company WINERY ALFARO Family Vineyard & Winery PARTY SUPPLIES M&M PARTY RENTALS & Supplies LOCAL EVENT Watsonville STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BAY FEDERAL Credit Union INSURANCE AAA Watsonville NON PROFIT JACOB’S HEART CARPET CLEANER SANTANA Carpet Cleaners CONSTRUCTION COmpany GRANITE CONTRUCTION LANDSCAPErs MONTEREY BAY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER TARMO HANNULA CHILD CARE HEARTS & HANDS REGISTER-PAJARONIAN

VETERINARIAN EAST LAKE ANIMAl clinic PET/FARM SUPPLY CORRALITOS FEED & Pet Supply REALTOR ALDINA Real Estate Company MORTGAGE CO BAY FEDERAL Credit Union FUNERAL HOME MEHL’S Colonial Chapel AUTO REPAIR TORIUMI Auto repair AUTO DEALERSHIP CHEVROLET OF WATSONVILLE GAS STATION CHEVRON TIRE SHOP PASILLAS Tire Service TOW COMPANY SPEED OF LIGHT Towing FARM/TRACTOR SUPPLY TRACTOR SUPPLY STORE DENTIST Phillip T. GRIFFIN, DDS MEDICAL PROVIDER Palo Also Medical Foundation BARBERSHOP BUD’S BARBERSHOP HAIR SALON HAIR WE ARE NAIL SALON JC NAILS TATTOO/PIERCING FREEDOM Tattoo & Piercing FITNESS CENTER GOLD’S GYM GIFT SHOP BETTY’S Flowers & Gifts JEWELER JOHN’S JEWELERS CLOTHING TARGET HARDWARE STORE ACE HARDWARE THRIFT STORE GOODWILL Central Coast SUPERHERO BATMAN Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

next to marshes where you can see a wide variety of wildlife such as shorebirds, harbor seals, and even sea otters. The waterfront views are outstanding.

WONDERFul Places to Stay BED & BREAKFAST Captain’s Inn at Moss Landing 8122 Moss Landing Rd. Moss Landing, CA 95039 831-633-5550

Come and enjoy a relaxing and romantic getaway here at the Captain’s Inn. Located directly on the Old Salinas River Tidal Channel

Sand Rock Farm Bed & Breakfast

HOTEL OR INN Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1855 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-3600

Situated in the lush Pajaro Valley and close to several alluring Central Coast communities, this hotel’s location is right off Highway 1. In fact, the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Watsonville is just moments from the major businesses and attractions that characterize the

Monterey Bay area.

Best Western Rose Garden Inn Comfort Inn

SUPER BITES

BAKERY Freedom Bakery 125 Hangar Way #130 Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-5223

Quality since 1975. We are a family owned and operated, second generation bakery. Centrally located in the heart of Monterey Bay, we

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6 Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

offer birthday cakes to wedding cakes and treats for all occasion. We are also one of the first bakeries in the nation to offer Photo Logoed Cookies.

El Nopal Bakery Bagel Cafe & Bakery

BREAKFAST Cowboys Corner Cafe 946 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 761-8996

Cowboy’s Corner Cafe is family-owned and operated right here in Watsonville, CA. Since our restaurant opened its doors in 2006, we’ve treated every customer like they were a part of our family. Other

places may offer similar services, but our services are the best, and come with a personal touch. Juan and Paula Diaz welcome you and hope you enjoy a wonderful meal. Come by and visit us.

Burgers & Brews McDonalds

Togos Subway

Red Apple Cafe Beach Street Cafe

BURGER Wooden Nickel Bar & Grill 1819 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 (831) 724-2600

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

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SANDWICH Erik’s DeliCafe 1074 S Green Valley Rd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-7575

Your Watsonville Erik’s DeliCafé is the perfect place to grab a fresh deli sandwich for lunch, or to enjoy a handmade soup or a salad made with many locally sourced produce ingredients. For dessert, Erik’s has a bakery selection that includes cookies, brownies and more.

COFFEE

PIZZA

Starbucks COFFEE

Cassidy’s Pizza

1423 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 761-1050 2024 Freedom Blvd Freedom CA 95019 (831) 786-0714

1400 Freedom Blvd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-2271

Humble, family-run joint offering pizzas with a variety of toppings, plus sandwiches & salads.

Coffeeville Peets Coffee & Tea

Mountain Mike’s Round Table Pizza

FAMILY FRIENDLY California Grill & Bar 40 Penny Ln Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-8052

California Grill and Bar serves only the finest, locally-grown produce, meats and desserts. In fact, the restaurant owner grows all the organic vegetables and salads right here in the fields of the Pajaro Valley. It’s likely the produce on your plate was picked fresh from one of his organic fields just hours before it was prepared for you. Daily specials and desserts reflect the cycle of the seasons so you can experience flavors at their peak.

Applebee’s

California Grill & Bar 40 Penny Ln Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-8052

Ella’s at the Airport

DINNER DATE

Jaliscos Restaurant

Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

DESSERT

fulfilling Ken’s dream of being the chef / owner, he brings with him experience in providing quality food and service.

Baskin Robbins 1097 S Green Valley Rd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-8711

Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, providing guests with a wide array of ice cream flavors and delicious treats at more than 7,800 retail shops in more than 50 countries around the world.

Bagel Cafe La Michoacana

D’la Colmena

MIGHTY

Celebrations CATERING Monterey Bay Caterers 152 W Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-9444

Monterey Bay Caterers was founded by Ken Schwan. His goal is to serve the catering needs of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. In

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professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why we always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect. Let us be your first choice for flowers.

D Lilys Flower Shop Five Star Catering Alladin Nursery

FLORIST Flowers by Toshi 1201 Lincoln St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-2431

We are family owned and operated. We are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of our customers are important, our

MEAT MARKET Freedom Meat Lockers 160 Hi Grade Ln Freedom, CA 95019 (831) 724-4355

National Award Winning Family owned and operated butcher shop since 1970. Specializing in custom cut meat & Award winning Smoked

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$1 Off any one regular sandwich, full salad or wrap

expires 3/31. Good only in Watsonville, Capitola and Scotts Valley. Limit one coupon per customer. In store only. Not valid with any other offers or promotions.

Address Expires: 10 Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

Meats, including, 30 Varieties of Sausages all made in house, Bacon and Awarded Best Ham in the United States! We have a full Deli on the premise that will make your mouth water! 5 Unique and Amazing Marinades on Skirt Steak, Tri-Tip & Chicken! No Order is too Small or Too Large!

Corralitos Market & Sausage Co Don Rafas Super Mercado

BREWERY Corralitos Brewing Company 2536 Freedom Blvd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-2311

Located in Corralitos, California. We brew & pour our own hand crafted ales. Visit our friendly new taproom & experience what all the buzz is about.

Elkhorn Slough Brewery Wooden Nickel Bar & Grill

WINERY Alfaro Family Vineyard & Winery 420 Hames Rd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-5172

Richard Alfaro and his wife Mary Kay enjoy the fruits of their labor. After a satisfying career as the founders of a restaurant and the wholesale baking company known under their own name - Alfaroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Micro Bakery - the couple shifted gears in 1997, acquiring an aging 75 acre apple farm south of Santa Cruz in Corralitos, California, which they subsequently transformed into Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery. There are 56 acres currently under vine.

Storrs Winery & Vineyard

Nicholson Winery

PARTY SUPPLIES M&M Party Rentals & Supplies 1010 Freedom Blvd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-8405

Serving Santa Cruz County for 30+ years with full-service party rentals and superior customer service. Family owned and operated. Largest inventory and selection of party supply rentals and party supplies, all at a reasonable price.

Celebrations Universe Party Supply

Best of Pajaro Valley â&#x20AC;˘ February 2019

LOCAL EVENT Watsonville Strawberry Festival Saturday, August 3 11am-8pm Sunday, August 4 11am to 7pm Historic Downtown Watsonville The Watsonville Strawberry Festival is the premier strawberry event in the United States. Join us for a weekend of family fun, food, crafts and entertainment!

Santa Cruz County Fair Wine & Roses

powerful services

into the area’s largest locally-owned financial institution, with over $995 million in assets. Bay Federal provides full service financial products and solutions to Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. Whether a community member is looking to buy a home, purchase a car, save some money, or access the latest in banking technology, our local and friendly employees are here to help.

Wells Fargo Bank

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Bay FEDERAL Credit Union 1481 Main StreeT Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 479-6000

Bay Federal Credit Union was started 61 years ago when local school teachers pooled their money together to start a credit union. That investment has grown through an amazing journey of involvement

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Chase Bank

INSURANCE AAA Watsonville 1195 S Green Valley Rd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 768-4540

In 1900, a few automobile enthusiasts gathered at San Francisco’s Cliff House to form a club dedicated to helping car owners get where they wanted to go with greater comfort, safety and convenience. Now with more than 4 million Members we continue to impact the community in new ways both on and off the road.

KBK Insurance Nathan Jones State Farm

NON PROFIT

CARPET CLEANER

JACob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services

Santana’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning (831) 722-6152

680 W Beach St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-9100

Lou’s Carpet Cleaning

Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services exists to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and support their families in the challenges they face. We provide family-centered care that addresses the emotional, practical and financial struggles for families of children and teens during treatment, families experiencing anticipatory grief and those who are bereaved.

Hospice of Santa Cruz County Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance

A-1 Carpet & Janitorial

CONSTRUCTION COmpany Granite Construction 585 West Beach Street Watsonville, CA 95076 831.724.1011

We believe great ideas are born from great partnerships. From the largest, most complex infrastructure projects to the smallest construction jobs, from transportation to power to water projects, we’re putting our commitment to collaboration to work. As one of the nation’s largest diversified infrastructure providers and construction materials producers, we strive to provide our customers with the highest standards of quality, safety and service. We believe that when committed people work together, you generate more value at every level and build a better world for everyone.

Farhat Construction Knowlton Construction

LANDSCAPE CO Monterey Bay Professional Landscape Services (831) 688-4234 K&D Landscaping Green Environment

PHOTOGRAPHER Tarmo Hannula Register-Pajaronian Photography by Elyse Rudy Zavala

Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

The pajaro valley is filled with su These two are among the best... Officers lend a helping hand to boy, twice By ERIK CHALHOUB OF THE REGISTER-PAJARONIAN WATSONVILLE — Watsonville Police officers patrolling downtown are familiar with Rudy Diaz, the friendly 11-year-old who always waves at them and asks them questions about

their job.

Alarmed, the officers told him that it wasn’t safe to meet a stranger without an adult with him. It was at that moment the trio, officers Javier Ayala, Fernando López and Paco Bribiesca, had a brainstorm.

While helping out on a traffic stop in the downtown area in July, three officers noticed Rudy walking by himself, away from his neighborhood. When they asked what he was up to, Rudy told the officers that he “We said, ‘we should just was going to purchase a bike go buy him a bike,’” López from someone he had been in said. contact with over the internet.

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So, a WPD K9 vehicle arrived to give Rudy a ride home, but unbeknownst to him, the officers were taking him to Watsonville Cyclery on East Fifth Street first. After introducing Rudy to theowner, Julian Mandujano, he began browsing the bikes in the store, still unsure of

BIKE Continued on page 26 REGISTER-PAJARONIAN

uperheroes. Div. Chief Rob Ryan moves on By TARMO HANNULA OF THE REGISTER-PAJARONIAN WATSONVILLE — Watsonville Fire Department’s Division Chief Rob Ryan ended his career Dec. 28 after 41 years. A going away party and celebration of his service to the community was held Dec. 28 at Fire Station II on Airport Boulevard, with a large showing of fellow firefighters, Fire Chief Pablo Barreto, retired firefighters, Watsonville Police, and, of course, an expanded contingency of family and friends. “I’m blessed, what else can I say,” Ryan told the gathering. “There have been some bumps along the road. For me it’s the workers that make this job. These 41 years have gone by so

RYAN Continued on page 26

Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

CHILD CARE Hearts and Hands Christian Childcare & Preschool 40 Blanca Ln Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-0175

Safety, Love and Excellence are values that are very important to us and are listed in order of importance. We take each one of these very seriously and regularly evaluate each one. I visit each site weekly to encourage the overall Hearts & Hands program, including director and staff development and site safety.

Watsonville Co-op Preschool Pajaro Valley Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center

VETERINARIAN East Lake Animal Clinic 740 E Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-6391

East Lake Animal Clinic is committed to giving your pet the highest level of care. East Lake Animal Clinic (E.L.A.C.) offers a full range of services and professional advice for dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles, and many other small animals. Our services range from surgical to referrals to a wide variety of specialists and everything in between.

Animal Hospital of Watsonville Pajaro Valley Veterinary Hospital

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PET/FARM SUPPLY Corralitos Feed & Pet Supplies 2895 Freedom Blvd # B Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-7884 1486 Freedom Blvd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-2244

At Corralitos Feed and Pet Supplies we specialize in pet and livestock nutrition. Our stores offer a wide variety of natural pet foods. We also carry everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy.

REALTOR ALDINA Real Estate Co. 3503, 713 E Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 763-7777 Raeid Farhat Real Estate Inc Oliver Property Management

Wishbone Pet Supply Tractor Supply

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Best of Pajaro Valley â&#x20AC;¢ February 2019

MORTGAGE CO Bay Federal Credit Union 1481 Main Street Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 479-6000

Bay Federal Credit Union was started 61 years ago when local school teachers pooled their money together to start a credit union. That investment has grown through an amazing journey of involvement into the area’s largest locally-owned financial institution. Bay Federal provides full service financial products and solutions to Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. Whether a community member is looking to buy a home, purchase a car, save some money, or access the latest in banking technology, our local and friendly employees are here to help.

Wells Fargo Bank

Karma Mortgage Solutions

Ave Maria Memoral Chapel

FUNERAL HOME

Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel

Mehl’s Colonial Chapel 222 E Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-6371

At Mehl’s Colonial Chapel, we take great pride in caring for our families, and will work tirelessly to provide you with a beautiful, lasting tribute to your loved one. In addition to the services we offer, you will receive an online memorial that you can share with family and friends. While honoring your loved one is our top priority, we also want to help you through this difficult time. We have a wide range of resources to support you not only today, but in the weeks and months to come. www.mehlschapel.com

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fantastic auto services AUTO REPAIR Toriumi Auto Repair 38 Menker St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-7758 Freedom Body Shop Lincoln Street Radiator

AUTO DEALERSHIP

and Salinas, California!

Mid Bay Ford

Chevrolet of Watsonville

Watsonville Cadillac GMC

490 Auto Center Dr Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-4122 Chevrolet of Watsonville is a full-service car dealership that provides new and used auto financing, expert maintenance and service plus genuine Chevrolet and GM parts at competitive rates. Our staff of auto finance professionals is on-site, ready to assist car buyers in getting a stress-free auto loan with a low rate. In fact, you can even get pre-qualified for an auto loan right now on our website! At our service department, local drivers will find ASE and GM Certified service technicians who are committed to providing top-quality auto service and repair for Chevrolets and all makes. Choose Chevrolet of Watsonville for all things Chevrolet near San Jose

GAS STATION Chevron Gas Station 1851 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-2050 200 Lee Rd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-6630

Hecker Pass Valero AM/PM Arco

TIRE SHOP Pasillas Tire Service 92 Airport Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 (831) 761-1324

Welcome to Pasillas Tire Service, Inc., your one-stop, on-the-spot auto service headquarters for a complete line of quality tires and auto services.

Calderon’s Tire Service Dixon & Son Tires

TOW COMPANY Speed of Light Towing

637 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 662-3355

When you are stuck on the side of the highway and need help getting home, Speed of Light Towing can take you where you need to go. Whether you want your car taken to a repair shop or back to your driveway, we can transport it anywhere in a timely and affordable manner. Our road service enables you to get help wherever you are, whether that’s on a busy highway or a rural road. If your battery is dead or you have a flat tire, we’ll take care of you right away. We want to help you get back home for the night or to the repair shop where the issue can be fully diagnosed by a professional.

Chaz Auto Towing AAA Watsonville

Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

FARM/TRACTOR SUPPLY

Tractor Supply Company is the largest operator of rural lifestyle retail stores in America. Founded in 1938 as a mail order tractor parts business, Tractor Supply Company (also referred to as TSC) owns and operates over 1,700 stores in 49 states supplying basic maintenance products to home, land, pet and animal owners.

C&N Tractors Willoughby Farms

Robert Weber, MD

Donald Foster DDS

Tractor Supply Co. 580 Auto Center Dr Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 761-5368

Kaiser Permanente

serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs.

BEHIND THE

MASK DENTIST

Philip T Griffin, DDS 56 Penny Ln # C Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-8469

When you visit our Watsonville dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. Part of our commitment to

20 Best of Pajaro Valley â&#x20AC;˘ February 2019

Kondo Family Dentistry

Budâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barber Shop

MEDICAL PROVIDER Palo Alto Medical Foundation Watsonville Family Medicine Office 550 S Green Valley Rd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 458-5865

The primary care and family medicine doctors and specialists at the Watsonville Center offer high-quality, patient-focused care for you and your family.

BARBERSHOP

East Lake Village Shopping Center 960 E Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 763-0723 Freedom Barbershop The Clip Joint

Best of Pajaro Valley â&#x20AC;¢ February 2019

HAIR SALON Hair We Are 21 Brennan St # 6 Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-9916

We specialize in all haircuts, color,highlights,punky color, extensions,feather extensions, perms, make up, hairstyles, up-do’s. We do it all when it comes to hair.

Beauty Unlimited Curl Up & Dye

NAIL SALON JC Nails 2020 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 (831) 728-7294 Lacquer Beauty Lounge D&L Nails

TATTOO/PIERCING Freedom Tattoo & Piercing 9032 SOQUEL DR. APTOS, CA 95003 (831) 662-1902

Professional high quality tattoos by

Nolan Hatton and Cruz Cisneros. Drop by to set up your appointment.

Corralitos Tattoo Coast 2 Coast Ink

FITNESS CENTER Gold’s Gym 120 Westridge Dr Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-4653

classes to carefully paced foundational yoga sessions. Team up with a certified personal trainer if you’re new to exercise or just looking for more guidance and coaching. And take advantage of our innovative digital tools to take your fitness further, no matter your fitness level. Whatever you need, you’ll find it here, with help from experts who will be with you every step of the way and a community of members who will inspire and support you. Come in today and experience change with Gold’s Gym.

Body Zone YMCA

A membership to the conveniently located Gold’s Gym Watsonville gives you access to everything you need to transform your life: state-of-the-art amenities, a variety of classes tailored to your fitness needs, and the world’s best personal trainers. Browse the weekly class schedules for group workouts ranging from martial arts-inspired cardio

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SUPER SUITS AND MORE

our customers. Your satisfaction is our Number One priority, not just because it’s our job, but because we care. We choose only the freshest, highest quality flowers and our shop has a professional and caring staff to serve all your floral needs. Your gift will arrive beautifully presented and personalized with your message. Need help with a Special Event? We’ll help you choose the perfect flowers for the occasion.

Target

GIFT SHOP

Alladin Nursery

Betty’s Flowers & Gifts

JEWELER

531 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 786-1841

At Betty’s Flowers And Gifts we are committed to quality and service. Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is our personal commitment to creating long term relationships with

John’s Jewelers opened its doors in 1961, and continues to provide its customers with its many services today. The family owned business thrives on providing its customers with a homey feeling, as well as the confidence of knowing that each and every piece of jewelry is taken in with full intent of returning it with complete customer satisfaction.

Queen’s Shoes & More Ross

Fatima’s Fine Jewelry Don Roberto Jewelers

CLOTHING Target

John’s Jewelers 42 Mariposa Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-6296

1415 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 761-9194

Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

HARDWARE STORE Ace Hardware 451 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-4749 1820 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 (831) 724-4740 East Lake Village Shopping Center 1056 E Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 724-4795

As your local Ace Hardware, we are one of 5,000+ Ace stores locally owned and operated across the globe. But we are not just about numbers. We are about helping neighbors, because each one of our stores is a part of your community. We are all committed to being “the Helpful Place” by offering

our customers personal service, quality products and a convenient shopping experience from the local experts who know you best. As the helpful hardware folks in your neighborhood, we promise that helping you is the most important thing we have to do today.

Home Depot

innovative enterprises that preserve earth’s resources. We believe that everyone has the right to work, but for many individuals the barriers to employment are too high to surmount alone. Our goal is to ensure all of our community members know their worth and gain the skills and confidence to land a job that could turn their life around.

Hope Thrift

Big Creek Lumber

Salvation Army

THRIFT STORE Goodwill Central Coast 470 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-2376

Goodwill Central Coast builds lives, families and communities by helping people with employment needs become successful, supported by

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SUPERHERO BATMAN

Originally named the “Bat-Man,” the character is also referred to by such epithets as the Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, and the World’s Greatest Detective. Batman’s secret identity is Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises. After witnessing the murder of his parents Dr. Thomas Wayne and Martha Wayne as a child, he swore vengeance against criminals, an oath tempered by a sense of justice. Bruce Wayne trains himself physically and intellectually

and crafts a bat-inspired persona to fight crime. Batman operates in the fictional Gotham City with assistance from various supporting characters, including his butler Alfred, police commissioner Gordon, and vigilante allies such as Robin. Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers; rather, he relies on his genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will. A large assortment of villains make up Batman’s rogues gallery, including his archenemy, the Joker.

SPIDERMAN Spider-Man is the alias of Peter Parker, an orphan raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben in New York City after his parents Richard and Mary Parker were killed in a plane crash. Lee and Ditko had the character deal with the struggles of adolescence and financial issues, and accompanied him with many supporting characters, such as J. Jonah Jameson, Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, romantic interests Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson, and foes such as Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin and Venom. His origin story has him acquiring spider-related abilities af-

ter a bite from a radioactive spider; these include clinging to surfaces, shooting spider-webs from wrist-mounted devices, and detecting danger with his “spider-sense.”

WONDER WOMAN In her homeland, the island nation of Themyscira, her official title is Princess Diana of Themyscira, Daughter of Hippolyta. When blending into the society outside of her homeland, she adopts her civilian identity Diana Prince. Wonder Woman’s origin story relates that she was sculpted from clay by her mother Queen Hippolyta and was given a life to live as an Amazon,

along with superhuman powers as gifts by the Greek gods. In recent years, DC changed her background with the revelation that she is the daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta, jointly raised by her mother and her aunts Antiope and Menalippe. She possesses an arsenal of advanced technology, including the Lasso of Truth, a pair of indestructible bracelets, a tiara which serves as a projectile, and, in older stories, a range of devices based on Amazon technology.

The Pajaro Valley’s superheroes On the Best of Pajaro Valley 2018 ballot, we asked readers who their favorite super hero was. Batman was the overwhelming number one pick, and the Dark Knight came out ahead of Spider-Man and Wonder Woman, who finished second and third, respectively. But Mom and Dad, you were up there with the greatest superheroes of all. Many readers nominated much more personal entries for the super hero category. One reader went above and beyond the required nomination and told us why their mother is their hero. “My mom Eleuteria Alaniz is my hero,” the reader wrote. “She is battling lupus and renal failure for 26 and a half years, she battled lung cancer and is now recovering from open heart surgery which was a double bypass. My mom is the strongest person I know. I love her so much!” One reader thought very highly of themselves, but made sure to give a shout out to their father, when they nominated “Myself and my dad.” Among the many nominations for mom, REGISTER-PAJARONIAN

dad and various superheroes, we also received a number of unique nominations. Here is a sampling of responses we got:

• Brad Hubbard • David Kegebein • Erica Padilla-Chavez • Donald Trump • Gina Castaneda • God • Jesus • Jimmy Dutra • Ken Schwan • Paul Dee — “Who works with the community and youth to spread love, peace and unity through the arts,” the reader wrote. • Phoenix Artemisia • PVUSD Teachers • Obama • Shaz Roth • Tony Nunez Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

López said he’s never been in a situation quite like this one in his 13 years on the force.

BIKE Continued FROM page 14

why he was there.

“The owner tells Rudy, ‘go ahead, pick a bike,’” López recalled. “He was just looking. We were like, ‘whatever you want.’”

“This kid is special to us,” he said. “We see him on a constant basis, and not everybody waves to police. He’s a really cool kid. It felt good to give him his bike back.”

Right then, the moment caught up with the boy. “Right away, you see his face, he was in shock, he was crying,” López said. “He gave us a hug.” Rudy picked out what he called his “dream” BMX bike, and the owner offered it at a discounted price of $500, which all three officers pitched in to purchase. This story doesn’t end here. In fact, it is just beginning. Only a week later, Rudy notified the officers that

someone had stolen his bike. “We made it our mission that we were going to get his bike back,” López said. During the investigation, the officers identified the

RYAN Continued FROM page 15

the event.

fast.”

In a special message for Netcom at the 9-1-1 Center in Santa Cruz County, known as a call down, a dispatcher stated over the air: “Today, Division Chief Rob Ryan is retiring after 41 years of total service to the City of Watsonville. He started his career as a reserve firefighter and worked the last 35 years in fulltime capacity. Chief Ryan, on behalf of the men and women, the fire department, the community you

Barreto said Ryan, who helped trained him, made him a better leader. “He was the first captain I worked for and Rob trained me to serve,” he said. “He gave such a unique impact to this community with his dedication to service. He was committed 24/7 to the community and was always communitybased.” Ryan’s brother, Fire Capt. Matt Ryan was on hand to moderate

26 Best of Pajaro Valley • February 2019

suspect, and within 24 hours, located the bike and the suspect. For the second time in just over a week, the officers presented the dream bike to the ecstatic 11-yearold.

WPD spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said the experience taught Rudy that he can count on the police. “It sends that message that our officers are here for the community, and if there is something they can do to help the community, they will do everything in their power to do so,” she said. “They’re human beings. Just to see the kids smile, it means a lot for our officers.”

have served and Netcom, we thank you for your exemplary service to the people of Watsonville and the Watsonville Fire Department. Your work family expresses best wishes to you for a fulfilling and welldeserved retirement.” Following the 911 call down, Ryan hung his helmet up for the final time, handed in his radio, climbed into his private vehicle and drove off into something altogether new.

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