Cover Story

Showing their gratitude

Community reflects on what they are thankful for in 2022

As we approach Thanksgiving, the holiday season and the end of the year, there is plenty about 2022 to reflect on.

It was indeed a year of ups and downs—locally, nationally and globally—and major changes. Here in the Pajaro Valley, we saw major elections, the return of many beloved community events, housing and roadway projects, the opening of a new downtown arts center and so much more.

We asked people from the Pajaro Valley community the simple question: “What are you thankful for in 2022?”

Here are some of their responses.

“I am thankful for my growing family circle and the meaningful relationships that bring joy and curiosity to my personal and professional life. I am grateful for my son (4) and daughter (8), who remind me to practice patience so we enjoy the everyday activities we do together.”

Mireya Gomez-Contreras

Deputy Director, Arts Council Santa Cruz County

“There are too many things to list to be thankful for this year. However, there is one thing that stood out for me, which was the raffle I created for the ‘Children in Ukraine’ through Unicef. The community raised $1,000, which I think is very profound. I’m very thankful and grateful, again I want to express my gratitude to all who participated.”

Hedwig Heerschop

Exhibit Coordinator, Pajaro Valley Arts

“I’m thankful for the forces that courted, supported and transported me to Main Street, to paint, and teach, and share artistry, socially.”

Judy Gittelsohn

artist and owner of Studio Judy G

“This year I am thankful for the artists that make our community more beautiful and vibrant. Recently we have experienced an arts renaissance in Watsonville, we see more artists, filmmakers, dancers, poets and musicians sharing their talent and creativity. They truly enrich our lives, give us inspiration, joy and pride, and move our community forward. ¡Gracias a todos los artistas!

Consuelo Alba

Executive Director, Watsonville Film Festival and Board Chair, Arts Council

“I am thankful for a community that rallies around people who are food insecure, who need something to eat and need nourishment. What an awesome community that we live in.”

Erica Padilla-Chavez

CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank

“In a year marked by national economic and political instability, and a general sense of challenge and unease, I am thankful for our remarkable community support, effort and partnership. Community effort to provide local funding to ensure the Pajaro River Levee is rebuilt, community partnership to save our local Watsonville Hospital and community support to invest in parks, programs and policies that improve outcomes for future generations. I am thankful and grateful for our remarkable community.

Zach Friend

Santa Cruz County Supervisor

“I am grateful for the beautiful place that we are fortunate to live in. I am also super grateful for my family— my mother, children bio and bonus and also my kind husband. Finally I am grateful for my health. And I am very grateful to our PVUSD family led by outstanding Dr. Rodriguez who has made a real difference for students since she took the helm as Superintendent.”

Kim De Serpa

PVUSD Trustee

“I am thankful for the many people who volunteered their time this year to care for our wetlands and trails and make a difference for the health of our local environment by planting trees to increase Watsonville’s tree canopy, planting native plants and picking up trash, sharing their knowledge and passion and teaching others to take action.”

Jonathan Pilch

Executive Director, Watsonville Wetlands Watch

“I am thankful to be alive.”

Gabriela Hernandez

Senior Library Assistant

“I am thankful for my family; they are very special to me. I am blessed with them. And the same goes for my co-workers.”

Hope Lopez

Library Clerk

“I am thankful for the life we live here in Watsonville.”

Sam Earnshaw

I am thankful for my family, my pets and for my job as a library assistant.