*Lead photo submitted by Watsonville resident.
Our Bay Area neighbors in Pajaro, CA, have been evacuated from their homes since Saturday night, March 11th, 2023. I wrote a news article about the history of the Pajaro River and its levees, published by Voices of Monterey Bay ~ read it here.
Today, Pajaro will experience its second storm since the levee breached on Saturday. Much of my family and community still live in and around Watsonville and Pajaro. As I fight through overwhelm, I ask myself, what can I do from the Bay Area? I can amplify the needs of the community, and I can help support the shelters throughout town.
According to Susan True, CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, the organization has received enough supplies and goods for sheltered evacuees. They are still accepting cash donations for families here: Disaster Fund at Cfscc.org/funds/disaster-fund.
I walked my kids to school today in the rain and watched them play in puddles. My heart breaks for the moms sheltering with their kids. Please give if you are able.
Shelter information:
“According to a notice sent out by Monterey County officials, “The closest evacuation shelter to the Community of Pájaro is at the Santa Cruz County Fairground, 2061 E. Lake Blvd., Watsonville. Salinas has an additional shelter at Compass Church, 10325 S. Main Street. The County has established a Temporary Evacuation Center at the Prunedale Library, 17822 Moro Rd.” As of Saturday, Monterey County has also advised residents of Pájaro not to drink the water for fear of contamination.”
