Watsonville Waves is born!

For the vast majority of folks in cyberspace the town of Watsonville, CA has no meaning. However, to most of us who where born and/or raised in this small town about 95 miles of San Francisco on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula it is special place. Years ago researching the origins of Watsonville on one of those insomnia-induced late nights I didn't realize that Watsonville was so old, founded in 1868. The town was named after a judge named John Watson (who?) who lived in the area just 10 years. Yet, the town has earlier Spanish roots and even earlier Native American roots (Costanoan Indians). I grew up in Watsonville in the 1970's-80's and through my young eyes Watsonville was a bastion of Mexican-American culture. But, I've spoken to older residents, including my parents, and they inform me that before the 1970's Watsonville had a significantly different demographic. Watsonville has a long and rich Japanese-American history. Watsonville was hit hard during WW II by the Japanese-American interment. I knew two men as a kid that were interned in these camps. I believe at least one American President has traveled through Watsonville. Four major leaguers and several other professional athletes hail from Watsonville. Places like Green Giants, Martenelli's, The Fox Theater, Ramsey Park, the Carnegie Public Library, the Starlight Drive-in, all hold special places in Watsonville history. SO I hope that this blog is the beginning of a never-ending journey of discovery to unearth the "hidden" history of Watsonville: the personal stories, the key past events, the long lost photos and film of our unique town. Enjoy.

-Adam