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  Fostering Health & Wellness in the Pajaro Valley since 1998 | | |
Play Ball at Rally in the Pajaro Valley!
Gather your team and register today to compete for the championship trophy
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In partnership with the City of Watsonville, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley invites you to a day of softball, connection, and community on July 25 from 8 AM to 4 PM at Franich Park.

We’re inviting local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to put together a team and step up to the plate in support of youth in the Pajaro Valley.
This year’s event proceeds will support Watsonville PAL (Police Activities League), a local youth organization that creates positive opportunities through impactful programs.

Gather your team and register today! Team registration closes July 10!
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Honor Local Leaders at the Rather Awards!
Join us to celebrate the leaders, advocates, and changemakers in Pajaro Valley.
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CHT is proud to announce the 2026 Rather Award recipients!
Each year, CHT recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the health and wellness of our community.
Thanks to all the community members who submitted nominations, we are honored to celebrate two individuals and two organizations for their commitment to Pajaro Valley.
Learn more about this year’s Rather Awardees below and the impact they continue to make across our community.
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Amy Smet, MPH
Health Educator at Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Amy Smet is a Watsonville High School educator who brings hands-on health education, service learning, and mentorship into the classroom. She creates real-world learning experiences that prepare students for healthcare careers and strengthen connections between education and community health in the Pajaro Valley.
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Farm Discovery at Live Earth
Non-Profit Organization
Farm Discovery at Live Earth empowers youth and families through hands-on education in food, farming, and environmental stewardship. The organization cultivates healthier communities by connecting people to sustainable agriculture, growing fresh organic food, and expanding access to nutritious food.
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June Ponce
Executive Director, Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation
June Ponce brings more than 24 years of experience in nonprofit and healthcare leadership focused on community engagement and fundraising. She helped lead Santa Cruz County’s largest fundraising effort, securing $67 million to preserve Watsonville Community Hospital as a community-owned nonprofit. A lifelong Watsonville resident, she strengthens the Pajaro Valley through partnership and collaboration.
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Salud Para La Gente
Non-Profit Organization
Salud Para La Gente is a nonprofit healthcare organization committed to making quality healthcare accessible in Santa Cruz County. Serving more than 27,000 patients across 13 clinical sites, Salud provides comprehensive care for farmworkers and families while advancing health equity throughout the community.
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Watsonville's Newest Garden
Flodberg Park Community Garden is now OPEN and ready to serve our communtiy
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Last month, CHT celebrated the Grand Opening of Flodberg Park Community Garden!

Located at 219 Alvarado St. in Watsonville, Flodberg Park Community Garden is now officially open, offering a welcoming space where neighbors can grow fresh produce, build connections, and enjoy the benefits of gardening.

The celebration brought together partners, volunteers, supporters, and community members for an afternoon of hands-on activities led by the City of Watsonville, UC Master Gardeners, and one of CHT's Registered Dietitians. Guests explored gardening tips, planted together, and enjoyed a healthy snack made with vegetables that can be grown right in our gardens.

As CHT's fourth community garden in Watsonville, this project wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers. A special thank you to Cal Giant Berries, Granite Construction, FoodWhat?!, BSA Troop 505B, and K&D Landscaping for helping bring this space to life.

Ready to start growing your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers? Garden beds are now available to rent! Visit our website to learn more!
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Active Wellness In Your Community!
Free YMCA-led classes supporting health and wellness across three counties
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Whether you're looking to stay active, improve your well-being, or simply connect with others, Active Wellness has a class for you.
In partnership with the YMCA, these free community classes bring movement, connection, and wellness opportunities to residents across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.

These classes are designed to support all fitness levels and create welcoming spaces where community members can stay active, reduce stress, and build healthy habits together.
Visit our website to view upcoming classes and find one near you!
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Daily, Pinto Lake City Park &
Kathleen King Community Room
Enjoy fun, all-level Mat Pilates and Zumba classes to get moving and feel great. No cost for Alliance members; donation-based for others.
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Marina, Seaside, & Watsonville
We’ll be offering free A1C and blood pressure checks, quick diabetes risk assessments, and healthy eating demos. No cost or appointment needed, just stop by!
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El Mercado
Wednesdays, WCH from 10 AM-2 PM
El Mercado is a seasonal farmers' market that brings locally grown fruits and vegetables to the community. It’s a great place to shop for fresh produce while supporting local farmers.
| | | Together, We Can Create Lasting Change - Donate Today! | | Every gift helps open doors to health, wellness, and opportunity in the Pajaro Valley. Help us create a community where everyone thrives! | | | | |
