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  Fostering Health & Wellness in the Pajaro Valley since 1998 | | |
Youth Mental Health In Pajaro Valley
TURNING CONVERSATIONS INTO ACTION
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The 2026 Health Forum brought our community together to explore what youth need to feel supported, connected, and empowered in the Pajaro Valley.
From hearing directly from the allcove Watsonville Youth Advisory Group to exploring local youth mental health data and services, participants learned more about the vision of allcove, an integrated, holistic youth mental health center coming to Watsonville. The conversation also offered valuable perspectives on what youth-centered care can look like in our community.

One of the biggest takeaways of the event? Youth voices need to be at the center of the conversation. The ideas, experiences, and connections shared at the Health Forum will help shape the development of allcove Watsonville and the support available to young people in the Pajaro Valley.

We're grateful to the speakers, partners, sponsors, and everyone who helped bring this event to life:

- Marni Sandoval, PhD — Director of County of Santa Cruz Behavioral Health
- Jasmine Nájera, LCSW — CEO of Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance
- Steven Adelsheim, MD — allcove Founder & Director of Stanford University's Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Greg Young — allcove Network Director
- Ana Lilia Soto, MA — allcove Youth Development Manager
- Nico Fischer — Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, Youth Collective
- Elizabeth Hernandez, MS, APCC, PPS — allcove Center Manager
- Heather N. Thomsen, PhD, — allcove Clinical Lead
- Members of our Youth Advisory Group
This work wouldn't be possible without our partners:
- allcove
- United Way of Santa Cruz County
- Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County
- Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance.
A special thank you to our sponsors for backing this important conversation: West Coast Community Bank, Lookout Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and its Student Equity and Success Division.

Want to learn more? Visit our website to learn more about allcove Watsonville and follow its development. Click here to view more photos from the 2026 Health Forum and see highlights from the day.
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Centro de Bienestar is Taking Shape
A LOOK AT THE PROGRESS OF OUR NEW CENTER
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As the year progresses, Centro de Bienestar continues to take shape!
Recently, our team had the opportunity to walk through the building and see how the center is coming together. We could clearly envision where the consultation rooms will be, how the multipurpose room will host classes, and how the kitchen will provide a space for cooking demonstrations.
| | Once open, Centro de Bienestar will bring CHT’s Food, Wellness, and Care programs together under one roof. Community members will be able to access programs such as Nutrition Services, VeggieRx, Mini Mercado, Active Wellness, and Health & Edible Education. | | | | | Bringing these programs together in one downtown Watsonville location will create more opportunities for community members to connect with resources that support their health and well-being. The space will also give us room to expand programming and create new ways for people to learn and participate. | | |
Thank You, Sutter Health!
A GIFT SUPPORTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN PAJARO VALLEY
| | Your thoughtful partnership and continued investment in community health have helped to make this project possible. We look forward to offering accessible preventative care programs in downtown Watsonville soon. | | | |
Buy Your Tickets For Wine & Roses
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
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Wine & Roses is on Saturday, November 7, from 4–7 PM at JJ Crosetti Hall.
Join us for an evening of good food, wine, casino games, and a silent auction in support of CHT’s work across the Pajaro Valley!

Our annual fundraiser helps support programs that expand access to health, wellness, and opportunities for children and families throughout the community. It’s also a chance to gather with community members and enjoy an evening at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

Tickets are $100 for one or $180 for two, and include an evening of food, wine, casino play, and more! Get your tickets and make plans to spend the evening with CHT and our community.

Want to help make the event happen? CHT is also looking for volunteers to support Wine & Roses and other upcoming community events.
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Thank You For Supporting El Mercado!
CELEBRATING A SEASON OF LOCAL FOOD AND COMMUNITY
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We’re excited to share that El Mercado Farmers' Market received 2nd Place in The Pajaronian’s Best of Pajaro Valley!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and recognize El Mercado.
Since opening for the season, El Mercado has given our community another way to shop for fresh, locally grown food while supporting the farmers and small businesses who bring the market to life each week.
We want to give a special shoutout to our current vendors: Tu Universo, Gallardo's Organic Farm, Castellanos Farm, Coastal Paradise Nursery, Hikari Farms, Jose’s Flowers, DelÃcias Jiquilpan, Taquitos Hernandez, The Coffee Corner, Jocelyn’s Bakery, and Make It Dulce. Thank you for being part of El Mercado and sharing your products with our community throughout the season!
We’ve loved seeing the market grow, and as we enter our final month, we want to thank everyone who has stopped by, supported our vendors, and helped make El Mercado a part of the community.
Final Month of El Mercado Farmers Market
Visit us at 75 Nielson St, Watsonville
Every Wednesday from 10 AM–2 PM
Come support our vendors before the season wraps up!
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We'd Love Your Vote!
TWO NOMINATIONS IN LOOKOUT SANTA CRUZ’S LOOKOUT LIST
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CHT was nominated in two categories for Lookout Santa Cruz’s Lookout List!

Wine & Roses — Favorite Non-Profit Fundraiser
Rather Awards — Favorite Non-Profit Awards Event

These nominations recognize two events that bring our community together.

From celebrating local leaders at the Rather Awards to raising funds for CHT’s programs at Wine & Roses, both events are made possible by the people who continue to show up for CHT and the Pajaro Valley.

If you’ve joined us at Wine & Roses, attended the Rather Awards, or simply believe in the work CHT is doing across the Pajaro Valley, we’d appreciate your vote! Vote for CHT and help us represent Pajaro Valley on this year’s Lookout List!
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Books and Bites
Monthly, Watsonville Public Library
Join us for an interactive cooking class, learn healthy recipes, and enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals, all while receiving bite-sized, easy-to-digest information.
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Daily, Pinto Lake City Park, Kathleen King Community Room & YMCA locations: Monterey, Hollister, Salinas, & watsonvil
Enjoy fun 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! | | | | |
