Public Statement
Our young men are not doing well, and it’s time we reinvest.
Pajaro Valley Unified School District Familia,
Today has been a difficult moment for the Watsonville High School community: a student and a staff member were injured, and many of our young people, teachers and families went through fear and uncertainty. I want to honour the teachers, staff and administrators who intervened with courage, care and dedication. Their actions reflect the heart of our schools and community.
As a trustee, I am deeply concerned about what this moment reveals. Many of our students are not just navigating school, they are navigating economic pressures, cultural disconnection, reduced support in the social-emotional space, fewer academic counsellors and diminished arts programming. When the programs that help students build character, connection and identity are trimmed, we send a message that growth and belonging are optional.
In California this year, the state has taken steps that reflect how urgent this is. Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order directed at young men and boys to improve their mental health outcomes, reduce stigma and strengthen pathways to education, work and community belonging. Also, the legislation known as SB 531, which would require all California students from grades 1-12 to receive mental-health education in school, highlights how the state is seeking to build supports inside the classrooms and across the system. 
These are important markers. They tell us that the state recognizes that mental-well-being, belonging and connection are not “extras” but central to success. Our district must reflect that.
Programs like Barrios Unidos, MILPA, White Hawk and Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance deliver those spaces of culture, mentorship and creative expression. They are not optional, they are foundational.
Moving forward we must continue to advocate for:
1. Culturally-rooted counselling and care that ensures every student and staff member affected today has access to trauma-informed support and safe spaces for reflection and healing.
2. Reinvestment in prevention, wellness, arts and enrichment programs by restoring and expanding academic counselling, social-emotional supports, arts programs and mentorship.
3. Stronger community partnerships by deepening collaboration with trusted organizations that have longstanding relationships in our community.
4. Listening to students by creating ongoing platforms for students to share what they need to feel connected, respected and supported at school.
5. Addressing structural pressures by working with local agencies and unions to support families facing housing instability, wage stagnation and economic stress—all of which directly affect our students.
6. Evaluation, accountability & transparency in our prevention and counselling systems must be implemented with fidelity, monitored for outcomes, and publicly reported so families know what we are doing and how well it works.
7. Recognizing our educators by honoring and resourcing the teachers, counsellors and staff who show up each day to nurture our students with compassion and strength.
Belonging matters. Connection matters. Opportunity matters. If our schools are going to be places of hope, identity and growth, we must protect the programs that support the mind, heart and spirit of every student.
In solidarity,
Trustee Medina
Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Area III
Watsonville: 4 Arrested After Staff, Student Stabbed At High School
A 16-year-old student stabbed a staff member and another student at Watsonville High School Thursday morning. Both victims sustained moderate injuries, and four students were ultimately arrested after related altercations on campus.
SFGATE | October 23, 2025
UPDATE: Three injured in two Watsonville High attacks Thursday morning
Police confirmed two people—a student and a staff member—were hospitalized after a stabbing at Watsonville High. A 16-year-old suspect was detained after staff intervened, and the school went into a temporary shelter-in-place.
Lookout Santa Cruz | October 23, 2025
Watsonville police, WHS investigating campus stabbing
Four teens were taken into custody after a fight in the quad led to a stabbing that injured a student and staff member. The 16-year-old suspect faces attempted murder charges as police and district officials continue to investigate.
The Pajaronian | October 23, 2025
WATSONVILLE HIGH STABBING | KSBW TV Action News 8
Local coverage from KSBW confirms Watsonville High remained under a shelter-in-place order following Thursday’s stabbing, with police assuring that all other students were safe as the situation was brought under control.
KSBW-TV | October 23, 2025
thank you for your statement, Gabriel. I completely agree with you.
Arts & Athletics. Investing in athletic programs with educators at the helm, rather than begging for community volunteers would go a long way to filling the mentorship gap. Teachers that coach are the original 996.