Area III

Pajaro and Las Lomas — northern Monterey County and southern Santa Cruz County.

Area III covers the communities of Pajaro and Las Lomas in northern Monterey County and parts of southern Santa Cruz County. This is a working-class community rooted in agriculture — families who grow the strawberries and lettuce that feed this country, speaking Spanish and Mixteco, raising children in these schools.

Schools in Area III

Monterey County
  • Hall Elementary
  • Ohlone Elementary
  • Pajaro Middle School
  • Radcliff Elementary
Santa Cruz County
  • Linscott Charter School
  • Ceiba College Prep Academy

Who Lives Here

Area III is one of the most agricultural, immigrant, and working-class communities in the PVUSD district.

~3,070
Residents in Pajaro
~3,024
Residents in Las Lomas
60%+
Identify with Indigenous or mixed-race backgrounds

Gabe’s Platform

Fourteen commitments. This is what Trustee Medina ran on and is working toward in office.

01

Student Bill of Rights

Establish a Student Bill of Rights to protect and empower students, ensuring every child has a voice and their rights are upheld in their schools.

02

Ethnic Studies for Every Student

Ensure every student has access to a rich curriculum that includes their cultural history, empowering them with knowledge and pride in their heritage.

03

4-Day School Week

Adopt a 4-day school week to reduce teacher stress and boost student engagement. Use Fridays for planning and offer extracurricular activities through community partnerships.

04

Streamline Administration

Money belongs in classrooms. Revamp administrative processes, reduce central office overhead, and allocate the budget to those who directly work with students.

05

Cabrillo College Dual Enrollment

Ensure Cabrillo College offers robust support and courses tailored to our students, especially as a designated Hispanic Serving Institution.

06

Boost School Attendance

Develop innovative incentives and engaging programs to encourage consistent attendance and active participation from every student.

07

Students in the Community

Create real-world learning experiences that connect students with local businesses, organizations, and mentorship programs.

08

Optimize School Facilities

Rethink how school facilities are used — opening them for community activities, after-school programs, and neighborhood support.

09

Safe and Supportive Schools

Work with community organizations and youth advocates to create safe, collaborative environments. Prioritize mental health support services for all students.

10

Life Skills Education

Provide courses that prepare students for life after high school — college, trade school, or workforce — and ensure equitable pathways for all students regardless of post-secondary plans.

11

Arts and Media Education

Secure more funding for industry-level arts training. Reintegrate practical skills like woodworking, electrical work, and mechanics that greatly benefited prior generations.

12

Local Jobs and Union Contracts

Work with unions to ensure locals are prioritized for major district contracts, creating jobs for parents who support children attending PVUSD schools.

13

Transportation Infrastructure

Collaborate with the Monterey County Supervisor to improve roadways and enhance transportation routes to Watsonville, ensuring safe and reliable access to education.

14

Budget Transparency

Prioritize full budget transparency and seek genuine community input. Avoid wasteful spending driven by politics and focus on the needs of students, parents, and staff.

Student Bill of Rights

A Student Bill of Rights outlines the key rights and protections every student should have, ensuring a safe, supportive, and equitable education. Trustee Medina is working to establish this at PVUSD.

  1. Equitable Access to Quality Education

    Ensure all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, receive high-quality education and resources. Address funding inequalities to provide equal opportunities for all students.

  2. Safe and Nurturing Environment

    Guarantee a learning environment free from violence, abuse, and discrimination. Implement policies to protect students from harm and ensure their well-being.

  3. Adequate Food and Health Care

    Provide nutritious meals and comprehensive health care, including mental health services, to support students' overall well-being.

  4. Freedom from Exploitation and Corporate Influence

    Protect students from exploitation, harmful labor practices, and coercive corporate advertising within educational institutions.

  5. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

    Promote a curriculum that reflects the rich cultural history of the community. Empower students through representation and inclusive educational practices.

  6. Student Participation

    Provide students with a voice in decisions affecting their education. Foster a sense of ownership and engagement in the learning process.

  7. Holistic Support for Students

    Offer comprehensive health care services, including mental health support. Ensure students have access to nutritious meals and safe facilities.

  8. Support for Teachers

    Improve teacher support, training, and compensation. Invest in professional development to equip teachers with the tools they need to succeed.

  9. Access to Technology and Modern Learning Tools

    Provide students with up-to-date technology and learning tools to prepare them for the digital age.

  10. Environmental Education

    Educate students about ecological and environmental issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the planet.

  11. Comprehensive Sexual Education

    Offer accurate and comprehensive education about human sexuality, reproductive health, and consent, beginning at an age-appropriate time.

  12. Privacy and Confidentiality

    Protect students' personal information and ensure confidentiality in handling student records and data.

Area Map

Pajaro and Las Lomas, northern Monterey County.