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This week the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing our Election Information Series by providing information to our members and the community so you can be better informed about the candidates for local office. You can see the more detailed information about each candidate at the Santa Cruz County Registrar of Voters website. We have provided the candidate’s website link if it was included in the ballot statement. NOTE: The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce does not endorse individual candidates for county or city elected positions. The Chamber staff and board encourages all of our members to be active citizens of our region. Voting is not only a personal responsibility as a good citizen, it is central to our democracy. Please vote by mail or at your voting precinct on November 6. County Offices Greg Caput Occupation: Santa Cruz County Supervisor www.gregcaputsupervisor.com It is an honor to represent you as your Pajaro Valley’s County Supervisor. My wife, Carmen and I are proud to raise our 5 children where I was born and raised. After graduating from Mintie White Elementary, E.A. Hall Middle School, Watsonville High School, Cabrillo College and Santa Clara University; I obtained a Law Degree and served as an Officer in the National Guard and Army Reserve. Working together, we have taken significant strides towards achieving our goals: Increased maintenance of the Pajaro River and Salsipuedes Creek; expanded access to Healthcare; improved Public Safety with increased patrols and community policing, expanded Veterans Services; fixed roads & Casserly Bridge; Workforce and Senior housing; installed safe crosswalks and speed feedback signs near schools; protecting prime farmland and our airport; and creating recreational opportunities; including a girls’ leadership program and bicycle pump track. As Supervisor, I have also donated over $130,000.00 to local charities and schools as part of my commitment to the Pajaro Valley. With your support we will achieve a long-term Flood Improvement Project that will bring increased protection for the Pajaro Valley and reduce flood insurance costs. I will continue strong advocacy of our community’s needs and continue to donate part of my wages to the community. Elections should be about people, not politics. I will be honored to have your vote. Jimmy Dutra Occupation: Mayor Pro Term I’m third generation Watsonville native. I attended E.A. Hall Middle School, Watsonville High School, Santa Clara University and earned my Masters from the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. My parents Teresa “Terry” Tavarez and Jim Dutra instilled in me to give back to our community. So in 2013 I was elected to Watsonville’s City Council. Currently I’m Watsonville’s Mayor Pro Tem, Santa Cruz Metro Board Member and Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, President of the Board. Together we strengthened our economy through supporting new businesses (Fedex, expansion of Nordic Naturals and Lakeside Organic’s facilities); Improved Watsonville’s infrastructure (Freedom and Airport Boulevard, added sidewalks, school’s curb and crossing improvements); Approved over 350 housing units (15-20% mandatory affordable units); Established a park, community garden, and youth programming in my 4th Council District; Approved permits to finish Pajaro Valley High School; Cleaned Struve Slough at Ohlone Parkway/Harkin Slough Road; Pushed for long-term solutions and repairs for our levee; Removed graffiti and erected murals; denied new fast food establishments. As Santa Cruz County Supervisor, I’ll continue to successfully fix, maintain and replace our failing infrastructure (roads, bridges, sidewalks); Obtain resources for our seniors, youth and family programs; Create a newsletter to keep residents informed; Address our increasing homeless issue (including mental health and affordable housing). It’s time for a new generation of proven leadership. I would be honored to earn your support as I continue to be a voice for everyone in our community. Santa Cruz Phillip Crawford Occupation: Community College Professor/Labor Attorney www.philipcrawfordforcitycouncil.com I will work to create affordable housing opportunities, expand public and alternative transportation, achieve a sustainable budget, protect our environment and provide responsive city government, but especially to preserve the quality of life that we all enjoy as Santa Cruz residents. Specifically, I will work to identify home ownership opportunities for veterans, teachers and city workers, make the city more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, improve transportation connections between people and jobs, ensure that any new development enhances our quality of life, protect residential zoning and our treasured coastline, and promote "green" buildings, renewable energy and open space. Meaningful progress toward these goals will require consensus among Councilmembers. As an effective labor negotiator, I believe that I have the ability to find avenues for agreement. As a retired Deputy Court Executive Officer, I also have experience in balancing multi-million-dollar budgets, identifying waste in services, and improving service to the public. As a land use attorney, I have protected neighborhoods from public nuisance and other unlawful activities that diminished their quality of life. I strongly support neighborhood integrity and neighborhood compatibility. Four generations of my family live in Santa Cruz. We love this city. I want to preserve what we have. Justin Cummings Occupation: Environmental Conservation Educator www.cummingsforcouncil.com I'm an educator and environmentalist. I moved to Santa Cruz to pursue an education in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCSC, and I earned my Ph.D. in 2013. My work for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars program allows me to support conservation efforts around the globe and to educate a new generation of environmental and conservation leaders. My mother, a public-health nutritionist, and my father, a criminal defense attorney who served in the Harold Washington administration in Chicago, instilled in me the value of public service. We deserve a City Council that works for the many, not the few. As a renter, I know first-hand the hardships that working-class families face. As a Councilmember, I will focus on increasing community stability and safety, and I'll promote affordable housing measures for working families. I will work to support local businesses and to make new development affordable and eco-friendly, taking into account the voices from affected neighborhoods. I will work to preserve our natural environment and collaborate with appropriate agencies to protect our most vulnerable residents. With your support and on your behalf, I'll work to preserve the values that make Santa Cruz a community for everyone. Thank you for your vote. Paige Concannon Occupation: Chef I am not a politician, what I am, is a concerned citizen for my safety and health, and my community’s safety and health. I am a vested community member for over 15 years, who is not afraid to make Santa Cruz Safe Again. I have and will remain fighting the fight to protect our beautiful town, and to help my community get back on track. I have watched my city/town fall to pieces in this last year. We have police officers that are unable do their job as they are constantly jumping from one criminal activity to the next. It is absolutely not OK anymore! We need our Police to Police. We have so many issues that need to be dealt with on so many levels. We need to work together to get our piece of paradise back in order. We need to get back to the basics. We need to stop the Status Quo! I want to be the new face of the city council. I have many ideas that will be beneficial for our town! I ask for your support and Thank you for believing in me and agreeing that the Status Quo is no longer working! David Lane Occupation: Retired Auditor I have lived in Santa Cruz full time since I obtained my MBA degree from Fresno State in 1992. As a kid, I spent my summers in Santa Cruz in my great grandfather cottage. My wife and I built our home on this lot in 1999. My son was born in 2002. I am retired from being an internal auditor at UCSC for 18 years. This experience will allow me to help ensure the city exercises sound financial management and employs efficient operations and good internal controls. I have also been a home beer brewer since 1994 and am currently looking for a location to open a microbrewery. My skills as an auditor included very quick study – new audits frequently; Processes redesign to improve efficiency while controls are maintained; Identify fraud and waste; Coordinate activities with diverse groups of people at all levels of the organization; certified computer system auditor. There are many complex issues facing the city. I can promise you I will study these issues and do all I can to find solutions that benefit the most people and does the most good for the city after obtaining relevant information from all constituents. Greg Larson Occupation: Management Consultant for cities/Coastal Watershed Council chair www.Larson4SantaCruz.com I love Santa Cruz and its natural beauty, vibrant neighborhoods and passionate people. It’s why we’re raising our young kids here. But our city is facing its toughest decade in a century, and we need strong experience based on shared values. That’s why I’m running for City Council. For decades I’ve fought for our environment, equal rights, justice and education, from Washington to Sacramento, from Silicon Valley to Santa Cruz. But it’s my decades working with many cities have shown me how to get things done, to make our communities and even our neighborhoods safer and more livable. Through it all, I’ve relied on creativity and courage, trying to engage others in the solutions we need, from improving our neighborhoods and fighting crime to building a trail and protecting our river. So now I want to work on the problems facing us here at home, using my strong experience based on shared values. We need safe neighborhoods, clean beaches and trails, fiscal balance, and real solutions to our homeless and housing crises. I’m asking for your vote, joining current and former Mayors David Terrazas, Hilary Bryant, Cynthia Matthews and Mike Rotkin, plus hundreds more, to get the change we need. Cynthia Hawthorne Occupation: Small Business owner www.hawthorneforsantacruz.org I’ve lived in Santa Cruz for 33 years, where I raised my children, developed a small business and served two terms as an elected member of the Santa Cruz City Schools Board. As a lead organizer of the 2017 and 2018 Santa Cruz women’s marches, I witnessed the energy our community has for a better future. We need to apply the focus and civility of those marches to the challenges and opportunities we have in Santa Cruz. I believe our most pressing issues are to address our severe lack of affordable workforce housing, foster a strong local economy, ensure safe and vibrant neighborhoods, and sustainably support community members in greatest need. Through my experiences as a school board trustee and president of the Santa Cruz Education Foundation, I developed a strong understanding of governance and public service. In these roles, I led efforts to develop student safety programs, reform school nutrition, establish the award-winning Green Schools Committee and pass local school funding measures. If elected, I’ll bring my local government experience, leadership abilities and passion for Santa Cruz to the job of developing solutions for our current challenges, while also planning for our community’s future. I would appreciate your vote. Richelle Noroyan Occupation: City Councilmember www.noroyanforcouncil.com I grew up in Santa Cruz. My parents were small-business owners here and instilled in me their strong work ethic. After graduating from college, I worked briefly in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but returned to my hometown in my mid-20s to live in and serve the community I love. My experience lies in both the private and public sectors. I worked at Apple, Inc. and the Santa Cruz Operation (SCO), served as district director for a member of the California State Assembly, and I am now finishing my first term on the city council. As the only councilmember running in this election, I am uniquely qualified to lead our city in the implementation of the well-crafted proposals created to solve our most pressing problems. I will continue to work hard to address our City’s biggest challenges: further improving public safety, implementing the housing blueprint that includes affordable units, and maintaining our precious neighborhoods, beaches, and greenbelts. We must continue to repair our streets and infrastructure, enhance our public spaces, lower our crime rate, protect our environment, and create meaningful, local economic opportunities. I look forward to working with you in creating a better Santa Cruz for all. Donna Meyers Occupation: Owner/Environmental Consultant www.Donna4SantaCruz.org I am seeking your vote so that I can serve as a proactive leader on the City Council. My skills and experience will enable me to address the complex issues we face. A top priority for me is the housing affordability crisis and its impacts, including sustainability of our neighborhoods and the success of local businesses. I bring 25 years of experience in community and environmental projects, as well as a Masters in City and Regional Planning and professional experience with local government, the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, and the National Marine Sanctuary program. Currently, I serve as City Parks and Recreation Commission Chair and as Board President of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. I have guided major successes in these roles, including a 20-year plan for our parks and saving a beloved museum that educates thousands of local kids. I have developed expertise in government policy and financing that I will apply to the priorities of our community. I will bring competence, balanced leadership and a focus on solutions that enable our community to thrive today and for future generations. I believe in Santa Cruz and would be grateful to have your vote. Ashley Scontriano Occupation: Small Business Owner www.VoteAshley.org Born and raised on the Westside of Santa Cruz, the Scontriano family has called SC home for some 90 years. I attended local public schools, two years at University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) and graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. Professionally I’ve worked in publishing selling advertising space to local businesses for regional publications including: Metro Santa Cruz, Good Times and the Santa Cruz Sentinel. I’ve worked in fundraising at UCSC for both the Arts and the Humanities Division. Being raised in a family where generations have contributed to the community by owning small businesses, the last being the Dolphin Restaurant on the Santa Cruz Wharf, I currently own and operate my own business. Other family members have proudly been union workers. When elected, I will work to support local small business owners by striving to simplify bureaucratic procedure; support our public safety officers to hold offenders accountable; and advocate for affordable housing options to allow the working class an opportunity to live closer to where they work. This will help reduce traffic and environmental impacts. It’s time for common sense. Vote Ashley for SC City Council! Drew Glover Occupation: Nonprofit Community Organizer www.drewgloverforcitycouncil.com As someone born in Santa Cruz, a renter for the past 14 years and a community organizer I understand the realities that working class people face with housing, transportation, public safety and sustainability. I am dedicated to doing more with less; prioritizing our city budget to benefit the public, fighting for strong union contracts, promoting local solutions to address climate change, implementing proven housing and transportation solutions while funding programs that build a stronger, more connected community. I love our city. I am the President of the United Nations Association of Santa Cruz County, the Youth Program Leader and Nonviolence Trainer at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, the Chair of the Santa Cruz County Poor People’s Campaign, a Commissioner on the Santa Cruz City Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and the founder of Project Pollinate. I am a bridge builder, a solution-oriented problem solver and someone focused on changing the narrative from one that divides us to one that unites us. I will be a policy-maker who represents the people, the environment and the future generations that will inherit the impacts of the decisions we make today. That is why I ask that you vote for me, Drew Glover, this November 6 2018 or earlier with your mail-in ballot. Together, we can make a difference. Capitola Jack Digby Occupation: Ironworker Instructor I’m seeking your vote for the office of councilmember with the city of Capitola because I possess a unique array of qualifications and experience which qualifies me to serve our community. I have two children which I have raised here in Capitola and I know what it means to raise a middle-class family here. I have worked as a Union Ironworker for more than 20 years. I have worked on numerous infrastructure and commercial projects throughout our region and that experience will help me guide our city through some of the projects in the near future. I’m currently working as an Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Instructor. If elected I vow to lead our city toward responsible progress for the future while maintaining the traditions of our rich history. My credentials include: High school graduate. Veteran of the US Navy. Journeyman Ironworker. Graduate of Harvard Law School Trade Union Program. I am a member of the Santa Cruz Yacht Club and the Dirt Farm Surf Club. Sam Storey Occupation: Attorney at Law www.samforcapitola.org I am honored to run for Capitola City Council and to serve our beautiful city. I have lived in Capitola since 1979 and reside here with my wife and our 13-year-old daughter. I served on the Capitola City Council from 2006 to 2014 and was your mayor in 2010 and 2014. I have been an attorney-at-law since 1979 and have my law office in Capitola Village. I currently serve on the Capitola Planning Commission as chairperson; the Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission; the Capitola Library Fundraising Committee; and the Capitola Public Safety & Community Service Foundation (aka Capitola Foundation). Because I have lived in Capitola for 39 years I know its diverse neighborhoods and their unique histories. I have the skills, experience, and knowledge to help Capitola plan responsibly for the future. I want to serve on the city council to work for and with you to preserve and protect our neighborhoods, our diverse families, and our breathtaking natural environment. We have a shared stake in preserving the quality of life that we expect and enjoy here in Capitola. To learn more about me please visit my website: samforcapitola.org. Please vote Sam Storey for Capitola City Council. Thank you. Yvette Brooks Occupation: Educational Executive Assistant www.yvettebrooks.com As a second generation Mexican American woman, first in my family to graduate from a four year college, I am eager to pave a path for my young daughter and others who are interested in getting involved in our remarkable community. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, I started with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education serving in Special Education services. Working in education has helped me realize that quality education is an essential component in improving the lives of all. As a result, I serve on the Childhood Advisory Council, on the Board of the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery and recently graduated from the Capitola Leadership Academy. My husband and I want our daughter to grow up in a Capitola that is sustainable, safe, and family-friendly. I support keeping Capitola’s intimate, small-town feel and coastal village charm. I'm confident, that by bringing many voices to the table, we can meet our very real challenges of impeding pension costs and other budget shortfalls without compromising what makes Capitola special. Together, we can Support Economic Vitality, Enhance Public Safety, and Preserve Green Space. I would be honored to have your vote and serve on Capitola City Council. Jacques Bertrand Occupation: Incumbent Being able to support and protect Capitola over the past four years has been an honor, one that has made me appreciate living here even more. Our seaside town with its special history and involved citizens created this wonderful place. As a Councilmember, I take my role seriously to address the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. I listen to citizen’s concerns, study the issues and seek advice before casting my vote. I strive to be your seat at the table when decisions are made. When critical issues requiring a larger public forum arise, I make sure public outreach and meetings become a central part of the decision-making process. As a member of the Capitola City Council, I represent the city on the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), the Children’s Network, the Criminal Justice Council, three environmental committees, the Finance Advisory Committee and the Homelessness Governance Study Committee. My goals for the next four years are: build our library, spur Capitola Mall improvements, keep Capitola safe and our beaches clean, support Junior Guards, take a fresh look at our Recreation Department, expand programs for children and rebuild our wharf. I ask for your support and your vote this November. Scotts Valley Stephany E. Aguilar Occupation: Council Member www.saguilar2018.com Together, we have invested in Scotts Valley, created momentum to achieve our goals, developed solutions to our challenges and realized positive changes. With your vote, I will continue to work, with you, to achieve our vision for Scotts Valley. My 22 years of leadership incorporates: vision, advocacy and action. These traits allow me to focus on; maintaining a strong public safety sector, promote economic vitality and balanced growth, and develop our parks. As a 48 year resident, I assisted in writing our Parks Master Plan, founded the Scotts Valley Advocates, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for our parks. Additionally, I personally worked on two California Constitutional Amendments to protect local revenues, worked to save the Glenwood Nature Preserve; supported the Recycled Water Plant and the reconstruction of Scotts Valley Drive. I served as President of the: League of California Cities, Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, California Council of Governments and serve on the boards of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Institute for Local Government and Agriculture. I also hold a Masters’ Degree in Communication Studies, with a minor in Political Science, from San Jose State University. Thank you in advance for your vote of confidence! Visit: www.saguilar2018.com. Jim Reed Occupation: Mayor www.joinjimreed.com Scotts Valley is an incredible place to live, work and raise a family. It didn’t get this way by accident. I like to think my collaborative, commonsense leadership, and enthusiasm for listening, has played a meaningful role in our collective success. I believe we can grow in a controlled, moderate, sustainable way while keeping the small-town character we all cherish. Our incredible natural beauty, sense of community and unsurpassed quality of life are far too rare today, and well worth protecting. I’m proud of the balanced approach I bring to growth and development, and of my proven willingness to say no to bad projects. I’m proud of both leading local tax measures that were necessary and voting against new spending more often than any other Councilmember. My wife Lea and I have four kids who are products of Scotts Valley public schools. I’m especially proud of my strong relationships with education leaders, years of volunteering in the classroom, chairing school fundraising auctions, and doing everything possible to ensure our schools thrive. I believe my work as your Mayor and Councilmember has kept Scotts Valley on the right track, and I’m energized by all we can accomplish going forward by working together! Derek Timm Occupation: Small Business Owner www.Timm4SV.com I’m proud to call Scotts Valley home, and I love its small-town character. If elected, I will continue to ensure Scotts Valley remains a safe and beautiful place to live, work and raise a family, and I will bring my years of experience running a small business to our City to help our government run efficiently and within its means. I learned the impact an individual can have through founding Save Our Schools Scotts Valley and leading successful measures to save teachers jobs and make our schools safe. I used those lessons as President of Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) to raise nearly $1,000,000 for our schools, and as President of the Scotts Valley Friends of the Library to introduce new programs for children and seniors. As Chair of the Scotts Valley Planning Commission and member of the Scotts Valley General Plan Committee, I serve as a steward to protect Scotts Valley’s natural beauty and resources. I received degrees from U.C. Santa Barbara and U.C. Davis; have been happily married for 20 years with 2 daughters in Scotts Valley Unified School District; and the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce named me Man of the Year in 2017. I’ll use these skills to improve our local economy, control spending, support public safety & schools and preserve the quality of life that makes Scotts Valley so special. Watsonville Lowell Hurst Occupation: Mayor of Watsonville Respectfully, I return again to ask for your vote and approval as I did in 1989, 1994, 2014 for reelection. Watsonville has been home to my family for the past 34 years. My support for protecting working people, seniors, youth, environment, businesses, and agriculture remains strong. Jobs, training, education, public-safety, traffic, water and affordable housing are issues I tackle. As Councilmember, Mayor, Commissioner, Teacher, Community Advocate, I have the experience, education, and leadership abilities necessary to provide a brighter future for Watsonville. I hold a Bachelors from Purdue Univ. in Agricultural Science, Masters from Univ. of San Francisco in Education Leadership, and hundreds of training hours with the California League of Cities. Parent, Grandfather, husband to wife, Wendy, for 43 years, I have been a stable and productive member of the community. Supporting the downtown, police, fire, hospital, schools, fair-wages, and mobile home rent control, are important for me. I support innovative new ideas, technology for job creation, and economic stability for fuller employment, as we protect all that is special in our community. I ask for your advice, partnership, and support as we plan for a better future. Cell: 831-334-5774. Email: Lhurst@baymoon.com Francisco Estrada Occupation: Program Officer/Professor As a native son of Watsonville, I have been witness to our people’s progress and growth towards making our city a truly remarkable place to live, work and play. Although we have come a long way, there is still more we can do together, for each other, and for our community. If elected, I will work to provide the youth of Watsonville with more opportunities to thrive and develop into future leaders. I will work to promote a democratic process that is more inclusive and reflective of the diversity that invigorates our city. Finally, together as a community, I want to craft and support policies that will allow all residents and families to prosper. My credentials include: Double major graduate of UCSC and a Master’s Degree in History from San Jose State University; Program Officer for the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust and Adjunct Instructor at Hartnell College; Nine year employment at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education; A Commissioner for the Parks & Recreation Commission; An adult mentor for the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy; A member of Rotary; A member of the Pajaro Valley Historical Association; Advisory Member for Regeneración; and co-chair for the Burrito Bash. Jenny T. Sarmiento Occupation: Retired Non-Profit Director/Watsonville Planning Commissioner www.jennytsarmiento.com I emigrated with my family from Bolivia at the age of 12. As a working single parent, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from California State University – Fullerton. I believe in giving back to the community that opened its arms to me twenty years ago, as a social service professional. As a lifelong advocate for children, youth and families, I have always believed that a good education is an economic equalizer. I also believe, to achieve that, families need to live in a safe, healthy and welcoming community. As an executive director of local nonprofits, I served on several committees to address school dropout and gang prevention; mental health and substance use services; and other public health issues, such as violence prevention. Currently, I serve on the Watsonville Planning Commission, where I have advocated for new policies, and businesses to improve Watsonville’s economic and housing vitality. As your Watsonville City Council Member, I will work for youth and families, help increase employment opportunities, build a safe and healthy community, advocate for affordable housing, and defend our beautiful wetlands. Please join me in building a stronger community. I would be honored to have your vote. Casey Clark Occupation: Residential Care Director/Watsonville Personnel Commissioner Casey cares for our community. I am your Neighbor who cares. With over 50 employees and almost 70 clients under my direction, I have a vested interest in our local community’s economic and mental health. I work with the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation, the Pajaro Valley Historical Association, and serve on the Executive Board of Directors for Watsonville’s Sons and Daughters of Italy, Lodge #2016. Casey cares about listening to you. I pledge to conduct neighborhood meetings to actively listen to your concerns before any major development is built. As your new City Councilman, I will work for the betterment of our Watsonville community by openly addressing your concerns. Our neighborhoods need real representation now! Casey cares for our future. On economic, social, and cultural fronts, Watsonville is experiencing growth at a record pace. As your dedicated City Councilman, I vow to ensure our growth is both sustainable and balanced. Embracing “Smart Growth” will support responsible infrastructure in the City of Watsonville. Our local economy requires skilled and better jobs for all of us. I stand for getting back to basics: supporting public safety, clean streets, and common-sense land use policy. Vote for Casey Clark, your Neighbor who cares. Visit: fb.me/caseyforwatsonville Rebecca J. Garcia Occupation: Incumbent I believe I have provided leadership in District 5 and in the city at-large. In the District I have had community meetings to address issues of traffic, youth violence, and this Fall will present a district meeting on the three Affordable Housing Programs the City provides. For the City I have brought issues for discussion or action based on Climate Change, Human Trafficking. Flavored Tobacco, Housing Affordability, Predatory Lending, and Reaffirming our Sanctuary Status. My most recent accomplishment has been the initiation of the Summer in the City Youth Program. For three weeks PVUSD high school students are learning how they can become engaged in city matters and they learn about the career opportunities they have when they return from their higher education studies. Issues that still remain to be solved are that of homelessness, providing safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists, making capital improvements such as replacing our aged water lines, and with the increase in Pension Costs for our city employees how to maintain a sustainable budget. I know I can work with the other council members to make Watsonville a more wonderful place to live. Please vote for Rebecca García for District 5 City Council. Lupe Rivas Occupation: Educator/Administrator/Retired Teacher Requesting your vote as a city council member because, have realized it’s crucial to have city council members that are informed, knowledgeable, about what happens in our community and culturally sensitive of all cultural groups in our area, to be effective leaders in our community. As a candidate for this position, my experiences in the community plus my credentials, qualify me to serve on this council: four years on PVUSD school board, eight years on CALRetired teachers board, CAB Board, Church Council, Bay Village Board, Friends of Watsonville Library Board and last two years on the Watsonville Senior Citizens Board. Feel strongly about being a serving community member and a participatory one. My credentials include Doctorate in International Multicultural Education, Admin. Degree, BA from Fresno State and a Lifetime Teaching Degree. Experiences include over 30 years in teaching and administration in the public school sector! Still substitute in PV District and Aromas. Love to teach and keep informed about our schools, students and teachers! My goals include safety, good quality of life especially in the senior community, affordable housing for all, quality education for all, greater access to mental health services and solving our homeless and poverty issues! Ari Parker Occupation: Teacher/Building Representative Caring about Watsonville. A Native Daughter of the Pajaro Valley, I have proudly served our culturally diverse community as a PVUSD teacher for over 30 years. Our District deserves a Leader with deep roots in the community. I was raised to value education, respect cultures, and serve our local community by tending to family, friends & neighbors. After graduating from Santa Clara University & UCSC, I came home to teach, inspired by my mother, Aurora Ardaiz Parker, 95. I believe in Watsonville. Working for Watsonville. I pledge to listen, act responsibly, and be a dedicated Councilwoman who puts our neighborhoods first in public safety, clean parks, City infrastructure, great schools, and affordable housing for families and seniors. Over three decades of Community Service: Santa Cruz County Commissioner; City of Watsonville Parks and Recreation Commissioner; Watsonville Public Safety Measure G Oversight Vice-Chair; Independence Square (Disabled & Senior Housing) Board Vice President. I am committed to Watsonville. Your Councilwoman for Watsonville. I will work to solve the flood risks we all face. To save lives, I will fight for neighborhood emergency services. I strongly advocate preserving the unique character of our community, and breathing life back into our downtown & neighborhood businesses. I am honored by your Vote. Steve Trujillo Occupation: Retired Educator It's time for Watsonville Renaissance! I am running for city council to bring to fruition: a thriving agri-artisan community without gentrification. Currently: city personnel commissioner. I serve on the advisory board to the Watsonville YMCA. Former member of the board of trustees of Pajaro Village HOA. Former employee of PVUSD. I was public school teacher/counselor for 36 years. I've been both a foster and an adoptive father. County resident since 1998. I will donate 10% of my monthly council stipend to community nonprofits. As an elected school board member in Santa Cruz, I returned all emails/calls from constituents. I never missed a meeting. My only employer: the residents of district 7. “I will serve you.” My goals: 1. low and middle income housing. 2. an SP right of way converted to both rail and trail transportation. 3. enhanced pedestrian crossings and bike lanes. 4. diverse retail establishments. 5. homeless intake center that evaluates for mental illness and substance abuse. 5. paramedic station in district 7. 6. new supermarket on East Lake Avenue. 7. an artists’ center in downtown. 8. all city parks safe/accessible for all residents. Steve Trujillo for district 7: Watsonville Renaissance!
This week the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing our Election Information Series by providing information to our members and the community so you can be better informed about the candidates for local office. You can see the more detailed information about each candidate at the Santa Cruz County Registrar of Voters website. We have provided the candidate’s website link if it was included in the ballot statement.
NOTE: The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce does not endorse individual candidates for county or city elected positions. The Chamber staff and board encourages all of our members to be active citizens of our region. Voting is not only a personal responsibility as a good citizen, it is central to our democracy. Please vote by mail or at your voting precinct on November 6.
County Offices
Greg Caput Occupation: Santa Cruz County Supervisor www.gregcaputsupervisor.com It is an honor to represent you as your Pajaro Valley’s County Supervisor. My wife, Carmen and I are proud to raise our 5 children where I was born and raised. After graduating from Mintie White Elementary, E.A. Hall Middle School, Watsonville High School, Cabrillo College and Santa Clara University; I obtained a Law Degree and served as an Officer in the National Guard and Army Reserve.
Working together, we have taken significant strides towards achieving our goals: Increased maintenance of the Pajaro River and Salsipuedes Creek; expanded access to Healthcare; improved Public Safety with increased patrols and community policing, expanded Veterans Services; fixed roads & Casserly Bridge; Workforce and Senior housing; installed safe crosswalks and speed feedback signs near schools; protecting prime farmland and our airport; and creating recreational opportunities; including a girls’ leadership program and bicycle pump track. As Supervisor, I have also donated over $130,000.00 to local charities and schools as part of my commitment to the Pajaro Valley.
With your support we will achieve a long-term Flood Improvement Project that will bring increased protection for the Pajaro Valley and reduce flood insurance costs. I will continue strong advocacy of our community’s needs and continue to donate part of my wages to the community. Elections should be about people, not politics. I will be honored to have your vote.
Jimmy Dutra Occupation: Mayor Pro Term I’m third generation Watsonville native. I attended E.A. Hall Middle School, Watsonville High School, Santa Clara University and earned my Masters from the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. My parents Teresa “Terry” Tavarez and Jim Dutra instilled in me to give back to our community. So in 2013 I was elected to Watsonville’s City Council. Currently I’m Watsonville’s Mayor Pro Tem, Santa Cruz Metro Board Member and Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, President of the Board.
Together we strengthened our economy through supporting new businesses (Fedex, expansion of Nordic Naturals and Lakeside Organic’s facilities); Improved Watsonville’s infrastructure (Freedom and Airport Boulevard, added sidewalks, school’s curb and crossing improvements); Approved over 350 housing units (15-20% mandatory affordable units); Established a park, community garden, and youth programming in my 4th Council District; Approved permits to finish Pajaro Valley High School; Cleaned Struve Slough at Ohlone Parkway/Harkin Slough Road; Pushed for long-term solutions and repairs for our levee; Removed graffiti and erected murals; denied new fast food establishments.
As Santa Cruz County Supervisor, I’ll continue to successfully fix, maintain and replace our failing infrastructure (roads, bridges, sidewalks); Obtain resources for our seniors, youth and family programs; Create a newsletter to keep residents informed; Address our increasing homeless issue (including mental health and affordable housing). It’s time for a new generation of proven leadership. I would be honored to earn your support as I continue to be a voice for everyone in our community.
Santa Cruz
Phillip Crawford Occupation: Community College Professor/Labor Attorney www.philipcrawfordforcitycouncil.com I will work to create affordable housing opportunities, expand public and alternative transportation, achieve a sustainable budget, protect our environment and provide responsive city government, but especially to preserve the quality of life that we all enjoy as Santa Cruz residents.
Specifically, I will work to identify home ownership opportunities for veterans, teachers and city workers, make the city more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, improve transportation connections between people and jobs, ensure that any new development enhances our quality of life, protect residential zoning and our treasured coastline, and promote "green" buildings, renewable energy and open space.
Meaningful progress toward these goals will require consensus among Councilmembers. As an effective labor negotiator, I believe that I have the ability to find avenues for agreement. As a retired Deputy Court Executive Officer, I also have experience in balancing multi-million-dollar budgets, identifying waste in services, and improving service to the public. As a land use attorney, I have protected neighborhoods from public nuisance and other unlawful activities that diminished their quality of life. I strongly support neighborhood integrity and neighborhood compatibility. Four generations of my family live in Santa Cruz. We love this city. I want to preserve what we have.
Justin Cummings Occupation: Environmental Conservation Educator www.cummingsforcouncil.com I'm an educator and environmentalist. I moved to Santa Cruz to pursue an education in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCSC, and I earned my Ph.D. in 2013. My work for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars program allows me to support conservation efforts around the globe and to educate a new generation of environmental and conservation leaders. My mother, a public-health nutritionist, and my father, a criminal defense attorney who served in the Harold Washington administration in Chicago, instilled in me the value of public service.
We deserve a City Council that works for the many, not the few. As a renter, I know first-hand the hardships that working-class families face. As a Councilmember, I will focus on increasing community stability and safety, and I'll promote affordable housing measures for working families. I will work to support local businesses and to make new development affordable and eco-friendly, taking into account the voices from affected neighborhoods. I will work to preserve our natural environment and collaborate with appropriate agencies to protect our most vulnerable residents.
With your support and on your behalf, I'll work to preserve the values that make Santa Cruz a community for everyone. Thank you for your vote.
Paige Concannon Occupation: Chef I am not a politician, what I am, is a concerned citizen for my safety and health, and my community’s safety and health. I am a vested community member for over 15 years, who is not afraid to make Santa Cruz Safe Again. I have and will remain fighting the fight to protect our beautiful town, and to help my community get back on track.
I have watched my city/town fall to pieces in this last year. We have police officers that are unable do their job as they are constantly jumping from one criminal activity to the next. It is absolutely not OK anymore! We need our Police to Police. We have so many issues that need to be dealt with on so many levels. We need to work together to get our piece of paradise back in order.
We need to get back to the basics. We need to stop the Status Quo! I want to be the new face of the city council. I have many ideas that will be beneficial for our town! I ask for your support and Thank you for believing in me and agreeing that the Status Quo is no longer working!
David Lane Occupation: Retired Auditor I have lived in Santa Cruz full time since I obtained my MBA degree from Fresno State in 1992. As a kid, I spent my summers in Santa Cruz in my great grandfather cottage. My wife and I built our home on this lot in 1999. My son was born in 2002.
I am retired from being an internal auditor at UCSC for 18 years. This experience will allow me to help ensure the city exercises sound financial management and employs efficient operations and good internal controls. I have also been a home beer brewer since 1994 and am currently looking for a location to open a microbrewery. My skills as an auditor included very quick study – new audits frequently; Processes redesign to improve efficiency while controls are maintained; Identify fraud and waste; Coordinate activities with diverse groups of people at all levels of the organization; certified computer system auditor.
There are many complex issues facing the city. I can promise you I will study these issues and do all I can to find solutions that benefit the most people and does the most good for the city after obtaining relevant information from all constituents.
Greg Larson Occupation: Management Consultant for cities/Coastal Watershed Council chair www.Larson4SantaCruz.com I love Santa Cruz and its natural beauty, vibrant neighborhoods and passionate people. It’s why we’re raising our young kids here. But our city is facing its toughest decade in a century, and we need strong experience based on shared values. That’s why I’m running for City Council.
For decades I’ve fought for our environment, equal rights, justice and education, from Washington to Sacramento, from Silicon Valley to Santa Cruz. But it’s my decades working with many cities have shown me how to get things done, to make our communities and even our neighborhoods safer and more livable. Through it all, I’ve relied on creativity and courage, trying to engage others in the solutions we need, from improving our neighborhoods and fighting crime to building a trail and protecting our river.
So now I want to work on the problems facing us here at home, using my strong experience based on shared values. We need safe neighborhoods, clean beaches and trails, fiscal balance, and real solutions to our homeless and housing crises. I’m asking for your vote, joining current and former Mayors David Terrazas, Hilary Bryant, Cynthia Matthews and Mike Rotkin, plus hundreds more, to get the change we need.
Cynthia Hawthorne Occupation: Small Business owner www.hawthorneforsantacruz.org I’ve lived in Santa Cruz for 33 years, where I raised my children, developed a small business and served two terms as an elected member of the Santa Cruz City Schools Board.
As a lead organizer of the 2017 and 2018 Santa Cruz women’s marches, I witnessed the energy our community has for a better future. We need to apply the focus and civility of those marches to the challenges and opportunities we have in Santa Cruz. I believe our most pressing issues are to address our severe lack of affordable workforce housing, foster a strong local economy, ensure safe and vibrant neighborhoods, and sustainably support community members in greatest need.
Through my experiences as a school board trustee and president of the Santa Cruz Education Foundation, I developed a strong understanding of governance and public service. In these roles, I led efforts to develop student safety programs, reform school nutrition, establish the award-winning Green Schools Committee and pass local school funding measures. If elected, I’ll bring my local government experience, leadership abilities and passion for Santa Cruz to the job of developing solutions for our current challenges, while also planning for our community’s future. I would appreciate your vote.
Richelle Noroyan Occupation: City Councilmember www.noroyanforcouncil.com I grew up in Santa Cruz. My parents were small-business owners here and instilled in me their strong work ethic. After graduating from college, I worked briefly in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but returned to my hometown in my mid-20s to live in and serve the community I love.
My experience lies in both the private and public sectors. I worked at Apple, Inc. and the Santa Cruz Operation (SCO), served as district director for a member of the California State Assembly, and I am now finishing my first term on the city council. As the only councilmember running in this election, I am uniquely qualified to lead our city in the implementation of the well-crafted proposals created to solve our most pressing problems.
I will continue to work hard to address our City’s biggest challenges: further improving public safety, implementing the housing blueprint that includes affordable units, and maintaining our precious neighborhoods, beaches, and greenbelts. We must continue to repair our streets and infrastructure, enhance our public spaces, lower our crime rate, protect our environment, and create meaningful, local economic opportunities. I look forward to working with you in creating a better Santa Cruz for all.
Donna Meyers Occupation: Owner/Environmental Consultant www.Donna4SantaCruz.org I am seeking your vote so that I can serve as a proactive leader on the City Council. My skills and experience will enable me to address the complex issues we face. A top priority for me is the housing affordability crisis and its impacts, including sustainability of our neighborhoods and the success of local businesses.
I bring 25 years of experience in community and environmental projects, as well as a Masters in City and Regional Planning and professional experience with local government, the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, and the National Marine Sanctuary program. Currently, I serve as City Parks and Recreation Commission Chair and as Board President of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. I have guided major successes in these roles, including a 20-year plan for our parks and saving a beloved museum that educates thousands of local kids.
I have developed expertise in government policy and financing that I will apply to the priorities of our community. I will bring competence, balanced leadership and a focus on solutions that enable our community to thrive today and for future generations. I believe in Santa Cruz and would be grateful to have your vote.
Ashley Scontriano Occupation: Small Business Owner www.VoteAshley.org Born and raised on the Westside of Santa Cruz, the Scontriano family has called SC home for some 90 years. I attended local public schools, two years at University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) and graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.
Professionally I’ve worked in publishing selling advertising space to local businesses for regional publications including: Metro Santa Cruz, Good Times and the Santa Cruz Sentinel. I’ve worked in fundraising at UCSC for both the Arts and the Humanities Division. Being raised in a family where generations have contributed to the community by owning small businesses, the last being the Dolphin Restaurant on the Santa Cruz Wharf, I currently own and operate my own business. Other family members have proudly been union workers.
When elected, I will work to support local small business owners by striving to simplify bureaucratic procedure; support our public safety officers to hold offenders accountable; and advocate for affordable housing options to allow the working class an opportunity to live closer to where they work. This will help reduce traffic and environmental impacts. It’s time for common sense. Vote Ashley for SC City Council!
Drew Glover Occupation: Nonprofit Community Organizer www.drewgloverforcitycouncil.com As someone born in Santa Cruz, a renter for the past 14 years and a community organizer I understand the realities that working class people face with housing, transportation, public safety and sustainability. I am dedicated to doing more with less; prioritizing our city budget to benefit the public, fighting for strong union contracts, promoting local solutions to address climate change, implementing proven housing and transportation solutions while funding programs that build a stronger, more connected community.
I love our city. I am the President of the United Nations Association of Santa Cruz County, the Youth Program Leader and Nonviolence Trainer at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, the Chair of the Santa Cruz County Poor People’s Campaign, a Commissioner on the Santa Cruz City Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and the founder of Project Pollinate.
I am a bridge builder, a solution-oriented problem solver and someone focused on changing the narrative from one that divides us to one that unites us. I will be a policy-maker who represents the people, the environment and the future generations that will inherit the impacts of the decisions we make today. That is why I ask that you vote for me, Drew Glover, this November 6 2018 or earlier with your mail-in ballot. Together, we can make a difference.
Capitola
Jack Digby Occupation: Ironworker Instructor I’m seeking your vote for the office of councilmember with the city of Capitola because I possess a unique array of qualifications and experience which qualifies me to serve our community. I have two children which I have raised here in Capitola and I know what it means to raise a middle-class family here. I have worked as a Union Ironworker for more than 20 years. I have worked on numerous infrastructure and commercial projects throughout our region and that experience will help me guide our city through some of the projects in the near future. I’m currently working as an Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Instructor. If elected I vow to lead our city toward responsible progress for the future while maintaining the traditions of our rich history.
My credentials include: High school graduate. Veteran of the US Navy. Journeyman Ironworker. Graduate of Harvard Law School Trade Union Program. I am a member of the Santa Cruz Yacht Club and the Dirt Farm Surf Club.
Sam Storey Occupation: Attorney at Law www.samforcapitola.org I am honored to run for Capitola City Council and to serve our beautiful city. I have lived in Capitola since 1979 and reside here with my wife and our 13-year-old daughter. I served on the Capitola City Council from 2006 to 2014 and was your mayor in 2010 and 2014. I have been an attorney-at-law since 1979 and have my law office in Capitola Village. I currently serve on the Capitola Planning Commission as chairperson; the Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission; the Capitola Library Fundraising Committee; and the Capitola Public Safety & Community Service Foundation (aka Capitola Foundation).
Because I have lived in Capitola for 39 years I know its diverse neighborhoods and their unique histories. I have the skills, experience, and knowledge to help Capitola plan responsibly for the future. I want to serve on the city council to work for and with you to preserve and protect our neighborhoods, our diverse families, and our breathtaking natural environment. We have a shared stake in preserving the quality of life that we expect and enjoy here in Capitola. To learn more about me please visit my website: samforcapitola.org.
Please vote Sam Storey for Capitola City Council. Thank you.
Yvette Brooks Occupation: Educational Executive Assistant www.yvettebrooks.com As a second generation Mexican American woman, first in my family to graduate from a four year college, I am eager to pave a path for my young daughter and others who are interested in getting involved in our remarkable community. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, I started with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education serving in Special Education services. Working in education has helped me realize that quality education is an essential component in improving the lives of all. As a result, I serve on the Childhood Advisory Council, on the Board of the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery and recently graduated from the Capitola Leadership Academy.
My husband and I want our daughter to grow up in a Capitola that is sustainable, safe, and family-friendly. I support keeping Capitola’s intimate, small-town feel and coastal village charm. I'm confident, that by bringing many voices to the table, we can meet our very real challenges of impeding pension costs and other budget shortfalls without compromising what makes Capitola special.
Together, we can Support Economic Vitality, Enhance Public Safety, and Preserve Green Space. I would be honored to have your vote and serve on Capitola City Council.
Jacques Bertrand Occupation: Incumbent Being able to support and protect Capitola over the past four years has been an honor, one that has made me appreciate living here even more. Our seaside town with its special history and involved citizens created this wonderful place. As a Councilmember, I take my role seriously to address the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. I listen to citizen’s concerns, study the issues and seek advice before casting my vote. I strive to be your seat at the table when decisions are made. When critical issues requiring a larger public forum arise, I make sure public outreach and meetings become a central part of the decision-making process. As a member of the Capitola City Council, I represent the city on the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), the Children’s Network, the Criminal Justice Council, three environmental committees, the Finance Advisory Committee and the Homelessness Governance Study Committee.
My goals for the next four years are: build our library, spur Capitola Mall improvements, keep Capitola safe and our beaches clean, support Junior Guards, take a fresh look at our Recreation Department, expand programs for children and rebuild our wharf.
I ask for your support and your vote this November.
Scotts Valley
Stephany E. Aguilar Occupation: Council Member www.saguilar2018.com Together, we have invested in Scotts Valley, created momentum to achieve our goals, developed solutions to our challenges and realized positive changes. With your vote, I will continue to work, with you, to achieve our vision for Scotts Valley. My 22 years of leadership incorporates: vision, advocacy and action. These traits allow me to focus on; maintaining a strong public safety sector, promote economic vitality and balanced growth, and develop our parks.
As a 48 year resident, I assisted in writing our Parks Master Plan, founded the Scotts Valley Advocates, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for our parks. Additionally, I personally worked on two California Constitutional Amendments to protect local revenues, worked to save the Glenwood Nature Preserve; supported the Recycled Water Plant and the reconstruction of Scotts Valley Drive.
I served as President of the: League of California Cities, Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, California Council of Governments and serve on the boards of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Institute for Local Government and Agriculture. I also hold a Masters’ Degree in Communication Studies, with a minor in Political Science, from San Jose State University. Thank you in advance for your vote of confidence! Visit: www.saguilar2018.com.
Jim Reed Occupation: Mayor www.joinjimreed.com Scotts Valley is an incredible place to live, work and raise a family. It didn’t get this way by accident. I like to think my collaborative, commonsense leadership, and enthusiasm for listening, has played a meaningful role in our collective success.
I believe we can grow in a controlled, moderate, sustainable way while keeping the small-town character we all cherish. Our incredible natural beauty, sense of community and unsurpassed quality of life are far too rare today, and well worth protecting. I’m proud of the balanced approach I bring to growth and development, and of my proven willingness to say no to bad projects. I’m proud of both leading local tax measures that were necessary and voting against new spending more often than any other Councilmember.
My wife Lea and I have four kids who are products of Scotts Valley public schools. I’m especially proud of my strong relationships with education leaders, years of volunteering in the classroom, chairing school fundraising auctions, and doing everything possible to ensure our schools thrive. I believe my work as your Mayor and Councilmember has kept Scotts Valley on the right track, and I’m energized by all we can accomplish going forward by working together!
Derek Timm Occupation: Small Business Owner www.Timm4SV.com I’m proud to call Scotts Valley home, and I love its small-town character. If elected, I will continue to ensure Scotts Valley remains a safe and beautiful place to live, work and raise a family, and I will bring my years of experience running a small business to our City to help our government run efficiently and within its means.
I learned the impact an individual can have through founding Save Our Schools Scotts Valley and leading successful measures to save teachers jobs and make our schools safe. I used those lessons as President of Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) to raise nearly $1,000,000 for our schools, and as President of the Scotts Valley Friends of the Library to introduce new programs for children and seniors. As Chair of the Scotts Valley Planning Commission and member of the Scotts Valley General Plan Committee, I serve as a steward to protect Scotts Valley’s natural beauty and resources.
I received degrees from U.C. Santa Barbara and U.C. Davis; have been happily married for 20 years with 2 daughters in Scotts Valley Unified School District; and the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce named me Man of the Year in 2017. I’ll use these skills to improve our local economy, control spending, support public safety & schools and preserve the quality of life that makes Scotts Valley so special.
Watsonville
Lowell Hurst Occupation: Mayor of Watsonville Respectfully, I return again to ask for your vote and approval as I did in 1989, 1994, 2014 for reelection. Watsonville has been home to my family for the past 34 years. My support for protecting working people, seniors, youth, environment, businesses, and agriculture remains strong. Jobs, training, education, public-safety, traffic, water and affordable housing are issues I tackle.
As Councilmember, Mayor, Commissioner, Teacher, Community Advocate, I have the experience, education, and leadership abilities necessary to provide a brighter future for Watsonville. I hold a Bachelors from Purdue Univ. in Agricultural Science, Masters from Univ. of San Francisco in Education Leadership, and hundreds of training hours with the California League of Cities.
Parent, Grandfather, husband to wife, Wendy, for 43 years, I have been a stable and productive member of the community. Supporting the downtown, police, fire, hospital, schools, fair-wages, and mobile home rent control, are important for me. I support innovative new ideas, technology for job creation, and economic stability for fuller employment, as we protect all that is special in our community. I ask for your advice, partnership, and support as we plan for a better future. Cell: 831-334-5774. Email: Lhurst@baymoon.com
Francisco Estrada Occupation: Program Officer/Professor As a native son of Watsonville, I have been witness to our people’s progress and growth towards making our city a truly remarkable place to live, work and play. Although we have come a long way, there is still more we can do together, for each other, and for our community.
If elected, I will work to provide the youth of Watsonville with more opportunities to thrive and develop into future leaders. I will work to promote a democratic process that is more inclusive and reflective of the diversity that invigorates our city. Finally, together as a community, I want to craft and support policies that will allow all residents and families to prosper.
My credentials include: Double major graduate of UCSC and a Master’s Degree in History from San Jose State University; Program Officer for the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust and Adjunct Instructor at Hartnell College; Nine year employment at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education; A Commissioner for the Parks & Recreation Commission; An adult mentor for the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy; A member of Rotary; A member of the Pajaro Valley Historical Association; Advisory Member for Regeneración; and co-chair for the Burrito Bash.
Jenny T. Sarmiento Occupation: Retired Non-Profit Director/Watsonville Planning Commissioner www.jennytsarmiento.com I emigrated with my family from Bolivia at the age of 12. As a working single parent, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from California State University – Fullerton. I believe in giving back to the community that opened its arms to me twenty years ago, as a social service professional. As a lifelong advocate for children, youth and families, I have always believed that a good education is an economic equalizer. I also believe, to achieve that, families need to live in a safe, healthy and welcoming community.
As an executive director of local nonprofits, I served on several committees to address school dropout and gang prevention; mental health and substance use services; and other public health issues, such as violence prevention. Currently, I serve on the Watsonville Planning Commission, where I have advocated for new policies, and businesses to improve Watsonville’s economic and housing vitality.
As your Watsonville City Council Member, I will work for youth and families, help increase employment opportunities, build a safe and healthy community, advocate for affordable housing, and defend our beautiful wetlands. Please join me in building a stronger community. I would be honored to have your vote.
Casey Clark Occupation: Residential Care Director/Watsonville Personnel Commissioner Casey cares for our community. I am your Neighbor who cares. With over 50 employees and almost 70 clients under my direction, I have a vested interest in our local community’s economic and mental health. I work with the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation, the Pajaro Valley Historical Association, and serve on the Executive Board of Directors for Watsonville’s Sons and Daughters of Italy, Lodge #2016.
Casey cares about listening to you. I pledge to conduct neighborhood meetings to actively listen to your concerns before any major development is built. As your new City Councilman, I will work for the betterment of our Watsonville community by openly addressing your concerns. Our neighborhoods need real representation now!
Casey cares for our future. On economic, social, and cultural fronts, Watsonville is experiencing growth at a record pace. As your dedicated City Councilman, I vow to ensure our growth is both sustainable and balanced. Embracing “Smart Growth” will support responsible infrastructure in the City of Watsonville. Our local economy requires skilled and better jobs for all of us. I stand for getting back to basics: supporting public safety, clean streets, and common-sense land use policy. Vote for Casey Clark, your Neighbor who cares. Visit: fb.me/caseyforwatsonville
Rebecca J. Garcia Occupation: Incumbent I believe I have provided leadership in District 5 and in the city at-large. In the District I have had community meetings to address issues of traffic, youth violence, and this Fall will present a district meeting on the three Affordable Housing Programs the City provides. For the City I have brought issues for discussion or action based on Climate Change, Human Trafficking. Flavored Tobacco, Housing Affordability, Predatory Lending, and Reaffirming our Sanctuary Status. My most recent accomplishment has been the initiation of the Summer in the City Youth Program. For three weeks PVUSD high school students are learning how they can become engaged in city matters and they learn about the career opportunities they have when they return from their higher education studies.
Issues that still remain to be solved are that of homelessness, providing safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists, making capital improvements such as replacing our aged water lines, and with the increase in Pension Costs for our city employees how to maintain a sustainable budget.
I know I can work with the other council members to make Watsonville a more wonderful place to live. Please vote for Rebecca García for District 5 City Council.
Lupe Rivas Occupation: Educator/Administrator/Retired Teacher Requesting your vote as a city council member because, have realized it’s crucial to have city council members that are informed, knowledgeable, about what happens in our community and culturally sensitive of all cultural groups in our area, to be effective leaders in our community. As a candidate for this position, my experiences in the community plus my credentials, qualify me to serve on this council: four years on PVUSD school board, eight years on CALRetired teachers board, CAB Board, Church Council, Bay Village Board, Friends of Watsonville Library Board and last two years on the Watsonville Senior Citizens Board.
Feel strongly about being a serving community member and a participatory one. My credentials include Doctorate in International Multicultural Education, Admin. Degree, BA from Fresno State and a Lifetime Teaching Degree. Experiences include over 30 years in teaching and administration in the public school sector! Still substitute in PV District and Aromas. Love to teach and keep informed about our schools, students and teachers!
My goals include safety, good quality of life especially in the senior community, affordable housing for all, quality education for all, greater access to mental health services and solving our homeless and poverty issues!
Ari Parker Occupation: Teacher/Building Representative Caring about Watsonville. A Native Daughter of the Pajaro Valley, I have proudly served our culturally diverse community as a PVUSD teacher for over 30 years. Our District deserves a Leader with deep roots in the community. I was raised to value education, respect cultures, and serve our local community by tending to family, friends & neighbors. After graduating from Santa Clara University & UCSC, I came home to teach, inspired by my mother, Aurora Ardaiz Parker, 95.
I believe in Watsonville.
Working for Watsonville. I pledge to listen, act responsibly, and be a dedicated Councilwoman who puts our neighborhoods first in public safety, clean parks, City infrastructure, great schools, and affordable housing for families and seniors. Over three decades of Community Service: Santa Cruz County Commissioner; City of Watsonville Parks and Recreation Commissioner; Watsonville Public Safety Measure G Oversight Vice-Chair; Independence Square (Disabled & Senior Housing) Board Vice President. I am committed to Watsonville.
Your Councilwoman for Watsonville. I will work to solve the flood risks we all face. To save lives, I will fight for neighborhood emergency services. I strongly advocate preserving the unique character of our community, and breathing life back into our downtown & neighborhood businesses. I am honored by your Vote.
Steve Trujillo Occupation: Retired Educator It's time for Watsonville Renaissance! I am running for city council to bring to fruition: a thriving agri-artisan community without gentrification. Currently: city personnel commissioner. I serve on the advisory board to the Watsonville YMCA. Former member of the board of trustees of Pajaro Village HOA. Former employee of PVUSD. I was public school teacher/counselor for 36 years. I've been both a foster and an adoptive father. County resident since 1998.
I will donate 10% of my monthly council stipend to community nonprofits. As an elected school board member in Santa Cruz, I returned all emails/calls from constituents. I never missed a meeting. My only employer: the residents of district 7. “I will serve you.”
My goals: 1. low and middle income housing. 2. an SP right of way converted to both rail and trail transportation. 3. enhanced pedestrian crossings and bike lanes. 4. diverse retail establishments. 5. homeless intake center that evaluates for mental illness and substance abuse. 5. paramedic station in district 7. 6. new supermarket on East Lake Avenue. 7. an artists’ center in downtown. 8. all city parks safe/accessible for all residents. Steve Trujillo for district 7: Watsonville Renaissance!