Cabrillo College’s Board of Trustees on Monday appointed Francisco “Paco” Estrada to fill the Trustee Area V seat.
The seat—which includes the City of Watsonville and the southern portion of Freedom—was left vacant last month when former trustee Manuel Bersamin died.
Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco swore in Estrada, who will fill the position until the next regular election of the Board of Trustees in November 2026.
Estrada is an Analyst at the Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Cruz County. Before that, he served as the Executive Director of Development for the nonprofit organization FoodWhat?! based in Santa Cruz.
He served on Watsonville City Council from 2018-22, and as Mayor in 2019. He also was an Associate Instructor of History at Hartnell College.
Estrada currently serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Landmark Elementary School Site Council, the Watsonville Parks & Community Services Commission, the Friends of Watsonville Parks & Community Services, County Park Friends and Salud Para La Gente.
“I’m so grateful that we had three highly qualified candidates apply for the Trustee Area V provisional appointment, each of whom brought their own unique strengths,” said Cabrillo Governing Board Chair. Donna Ziel. “After a long meeting that included significant community support, I am very happy with our decision to appoint Francisco, and am looking forward to his participation in the selection process for a new Superintendent/President, as well as having him represent our Watsonville community in advancing the success of our students and the College.”
Estrada said he is honored to receive the appointment.
“Former Trustee Manuel Bersamin was a friend and colleague,” he said. “I’ve always admired the profound impact he had on student lives. As a lifelong Watsonville resident, I look forward to continuing that deep commitment to students, faculty, and staff, and will work hard to honor the immense legacy left by former Trustee Bersamin.”
To challenge the appointment and order a special election, the following must be filed in the office of the Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools within 30 days from the date of the provisional appointment.
