WATSONVILLE—The first new candidate for one of several Watsonville City Council seats that will be up for grabs in this year’s general election has stepped forth.
Kristal Salcido, an assistant district attorney for Santa Cruz County, announced on Jan. 21 that she will run for the 4th District seat. Current representative Francisco “Paco” Estrada said Thursday that he would not seek reelection in the fall in order to focus on his family.
A relative newcomer to civic service, Salcido, 36, has served on the City’s Personnel Commission, redistricting committee and the Ad-Hoc Committee on Policing and Social Equity. She has also served on the board of directors for Encompass Community Services, is a member of Watsonville Rotary Club and has lived in Watsonville with her husband since 2015.
In the DA’s office, she serves as a sexual assault prosecutor specializing in cases involving victims younger than 14.
“I look forward to being an advocate for Watsonville residents, and I believe it is a great privilege and honor to serve the residents of our community,” she said in a statement.
Salcido says that she has been endorsed by Watsonville City Council members Jimmy Dutra, Eduardo Montesino, Lowell Hurst and Ari Parker, who is currently mayor. She also holds endorsements from Pajaro Valley Unified School District Trustee Jennifer Schacher and Gina Castañeda, a giant in the soccer community who through her work with the probation office created the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy that aims to steer local teens away from gangs and incarceration.
This year’s general election is set for Nov. 8.
The 4th District seat is not the only position of leadership in South Santa Cruz County that will switch hands this year. Rebecca Garcia and Hurst are both set to term out in the 5th and 3rd districts, respectively.
In addition, Parker will be up for reelection in the 7th District, and Santa Cruz County 4th District Supervisor Greg Caput’s 3rd term will end this year.
and now we have an alternative to Caput for supervisor. support Jimmy Dutra as supervisor. new ideas, energy, honesty and a new perspective in the office of county supervisor.