Editor’s note: Updated results of this race can be found here.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Felipe Hernandez, who has served as a member of the Watsonville City Council since 2012, including a stint as mayor, is maintaining a lead over incumbent Leticia Mendoza for Cabrillo College Governing Board Trustee Area 5.
As of 9:30pm Tuesday, Hernandez had 60.29% of votes, with 25 of 26 precincts reporting.
“I’m super excited, though I’ll be more at ease when the final precinct is counted,” Hernandez said. “I’m holding fast—but I’m really happy.”
Hernandez was sure to thank Mendoza, who has been on the board since 2016 and is currently executive director of the YWCA in Watsonville.
“I have to commend Leticia for all the amazing work she’s done for education in this community,” he said. “I am eager [for us] to work together to make Cabrillo a better place.”
In Trustee Area 4, incumbent Rachel Spencer is ahead of challenger Diana Alfaro with 62.96% of the vote, with 21 of 26 precincts reporting. Spencer has held her seat since 2004, and also chairs the UC Santa Cruz Physical Biological Sciences Dean’s Council.
In Area 7, challenger Steve Trujillo has a lead against Ed Banks, a former Watsonville Firefighter and owner of KBK Insurance who has held the position since 2012. Trujillo, a retired teacher and community activist, currently has 58.41% of the vote, with 14 of 17 precincts reporting.
This story will be updated.
