City of Capitola City Council Councilmember Jacques Bertrand

Jacques Bertrand spent four years as Capitola's city treasurer before landing a seat on the City Council on his third attempt. The career semiconductor process engineer also ran a bookstore in San Francisco and understands the needs of small-business owners as well as the importance of zoning requirements. “I pushed the protection of Capitola’s neighborhoods,” he told the Santa Cruz Sentinel. A source of pride for Bertrand is the 196-page report the council produced that “emphasized the importance of community identity and to provide for a planning code that supports a balanced and sustainable transportation system, a healthy local economy and opportunities for residents to enjoy where they live. I also want a source of revenue to do things for ourselves to celebrate our neighbors, our community and just being here.”

At the end of his term, Bertrand chose not to run for reelection.

First elected: Nov. 6, 2018

Day job: Semiconductor process engineer

Alma maters: Cal State University Monterey Bay and the Panetta Institute (master’s in public policy); San Jose State University (MBA); Utah State University (master’s degree in physics), San Francisco State University (bachelor’s degree in physics)

Other positions held: Treasurer, City of Capitola (2008-2012)

Board, committee and commission assignments: Santa Cruz County Flood Control & Water District, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Committee, Santa Cruz County Library Financing Authority (alternate)

Notable quote: “It is important to provide housing for a cross section of the population, including those on limited budget. This helps make Capitola a healthy community.” (Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel)