City of Capitola City Council Councilmember Margaux Keiser

When newcomer Margauz Keiser was elected to the Capitola City Council in 2020, she, along with Mayor Yvette Brooks and Council Member, Kristen Petersen became part of the first female-majority city council in Capitola's history. “People feel like women need to take on more roles that have been super male-dominated for so long, someone to really speak for the other majority of people that live here,” Keiser told the Santa Cruz Sentinel. As for the much-debated topic of a proposed hotel at the Capitola Mall, the personal trainer stated, “That, to me, is in the forefront — adding that asset to Capitola. “The village is so quaint and amazing; it will be nice to have another space for (individuals) to visit and purchase things.”

First elected: Nov. 3, 2020

Day job: Certified personal trainer and nutrition counselor at Keiser Nutrition and Fitness

Alma mater: San Jose State University (bachelor’s degree in nutritional science)

Board, committee and commission assignments: Criminal Justice Council, Commission on the Environment

Notable quote: “While yes, business is important, I also feel that protecting our quaint ‘Capitola By The Sea’ is also just that. There needs to be a balance of environment, community, safety, and business in order for everything to thrive here. I personally feel that going through a quarantine time over the last few months has solidified how important our close surroundings are, and we need to fight for them.” (Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel)