City Council

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The Watsonville City Council serves as the legislative and policy branch of city government. The council is composed of seven members who are elected by the voters in their respective districts—a system that was put in place in 1989, after a lawsuit by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund challenged the previous system of at-large voting. The position of mayor rotates annually between the districts.

Meetings: Regular meetings of the Council shall be held on such Tuesdays of each month at the hour of 6:30 p.m. and closed sessions, if any, shall start at 5:30 p.m., all as determined by the City Manager, with the consent of the Mayor. If the business of the Council so warrants, the City Manager, with the consent of the Mayor, may call for the Council meeting to be held at the hour of 4:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m., or at such other time as may be deemed appropriate.

Related News

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The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

05/01/2025
Image for display with article titled Watsonville to Hold May 12 Rail Planning Meeting

The city of Watsonville is inviting the community to a workshop focused on planning for future passenger rail service and trail improvements in and around the Watsonville area.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

04/30/2025
Just in time for spring gardening and landscaping, the City of Watsonville is offering free compost to residents or businesses operating in the city.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

04/17/2025
Image for display with article titled New Landfill ‘A Major Milestone’ for City

Watsonville city on Tuesday reopened its landfill after a seven-year closure, unveiling two new areas that will give the city its own waste facility for about 75 years.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

04/02/2025
A report on an April 1 online forum in which the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission presented details about passenger rail service to connect Watsonville and Santa Cruz and to regional and state rail routes.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

03/13/2025
Image for display with article titled Tiny Village Project Moves Forward After Second Appeal Denied

A tiny home development for 34 homeless people slated for the parking lot of Westview Presbyterian Church in Watsonville can move forward after the City Council on Tuesday denied an appeal by a neighbors’ group that has been battling the placement of the project since its inception in October 2023.

Past Members

Picture of Rebecca J. Garcia
Rebecca J. Garcia
Term ended: Dec. 13, 2022
Picture of Trina Coffman-Gomez
Trina Coffman-Gomez
Term ended: Nov. 30, 2020
Picture of Lowell Hurst
Lowell Hurst
Term ended: Dec. 13, 2022
Picture of Francisco Estrada
Francisco Estrada
Term ended: Dec. 13, 2022
Picture of Felipe Hernandez
Felipe Hernandez
Term ended: Nov. 30, 2020
Picture of Aurelio Gonzalez
Aurelio Gonzalez
Term ended: Sept. 14, 2021