Hi, I’m Jenni.
Jenni Veitch-Olson, pronouns she/her, is the incumbent Democratic Central Committee District 4 member, where I was unanimously elected to serve as the Committee’s Vice Chair in 2023. I joined the Central Committee as an alternate member in 2018, and was appointed to full member to fill a vacancy in 2020. I am the first Democratic Central Committee officer from Watsonville in recent memory. This year, the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club nominated me and then the Central Committee awarded me the Santa Cruz County Democrat of the Year.
I am a lifelong Democrat, and have made Watsonville my home for over a decade. For me, being a Democratic Central Committee member is not only about carrying out the Democratic Party platform at the local level, but also it is about being the party that cares for those in our community who are in need. My record of service demonstrates this commitment. On the night of the Pajaro flood in March 2023, I reached out to my fellow Democrats on the Central Committee and raised more than $2,500 overnight for toiletries and baby supplies for the evacuees at the fairgrounds. Once Pajaro reopened, I helped to clear mud and debris from our neighbors’ homes. I care deeply about creating a community where all people thrive.
In 2018, I ran for Watsonville City Council, and I am proud to have been endorsed by the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, Carpenters Local #505, IBEW Local #234, Monterey/Santa Cruz County Building Trades Council, Operating Engineers 3, SEIU 521, and the Sheet Metal Workers Local #104. I have served on the Watsonville Parks & Recreation Commission and the CASA of Santa Cruz board of directors. I currently serve on the Watsonville Planning Commission where I have been elected Chair twice.
Santa Cruz County Supervisor and Former Watsonville Mayor Felipe Hernandez recognized my dedication and service to Watsonville, and Former California Assemblymember and Former Watsonville Mayor Luis Alejo recognized me as his first of one hundred Community Heroes in 2016.
I am an Emerge California alumna, the premier training program for Democratic women who seek elected office. As a seasoned fundraising professional, my experience includes the Digital NEST and currently Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, our local affiliate and largest Planned Parenthood in the country with 34 health centers in mid-California and northern Nevada.
I hold a BA in US History and Piano Performance from Santa Clara University, MA in Musicology, and pursued a doctorate in Musicology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
For over a decade, I played roller derby on the Santa Cruz Derby Girls travel team, and still enjoy roller skating around town. I love to travel and try new restaurants with my husband Robby and Doberman/Rhodesian Ridgeback dog Milo. Robby and I invite you to our new brewery taproom, called Watsonville Public House, located at 625 Main Street in Watsonville for a pint. Cheers!
Endorsements
Santa Cruz County Supervisor District 4 Felipe Hernandez
Watsonville Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter
Watsonville Mayor Pro Tem Maria Orozco