Full Disclosure

I debated what my first blog would be about for Watsonville Patch for the past couple days.  I knew that my “theme” throughout the time of blogging for Watsonville Patch would be “Politics in California,” with an emphasis on Watsonville.  However, how to introduce such a wide theme is where it became quite tricky. 

It was after much thought I figured that many people read blogs for the fact they trust the writer; they appreciate their opinions, have a passion for the topic in which they write about and connect with the blogger on a personal level. Therefore, I am going to take this first blog to properly introduce myself and give you my full discloser.  

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. My parents moved to Watsonville when I was 14 so my commute to Notre Dame Salinas would not be as long.  I graduated from University of the Pacific with a BA in English Literature and went off to work for Senator Abel Maldonado’s re-election campaign.

Since I promised full disclosure, I must tell you that my father is Councilman Emilio Martinez of Watsonville. His name graces the paper quite frequently with controversy and bold quotes. He tends to be loved by many, hated by some, however, never ignored.

My father started in politics quickly after I started working for former Lt. Gov. Maldonado on his Senate campaign in 2007. He was appointed to the planning commission by former City Councilman Edward Din the same year I was hired by Abel Maldonado. After 2 years, my father decided that he would run for City Council against Din. This was the first race I ran myself, and working for my father was no easy task. Yet, we made it—and won by a large margin.

People ask me all the time how it feels to be Emilio Martinez’s daughter; they want to know my opinion of him and his politics, since I work in politics. And this is what I tell them: If you know my father, you know I have no control over his politics; he does not ask for my advice, though I wish he would. He does everything on his own and stands by it. He is he, and I am I. And though we cross paths every now and then, we do not walk on the same one daily.

The rest, I suppose you could say, is history, for both my father and I. My father has made a mark on the council, and I have made my mark in politics. I believe that though I may never make a HUGE difference in this state, I may be part of a greater movement, and to me that is important.  Politics gives me that chance, the chance to help elect candidates who may make a difference.

I hope that through this blog you can see that you, too, can be part of making a difference in the city of Watsonville and even in the state of California. All you have to do is vote.  I am truly excited to be part of this and telling you about what politically is going on and keeping you informed!