Watsonville|News|
DUI Checkpoint Saturday

Jennifer Squires has lived in Santa Cruz County for more than seven years. An Oregon native, she studied journalism, Spanish and ethics at Southern Oregon University. She's worked for several small, community newspapers and also was editor of the SOU weekly newspaper for two years. Most recently, she was the crime reporter at the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Along the way, she's won awards for reporting on schools, wildfires and a grisly tale about the beheading of an Abraham Lincoln statue in a city park.
My Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
I am my father's daughter and, therefore, a registered Democrat. But I respect a wide range of views and hope that our elected leaders can find a balance between what's best for personal liberty, living-wage jobs and environmental sustainability.
Religion
I was baptized in an Episcopal church before I could walk but don't consider myself religious.

The $6.2 million raised through the tax each year accounts for 18 percent of the Santa Clara County Library District's budget.
It's the 17th time this year the county Gang Task Force has recovered guns.
If so, should the fine be greater than $35?
[VIDEO] Santa Cruz Warriors players and a team trainer reflect on the civil rights leader's legacy.
Proposals in Sacramento and Washington to increase the minimum have sparked debate over whether such a hike would boost the economy
Proposals in Sacramento and Washington to increase the minimum have sparked debate over whether such a hike would boost the economy
Proposals in Sacramento and Washington to increase the minimum have sparked debate over whether such a hike would boost the economy
Proposals in Sacramento and Washington to increase the minimum have sparked debate over whether such a hike would boost the economy
Raul Perez Rodriguez will serve at least 19 years in prison for the attack.
Veremos Productions shared its latest film at the Springfield Grange last weekend.
The mountain lion was eating a dead deer.
Two burglaries prompt utility to alert government officials about possible break-ins.
Two burglaries prompt utility to alert government officials about possible break-ins.
Two burglaries prompt utility to alert government officials about possible break-ins.
The site is gaining popularity among middle school and high school students, but it's also being criticized for allowing anonymity and bullying.
The site is gaining popularity among middle school and high school students, but it's also being criticized for allowing anonymity and bullying.
The site is gaining popularity among middle school and high school students, but it's also being criticized for allowing anonymity and bullying.
The site is gaining popularity among middle school and high school students, but it's also being criticized for allowing anonymity and bullying.