Watsonville has made remarkable strides in reducing crime, and I am proud to share that our city saw a nearly 14% decrease in crime in 2024. This represents a significant drop in both violent and property crimes. Over the past four years, from 2020 to 2024, we have witnessed an overall reduction in crime of approximately 33%.
These improvements are the direct result of the dedication and proactive efforts of the Watsonville Police Department and the strong partnership between our officers and you — the community we serve.
In 2024 alone, property crime dropped by 20%, while violent crime declined by 4.5% compared to the previous year. Even more notably, our city did not record a single homicide last year — a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing crime prevention efforts. These statistics highlight our positive trajectory, while we recognize there is still work to be done.
Recently, our city has experienced a concerning spike in gang-related activity with back-to-back shootings. These incidents are deeply troubling for all of us, and I want to assure our residents that the safety of our community remains our highest priority. Our police department is actively investigating these cases and working diligently to prevent further violence. We have full faith in our officers and their commitment to protecting and serving our community.
While law enforcement plays a critical role, public safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond policing. One key aspect of this is providing youth prevention programs that keep kids engaged and off the streets. The police and fire departments both have cadet programs that offer mentorship and career development opportunities. The Watsonville Police Activities League, aka PAL, also serves hundreds of kids annually, providing them with opportunities for growth, teamwork and leadership.
Additionally, our library consistently offers programming, and our Parks and Community Services Department runs the Watsonville Youth Center on Maple Avenue. The center is open to students and continuously organizes events to keep them involved in constructive activities. In 2024, it saw more than 7,500 check-ins and was open for 1,400 hours. Thanks to Measure R, evening and weekend events and trips are planned weekly, that provide teens with positive spaces to thrive. Additionally, our science workshop, sports programs and enrichment classes give youth affordable options to develop skills. More information on all of these programs can be found at watsonvillerec.com.
The parks department also leads the Asset Builders Collaborative of the Pajaro Valley. This group unites over 15 youth-serving organizations committed to fostering a community where all youth feel valued, honored, included, safe and supported.
We encourage parents to take advantage of these opportunities and actively utilize the programs and resources available in our community.
As a city, we remain dedicated to making Watsonville a safer place for everyone. Our police department will continue taking a proactive approach to crime prevention while our parks and library departments work alongside our residents to foster a secure and thriving community for all.
Maria Orozco is the mayor of Watsonville.