Otto, George

George Frederick Otto (1826-1899) was a German immigrant who came to Santa Cruz in 1851, becoming a downtown merchant. He served as County Treasurer, and was the father of George Jr. and journalist/historian Ernest Otto. As Treasurer, he was convicted of embezzlement and served five years in San Quentin prison. Upon release, he returned to Santa Cruz but dropped out of public life.

• "The Official Survey of Santa Cruz", Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 23, 1866, 2:4.
• The Sidewalk Companion to Santa Cruz Architecture, 4th edition (2023), chapter 3, item (4), page 58.
• History Pages: 12 - Pioneer German-Speakers of Santa Cruz County
• Ross Gibson, "Local History" column - "Keeping up with Mr. Santa Cruz", Santa Cruz Sentinel, Dec. 9, 2024.