Newcomers in Santa Barbara Council District 1 Race
For the first time in 60 years, Santa Barbara voters will elect a city council member by district instead of at large. It’s part of the city’s agreement to settle a California Voting Rights Act lawsuit.
We introduce you to the four candidates running in the Eastside known as District one.
Starting with Jacueline Inda who was one of those who sued the city for district elections. She lived on the Eastside her whole life as a foster child, raised her family there, and now has foster kids of her own. She wants to strengthen community engagement and have an office based in the heart of the Eastside to give the Hispanic community a voice.
“I would like the youth in our community and the elders to come together and brainstorm and create their own positive solutions for that neighborhood,” said Jacqueline Inda, District 1 candidate.
Challenging her is Jason Dominguez. He’s a Stanford and UC Berkely grad with a long list of issues he wants to tackle including crime, parking, lights, affordable housing, and much more.
“I was a high school teacher and one of the things I noticed was that a lot of the students didn’t have any where to go. Some of our parents are working two jobs so they are commuting down to Ventura ,or up to Santa Maria so those kids spend more time alone. I would like to have more programs like sports, music, and arts that will help these students succeed in life,” said Jason Dominguez, District 1 candidate.
Cruzito Herrera Cruz is the only candidate in the race who hasn’t aske for political contributions. His three point plan has been the same since day one.
“My three point plan is to increment adult youth services. Work with all districts but to focus on district one with the public infrastructure needs, and to also be a good manager to the city,” said Cruzito Herrera Cruz, District 1 candidate.
Also tackling infrastructure issues is Andria Martinez-Cohen. The Long Beach native has live in Santa Barbara for the past 10 years. She’s hoping to not only bring her economic development background, but also her young energetic spirit.
“It’s a misconception that Santa Barbara is an older community. Actually 80 percent of the population is under the age of 60 and we need more representation of young people, women, and first time home owners. I’m also one of the only candidates that has experience leveraging public financing and public private partnerships to address some infrastructure issues and actually get those things solved,” said Andria Martinez-Cohen, District 1 candidate.
The 5th member running for the race is Michael Merenda. He did not return any phone calls.
Election Day is November 3rd and ballots need to be postmarked by that date.
