Changes expected to happen in the Santa Barbara City Council Race if current numbers hold

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Santa Barbara City Council could have a new look in January if the results hold from election day.

District 1 incumbent, Alejandra Gutierrez, is trailing to hard-charging challenger Wendy Santamaria who had a victory-type smile at her election party last night.

The district covers the Santa Barbara Eastside, a portion of the core of downtown and an edge of State Street.

The results are still very close and could flip depending on the ballots left to be counted. Santamaria leads the race with 1,239 votes against Gutierrez's 1,101 votes as of last night. The lead is 138 votes. Cruzito Cruz was also in the race with 308 votes.

Santamaria said she wants to bring a different message to the city council on how to view solutions to the city's challenges. She said, "I think a lot of people when they create policy, they want to create it  based on theory.  We don't live in theory. We live in the reality and if we are willing to base that policy on lived experience on what is actually going on we can reach common ground."

She has experience as a fighter for affordable rents, but says she is not a one issue candidate.

Gutierrez said her experience on the council and understanding of the system is to the benefit of the district and the city overall. "Having somebody that is from that district, that they have a personal connection, it really makes a difference when you have somebody from that  district involved in politics. It's a trusting voice."

Gutierrez was born and raised in Santa Barbara and says she understands the city far beyond her neighborhood and its issues.

On the issue of the economy, Gutierrez says she wants a portion of State Street opened back up to cars to help with the economic slowdown in that area and possibly turn it around.

She sides with Mayor Randy Rowse on that approach going forward.

When it come to the the district, Gutierrez said, being a resident since gives her a unique perspective. "I understand the dynamics and I understand what my district, the needs of my district, the needs of the entire district and I know how to make that connection. And I understand the resources that we have. And it's all about bringing people together, bridging resources to the needs."

Looking ahead Santamaria said, "I have great relationships with the current city council members. So I'm really looking forward to this being a collaborative effort. I'm going to have lots to learn from them. I've already been learning from them as a citizen, so I'm excited to learn as a council member."

In District 2, on the Santa Barbara Mesa, incumbent Mike Jordan with 3,789 votes is en route to a victory over Terra Taylor with 953 votes.

In District 3 covering the Westside and a portion of downtown, six-year councilman Oscar Gutierrez with 1492 votes is leading challenger and businessman Tony Becerra who has 1,002.

Gutierrez said his goal has been to be available for the voters. "Very appreciative how accessible and responsive I am and how much I am willing to fight for their rights to live affordably in Santa Barbara."

He realizes more than 1,000 voters favored his opponent saying, " I think they want to communicate with me more so I am going to lean into that."

Gutierrez gathered at SOHO restaurant and nightclub with many Democrats and politicians including Congressman Salud Carbajal, State Senator Monique Limón, and Assembly member Gregg Hart.

As a businessman an community leader, Becerra said, "I get things done. I know how to take the steps to bring people together to make things happen for a positive outcome I think that's why they were definitely giving me their support." His part with supporters took place at a neighborhood restaurant with music, food, and a large screen TV following results.

The votes will be certified within a month. Later in the week, ballots that were collected on election day will be processed and added to the totals. Those declared winners will be sworn in during the first meeting in January at Santa Barbara City Hall.

Full results so far can be found at: Santa Barbara County Elections

(This story has three video clips.)