Two candidates challenge incumbent Carlos Escobedo for Santa Maria City Council District 1

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Maria Salguero, a local immigration attorney, and Adilene Rojas Alejo are challenging incumbent Carlos Escobedo to represent District 1 on Santa Maria's city council.

Salguero said she was raised in District 1 and understands the needs of the community.

"My parents were farmworkers here in the community," said Salguero. "Being able to assist folks in their cases and their legal cases, I think has exposed me to sort of an array of ways that I can now be of help and be of service.”

Salguero hopes to add mixteco interpreters to the city council meetings as a large portion of the community in Santa Maria speaks mixteco.

Escobedo is completing his fourth year and first term after being elected in 2020.

"I've been working really hard to pay back, to give back to this community," said Escobedo.

Salguero would like to tackle the growing issue of homelessness in the community if elected.

"The city of Santa Maria has no budget and no plan to address homelessness. We need more than a council member going out to handle waters and see the issue firsthand. We need a council member that can actually be strategic and creative.”

Escobedo said he would like to continue to invest in new police officers and technology to help solve crimes faster and more efficiently.

Salguero and Escobedo agree that more affordable housing is crucial for Santa Maria.

Rojas Alejo did not respond to your News Channel's request for an interview.