Race For the Northwest: Three Candidates Vying For Santa Maria’s Vacant District 1 Seat

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - With midterm election ballots due for distribution next week, a candidate forum at Allan Hancock College is scheduled for this Thursday.

In addition to Santa Barbara County’s two candidates running for District 5, the seven candidates running for Santa Maria City Council will be there.

Residents of Northwest Santa Maria will vote for a City Council member for District 1, who will serve through the end of the term in November 2028.

The District 1 seat opened earlier this year after former Councilman Carlos Escobedo stepped down, leading the City Council to appoint a temporary replacement in April.

The district covers a varied, working-class section of Santa Maria. 

Major issues in the race include community security, facilities for youth activities and the oversight of low-cost housing projects.

Three candidates have qualified to appear on the ballot for the November election.

Santa Maria Valley YMCA’s youth development director Richard Batalla, who was appointed to the seat in April, is seeking to retain the position.

Celest Mendoza is running as a community candidate who aims to provide new guidance for the district.

Gary Janek Michaels is running without party affiliation and is focusing his campaign on local district issues.

The public will have an opportunity to see the candidates during a forum this Thursday at 7 p.m. at Boyd Concert Hall at Allan Hancock College.

The candidate showcase is being organized by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and the League of Women Voters.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.