Special Santa Maria City Council Session Triggered by Social Media Firestorm

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - The Santa Maria City Council canceled its regular Tuesday meeting due to a lack of quorum and public safety concerns.

It all stemmed from divisive social media comments targeting council members.

A special meeting has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today at Santa Maria City Hall with additional security measures in place.

City Manager David Rowlands directed the cancellation out of caution for the safety of elected officials following targeted online comments. Municipal officials confirmed that security protocols will be enforced at City Hall during today's special meeting to ensure the safety of council members and public attendees.

The special meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The meeting will cover routine administrative business missed on Tuesday night, and fiscal planning and municipal infrastructure discussions including a follow-up on upcoming ballot Measure C.

Additionally, discussion on public safety and enforcement policies are directly tied in to the issue that caused Tuesday’s cancellation.

Public comments submitted by email or mail prior to 2:00 p.m. will be distributed to council members and the meeting will be broadcast live on local TV and streamed online.

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